The Movement We Need ~ with Starhawk

I have recently started to develop a set of ideas looking at various permaculture principles and how they might apply to our current political situation. In this episode, I talk about a permaculture principle, "Feed What You Want to Grow," and its application to political and social systems as they relate to ethics and principles of permaculture, care for the earth, people, and future. P...

Please consider becoming a paid member of my Substack. Paid members ensure all of my content, writings, teachings, and podcast episodes remain free for our entire community. Your membership really is a membership for all of us. Thank you! In this episode, I share my thoughts on the pervasive influence of patriarchy and toxic masculinity, from connections through cultural narratives perpetuated by...

In this special conversation, I talk with two great friends, Jay Jordan and LM Bogad, who happen to be behind some very well-known actions! We talk about tactical frivolity and creative resistance, revisiting the history and impact of movements like Reclaim the Streets and the Clown Army . There needs to be humor, creativity, and community in activism, and they not only remind us of this… they mak...

The veil is thin. In this episode, I share some reflections on the intersection of spirituality and politics… and how this season of Samhain, Halloween, All Hallows’ Eve, and Día de los Muertos can be a profound teacher. As we approach this year’s Spiral Dance on November 1st, I also look back on the early days of this now 47-year-old ritual and how it’s woven together community, activism, teachin...

Why is Planning a Ritual Like Planning a Protest? In this episode I look at low-risk actions, like No Kings Day, in building a broad base for activism that we can all take part in. And, as we near this year’s Spiral Dance, I talk a little bit about fostering renewal and community through the intersection of political action and ritual. Want to join The Spiral Dance on November 1st ? Gather with us...

If we are going to organize and mobilize the movement, we must work together effectively. Humans are complicated, but we can do remarkable things when we collaborate as communities of care and action. So, what does it mean to be an organizer? In this episode I talk about some of the core problems that can fracture a well intentioned group of activists, as well as offer solutions so we can create t...

In this conversation with Alfred Decker, we talk about the potential of permaculture and refugee support. Alfred shares about the initiative ‘Permaculture in Palestine,’ sharing more about the historical context of migration and the importance of integrating people care into permaculture practices. We were also joined by Sherry Maran, who is part of the steering committee for the Gaza Freedom Flot...

I am back home and settling in after a full summer’s teaching schedule in Europe and have a few stories to share from my time away. In this episode of The Movement We need , I reflect on some of the collaborative success stories I witnessed while visiting eco villages in France and Ireland… as well as past experiences in the Ukraine. Together, we will look at flexibility in our values, autonomy an...

Meet José and Rafaela, two visionaries transforming a rural community in Portugal into a thriving cooperative and eco-village. I speak with José and Rafaela about the inspiring journey they have been on of hope, innovation, and a call to action for a sustainable future. Their example, faith, and efforts are a blueprint of a future that is possible. Learn more and connect here: Instagram - @Centro_...

This episode, recorded during my summer travels and teachings, explores stories of displacement and belonging across Palestinian, Jewish, and German communities. My guests are Tabea Tabazah (Palestinian/German) and Larry Faust (German) . Through their stories, they offer perspectives that invite us into deeper listening and understanding as medicine for these times. This was a truly hear connected...

In this moving episode, we hear directly about the raw and heart-wrenching challenges faced by Ukrainian youth amidst the ongoing war. I spoke with Alexandra Chernomashyntseva and Marharyta Kurbanova, two women from Ukraine, who share their experiences working with young people in the war-torn regions. We learn about a new kind of resilience and courage in these youth as they navigate trauma and d...

In this episode, I talk with my co-teacher, Hiinahcit, Petrina Dezall , where she shares her work with plant medicines and the concept of Future Ancestors . Hiinahcit is of the Hesquiaht Band, of the Nuu Chah Nulth Nation, and in this conversation, she offers important teachings, insights, and lessons from her work with O.U.R Ecovillage … inviting us to consider our roles, presence, and consciousn...

