The People's Countryside Environmental Debate podcast

1
Superpower Redefined: Busyness and Beyond 20:00

9 hours20:00

20:00

This podcast is not really a debate. It's more of a conversation. Listeners send in questions for discussion and we’ve got up to 50 questions still to get through. Some aren’t about the countryside or the environment, but co-hosts Stuart and William try and bring them beck to the environment in some way, with the actions they come up with. Ched, sets the first question from Port-Au-Prince, Haiti - “Who or what is the world's super power?” William initially suggests the USA as an answer to Ched's question but quickly shifts to a broader perspective. He identifies the real superpower as the ability to create an inclusive and effective community—a dynamic where people from diverse backgrounds connect, exchange ideas, and spark transformative progress. Stuart views Earth's superpower as its innate ability to foster and sustain life, a universal and extraordinary quality beyond the confines of planet Earth. William quotes physicist Brian Cox, emphasizing humanity's unique capacity to marvel at the universe and suggesting that losing this trait would be a profound loss. Their discussion diverges into intriguing tangents: William explores the concept of large numbers by converting them into relatable measures like time, while Stuart delves into the mysteries of black holes, pondering what happens to the matter within if a black hole ceases to exist. Fendy, from Dajabon, Haiti offers up the next question - “Is it good to be busy?” William begins by asserting that busyness for its own sake is counterproductive, though it may serve as a useful distraction in difficult times. He cites gardening and housework as examples of purposeful activity. Drawing on his business experience, Stuart observes that many people appear busy while accomplishing little, which he describes as a form of self-sabotage. They further note that some individuals maintain an image of busyness without engaging in substantively meaningful work. Stuart then shifts the focus to consider how one might achieve effectiveness without unnecessary preoccupation, prompting William to recall a U.S. podcast on activism that stressed the importance of balancing dedicated efforts with periods of disengagement to avoid missing critical opportunities. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠ thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: justgiving.com/wildmanonwheels…

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Balance And Three Word Descriptions 13:42

7 napja13:42

13:42

Debs, in Didcot, Oxfordshire, England is the listener who sets the first question for discussion - “You often say we are part of nature and not separate from it. To that end, with balance, it's ok for humans to alter land. So restoring it back to how it was before man even walked the Earth may be a red herring. I’ve heard you say when we are trying to look after a section of land, are we aiming to turn it into what it was, what it is or what we want it to be? So planting trees everywhere, maybe even where trees wouldn’t normally be found, may be destroying rare biodiversity. It may also become a monoculture, with some things dieing out as we are only thinking of the canopy, not the understory and other kinds of habitats. Maybe with the correct management from humans biodiversity could increase more than if we died out and left nature to do its own thing?” Stuart kicks off the chat by pointing out that humans have really done a number on the landscape. Apparently, habitats are all over the place, literally. You get the driftwood from the destruction and a lovely patch of what might eventually be woodland if we keep our fingers crossed. The countryside’s current look? Yeah, that’s courtesy of 10,000 years of human tinkering. And to keep biodiversity afloat, we can't just sit back and do nothing—we need to roll up our sleeves and get involved. Stuart reckons Debs hits the nail on the head about tree planting. Unfortunately, we seem to have mastered the art of doing it all wrong. He then goes on to clarify that rewilding isn’t just a fancy term for sitting on our hands. William chimes in, pointing out the environmental wreckage visible from aerial images. His book, featuring aerial maps of the UK, seems to suggest fields dominate the view—fields and more fields. Stuart raises the important point that, pre-humans, biodiversity was thriving. If we don’t give nature a helping hand, that biodiversity might just wave us goodbye. Finally, Stuart pops the big question: What’s the endgame when we meddle in nature? He reckons we ought to aim for greater biodiversity and, yes, it’s perfectly fine for us to step in. William throws in the idea of thinking long-term about biodiversity. He mentions Capability Brown, the landscape gardener who never actually saw the fruits of his labor mature. But he had a long-term vision, and that’s something we should all aspire to. Ray, Sauk Centre, Minnesota, USA - “Here’s a challenge! What 3 words would you use to describe each other?” Stuart sums up William in three delightful words: Unguided, as if he missed the memo from the wisdom club; Doubtful, because a healthy dose of skepticism is apparently his thing; and Creative, which could be either a compliment or a polite way of saying "a bit out there." On the flip side, William describes Stuart with: Contradictive (yes, he just invented this gem), Focused, like a dog with a bone, and Ridiculous, because why not add a splash of absurdity? If they ever revisit this exercise, they’d probably choose completely different words. Stuart quips to Ray, “Please, spare us from such questions in the future—it was sheer torture!” What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠ thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair Fundraiser: justgiving.com/wildmanonwheels This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside…

