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Published by The People's Countryside
This podcast's for anyone wanting to explore the big issues, stretching your thinking in relatable ways. Well known personalities, Stuart ‘The Wildman’ Mabbutt and photographer William Mankelow, who aren't experts, but have opinions, authentic views and no scripts. Join them on meandering conversations about nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Sometimes joined by guests, or discussing listener questions between themselves. Always full of fun anecdotes and a bit of silliness. https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
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The UK’s repeated heatwaves are often talked about without much acknowledgement of the wider context of global warming. Even mentioning global warming in weather forecasts can cause some people to switch off, seeing it as unnecessary interference or “nanny state” messaging. Lifestyle also plays a big part in environmental behaviour, and our everyday habits can hold us back from making changes that would benefit the environment. These are two of the themes your cohosts, Stuart ‘The Wildman’ Mabbutt and William Mankelow, explore in this episode of The People’s Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast. As always, they dive straight in without seeing the questions beforehand, responding right there in the moment. The first listener question today comes from Harry in Stank, Cumbria, England: “The early heatwave that happened in May in the UK was spoken about in the news with a celebratory tone. Along the line of aren’t we lucky, with a slight mention of global warming. Yet it was still too much for some who don’t believe news outlets should act as a nanny state by telling us about the global warming aspect of the heatwave. They just wanted to enjoy it. Where’s the balance in messaging, or maybe there isn’t one, as we’re too damn divided?” The second comes from Jimmy in Little Waldingfield, Suffolk, England: “There seems to be so many more victims of allergies and scammers. May seem unrelated, but is there a common theme to all these modern day scourges and challenges in the UK? Specifically regarding allergies, food or otherwise, are doctors and therapists too readily jumping to conclusions and on the allergy bandwagon these days? I’ve heard some older people say these allergies weren’t around years ago, so don’t fully believe they are real. I also hear these same people say we had different lifestyles and diets years ago, so could lifestyle be the common theme across the challenges of scammers and allergies etc etc etc?” 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 We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities
One of the biggest challenges facing 16 to 26 year olds today is navigating an aspirational culture shaped by endless scrolling on YouTube and TikTok, where fame and financial abundance can look easily attainable. Environmentalism can also slip into an “us and them” mindset, especially when business people end up being seen as the enemy. These are two of the themes your cohosts, Stuart ‘The Wildman’ Mabbutt and William Mankelow, explore in this episode of The People’s Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast. As always, they go in cold, no preview of the questions, and respond in the moment. The first is from James in Ecclefechan, Scotland: “Its said that in the UK, 16 to 26 year olds are finding it hard to get work, of any kind. Shouldn’t some thought be given to supporting them into self employment, and into the service industry?” The second comes from Debs in Didcot, Oxfordshire: “I remember a time when you could vehemently disagree with someone on something, yet still respect them and engage with them. Now it seems anyone who disagrees with us is the enemy”. 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 Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
If you're looking for world-leading experts, you've taken a wrong turn somewhere. This is the People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast, where the questions are fresh and the opinions are under construction. Jimmy, from Little Waldingfield, Suffolk, England asks - “I’ve heard getting people to the moon and back recently cost 80 billion, yet the delayed by 15 years HS2 thats only going as far as Birmingham, and slower speeds could cost in excess of 100 billion. Are we finishing HS2 because we started it, or because its needed?” This episode goes full steam ahead into HS2, historical railway politics and eye-watering budgets. Expect discussions about Brunel, billion-pound infrastructure, moon rockets and the possibility that sustainability refuses to fit neatly into a spreadsheet. Rick, Colgate, West Sussex, England - “Should Starmer go and get yet another new PM in? Can the UK move forward if it keeps changing leaders? If policy isn’t adaptable to a changing world, a new new leader can’t surely be the answer? What does our collective future look like?” This week, we ask why we're so obsessed with replacing leaders before they've had time to unpack their boxes. From football managers to prime ministers, we explore whether constant change creates progress, or just a national game of political Hokey Cokey. 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 We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities
