Navigate political upheaval & ecological crisis with host Michael Glavin. Transform eco-anxiety into action, build resilient communities, and sustain your activism. For everyone who cares too much to give up. Mental health meets resistance.
michaelglavin.substack.com (https://michaelglavin.substack.com/s/resilience-in-dark-times?utm_medium=podcast)
Taking Back Our Power through a General Strike with Kieran Knutson
Happy May Day!
In an era of escalating state violence and authoritarianism, how can a community actually fight back and win? This episode of Resilience in Dark Times features a riveting conversation with Kieran Knutson, a veteran labor organizer who was at the heart of the historic resistance to the ruthless ICE and CBP actions in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Knutson details how ordinary neighbors transformed into a disciplined, thousands-strong rapid response network to challenge the abduction of their community members by thousands of federal agents,. It’s a powerful exploration of the shift from individual coping mechanisms to a collective strategy that proves “we keep us safe” is more than just a slogan—it is a lived reality.
"...we can't and we shouldn't rely on, you know, a great savior to come fix the situation, whether it's a politician or or anyone else... no one is coming to save us or …keep us safe, we keep us safe." - Kieran Knutson
Listeners will gain a masterclass in modern labor leverage as Knutson breaks down the “general strike” that brought the Twin Cities to a standstill on January 23rd. He explains how unions and non-union workers alike bypassed restrictive labor laws to exert economic pressure, resulting in 60 Minnesota CEOs to demand a de-escalation from the federal government. Beyond the tactical brilliance of work stoppages and mutual aid, this episode connects today’s struggles to the deep-rooted history of Mayday, offering a vision of hope and solidarity that is essential for anyone looking to confront the dual crises of political repression and climate change.
"…our labor creates the profits…for these corporations. And that the withdrawal of our labor gets their attention very quickly because it can start cutting into their profits, which is their main motivating factor..." - Kieran Knutson
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21 Apr 2026
Drawing from Nature's Wisdom: Eco-Psychology with Dennis Kiley
I used to struggle with a deep sense of overwhelm whenever I thought about the state of our planet, often finding it easier to just not think about it. However, my conversation about Eco-Psychology with Dennis Kiley shifted my perspective by framing our current situation not just as an environmental disaster, but as a “crisis of consciousness” rooted in a “story of separation.”
If you’re struggling with the state of our planet. You don’t want to miss this episode. It is filled with helpful ideas and practices. For instance, Dennis introduces the concept of “psychological biomimicry,” which suggests that we can look to nature’s own patterns—like its ability to adapt and regenerate—to build our own mental resilience and find a way through these dark times.
“The eagle perspective is the like the really large context of where we are... But then we also need the ant perspective, which is in the moment. It’s right here. It’s right now.” — Dennis Kiley
Dennis Kiley shares many helpful strategies like shifting between the “eagle” and the “ant” perspective; using a technique he calls “Face, Feel, and Flow;” and many other practices that cultivate resilience.
If you have been feeling anxious or have “eco-anxiety,” Dennis explains why that pain is actually a testament to your care for the world rather than a sign that something is wrong with you. This episode offers a practical map for moving from isolation toward a “web of belonging” and meaningful action. Listen now to join the conversation!
“No one can do everything, but everyone can do something…finding some area of purpose and passion where you can give in a way that feels generative for you and your community and the planet.” — Dennis Kiley
Organizations and Official Sources
* The Ecopsychology Initiative: The organization founded by guest Dennis Kiley that integrates nature and psychology for healing and resilience.
* Link: Ecopsychology Initiative (https://www.ecopsychologyinitiative.com/)
* A Climate to Thrive: A nonprofit co-founded by Dennis Kiley with the goal of energy independence for Mount Desert Island by 2030.
* Link: A Climate to Thrive (https://www.aclimatetothrive.org/)
* Maine Climate Council: A state council where Kiley led a working group on psychological resilience and mental health in the face of climate change.
* Link: Maine Climate Council (https://acadiacenter.org/work/maine/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22858216787&gbraid=0AAAAADcED4JA9EgS7LzZxV4QU5__1mUP8&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-pHPBhCdARIsAHXYWP_gZuqV6W0aAxZ5M4IHLqf-84z6aB5iV6DErvX-WHGvVJK7a8TqlsUaAquZEALw_wcB)
Authors and Researchers
* Theodore Roszak: A scholar credited with coining the term “ecopsychology” in the 1980s to bridge the fields of ecology and psychology.
