Welcome to the People’s Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast, where you’ll hear questions sent in from listeners from all around the globe. The main themes that run through each of them are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.

Join Stuart and Willam, your co-hosts, who are like two men sitting in a pub, given an envelope with the question in, which they open up and explore, cold, without having prepared, very much like you, more likely than not, sitting there listening to this episode. The unprepared nature of this podcast ensures genuine thoughts and reactions for you to ponder.

The first question today comes from Milica in Podgorica, Montenegro. It's quite lengthy, so we've copied it into a Google Doc for reference: Milicia’s Question

William views self-discipline as an internal process. He believes it’s largely self-taught and starts from within your own mind before considering external factors.

Stuart adds that a Buddhist perspective would suggest that by looking within, you can find the answers. From this viewpoint, there are no inherently good or bad environments; it's all about your mindset.

William points out that many people spend their time working, or mindlessly scrolling through social media. This is a passive activity that merely provides a dopamine hit, while reading actively engages the brain and can even help combat Alzheimer's and Dementia.

William’s action: If you're sitting there thinking, I've not read, I've never picked up a book, and I'm not going to sit and read, for example, ‘War and Peace’. Don't! Read what you want to read, look for something that really interests you.

Stuart and William then discuss how we handle stressful situations as indicators of personal growth. Certain situations that once caused stress may no longer affect us, while some still do. Staying calm in stressful circumstances is a sign of progress.

Stuart brings up an action: be aware of any conditioning you’ve had in your life. Be aware of it, and then you can act, if you wish to. He thinks the word acceptance comes into his mind here. If you learn to accept, not just maintaining the status quo, just accepting how things are. And then saying, okay, now I've got that awareness, how can I change things?

The second question of today’s episode has been set by Ashton from Whitfield, Kent, England. Their question is as follows:

“Do you ever see a time when fuel will be the universal currency?”

Stuart asserts right away, that he believes fuel is already functioning as a currency in many ways.

William counters that while fuel may not be a currency per se, it certainly plays a significant role in driving the world forward.

Stuart’s action for this topic: Seek out new opportunities, related to alternative fuels—there's much to explore in this evolving landscape!

Thank you for joining us today! We hope these discussions inspire you to reflect on your own experiences and actions.

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.

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

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In this podcast, we strive to uncover and discuss pressing issues, and today’s episode is no exception. As we conclude this series, we once again deviate from our usual format to address the final question posed during the 2023 Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted, held at The Bothy Vineyard, which was a live incarnation of this podcast in front of a real life audience.

That day Lyn asked - “What can you do to help stop the 100 million gallon/4 and a half mile diameter reservoir that is being proposed here on our doorstep? (South Oxfordshire, England) The destruction to the environment will be irreversible. Water transfer is a far better way, cheaper and less destructive.”

Recently, during a talk they gave in Wroughton, Wiltshire, Stuart and William were informed by an audience member that permission had already been granted for the construction of a new reservoir. This news was unexpected for both Stuart and William, despite discussions about this reservoir spanning over three decades. The proposed reservoir aims to supply water to London. They took this news as hearsay.

Stuart elaborates on the potential physical impact of this reservoir, drawing parallels with the Audenshaw Reservoir in Manchester. William adds that the reservoirs near Heathrow are comparable.

In addressing the question of how to oppose such a proposal, Stuart emphasises the importance of a cohesive strategy, community engagement, and persistent advocacy. He notes that water companies often adopt long-term strategies, but encourages continued resistance and the exploration of alternative solutions to meet water needs. He highlights significant changes in water availability in Oxfordshire.

Stuart stresses the need to improve our water consumption habits, pointing out that the construction of reservoirs is more complex than simply damming a river. He advises creative and informed disruptive actions, such as thoroughly understanding the plan and its potential impacts.

William revisits the concept of NIMBYism, linking it to our resistance to change and the necessity of reconsidering our water consumption and wastage habits.

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.

Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: https://www.change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities

Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels

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

Another question today from an audience member at the live iteration of this podcast, at Bothy Vineyard, back in May 2023.

Someone who handed in a slip as anonymous, asked “Many of our global problems stem from out-of-control population growth. What can we do about this? Discuss!”

