This is the podcast where listeners send questions for us to conversate around, and although not always to do with the environment, we always try to bring an action back to the that in some way. We're not the go-to experts. We're the go-to guys who are willing to explore things cold, and change our minds as we go through.
The first listener question comes from Unity, in Paddock Wood, Kent, England - “Do you guys feel overwhelmed by the mass migration into and across Europe? Many react when cultures collide in these situations. We don’t think about the countries these migrants are leaving behind, as often it can be the brightest and the best that are leaving out of desperation, heading for beacons of better lives. Though there may also be darker reasons too. Those left behind can include the weak, who have no support. We need to support these countries as they rebuild and manage the drivers that lead to others leaving. This is just the start of modern mass migration”.
William sees it as Unity states in her question, that it is only the start of a mass migration.
Stuart reflects on how migration often involves the most capable individuals, leaving their countries out of desperation, sometimes leaving behind those with fewer resources or who need support.
William observes that society is increasingly building metaphorical walls between cultures, fostering unnecessary division and misunderstanding.
Stuart feels we are millennia away from being anything but the tribal animal we are.
William’s environmental action: he encourages taking practical, manageable steps toward addressing the climate crisis. When feeling overwhelmed by its scale, he believes it’s important to break the challenge into smaller, achievable actions.
Stuart highlights the importance of empathy ,and self-awareness in everyday interactions. He suggests that when someone feels irritated by another person—say, on a bus—it’s worth remembering that the other person is human too and not necessarily a total c***!
The second question comes from Estefania, in Jalisco, Mexico - “Does talking about death, speak it into existence? Is that why some cultures don’t discuss it?”
Stuart believes that talking about death doesn’t bring it into existence—it’s a reality that already exists.
William argues that avoiding talk of death stems from superstition and taboo rather than reason. He compares it to the idea of “tempting fate” by mentioning the weather—pointing out that words don’t influence these events in his opinion.
Stuart feels that many cultures have just got into the habit of not talking about death, and this has turned into a taboo.
William believes it’s important to talk openly about death from an early age. He feels that understanding death as a natural part of life helps people accept it, regardless of their personal beliefs.
William’s action is to remember that everything eventually ends. He sees this not as morbid, but as a reminder to appreciate the present.
Stuart’s action: to filter out the stuff that doesn't matter and you'll begin to realize very little does matter. It's all a distraction.
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
This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.
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