Green Rapids Podcast

Take a hike with Erica as she reconnects with the nature of why many of us are doing this work, including Stacy Stout the President and CEO of Blandford Nature Center. In this interview they uncover the deeply rooted love for the outdoors they both share and how it's shaped the direction of their lives and careers. Learn more about Blandford Nature Center is more than a place to learn but a place...

Ride along with Erica for another Rapid River update! She is bringing you the latest on all things happening locally here in Grand Rapids, from the commission seat changes to flooding happening across the state. As things seem to shift daily in politics and the environment, now is the time for collective action, accountability, emergency preparedness and a whole lot of hope. Doing our best not to...

Erica takes a (pedestrian friendly) walk along memory lane with Marco Allegretti, a Wayne State University Grad Student who's in the Masters Program for Public Administration focusing on urban planning and community development. They talk about their trip to two beautiful and sustainable cities in Europe; Paris and Barcelona! These two cities are leading their communities to longer and higher qual...

The tide is high but I'm holdin' on! Green Rapids is back and szn four is bringing you even more! Erica kicks us off with Rapid River updates from local and international news, ways you can stay connected in your community and as always, keepin' it real. Catch a wave along Green Rapids for a season you won't want to miss!

Nancy and Erica sunset szn 3 of Green Rapids Podcast by commemorating their favorite interviews of 2025. They talk about how they ebb and flow through organizing in this heightened political climate and how that has shifted their work and priorities. Tune in with us to sip the tea for the last time, until next time!

Nancy and Erica get to the heart of the relation between environmental health and community health with Annalise Hammerlund and Steven Ashmead. These healthcare providers and members of Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action (MiCCA) get real about the future for the people and the planet. With a focus on solutions for the Grand Rapids community, they explore what we can do to work together to comb...

Nancy and Erica power up to take on their arch nemeses; DTE & Consumers Energy, with a petition that should blow their lobbying power$ out of our (political) world! They talk about how signing petitions and ballot initiatives help us, the people, take back our power and stick it to greedy corporations. Get energized about MMOP (Michiganders for Money Out of Politics) and learn how to make an impac...

Nancy and Erica get a lesson in nervous system regulation and how to stay cool in this heavy climate with Mental Health Professional, AC Cluley. AC (aka Hot Sauce) gives perspective on how not having access to clean water, education and a healthy environment has an impact on everyone, especially our BIPOC and often most vulnerable communities. This poet gets deep about their lived experience to he...

Nancy and Erica dip their toes into the Grand River with a little help from Water Resource Engineer, Jemel Thompson. In this conversation Jemel takes them on a voyage from the Lake Huron to Lake Superior and back to our shared water address, helping everyone gain more perspective on those being educated in this state and what they are doing with that education to better their communities. Get your...

Nancy and Erica serve the tea once again as they dish about opposition to the CAAP. As they celebrate this big win for sustainable efforts in Grand Rapids, they talk through the City Commission's top 20 priorities for the CAAP as well as "concerns" coming from the business community.

In this weeks stream, Nancy and Erica dive right into whats going on with our local watershed in their conversation with Joel Betts, Watershed Specialist with the Kent Conservation District. They soak in some knowledge from the PhD student who has a love for the Great Lakes and everything that lives within it. Learn alongside us in this episode as we float down this river of wisdom and wonders!

Nancy and Erica talk about the hottest topic around and it's... the weather? As the second heat wave of the summer rolls in, we brace ourselves and communities for the impacts of climate change here in Grand Rapids and across the US. Throw in some headphones as you escape the heat this week and listen to Green Rapids - you'll look and feel cool doing it!

Nancy and Erica take a look into the past as the City of Grand Rapids makes plans for the future. With the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) being voted on by our Commission in just a week, they take a look into the Grand Rapids Climate Resiliency Report done by WMEAC 10 years ago. The plan mirrors the vision the environmental justice community has shared for decades now, leaving us wonder...

Coming to you in Espanglish! Nancy and Erica (well, just Nancy) switch it up with Bo Torres the Project Supervisor for Strong Fathers/Padres Fuertes project through Strong Beginnings-Healthy Start @ Corewell Health-West. They talk about how communities in the global majority can reconnect to nature, having a positive impact on their direct environment and health. From Puerto Rico to Michigan, Bo o...

Nancy and Erica commemorate and celebrate queer and black history in a conversation on why we recognize Pride and Juneteenth. From riots to rights, from slavery to salvation. They get real about what it is like living in a world where our most oppressed communities are still so close to the frontline. June is for justice!

Nancy and Erica end Mental Health Awareness Month by taking a walk through Rebecca Spann's journey. Rebecca gives a tour of how Our Mental Health Collective (OMHC) has blossomed into existence. As the founder of OMHC Rebecca has used the pieces of who she is to influence the world around her, helping people of color reconnect with nature and their mental health. Heal alongside us as we are reminde...

Nancy and Erica power up with their colleague Kyle Lim from the Urban Core Collective and we're using our voice to take back our power, control over our tax dollars and the health of Michigan residents. They get real about how decisions are made and how we can be a part of the process. Learn about how you can get involved by becoming a justice captain and make sure to get your name on the ballot!

Nancy and Erica get a bitter taste of consumption and it's at the hand of an American staple, Coca Cola. Learn about the impact they, like many other corporations, have on the communities they reside in. Just one sip away from the truth about their practices and how that can have an impact on the health of our communities and planet.

Nancy and Erica get real about Trumps Project 2025 plan. They share how the first 90 days of a new administration has created a major shift in our personal and larger world. Tune in as they try to lighten up this very dark $hade of Green.

Nancy and Erica cruise through their day DARTing around with Ken and Colin from Public Agency at WMCAT. They talk about how living car free has allowed for them to go even further into their journey toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Buckle up and get ready for very smooth ride along Green Rapids from the GR to the Lakeshore.

SZN 3 is live (and this one is for the girls so if that's not you keep scrolling :p) ! Nancy and Erica kick off March in the best way they know how.. showing the ladies some love! For International Women's Month, they talk about women who are making waves in their communities as water protectors, innovators and (long overdue) elected officials. Get the tea, and as Nancy would say; get it piping ho...

Nancy and Erica venture into the urban jungle of Grand Rapids as they speak to Travis Kurtz, a Community Science Coordinator at the John Ball Zoo. He tells us about his journey through the sciences and how it lead him to nature conservation here in GR. Become a Habitat Hero alongside him as we trek into the wild wild west of community science and how it can help our changing climate.

Nancy and Erica fill up on food sovereignty facts and talk about how cultural relevancy within our diets can also feed the soul. Grab a large serving and don't be shy, there's enough for everyone to have seconds at the Green Rapids table.

Nancy and Erica get the scoop from Jeff Smith and you're going to want to grab a double! He's been amplifying the voice of the people in Grand Rapids since before we were able to even speak, so we're feeling grateful to learn alongside you. You won't want to miss the opportunity to hear from his perspective, as we take him back to record where it all began.

Nancy and Erica get into whats happening at Urban Core Collective and specifically with Betsaida from our Education Justice Team! She dishes all the deets about the Student Association for Leadership Transformation (SALT) where they are making real changes, elevating youth voices, and engaging with GRPS school board. Hear about how popularrr they're becoming through advocacy self agency!