This is the People's Countryside Environmental Debate podcast. We open your questions live, debate the issues, and turn the conversation into practical environmental action where possible. Ronny, from Kentucky, USA has sent in today's initial question for us to explore - “Do we take consistency and reliable routes for granted?” Do people really want consistency, or are they always searching for change? Stuart and William explore routines, adaptability, political instability, and the tension between stability and progress. Rick, from Colgate, West Sussex, England raises the second question for today - “Recently the Enhanced Games were held in Vegas. Do you think this is an allowable evolution of sport?” Stuart and William discuss performance enhancing drugs in sport, the limits of personal choice, the role of regulation, and why progress often requires action without waiting for perfect solutions. Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities 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 We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
You, the listeners, send in questions that we don’t see before we press record. We then try to have a conversation around them, explore different perspectives, and hopefully come to some conclusions. Today, we’ve got two listeners who have sent in questions for the first time. The first of our newbies is Harry, Stank, Cumbria, England - “So, what did you make of the UK local elections last week?” Stuart believes the shift towards Reform and the Greens is more a reflection of how people vote between general elections rather than a clear rejection of Labour or Starmer. He sees it as an ongoing political trend rather than a definitive statement of intent. Stuart feels that allowing Reform to gain power could expose the limitations of their promises and show voters that they cannot provide simple solutions to complex problems, although he acknowledges the potential damage that could come from that outcome. William feels the local elections do not hold much significance for him and admits he does not usually engage with them. He believes that while general elections are where he chooses to make his voice heard, local politics does not have the same impact on him. William sees voting as a personal choice, even if he questions how much difference one vote can ultimately make. The second debutant is Rick, Colgate, West Sussex, England - “Do you believe in ‘Net Stupid Zero’, when the UK only produces a tiny percentage of the world's pollution and could still be drilling its own oil? How is that inspiring large scale polluters to make a change?" William believes that the UK’s contribution to global pollution should not be used as a reason to avoid taking action. He feels that any steps to improve air quality, protect nature, and restore the environment are worthwhile because they directly affect the future of humanity. William argues that people have the ability to create positive change, but feels progress is being held back by excessive consumerism, division, and a focus on differences rather than working together. Stuart believes the UK should consider a more balanced approach to energy, including the possibility of using its own oil resources. He questions whether the idea that the UK’s actions will inspire larger polluters to change is realistic, suggesting that global progress will take time. However, Stuart feels that doing the right thing should not depend on whether others follow, but should come from a genuine commitment to making better choices. In this episode William talks about a Wikipedia link which shows wind generation by country, here is the link: Wind generation by country, 2021 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 Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
Many are about the environment, but plenty are not. Whatever the topic, we always try to find an environmental angle and, more importantly, come up with practical actions. We are of course talking about the questions that you, the listener, send in for us to discuss, chew over, ponder etc. We do not see them until we press record. We come to each one completely cold. The first question for this episode comes from Shazad, Great Bricett, Suffolk, England - “What steps must the pharmaceutical industry take to reduce its environmental footprint while still delivering safe, effective medicines to the world?” Stuart points out that people should not assume pharmaceutical companies always produce safe and effective medicines. He believes the industry's secrecy makes it vulnerable to corruption and notes that some drugs initially deemed ineffective for one condition are later repurposed as treatments for others. William argues that the pharmaceutical industry, like any large industry, should take responsibility for reducing its environmental impact across areas such as manufacturing, packaging, and transportation. He believes companies should already be considering these issues but suggests legislation may be necessary to ensure meaningful action. The second question is from Jimmy, Little Waldingfield, Suffolk, England - “If sustainability requires us to live within the planet’s limits, what moral obligation do we have to change our behaviour when doing so challenges our comfort, convenience, or sense of entitlement? To keep people from abandoning their sustainability obligations though, you need structures that make the sustainable choice the default, the easiest, and the most socially reinforced path. Individual morality matters, but without supportive systems, even well‑intentioned people drift back to convenience. Those structures could be clear, enforceable standards, not voluntary promises. Economic incentives that reward sustainable behaviour. Infrastructure that makes sustainable choices effortless. Cultural