Stories for a Better Future (w/ Kristen Jakstis)

Kristen Jakstis is a researcher at the Institute for Landscape Planning and Ecology at the University of Stuttgart. In this episode, recorded live at the Museum Hegel-Haus, Dave and Kristen explore the power of storytelling as a vehicle for optimism, critique, and experimentation in the midst of the unfolding global environmental crisis. They cover Kristen’s doctoral research in urban ecology, the contribution of the history of philosophy (and of Hobbes and Rousseau in particular) to how the human/nature relationship is framed today, and the need for a “Swabian Sasquatch.” They also open a window onto the interdisciplinary project they are co-leading this semester: “Stories for a Better Future: The Power of Myth in Philosophy, Urban Ecology and Politics.”

Kristen’s Recommendations:

Miles Richardson, “Reconnection: Fixing Our Broken Relationship with Nature” (Book): https://findingnature.org.uk/2023/04/25/reconnection/

Rob Hopkins, “From What Is to What If” (Book): https://www.robhopkins.net/2019/10/10/first-review-of-from-what-is-to-what-if/

Modest Mouse, “Good News for People Who Love Bad News” (Album): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_News_for_People_Who_Love_Bad_News