Mihir
Sophia
Marli
John Whidden runs from eight to thirty-one minutes . I love this ! It ’ s flexible and neither stretched nor cut to fit a predetermined time slot . The ending is the best of all . Because positivity is the overarching theme , the last question is always , “ What gives you hope ?”
John ’ s target audience has been youth — what he has somewhat arbitrarily determined to be up to 30 years of age . There are a few exceptions ( Episode 14 features a university professor ), but the emphasis is youth . Why ? He is connected to youth — he knows that social media ( an area of expertise for most young people ) is a powerful avenue for change , that small steps are essential , and that enthusiasm is key .
The enthusiasm and optimism are what draw me to John ’ s podcast . In Episode 11 , a 13-year-old explains a robot he ’ s building to clean microplastics out of our waterways . In Episode 13 , three Calgary students describe their school project building a Truth and Reconciliation Garden , an intertwining of a school vegetable garden with plants significant to Indigenous culture and the Alberta environment . In Episode 17 , John chats with a young reader and a graphic novelist about his book , Steve and Eve Save the Planet . The passion of all of John ’ s guests is catching .
I have listened to the podcasts but prefer the YouTube versions so I can see the interaction between host John and his guests . It ’ s heartwarming to see and hear the interchange of ideas and the ardour so clearly expressed in taking steps , both small and large , that will and are making a difference .
In June , his podcast ended its first full season — twenty-one episodes . Like all good teachers , John decided to take a summer break to recharge and prepare for Season Two .
Jock MacKenzie firmly believes John Whidden is on to something important but , to date , the audience appears small . Jock is here spreading the word . He encourages you to add the Climate Action Figures podcast to your listening and viewing list . If you need a shot of positivity , check it out — and as Jock recommends , share it with a young person or loved one in your life .
To visit John ' s Climate Change and Anxiety program , see :
bit . ly / CPAWSSouthernAlberta
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