norms that make sustainability part of identity. Shared accountability, not individual guilt. Long‑term political commitment. A moral narrative that connects sustainability to fairness. Any others you can suggest?” William argues that people often follow the path of least resistance, driven by the desire for the latest products and cheap consumer goods. He highlights the rise of platforms offering inexpensive items and suggests that many people overlook where products come from and their environmental impact. He questions how society can encourage people to make more conscious choices and whether meaningful change is possible. Stuart believes sustainable choices need to become the default option by creating structures, pathways, and social incentives that guide people towards better decisions. He argues that while some may resist this as excessive control, large scale behavioural change requires leadership and systems that make sustainable actions easier and more socially accepted. 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 We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities
As always, we haven't seen these questions in advance. This means every answer is a thrilling mixture of expertise, improvisation and quiet panic. If a question isn't obviously about the environment, we attempt to connect the dots with the confidence of someone assembling flatpack furniture without the instructions. Geographically, we're also all over the place. We were in Northern Ireland, then New York, and now we're in Suffolk. It's less a podcast and more a budget international tour. Jules, in Chelmondiston, Suffolk, England asks - “If true sustainability demands limits, what moral responsibility does an environmentalist have to choose restraint even when society rewards excess?” Is society rewarding excess, or are we all just one online sale away from convincing ourselves we desperately need a third air fryer? In this episode, Stuart and William explore why buying stuff feels so good, why that feeling disappears so quickly, and why treating yourself has somehow become a full time hobby. They discuss dopamine, social expectations, shopping habits, and the strange human ability to upgrade perfectly functional things simply because a newer version exists. The conversation then turns to whether environmentalists have a responsibility to practise what they preach. Is it enough to encourage change, or should you be prepared to model it yourself? Along the way, they discuss leadership, consistency, imperfection, and why choosing to consume less can sometimes make other people surprisingly uncomfortable. Ultimately, they argue that sustainable living is not about being perfect, saintly, or growing your own sandals. It's about showing that a happy, fulfilling life is possible without constantly chasing the next purchase, notification, upgrade, or shiny thing that promises to change everything. Karen, in Eye, Suffolk, England asks - “What responsibilities do modern house builders have to move beyond ‘green features’ and take the concrete, measurable actions needed to create homes that are genuinely sustainable rather than merely marketed as such?” What makes a building green? A few solar panels? A bicycle rack? A shrub with its own marketing budget? This week, Stuart and William explore whether modern sustainable developments are truly changing the way we live or just helping us feel slightly better about carrying on as normal. From Oxford's green spaces to the limits of eco-friendly design, they ask whether we're tackling the root causes of environmental problems or just applying environmentally friendly wallpaper. Expect challenges, observations, and a polite but persistent plea for everyone, especially architects, to raise the bar a little higher. Because if we're redesigning the future, we may as well make it genuinely sustainable rather than merely leaf-themed. 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 Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
This is the podcast where you, the listeners, send us your questions, and we, the hosts, discuss them together. We don’t see the questions until we hit record though. Clodagh, from Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland asks - “What lessons, if any, can humans gain and learn from observing the forces that drive bird murmurations, clouds of birds like Starlings coming into roost, or wading birds on mud flats?” Stuart believes humans naturally collide and overlap, physically and in conversation. Unlike birds, which occupy distinct spaces and vocal frequencies to avoid interference, people share the same spaces and frequencies, causing constant overlap. He suggests that while birds minimize conflict through separation, humans cannot avoid these physical and metaphorical collisions. William argues that people often create unnecessary collisions by mindlessly scrolling on their phones while walking. He believes that being distracted makes bumping into others almost inevitable and suggests that simply putting the phone away while walking would help people be more aware of their surroundings. William suggests that in busy environments, people should identify the natural flow of movement and avoid going against it. Paul Banks, from New York, USA asks- “You often talk about reality. To me, everything is reality. Reality hits us in so many ways. It just is. And it is really our perception of it that makes everything feel a little surreal. What are your thoughts guys?” Stuart explores the idea that reality may be experienced differently by different living beings. He suggests