The crew dives into Lake Michigan’s mythic, ecological, and feminist depths with writer Maud Lavin. From mermaids to blueberry muffins, this episode swims between satire, science, and storytelling.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by environmental issues—and responded with humor, art, or satire? Tell us about your version of “lazy activism.”
I think I have felt overwhelmed by them and other issues overall. It takes a toll over the years. I have become cynical and jaded. But I still have a bit of hope. It has been tougher to maintain in recent years though.
"Lazy activism" to me would possibly be smaller actions like not following the news daily (perhaps just 2-3x/wk), writing fiction to express how you feel, supporting creatives from marginalized communities, and maybe writing letters encouraging voters to vote.
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What mythological or pop culture figure do you associate with water? (Mermaids? Swamp Thing? Aquaman? Something unexpected?)
Good question here too. Aquaman, Squirtle, Storm (as part of her powers), Namor, Katara, Pearl Pangan/Wave.
I also created a character named Mei who has water powers, but I haven't had a chance to develop her character much yet.
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What’s your favorite lake, river, or body of water—and how has it shaped your relationship with nature? Share a story, memory, or photo.
Maybe the Pacific Ocean or Mediterranean Sea. Will try to email you photos tomorrow, Joe. May you please remind me if I forget? They are beautiful and seeing them from Los Angeles and Ceuta took my breath away. They remind me of how awesome and invaluable nature is and how we need to protect natural resources.
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If water had memory, what would it remember about you? Speculative answers encouraged.
A curious observer who was often too scared to explore in person. One who needs to face fears and explore.
Cool that Maud likes to use humor for her writing. I do also. It is fun and I agree with Georgia, it can be an effective way to inform and inspire. Late night comedians like John Oliver and Jon Stewart have done this.
I was an activist in the past but had some major burnout. I think 'lazy' activism may work better for me. I need to look out for my needs more often.
I was on a riverboat tour when I went to Chicago. I hope to check out the Great Lakes next time. They sound awesome :)
Cool that Maud's characters like blueberry muffins. I love them. Do they like chocolate muffins also?
Ordinary humans and mermaids? Nice. That makes them more relatable.
The Deep sounds like a great book. I want to read it! Will see if my bookstore has it. And haha Big Macs consumed is the metrc for how much is needed for replenishment, right? I imagine my superhero character Steph can have a lot of them lol
Hybrid human/mermiad characters would be awesome. Nice suggestion, Joe! I didn't know about buoyancy and whales but that makes sense. Very informative. Also, good info about beached whales on beaches and the issue of weight. Makes sense that the heavy weight would cause major problems for beached whales.
LOL poop jokes are ones that I like.
It is incredible how much freshwater comes from the Great Lakes. They are invaluable. Our world needs to truly appreciate, protect, and preserve our natural resources.
I too am amazed by natural resources too...I loved the nature preserves in Indianapolis and the Santa Monica Beach. They are amazing. I need to visit the Great Lakes :)
Lol I just thought of Captain Planet lol
I wish I could be at the Seminary Co-Op. Wish I was close to Chicago lol
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by environmental issues—and responded with humor, art, or satire? Tell us about your version of “lazy activism.”
I think I have felt overwhelmed by them and other issues overall. It takes a toll over the years. I have become cynical and jaded. But I still have a bit of hope. It has been tougher to maintain in recent years though.
"Lazy activism" to me would possibly be smaller actions like not following the news daily (perhaps just 2-3x/wk), writing fiction to express how you feel, supporting creatives from marginalized communities, and maybe writing letters encouraging voters to vote.
--
What mythological or pop culture figure do you associate with water? (Mermaids? Swamp Thing? Aquaman? Something unexpected?)
Good question here too. Aquaman, Squirtle, Storm (as part of her powers), Namor, Katara, Pearl Pangan/Wave.
I also created a character named Mei who has water powers, but I haven't had a chance to develop her character much yet.
--
What’s your favorite lake, river, or body of water—and how has it shaped your relationship with nature? Share a story, memory, or photo.
Maybe the Pacific Ocean or Mediterranean Sea. Will try to email you photos tomorrow, Joe. May you please remind me if I forget? They are beautiful and seeing them from Los Angeles and Ceuta took my breath away. They remind me of how awesome and invaluable nature is and how we need to protect natural resources.
--
If water had memory, what would it remember about you? Speculative answers encouraged.
A curious observer who was often too scared to explore in person. One who needs to face fears and explore.
Hey Joe, Georgia, Nick, and Maud!
Cool that Maud likes to use humor for her writing. I do also. It is fun and I agree with Georgia, it can be an effective way to inform and inspire. Late night comedians like John Oliver and Jon Stewart have done this.
I was an activist in the past but had some major burnout. I think 'lazy' activism may work better for me. I need to look out for my needs more often.
I was on a riverboat tour when I went to Chicago. I hope to check out the Great Lakes next time. They sound awesome :)
Cool that Maud's characters like blueberry muffins. I love them. Do they like chocolate muffins also?
Ordinary humans and mermaids? Nice. That makes them more relatable.
The Deep sounds like a great book. I want to read it! Will see if my bookstore has it. And haha Big Macs consumed is the metrc for how much is needed for replenishment, right? I imagine my superhero character Steph can have a lot of them lol
Hybrid human/mermiad characters would be awesome. Nice suggestion, Joe! I didn't know about buoyancy and whales but that makes sense. Very informative. Also, good info about beached whales on beaches and the issue of weight. Makes sense that the heavy weight would cause major problems for beached whales.
LOL poop jokes are ones that I like.
It is incredible how much freshwater comes from the Great Lakes. They are invaluable. Our world needs to truly appreciate, protect, and preserve our natural resources.
I too am amazed by natural resources too...I loved the nature preserves in Indianapolis and the Santa Monica Beach. They are amazing. I need to visit the Great Lakes :)
Lol I just thought of Captain Planet lol
I wish I could be at the Seminary Co-Op. Wish I was close to Chicago lol
Awesome episode. Good discussion. Take care :)