144: Solar Story Circle: How Narrative Powers Democracy & Social Change

What if the solution to the climate crisis and the key to democratic renewal were powered by the same thing?In this episode of Art is Change, we'll explore Bill McKiibben new book, Here Comes the Sun, and draw a powerful parallel between the emerging solar energy story and narrative of as a force for democracy and social change.What if stories could be fuel just like solar energy?What if the narratives we share could help shift the tide against authoritarian fear?In this episode of Art is Change, we draw the connection between hopeful breakthroughs on the climate front and the power of story making in the fight for democracy. The provocation for these audacious questions is Bill McKibben's new book, Here Comes the Sun, which isn't just another climate manifesto. It backs hope with data.In it, we'll hear how ordinary farmers in places like Pakistan are transforming energy access without big subsidies, . Just affordability, imagination and a DIY spirit.Then we'll explore how mythic stories of fear and scarcity get reinforced and how we might actively replace them with notions of abundance, possibility and connection.And finally, we'll consider how something as simple as story circles neighbors telling each other what they see and feel can be a solar array of for democracy, act one, here comes the sun with a vengeance.Notable MentionsHere’s a list of all the people, events, organizations, and publications mentioned during the show.1. PeopleBill Cleveland – Host of Art is Change podcast and Director of the Center for the Study of Art and Community .Bill McKibben – Environmentalist, author, and founder of 350.org, often called one of the “grandfathers” of the climate movement. His new book Here Comes the Sun anchors the episode .Chris Hayes – Journalist and host of MSNBC’s Why Is This Happening? podcast, where he discussed McKibben’s ideas .John O’Neal – Playwright, director, and co-founder of the Free Southern Theater. He pioneered the use of story circles as a tool for community dialogue and activism .Judy Munson – Composer responsible for the Art is Change theme and soundscapes .2. EventsCivil Rights Movement (1960s) – Movement for racial justice in the U.S., where story circles were used to amplify voices and fuel activism .Hattiesburg, Mississippi Civil Rights organizing – Example of story circles transformed into community theater during the movement .Milestone, Mississippi civil rights activities – Community where Free Southern Theater and story circles had significant impact .Bogalusa, Louisiana civil rights struggles – A flashpoint for grassroots civil rights activism, amplified through story circles .Swamp Gravy – A community-based theater project in Georgia, born from story circles .The Laramie Project – A play created from community interviews after the murder of Matthew Shepard, showing the transformative power of story sharing .3. OrganizationsCenter for the Study of Art and Community – Produces Art is Change and supports artists and cultural organizers working at the intersection of art and social change .Free Southern Theater – Founded in 1963 in Mississippi, used theater and story circles to support civil rights activism .Koch Industries – Used as an example of fossil fuel industry resistance to renewable energy transitions .Freesound.org – Online database of free sound effects, used in the podcast .4. PublicationsHere Comes the Sun (2024) – Bill McKibben’s latest book, subtitled A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization. It documents the global solar energy revolution and its democratic implications .Why Is This Happening? Podcast – Chris Hayes’ program, where he discussed McKibben’s solar revolution narrative .*****Art Is CHANGE is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.