that while there may be a universal reality, each species or individual perceives and interacts with it through their own unique perspective, raising the question of whether the reality humans experience is the true reality. Stuart reflects on how people are not always aware of how subjective and surreal their perception of reality can be. William reflects on the idea that surreal experiences can come from the way people perceive themselves and their place in the world. He describes moments where his own voice and actions feel slightly detached, as though they are coming from somewhere else, and suggests that many people may experience this feeling but rarely express it. Stuart questions whether surreal experiences are truly surreal or whether they are moments when people briefly encounter the vastness and apparent meaninglessness of existence. He suggests that these feelings may come from confronting deeper questions about life and our place within it. William and Stuart discuss how the inability to fully comprehend existence can create a sense of surrealism. They compare this feeling to standing at the edge of a high cliff and looking into an unknown depth, suggesting that confronting the vastness of life pushes the boundaries of human understanding. They believe this perspective can also be empowering, as it helps people recognize that many personal worries are temporary and insignificant in the context of time, with most concerns and individual struggles eventually being forgotten. 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 Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
Welcome to The People’s Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast, where we receive all kinds of listener questions. Some are challenging, some are straightforward, some are about the environment, and some are not. We never see them before we press record, but we always try to bring each conversation back to an environmental perspective. The first question for this episode comes from Paul in Lleweni, Wales - “Do we have any signs of a sustainability policy, plan, and quantifiable results forming, that crosses cultures?” Stuart believes meaningful progress will not come from a single policy or plan, but from shared thinking, common ambition, and collective action. William points to the growing collaboration between countries through international groups and climate forums. He highlights that, alongside major organisations and conferences, smaller coalitions are also coming together, working collectively on shared challenges. The second arrives from Susan in Chapel - En - Le - Frith, Derbyshire, England - “If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?” Stuart believes in destiny and therefore sees events as predetermined, suggesting he would not change anything because he considers it all part of what is meant to happen. William says he would not want that kind of power to change things, reflecting on the idea that the future is unpredictable and even wise judgment cannot see all outcomes. He suggests that people and events may play unknown roles in a larger unfolding story, so he would avoid altering things in any deliberate way. 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 Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
In this podcast, you the listeners send in questions, that we do not see before recording. We then try to connect them back to the environment in some way. Today, we also have two listeners who are sending in questions for the first time. The first of which comes from Mary in Brassington, Derbyshire, England - “What’s the best decision you’ve ever made in your life? Off the back of Mary’s debut question William feels that the best decisions in his life have come from choosing which relationships to hold onto and which to release. Stuart believes that the idea of destiny helps him make sense of the randomness in existence. He finds the idea intriguing, pointing to a tension in how destiny can sit alongside unpredictability. He questions how destiny could include randomness if it is fixed, and then suggests a resolution in which destiny is not fixed at all and may itself be shaped by randomness. The second of our listener question debutants is Martin in Llanasa, Wales who sets the following - “Why am I me, and why now?” From Martin’s question, Stuart asks why he is himself and why he exists at this moment, suggesting genetics as one possible explanation. He introduces the idea that some philosophies see all people as fundamentally the same consciousness, differing only through experience and decisions, while acknowledging this remains ultimately unknowable. William believes there’s little value in dwelling on why he exists or why he is here now. Rather than searching for deeper meaning, he simply accepts his existence and focuses on living in the present. 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 Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
Two new listeners send in this week’s questions, one from Wales, one from Derbyshire. We haven’t seen them before recording, and as always we’ll pull each one back to an environmental angle. They may be short questions, but they could take us somewhere much bigger. Val, from Galtegfa, Wales asks - “How long does it take to grow an audience? I ask as I’m looking to set a podcast up”. Stuart and William break down what really matters when starting and sustaining a podcast to, knowing your purpose, committing to the work, and valuing a small, steady, engaged audience over quick spikes or trends. They explore why clarity, consistency, and genuine interest from the host matter far more than tools, numbers, or hype. Tony, from Ashford-In-The-Water, Derbyshire, England then - “Who’s the most influential person in your life?” Stuart and William tackle the age‑old question of “Who actually influences your life?” and end up agreeing the answer is… mostly yourself. From shifting contexts to stubborn personal habits, they explore why the biggest force shaping your decisions might just be the person staring back in the mirror, with all your quirks, biases, and questionable choices included. 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 Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