1
Audience Over Numbers 19:28

14 napja19:28

19:28

Before we get into the meat and bones of this episode, an announcement. This podcast will be ending in 2030 and by our calculations, if we carry on the same rate of listens for the next five years, we’ll reach 800,000 in total. So dear listener, here is where you come in. Share this podcast with 5 of your friends today and help us reach the 1 million listen mark before we bring this podcast to a close. Simples! Now on with the show, and in today’s episode Stuart and William discuss two of those listener questions, beginning with this corker from Jess in Bishop’s Tatchbrook, Warwickshire, England - “Random question for you today. Whats the most memorable live musical performance you’ve seen?” For Stuart, the most memorable performance was Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock in 1969. He goes on to elaborate about the timing of the performance and what he gained from the experience, particularly highlighting Hendrix's improvisational skills. When William interpreted this question, he saw it as being about performances actually witnessed in person, and since he has seen many memorable performances, he finds it difficult to select just one. However after a little internal deliberation he settles on two particular performances. One recent, and one from around 20 years ago. The first was a performance of Beethoven's 5th piano concerto at Oxford's Sheldonian Theatre, where he was amazed by a virtuoso pianist playing entirely from memory. His second pick was seeing The White Stripes at the Shepherd's Bush Empire, where he was impressed by Jack White's stage presence and the duo's chemistry. He also concludes with an action: to see The Flaming Lips live, you won’t regret it! After all that musical waffle, Stuart and William then go onto talk through the following question from Brenda in Northumberland, England - “I notice you don’t have too many promotional platforms, or try to do too many things. Is this because of time constraints or do you feel doing too many things and having too many offerings for your audience could be a distraction and divide your audience?” Stuart initiates the discussion by explaining that time constraints limit their promotional efforts. He notes that expanding to new platforms can divide audience attention and potentially serve as an excuse for failure. William goes on to describe their recording process, which ensures the podcast is consistently released on time. He emphasises that word of mouth remains their most effective form of promotion. Stuart expands the conversation by expressing his frustration with creatives who constantly launch new channels or ideas rather than committing to one project and seeing it through. Stuart points out for this podcast their listener numbers remain stable even without active promotion, which he sees as a testament to the podcast's success. He prefers maintaining a consistent audience rather than pursuing a boom-and-bust approach that chases listener numbers. William concludes by questioning whether creatives truly understand the implications of having a large audience, suggesting many pursue big numbers without considering the consequences. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠ thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: justgiving.com/wildmanonwheels This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside…

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The Language Of Discrimination 20:36

