Green Tea Party Radio

How Climate Consensus Crumbled: The Rise of Political Chaos

In this episode of Green Tea Party Radio, host Katie Zakrzewski discusses the ongoing series "Hot Mess" in collaboration with Citizens Climate Radio. As the series continues to unravel the history of climate politics, Katie shares exciting news about the future of Green Tea Party Radio, including plans for a bigger social media presence, updated website, and new merchandise. Dive into the complex web of politics, culture, and economics that led to the shift from climate consensus to skepticism and inaction. Featuring insights from Chelsea Henderson, Director of Editorial Content at RepublicEn, and Katie herself, this episode examines the disinformation campaigns and political strategies that fueled climate denial. Discover how both Republican and Democratic parties contributed to the growing climate skepticism and explore the role of influential figures and media in shaping public perception. Join us as we navigate the tangled history of climate politics and learn how to be part of a bipartisan effort for meaningful climate action.
- The Rise of Climate Skepticism and Disinformation Campaigns
- Political Shifts and Partisan Divide in the 1990s
- Influence of Fossil Fuel Industry and Political Strategies
- The Role of Media and Influential Figures
 
Contact Information:
Email: info@greenteapartyradio.com
Website: Green Tea Party Radio
Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
Support Us: If you enjoy our content and want to support our work, consider becoming a patron for early access to episodes and exclusive merchandise. Visit our website for more details.
Disclaimer: Green Tea Party Radio is an independent project and does not represent the views of the Diocese of Little Rock, Catholic Climate Covenant, or any of our employers.

From Business to Activism: The Marshall Saunders Story: Hot Mess Part Two

In this episode, host Katie Zakrzewski introduces a special project, "Hot Mess," in collaboration with Citizens Climate Radio. This series, narrated by Peterson Toscano, explores the unraveling of climate consensus and the political chaos that followed. Delve into the history of climate change politics, meet influential figures like Marshall Saunders, and discover the innovative carbon fee and dividend solution. Featuring voices from Chelsea Henderson and others, this episode offers a unique conservative perspective on climate action. Join us as we explore how ordinary people can drive extraordinary change.
🗣️ Quotes from Marshall Saunders
"We trust that you are magnificent. It is trusting that ordinary people can get the job done."
 
🗣️ Quotes from Chelsea Henderson
"You have to be at the table or you're on the menu." 
Contact Information:
Email: info@greenteapartyradio.com
Website: Green Tea Party Radio
Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
Support Us: If you enjoy our content and want to support our work, consider becoming a patron for early access to episodes and exclusive merchandise. Visit our website for more details.
Disclaimer: Green Tea Party Radio is an independent project and does not represent the views of the Diocese of Little Rock, Catholic Climate Covenant, or any of our employers.

The Time Repuplicans Took Climate Change Seriously

Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos is an eight-part series hosted by Peterson Toscano that uncovers the untold stories behind the rise and fall of bipartisan efforts to address climate change in the United States.
In this first episode, Peterson Toscano takes listeners back to a time when political cooperation on climate issues was possible. The episode explores the beginnings of climate politics in the 1960s, including early warnings about carbon emissions and surprising cross-party collaborations that are difficult to imagine today.
Key Themes
The origins of climate politics in the 1960s.
Bipartisan collaboration on environmental legislation.
Early climate activism from figures across the political spectrum..
Listen Now!
Featured Guest
Chelsea HendersonChelsea hosts RepublicEn’s Eco Right Speaks podcast and has long advocated for conservative-led climate solutions. In this episode, she shares her insights into the early days of bipartisan cooperation and the conservative movement's role in addressing climate change.
Standout Quotes
“We must prevent the overheating of our planet, and that will take decisive action from everyone.” – Audio clip from Margaret Thatcher.
“Nancy Pelosi and Newt Gingrich sitting on the same couch, talking about the climate, alongside Al Sharpton and Pat Robertson—truly, a coalition that seems unimaginable today.” – Peterson Toscano.
Episode Highlights
00:05:15 – Lyndon B. Johnson's 1965 climate briefing: The earliest official recognition of climate threats.
00:12:45 – Richard Nixon established key environmental protections, marking bipartisan action.
00:18:30 – Margaret Thatcher addresses the United Nations about the risks of climate change internationally.
00:22:15 – 2008 We Can Solve It bipartisan climate campaign featuring Nancy Pelosi, Newt Gingrich, Rev. All Sharpton, and Rev. Pat Robertson brought together unlikely allies to tackle climate change.
Resources Mentioned:
RepublicEN https://republicen.org/
Glacial: The Inside Story of Climate Politics by Chelsea Henderson https://turnerpublishing.com/products/glacial-the-inside-story-of-climate-politics?srsltid=AfmBOorxPf93ogFUAc3tAeaVDEPGipWLwlgomJa2dJl6m57-dCMcJhV_
Contact Information:
Email: info@greenteapartyradio.com
Website: Green Tea Party Radio
Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
Support Us: If you enjoy our content and want to support our work, consider becoming a patron for early access to episodes and exclusive merchandise. Visit our website for more details.
Disclaimer: Green Tea Party Radio is an independent project and does not represent the views of the Diocese of Little Rock, Catholic Climate Covenant, or any of our employers.
 

