“As human beings, it’s not just survival of the fittest. We’re also social animals and we thrive when we share.”

-Mike Calabrese

It can be hard to remain hopeful when we're relentlessly inundated with bad news about the ever-present threat of the climate crisis. But music has the power to lift us up.  And in a world where we're constantly being divided, music also has the power to bring us together.

In today’s episode of the Mother Earth Podcast, we sit down with drummer Mike Calabrese for a conversation about how the hit band Lake Street Dive uses music to speak out on the climate crisis. Mike also opens up about his history of depression over the climate crisis and how he found a happier place through mediation, self-care and, ultimately, by taking action on the climate crisis. Mike now lives a low carbon life, has joined together with his bandmates to reduce Lake Street Dive's carbon footprint, makes music about the climate crisis, and uses his modest fame to speak out. Mike’s story is one of hope and renewal. 

Mike and the band have grown into notable musical activists for climate justice. The band partners with Cool Effect, a carbon offset program that balances emissions from the band’s tours. Last year Lake Street Dive premiered the official music video for their song, Making Do, which addresses climate impacts happening around the world. In this episode you'll get to hear a little of Making Do and other AMAZING music from Lake Street Dive.

Mike's appearance on the show is no accident: he's on a mission to speak out on the climate crisis. I'm deeply honored that he came on Mother Earth Podcast to do so.

For People and Planet, thank you for listening.

Matt