A Little Bit of Lagom

In this episode, I spoke with Rex Molapo, the co-founder of Conservation Music Lesotho, an organisation using the media of music to raise awareness about the climate crisis and as an educational tool to share knowledge with communities on environmental issues.    Rex also shares wonderful advice on raising awareness and sharing information in a way that inspires action as opposed to apathy, and why the arts has such power in awareness raising, education and cultivating meaningful action. We also discuss her experiences attending the Youth Pre-cop back in September, and analysing in more depth the outcomes of these events as perceived on personal and more global scales. I hope that you enjoy this episode, and stick around until the end of the episode for some extra suggestions on ways to take climate action and bring about some positive changes this week.  @alittlebitoflagom    Episode transcript/additional notes:  https://www.alittlebitoflagom.org/ep-39-sharing-music-to-educate-and-empower-with-rex-from-conservation-music-lesotho/    Music: Martyn King   

  In today's episode with Eirini Sakellari, we discuss the inseparable nature of biodiversity from the climate crisis, and how this connection is not being communicated strongly enough and reflecting the complexity within it. Eirini talks about the need to centre a rights-based approach in conservation and restoration. There is an incredible need to connect biodiversity, conservation and human rights which historically has not been the case with the roots of conservation very much tied within colonialism.   We delve into conversations around whether there can be any such thing as ‘ethical’ money in a capitalist system, and the complexities existing in funding environmental projects, be it on a grass roots or NGO level. Eirini outlines the role that environmental policy can play, as well as its limitations, and why the term ‘intersectional environmentalism’ is an ideology that needs to be much more widely embraced.   Eirini works within area-based conservation and is originally from Greece, specifically the Island of Crete. For her bachelors degree, she studied Chemistry and then went on to study environmental sciences for her masters degree, focusing a lot on environmental policy and sustainable development diplomacy. Eirini is one of the co-coordinators for GYBN Europe, which is how I came to meet her, and she’s also the youth assistant coordinator of the global landscapes forum – youth in landscapes initiative.   I found this such an interesting and thought provoking conversation - it made me realise how much more I have to learn in this area, and I hope it sparks your interest to delve deeper into these topics.   Episode transcript and additional resources: https://www.alittlebitoflagom.org/ep-38-the-connected-complexities-of-biodiversity-human-rights-and-the-climate-crisis-with-eirini-sakellari/   Music: Martyn King  

In this episode, I talk with Nele Vanhoyweghen who is a former Belgian UN youth delegate for sustainable development, and currently studies sociology at Gent University where she is a student representative trying to focus on sustainability, climate and inclusivity. We discuss many things from the importance of generational equity, critiquing party politics, the need for inclusivity and a prioritisation of wellbeing, along with the hopeful possibilities of a just transition. Nele also shares her own personal experiences with mental health, and how she made the decision to be more open about the fact that she has a depression, anxiety and has autism. We discuss the incredibly damaging implications of stigmatisation, stereotypes and the taboos that still exist around mental health, the ways they manifest and the huge need for this to be dismantled. Nele also highlights the immense rise in burn out, and how implementing rest is so crucial to support wellbeing, and again having the space to communicate more openly about mental health without fears of judgement or experiencing stigmatisation is so essential. This is such a thought-provoking episode, with immense honesty, consideration of the visions to create a better future, and many beautiful words of wisdom that I hope they resonate with you too.   Episode Transcript/Additional Notes:  https://www.alittlebitoflagom.org/ep-36-activism-stigmatism-and-infuriating-party-politics-with-nele-van-hoyweghen/    Music: Martyn King

https://ko-fi.com/alittlebitoflagom  - Your support is so important and greatly appreciated for the continuation and sustainability of the podcast, thank you   In this episode, I had such a lovely and informative conversation with Renata Koch Alvarenga, a youth gender and climate justice advocate from Porto Alegre, Brazil. She is the Founder and Director of EmpoderaClima, an educational initiative about gender equality and climate action focused on youth in the Global South. EmpoderaClima produces informative content on climate justice in Portuguese, Spanish, English and French, and engages in multiple advocacy platforms, such as the UN Girls' Education Initiative and the UNFCCC. Renata has presented her work in 7 countries and is involved in many global initiatives, including the Youth Constituency of the UN Climate Change Convention, where she is Co-Lead of the Gender working group, and UN Women, where she is a National Youth Gender Activist representing Brazil. Renata is also a G(irls)20 Ambassador, and currently works with politics and diplomacy in Rio de Janeiro.  In this conversation, we discuss topics surrounding climate and gender justice, which Renata shares so much valuable insight into, and how achieving gender balance in positions of leadership is essential in building a more just, sustainable and equitable society. Renata shares about her youth activism, rooted in intersectional feminist action for climate justice, including her activities as founder and director of EmpoderaClima. She also explains and unpicks a lot of climate policy lingo which can often be very inaccessible and quite overwhelming. We talk about the important qualities of empathy, listening and optimism within positions of leadership, as it is only from a place of hope that we are able to create a vision for a more positive and beautiful future.  Episode Transcript/Extra resources can be found here:  https://www.alittlebitoflagom.org/ep-35-climate-and-gender-justice-with-renata-koch-alvarenga/    Music: Martyn King  

