The Activist Script, with Anthea Lawson

I am good. I protest. I save people. I must save the world - now.  If this even slightly feels like something you've told yourself, then this episode is for you. 

Author and campaigner Anthea Lawson's brilliant new book is called How Not To Save The World. It's about the 'script' that activists - including her - tell ourselves, often without realising it. From this script, which can come from deep cultural and psychological places, comes many things that aren't much help - like burnout, the excusing of bad behaviour, and pushing people away rather than persuading them.  Instead Anthea's got a new recipe for change-making which is better for the activists, and better for the world. 

I loved Anthea's book and, as will become abundantly clear, it spoke to me good and proper. If you've ever wrestled with how to be a good activist, I commend it, and this chat, to you in the highest terms. 

Let me know your thoughts on the show - hello@yourbrainonclimate.com. Please rate, review and subscribe, and share the show on socials. And do consider chucking this humble indie podcaster a few quid at www.patreon.com/yourbrainonclimate. 

Owl noises = references below.

• 01:19: the episode of Sustainababble in which I talked about why I quit.  
• 16:47: here's Wikipedia explaining (using too many long words in my opinion) the Cartesian divide.
• 20:44: a great article about Jung's idea of the shadow.  
• 24:46: What's the amygdala? 
• 39:03: More in Common's deep dive into Progressive Activists.
• 40:00: My interview with Deborah Prentice about pluralistic ignorance.  

Your Brain on Climate is a show about human brains vs the climate crisis. It's  hosted and produced by me, Dave Powell. You can follow the show on instagram @yourbrainonclimate, and I occasionally put up a Substack. 

YBOC theme music and iterations thereof, by me. Thanks as always to Ruth Everett for the voices. Show logo by Arthur Stovell at https://mondial-studio.com/.