Green Rapids Podcast

Ride along with Erica for another Rapid River update! She is bringing you the latest on all things happening locally here in Grand Rapids, from the commission seat changes to flooding happening across the state. As things seem to shift daily in politics and the environment, now is the time for collective action, accountability, emergency preparedness and a whole lot of hope. Doing our best not to drown in updates, rather use our community support as a raft to safety in these rising waters. A reminder that staying connected means staying safe!

Erica takes a (pedestrian friendly) walk along memory lane with Marco Allegretti, a Wayne State University Grad Student who's in the Masters Program for Public Administration focusing on urban planning and community development. They talk about their trip to two beautiful and sustainable cities in Europe; Paris and Barcelona! These two cities are leading their communities to longer and higher quality lives while getting their residents moving in style. Jump aboard the conversation as they compare the 40 square miles of each city and how the investments our governments make, can change the world!

The tide is high but I'm holdin' on! Green Rapids is back and szn four is bringing you even more! Erica kicks us off with Rapid River updates from local and international news, ways you can stay connected in your community and as always, keepin' it real. Catch a wave along Green Rapids for a season you won't want to miss!

Nancy and Erica sunset szn 3 of Green Rapids Podcast by commemorating their favorite interviews of 2025. They talk about how they ebb and flow through organizing in this heightened political climate and how that has shifted their work and priorities. Tune in with us to sip the tea for the last time, until next time!

Nancy and Erica get to the heart of the relation between environmental health and community health with Annalise Hammerlund and Steven Ashmead. These healthcare providers and members of Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action (MiCCA) get real about the future for the people and the planet. With a focus on solutions for the Grand Rapids community, they explore what we can do to work together to combat these changes.

Nancy and Erica power up to take on their arch nemeses; DTE & Consumers Energy, with a petition that should blow their lobbying power$ out of our (political) world! They talk about how signing petitions and ballot initiatives help us, the people, take back our power and stick it to greedy corporations. Get energized about MMOP (Michiganders for Money Out of Politics) and learn how to make an impact in your community alongside us! Visit mopupmichigan.org or urbancorecollective.org to get involved today!

Nancy and Erica get a lesson in nervous system regulation and how to stay cool in this heavy climate with Mental Health Professional, AC Cluley. AC (aka Hot Sauce) gives perspective on how not having access to clean water, education and a healthy environment has an impact on everyone, especially our BIPOC and often most vulnerable communities. This poet gets deep about their lived experience to help us all gain more understanding of why we need to protect this beautiful planet. You'll hear everything from science to poetry along this trip with our good friend. Stay cool!

Nancy and Erica dip their toes into the Grand River with a little help from Water Resource Engineer, Jemel Thompson. In this conversation Jemel takes them on a voyage from the Lake Huron to Lake Superior and back to our shared water address, helping everyone gain more perspective on those being educated in this state and what they are doing with that education to better their communities. Get your waders on and soak it all in with Green Rapids!

Nancy and Erica serve the tea once again as they dish about opposition to the CAAP. As they celebrate this big win for sustainable efforts in Grand Rapids, they talk through the City Commission's top 20 priorities for the CAAP as well as "concerns" coming from the business community.

In this weeks stream, Nancy and Erica dive right into whats going on with our local watershed in their conversation with Joel Betts, Watershed Specialist with the Kent Conservation District. They soak in some knowledge from the PhD student who has a love for the Great Lakes and everything that lives within it. Learn alongside us in this episode as we float down this river of wisdom and wonders!

Nancy and Erica talk about the hottest topic around and it's... the weather? As the second heat wave of the summer rolls in, we brace ourselves and communities for the impacts of climate change here in Grand Rapids and across the US. Throw in some headphones as you escape the heat this week and listen to Green Rapids - you'll look and feel cool doing it!

Nancy and Erica take a look into the past as the City of Grand Rapids makes plans for the future. With the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) being voted on by our Commission in just a week, they take a look into the Grand Rapids Climate Resiliency Report done by WMEAC 10 years ago. The plan mirrors the vision the environmental justice community has shared for decades now, leaving us wondering, how far have we come since then and why we are asking for the same changes to be made today? Tune in to see how Nancy and Erica grade the City of Grand Rapids for their sustainable practices.

Coming to you in Espanglish! Nancy and Erica (well, just Nancy) switch it up with Bo Torres the Project Supervisor for Strong Fathers/Padres Fuertes project through Strong Beginnings-Healthy Start @ Corewell Health-West. They talk about how communities in the global majority can reconnect to nature, having a positive impact on their direct environment and health. From Puerto Rico to Michigan, Bo offers support for black and latino children & men across the state in for a healthier future.

