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Living on Earth

Living on Earth

By: World Media Foundation
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As the planet we call home faces a climate emergency, Living on Earth is your go-to source for the latest coverage of climate change, ecology, and human health. Hosted by Steve Curwood and brought to you by PRX.℗ & © 2021 World Media Foundation Earth Sciences Politics & Government Science
Episodes
  • The Earth Is Our Home For the Holidays and Always

    The Earth Is Our Home For the Holidays and Always
    Dec 26 2025
    At this coldest, darkest time of year, draw near the fire and the radio, join with family and friends, and savor the warmth and joy of good company, good food, and good stories. Master storyteller Jay O’Callahan shares some tales, including one about his community’s tradition of Christmas caroling and how it brought hope to his mother in a time of darkness and for Christmases to come. Also, Tem Blessed, an environmentally and socially-conscious hip-hop artist, discusses how contemporary music can communicate the importance of the environment and sustainability to young audiences. And Denny Breau, a singer/songwriter from Maine, joins us during these cold winter months to discuss some of the moments that warm his heart. He shares stories about one of his favorite holiday meals, ice-fishing, his Acadian family origins, and traditions of song that span the generations. Happy holidays from all of us at Living on Earth! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • Winter Solstice Stories and Songs

    Winter Solstice Stories and Songs
    Dec 19 2025
    In many cultures, stories passed down through the generations explain how the world got to be the way it is. The Haudenosaunee people of Northeastern North America have a story about how the star cluster known as the Pleiades came to be, told by Perry Ground, Turtle Clan member of the Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee. Also, a Cherokee myth, told here by storyteller Diane Edgecomb, explains why pines, spruces and firs stay green year-round. She joins us to talk about the value of bringing old stories alive for people -- what she calls “living myth” – and how stories have accumulated around this time of year, the winter Solstice, when in the Northern Hemisphere the Sun stands still on the horizon for three short days and three long nights. And Diane Edgecomb performs the Greek myth “Ceyx and Alcyone” about the origin of Halcyon birds, also known as kingfishers, which the ancients noticed would appear during the “Halcyon Days” when the seas became calm, around the time of the winter Solstice. She also shares how stories can help illuminate why we take part in old traditions at this time of year such as putting up lights, decorating evergreens, and hanging mistletoe. Happy holidays from all of us at Living on Earth! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • Bill McKibben on Abundant Solar and the Waning Power of Fossil Fuels, and more.

    Bill McKibben on Abundant Solar and the Waning Power of Fossil Fuels, and more.
    Dec 12 2025
    Climate activist Bill McKibben, who authored The End of Nature nearly 40 years ago, is back with Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization. He joins us for a wide-ranging discussion on the stunning growth of renewable energy from the sun and wind, led in part by China, even as the fossil fuel industry digs in. Living on Earth’s Explorer-in-Residence, Mark Seth Lender provides a refuge for hungry ducks during hunting season. He also observed something remarkable: these “dabbling” ducks have learned to dive for the seed he offers them. And as a preview for next week’s Winter Solstice storytelling special, we feature a traditional “Wassail Song” with storyteller Diane Edgecomb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
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