The Coolest Show

Over the past few weeks we’ve been exploring the many layers behind the Netflix documentary The Plastic Detox as part of our special series rollout — looking at how storytelling, science, and community come together to address the plastic pollution crisis. First, we explored the production side — how filmmakers bring these stories to life. Then we looked at the pollution itself — the chemicals and...

As we continue our focus on how film and production function as tools for justice, we’re leaning into the idea that storytelling doesn’t just inform—it transforms. Because culture shapes policy. And policy shapes lives. When we talk about the climate crisis, we often focus on policy debates and scientific reports. But film has the power to make those realities personal to help us see the human sta...

When most people think about climate change, they picture melting glaciers or rising seas. But what if the climate crisis isn’t just happening around us? What if it’s happening inside us? What if the same pollution warming the planet is also disrupting our hormones, our fertility, and the future of our children? This episode features Dr. Shanna Swan and Professor Jasmine McDonald — two leading sci...

In this episode of The Coolest Show, Rev Yearwood is joined by author and essayist Mary Heglar, whose work ruminates on climate grief and justice. As a Black woman who grew up in the South, she speaks to the importance of telling stories that are explicit about the impacts of climate change and that honor the sacrifices of previous generations. Heglar also reads an excerpt from her new novel Troub...

In this episode of the The Coolest Show, Rev Yearwood sits down with Dr. Earthea Nance, the Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator for Region 6. The conversation highlights the importance of intersectionality between climate and other social issues. Dr. Nance discusses the work the EPA is doing to protect Cancer Alley in Louisiana and the need for strategy in sacrifice zones. Recor...

In this episode of The Coolest Show, Rev Yearwood holds an intimate conversation with Time100 influential person Sharon Lavigne and her daughter, climate justice advocate Shamyra Lavigne Davey. The series aims to illuminate the environmental and social justice challenges facing Louisiana’s Cancer Alley. In her community of St. James Parish, Sharon Lavigne founded the grassroots organization Rise S...

In this episode of The Coolest Show, Rev Yearwood heads to New Orleans for a live, in-person conversation with activists and community organizers, Jo and Joy Banner. The Banner sisters are committed to turning plantations into green spaces. Through the Descendents Project, they challenge systems that try to exploit descendants of those enslaved to plantations while ensuring their future and happin...

In this episode of The Coolest Show, Rev Yearwood heads to New Orleans for a live, in-person conversation with renowned poet, activist, and cultural worker Sunni Patterson. The series aims to illuminate the environmental and social justice challenges facing Louisiana’s Cancer Alley. Patterson, celebrated for her evocative spoken word performances and steadfast community advocacy, brings a profound...

This episode serves as the introduction to a special series titled “Community Over Cancer Alley,” presented by Think 100% and the Hip Hop Caucus. The series aims to shine a light on the environmental and social justice challenges faced by the communities in Louisiana’s Cancer Alley. Rev Yearwood sets the stage by delving into the historical significance of the 1811 revolt and drawing connections t...

In this episode of “The Coolest Show,” we delve into the world of artivism with an inspiring lineup of guests. Hosted by JaRel Clay from the Hip Hop Caucus, the episode features intimate interviews with Tarriona “Tank” Ball from Tank and the Bangas, Singer-Songwriter Durand Bernarr, Cooke Nasty, and Ryan Butler from the Recording Academy. These talented artists and artivists share their journeys a...

In this special 10-year anniversary episode of The Coolest Show Podcast, host Rev Yearwood is joined by DeJuan Cross, one of the producers and engineers behind the groundbreaking album “H.O.M.E. Heal Our Mother Earth.” Together, they dive into an in-depth review of the album, reflecting on its creation and enduring impact in the realm of environmental justice. This episode offers liste...

In this special episode of The Coolest Show Podcast, JaRel Clay from the Hip Hop Caucus leads a compelling discussion on Movement Music and Artivism. He is joined by the multi-talented Antonique Smith, a Grammy-nominated singer and actress known for her role in “Notorious” and her stirring performances in “Luke Cage.” Alongside her is the soulful singer Choklate, celebrated...

In this episode of  The Coolest Show , Producer and Guest Host Tamara Toles O’Laughlin sits down with Rev Yearwood to delve into the powerful fusion of movement music and artivism. They explore how the climate movement has historically overlooked the crucial role of art and creativity in driving change. Rev Yearwood, President and CEO of the Hip Hop Caucus, highlights the organization’s pione...

