The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast

Hosts Stuart and William, mark World Refugee Day, in this bonus episode of The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast. World Refugee Day honours the strength and courage of refugees, and encourages public awareness and support of the refugees, people who have had to flee their home lands because of conflict or natural disaster. Refugees are vulnerable and in need, and are often misunderstood and maligned. They can often have very little or none of their possessions and little food, because they’ve had to leave their homes with nothing or with what they can carry. They suffer cold, hunger, trauma, despair, disease, violence and loss. The awareness day is to help public understanding of refugees as well as raising support and help. Across the world, agencies, both governmental and non-governmental, work tirelessly to help refugees. Yet with people being made refugees daily, more help and awareness is constantly needed, to ensure that refugees are treated fairly and provided for. rather than being neglected or shunned, which is why there are projects to re-settle and provide for refugees. So World Refugee Day highlights all of this. And now it also marks the launch of the ‘With Refugees’ petition, which will state the needs and potential rights of refugees. You can find out more about World Refugee Day on the following website: https://www.unhcr.org/world-refugee-day --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message

It’s a very powerful statement, blocking out the name of a Russian city because of the invasion of Ukraine, but 'is it really a wise, balanced and measured move? Wouldn’t it be better to just freeze the link? Twinning connects two towns, to share resources, culture etc., cutting ties is perhaps very final and overly excessive.  Is the suspension of the twinning a PR stunt, shouldn’t we instead recognise that there is still a link? It’s very likely that the connections are still there personally on a human level, so what is this really about? Listener Tony, from New Hinksey, Oxford, England, really gets things going with this question he’s sent in: “You may have covered this but I see on the signs when entering Oxford, that the city is twinned with a large number of cities and towns across the world. The twinning with Perm in Russia has been blacked out, possibly because of the Ukrainian invasion? Is it right to walk away from this connection?” Your co-hosts Stuart and William believe this is a bigger issue than it may appear at first glance. This podcast is about broadening out narratives and the narrative certainly needs exploring with this. So though the connection with Perm has been suspended and not cancelled permanently, these established and valuable connections are going to help rebuild bridges in the future. 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to ⁠https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message⁠ 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 ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message

This episode explores that there are situations that we really should stick our neck out and speak up, and those when we shouldn’t. Sometimes though it's worth just putting your opinion out there, and see what comes back.  The people who are willing to stick their neck above the parapet are those usually willing to state and have their opinion challegend. Listen twice as much as you speak and see what you learn. Just because you change your mind, doesn’t mean you’re admitting to being wrong, you're just open to change.  Public speaking is in a way sticking your neck out, but it's a learnt skill, have you mastered it? Listener Fran, from Liverpool, New York (State), USA, sent in this question which generated yet another conversation between your co-hosts Stuart and William. Here it is: “Do you think people are more readily able and willing to stick their neck out and speak up if they truly believe in what they’re saying?”  Stuart and William feel people generally like to go with the consensus, the people who like to stick their neck out are in the minority more often than not. They feel people can be more willing to speak up, if what they say is generally going to be agreed with. Is this true though? If you truly believe in something, put it out there and see what comes back. It's worth considering though, do we all get an opportunity to speak up? 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to ⁠https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message⁠ 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 ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message

What are the implications of renters knowingly overstretching themselves in the private house rental sector, particularly in competitive markets like London? How does the practice of selling council houses impact the availability of affordable housing and the council house stock? What are the benefits of repurposing empty buildings, such as shops and commercial spaces, into communal living areas, to address the shortage of affordable housing? In this episode Stuart and William delve into a thought-provoking question sent in by listener Alec, in Angel, London, England: “You may have discussed this before but wondered what your views were on the private house rental sector. Primarily the fact renters are knowingly over stretching themselves, and being allowed to. Here in London people are offering higher rent that is being asked so as to secure somewhere to live, even though they can't afford it. I saw a letting agent on the news the other day, working on behalf of a landlord who said it's up to the renters to ensure they are paying what they can afford, but if they want to get a property in a competitive market, they have to do this. I feel this is passing the buck of responsibility. Also, tenants are being kicked out after 6 months as they can’t afford to stay, so the landlord is left with a void period when the property is empty, and extra costs finding a replacement. This sticking the head in the sand makes no sense on any level really within modern society”. During this episode they explore the consequences of tenants being evicted after just six months, due to their inability to sustain the high rental costs. Landlords are then faced with the challenge of finding replacements, resulting in void periods and additional expenses. This short-sighted approach seems counterproductive in modern society, raising concerns on multiple levels. They also go on to examine the impact of council house stock not being replenished. The ability to purchase council houses at competitive rates, only to sell them to private landlords who charge significantly higher rents, which depletes the availability of affordable housing options.  Ultimately Stuart and William approach the topic from a humanitarian standpoint, emphasising the importance of providing safe and secure housing for those who are homeless. In times of crisis, such as the one we are experiencing now, they also consider the environmental benefits of adapting empty buildings, rather than constructing new ones. 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to ⁠https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message⁠ 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 ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message