Stuart, one of the cohosts of this podcast, raises that there is an assumption within the question, and argues that we grow enough food already to feed us all, but there are many issues stopping that food being fairly distributed to everyone.

He also feels that there currently isn’t much we can do to change our course with overconsumption and wastage. One solution he does offer though, is that we can try and get away from the rights of passage habits in life, and that we should all try and get away from, for example having children, if we don’t really want them.

Stuart also brings up that a major virus could also put a stop to our population getting out of hand, and comes up with an action: Question what you are doing, and why you are doing it, how you are doing it, and who you are doing it for?.

William, your other co-host, brings up rampant consumerism again. That we can get what we want, when we want it, is another of the big issues. We need to stop craving bigger and bigger things. The population doesn’t make a difference, we just need to live better, more sustainably.

William’s action is to slow down and stop buying new things for the sake of it.

In this episode William’s other podcast that he costs is mentioned, Have You Ever Considered? Link https://zencastr.com/Have-You-Ever-Considered

On the 15th September, William alongside Tommy Serafinski will be co-hosting an online salon with Interinterlect where they will be asking the question: Should we consume less news & media?

You can book your ticket today with the following link:

https://interintellect.com/salon/reclaiming-your-time-and-sanity-the-case-for-minimal-media-consumption/

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.

Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: https://www.change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities

Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels
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

With insights on the inevitability of change, and the importance of finding joy in our surroundings, this episode encourages listeners to rethink their connection to the countryside. Why should those who rarely venture outdoors care about environmental issues?

Welcome to The People’s Countryside Environmental Debate podcast, where your co-hosts Stuart ‘The Wildman’ Mabbutt and William Mankelow are often discussing questions sent in by listeners.

However in a break from the norm, and to give you an opportunity to get your question in for them to discuss, they instead are exploring one of the unused questions that was set during the Environmental Live & Unscripted (the live iteration of this podcast) that was in May 2023 in the setting of the Bothy Vineyard, Oxfordshire.

The question set by Julian, a member of the audience, is as follows:

“If we have effective policies that result in less meat & dairy - the Great British heritage lobby will say that we’ll be throwing away the British countryside - how it looks. How do we involve the public thinking about the future countryside that they want and also helps save the planet?”

During this discussion Stuart explores the notion of maintaining protected nature reserves—should we preserve them, as they were, as they are, or as we envision them to be in the future? He emphasises the importance of a balanced approach, and the power of a strong, supported transition in environmental stewardship. William adds to the conversation by reminding us that the British landscape is largely a human creation, prompting us to consider how we might reshape it once more.

As the duo navigate the challenges of changing public habits and perceptions, they delve into the deeper question of, our resistance to change. Could our reluctance to embrace new ideas be tied to our fear of mortality? Stuart and William reflect on how our life spans influence our views, and how we can cultivate a clearer vision for the future of our environment.

Join us for an engaging discussion that challenges your perceptions and inspires action in these challenging times.

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.

Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: https://www.change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities

Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels
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

In this episode of The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast, co-hosts Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow tackle a thought-provoking question from the 2023 live incarnation of this podcast, Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted, which was set at the Bothy Vineyard in Oxfordshire, England.

Sylvia, an audience member, raised the following question: “This is a question about diversity - human diversity - I notice all the speakers today are men and all the audience are white. How can we get the environment discussed by a wider audience?”

Stuart and William dive deep into this crucial topic, exploring ways to make environmental conversations more inclusive and accessible to a wider audience. The hosts reflect on the challenges they faced in diversifying their panel and audience for the live event. They discuss the importance of bringing environmental debates to spaces where a diverse range of people and underrepresented groups feel comfortable, rather than expecting them to come to unfamiliar settings.

Stuart and William examine various barriers that prevent people from attending environmental events and offer insights on how to overcome these obstacles. They emphasise their role as facilitators and the need to actively reach out to diverse communities.

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.

Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: https://www.change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities

Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels

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

In a break from our normal output, we’re tackling an unanswered question set by an audience member at a live incarnation of this podcast back in May 2023, Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted. Back then the in-person audience at The Bothy Vineyard event set us a range of questions to discuss.

This one was left anonymously and read - “Animal welfare in meat production is a good concern but Jacque Cousteau said “who cares about the death throes of a fish?”

