Hello! Welcome to the first episode of Green Rapids. In this episode, you'll meet your hosts and get an overview of what this podcast will be about. Episodes will be released biweekly on Wednesdays. Thanks for tuning in!

Episode 1: Introduction

Starting the conversation about what climate change is, what has sparked the changes we're seeing in the environment today and what we can do to combat those changes with our daily decisions.

Climate Change 101 - part 1

Part two of our conversation about what climate change is, what has sparked the changes we're seeing in the environment today and what we can do to combat those changes with our daily decisions.

Climate Change 101- part 2

Our first interview! A conversation with our colleague Sergio Cira-Reyes from the Urban Core Collective of Grand Rapids. We're talking energy justice, how it effects us here and Michigan and who it impacts the most.

Save Your Energy with Sergio Cira-Reyes

A deeper dive into what climate justice means and who faces the largest impacts of those changes. Highlighting commonly used terms and issues upon us as a city and a country as a whole.

Climate Justice 101

We talk with Regional Coordinators  Abigail Barker Wesley Watson from the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. They give us a dive into the world of PFAS/PFOS and what it looks like to have the environment were "swimming in".

Don't Swim Here - What is PFAS/PFOS with Abigail Barker & Wesley Watson

Nancy and Erica discuss some of their favorite ways to send some love letters to Mother Earth. Highlighting solutions from experts, and grassroots environmentalists. A reminder that we can build onto our actions to make a larger impact every day.

It's the Little Things - Sustainability & Solutions

A conversation with local organizer Janet Zahn, Co-chair with the Grand Rapids Climate Coalition, one of the largest climate based organizations in West Michigan. We learn a brief history of how they were formed and some of the important work they are doing to create effective changes in our environment.

Getting a Degree from GRCC

Nancy and Erica talk about the importance of our National Parks and preserved land in the United States while also touching on the history of how we acquired the land we cherish today. A way to acknowledge and become more aware of the path we took to get where we are today and how to pave a more sustainable path for our future for everyone.

National "Perks"

Nancy and Erica rap up their first season with a conversation about the environmental impacts the US Department of Defense is responsible for. They take a deeper look into where emissions come from and why war leaves more than an emotional or traumatic stain on communities all across the world. The fight for a cleaner more just world cannot end while their wars fuel destruction of our planet.

Their War, Our Fight!

Nancy and Erica are back!! Join our conversation - covering highlights from szn 1, what we've been working on while gone and exciting things to come! 

Get ready for even MORE interviews, canid moments and lots of laughs. We hope you enjoy szn 2 with Green Rapids! So happy to be back :)

Back in Green

Nancy and Erica break down the very first Earth Day, how it began and how we can continue to bring that same energy into our day to day lives. Learn about some of our favorite local and sustainable stops in Grand Rapids to bring in National "Mom and Pop" (local) Business Day - March 29th. Shop local, shop green!

Greening the Rapids - Earth Month in GR

Erica shares her insight on the current status of Enbridge's Line 5. If you’re not sure what Line 5 is, you came to the right place! Nancy and Erica chat about the history of Line 5 and talk about the pros and cons of it. Let’s just say theres more than just water under the Mackinac Bridge.

More than Water Under the Bridge

Nancy and Erica talk junk this episode - specifically around junk emails and how our reliance on the "cloud" is impacting our environment. Plug into our episode about unplugging & unsubscribing to clean up the mess our junk actually makes

Head in the Cloud

Nancy and Erica get into the weeds of Community Development in Detroit with Marco Allegretti from Joy Southfield CDC. He digs deep into his experience with AmeriCorps, biking us through his journey across the US; working in rural and urban areas facing the worst of climate and economic impacts we see today. Plant yourself somewhere comfortable to sow some knowledge and grow with us!

Growing with Joy - with Marco Allegretti

You CAN sip with us! Nancy and Erica dish about climate cafés and it's piping hot! They spill details on how they're foamed and the history behind spices to gather when life gets tough. You may even learn about a climate café near you 👀 Sit back with a warm (or iced) cup of your favorite drink and join the conversation!

The Tea on Climate Cafés

Float along the Green Rapids stream with us! Nancy and Erica are catching waves along the LGROW flow with Robert Cloy. We learn more about the GRANDest River in Michigan, urban water spaces and how you can tap into becoming an advocate!

