Welcome back to another episode of Greenwashed & Unhinged — the podcast where we pretend to care about the planet while blindly stumbling through your questions like eco-conscious toddlers in a philosophy seminar.
Before we dive in, a heartfelt shoutout to our beloved listener Hannen Beith. Hannen, darling, pull your finger out and send us a question. We know you’re lurking. Contribute or be composted.
Elodie, from Brittany, France sets the first question today - “Does absolute power corrupt absolutely?”
Stuart muses that human power corrupts faster than compost rots in July—unless wielded by a unicorn of selflessness. He compares it to gravity: powerful, universal, and blissfully unaware of politics.
William argues corruption is a human invention, like spreadsheets or reality TV. Together, they liken it all to gardening: no plant is evil unless it takes over. So, when in charge, don’t believe your own hype—listen twice as much as you talk. Nature does, and it hasn’t tried to run for office.
Debs, from Didcot, Oxfordshire, England set the second of today's questions - “Someone from Thames Water, when talking about the potential new Oxfordshire reservoir, said, “we need to focus on identifying and moving the wildlife out of the way”, that shows a distinct lack of understanding of mitigating ones environmental impact”.
Stuart fondly recalls the time builders lovingly flattened an ancient wildflower meadow for six months, then heroically promised to fix it with a sprinkle of generic grass seed — because clearly, green equals biodiversity. He reminds us that ecosystems aren’t IKEA furniture: you can’t just relocate wildlife and expect it to “assemble itself.”
William adds that animals aren’t invading cities — we built over their homes and now call them “urban” like it’s a lifestyle choice.
Stuart, ever the diplomat, declares his tulip rights while denying nature any.
William defends the underdogs — foxes, pigeons, crows — nature’s misunderstood freeloaders. Moral of the story? Think long-term. Or at least longer than six months.
What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com
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This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.
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