As 2024 unfolds before us, your co-hosts William and Stuart embark on a discussion about the year ahead.

They talk about the future of the podcast, and how they currently have listener questions lined up and in the kitty, and what would happen if that supply would one day run out.

Stuart delves into how the fundraiser for the Extreme 8 is his biggest personal focus.

Throughout this bonus episode they together navigate the dynamics of their partnership, balancing immediate priorities with long-term aspirations.

This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.

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.

What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like discussed on this podcast? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com
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. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside

Ah, the sweet serenade of the dawn chorus!

When was the last time you really listened to the birds singing, particularly in the morning?

Well today Stuart and William are highlighting that it’s International Dawn Chorus Day.

The release time of this bonus episode is 5am, which is the perfect time to get out and listen to nature's greatest symphony.

And there you have it! Stuart and William, embracing the early morning madness of the feathered talent show. Remember, folks, it’s not just about hearing the birds; it’s about really listening to their feathered ballads. Happy International Dawn Chorus Day!

(Disclaimer: No actual birds were harmed in the making of this podcast).

You can find out more about this day with the following links:

wildlifetrusts.org/dawn-chorus-day

rspb.org.uk/the-dawn-chorus-all-you-need-to-know-about-natures-big-show

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 ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside

Hopefully this episode will stretch your thinking today and explore opinions you might not have thought about before.

Isla, a listener from Arbroath, Scotland has sent in this question for your co-hosts to dig in to:

“Are there limits to human creativity? Is your answer informed by your own understanding of yourselves or deeply influenced by society?”

William brings up the idea of lateral thinking. Where you think of answers that aren’t immediately obvious. As he’s a photographer, he sees there being a limit to creativity in that we are bound by technology, and in general he also feels there is a limit, as humans are a limited species. He talks about seeing creativity being present in all aspects of life, not just art. Being creative is in a way sticking your head above the parapet, and it could mean you stand out and will potentially be shot down. That’s where societal pressure comes in. William reiterates that creativity is prevalent in our whole life, not just being artistic.

William’s action is to remember we’re all creative.

Stuart feels there are limitations to human creativity because of the baggage we bring into the creative process, it can also be whether or not we’re in the mood. He feels that our creativity is influenced by both our understanding, or lack of understanding of ourselves. He doesn’t believe that the influence of society is deep, but it is there.

Stuart talks about how his creativity is massively influenced by society, because he wants to do his own thing. Neither Stuart and William have craved approval from society.

Eduard, from Altona, Germany asks the second listener question today:

“Is a sense of humour a byproduct of consciousness or something else entirely?”

William understands that a sense of humour is an evolutionary thing. It is a moment of release, it is a way of showing everything is ok. He further talks about how humour is a tribal thing. It’s an indication that everything is fine.

Stuart raises the point that to experience humour, you need to be conscious, and asks would humour still exist without humans, or is it a human construct?

Stuart’s action is to see the silliness in life helps relieve pressures. To take a step back before reacting. Take some time before reacting.

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 ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside