Dr. Sabrina McCormick on Burnout, Breakthroughs & the Joy of Climate Storytelling

📽️ Dr. Sabrina McCormick on Burnout, Breakthroughs & the Joy of Climate Storytelling

“Resilience is found in the struggle.” — Dr. Sabrina McCormick

In this powerhouse episode, host Beth Bannerman sits down with Dr. Sabrina McCormick — a trailblazing climate scientist, filmmaker, and entrepreneur — for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation on what it really takes to drive change in a world on fire.

From losing her childhood home to toxic contamination to co-leading the largest climate media impact study to date, Dr. McCormick opens up about the early trauma that ignited her mission, how storytelling became her superpower, and why joy — yes, joy — may be the missing ingredient in climate action.

🎥 She shares behind-the-scenes stories from her Emmy-winning work on Years of Living Dangerously, her feature film Burnout, and what she’s learning from measuring real-time emotional responses to climate media.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone working at the intersection of science, storytelling, and social change — or simply trying to stay grounded and hopeful while making a difference.

🧭 In This Episode:

00:00 | Meet Dr. Sabrina McCormick: Filmmaker, Scientist, Changemaker

06:12 | How Childhood Trauma Sparked a Lifelong Mission

11:19 | The Moment Film Trumped Data in Driving Change

14:34 | Why Storytelling Must Be Built on Real Research

18:30 | Citizen Science: What the Bayou Taught Her

24:05 | When Innovation Gets Dismissed — and Why Persistence Wins

29:24 | The Pandemic Pivot: Building Something New

32:22 | Burnout, Boundaries & the Power of Dance Therapy

39:29 | What Happens When You Become the Character

43:20 | Lessons from Hollywood: Leadership, Ethics & Integrity

49:25 | The Shocking Science Behind What Drives Climate Action

53:10 | Why Joy — Not Fear — Is the Key to Change

57:13 | A Vision for the Future: Healthy Relationships & a Thriving Planet

💡 Highlights:

“The experience of joy is the #1 predictor of climate-conscious behavior.”

"Burnout," the film, is available for private screenings via https://resiliencecreative.org

ImpacTracker is changing the way we measure emotional resonance in storytelling

Sabrina’s advice for young changemakers: "You don’t have to choose between rigor and creativity."

🔗 Links & Resources:

🔬 Resilience Creative — Sabrina’s production studio and impact lab

📽️ "Burnout" (short film) — Written and directed by Sabrina McCormick: https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/burnout

📽️ "Sequestrada" film - Written and directed by Sabrina McCormick:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5816566/

📚 "No Family History" — Sabrina’s crossover book on breast cancer and the environment available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/fUczmPZ

📖 "The Creative Act" by Rick Rubin — a source of inspiration mentioned in the episode

📺 Years of Living Dangerously — Emmy-winning docuseries featuring Sabrina's work

❤️ Loved this conversation?

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 💌 Share this episode with a friend or colleague who cares about climate, creativity, or healing through story.

🌍 Keep telling stories that spark hope.

 ✨ Build community.

 🌱 Protect our one shared planet.

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What happens when you combine a scientist’s mind with an artist’s heart? In this moving episode of The Planeteers Podcast, Beth Bannerman sits down with Cristina “Mitty” Mittermeier—renowned marine biologist, award-winning conservation photographer, and co-founder of Sea Legacy. Mitty shares how her journey from rural Mexico to the front lines of environmental activism has shaped her belief that visual storytelling is one of our most powerful tools for change.

From underwater encounters with whales to policy-shaping campaigns and her latest book Hope, this conversation is a poetic, urgent, and inspiring reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our planet.

✨ Topics include: • Sea Legacy and building a storytelling movement • Indigenous wisdom and intergenerational thinking • Photography as soft diplomacy • Stories from behind the lens—heartbreak and hope • How to find your own “superhero suit” for action

🎙️ Subscribe for more powerful stories from the women creating a cooler world.