21 napja20:36

20:36

Welcome to The People’s Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast, where your co-hosts Stuart ‘The Wildman’ Mabbutt and William Mankelow discuss questions sent in by listeners. In today’s episode both questions come from the country of Scotland, with Teasag in Moffat posing the following - “How do we know what any word means?” Stuart begins the discussion around Teasag’s question by challenging categorical thinking, emphasizing the contextual nature of understanding. William expands on this theme, focusing on language development. He argues; that language is fundamentally conceptual, with words evolving dynamically; over time. Stuart goes on to delve into the process of inquiry, with Stuart emphasizing the importance of repeated questioning and verification. This approach suggests a methodical and critical thinking process, where initial assumptions are constantly challenged and re-examined. The second listener question from Scotland was sent in by Brice in Crieff, Scotland - “Have you ever been discriminated against?” Stuart offers a profound personal account of experiencing discrimination within a professional networking context. During an encounter with the owner of a networking group in Oxfordshire, he was confronted about his bandages, with the suggestion that his appearance and behaviour was making others feel obligated to help him. This pivotal moment crystallized an important realization for Stuart: the critical importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Off the back of this story, both Stuart and William offer up actions for you to ponder on. With regards to discrimination, Stuart offers this advice, that it's what you do with the discrimination, how you confront it, how you break it down. You're never gonna stop it, but you shouldn't just let it go unchallenged either. Also he suggests trying to see where the line between your own discriminations and assumptions are. Because an assumption can quickly evolve into discrimination if you don't back away from it. William’s action is that when you look at somebody who is just different to you. Maybe they wear different clothes to you. Maybe they just look different to you in whatever way that is. Maybe they have a different religion to you. He encourages you to try to see through that discrimination and to see that person standing in front of you. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠ thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: justgiving.com/wildmanonwheels We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside…

1
Space Chemicals And Podcast Freedom 18:42

28 napja18:42

18:42

Brenda, from Northumberland, England, sets your two co-hosts the first of today's listeners' questions - “Some people feel meteorites seeded Earth with chemicals and substances that helped the soup of life evolve. Could DNA have been seeded too? Some feel other life forms have been sending meteors to seed our planet and direct the course of our evolution too. Should we rule anything out as much of science is based on hunches etc”. William kicks off the chat with his earth-shattering revelation that comets are apparently the unsung heroes of life's origin story on our planet. He then meanders into a bizarre discussion with Stuart about the idea that meteorites might be sentient beings. Stuart, in his infinite wisdom, muses that these space rocks could be life's catalysts, but with the brilliant insight that there's an assumption of life beyond Earth. William, in a dazzling display of ignorance, poses the existential question: How did DNA come to be? Shockingly, he admits he doesn't have a clue. He then passionately rails against Brenda's so-called "hunches," declaring that science is based on observing reality instead of flights of fancy. Stuart, ever the skeptic, dismisses the notion that other species sent these meteorites to seed the planet as mere science fiction, teetering on the edge of paranoia. William heroically attempts to explain that theories in science aren't mere guesswork but are meticulously documented and reviewed. He spins this into an environmental rant, highlighting that every scientific discipline is screaming about the havoc we're wreaking on the planet. Stuart wraps up with his groundbreaking advice: If a door closes in your face, open it again. Because, surprise, that's what doors are supposed to do. The second listener question comes in from Paula, Norfolk, England - “Do you feel the freedom to say whatever you want on your podcast?” William starts this riveting discussion with the ever-ambiguous “yes, but…” because who doesn’t love a good contradiction right off the bat? Stuart chimes in with the groundbreaking observation that they have freedom, with some responsibility—an astonishing revelation. He then drops the bombshell that no matter what, someone’s going to get offended. Not that they’re being offensive, of course, but people are just so sensitive these days. Stuart then proceeds to challenge the notion that you need to be an academic to voice your opinion, because who needs expertise when you have a platform and an opinion? When William speaks on the podcast, he actually thinks about what he’s saying, which is a refreshing change in today’s world of mindless chatter. He prides himself on voicing his own truths—because the world definitely needs more personal truths. William then tackles the delicate subject of causing offense, suggesting that the best way forward is communication. Stuart wraps up this episode with some profound advice: in your own life, think about should it be said, not could it be said. A nugget of wisdom that’s sure to leave listeners pondering the mysteries of the universe. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠ thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support us work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ . Find out all about the podcast via this link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: justgiving.com/wildmanonwheels…