Nancy and Erica commemorate and celebrate queer and black history in a conversation on why we recognize Pride and Juneteenth. From riots to rights, from slavery to salvation. They get real about what it is like living in a world where our most oppressed communities are still so close to the frontline. June is for justice!

Nancy and Erica end Mental Health Awareness Month by taking a walk through Rebecca Spann's journey. Rebecca gives a tour of how Our Mental Health Collective (OMHC) has blossomed into existence. As the founder of OMHC Rebecca has used the pieces of who she is to influence the world around her, helping people of color reconnect with nature and their mental health. Heal alongside us as we are reminded, the key to a healthy and happy life may be right in your own backyard.

Nancy and Erica power up with their colleague Kyle Lim from the Urban Core Collective and we're using our voice to take back our power, control over our tax dollars and the health of Michigan residents. They get real about how decisions are made and how we can be a part of the process. Learn about how you can get involved by becoming a justice captain and make sure to get your name on the ballot!

Nancy and Erica get a bitter taste of consumption and it's at the hand of an American staple, Coca Cola. Learn about the impact they, like many other corporations, have on the communities they reside in. Just one sip away from the truth about their practices and how that can have an impact on the health of our communities and planet.

Nancy and Erica get real about Trumps Project 2025 plan. They share how the first 90 days of a new administration has created a major shift in our personal and larger world. Tune in as they try to lighten up this very dark $hade of Green.

Nancy and Erica cruise through their day DARTing around with Ken and Colin from Public Agency at WMCAT. They talk about how living car free has allowed for them to go even further into their journey toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Buckle up and get ready for very smooth ride along Green Rapids from the GR to the Lakeshore.

SZN 3 is live (and this one is for the girls so if that's not you keep scrolling :p) ! Nancy and Erica kick off March in the best way they know how.. showing the ladies some love! For International Women's Month, they talk about women who are making waves in their communities as water protectors, innovators and (long overdue) elected officials. Get the tea, and as Nancy would say; get it piping hot!

Nancy and Erica venture into the urban jungle of Grand Rapids as they speak to Travis Kurtz, a Community Science Coordinator at the John Ball Zoo. He tells us about his journey through the sciences and how it lead him to nature conservation here in GR. Become a Habitat Hero alongside him as we trek into the wild wild west of community science and how it can help our changing climate.

Nancy and Erica fill up on food sovereignty facts and talk about how cultural relevancy within our diets can also feed the soul. Grab a large serving and don't be shy, there's enough for everyone to have seconds at the Green Rapids table.

Nancy and Erica get the scoop from Jeff Smith and you're going to want to grab a double! He's been amplifying the voice of the people in Grand Rapids since before we were able to even speak, so we're feeling grateful to learn alongside you. You won't want to miss the opportunity to hear from his perspective, as we take him back to record where it all began.

Nancy and Erica get into whats happening at Urban Core Collective and specifically with Betsaida from our Education Justice Team! She dishes all the deets about the Student Association for Leadership Transformation (SALT) where they are making real changes, elevating youth voices, and engaging with GRPS school board. Hear about how popularrr they're becoming through advocacy self agency!

Nancy and Erica chat about some of the anti-social behaviors on the internet. They uncover some of the truths about how we are influenced and how that can make or break our personal impact on the planet. Promoting mindful content and rebuilding algorithms brick by brick.

We’re talking trash (the good kind, duh. We're girls girls!) Join the converstaion with Nancy, Erica and their guest Katelyn Kikstra from the Kent County Department of Public Works. Sheworks as a Waste Reduction Educator, so she's the perfect person to walk us through the muck of what happens to our waste in Kent County (and it kinda stinks..) Refuse to allow for your purchases to be trash and find a solution to get out of this crap together!

Join Nancy and Erica as they listen to what the residents and long term stakeholders of Roosevelt Park Neighborhood have to say about the excessive truck traffic in their community. From shaking houses to COPD, these residents and all residents of Grand Rapids deserve better. Come listen to their stories, solutions and gain an understanding of what it's like to live in the neighborhood with the WORST AIR QUALITY across GR.

Nancy and Erica don't just think they can, they know they can with Michigan Climate Action Network's Executive Director, Denise Keele! Join them as they talk about the track she took to get to MiCAN and her journey along the way. You won't want to miss this inspiring story from the powerhouse herself!

Nancy and Erica invite you to power up! We're talking about the Michigan Public Service Commission, who they are and why some may blow a fuse after leaving a meeting with them. They may hold the seat but collectively, the people hold the power!