What was the most controversial change in UK agriculture, according to Stuart, and what were the consequences associated with it? To what extent has Brexit impacted the UK agricultural industry, and what perspective does William offer on its significance? Join Stuart and William in this engaging episode of their podcast, as they take a deep dive into a thought-provoking question from listener Les, from Marcham, Oxfordshire, England.  Les poses a compelling query: "What do you think is the most controversial change in UK agriculture?" Stuart suggests that the most controversial change in UK agriculture was the introduction of the threshing machine, as this innovation led to a little discussed countryside famine, as it left workers very little to do and earn during the winter months. William on the other hand cites the impact of Brexit on the industry. Do you agree with them? Drawing parallels to the challenges of rapid transitions, they reflect on the difficulty people face in adapting to sudden changes, and the importance of creating a followable pathway, that ensures inclusivity and support for all affected parties. 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to ⁠https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message⁠ 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 ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message

How does the concept of strikes extend beyond just wages? Should we rely heavily on the government to fill societal gaps, or should we seek alternative solutions? How does the lack of human connection and belonging in an era of easy connection impact society? Join Stuart and William in this thought-provoking episode as they probe and delve into the complex issues raised in the question below sent in by listener Nigel from Blackbird Leys, Oxford, England.  “Summer 2022 will be remembered for many things, but one of the things I’ll remember it for is the strikes in the rail industry and many other industries. Many of the strikes were about wages not keeping place with inflation and it being hard to navigate the cost of living crisis.  Some industries never got a pay rise at all, and some of those didn’t strike I notice, but I'm not sure whether I think they should have or agree with them not striking. I’m not in their shoes so I'm not sure. Can I ask, do you think it's up to us as individuals to build in resilience to all aspects of our life, or is it fair to look at the government to fill the gap between pay rises and the cost of living/inflation? Also should the government fill that gap, some of the gap, or none of that gap?  Maybe you think the government should flip flop between those 3 options depending on the situation, the industry involved, and the situation at play? Or maybe you feel this is the start of societal collapse due to the climate crisis, so the above mitigation measures are better suited to maintaining the status quo and business as usual, and we need a new and better range of support packages, transitional support, mitigation measures, personal responsibility and sense of community for us all to move forward as a society?” During this episode Stuart and William navigate the complexities of strikes, government waste, societal collapse, and the need for a more inclusive and compassionate society.  Acknowledging the existing gaps within society, they propose the exploration of different approaches to address them. They stress the need for better and more comprehensive support systems, particularly in the UK, where there's a significant imbalance exists between the haves and the have-nots. 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to ⁠https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message⁠ 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 ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message

In what ways can we cultivate awareness of our habitual actions, and break free from potentially damaging behaviours? Is it possible to create widespread change by rallying everyone together on a transformative journey, or does true transformation require reaching a critical mass? In this thought-provoking episode, join Stuart and William as they delve into the following captivating question, raised by listener Alivia from Ridgway, Illinois, USA: “I was sat people watching the other day in a cafe, as they were sweltering in the heat. Heard them say the government, service providers and a range of other people should do something to secure food and water resources during drought like conditions.  Not sure any of the people I overheard talking fully grasped this could be human caused climate change showing itself, they seemed content blaming others for badly managing the life support systems we rely on.  At some point all individuals are going to have to stop the blame games and get their own houses in order, within a more localised community set up (thats still outward looking) looking within to fathom out how to live differently, and survive and let go of the attachments of the past and current systems and habits/expectations we need to distance ourselves from.  When do you think this change will happen, has it started already, will it ever start?” Throughout the episode, Stuart and William encourage personal growth and self-reflection, reminding us that embarking on a journey of change begins with questioning our own lives. They inquire whether it is possible to rally everyone together on this transformative path or if reaching a critical mass is the key to widespread change. 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to ⁠https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message⁠ 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 ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message