1
Stress And Guerilla Gardening 17:18

5 weeks17:18

17:18

Yenifer, from Provincia De Panamá, Panama sets the first listener question today - “Any advice on how to manage stress?” William discusses the benefits of meditation as an effective tool for stress management. He emphasizes that regular practice can help individuals cultivate a habit, which is essential for reaping the long-term benefits. He has been engaging in guided meditation sessions for six months and finds that it helps him organize his thoughts and detach from stress. Stuart introduces the idea of not being influenced by others' experiences and stresses. He asserts that while you cannot control external stressors, you can manage your response to them. He elaborates that stress may never be entirely eliminated, but the key lies in how you react to it. William concludes that stress management involves handling both personal and external stressors effectively. Stuart emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps to manage stress. He shares a thought-provoking analogy: if faced with a dire situation, such as standing before a firing squad, a person might choose to remain calm and accept the situation, understanding that it is temporary with you inner voice saying “I'm not going to wish these people any harm, they're acting out their role, my job is to experience this as calmly as I can”. Stuart and William continue discussing meditation, highlighting its similarity to maintaining a regular exercise routine. William notes that consistent practice is crucial, while Stuart emphasizes the importance of understanding what meditation entails to benefit fully from it. Debs, from Didcot, Oxfordshire, England asks today second question - “Is gardening a cure or just a help, or both?” What's the deal with this 'cure'? A cure for what, exactly? Is what Stuart wonders initially. He doesn't think of it as a cure-all but admits it can help with various things. William claims gardening can be the ultimate stress buster, answering Yenifer's question. He shares his personal experience. It gets you outside, surrounded by greenery, and gives you a good physical workout. Still though, he isn't sure if it's a cure. Maybe it helps, but it's got to be part of a bigger plan he muses. Stuart chimes in, pointing out the different schools of thought on the benefits of getting your hands dirty. He's always hesitant to use the word "cure". You can also pop a pill, but it just helps you get by, he says. There are rarely permanent cures. He then shares a story about a neighbor who couldn't understand growing a tomato plant that only yielded three tomatoes a year. For Stuart, it's all about the simple joy of being out there. Stuart wraps it up with a practical tip: Try gardening, even if it's just some guerrilla gardening in your local area. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠ thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: justgiving.com/wildmanonwheels We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside…

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Reality Of Political Allegiances 23:52

6 weeks23:52

23:52

This is a chatcast style podcast, that is our genre. Every episode, we discuss two listener questions, and we always try to draw the conversation back to nature or the environment in some way where possible, always aiming to stop the big issues, slipping into the shadows. In today’s episode, we begin with a question sent in by Sekelaga, Zanzibar Urban West, Tanzania - “Are life long allegiances to political parties a balanced way to really be?” William starts the conversation by reflecting how much the two major political parties in the UK (Conservatives and Labour) have changed throughout his own lifetime. Stuart feels that we don’t need to spin this discussion to the environment as it immediately strikes a chord with environmentalism. He goes on to say that to blindly follow one thing, one person, one entity, one school of thought or doctrine, you are just a sheep. And if the people leading the parties know you're going to follow them whatever they do, they're not necessarily going to decide to do the right things. Stuart and William then lead the conversation into the field of ‘footballification’ in politics, that whatever the party you follow says or does, you follow it blindly. William in particular sees a danger in that. Stuart agrees, and recounts a story of overhearing two football fans from opposing sides, with one fan admiring the other’s team, only to be shouted down that they should pick a side. Stuart and William conclude, taking the conversation into the realm of political coalitions, and how they can be more powerful than a two party state. The second question for your co-hosts to deliberate comes from Clodagh in Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland - “Reality seems to be fractured these days, with many feeling nothing is as it seems as everything is part of a greater conspiracy theory. What are the pro’s and con’s here?” Right off the bat Stuart nails his colours to the mast: he feels that there's no such thing as reality. There are different perceptions, could be multi universes. So what is reality for us, It might not be a reality for somebody in another universe. Stuart goes onto posit the idea that social media drives a lot of it, this move towards alternative facts, because it overwhelms us with possibilities. William echoes Stuart’s idea, that social media is a big influence here, that there are so many voices in our heads, there are also the algorithms that push us towards more confusion, more information overload. William goes on to say that you can spend a lot of time and energy thinking about these things. And he thinks that's the con. You end up in this rabbit hole, you can end up in quite a bad place because you believe in these conspiracy theories, whether they're true or not. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠ thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: justgiving.com/wildmanonwheels We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside…