Float along the Green Rapids stream with us! Nancy and Erica are catching waves along the LGROW flow with Robert Cloy. We learn more about the GRANDest River in Michigan, urban water spaces and how you can tap into becoming an advocate!

You CAN sip with us! Nancy and Erica dish about climate cafés and it's piping hot! They spill details on how they're foamed and the history behind spices to gather when life gets tough. You may even learn about a climate café near you 👀 Sit back with a warm (or iced) cup of your favorite drink and join the conversation!

Nancy and Erica get into the weeds of Community Development in Detroit with Marco Allegretti from Joy Southfield CDC. He digs deep into his experience with AmeriCorps, biking us through his journey across the US; working in rural and urban areas facing the worst of climate and economic impacts we see today. Plant yourself somewhere comfortable to sow some knowledge and grow with us!

Nancy and Erica talk junk this episode - specifically around junk emails and how our reliance on the "cloud" is impacting our environment. Plug into our episode about unplugging & unsubscribing to clean up the mess our junk actually makes

Erica shares her insight on the current status of Enbridge's Line 5. If you’re not sure what Line 5 is, you came to the right place! Nancy and Erica chat about the history of Line 5 and talk about the pros and cons of it. Let’s just say theres more than just water under the Mackinac Bridge.

Nancy and Erica break down the very first Earth Day, how it began and how we can continue to bring that same energy into our day to day lives. Learn about some of our favorite local and sustainable stops in Grand Rapids to bring in National "Mom and Pop" (local) Business Day - March 29th. Shop local, shop green!

Nancy and Erica are back!! Join our conversation - covering highlights from szn 1, what we've been working on while gone and exciting things to come! Get ready for even MORE interviews, canid moments and lots of laughs. We hope you enjoy szn 2 with Green Rapids! So happy to be back :)

Nancy and Erica rap up their first season with a conversation about the environmental impacts the US Department of Defense is responsible for. They take a deeper look into where emissions come from and why war leaves more than an emotional or traumatic stain on communities all across the world. The fight for a cleaner more just world cannot end while their wars fuel destruction of our planet.

Nancy and Erica give their take on what it means to feel safe as a pedestrian but also a vital piece of society, as we all are. From walking to biking, busses and trains, getting around your city should not have to mean sitting in traffic. Remember, you are not sitting in traffic, you ARE the traffic! Together let's highlight pedestrian safety this month!

Nancy and Erica take a ride down the Green Rapids and reflect on the "climate" of the summer. As the seasons change, we continue to fight for the shifts happening in our environment, with hibernation in mind. Sit back and chill with us this week!

Have you noticed that most of Michigan is bound by an energy monopoly? Join us on this blast to the past to understand how we got here; and how we can look to our history to create a world that runs on cleaner, community-owned power!

Wende Randall of Kent County Essential Needs Task Force bares the essentials about the behind scenes of organizing in Grand Rapids. She helps us understand the systems backing the systems we use to service the community and how we can utilize them to create a better mold for our future foundation.

Nancy and Erica swim through the "body" of the water conversation with Carlos Calderon from the West Michigan Environmental Action Council. He dives deep into the water cycle, how we impact it now and what we can do to reverse some of the more harmful impacts on our city.

Nancy and Erica get to know Ned Andre and C4 a little better, diving deeper into the sea of the climate issue, here in Grand Rapids and across the world. Along the way we explore how building community can aid in climate change solutions.

Nancy and Erica talk about shopping culture, consumerism and where it all stems from. Giving a history on how we got buried in our "stuff" and how we might be able to dig our way out and into a more simple, greener lifestyle.

Let's get real about Women - a conversation about the social, cultural and behavioral climate we live in and how women are not only impacted but also leading the causes to change our environments for the better. Climate Baddies do it best.

Nancy and Erica talk about the importance of our National Parks and preserved land in the United States while also touching on the history of how we acquired the land we cherish today. A way to acknowledge and become more aware of the path we took to get where we are today and how to pave a more sustainable path for our future for everyone.

A conversation with local organizer Janet Zahn, Co-chair with the Grand Rapids Climate Coalition, one of the largest climate based organizations in West Michigan. We learn a brief history of how they were formed and some of the important work they are doing to create effective changes in our environment.

Nancy and Erica discuss some of their favorite ways to send some love letters to Mother Earth. Highlighting solutions from experts, and grassroots environmentalists. A reminder that we can build onto our actions to make a larger impact every day.

We talk with Regional Coordinators Abigail Barker Wesley Watson from the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. They give us a dive into the world of PFAS/PFOS and what it looks like to have the environment were "swimming in".

A deeper dive into what climate justice means and who faces the largest impacts of those changes. Highlighting commonly used terms and issues upon us as a city and a country as a whole.