The Gravity Well with Jenny Yeremiy

This episode features Wesam Cooley, a long-time activist for Palestine, discussing the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the broader implications for Canada amidst the 2025 election. Wesam shares his experiences with legal challenges and protests in Calgary, highlighting the systemic repression faced by Pro-Palestinian activists. The conversation also touches on the geopolitical dynamics involving the...

In this episode, I discuss the 2025 Canadian election with JB, founder of Smart Voting Canada. JB explains the concept of strategic voting to prevent vote splitting among progressive parties, which can inadvertently lead to conservative victories. He shares insights on the development and accuracy of Smart Voting Canada’s predictive model, which uses demographic data and AI to recommend the best c...

In this episode, I welcome back Beau Shaw, an advocate for human rights and a candidate for MP in Calgary Centre with Canada’s New Democrats. Beau discusses his involvement in Palestine solidarity movements, his political aspirations, and his commitment to addressing issues like trade wars, healthcare, and environmental protection. He highlights the importance of civic participation and the need f...

In this episode of The Gravity Well you hear discussion about the pervasive issue of misinformation in classrooms, particularly concerning climate change and the fossil fuel industry. Guests Anne Keary, Claire Kraatz, and Tylene Appel of For Our Kids share their insights and experiences, highlighting the extensive involvement of oil and gas companies in educational materials and curriculum develop...

In this episode of The Gravity Well podcast, you hear about coal mining’s impact on Southern Alberta with guest Chris Spearman, former Mayor of Lethbridge. Spearman highlights the risks of coal mining, including selenium contamination and water scarcity, which threaten the region’s agricultural industry and water supply. Despite widespread public opposition and scientific evidence against coal min...

In this episode of The Gravity Well podcast, you hear about the environmental and health impacts of coal mining with Dr. David Swan, Dr. Norm Campbell, and Dr. Brad Stelfox. The conversation highlights the significant health risks, including selenium toxicity, increased cancer rates, and respiratory issues, lifestyle degradation as well as the environmental damage caused by coal mining. The guests...

To kick off Season 2 of The Gravity Well podcast, I am joined by Edna Ann Fairbrother (Little Moustache), (Wynonna) Inez Smith, and Nicole (Weasel Woman) Johnston of the Mountain Valley Child Society. They explain the more than a decades long fight against the expropriation of mineral resources (gravel and coal) and water from the Piikani Nation, in southern Alberta. Nicole, Edna, and Inez discuss...

In this last round (6) of season 1, you hear about the dangers of greenwashing and the false solutions it presents to the climate crisis, delaying necessary climate action. Various speakers highlight the manipulation of public perception by corporations and the influence of industry on government policies. The conversations touch on the challenges faced by indigenous communities, the impact of col...

This season finale celebrates our journey through 35 episodes, featuring familiar voices Beau Shaw, Colin Smith, Gabrielle Weasel Head, Janet Pennington, KJ McCusker, Lyse Carrigan, Muriel Wynnobyl, and (new) Tom Prilesky of InnerOuter (and the Polluter Pay Federation). We reflect on the importance of music in inspiring change and share personal stories and songs that have shaped our lives. Join u...

The Gravity Well Podcast, hosted by Alex and me, delves into complex ideas and their interconnections, aiming to foster conversations that contribute to a better world. The podcast acknowledges the traditional territories of various First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples, emphasizing respect and ethical relationship-building. In this episode, they introduce Angie Alexander, a professional enginee...

The discussion features guests Jules McCusker, Liz Fox, Gabrielle Weasel Head, and Tara Weaselhead Running Crane, who explore the concept of decolonization. They discuss the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, the importance of reconnecting with indigenous culture, and the challenges of decolonization. The conversation highlights the need for love, understanding, and connection in over...

In this episode, I lead a discussion on the current state of oil and gas liabilities with guests Mark Doran, Justin Mikulka, and Sarah Stogner. You hear us explore the scale of the problem, the inadequacies of current regulatory frameworks, and the financial and environmental challenges posed by abandoned wells and infrastructure. The conversation highlights the need for better enforcement, innova...