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Representation with Purpose 12:54

7 weeks12:54

12:54

This is the podcast where questions sent in by listeners are discussed by your co-hosts Stuart ‘The Wildman’ Mabbutt and William Mankelow. Send yours today by emailing thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com . In today’s episode the first question to be explored comes from Brenda in Northumberland, England - “How much of human life is lost, waiting?” Off the back of Brenda’s question William observes that a significant portion of life is spent waiting. However, he distinguishes between different types of waiting, such as waiting for a train, waiting for a kettle to boil, and waiting for the right moment. Stuart expands on this idea by exploring the difference between procrastination and strategic thinking. He continues William’s argument by highlighting how waiting can be purposeful, such as in chess, where one must wait for the right opportunity to make a move. The second question was sent in by Gary from Hull, England - “Is the pursuit of diversity putting at risk excellence? Are the best people getting the key jobs, if we are playing the diversity card too readily?”. Inspired by this question, Stuart begins by expressing concern that some appointments are made for the wrong reasons, feeling that, regardless of skin color, a more suitable candidate potentially could have been chosen. He sees some appointments as mere token gestures, rather than genuine selections based on merit. Stuart then leads the discussion towards interconnectedness, referencing ‘ The Hidden Life of Trees ’, which suggests that a woodland functions as a single organism, where the strong support the weak. He argues that even if the best person isn’t always chosen for a role, diversity in culture, viewpoints, and perspectives, can ultimately strengthen the whole. He acknowledges both sides of this debate. William shares an example from his wife’s workplace, where application information was removed to reduce unconscious bias in hiring. He also notes that hiring someone solely based on their minority status can, in some ways, be insulting. Stuart concludes with a call to action: reconsider what defines the "best" candidate for a role. He is particularly ardent about representation, emphasizing that if it is to be done, it should come from a place of sincerity rather than obligation. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠ thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: justgiving.com/wildmanonwheels…

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Channel Shenanigans: From Turkey to Tea Time Alternatives 22:24

8 weeks22:24

22:24

This is a podcast where we try and persuade or entertain, inspire, and basically inform ourselves and you through conversation. Paula, a listener from Norfolk, England asks the first question for Stuart and William to mull over. It’s a long question so we have put it in a separate document: Paula’s Question Stuart and William kick things off with a spirited debate on why folks are moving in the first place. Stuart suggests it might be because of the perception that the UK offers more than other safe countries. William chimes in with something more fundamental - English is a widely spoken language (plus, who doesn’t love tea and crumpets?). William then points to the right-wing rhetoric that claims people coming to the UK are just here to drain resources like an uninvited guest who eats all your snacks and leaves the toilet seat up. Stuart goes on to talk about how the states these people pass through could act like a human sponge, absorbing everyone in transit (although that sounds like a superhero gone wrong). France wants the UK to do its part but Stuart wonders if France is pulling its weight. Stuart feels we need to get practicing at absorbing and channeling migration. Let's see this as a practice run for what's to come. Practice makes perfect, right? William points out that France has taken in more migrants than the UK and highlights the lack of legal routes for asylum seekers to enter the country. He believes the real issue isn’t that they’re all coming here but rather that it's the only route they can take, leaving them at the mercy of gangs (like a bad road trip with a shady GPS). William explains the difference between an asylum seeker and an illegal immigrant and says the issue of small boats crossing the Channel has been blown out of proportion. The number of people crossing the Channel in a year could fit into a football stadium. Stuart’s action plan? Spend a bit of time thinking about this openly and remember, the media from all angles is trying to convince you of their way of thinking. Just like those salesmen who insist you need a vacuum that also makes smoothies. Samantha, another listener, this time from Cumbria, England puts forward the second question: “Is there always an alternative explanation?” Stuart kicks things off with, there's always an alternative. It doesn’t mean it’s correct, but hey, it’s like trying on funky hats—worth exploring! Because stepping outside our perspective is like upgrading from fuzzy logic to sharp clarity. Stuart then explores the barriers to accepting alternative explanations. It could be ego or the fear of being wrong, or maybe just the dread of finding out pineapple does belong on pizza. William’s action plan? Check out other sources. It’s like a treasure hunt, except the treasure is the truth and not a dusty old map. Stuart recommends reading a Maeve Binchy book. She writes from the perspective of people’s shared challenges. Think of it as a literary group therapy session with a dash of charm. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠ thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: justgiving.com/wildmanonwheels We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/thepeoplescountrysideenvironmentaldebatepodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside…

