Apocalyptic Optimist Podcast
Real talk about what’s broken and how to fix it. In each episode, Professor Dana R. Fisher will host conversations with activists, decision-makers, and experts as they discuss the threats to our democracy, climate, and what we all can do to save ourselves. A Pique Action Production in collaboration with the Center for Environment, Community, & Equity.
The Most Overlooked Climate Solution Isn’t Technological
What happens when the climate movement focuses entirely on data and strategy, but completely ignores the human hearts carrying the load? In this episode, Dr. Dana Fisher sits down with best-selling author and leader Dr. Katharine Wilkinson to navigate our transition into a mapless political world under the new climate reality. Together, they discuss why the relentless question of "What can I do?" is actually the sign of much deeper human yearnings, and how we can turn our collective climate ache into structured, heart-forward action. Drawing vital historical parallels to the Black church, feminist circles, and Quaker meeting houses...
How to Break Through Big Oil’s Disinformation
What happens when a global superpower starts dismantling its own scientific infrastructure to protect a dying industry? In this episode, Dr. Dana Fisher sits down with acclaimed Harvard historian Dr. Naomi Oreskes to map out the terrifying parallels between current American rollbacks in science and historic authoritarian regimes. They break down the mechanics of modern disinformation networks, explain how market forces are winning the green transition anyway, and reveal why Big Oil's recent political bribes are actually a sign of sheer panic. Forget passive "hope"—this episode is a call to turn appropriate, targeted anger into the fuel that dr...
Adam Conover Demands You Reclaim Your Political Power
We’ve been conditioned to believe that changing the world means voting with our wallets, withholding our clicks, or publishing the perfect takedown online. Comedian and labor activist Adam Conover joins Dana R. Fisher to dismantle this myth and expose why digital outrage is exactly what big tech platforms want you to settle for. True civic power doesn't live on a server—it exists in your physical presence at a local meeting, a union hall, or a neighborhood association. This episode is a fast-paced, witty blueprint for moving past systemic helplessness and executing micro-actions that actually ripple upward.
Why Solidarity Is So Hard — and How We Build It Anyway with Rashawn Ray
In Episode 2 of the Apocalyptic Optimist Podcast, Dana talks with Dr. Rashawn Ray about
the realities of building solidarity in a deeply divided moment. From his work with communities-of-color and police departments to learning from the Black Lives Matter movement, Dr. Ray breaks down what works, what doesn’t, and how people can show up as more effective racial justice advocates right now.
Apocalyptic Optimist Episode 1
In the inaugural episode of the Apocalyptic Optimist Podcast, Dr. Dana R. Fisher talks with Rachel O’Leary Carmona and Tamika Middleton from the Women’s March about what we can learn from the Free America Walkout.
https://cece.american.edu/explore/apocalyptic-optimist-podcast/
