Time-Traveling Toward a Better Future with Rob Hopkins

Grab your space suits; it's time to time-travel. Carly kicks off a new season of Unwind with a focus on radical imagination. In a new segment, Carly first chats with comrade Claire Howe about sustaining hope amid collective hopelessness, balancing engagement with overwhelm, and making space to dream by limiting social media. Carly then interviews Rob Hopkins, co-founder of Transition Network, which began in Totnes 20 years ago to help communities wean off fossil fuels through local food, energy, and housing projects now spanning thousands of groups in about 50 countries. Rob traces his roots to punk and permaculture, defines imagination as seeing things as if they could be otherwise, and argues the climate crisis demands bold, systemic reimagining rather than incremental fixes. Rob shares how hope grows from action, highlighting real-world examples of better futures. Rob and Carly wrap up by talking about the importance of playfulness. And of course, Carly can't help but bring up social media. Rob warns that social media erodes attention and deep understanding, and suggests practices like seeking solution stories, creating imaginative space, and learning improv. Zip zap zop for the climate?Check out Rob's website to learn more about his work and buy his book: robhopkins.netSubscribe to Unwind and support the pod on Substack: unwindmovementmedia.substack.comFind zines, take classes with Carly, and more: unwindmovementmedia.comMusic produced by M Baxley of Bear Witness Media