1
Regen & Alternative Media 21:48

9 weeks21:48

21:48

This podcast does not focus on substandard humor, notwithstanding Stuart's belief in the quality of his joke. Rather, it is dedicated to discussions revolving around inquiries submitted by the audience. Wayne from Bangor, Maine, USA sets the first question - “Any thoughts about recharging and regen in environmental campaigning and in life?”. Stuart initiates by asserting that maintaining consistent energy levels is more manageable if one avoids allowing the 'battery' to deplete entirely, advocating for sustained replenishment. William extends this notion, emphasizing the importance of keeping one's 'battery' recharged and exploring diverse methodologies for narrating one's story, rather than presenting it monotonously. Stuart further elaborates on the significance of not overburdening oneself, particularly with social media engagement. He observes that many individuals incessantly produce content, yet he subscribes to the 'less is more' philosophy. The second question today comes from Ray, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, USA - “Many people are looking to get the big questions answered. Many reject mainstream media for alternative media outlets, as they feel the mainstream don’t tell the truth. Why, I ask, should it be assumed that alternative media tells the truth in comparison? I feel unregulated alternative media and narratives can infiltrate and exploit us, and nudge us towards thinking and acting how they want. The far right and the far left twist stories to fire us up. If any of us then get in trouble by being swept along in a tide of emotional reactions, we’re considered collateral damage for someone else's agenda. All forms of media can be vailed recruitment drives, to spread any given perspective”. William commences by positing that this podcast itself could be considered part of the alternative media, emphasizing that it fosters authentic conversations rather than prescribing beliefs or emotions. Stuart advocates for engaging with a wide array of sources, especially those with which one may profoundly disagree. He argues that such exploration facilitates a deeper understanding of differing viewpoints and one's own beliefs, thereby promoting intellectual diversity. William compares news to advertising, suggesting both exert a significant influence on public perception. He poses a fundamental question regarding one's moral compass and intrinsic identity, querying whether individuals rely excessively on external influences to shape their opinions. Stuart highlights the importance of critically assessing media statements and their potential effects on individuals. William underscores the media's manipulation of emotions, irrespective of political alignment. In this episode Ed Yong’s book An Immense World is mentioned, here’s a link: edyong.me/an-immense-world What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠ thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside…

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Profit & Freedom 33:05

10 weeks33:05

33:05

In this episode of The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast, hosts Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow tackle two thought-provoking listener questions. The first question, and it is quite a long one, comes from Cedric in Central Region, Malawi - ”Business has a part to play in the ecological and climate crisis, its part of the problem and thus, part of the solution, don’t you think? Think on this, the climate crisis is a once in a generation opportunity for big business to make money, not lose it. If you frame it like that to the CEO’s etc, they will buy into doing the right thing, even if they don’t give a shit. The top brass are often just motivated by profit, so this brings them along with us. What's coming down the track is every business is going to have to reduce its carbon output, and clients and supply chains could bypass them for more sustainable businesses if they don’t shape up. Some try and avoid putting value on nature, but maybe the idea of value needs reframing too? When it's done for the right reasons or not, as long as everything is more sustainable, surely that's a good thing? 60% of us say we want to do something to be sustainable, yet barely 20% actually do. Maybe that's to do with people wanting to feel safe in the just transition that has to happen, or scared to do the wrong things. We shouldn’t be scared as that teaches us how to do the right things. We’re all part of the same system, none of us outside of it, so we shouldn’t use energy thinking whether we should exert our influence from the inside or from the outside. We need to bring our influence to bear in all areas of the system. The system isn’t broken, it's doing exactly what it was originally set up to do, make money. The system just needs recodeing as it were, and guess what? There would still be room to make money, though maybe it would be done more fairly? We are bearing witness to a period of huge change. Is it quick enough though? Who knows, but what I do know, the approach of LESS - BETTER - LOCAL is a clear way forward. We need to differentiate between need and want. 25% of the value of what we buy is the production costs, 75% of its value is what they spend convincing us that we need this crap. The marketeers drive want and don’t always solve a need. Just saying”. In this discussion, sparked by Cedric's question, Stuart and William explore how businesses can simultaneously contribute to, and solve, environmental challenges, examining companies' motivations for sustainability, consumers' environmental concerns, and the pivotal role of supply chains in driving sustainable practices. The second question for this episode comes from Aytama in Harjumaa, Estonia - “What’s the true meaning of freedom? Not sure if you’ve talked about this before?” With this shorter, philosophical question, Stuart and William reflect on whether true freedom exists, and discuss how freedom might better be understood as moments of release or escape, rather than an absolute state. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠ thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside…