Over the next few months, I will be traveling to some amazing parts of the world and will be doing something a little different on The Movement We Need Podcast. As I visit, work, and teach with a number of intentional communities and eco-villages, I’ll be speaking with teachers, friends, and collaborators about their experiences and expertise in community building. In this episode, I interview my...

In this episode of The Movement We Need Podcast, I continue to look at permaculture principles as effective tools to guide our outlook and experiences in movement building. Observing nature can inform effective strategies for social change, particularly through the lens of protests and nonviolent movements. 🌱 Protests are a great example. They impact so much more than what we immediately see, inc...

In this conversation, I ask the question: What if we had taken a regenerative approach to conflicts in the Middle East? As we enter this new vision of The Movement We Need Podcast , I look at permaculture ethics and principles for a regenerative approach to understanding and addressing conflicts. As always, your support makes it possible for me to continue offering this work for free so all may ac...

It’s hard to believe, but we are wrapping up “The Movement We Need.” In this podcast episode, I revisit the work that we have moved through together. I encourage you to join me in this reflection, and also explore each chapter and podcast episode whenever you need a refresher. Now, where to next? I am excited to move into a collaborative vision and version of this podcast and my writings and would...

Whether in the northern or southern hemisphere, Summer Solstice (northern, June 20) and Winter Solstice (southern, June 20) is a time to pause, especially now, to reflect, regroup, and restore our energy. In this special episode, we will work with FIRE, as I guide us through a Summer Solstice Meditation. Visit my Substack and consider becoming a paid subscriber .

There is an illusion that patriarchy benefits men.  It does, but at a terrible cost, to men as well as women and gender diverse folks. In this episode, I explore the themes of warrior culture, patriarchy, and the impact of these ideologies on men and society. Patriarchy is not only oppressive to women but also detrimental to men, conditioning them to suppress their emotions and serve the interests...

There is a great need for meaning and purpose in activism… in life in general! In this episode, I look at how individuals can align their values with their actions. Together, we will look at some of the core values of progressive movements, the significance of interconnection, and the ethical responsibilities that come with activism. I offer some actionable tips and ask - what is most sacred to yo...

Agency and governance play a critical role in decision-making within movements and organizations. Decision making within groups can be tough, and I have many stories to back that up! I have seen and experienced positive and not-so-positive outcomes within collective agreements, and in this episode we explore methods, including decree, voting, and consensus, as important steps in governance and dis...

In this conversation, I talk about the importance of building real relationships, treating people with respect, and cultivating a culture of appreciation within movements. I also touch on celebrating the small victories within our lives and movements, and the power of storytelling in connecting our lived and ancestral experiences and fostering a sense of community. There are practical and emotiona...

Trauma touches all of us—sometimes shaking the very core of who we are and leaving us feeling disconnected from our own power. In this episode, I explore the different layers of trauma and how they show up in both our personal lives and our communities. We'll take a deeper look at the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses, and how these survival instincts impact our ability to organize, re...

Today we are, although belated, celebrating the spirit of the ancient Pagan and Celtic festival Beltane as well as May Day. Let’s take the time to really be present with the world, especially during the changing seasons, so that we remember the beauty all around us as we continue our efforts toward justice. This is sacred work—remembering joy as resistance and drawing energy from the deep connecti...

We can be agents of truth and shift the tides of public opinion. In this episode, I explore the idea of becoming “Info-Guerrillas,” tools to combat misinformation across social media, and the impact we have through our personal stories and the way we share posts online. MATERIAL REFERENCE: Donella Meadows “Leverage Points—Places to Intervene in a System” https://donellameadows.org/wp-content/userf...

Today I offer examples and insights into how we can create a culture of valuing one another. Personal connections, appreciation, and recognition within communities are all vital, as well as accountability and constructive feedback. Constructive feedback is often the part we trip up on — but I have some ideas. I also chat a bit about my experience as an elder… who as a young person used to have a g...