If you're enjoying the podcast and would like to support its continuation, please check out the Ko-fi account: https://ko-fi.com/alittlebitoflagom  In this episode, I talk with Boris and Viktor from Etika Mondo, an eco-village located in France. In this conversation, there were many ideas and visions that really stuck with me and I hope you connect with these beautiful moments too. They share such interesting perspectives on how we have come to define low tech and high tech, individualism and community, the idea of luxury and also the incredibly complex nature of collective intelligence. I really enjoyed talking with Boris and Viktor, I learned so much and gained lots of inspiration from their perspectives, and I hope you enjoy this episode too!! I do have to apologise in advance, there are a few audio issues in this episode. Boris and Viktor chatted with me from outside which was so lovely but also meant the sound quality isn’t as clear. Also, a huge thanks to Esmeralda who joined this chat to help out with any translations, so greatly appreciated!!! Episode transcript/summary:  https://www.alittlebitoflagom.org/ep-34-eco-village-insights-with-boris-and-viktor-from-etika-mondo/    Music: Martyn King

This podcast relies on support from the wonderful community of listeners. If you are finding the content valuable, and are in a financial position to support the podcast, please check out the Ko-Fi account where you can make a one off donation for as little as £3 - https://ko-fi.com/alittlebitoflagom  Thank you for your support!    In today’s episode, I had such a wonderful conversation with Heizal Nagginda. Heizal is the founder of Climate Operation, a youth led organisation based in Uganda, which focuses on educating young people and the community about climate change and its intersection between various social issues. They prioritise making climate education accessible and digestible, run workshops for schools and organise activities such as tree planting, which you’ll learn much more about throughout this conversation. Heizal shares the motivations behind Climate Operation, the importance of accessible information to educate children about the climate crisis in Uganda, and the need to focus on the human impact of the climate crisis, including the health and social impacts. We delve into discussing the damages surrounding the way the climate crisis is portrayed within mainstream media and how the narrative and lens through which it is seen needs to shift and drastically expand. Heizal shares such important insights and was absolute joy to talk with. I hope you enjoy!   Episode Notes/Transcript: https://www.alittlebitoflagom.org/ep-33-climate-operation-educating-and-connecting-with-heizal-nagginda/    Music: Martyn King

https://ko-fi.com/alittlebitoflagom    Valentina Prada Flórez (she/her) is a Literature student at the University of Los Andes in Colombia. She is interested in gender issues and human rights regarding the climate crisis, which she aspires to relate with her career once she graduates. She is part of Fridays for Future Bogotá, Viernes por el Futuro Colombia (FFF Colombia), her university's climate committee (MAUA Uniandes) and co-founded Latinas for Climate. She's currently coordinating the Escazú Agreement campaign for FFF Bogotá and starting her way through photojournalism.   In this conversation, Valentina shares her path into climate activism, including her involvement with many youth-led organisations and how her studies in literature shape the perspective she offers into climate conversation. We discuss the importance of accessible information which can empower people to engage in climate action which links to the incredible work Latinas for Climate is doing in creating such resources. Valentina also talks about the creation of Latinas for climate, the aims of the organisation and her work on campaigns surrounding the Escazú agreement, along with what this agreement would come to mean.   I hope you enjoy this episode!    Show notes/Extra resources: https://www.alittlebitoflagom.org/ep-32-youth-activism-and-self-reflection-with-valentina-prada/    Music: Martyn King    