* Reference: The Voice of the Earth (https://bookshop.org/a/116753/9781890482800)
* Rick Hanson: A psychologist mentioned for his work on “taking in the good” and the importance of giving oneself credit to build resilience.
* Reference: Rick Hanson’s Website (https://rickhanson.com/)
* Matthew White: A researcher whose findings suggest that spending just two hours a week outdoors provides long-term benefits for mental health.
* Reference: Nature study in Scientific Reports (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3)
* Thich Nhat Hanh: A Zen Master referenced for an interview regarding climate change and the “long-term perspective” of life’s ephemeral nature.
* Reference: Plum Village - Thich Nhat Hanh (https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/interviews-with-thich-nhat-hanh/the-ecologist-uk-22-march-2012)
* Ayanna Elizabeth Johnson: A marine biologist and policy expert referenced for her framework on finding the intersection of passions, skills, and community needs for climate action.
* Reference: The Climate Action Venn Diagram (https://www.ayanaelizabeth.com/climatevenn)
Stories and Myths
* The Myth of Daedalus and Icarus: A Greek myth read in full by the host to illustrate biomimicry (mimicking bird wings) and the dangers of human hubris in ignoring natural limitations.
* Link: Daedalus and Icarus (https://primarytexts.co.uk/free_resources/Myths17-21.pdf)
Podcast Resources
* Resilience in Dark Times: The podcast hosted by Michael Glavin.
* Link: resilienceindarktimes.com (https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fresilienceindarktimes.com)
* Deeper Connections Counseling: Resilience in Dark Times Host, Michael Glavin’s, counseling center.
* Link: Deeper Connections Counseling (https://www.dcctherapy.com/)
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31 Mar 2026
Resilience is a Practice
I’ve come to realize that resilience isn’t some rare character trait; Resilience is a daily practice. Many of us are stuck in a vicious cycle of stress and anxiety, listening to endless advice without ever feeling like we can take that first step. In this episode, I’m lowering the bar to meet you exactly where you are, offering strategies that are easy enough to start right from the comfort of your couch.
“Resilience is not a character trait; it is a practice of what you do every day to cope and be more effective in the world.” — Michael Glavin
I will walk you through four simple, immediate actions designed to help you shift from being reactive to truly responsive. The first, simple yet powerful technique, will focus on calming the body to help you feel better right away.
The second technique will help you calm your mind by making a small mental shift that transforms frustration and anger to connection and compassion. Next, we’ll talk about an important step you can take to detoxify your environment. It’s hard to be resilient when your attention keeps getting hijacked. And finally, I’ll show you a simple political action that you can do to fight back, and save money at the same time.
“This intervention can help shift from a vicious cycle to a virtuous cycle. And it’s so simple anyone can do it.” — Michael Glavin
We will close, like always, with a wll know fable that illustrates how even the smallest among us can have a big impact through small actions. I wonder if you can guess what story we’ll discuss.
Next Episode
Eco-Psychology with Dennis Kiley!
Useful links:
Frederic Luskin, Forgive for Good: A Proven Prescription for Health and Happiness (https://bookshop.org/a/116753/9780062517210)
Resist and Unsubscribe: resistandunsubscribe.com (https://www.resistandunsubscribe.com/) — Send evil corporations a message and save money! Support the good guys instead!
Linda B. Ross, The Lion and the Mouse (https://yun.vpsxb.net/ebook/Heinemann%20GK-G2%20%E8%8B%B1%E5%9B%BD%E6%B5%B7%E5%B0%BC%E6%9B%BC%E5%90%AF%E8%92%99%E7%BB%98%E6%9C%AC%20%EF%BC%88PDF%EF%BC%89/G1%E7%BA%A7110%E4%B8%AAPDF/105%20The%20Lion%20And%20The%20Mouse.pdf), illustrated by Aleksey and Olga Ivanov (I couldn’t find this book for sale. If you find it, let me know and I can include a link here.)
Resilience in Dark Times (https://resilienceindarktimes.com/) website.
Practice website: dcctherapy.com (https://www.dcctherapy.com/) - Deeper Connections Counseling
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