Ep40: Storytelling with Mette Olwig

Why Are We Obsessed with Being the Hero? In this episode, Dr Mette Fog Olwig, a geographer, author, and storyteller, examines how “hero narratives” shape global climate, sustainability and development responses. Her new book, A Bit Too Simple: Narratives of Development, Sustainability and Climate Change (Cambridge University Press, 2025, open access), looks at the origin and current iteration of these hero narratives, starting with the problematic narrative of the “white man’s burden”, and exposes how they sideline the real voices living through the crisis. Key Ideas and Highlights The Hero Narrative in Climate Action
Mette reveals how some “sustainability” efforts, such as many carbon offset initiatives, turn practitioners, companies and consumers into heroes of global rescue stories—overshadowing the real, complex struggles of affected communities.  The Power and Peril of Meta-Narratives
Big stories about progress and heroism can inspire action, but they can also erase nuance and silence local voices. Storytelling as Organizing Inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox, Mette shows how storytelling isn’t just communication; it’s collective organizing that builds power and shared purpose.  Licensing Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Troublemakers (the podcast). It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox.  Resources & Show Links A Bit Too Simple: Narratives of Development, Sustainability and Climate Change by Mette Fog Olwig – Cambridge University Press, 2025 (open access) Explore the Beautiful Trouble Toolbox: https://beautifultrouble.org

Credits

Host: Phil Wilmot | Guest: Mette Olwig | Producer: Rodgers George | Editor: Monica Kamandau.