Hurricane Helene and Milton: Conservative Climate Solutions in Action

In this episode of Green Tea Party Radio, host Katie Zakrzewski discusses the intensification of hurricanes in the face of climate change and how conservative approaches can offer innovative, market-driven solutions. Katie explores the impact of two recent hurricanes, Helene and Milton, on coastal communities and advocates for practical, resilient infrastructure to combat future natural disasters. As always, she emphasizes the importance of balancing environmental stewardship with conservative values, including economic growth and private-sector innovation. Katie also provides actionable steps for listeners to get involved in their local communities.
Key Takeaways:
Hurricane Intensification & Climate Change: Rising global temperatures contribute to stronger, more frequent hurricanes, with hotter oceans fueling storm intensification.
Conservative Solutions: Katie advocates for disaster recovery, flood control systems, and market-driven solutions such as storm-resistant technologies and green infrastructure.
Innovation Over Regulation: Instead of strict mandates, Katie encourages resilience and technological advancements to mitigate the effects of climate change on natural disasters.
Pro-Life Connection: Katie argues that climate change is a pro-life issue and that conservatives must lead the charge in addressing it to protect future generations.
Calls to Action: Register to vote, become a certified storm spotter, and engage your local politicians to advocate for infrastructure improvements.
Quotable Moments:
"Conservatives need to step up and acknowledge that climate change is a pro-life issue."
"Warmer oceans are fueling stronger hurricanes, and it's time we invest in resilient infrastructure to protect our communities."
Resources & Links:
National Weather Service Storm Spotter Program
Citizens Climate Lobby - Conservative Caucus: Citizens Climate Lobby
RepublicEn.org - Eco-Right Climate Action: RepublicEn
National Hurricane Center - Hurricane Forecasts: National Hurricane Center
Voter Registration: USA.gov Register to Vote

