Second Nature: Living with Ecological Grief

About Second Nature: Living with Ecological Grief

Welcome to Second Nature, a podcast about living with ecological grief. Each week, Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo takes us on a deeply personal journey about planetary loss, and what we love, what we have lost, and how we move forward. Through a series of engaging, thought-provoking, and moving conversations with incredible guests from around the world, Second Nature is an invitation to come together to share stories of loss, love, despair, and joy, as we learn how to live with – and embrace – ecological grief and mourning.

Publisher

Ashlee Cunsolo

Category

education · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Feb 2024

Latest episode

20 May 2025

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 May 2025

   Vulnerability, Healing, and Hope Through Shared Ecological Grief

   Host Ashlee Cunsolo reflects on season one of "Second Nature", emphasizing shared ecological grief, learning from Indigenous traditions, and finding courage through vulnerability in an interview with Francis Weller.

2. 

   17 May 2025

   From Grief to Revelation: Responding to Ecological Loss with Heart and Soul with Francis Weller

   Psychotherapist Francis Weller speaks with host Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo in this interview and examines ecological grief as a communal experience, promoting connection and advocacy through shared sorrow.

3. 

   15 May 2025

   How the Climate Crisis Affects Youth Around the World

   Host Ashlee Cunsolo interviews Caroline Hickman, a climate-aware psychotherapist, about the mental health impacts of climate change on youth, revealing the importance of addressing children's concerns and integrating love and grief.

4. 

   13 May 2025

   Teaching in a Climate Crisis: Tools and Strategies with Sarah Jaquette Ray

   Environmental humanist Sarah Jaquette Ray discusses her book with host Ashlee Cunsolo, offering educators tools to address students' climate grief and build emotional resilience in this interview.

5. 

   10 May 2025

   Fostering Collective Change: Renée Lertzman on Psychological Approaches to Climate Issues

   Dr. Renée Lertzman discusses psychological approaches to climate issues, emphasizing the integration of emotional support and resilience in environmental action, in an interview with Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo.

6. 

   8 May 2025

   Generation Dread: Facing the Mental Toll of Climate Change

   In this episode of Second Nature, Living with Ecological Grief, host Ashlee Cunsolo welcomes Britt Wray, an acclaimed author and researcher at Stanford, focusing on climate change's impact on mental health. Britt discusses her pivotal moment of climate awareness when contemplating motherhood, sparking her shift from science communication to exploring ecological grief. Her book, "Generation Dread," delves into climate anxiety, especially among youth, and highlights the importance of vulnerability in storytelling. She emphasizes her shift from silent personal distress to amplifying global youth voices facing climate-related futurelessness. Through projects like Climate Conversations, she fosters intergenerational solidarity and innovative community responses. Her initiative, Unthinkable, aims to provide resources to confront climate anxiety effectively. The episode underscores the necessity of internal resilience through mindfulness and actionable external motivation, resonating a powerful call to action against environmental distress with a balanced and compassionate approach. Generation Dread by Britt Wray - https://www.amazon.com/Generation-Dread-Finding-Purpose-Climate/dp/073528072X Rise of the Necrofauna: The Science, Ethics, and Risks of De-Extinction by Britt Wray - https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Necrofauna-Science-Ethics-Extinction/dp/1771644729 Unthinkabile (GenDread) - https://www.brittwray.com/gen-dread The climate baby dilemma -  https://gem.cbc.ca/the-climate-baby-dilemma/s01 Britt's Ted Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IlDkCEvsYw Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/4fOUQfHM_P4 Interview recorded on: 03/09/2024 -- Welcome to Second Nature, a podcast about living with ecological grief. In each episode, Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo takes us on a deeply personal journey about planetary loss, and what we love, what we have lost, and how we move forward. Through a series of engaging, thought-provoking, and moving conversations with incredible guests from around the world, Second Nature is an invitation to come together to share stories of loss, love, despair, and joy, as we learn how to live with – and embrace – ecological grief and mourning.