📚 Explore Mitty’s book Hope: https://www.cristinamittermeier.com/hope

🌊Learn more about SeaLegacy: https://sealegacy.org/

📸 Follow Mitty on Instagram: @mitty

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 🎧 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-planeteers-podcast/id1811023555

🎬Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BsHFaTbsY08

How to Build a Regenerative Economy with Hunter Lovins

“We have the solutions—we know what to do. Let’s stop talking and start regenerating,” ~ Hunter Lovins

Join host Beth Bannerman for a deep dive with Hunter Lovins—author, pioneer of Natural Capitalism, and one of the world’s foremost champions of sustainable development. 

What if capitalism could heal the planet instead of harming it? After four decades on the front lines of sustainable development, Hunter is here to show us exactly how to build a regenerative economy—quickly and profitably. Strap in for a conversation that proves real climate action starts in our communities, not boardrooms.

💡 Takeaways: You’ll walk away ready to launch your own dot—one small, high-impact action in your community that moves us all toward a climate-safe future.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

1. Integrated Bottom Line: 13 “green business” strategies that drive +34% ROI

2. Regenerative Agriculture: How cover crops & holistic grazing turn soil into profit

3. Barriers & Breakthroughs: Battling vested interests in sustainable development

4. CopX.Global: Building a grassroots climate movement in 1,000+ communities

5. Doughnut Economics: Operating within the planet’s “safe & just space”

6. Just Cities: Civic-pride meets clean energy, agri-tech, and community finance

7. Vision for 2050: Imagining a world powered by circular economy and impact investing

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro & Hunter’s Impact

06:07 Business Case for Sustainability

17:10 Examples of Regenerative Practices

26:06 Vision from A Finer Future

39:08 COPX.Global & Grassroots Action

46:41 Principles of Regenerative Economics

01:06:05 Doughnut Economics Explained

01:08:10 Imagining Our Regenerative Future

RESOURCES mentioned in this episode:

• 🌐 Natural Capitalism Solutions → https://natcapsolutions.org

• 📖 A Finer Future Book by L. Hunter Lovins, Stewart Wallis, Anders Wijkman, John Fullerton→ https://natcapsolutions.org/product/purchaseafinerfuture/

• 🌍 COPX.global grassroots movement to scale local climate action → https://www.copx.global/home

• 📑John Fullerton’s Regenerative Capitalism paper → https://capitalinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/2015-Regenerative-Capitalism-4-20-15-final.pdf

• 🎬Common Ground Documentary Film → https://commongroundfilm.org/

• 🧑‍🌾 Regenerative Rancher Gabe Brown → https://brownsranch.us/

• 🌐 Savory Institute (Holistic Management) → https://savory.global/

• 🌐 Rodale Institute (Regenerative Organic Agriculture) → https://rodaleinstitute.org/

• 📑LASER Manual (Local Action for Sustainable Economic Renewal) and other tools→ https://natcapsolutions.org/tools/

• 🎙️The Happy Planet Index, TEDGlobal, by Nic Marks → https://www.ted.com/talks/nic_marks_the_happy_planet_index?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

• 📖 Doughnut Economics Book by Kate Raworth → https://www.kateraworth.com/doughnut/

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Navigating the Waters of Environmental Conservation with Niquole Esters

Join host Beth Bannerman on Season 1 of The Planeteers Podcast as she speaks with Niquole Esters—Vice President of Strategic Engagement at the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation and lifelong marine advocate. From a childhood fascination with pandas and orcas to leading the Coral Triangle Initiative, Niquole’s story embodies the power of mentorship, career transition, and inclusive alliances in driving real-world environmental conservation.

In this episode, we explore:

• How family support and early curiosity shaped her path into marine biology and biodiversity work

• The critical role of community engagement—“you have to go to them, meet them where they are”—in building trust and lasting impact

• The intersection of economic and ecological systems and the unique challenges faced by coastal communities amid climate change

• Lessons in resilience, pragmatism, and fundraising for a rapidly shifting philanthropic landscape

• Strategies for forging inclusive alliances, from hunters and fishers to indigenous leaders, to protect critical ecosystems like the Coral Triangle

Whether you’re pursuing a career in sustainability, seeking diverse perspectives on climate activism, or looking for inspiration to pace yourself in the long game of environmental justice, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and powerful sound-bites:

“It’s okay to change. You will change.”
“Resilience is the key to making a difference.”
“Who is missing at the table?”

