Non-Toxic

In this eye-opening episode of Carbon Bros, my co-host Amy Westervelt talks with special guest Vivian Taylor. A veteran of both trans rights activism and climate policy (and a literal veteran), Vivian reveals the shocking connections between fossil billionaires and anti-trans campaigns. Turns out, it’s easy to distract people with genital inspectors so you don’t have to deal with methane leakage inspectors.In this episode, Amy and Vivian break down the disturbing overlap between anti-trans, anti-climate, and other right-wing movements, as well as the critical need for unity in tackling these pressing issues. It’s a powerful conversation that uncovers the hidden networks funding social division and environmental degradation. And don’t forget to join us next week for the final episode of Carbon Bros. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nontoxicpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

In this bonus episode of Carbon Bros, we present an extended conversation with Cara Daggett, who coined the term "petro-masculinity." Daggett delves into the implications of this idea that far-right ideologies, misogyny, and climate denial are all tied together in the macho obsession with big old trucks. We also zoom out and discuss global perspectives on fossil fuels and masculinity, examining the intersection between petro-cultures and nationalism—because this isn’t just an American thing.Next week, we'll be back with episode 3 of Carbon Bros, and in the meantime, we're soliciting some thoughts from our listeners to include in the final episode. If you've got ideas about potential solutions for the crises of masculinity and climate change, send a voice note to nontoxicpodcast1@gmail.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nontoxicpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Manosphere figures like Andrew Tate, Joe Rogan, and Jordan Peterson aren’t just telling men how to treat their girlfriends or train for MMA fights; they’re also blasting their listeners with climate denial talking points. Which isn’t a coincidence. The fossil fuel industry has known since at least the 1990s that certain types of men are more susceptible to climate disinformation than other segments of the public. We take a look at how climate denial has seeped into the manosphere, how those messages are shaping men’s views of the climate crisis, and how the results are playing out at the ballot box.Carbon Bros is a collaboration between Drilled Media and Non-Toxic, written and co-hosted by Amy Westervelt and me, Daniel Penny.If you want to listen to more amazing climate reporting by Amy, head to Drilled’s vast archive. The investigations they’ve done—on everything from the history of greenwashing to dirty oil deals in Guyana—are superb. And if you’d like to support what I’m doing or check out previous seasons of Non-Toxic, become a paid subscriber today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nontoxicpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Join me in the studio of artist and activist Jay Critchley, a Provincetown legend known for his provocative work at the intersection of masculinity, environmental degradation, and consumption. Each year in his annual RE-ROOTER Ceremony, the artist includes the public in an attempt to discard the objects and experiences that prohibit us making from a deeper connection with the earth and human life, and to “re-root” ourselves to the earth. He also pushes a flaming Christmas tree into the Cape Cod Bay.Down in Jay's former septic system we literally get deep, discussing everything from Jay's long history of combining political activism and creative projects to his celebration of limp penises to the problem with carbon captured broligarchs.To keep the show going, ⁠become a Non-Toxic patron today⁠. And if you’re motivated by material possessions, we’ve got ⁠some great thank you gifts for our supporters.⁠ And ⁠sign up for our free Substack⁠, where you can stay up to date on all things Non-Toxic. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nontoxicpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Like a rhizomatic network, Non-Toxic is linking and building with investigative climate journalist Amy Westervelt. She and the Drilled podcast team will be helping out with a special mini-season of Non-Toxic x Drilled, launching summer 2025.For those of you who aren’t already devoted Drilled listeners, it’s one of the best climate podcasts out there. They’ve covered everything from the birth of climate denial to the criminalization of climate protest to Exxon’s corrupt efforts to secure deep sea drilling rights off the coast of Guyana. While working on Non-Toxic, I’ve always looked to Drilled as an example of the kinds of stories I want to tell and the impact I hope to have. So it’s really a dream to be working with them.In the meantime, while I work on that, I'll be releasing bonus episodes on everything from male infertility to the failures of "abundance bros."To keep the show going, become a Non-Toxic patron today. And if you’re motivated by material possessions, we’ve got some great thank you gifts for our supporters. And sign up for our free Substack, where you can stay up to date on all things Non-Toxic. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nontoxicpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Non-Toxic, we're going Hollywood, breaking down the PR wars and legal wrangling between the stars of the domestic violence drama, It Ends With Us. Justin Baldoni, the director and co-star of the film, is facing serious allegations of sexual harassment, inappropriate on-set behavior–and a coordinated PR campaign to destroy the reputation of the film's leading actress, Blake Lively. (Notably, he's also the host of the podcast Man Enough.) Now, he's filed countersuits of his own. With insights from journalist Emily Kirkpatrick and gender justice researcher Dr. Will McInerney, this episode unpacks how PRs take advantage of misogyny on behalf of their clients, why branding yourself a male feminist might be problematic, and whether this case is the final nail in the coffin of #MeToo.⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠ and follow us ⁠⁠on Substack⁠. If you liked this episode , ⁠⁠⁠check out my conversation with ⁠⁠beauty reporter Jessica de Fino⁠ about the oppressive beauty standards coming for men.Guest Bios:Emily Kirkpatrick is a writer covering celebrity and pop culture for outlets such as New York magazine, Glamour, W, Vogue, and the New York Times. Her popular weekly newsletter, I <3 Mess, rounds up the best of the worst celebrity fashion.Dr. Will McInerny is a researcher and educator who studies gender-based violence; violence prevention; men and masculinities; peace and conflict studies; and arts-based research.The NYT articles in question:‘We Can Bury Anyone’: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine‘It Ends With Us’ Actor and Director and His Publicists Sue The Times for LibelThe Levers of Change Gender Equality Attitudes Study 2022Masculinity and women's equality: study finds emerging gender divide in young people's attitudes This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nontoxicpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Things are heating up in this episode of Non-Toxic. I'm talking to Clare Boerigter, a fire research fellow, science writer, and former wildland firefighter who has been on the front lines of America's increasingly out of control wildfires. Clare shares stories from her three seasons fighting fires, the impact of climate change on wildfires, and the challenges faced by women in the firefighting community. We also explore the science of fire behavior, human encroachment on places likely to burn, and the problem with trying to prevent all wildfires. And Clare generously shares an except from her forthcoming memoir from Beacon Press, Wild Light: Notes from the Safest, Most Dangerous Places.Further Reading:The age of the “megafire”Women fighting forest fires say abuse is rife – but men often go unpunishedHow to Save a Forest by Burning ItWildfires Will Put $11 Billion Worth of U.S. Property at Risk Every Year by 2050Damage from sprawling Prospect Park brush fire may take years to repair, officials say This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nontoxicpodcast.substack.com/subscribe