https://ko-fi.com/alittlebitoflagom    In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Farah Ahmed, who works for Julie’s Bicycle - a London based charity that supports the creative community to act on climate change and environmental sustainability. Farah’s interests lie in exploring connections between environmental, racial and social justice, creative activism and how art can reshape climate narratives. Farah is a co-founder and facilitator of Diaspora Dialogues for Our Futures, a reflective space for people of colour to centre collective care in the face of the climate crisis.   In this conversation, Farah shares her journey into her work at Julie’s Bicycle and how this influenced the way she connected to the environmental movement as well as the important role art has to contribute to this space. We discuss the need for systemic change to tackle social injustices and the damaging impact of an individualistic focus within the environmental movement. Farah shares crucial messages surrounding the need to be centering marginalised voices and opening up spaces to listen to those on the front lines of the climate crisis, as well as looking beyond the symptoms to target and address the root causes of the climate crisis. She also highlights the importance dismantling gate keeping and all oppressive systems, and she shares such beautiful messages of what she is hopeful about for the future.   Episode Notes/Resources:  https://www.alittlebitoflagom.org/ep-31-climate-justice-advocacy-in-the-arts-with-farah-ahmed/    Music: Martyn King

In this episode, I was in conversation with Antonio, Pamela and Joi 'Junebug', the board members of the Unity Among Nations Youth Council, a youth-led organisation working to address issues affecting their sovereignty, liberty, and way of life as Indigenous Peoples. Their purpose also includes dismantling systems of oppression, healing themselves and the land through tradition, culture and action to liberate their people from the bondage of colonialism.   I can’t thank Antonio, Pamela and Junebug enough for all that you shared. These very real and current lived experiences need to be heard, and I hope that through listening to the rawness, humanity and honesty, we can do deep reflecting and dedicating ourselves to becoming better allies, working to dismantle white supremacy and the insidiousness of systems of oppression.   You can find Unity Among Nations Youth Council at unityamongnations.org or email them - admin@unityamongnations.org   Episode notes/resources:  https://www.alittlebitoflagom.org/ep-30-the-uncensored-truths-from-indigenous-youth-with-unity-among-nations-youth-council/    Music: Martyn King

In today’s episode, I’m sharing with you a conversation with Shirleen Chin, who is a part of the legal and diplomatic team of the Stop Ecocide Campaign!    The Stop Ecocide Foundation is doing incredibly important work in pushing for ecocide to become recognised as an international law. This would be a crucial step in the fight to hold individuals accountable for the horrific destruction caused to the environment disproportionately impacting marginalised communities.   Shirleen shares much more about the Stop Ecocide campaign, examples of what would be considered ecocide, the process involved in getting ecocide recognised as an international crime, why this process is so important along with how you can support the campaign.   Lots to learn from this one and I hope you enjoy!!   Instagram: @ecocidelaw   Episode Notes/Resources: https://www.alittlebitoflagom.org/ep-29-supporting-the-stop-ecocide-campaign-with-shirleen-chin/    Music: Martyn King

In this episode, I’m sharing with you a conversation with someone I find really awesome, and she’s called Esmeralda.  I first got in touch with Esmeralda as I saw she was living in a tiny house which I thought was absolutely fascinating and I had so many questions I wanted to ask. I then learned about all the incredible work she is doing! In this chat, we talk about the climate action groups she’s a part of – Global Youth Biodiversity Network, The Green Youth, she was a Belgian Youth Delegate at the UN climate conference, and is involved in organising Weekends for Future. She is also the founder of and a part of a few local action groups too! We talk about how Esmeralda came to living in a tiny house, the importance of community action, and looking after your well-being in the face of eco-anxiety. This was our first back and forth conversation after a while of voice noting getting to know each other, which was such a lovely experience. I hope you enjoy the conversation!!   Episode notes and extra resources:  https://www.alittlebitoflagom.org/ep-28-tiny-house-talks-and-beyond-with-esmeralda-wirtz/    Music: Martyn King

In this episode, I’m sharing with you a conversation I had with Francisca Rockey (@franrockey), a geographer, campaigner, influencer, advocate and activist who is regularly involved in social campaigns, and charity fundraising. She is also a blogger, writer and public speaker featured in mainstream and online media. She founded Black Geographers (@blackgeographers), a community interest company working to tackle black people’s erasure in geography by creating a platform for black geographers to connect. The platform has a global audience of over 10,000 members. Francisca is studying geography as an undergraduate, and in this chat, we talk about what led her to study geography, how she started the Black Geographers platform, the work they are doing and the goals she hopes to achieve through the platform. We also discuss her work as a writer, specifically some recent articles published by Euronews which I definitely recommend you read.  After diving into her work, Francisca then shares incredibly important perspectives surrounding looking after your mental health, especially when engaging in such crucial work, and the importance of setting boundaries. Definitely a lot to learn from this conversation, and lots of useful advice to take away.   Episode Notes/Resources:  https://www.alittlebitoflagom.org/ep-27-self-preservation-geographical-perspectives-and-diversifying-the-narrative-with-francisca-rockey/    Music: Martyn King