Two surprise listener questions. One take. Real talk about how it all ties back to the environment, and what you can do next. Ray, is back from Sauk Centre, Minnesota, USA asking our first question - “How are you guys? How do you keep going as podcasters? Are you looking to make guest appearances on other podcasts etc?” Stuart and William make a podcast that runs on habit, curiosity, and whatever real life throws at them. Every couple of weeks they sit down to record two episodes, keeping things simple with a routine that just works. Listener questions keep the whole thing rolling, shaping conversations that stay flexible and never feel the same twice. They’re not chasing fame or trying to reinvent podcasting, they just enjoy talking, thinking out loud, and seeing where the questions take them. Guests only show up when there’s a real reason, and the vibe is always more conversation than interview. At the heart of it all is authenticity. Being themselves, staying a bit messy, and trusting that listeners connect most when things feel real. Toby, from Hallatrow, Somerset, England presents our second question - “When the war in Iran erupted, large numbers of Brits were looking to migrate back home, some expecting the state to cover it, when they could afford to charter things themselves. Do you think this experience will change people's views of forced migration in other parts of the world, and the effects of mass migration? Or will they too easily stay entrenched in their current views?” Stuart and William dig into how people think about migration, responsibility, and big environmental shifts, from the blind spots we carry when moving between countries to the balance between government help and personal initiative in a crisis. Their conversations explore why some people resist change, how imagination shapes our views on forced movement, and why clear reasoning matters more than entitlement or convenience. 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 Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
In these charades we call episodes, we tackle two listener questions. We never see them, or very rarely see them, before we press record, so you hear our answers completely cold. Some subjects we know a fair bit about, and we are honest about that. Others come from our own life experience. But sometimes we are presented with a question, and simply have to go with it, seeing what emerges from the conversation, and our thoughts. Our first listener question arrives from Estefania in Jalisco, Mexico - “Do you think we’ve stopped listening to each other? We are driven by social media, which itself thrives on division. We are on this crowded rock, and we need to start getting on. I agree, we need to use words better, and maybe some words shouldn’t be used, but why not? Too many people seem to be looking to take offence and enjoying the effects of endorphins caused by arguing. All views need to be heard, within reason, but we seem to be losing the inclination to healthy debate. We're in a strange spot right now, I don’t recognize the tone of international conversation right now, its not my voice. We shouldn’t just go with the flow, we need a higher level of intelligence, compassion and empathy etc to get ourselves out of this. We have done better, we need to do better, and right now we are acting very small and narrowminded”. Prompted by Estafania’s question, William believes that humanity has a tendency to think and act in small, narrow-minded ways, arguing that this has been a consistent trait throughout human history, rather than a uniquely modern problem. Stuart argues that social media now plays a major role in driving behaviour, and often thrives on division, noting that while it originally emerged from platforms like Friends Reunited, aimed at reconnecting people, it has since evolved into something far more complex and influential. Bronwen from Atlanta, Georgia, USA, sets the second question which is as follows - "Epstein files, your former Prince Andrew, Mandelson, Trump, all must be appreciating the current affairs distraction brought about by the war in Iran? Easy to hide bad news during those times”. From Bronwen’s question William suggests that some political actions and narratives, including references to figures like Trump, can be interpreted as deliberate distractions. Arguing that the constant shift from one controversy to another, creates a reality TV style dynamic, where attention is continually redirected, rather than focused on underlying issues. Stuart just wants to leave this question hanging for you to sit with for a while. Take some time to think about how you are being distracted, and who you are being distracted by. That is all he wants to say on it. 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 Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