Catholic Pro-Life Values Beyond Abortion: Protecting Life in All Forms

"If you're not a pro-life Catholic, I might argue that you're not Catholic at all."
Description:In this episode, host Katie Zakrzewski explores environmental stewardship from a conservative Roman Catholic perspective. With a solid commitment to faith-based values, Katie discusses practical solutions for addressing environmental challenges without compromising core conservative and Christian beliefs. The conversation covers vital issues such as sustainable resource management, responsible consumption, and the role of individuals and communities in protecting God's creation.
Throughout the episode, Katie emphasizes the importance of faithful stewardship, drawing inspiration from scripture and Church teachings.
Katie Zakrzewski emphasizes a strong commitment to the pro-life stance, which she views as central to her identity as a Catholic. For her, being pro-life primarily means opposing abortion and protecting the unborn, and she suggests that this is a defining belief for Catholics. However, she also acknowledges Pope Francis's call for a broader, more holistic pro-life perspective, which includes caring for vulnerable populations like children affected by hunger and war. Katie critiques conservatives who focus solely on abortion while neglecting other life issues, such as health care, and believes that true pro-life values should encompass a wider range of concerns beyond just anti-abortion advocacy.
Overall, her beliefs reflect a mix of traditional Catholic pro-life views with an openness to the expanded definition of "pro-life" as promoted by Pope Francis, which calls for care for all forms of life and social justice.
Key Takeaways:
Conservative Values & Environmentalism: How environmental care aligns with the Christian responsibility to be stewards of creation.
Practical Strategies: Simple, everyday actions that reflect both conservative values and environmental responsibility.
Faith-Based Perspectives: How scripture supports environmental stewardship, focusing on Genesis and the teachings of Pope Francis on care for creation.
Laudato Si’ is Pope Francis’s encyclical that calls for global action to combat environmental degradation and climate change, emphasizing the moral responsibility to care for our common home.
Link to Laudato Si’: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html 
Individual Responsibility: The power of local, community-led solutions to environmental problems.
Katie's Faith Journey: Personal stories of how her faith drives her passion for environmentalism.
Upcoming Topics: Sneak peek at future episodes, including guest interviews with faith leaders discussing moral responsibility toward the planet.
Quotable Moments:
"We are called to care for the earth, not just because it's good for us, but because it's God's creation."
"Faithful stewardship is about taking personal responsibility for how we live, consume, and care for the world God entrusted to us."
Contact Information:
Email: info@greenteapartyradio.com
Website: Green Tea Party Radio
Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
Support Us: If you enjoy our content and want to support our work, consider becoming a patron for early access to episodes and exclusive merchandise. Visit our website for more details.
Disclaimer: Green Tea Party Radio is an independent project and does not represent the views of the Diocese of Little Rock, Catholic Climate Covenant, or any of our employers.

Hot Mess and the Fall of Bipartisan Climate Action: A Chat with Peterson Toscano

In this special episode, Zach and Katie welcome longtime friend and podcasting expert Peterson Toscano, producer of Citizens Climate Radio. Peterson discusses his latest project, Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos, a limited series exploring the roots of the climate crisis through the lens of true crime. Peterson dives into the complexities of how bipartisanship around climate change unraveled, sharing insights from history, politics, and personal experiences. Through Hot Mess, he aims to highlight the causes of the chaos and why a bipartisan solution is more vital than ever.
Key Quotes:
“What if we looked at climate change through the lens of a true crime podcast?” — Peterson Toscano on the inspiration behind Hot Mess.
“We’re going to look at things that aren’t typically looked at, including the roles Democrats and society played, so that it’s not just about blaming Republicans.” — Peterson Toscano on the need for nuance in discussing the climate crisis.
“Climate communication needs to be interesting and fun. That’s one of the things I love about your show. You two are hilarious.” — Peterson Toscano on why climate communication must engage listeners.
Key Topics:
The Story of Hot Mess: Peterson explains how Hot Mess breaks down the transition from bipartisan climate consensus to the divided political chaos we see today.
Forgotten History: Peterson explores key moments in U.S. history when leaders across the aisle were united in addressing climate change, highlighting how this has shifted since the 1980s.
Conservative Voices on Climate: Peterson stresses the importance of involving conservative perspectives in the climate conversation and outlines how Hot Mess features both conservative and liberal voices.
The Role of Fossil Fuels: Discussion on the dual reality of fossil fuels—both as a major driver of the industrial revolution and as a contributor to the climate crisis.
Cultural Barriers to Climate Solutions: Peterson delves into the uniquely American resistance to addressing climate change and how that differs from other countries.
Why Hot Mess Is Unique:Hot Mess isn’t just another climate podcast. By framing climate change as a “true crime” story, it offers listeners a fresh, engaging way to understand how America went from climate cooperation to climate division. With a mix of archival footage, expert interviews, and dynamic storytelling, Peterson provides a deeply researched yet accessible approach to understanding climate misinformation and the need for bipartisan solutions.
Action Steps:
Tune in to Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos, launching October 2024, on the Citizens Climate Radio feed.
Follow Citizens Climate Radio on Twitter at @CitizenscRadio for updates on new episodes.
Visit Citizens Climate Lobby to learn more about their work and how you can get involved in bipartisan climate solutions.
Resources Mentioned:
RepublicEN https://republicen.org/
Glacial: The Inside Story of Climate Politics by Chelsea Henderson https://turnerpublishing.com/products/glacial-the-inside-story-of-climate-politics?srsltid=AfmBOorxPf93ogFUAc3tAeaVDEPGipWLwlgomJa2dJl6m57-dCMcJhV_
Contact Information:
Email: info@greenteapartyradio.com
Website: Green Tea Party Radio
Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
Support Us: If you enjoy our content and want to support our work, consider becoming a patron for early access to episodes and exclusive merchandise. Visit our website for more details.
Disclaimer: Green Tea Party Radio is an independent project and does not represent the views of the Diocese of Little Rock, Catholic Climate Covenant, or any of our employers.
 