7. 

   6 May 2025

   How Jennifer Abbott Bridges Personal and Planetary Grief in Film

   In this episode of Second Nature, Living with Ecological Grief, host Ashlee Cunsolo speaks with Jennifer Abbott, an award-winning film director renowned for her work on social justice and environmentalism. The conversation delves into ecological grief, a theme central to Abbott's film "The Magnitude of All Things," which explores the profound emotional and psychological impacts of the climate crisis on both personal and planetary levels. Abbott shares her journey of discovery around ecological grief, sparked by personal loss and environmental changes, and how this realization led her to create films that bridge the experience of personal and ecological sorrow. The discussion highlights Abbott's global travels, uncovering stories of resilience and joy among those deeply affected by climate change. Cunsolo and Abbott also explore coping mechanisms, emphasizing connection with the more-than-human world and the importance of hope as action. Ultimately, Abbott's work invites viewers to embrace ecological grief as a path to deeper connection and understanding of our interconnectedness with the Earth. The Magnitude of All Things - https://www.nfb.ca/film/magnitude-of-all-things/ The New Corporation: The Unfortunately Necessary Sequel - https://thenewcorporation.movie/ Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/PfKVvXrEDnk Interview recorded on: 05/06/2024 -- Welcome to Second Nature, a podcast about living with ecological grief. In each episode, Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo takes us on a deeply personal journey about planetary loss, and what we love, what we have lost, and how we move forward. Through a series of engaging, thought-provoking, and moving conversations with incredible guests from around the world, Second Nature is an invitation to come together to share stories of loss, love, despair, and joy, as we learn how to live with – and embrace – ecological grief and mourning.

8. 

   3 May 2025

   On Climate Justice, Personal Agency, and Confronting Continuous Ecological Grief with Dr. Charles Ogunbode

   Welcome back to another episode of the Second Nature, Living with Ecological Grief podcast! In this episode, host Ashlee Cunsolo welcomes Dr. Charles Ogunbode as they discuss the resistance to linking climate change with racism and historical inequalities, noting skepticism from African audiences. Many feel this linkage could dilute anti-racist efforts. Ashlee shares insights from Indigenous elders in Labrador, equating climate change to colonialism. Dr. Ogunbode highlights research showing broad global acknowledgment of colonialism's link to climate change, which could advance climate justice discussions. He shares personal experiences shaping his climate change perspective and explores the complexity of connecting local experiences to global narratives. Both speakers stress the balance between personal agency in local efforts and understanding broader systemic influences. The episode calls for genuine collaborations to avoid instrumentalizing marginalized communities and emphasizes the need for inclusivity in climate conversations. Ending with the poignant reminder of continuous ecological grief, the episode serves as a critical reflection on the intersection of climate change, social justice, and mental health. Susan Clayton & Gene Myers book "Conservation Psychology: Understanding and Promoting Human Care for Nature" - https://www.amazon.com/Conservation-Psychology-Understanding-Promoting-Nature/dp/1405176784 Watch on Youtube: Interview recorded on: 05/03/2024 -- Welcome to Second Nature, a podcast about living with ecological grief. In each episode, Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo takes us on a deeply personal journey about planetary loss, and what we love, what we have lost, and how we move forward. Through a series of engaging, thought-provoking, and moving conversations with incredible guests from around the world, Second Nature is an invitation to come together to share stories of loss, love, despair, and joy, as we learn how to live with – and embrace – ecological grief and mourning.

9. 