William broaches the broader implications of trawler fishing, emphasising the discourse encompasses the entirety of animal welfare, extending beyond the act of fishing itself.

Stuart reveals the grim realities of trawler fishing, where countless fish meet their demise through suffocation within the nets or endure a chilling fate upon the deck. Such practices cast a shadow of inhumanity over the industry.

In a reflective chat, Stuart and William reminisce about William’s childhood angling experiences. They deliberate on the optimal methods to acquaint oneself with the aquatic inhabitants of rivers. William conveys a retrospective wish for a more compassionate approach to learning about fish, a realisation that eluded him in his youth. He affirms his family’s longstanding commitment to minimising their ecological footprint.

Stuart contemplates the paradox of nature’s predation, often shunned on television screens, yet an intrinsic element of life. He advocates for a conscious acknowledgment of our predatory role in fishing and urges a thorough consideration of the welfare of the animals we consume, aspiring to the pinnacle of quality in our dietary choices.

Expanding upon this, William points out the prevalent focus on mass production in the meat industry, often at the expense of quality. Stuart contends that a holistic understanding is imperative, one that encompasses the entire spectrum of our food production and consumption practices.

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.

Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: https://www.change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities

Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheel

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

In the context of the podcast medium, it is noteworthy that the co-hosts, Stuart and William, do not preview listener-submitted inquiries prior to the commencement of recording. This practice ensures that their responses remain unpremeditated and genuine, thereby preserving the spontaneity and authenticity of their commentary.

So the first listener question is from Teresita, Montevideo, Uruguay - “The Internet isn’t good here sometimes but listen to your new releases on the day you go live when I can. When were the “good old days,” and what were they like for minorities in your country?”

The notion of “good old days” is often subject to critical analysis. William suggests that this concept typically aligns with one’s childhood, a period characterised by a lack of awareness of global events.

Conversely, Stuart immediately contests the existence of any universally “good old days,” highlighting the historical marginalisation of minority groups. He articulates that the journey towards amplifying marginalised voices is ongoing and fraught with challenges.

Stuart and William also touch upon the emergence of new identity categories, reflecting a societal trend towards valuing individuality and uniqueness. They ultimately advocate for an individual-centric approach to identity.

Regarding the query posed by Teresita, both Stuart and William acknowledge their limitations in providing a comprehensive response, given that neither identifies as part of a minority group.

Bea, from Cornwall, England sets the second question today - “House’s are now seen as assets, not as homes, which is contributing to our unequal society in the UK, especially here in the far south west. Left unchecked this would run and run and really undermine us. The poor are partly kept poor as they seem to work to keep the rich rich. Any thoughts?”

Stuart, ever the real estate romantic, believes houses are more than just assets—they’re the stage for our personal soap operas. He’s spotted a trend in the South West: it’s not just the pasties that are hot, but the property prices too, thanks to the ‘seasonal seasoning’ of the area.

Meanwhile, William is all for a population shuffle. He’s convinced that if we all just moved around a bit more, we’d find the perfect balance—like a game of musical chairs, but with postcodes.

Stuart’s having an existential moment, pondering how to stop treating houses like giant piggy banks. He’s asking deep questions, like ‘Do you see your home as a sanctuary or a stock option?’ He’s also reminding us that in the grand game of Monopoly, sometimes life flips the board.

William’s expanding the asset universe, suggesting we gaze at our dwellings as homes first, investment portfolios second. He’s also musing on society’s pecking order, hinting that breaking free from the family fortune—or misfortune—requires a zen-like approach to life. Just live, he says, and maybe don’t count the bedrooms.

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.

Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: https://www.change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities

Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels
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://bit.ly/3UmtDyr⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside

Stuart and William are today marking the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2024, with this bonus episode of The People’s Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast.

They ask you to think about what an indigenous person is to you, and whether or not you see yourself as indigenous. Also, they encourage you to always see the person in front of you for who they are, and to keep away from lazy stereotyping, which can easily form barriers. It's hard to demonise someone whom you’ve taken a step towards, whom you’ve gotten to know, and now see as a more complete person whom you are more connected to.

You can find out more about this day though the following website: International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

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.

Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: https://www.change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities

Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels

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