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
03:58 – Journey into Conservation
13:28 – Challenges & Triumphs
22:34 – Coral Triangle Insights
30:30 – Economy & Ecology
35:13 – Building Inclusive Alliances
46:21 – Fundraising in Flux
51:11 – Career Transitions & Resilience

Keywords: environmental conservation, biodiversity, mentorship, climate change, community empowerment, sustainability, women in leadership, ecological systems, marine biology, E.O. Wilson, activism, inclusive alliances.

Tune in and learn how one woman’s passion for nature became a blueprint for empowering communities and driving sustainable change—one ecosystem at a time.

Please SUBSCRIBE and Connect with us!

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YOUTUBE https://youtu.be/8rz2Q-zlYns

In this episode of The Planeteers Podcast, host Beth Bannerman speaks with Abby Reyes, a climate justice advocate and author of the newly released, “Truth Demands: A Memoir of Murder, Oil Wars, and the Rise of Climate Justice.”

Abby discusses the integration of inner and outer work in the pursuit of peace and justice, emphasizing the importance of staying present in activism, cultivating gratitude, and the necessity of practices that support emotional well-being. Abby emphasizes the significance of gratitude and interdependence in fostering resilience and joy, while also sharing insights on current projects aimed at environmental justice and community empowerment.

The conversation also covers the need for collective action and the power of imagination in envisioning a better future for the planet. Abby talks to Beth about the interconnectedness of personal growth and social justice, and concludes with practical advice for individuals looking to engage in climate justice efforts with a sense of purpose and joy.
Key moments

02:51 Abby's Journey into Climate Justice

06:01 Personal Experiences Shaping Environmental Advocacy

08:51 The Interconnection of Human Rights and Environmental Rights

11:58 The Role of Hope and Faith in Activism

14:52 Imagining a Better Future for the Environment

17:47 The Importance of Community and Connection in Change

20:53 Navigating Grief and Activism After Loss

23:54 The Ongoing Fight for Environmental Justice

32:17 Integration of Inner Work and Advocacy

38:06 The Power of "Staying" in Activism

45:08 Practices of Gratitude and Presence

51:21 Community Resilience and Climate Justice

59:26 Finding Your People in Climate Action

01:02:26 Balancing Joy and Rest in Activism

LINKS and RESOURCES mentioned:

Abby’s book:

• "Truth Demands: A Memoir of Murder, Oil Wars, and the Rise of Climate Justice"

Abby’s current projects

• https://sites.google.com/climateinnovation.net/alt-cert/home?authuser=0
• https://communityresilience.uci.edu/economia-regenerativa-comunitaria-santa-ana-shared-financing-for-community-ownership/

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In this special launch episode, The Planeteers Podcast host Beth Bannerman is welcomed by Iron Butterfly Media co-founders Megan Jaffer and Cadie Hopkins, along with Sarah Scully, host of Women in the Arena.

Beth shares her journey into climate storytelling and why she created The Planeteers Podcast—a show celebrating women leading the way in conservation, sustainability, climate policy, and environmental innovation.

🌍 What you'll hear in this episode:

• How storytelling can drive real climate action

• Why women’s leadership matters in sustainability and security

• The link between nature, economy, and community resilience

• Honest reflections on starting a podcast for purpose-driven change

🔗 Follow us for weekly episodes featuring women making a difference in the green space.

#ThePlaneteersPodcast #ClimateLeadership #WomenInSustainability #EnvironmentalStorytelling #PodcastLaunch #IronButterflyMedia

🌍 Welcome to The Planeteers Podcast—a new series spotlighting the women who are protecting our planet and reshaping how we care for it.

In this trailer, host Beth Bannerman shares what inspired the show and what you can expect from weekly episodes featuring scientists, artists, CEOs, and activists.

These are stories of purpose, resilience, and real change—told by the women leading it.

🎧 Subscribe now and be part of the shift.

#PlaneteersPodcast #WomenInClimate #ClimateLeadership #ConservationVoices