Episode Details

What if the solution to the climate crisis and the key to democratic renewal were powered by the same thing?

In this episode of Art is Change, we'll explore Bill McKiibben new book, Here Comes the Sun, and draw a powerful parallel between the emerging solar energy story and narrative of as a force for democracy and social change.

What if stories could be fuel just like solar energy?

What if the narratives we share could help shift the tide against authoritarian fear?

In this episode of Art is Change, we draw the connection between hopeful breakthroughs on the climate front and the power of story making in the fight for democracy. The provocation for these audacious questions is Bill McKibben's new book, Here Comes the Sun, which isn't just another climate manifesto. It backs hope with data.

1. In it, we'll hear how ordinary farmers in places like Pakistan are transforming energy access without big subsidies, . Just affordability, imagination and a DIY spirit.
2. Then we'll explore how mythic stories of fear and scarcity get reinforced and how we might actively replace them with notions of abundance, possibility and connection.
3. And finally, we'll consider how something as simple as story circles neighbors telling each other what they see and feel can be a solar array of for democracy, act one, here comes the sun with a vengeance.

Notable Mentions

Here’s a list of all the people, events, organizations, and publications mentioned during the show.

1. People

Bill Cleveland – Host of Art is Change podcast and Director of the Center for the Study of Art and Community .

Bill McKibben – Environmentalist, author, and founder of 350.org, often called one of the “grandfathers” of the climate movement. His new book Here Comes the Sun anchors the episode .

Chris Hayes – Journalist and host of MSNBC’s Why Is This Happening? podcast, where he discussed McKibben’s ideas .

John O’Neal – Playwright, director, and co-founder of the Free Southern Theater. He pioneered the use of story circles as a tool for community dialogue and activism .

Judy Munson – Composer responsible for the Art is Change theme and soundscapes .

2. Events

Civil Rights Movement (1960s) – Movement for racial justice in the U.S., where story circles were used to amplify voices and fuel activism .

Hattiesburg, Mississippi Civil Rights organizing – Example of story circles transformed into community theater during the movement .

Milestone, Mississippi civil rights activities – Community where Free Southern Theater and story circles had significant impact .

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