Is it a distraction to expect climate protesters to be whiter than white, and not drive, and not wear clothes made from plastic, as we’re all currently locked into the same systems aren't we? Isn’t it time to grow up and to move beyond these arguments?  How do we know whether these clothes they are wearing are brand new or have maybe been passed along many times, and reused many times? Debs, from Didcot, Oxfordshire, England, got a really interesting conversation going just by sending in this question below. “Heard your episode about fast fashion earlier and you recommend buying secondhand clothes to extend the lifespan of oil and plastic based clothes, which avoids them going to landfill or recycling when they are still in good condition. I also see images of climate protesters on social media who have purchased second hand clothes, often get the criticism that people won’t listen to them as they are wearing oil based and polluting clothing (the production process) so are hypocrites. Are they hypocrites or helping reduce the carbon footprint of the garments by purchasing second hand? There's a ton of snobbery around buying second hand clothes, but that's down to peoples ego, not a reflection that the clothes are soiled or dirty”. Your co-hosts Stuart and William discuss many things in this episode including that a lot of people get clothes from the sales, and then never wear them, and give them to charity, so often these second hand items have never been worn.  There’s even a scheme that logs who has owned particular clothing, similar to car log books. So instead of throwing something out, the scheme is maybe prolonging the life of these items. It’s all about extending the lifespan of these clothes. There is a snobbery when it comes to owning second hand clothes. Why is there a stigma around charity shop clothes? They're not charity for you, but sold to support good causes. You can choose the shops and charities you want to support, often in your local area too. So donate unused items to local charity shops. Also plastic/oil in clothing isn’t the only material that is bad for the environment. How about cotton for example and the amount of water that is used in its production for the clothing industry? If we do away with oil based clothing, there will be people who will lose their jobs. We need to offer these people guided pathways to help them change, and not be left behind if we transition too fast. There is an urgency to make changes, but there are also the practicalities to transitioning real lives, and we may have to accept we could have left it too long to quickly reverse the effects we’ve had on the climate.  You need to take people with you, so do we really need to be categorical when it comes to banning? It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it? Is being dictatorial really a way to get someone on your side, and to a place where they feel they can make a change? There are people who want to ban the Grand National horse race overnight, but will happen to the 50,000+ racing horses? What will happen to all the people who are currently working within the industry as well? We need a way to properly transform our societal structures that takes people with us on guided pathways. 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to ⁠https://bit.ly/425GXat 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 ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠⁠ , support our work through Patreon⁠ ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠⁠ or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link:⁠ ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message

Regular listener Jack from Long Wittenham in Oxfordshire, England, sets Stuart and William another question to explore in this episode, and as they feel there are so many great villages in Oxfordshire, have a listen to this episode to find out what your co-hosts favourites might be. They also mention County boundaries have altered quite a lot over the years with Abingdon for example being in Berkshire at one time. Other villages have been absorbed by the city of Oxford yet still maintain a village feel.  Here’s Jack’s question: “Which are your favourite villages in Oxfordshire and why?” Do you agree with what William and Stuart come up with? Regardless of if you do or not, maybe next time you go for a walk, try to hunt out and see the history around you, and what the buildings might be revealing about the  past. 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to ⁠https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message⁠ 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 ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message

Is it a distraction trying to fully understand where the impacts of Brexit begins and ends, where the impacts of Covid begins and ends, where the impacts of the cost of living crisis begins and ends, where the impacts of the war in Ukraine begins and ends, where the impacts of the climate crisis begins and ends? Quite a conundrum, which arose from today's listener question, sent in by Billy, in Saugus, Massachusetts, USA. “I spent some time in the UK recently, and like many countries at the moment, the wheels seem to be coming off many aspects of your country and systems. Do you think this is caused by Brexit, Covid, Cost Of Living crisis, the climate crisis, or something else? Not sure where one issue begins and another ends currently, do you guys?”  Your co-hosts Stuart and William feel it's potentially a mixture of Brexit, Covid, the Cost Of Living crisis, the climate crisis and much more, as Billy concisely states in his question. Though Covid could probably be more impactful than Brexit in some instances for example. Brexit is though a contributing factor in the UK, as we chose to do it ourselves. They suggest maybe we should all do some research to try and fathom where all these things begin and end, whether it is Brexit, Covid, Cost Of Living crisis, the war in Ukraine, or the climate crisis. We may not find any definitive conclusions, but it might widen our shared perspective a bit more. During this episode Stuart and William discuss the upcoming Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted event, this podcasts format expanded and made more experiential, then set in front of a live audience, and arranged to take place next on May 27th at the former Bothy Vineyard in Oxfordshire 3.30pm to 9pm. To secure your tickets for this event, use the following link: ⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/environmental-debate-live-unscripted-tickets-514832145807⁠ 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to ⁠https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message⁠ 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 ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message