In this special Memorial Day episode of The Coolest Show Podcast, host Rev Yearwood delivers a heartfelt message encouraging listeners to take time to rest, relax, and enjoy their holiday. Acknowledging the importance of reflection and rejuvenation, Rev Yearwood underscores the significance of Memorial Day as a time to honor those who have served while also taking a moment for self-care and connec...

In this special episode of The Coolest Show, host Rev Yearwood steps into a different role as he delivers a heartfelt commencement speech at Paul Smith’s College. The occasion is particularly poignant as Rev’s son, River Yearwood, is among the graduates of the class of 2024. The episode captures the essence of the moment, filled with pride, hope, and the weight of responsibility that comes with st...

In this episode of The Coolest Show Podcast, hosted by Rev Yearwood, listeners are treated to a behind-the-scenes glimpse as the producers, Tamara Toles O’Laughlin, Destiny Hodges, and DeJuan Cross, take the stage. As the sixth season unfolds, this special episode serves as a comprehensive update on the intersection of climate, culture, and politics. With a fervent dedication to amplifying underre...

In this episode of The Coolest Show, Assistant Producer Destiny Hodges takes the reins, filling in for Rev Yearwood, and continues speaking to an inspiring lineup of guests to delve into the transformative world of urban greening. In this episode, Destiny leads Dr. Manuel Pastor, director of USC Equity Research Institute, and Sissy Trinh, Executive Director, Southeast Asian Community Alliance (SEA...

In this episode of The Coolest Show, Assistant Producer Destiny Hodges takes the reins, filling in for Rev Yearwood, and sits down with an inspiring lineup of guests to delve into the transformative world of urban greening. In this episode, Destiny leads discussions with Russell Armstrong from the Hip Hop Caucus, Marquees Harris Dawson, Councilmember for District 8 of Los Angeles, Richard Garcia o...

In this episode of The Coolest Show podcast, host Rev Yearwood engages in a discussion with Daniel Cordalis, a distinguished member of the Navajo Nation and Staff Attorney at the Native American Rights Fund. Together, they delve into the pressing issue of the Colorado River Basin’s dwindling water supply, a lifeline for 40 million people across multiple states and Tribal Nations. The conversation...

Chad Brown is the Founder & President of Soul River Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting inner-city youth with the outdoors through transformative experiences. Chad has focused his efforts on empowering marginalized communities to engage with nature and become stewards of the environment. In Alaska, Chad has been instrumental in leading expeditions and educational programs t...

Alyssa Quintyne is a Bajan-American community organizer, musician, researcher, and artist based in Fairbanks, Alaska. Her artwork subverts the artistic trope of Black women portrayed in positions of servitude. Her organizing is centered in intersectionality, democracy, accessibility, and communal healing and action in response to the impacts of industry and the climate crisis. In this episode of T...

The Mississippi River has shaped much of American history–from colonization and forming borders to enslavement and “Manifest Destiny.” This river basin is the largest drainage basin in the US, the second longest river in North America, and runs almost the entire length of the US before flowing into the Gulf of Mexico through southeast Louisiana. It covers about 40 percent of the continental United...

In this episode of “The Coolest Show” podcast, Tamara Toles O’Laughlin engages in a dynamic conversation with Heather McTeer Toney. As the Executive Director at Beyond Petrochemicals, Heather leads the charge in pioneering sustainable practices, championing environmental justice, and bridging gaps in the energy sector. With a stellar background, including her impactful collaboration with Bloomberg...

On this episode of “The Coolest Show,” we welcome the dynamic Rukia Lumumba as a guest. A tenacious advocate and Executive Director of the People’s Advocacy Institute, Lumumba brings her unwavering commitment to social justice to the forefront. In this captivating interview, she engages in a poignant conversation with Rev Yearwood, delving into her inspiring journey as a community leader and her r...

Our Black Executive series highlights Black people in pivotal roles in the Biden-Harris Administration. Given the Administration’s investment in climate and clean energy and its relatively short timeline, we want to ensure those individuals who have been tasked with what could accurately be called an “impossible feat” are seen and supported. Like the rest of us, they have humanity and their own vi...