Thanks very much for joining us for this episode of The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast. If we had our time again, we might choose a shorter title, because it has to be one of the longest podcast titles in the world! We answer two questions in every episode, sent in by you, the listeners. We try not to see them before we press record. That is intentional. Where possible, we go in cold. Bronwen from Atlanta, Georgia, USA then asks the first question for this episode - “Is nature just becoming a nice backdrop to selfies?” Off the back of Bronwen’s question, William reflects on how nature is increasingly used as a backdrop for selfies, suggesting that many people still view it as something separate and distant, rather than something woven into everyday life all around us. Stuart argues that for some people, nature becomes so visually incidental in moments like selfies, that it effectively disappears from awareness altogether, with individuals not recognising they are even in natural environments. Stuart goes on to urge listeners to recognise that nature is not something distant out there, but something all around us, and even within us. Emphasising that we are part of the same habitat as the wildlife we observe. William adds that this understanding is strengthened through simple, mindful engagement, encouraging people to step away from phones and distractions, and spend time in a local park, fully present in the moment, which he describes as restorative and good for the soul. Moving onto the second question for this episode which comes from Toby in Hallatrow, Somerset, England - “When dealing with sustainability in all areas of life, should we answer the questions, or answer the answers?” William suggests there is still a linear element to this process, arguing that you need questions in order to arrive at answers in the first place, and therefore, emphasises that the real starting point is ensuring we are asking the right questions. Stuart warns that an overemphasis on answering questions can lead to superficial solutions, while becoming too focused on “answering the answers” risks paralysis by analysis, where overthinking prevents meaningful action. Stuart reflects on the need for a “sweet spot” between the two approaches, suggesting that the right direction comes through self-correcting reasoning, where solutions are continually evaluated and refined by analysing what works and what doesn’t, in the same way athletes review performance to make incremental improvements, rather than treating correction as failure. 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 Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
Welcome to The People’s Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast, now apparently featuring an unexpected Yorkshire spin-off series judging by last time. Each episode, we answer two listener questions that we have not seen beforehand, because preparation is for people with structure and emotional stability. It’s also our first recording session in about a month, after quite a lot of life happening in the meantime, so there’s a slightly confused ‘first day back after the holidays’ energy today. We’d recently got into the habit of recording four episodes in one sitting, but today we’re only doing two, which means we’ll just about remember how podcasts work… and then immediately stop again. Joy, from Branton Green, Yorkshire, England asks - “Are you both where you thought you’d be?” William and Stuart tackle destiny, free will, manifestation, and the revolutionary discovery that writing something in a diary does not technically make it fate. Along the way, they discuss life paths, bad predictions, unknowable consequences, and why trying to control the future too tightly is an excellent way to become disappointed by it. Susan, from Clifford, Yorkshire, England asks - “Is that which is limiting, freeing at the same time?” William and Stuart discuss limitation, freedom, and the devastating realisation that having fewer choices might actually make life easier. From class barriers and career structures to recovery models and restaurant menus, they explore whether constraints hold us back, or simply stop us wasting three hours deciding what to do next. 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 Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
Welcome back to the podcast, episode… honestly, we’ve lost count at this point. Somewhere between ‘quite a few’ and ‘deeply concerning.’ William and Stuart begin by debating exactly how many episodes they’ve recorded, before immediately deciding the numbers don’t matter anyway. Which, of course, leads naturally into the observation that some people suddenly become extremely interested in statistics the moment they’re being criticised. William pauses dramatically, as though about to name names… before Stuart helpfully blurts out: ‘Paul.’ As always, the format is beautifully chaotic. You send in the questions, we answer them, and we normally get through two per episode. Crucially, we don’t see the questions before we hit record, which means there is no research, no planning, and certainly no professionalism involved whatsoever. Toby, from Hallatrow, Somerset, England is the first listener to set a question today - “What has true value and meaning?” William and Stuart explore the tension between acceptance and resignation, debating whether meaning is something we create for ourselves or simply assign temporarily to the world around us. From personal health and human nature to environmental change and emotional resilience, they unpack the difference between acknowledging reality and giving up, and ask whether modern life has made people too willing to accept the future as inevitable. Gus, from Walton Near Wetherby, Yorkshire, England asks the next question- “Discuss the role of compromise and reliability in Environmentalism and sustainability". William and Stuart discuss sustainability, compromise, and reliability, exploring how environmental progress depends on balancing profit, responsibility, and realistic expectations of human behaviour. Along the way, they debate whether reliability is about rigid consistency or simply a genuine commitment to keep trying in an unpredictable world. 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 Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