This episode of the Gravity Well Podcast delves into the critical issues of greenwashing and red washing, exploring their implications and the broader context of environmental and social responsibility. The discussion features insights from Bill Carroll, a sociology professor at the University of Victoria, and JP Sapinski, an environmental studies professor at the University of Moncton. They highl...

The video covers a wide range of topics, primarily focusing on environmental issues, education, and indigenous rights. Claire and Shantel discuss the infiltration of fossil fuel industry narratives in education and the outdated standards for special education, respectively. Kevin, Lorne, and Alex emphasize the importance of sustainable land and water management, criticizing current practices and a...

In this episode, I speak with Karrie Lynn Sparvier, a two-spirit trans woman and knowledge keeper from the White Bear First Nation. Karrie Lynn shares her journey of self-discovery, her experiences as a residential school survivor, and the challenges she faced growing up. The discussion also delves into the importance of genuine representation, cultural appropriation, and the need for inclusive po...

A must watch, this episode of The Gravity Well Podcast delves into the complexities of cultural appropriation and misrepresentation, particularly focusing on Indigenous identities. I acknowledge the podcast’s previous missteps in vetting guests and aim to rectify the situation by inviting Gabrielle Weasel Head and KJ McCusker (Jules) to discuss the impacts of misrepresentation. Gabrielle, from the...

In this episode, I address the importance of authentic conversations and community representation. I apologize to the Blackfoot Confederacy for previous episodes that lacked proper vetting and announces an upcoming episode dedicated to discussing these mistakes. Vanessa Ebertz, a doctor of acupuncture, joins the podcast to discuss traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). She explains TCM’s holistic app...

Updates to Episodes 7, 14, 21 & 28: Removed (Oct 28) The Gravity Well issued a Public Statement on October 11, 2024. We re-recorded Episode 28 , replaced Episode 7 , and deleted Episodes 14 and 21 due to inadequate vetting of the original guest. We aim to host authentic conversations with members of the communities or concerned groups discussed. We apologise for unintentionally offending the B...

In this episode, Alex and I delve into critical environmental issues, focusing on the conservation and restoration of Alberta’s Eastern Slopes. Guests Kevin Van Tighem, Lorne Fitch, and Colin Smith, discuss the urgent need to address cumulative impacts on the environment, particularly water security and biodiversity. They emphasize the importance of collective responsibility, local community invol...

In this episode, I am joined by Shantel Sherwood from Hold My Hand Alberta , and Claire and Heidi from For Our Kids Alberta . The conversation delves into the challenges and potential solutions in the education system, particularly in Alberta. Key topics include the lack of standardization in special education, the need for smaller class sizes, and the importance of integrating environmental educa...

This discussion highlights the critical importance of water management and environmental preservation in Alberta. Bruce Smedley emphasizes the need for comprehensive river basin modeling to ensure sustainable water usage amidst urban development. Ian Skinner raises concerns about declining water tables and inadequate governmental response. Mike Northcott and Neil Konner discuss the legal implicati...

This week, The Gravity Well welcomes members of the Alberta Council for Environmental Education (ACEE). Hosted by Alex, a self-taught jack of all trades, the podcast features guests like Nicole, an environmental education coordinator, and me, a former geophysicist turned environmental advocate. The conversation highlights the importance of environmental education, the role of social work in addres...

In this episode, Jenny is joined by Brad Chapin, Director of Clinical Services at Stormont-Vail HealthCare in Topeka, Kansas, a behavioral health expert, to discuss self-regulation and its impact on personal and professional life. They explore the importance of recognizing and managing emotional triggers, the role of belief systems in defining threats, and the significance of intentional actions i...

In this episode, Alex and me delve into the critical issues surrounding water and gravel extraction in Alberta, featuring a discussion with community members and experts facing gravel mining. The episode highlights the environmental and legal challenges faced by residents in areas like Sturgeon County and Sundre, where gravel pits and water contamination are prevalent. Speakers share their persona...

Featuring Bruce Smedley, a chemical engineer with extensive experience in industry, government, and banking, this discussion highlights the urgent need for an integrated water resource preservation and restoration agency that is independent, apolitical, interdisciplinary, intercultural, and autonomous. This agency would be responsible for comprehensive data collection, scenario modeling, and real-...