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Space Evolution & Fishy Tales 16:00

11 weeks16:00

16:00

Welcome to The People’s Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast, this is how we roll here. Your co-hosts Stuart ‘The Wildman’ Mabbut and William Mankelow discuss questions sent in by listeners all around the world. They don’t see the questions before they press record, making their conversations unique and off the cuff. You dear listener, hear that question at the same time as them. In today’s episode we find the daring duo (one more daring than the other) discussing questions from the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The first comes from Bronwen in Atlanta, Georgia, USA: “Physiologically if humans colonise space, our bodies will alter, meaning we won’t be able to live back on Earth unless there are support systems in place. That evolution could see a new species evolve, and guess what, another opportunity for war. Colonising space could divide humans yet more instead of bringing us together, for the common good”. Off the back of Bronwen’s question, Stuart and William discuss the physical challenges humans face in space exploration and colonization. William points out how space travel affects human physiology, even during short stays on the International Space Station, and reminds us that humans are still evolving as a species. Stuart highlights the significant threat posed by germs and viruses during space colonization, with William adding a parallel to historical continental colonization where diseases spread to new populations. During this part of the discussion, Stuart mentioned the Queen track 39, here is a Spotify link if you would like to listen to it: Queen - 39 The second question for this episode comes from the very south of South America where Lucas in Punta Arenas, Chile provides the following question: “Chile is the second biggest producer of Salmon in the world, after Norway I think. We have huge farms off the coast, with fish crammed together, cover in Lice and spreading infection. Do we really want to be eating that stuff? Once things take on an uncontrolled industrial scale, lots is lost?” William right from the beginning of the discussion agrees entirely with Lucas’s point of view. Stuart then broadens the discussion by comparing it to how some free-range chickens are still kept in crowded conditions. He describes how farmed salmon are packed into underwater crates and suffer from lice infestations, with William adding that such overcrowding would cause similar problems even in humans. Stuart ends the conversation with two important points: First, he advises people not to blindly trust food labels and instead research the claims made on packaging. Second, he concludes that people need to stop eating and consuming mindlessly, and should put more thought into their choices rather than taking the easy route. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠ thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels…

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The Global Majority And Disabled Access 11:21