https://ko-fi.com/alittlebitoflagom  In this episode I’m sharing with you a conversation with the wonderful Joyce Najm Mendez (@multiculturalsustainable). Joyce expresses how worrying it is that many of us under this capitalist society have become so disconnected from nature, and highlights the importance of a paradigm shift away from financial growth towards prioritising quality and human connections. She shares so openly and honestly about personal sacrifices, experiences in and advice on finding sustainability in your own life to support your health when engaging in such crucial work. It’s hard to know where to start when summarising all the incredible work Joyce doing within the sustainability sector; from working as a social entrepreneur on the water-energy-food nexus, to co-founding several organisations across Latin America, centering youth engagement and trans-boundary cooperation.  Joyce was one of only 30 Young people selected to be part of the Abu Dhabi Climate Action Meeting, supporting the organisation of the first ever United Nations Youth Climate Summit in 2019. She is also TEDx lecturer, has been invited to join the group of leaders ‘Women Rise for All’ and is Involved in many youth networks – World Youth Parliament for Water, Youth Group CJBP3, Paraguayan Youth Network for water, currently working as fundraising chair of the Young Climate Ambassadors of CUNCR. Joyce is currently a Masters of Science candidate in Sustainability and Adaptation Planning at the Centre of Alternative Technology, Wales, UK.   I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to speak with Joyce and hear her pathway into this incredible work, I find her so inspiring. I hope you enjoy!   Episode Notes/Extra Resources:  https://www.alittlebitoflagom.org/ep-26-cooperating-and-connecting-with-nature-in-building-a-sustainable-world-with-joyce-mendez/    Music: Martyn King

This is the final episode in the All Things Vegan series! I’m so excited to share this episode with you, as I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Momoko Hill (@oh_momoko), someone who I have admired and been inspired by for a while now, and it felt so special to have the opportunity to chat with her, she’s such a wonderful human being. We cover so many topics - Momoko’s vegan story, how veganism is ultimately about compassion and that this must be extended to all human and non-human animals. We discuss the damaging connotations surrounding the vegan movement, the importance of stripping away deep-rooted white supremacist ideologies, and the crucial practice of a good apology and owning up to mistakes. Momoko shares aspects of her spiritual journey, her favourite vegan foods and an insight into the awesome work she is doing. This includes being a co-host on the Chickpeeps podcast and working for Wicked Foods, and we also talk about the wonderful values behind her lovely supportive Facebook group GLO Vegan. I can’t thank Momo enough, it was so lovely talking with her and I hope you enjoy listening as much as I loved chatting with her.   Episode notes and extra resources:  https://www.alittlebitoflagom.org/ep-25-all-things-vegan-4-4-with-momoko-hill/   Music: Martyn King

If this is the first January episode you’re listening to, I’ve dedicated these January episodes to talking about veganism, as it’s something I’m hugely passionate about and it was a huge step in helping me recognise the contradictions that exist in many situations between our actions and our values.    This episode feels very special to me as in this conversation I’m having a chat with my sister, Chlöe.  This conversation is filled with honesty, rationality, emotion and a few tangents which somehow still feel rather related, to me anyway. I hope you connect with the values and perspectives we discuss, and allow yourself to be open to feeling and thinking perhaps a little differently.   Episode Notes/Resources:  https://www.alittlebitoflagom.org/ep-24-all-things-vegan-3-4-with-chloe-king/    Ko-fi Account:  https://ko-fi.com/alittlebitoflagom    Music: Martyn King

Here we have episode 2/4 of the 'All Things Vegan' episodes!    For those of you who have been following the podcast or @alittlebitoflagom on Instagram, you will likely know that I am vegan and it is something I am very passionate about. So, in the spirit of Veganuary, I have decided to dedicate the episodes to focusing on veganism, talking with some awesome human beings who are passionate about veganism too.   In this episode, I am talking with Ida Hesselmark, who I met when I moved to Malmö back in September. Ida is also a dance artist, and a part time barista, and since we are both vegan, we often have conversations about vegan things, so I thought it could be nice to record one of these chats in the hope it could be useful to you in some way. Ida shares her journey into veganism, some responses to anti-vegan arguments, advice and responses to some things that may hold you back from becoming vegan, along with many other things.   I hope you enjoy the episode!  Extra notes/resources:  https://www.alittlebitoflagom.org/ep-23-all-things-vegan-2-4-with-ida-hesselmark/    Music: Martyn King