Jill Stein, Green Lefty Weirdo plus How Bad is Mark Robinson and His Porno Posts?

In this episode of the Green Tea Party, hosts Zach and Katie delve into the political journey of Jill Stein and the Green Party. They discuss Stein's background, her multiple runs for office, and the party's environmental policies. The conversation critiques the effectiveness of the Green Party and its leadership, especially in the context of recent elections. The hosts express disappointment in the party's failure to capitalize on opportunities to gain traction and appeal to younger voters. They also explore the ambitious yet economically questionable proposals put forth by Stein, ultimately questioning the party's direction and relevance in today's political landscape.
takeaways
The Green Tea Party aims to discuss conservative solutions to environmental issues.
Jill Stein has been a consistent candidate for the Green Party since 2012.
The hosts express disappointment in the Green Party's lack of growth and appeal.
Stein's political journey includes multiple unsuccessful runs for office.
The 2016 election highlighted Stein's critiques of both major party candidates.
The Green Party's environmental policies are ambitious but lack economic feasibility.
The hosts critique the elitist nature of the Green Party's leadership.
There is a disconnect between the Green Party's policies and the needs of average Americans.
The hosts suggest that the Green Party has failed to engage younger voters effectively.
Action steps include getting involved with local political parties to influence change.
Contact Information:
Email: info@greenteapartyradio.com
Website: Green Tea Party Radio
Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
Support Us: If you enjoy our content and want to support our work, consider becoming a patron for early access to episodes and exclusive merchandise. Visit our website for more details.
Disclaimer: Green Tea Party Radio is an independent project and does not represent the views of the Diocese of Little Rock, Catholic Climate Covenant, or any of our employers.

From Cobalt Mines to Clean Energy: The Truth About EV Batteries

Title: The EV Revolution: Batteries, Ethics, and the Future of Green Driving
In this episode of Green Tea Party Radio, hosts Zach and Katie dive deep into electric vehicles (EVs), continuing their conversation from last episode. Zach shares more insights on EV batteries, the ethical dilemmas behind their production, and the future of green driving. They break down how EV batteries work, focusing on materials like lithium and cobalt, and explore the geopolitical and ethical concerns tied to mining these materials, particularly in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo.
They also discuss:
The role of cobalt in battery production and efforts to find more ethical sourcing solutions.
The challenges and possibilities of recycling EV batteries.
The significant role China plays in the global EV market and how the U.S. is working to reclaim battery manufacturing.
How the Inflation Reduction Act impacts EV production in the U.S. and encourages homegrown manufacturing.
Whether EVs can really solve climate change and how public transportation and infrastructure will need to evolve.
The episode wraps up with actionable steps for listeners: talk to your local representatives about supporting green energy initiatives, especially in conservative states where these industries are growing.
Contact Information:
Email: info@greenteapartyradio.com
Website: Green Tea Party Radio
Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
Support Us: If you enjoy our content and want to support our work, consider becoming a patron for early access to episodes and exclusive merchandise. Visit our website for more details.
Disclaimer: Green Tea Party Radio is an independent project and does not represent the views of the Diocese of Little Rock, Catholic Climate Covenant, or any of our employers.