Are awareness campaigns that are based around TV shows, actually effective? Aren’t stories direct from a person you can identify with more powerful? Do we too easily get stuck in the position that everything happens to other people, and not ourselves? Ron from Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire, England, has sent in another listener question, detailed below, which triggered yet another off the cuff conversation between co-hosts Stuart and William. “I’ve heard that a comedian who has had testicular cancer, and was involved in the awareness campaign before he was diagnosed, still didn’t check himself, even though the campaign was telling that message. Does that mean these awareness campaigns headed up by the famous, do very little? Is sharing life experience and true stories more powerful?” Campaigns fronted by celebrities aren’t going to create change on their own, that's Stuart and William’s take, what do you think? They feel we shouldn’t get rid of these awareness campaigns though, we need to set them alongside powerful stories about actual life situations.  If any of us were to go and listen to an empowered speaker, the key, they feel, is whether we take that inspiration into our own life, and change our own habits, and not just go home from the experience and go straight back to normal life, without making changes if needed. During this episode Stuart and William discuss the upcoming Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted event, this podcasts format expanded and made more experiential, then set in front of a live audience, and arranged to take place next on May 27th at the former Bothy Vineyard in Oxfordshire 3.30pm to 9pm. To secure your tickets for this event, use the following link: ⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/environmental-debate-live-unscripted-tickets-514832145807⁠ 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to ⁠https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message⁠ 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 ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message

Why do some people have a fear of wasting money on rent? Is the desire for ownership just another way to avoid the reality of our own mortality? Why do so many people aspire to own their own piece of land? In this episode, inspired by the question below, which was sent in by listener Tom in Garland, Texas, USA, Stuart and William explore among other topics, the fear that many people have of living in rented accommodation. “What do you feel about the anomaly of a mindset of moaning that house prices are too high to get on the housing ladder, yet once on it people want the value to keep increasing? What's the root of the fear about living in rented accommodation for the rest of one's life?” They go on to discuss the paradoxical nature of being happy for house prices to rise once you are a property owner, but unhappy when trying to buy a house. They also examine the cultural differences in attitudes towards renting versus buying a home, and the common fear of wasting money on rent. During this episode Stuart and William discuss the upcoming Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted event, this podcasts format expanded and made more experiential, then set in front of a live audience, and arranged to take place next on May 27th at the former Bothy Vineyard in Oxfordshire 3.30pm to 9pm. To secure your tickets for this event, use the following link: ⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/environmental-debate-live-unscripted-tickets-514832145807⁠ 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to ⁠https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message⁠ 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 ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message

Is the privatisation of water resources working for, or against us? And are we, as individuals, being brainwashed into thinking we can make a difference? Join Stuart and William for another insightful and thought-provoking conversation, this time centred around the topic of water security. This conversation was prompted by the following question, sent in by listener Diane from Southampton, Hampshire, England: “During the summer of 2022, some water companies in the UK issued a hosepipe ban. Is it reasonable to pass the responsibility of sustaining water supplies during a drought to the general public, when 100’s if not thousands of leaks occur from the water companies pipes. Like the massive one that flooded Islington in North London, and the one on Oxford Ring Road (that a local councillor was spotted swimming in to make the point) in August  2022?  It seems to some that it's unfair to prevent domestic gardeners watering their plants and lawns, when the leaks remain. Gardening is therapeutic to many, so imagine how it must feel to be prevented from watering the garden how you may wish, and watch to plants you’ve been nurturing die in front of your eyes. I also saw the source of the River Thames dried up and moved 5 miles downstream during the summer drought in 2022. Is this because the water companies are extracting too much water, or is it a sign of global warming?  You may feel it's impossible for any company to maintain the infrastructure we rely on, as it's been built and added too bit by bit, and we now possibly have too much to manage? Maybe this is all a symptom of our society not being sustainable? Maybe you think many leaks occurred because the ground was just so dry, and the leaks aren’t as widespread as the media say it is?” Your co-hosts go on to discuss different ways of regulating water usage, including growing plants that can cope with the drier climate. They ask whether we need to stop trying to impose our will on the land, and instead grow plants that don't require us to keep pumping water in to keep them alive. They also examine the idea of making our water supply more localised, rather than creating large bodies of water as reservoirs and then needing to pump that water for miles and miles.  Are our values still very much Victorian in the United Kingdom, with many of us simply flushing away what we don't want and not thinking about it again, passing the issue on to someone else? During this episode Stuart and William discuss the upcoming Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted event, this podcasts format expanded and made more experiential, then set in front of a live audience, and arranged to take place next on May 27th at the former Bothy Vineyard in Oxfordshire 3.30pm to 9pm. To secure your tickets for this event, use the following link: ⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/environmental-debate-live-unscripted-tickets-514832145807⁠ 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to ⁠https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message⁠ 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 ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message