   1 May 2025

   Lament for the Land: Derrick Pottle on Inuit Experiences with Climate Change

   In this episode of Second Nature, Living with Ecological Grief, host Ashlee Cunsolo and guest Derrick Pottle discuss the profound impacts of climate change on Labrador's Inuit communities. Derrick shares feelings of confinement due to severe weather conditions and limited mobility, affecting traditional activities like seal hunting. He addresses the strong support networks that help maintain mental health but criticizes government inaction and inadequate infrastructure. Rapid environmental changes, such as temperature increases and altered ice conditions, threaten the Inuit way of life and well-being. The episode emphasizes the need for adaptive strategies, greater Inuit involvement in decision-making, and advocacy for improved infrastructure and access to traditional lands. Derrick also highlights dramatic climate shifts across Northern Canada and their significant social, economic, and cultural repercussions. The discussion concludes with a call for courage and collective efforts to address and adapt to these losses, urging a more proactive approach to climate action. Watch on Youtube: Interview recorded on: 03/04/2024 -- Welcome to Second Nature, a podcast about living with ecological grief. In each episode, Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo takes us on a deeply personal journey about planetary loss, and what we love, what we have lost, and how we move forward. Through a series of engaging, thought-provoking, and moving conversations with incredible guests from around the world, Second Nature is an invitation to come together to share stories of loss, love, despair, and joy, as we learn how to live with – and embrace – ecological grief and mourning.

10. 

    29 Apr 2025

    Indigenous Climate Futures: From Grief to Growth with Dr. Deborah McGregor

    Welcome back to Second Nature, Living with Ecological Grief. Host Ashlee Cunsolo and guest Dr. Deborah McGregor critique the technocratic focus in climate research, highlighting the underrepresentation of women, Indigenous, Black, and global South communities. They stress the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge and holistic approaches over simplistic, technocratic solutions. Dr. McGregor introduces the Anishinaabe concept of living the "good life," emphasizing reciprocal relationships and well-being for humans and the environment, contrasting with current Western priorities that often ignore deeper issues like oppression and injustice. The discussion urges the recognition of diverse perspectives and the inclusion of emotional and narrative experiences of Indigenous people to address climate crises effectively. Dr. McGregor's insights promote a transformative ethics focusing on mutual respect with nature, stressing that true solutions lie in developing deeper, reciprocal relationships with the Earth rather than external technological fixes. Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/ey1-pLAlbvs Interview recorded on: 03/01/2024 -- Welcome to Second Nature, a podcast about living with ecological grief. In each episode, Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo takes us on a deeply personal journey about planetary loss, and what we love, what we have lost, and how we move forward. Through a series of engaging, thought-provoking, and moving conversations with incredible guests from around the world, Second Nature is an invitation to come together to share stories of loss, love, despair, and joy, as we learn how to live with – and embrace – ecological grief and mourning.

11. 

    26 Apr 2025

    Let's Talk about Grief with Clarity and Compassion with Lisa Keefauver

    In this episode of Second Nature, Living with Ecological Grief, host Ashlee Cunsolo and grief expert Lisa Keefauver delve into the multifaceted nature of grief and its cultural marginalization. Keefauver introduces her book, Grief is a Sneaky Bitch, a compassionate guide for those grieving. They discuss how grief, including ecological grief, is a moral responsibility and integral to personal and collective healing. Keefauver emphasizes the importance of acknowledging grief without judgment, advocating for self-compassion and community support. The dialogue highlights that unprocessed grief can lead to societal issues like anger and violence. By integrating grief meaningfully, individuals can access deeper self-awareness and global connections. The episode concludes with a call to sustain a practice of grief literacy, reinforcing that processing all forms of grief is crucial for emotional growth, resilience, and fostering joy amid sorrow. Lisa's book, Grief Is a Sneaky Bitch - https://www.amazon.com/Grief-Sneaky-Bitch-Uncensored-Navigating/dp/1477329307 Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/8zXEqjfNlxk -- Welcome to Second Nature, a podcast about living with ecological grief. In each episode, Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo takes us on a deeply personal journey about planetary loss, and what we love, what we have lost, and how we move forward. Through a series of engaging, thought-provoking, and moving conversations with incredible guests from around the world, Second Nature is an invitation to come together to share stories of loss, love, despair, and joy, as we learn how to live with – and embrace – ecological grief and mourning.

12. 