As of this episode, we’ve only six listener questions left, so do send one in today. Though now we’ve mentioned it we’re braced for a tsunami of filth, or at least a tsunami of questions, we’re happy to discuss anything you care, or dare, to throw our way. The first of two listener questions for today’s episode comes from Ray in Newmilns, Scotland - “I’ve been thinking about human evolution in space, but closer to home than you think. Recently a group of astronauts came home early as one was ill, but we’ve yet to experience fighting, arguments, crime, murder, death and war in space. All negative I know, but how would these occurrences affect space travel/exploration in the short/medium/long term?” Stuart feels that even if space exploration leads to a wide range of positive and negative outcomes, including conflict and advancement, the underlying human behaviours are likely to remain consistent, suggesting that when humanity extends itself into space, it may still interpret and repeat familiar patterns of narrow mindedness and conflict seen on Earth. William argues that human space travel remains extraordinarily rare, with only a tiny number of highly selected individuals ever experiencing it, and suggests that astronauts such as Neil Armstrong are chosen precisely for their exceptional stress tolerance and emotional control. He contends that this unusual temperament enables people to function effectively in extreme environments and may help explain why space has so far remained relatively free of conflict. The second of today’s two listener questions arrives from Drew in Standerwick, Somerset, England - “Where do you think you’ll be as creators in 5 years?” Stuart notes that the podcast is tied to a five year timeline following the community interest company’s he and William are involved with, first funding round, meaning it would likely conclude in 2031, after which he hopes to retire, reduce pressure on himself, and focus on managing his health with greater acceptance rather than pursuing new projets. Using humour, including jokes about figures like Neil Armstrong and “never” starting to like jazz, he frames this as a deliberate preference for slowing down rather than reinventing himself. William explains that he is considering creative projects for the future, including a YouTube based history channel about Oxford’s hidden history beyond the university focus, as well as producing music. He feels these are ideas he would like to develop over the next five years but is not placing pressure on himself, allowing them to remain flexible alongside other priorities. He perceives creative work as needing a clear sense of purpose or “so what” factor, explaining that he wants any output he produces to feel meaningful rather than simply existing for the sake of constant production. 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 Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
In this podcast, you, the listeners, send in the questions for us to discuss. We don’t see them before we press record, and we don't prepare. We encounter them cold, much like most of the big issues in life which arrive without warning. There are plenty of experts out there. What interests us is the freedom to explore our first thoughts openly and honestly in the moment. The questions are only read once that big red recording button has been pressed, so what follows is shaped by our lived experiences and more than five years of making this podcast together. What comes out of our mouths is simply our instinctive reaction to what we are hearing and thinking in real time. As a side note, we don’t really think of ourselves as podcasters. We just make podcasts, which is a subtle, but important difference. The first listener question for today comes all the way from Stithians, Cornwall, England where Paul asks the following - "I’ve heard you guys saying meditation is something you find useful. A friend of mine says they struggle to stay awake so they can’t do it. I often think we don’t take sleep seriously, and don’t take what I call ‘sleep treatment’ regularly. Or develop healthy sleep patterns and mindsets. If we did, meditation might be more beneficial? I feel I have a healthy sleep mindset. For example if I wake at 3am, I smile and think I’ve still got hours left in bed. Whereas someone with an unhealthy mindset toward sleep might panic that they’ve woken and need to get back to sleep, which keeps them awake”. Stuart argues that much of life comes down to mindset, while William applies this idea to meditation, describing open eye meditation as a practical form of mindfulness that can be practised at any time. Rather than trying to switch off the mind completely, he suggests the goal is to let thoughts pass through without becoming emotionally engaged or pulled into them. Stuart and William discuss how sleep is often undervalued, particularly the importance of developing healthier attitudes towards waking in the night rather than treating it as a crisis. The second listener question arrives from Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland where Clodagh sets the following - “We in the UK think we’re a group of islands,divided from our neighbours by water. It's just a short jump in mindset to begin to see we’re all linked by water too” William reflects on how Britain’s geography has shaped a distinct national mindset, arguing that the country’s island status has fostered a particular way of thinking that feels different from both mainland Europe and, in his experience, many Irish perspectives. Stuart feels that effective environmental action depends heavily on mindset, encouraging people to reflect on where their thinking is fixed when facing challenges or debates about sustainability, especially when there is resistance to being more sustainable. 