Happy New Year! And…. Happy Veganuary!! Due to an overwhelmingly positive response to my proposition of dedicating the podcast episodes of January to vegan talks, in the spirit of Veganuary, that is what is happening this month 😊 For those of you who have been following the podcast or @alittlebitoflagom on Instagram, you will know that I am vegan and it is something I am very passionate about. So, to kick of the first of 4 'All Things Vegan' episodes, I’m speaking with the awesome Jackie Hunter @_plantfriends on Instagram, who is a vegan food content blogger from Detroit, Michigan. Get ready for some wonderful advice, recipe inspiration and other vegan chit chat. Thanks so much again to Jackie 😊 Extra Resources/Episode notes: https://alittlebitoflagom.wixsite.com/lagom/post/ep-22-all-things-vegan-1-4-with-jackie-hunter Ko-fi Account:  https://ko-fi.com/alittlebitoflagom Music: Martyn King

A huge thank you to all of the wonderful guests who have come on the podcast, shared such interesting perspectives and experiences, I'm so incredibly grateful! As this chaotic year draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on things I’ve learned, mistakes I’ve made, nuggets of wisdom that have really stuck with me, and looking forward to how all these experiences inform what I’m trying and planning to do moving forward. If you'd like to get in touch, you can email me: alittlebitoflagom@gmail.com  Or find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alittlebitoflagom/  I'd love to hear what you've been learning and changing!   Extra Resources/Episode Notes:  https://alittlebitoflagom.wixsite.com/lagom/post/ep-21-reflecting-and-projecting  Special thanks to:  Kathleen Varendia: https://www.instagram.com/kathandtheplanet/  Randie Cimino: https://www.instagram.com/theknowwastestore/  Alysha: https://www.instagram.com/the.sustainable.scientist/  Martha Powell: https://www.instagram.com/marthainthestars/  Matilda Bjarum: https://www.instagram.com/matildabjarum/  Scott Thomson: https://www.instagram.com/sustainabilityscott/  Crap Activist: https://www.instagram.com/thecrapactivist/  Jasmine Harrison: https://www.instagram.com/themodernboheme/  Jam Jar Gill: https://www.instagram.com/jamjargill/  Xenia: https://www.instagram.com/sustainaxenia/  Music: Martyn King

https://ko-fi.com/alittlebitoflagom - Your support is so greatly appreciated, thank you!    In this episode I had a chat with Xenia, a sustainability blogger with a masters in sustainable development.   Xenia shares her experiences living a zero waste and more minimalist life, along with discussing impacts of privilege making this more attainable, and barriers surrounding sustainability. She explains the ways in which capitalism is the root of many problems the world is facing, shares advice on managing eco-anxiety, and of course how she finds her little bit of Lagom.   I hope you enjoy the episode!    Episode blog post with extra resources:  https://alittlebitoflagom.wixsite.com/lagom/post/ep-20-sustainability-economics-and-the-privileged-power-of-knowledge-with-xenia    Music: Martyn King

https://ko-fi.com/alittlebitoflagom  Hello, I hope you are doing well wherever you are! In this episode, I chatted with Gill, also known as Jam Jar Gill, a mother of two 3 year old twin boys (who turn 4 on the release date of this episode - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!). She runs a blog discussing sustainability, holistic well-being and also loves to support local, eco-friendly businesses who openly support sustainability and the green economy. I was so touched when Gill got in contact expressing her desire to come on the podcast and chat with me. She offers interesting perspectives on sustainability, consumerism and well-being, along with some useful advice, including tips for parents trying to live in a more eco-friendly way.  Instagram @jamjargill Website: https://jamjargill.com/  Extra notes/resources:  https://alittlebitoflagom.wixsite.com/lagom/post/ep-19-holistic-health-and-eco-friendly-family-life-with-jam-jar-gill  I hope you enjoy the episode! :) If you'd like to get in touch, you can find me @alittlebitoflagom on Instagram, or drop me an email - alittlebitoflagom@gmail.com I'd love to hear from you!