Can we truly draw definitive conclusions, without overlooking the complexity of this snapshot? Is our understanding of man-made climate change evolving, or are we merely scratching the surface? Your co-hosts Stuart and William once again delve into and explore a question sent in by a listener, with today’s coming in from Guy in Grove City, Ohio, USA. His question is as follows: “I saw a report in August 2022 that some parts of the coral reef that makes up The Great Barrier Reef in Australia has recovered, so it covers a wider area than it has for at least 30 years. Is the evidence that the decrease in coral over recent years has nothing to do with so-called man made climate change?” Without concrete facts at hand, your co hosts navigate through the challenges of discussing a topic as vast as climate change. They question the assumption that man-made climate change is an irreversible reality, considering the various factors at play. They go on to explore the realm of coral populations, and find themselves pondering: where exactly have the increases in coral population occurred, and why? Together with how are our studies and data interpretation evolving and is longer term understanding impacting the interpretation of the data we have? Stuart and William aren’t experts on most of the topics explored in these podcast episodes, but they explore them to the edge of their understanding. This question today is one of those that talks them to their limit. During this episode Stuart and William discuss the upcoming Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted event, this podcasts format expanded and made more experiential, then set in front of a live audience, and arranged to take place next on May 27th at the former Bothy Vineyard in Oxfordshire 3.30pm to 9pm. To secure your tickets for this event, use the following link: ⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/environmental-debate-live-unscripted-tickets-514832145807⁠ 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to ⁠https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message⁠ 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 ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message

Are we truly allowing the women's game to flourish, or are we inadvertently controlling and comparing it to its male counterpart? Does the men's game, with its long-standing institutionalised habits, have an impact on how the women's game could evolve? Can we break free from these ingrained patterns, and embrace a new era? Once again your co-hosts Stuart ‘The Wildman’ Mabbutt and William Mankelow explore and examine a question sent in by a listener, with today’s coming from Lyn in Stanton St John, Oxfordshire, England. There question is as follows: “Can I ask, when your next episodes of the Beyond Stereotypes and Indigenous Voices mini series will appear? All seems quiet on that front. I’ve got another thing for you to talk about too. I’m not a football/soccer fan but I did see the Women’s European Championship Final, between England and Germany in July 2022. The crowd was far less aggressive and tribal than for a men's game. At a men’s game it seems more about singing rude songs, swilling beers and fighting.  When you listen to the pitch of the sound the crowd made at this women’s final, it was a far higher frequency than a crowd for a men’s game. Maybe because there were a lot more children and women in the crowd for this women's final? You could maybe say the theatrics, the rudeness, and the testosterone fueled rhetoric of the male game is all part of it, but I feel it's a sad world if that's fully true?  The world is largely run, controlled and driven by men and the male system, would making everything less tribal and less male dominated help solve a lot of troubles across all societies?” Drawing on their collective lived experiences, Stuart and William examine the remarkable tendency of women to work and collaborate together,  the long-standing history of institutionalised habits in the men's game, and express concerns about how the women's game could in time potentially mimic the structure and dynamics of the men's game. During this episode Stuart and William discuss the upcoming Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted event, this podcasts format expanded and made more experiential, then set in front of a live audience, and arranged to take place next on May 27th at the former Bothy Vineyard in Oxfordshire 3.30pm to 9pm. To secure your tickets for this event, use the following link: ⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/environmental-debate-live-unscripted-tickets-514832145807⁠ 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to ⁠https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message⁠ 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 ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠ or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message