by Olivia Clark

Podcasts basically rule my life - and I’d like to think I’m not the only one in this position. Podcasts are my favorite way to get the daily news and the best way for me to digest fresh ideas. I subscribe to podcasts on yoga, Wall Street and everything in between, so here are some of my suggestions that readers of SUSTAIN will love. 

What We Need Now

The new podcast from Greenpeace USA “invites those who are on the front lines of sacrifice, environmental disaster, and marginalization to share their experiences and truths,” explains the team behind the project. The show emphasizes the intersection of racial and environmental justice in every episode, with voices from Black, Brown, Indigenous and Queer communities leading the conversation. 

Our Body Politic

Hosted by award-winning journalist and novelist Farai Chideya, this podcast is a space for BIPOC women to discuss the effect of politics of today, and how they affect the world around us. With discussions ranging from eco-facism and racism in the tech industry to the Hispanic revolution, Chideya and her guests are exactly the POVs to amplify in 2021.

Pre-Loved with Emily Stochl 

Emily Stochl, a writer whose work has been featured in Atmos and Huffington Post, hosts this weekly interview show that focuses on second-hand fashion and vintage style. “My goal for [the new] season of Pre-Loved Podcast is to expand the vision of secondhand and its many stories,” says Stochl. “I want to tell secondhand's story from all angles, so on my show you'll hear from: major resale platforms, upcyclers, menders, vintage sellers, textile recyclers, charity shops, sustainability educators, fashion historians, and so many more perspectives that make up our vintage and secondhand space.”

Conscious Chatter

This podcast also focuses on the garment industry, but with a different angle. Conscious Chatter, hosted by Kestrel Jenkins, is “an inclusive audience space” that starts a dialogue about the impact of what we wear and how we can lead positive change. Check out the 5-part series Conscious Chatter produced with Dominique Drakeford of “Melanin & Sustainable Style” called “The Root: Decolonizing the Sustainable Fashion Agenda”, which focuses on the interconnected history of race relations in the fashion industry.

Floodlines 

This podcast from The Atlantic takes a deep examination into the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Captivating and brilliantly produced, “Floodlines” investigates how this supposed ‘natural disaster’ wasn’t natural at all, but instead a result of racism and political corruption. While the events of Floodlines happened over 15 years ago, its themes of environmental racism are not far from this year’s crisis in Texas.

Art of Citizenry

Comment below if you’ve listened to any of these podcasts, and leave any suggestions of your favorite shows below!