The LGROW Flow - with Robert Cloy

Nancy and Erica invite you to power up! We're talking about the Michigan Public Service Commission, who they are and why some may blow a fuse after leaving a meeting with them. They may hold the seat but collectively, the people hold the power!

I've Got the Power! Right? - Who is The Michigan Public Service Commission and What Do They Do?

Nancy and Erica don't just think they can, they know they can with Michigan Climate Action Network's Executive Director, Denise Keele! Join them as they talk about the track she took to get to MiCAN and her journey along the way. You won't want to miss this inspiring story from the powerhouse herself!

I Think I Can, I Think MiCAN - With Denise Keele, Ph.D.

Join Nancy and Erica as they listen to what the residents and long term stakeholders of Roosevelt Park Neighborhood have to say about the excessive truck traffic in their community. From shaking houses to COPD, these residents and all residents of Grand Rapids deserve better. Come listen to their stories, solutions and gain an understanding of what it's like to live in the neighborhood with the WORST AIR QUALITY across GR.

Get The TRUCK Off - A Day in RPN

We’re talking trash (the good kind, duh. We're girls girls!) Join the converstaion with Nancy, Erica and their guest Katelyn Kikstra  from the Kent County Department of Public Works. Sheworks as a Waste Reduction Educator, so she's the perfect person to walk us through the muck of what happens to our waste in Kent County (and it kinda stinks..) Refuse to allow for your purchases to be trash and find a solution to get out of this crap together!

Talking Trash - with Katelyn Kikstra

Nancy and Erica chat about some of the anti-social behaviors on the internet. They uncover some of the truths about how we are influenced and how that can make or break our personal impact on the planet. Promoting mindful content and rebuilding algorithms brick by brick.

Influencers in the Wild

Nancy and Erica get into whats happening at Urban Core Collective and specifically with Betsaida from our Education Justice Team! She dishes all the deets about the Student Association for Leadership Transformation (SALT) where they are making real changes, elevating youth voices, and engaging with GRPS school board. Hear about how popularrr they're becoming through advocacy self agency!

Girrrls Rooom!! with Betsaida Valdivia

Nancy and Erica get the scoop from Jeff Smith and you're going to want to grab a double! He's been amplifying the voice of the people in Grand Rapids since before we were able to even speak, so we're feeling grateful to learn alongside you. You won't want to miss the opportunity to hear from his perspective, as we take him back to record where it all began.

Reinform Grand Rapids - with Jeff Smith

Nancy and Erica fill up on food sovereignty facts and talk about how cultural relevancy within our diets can also feed the soul. Grab a large serving and don't be shy, there's enough for everyone to have seconds at the Green Rapids table.

Food for All, Food for The Soul

Nancy and Erica venture into the urban jungle of Grand Rapids as they speak to Travis Kurtz, a Community Science Coordinator at the John Ball Zoo. He tells us about his journey through the sciences and how it lead him to nature conservation here in GR. Become a Habitat Hero alongside him as we trek into the wild wild west of community science and how it can help our changing climate. 

Urban Jungle with Travis Kurtz

SZN 3 is live (and this one is for the girls so if that's not you keep scrolling :p) ! Nancy and Erica kick off March in the best way they know how.. showing the ladies some love! For International Women's Month, they talk about women who are making waves in their communities as water protectors, innovators and (long overdue) elected officials. Get the tea, and as Nancy would say; get it piping hot! 

Boyz Drool, Women Rule!

Nancy and Erica cruise through their day DARTing around with Ken and Colin from Public Agency at WMCAT. They talk about how living car free has allowed for them to go even further into their journey toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Buckle up and get ready for very smooth ride along Green Rapids from the GR to the Lakeshore.

Getting DART on the Board - with Ken Miguel-Cipriano & Colin McGrew & Public Agency

Nancy and Erica get real about Trumps Project 2025 plan. They share how the first 90 days of a new administration has created a major shift in our personal and larger world. Tune in as they try to lighten up this very dark $hade of Green.

Dark Green - Project 2025 Out of the Shadows

Nancy and Erica get a bitter taste of consumption and it's at the hand of an American staple, Coca Cola. Learn about the impact they, like many other corporations, have on the communities they reside in. Just one sip away from the truth about their practices and how that can have an impact on the health of our communities and planet. 

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