    24 Apr 2025

    Hearing Ecological Loss: Insights from Soundscape Ecologist Dr. Bernie Krause

    Welcome to Second Nature, Living with Ecological Grief. In today's episode, host Ashlee Cunsolo interviews Dr. Bernie Krause, a pioneer in soundscape ecology, about his 50-year journey documenting natural sounds. Comparing these soundscapes to the richness, diversity, and importance of the  Library of Alexandria, Dr. Krause reveals a distressing decline of natural soundscapes due to climate change and human activity. He emphasizes the emotional and cultural importance of natural sounds, sharing personal anecdotes, including a story about beaver grief and the devastating impact of the 2017 California wildfires on his life. Dr. Krause insists on the emotional capacity of animals and the necessity of proactive listening for environmental awareness. Through his work, such as "The Great Animal Orchestra," Dr. Krause combines science and art to evoke public response to ecological issues. Ashlee and Dr. Krause stress the urgency of reconnecting with nature to address broader environmental crises, leaving listeners with a call to face ecological loss with courage and awareness. Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/SFUA9bKExdk -- Welcome to Second Nature, a podcast about living with ecological grief. In each episode, Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo takes us on a deeply personal journey about planetary loss, and what we love, what we have lost, and how we move forward. Through a series of engaging, thought-provoking, and moving conversations with incredible guests from around the world, Second Nature is an invitation to come together to share stories of loss, love, despair, and joy, as we learn how to live with – and embrace – ecological grief and mourning.

13. 

    22 Apr 2025

    Welcome to Second Nature, Living with Ecological Grief: A Podcast About What We Love, What We Lose, and How We Cope

    In the first episode of Second Nature, Living with Ecological Grief, host Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo introduces her over 15-year journey of exploring ecological grief, climate change, and mental health. She shares a formative childhood experience with a destroyed beaver pond, highlighting her early, solitary struggles with ecological grief. Her involvement deepened in 2008 during research in Northern Labrador, where conversations with Inuit, particularly a pivotal dialogue with Inuit Elder Sarah Baikie in 2009, enhanced her understanding and guided this work. This led to the multi-year documentary project "Lament for the Land," which garnered global attention. Ashlee emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing grief to foster resilience and healing, drawing on insights from Francis Weller's "The Wild Edge of Sorrow." She underscores grief's relational power, urging listeners to face ecological grief collectively and proactively. The show promises to explore global narratives and encourage courageous conversations, reminding us to approach life "one day at a time." - Mourning Nature: Hope at the Heart of Ecological Loss and Grief by Ashlee Cunsolo and Karen Landman -  https://www.amazon.com/Mourning-Nature-Heart-Ecological-Grief/dp/077354934X/ -Lament for the land film - http://www.lamentfortheland.ca/ - The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller - https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Edge-Sorrow-Rituals-Renewal/dp/1583949763 Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/SFUA9bKExdk -- Welcome to Second Nature, a podcast about living with ecological grief. In each episode, Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo takes us on a deeply personal journey about planetary loss, and what we love, what we have lost, and how we move forward. Through a series of engaging, thought-provoking, and moving conversations with incredible guests from around the world, Second Nature is an invitation to come together to share stories of loss, love, despair, and joy, as we learn how to live with – and embrace – ecological grief and mourning.

14. 

    12 Feb 2024

    Second Nature: Living with Ecological Grief: Trailer

    Welcome to Second Nature, a podcast about living with ecological grief. Each week, Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo takes us on a deeply personal journey about planetary loss, and what we love, what we have lost, and how we move forward. Through a series of engaging, thought-provoking, and moving conversations with incredible guests from around the world, Second Nature is an invitation to come together to share stories of loss, love, despair, and joy, as we learn how to live with – and embrace – ecological grief and mourning.

Who has been a guest on Second Nature: Living with Ecological Grief

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Francis Weller
• Caroline Hickman
• Sarah Jaquette Ray
• Renée Lertzman

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 12 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

11

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Second Nature: Living with Ecological Grief

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.