In our first episode of Designers of Paradise host Erik van Lennep talks with filmmaker and storyteller Peter Byck. Peter is associated with both the Schools of Sustainability and Journalism at Arizona State University. He released Carbon Nation in 2010 and has since produced a series of short documentaries exploring the impact of adaptive multi-paddock grazing on farms and ranches called Soil Carbon Cowboys.
Peter and Erik’s discussion moves from stories about telling stories to the story and science mix needed to explain the potential of healthy soil and the repercussions of new soil management approaches. They talk about Peter’s unique approach to emphasizing listening – “the power of being heard” – and serendipity to create powerful video. Peter suggests farmers were the first scientists and that soil offers “common ground” for understanding even across political divides. They conclude with discussion of some of the thinkers who have guided Peter’s work.
Peter’s work:
References to people and events that were discussed:
- Newsgeist conference
- Science Friday and poisonous snails
- John Wick, Marin Carbon Project
- Wendell Berry, Poet, farmer, writer, activist, academic
- David R. Montgomery, author of :
Designers of Paradise is made possible, in part, by Mind & Media. Over the last quarter century, the writers, producers, storytellers and media specialists at Mind & Media have spearheaded a multitude of engaging and complex communication campaigns.
Disclaimer – Thanks for your patience with (at times) “kitchen table” recording quality. It’s our hope that you will enjoy hearing our interviews as if you were sitting in on the conversations. As we further develop our resources and capacity, we will be bringing the audio closer to studio standards. Meanwhile, thanks for listening!
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