12 weeks11:21

11:21

In our podcast, we engage in thoughtful discussions based on questions submitted by our listeners. Our aim is to explore these enquiries and steer the conversation towards environmental issues and solutions. Vinroy, from Linstead, Jamaica asks the initial question - “The global majority are people of colour, so where was the tipping point that saw the white man dominate?” Stuart initiates the discussion by examining various historical empires, including the French, German, English, Dutch, and Roman empires, noting their use of slavery. He suggests that technological advancements may have contributed to the dominance of white men in history. William builds on this by pointing out geographical advantages, such as Great Britain's island location. Stuart proposes inviting an academic expert, such as a historian from Oxford University, to delve deeper into the topic. He highlights several tipping points that have led to this dominance. William brings up the early history of colonization, while Stuart emphasizes the deep historical roots of these developments. Stuart concludes by encouraging listeners to research this topic further. The next question comes from Felix, in Novi Sad, Serbia - “The installation of disabled access shouldn’t be just about disabled people. It should be about all of us, as when we all get older we all might need these facilities. Thats how to market it. It's not for ‘them’ it's for ‘us all’”. Stuart kicks off by suggesting, Felix, you've practically answered your own question. Why are we even here? He then mentions chatting with a bloke from the local council. Apparently, investing in accessibility is like future-proofing yourself. Let's face it, we're all gonna need it when we're old and creaky, right? William chimes in with, if you show those decision-makers that making things accessible is for everyone, they might actually get off their backsides and do it properly for once. Stuart suggests an action: Go check out the new disabled access around town. Spoiler alert: it's for all of us. William's action is a bit of an adventure: Take a stroll with a mate in a wheelchair. See what hurdles they face. If you can't find a friend in a wheelchair, just imagine the fun you'd have navigating your neighborhood with one. It's like an obstacle course—but without the prize. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠ thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside…

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From Branches to Bytes: Real Change or Token Effort? 21:52

13 weeks21:52

21:52

Thanks for stopping by and wasting your precious time with us. This is the first full episode of 2025, and we’re kicking off the New Year with an explicit bang. Consider yourself warned: Enjoy! Simon, from Chiselhampton, Oxfordshire, England sets question one - “What do you think of all the banks closing their branches and forcing customers online, and do you think that reflects anything about our approach to living sustainably?” William’s having a bit of a meltdown because his bank decided that actual branches are a bit too 20th century. Everything’s got to be done online now. He goes on a rant about how some things are just better face to face rather than through a screen. It’s all very dehumanizing, you know. Stuart, being his usual observant self, tells a story about being in his bank branch and overhearing the manager say, “You can do all this from your bed on your phone. Why even bother getting up and coming here?” Stuart’s pretty sure this is just the bank’s way of making branch closures sound like a brilliant idea. William tries to argue that closing branches reduces unnecessary journeys to the bank. Stuart isn’t buying it; he thinks people actually want to get out and be part of the community. The conversation then shifts to the idea of the 15-minute city. Stuart highlights the irony in people thinking it’s both a way to trap us and a reason for local shops to close. Stuart wraps up with the idea that forcing everything online is just a way to make more money for shareholders by cutting out branches and overheads. Ashton, in Whitfield, Kent asks the next question - “Having just watched the closing ceremony of the 2024 ParaOlympics, do you really think it will make a difference to society? Is it representation or honest integration we need now? How do you think the competitors dealt with the media, getting the word out there? Do you think merging para events with mainstream ones like at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games is a good idea?” Stuart watched the Paralympics but feels a bit guilty about not enjoying it. His boredom stemmed from the sheer number of events and categories, all crammed together for TV. It was over in a flash, leaving no time to turn the athletes into recognizable personalities. Stuart goes on about the impact the Paralympics have on people’s perceptions. He mentions a chat between a Paralympian and a member of the public, who naively thought, “If someone in a wheelchair can go 26 miles, why can’t you get to the shops?” Of course, the obvious answer is that they’re elite athletes, not your average Joe. Stuart brings up the organization Every Body Moves, which he heard about during the Paralympics. Here’s the link to them: everybodymoves.org.uk/ Stuart wraps up by saying he’d love to hear the athletes' genuine thoughts, not just their media-trained responses. He acknowledges that some athletes shared personal stories that did help push the narrative forward. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠ thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: justgiving.com/wildmanonwheels We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside…

1
Happy New Year! 0:43

14 weeks0:43

0:43

It's the 1st of January 2025, and by some miracle of the calendar, Stuart and William have survived another year to wish you a Happy New Year! Whether you are nursing a hangover or just trying to remember where you put your resolutions, may your year be filled with more laughter and fewer questionable decisions. Cheers for sticking with us in 2024, and here's to a 2025 that's hopefully just as entertaining, if not slightly less chaotic. Slàinte Mhath! What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠ thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside…

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