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 Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
A city soundscape drifts through the open window of Stuart’s lounge as we hit record, sirens, engines, and all the usual urban visitors. We never see the questions to be discussed beforehand, we dive in completely cold. That way, when you press play, you’re discovering the conversation at the exact same moment we are. Anders, from Kent, England set today’s first listener question - “South East Water have been giving out water bottles to the public during the water supply problems in Kent in January 2026, but some of the vulnerable aren’t being supported until community spirit kicks in. The CEO has marked the company at 8 out of 10 for how they’ve reacted to the problems. In this day and age England should be better than this. This isn’t a third world country after all!” Stuart and William dive into how societies handle problems, from water companies to community action, arguing that resilience matters more than pretending issues shouldn’t exist. Stuart challenges the “third world country” cliché, stressing that real strength lies in how quickly people adapt, while William unpicks why leaders often overrate their own performance. Together, they explore the gap between leadership narratives and on‑the‑ground reality, the limits of CEO perspective, and the power of global localism when communities take action where they live. Ross, from Dublin, Republic Of Ireland set the next question for Stuart and William to delve into - “The Iranian uprising in early 2026 has seen the ruling regime cut off internet access to combat and suppress. Doesn't this show that protests are too reliant on the internet? What did the world's uprisings of the past use before the internet? If peoples want to overthrow, then surely they need to be more adaptive?” Stuart and William, your co-hosts, explore how movements spread ideas, past and present, from the days of couriers and public orators to today’s encrypted platforms. Stuart questions whether true secrecy is even possible anymore, while William argues that our sense of “internet dependence” is often exaggerated. Drawing on historic figures like Henry Hunt and modern protests such as HS2, they unpick why challenging systems takes far more than intention, and why resistance can still matter even when it doesn’t change the final outcome. 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 Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
A podcast built on pure curiosity. You send the questions, and we tackle them cold, no prep, no peeking. Every episode starts with a blank slate and an honest reaction. And if a guest wants the questions in advance, we kindly suggest they try a different podcast, because the magic here is in the surprise. Paul, from Stithians, Cornwall, England ask today's initial question - "What's your favourite way to spend the weekend?” A conversation about life structure, blurred boundaries, and what a “weekend” even means anymore. William explores how flexible work has dissolved the old two day reset, pushing him to carve out his own pockets of stillness. Stuart sees the fading weekday, weekend divide as a healthier rhythm, yet still believes in the value of real separation and intentional rest. Together, they rethink how to design your time, why many people have lost their weekends to overwork, and what it looks like to reclaim space for slowing down, nature, and genuine recharge. Bobby, from Veryan, Cornwall, England asks today’s second question - “What is a belief or attitude that sometimes gets in the way of your dreams?” A candid exploration of ambition and limits. William argues that people often underestimate themselves, held back by shaky self belief and the fear of not knowing enough. Stuart counters that while pushing yourself matters, the idea that “anyone can do anything” ignores real world constraints shaped by class, networks, and circumstance. Together they unpick the tension between healthy stretch and unrealistic dreams, the trap of chasing goals that don’t satisfy, and the value of setting aims grounded in reality rather than fantasy. It’s a conversation about capability, context, and what happens after you finally achieve the thing you thought you wanted. 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 Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: change.org/ImproveTheOxfordshireCountrysideAccessibilityForAllDisabilitiesAndAbilities We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends podfollow.com/ThePeoplesCountrysideEnvironmentalDebatePodcast , support our work through Patreon patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside . Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
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