Episode 42 - Nicola Davies - Writing for life

“Human beings have been very, very good at talking about themselves, but actually we need to be better at telling stories about the other lives with which we share our planet. Because we are the crew, we are the ones currently trying to steer and drive. But actually we need to really pay attention to the stories of the other organisms that are down in the engine room, and in the passenger seats, and tell their stories too.” Nicola Davies is a writer, author and activist. Trained as a zoologist, she went on to co-present the BBC wildlife programme, The Really Wild Show. However, more recently she has made her name as a children’s author including the book, The Promise a picture book of great beauty and hope about the power we have to transform our world. Recorded in October 2020 - Listen to Dan and Nicola discuss: - Nature as a childhood companion. Zoology, TV presenting and writing - Emergent and sometimes laborious process of writing - Imaginal realm, connectivity, despair and resilience - Fundamental readjustment of our education system - Visceral experiences of our actions and attitudinal shifts - Unravelling the constructed world and imagining futures - The Promise, a book and animation empowering children to engage with the natural world - Indigenous cultures and linguistics as a catalyst for change - The skill to seek pleasure and comfort from the natural world - Eco-nomics. Good and sustainable management of our planetary household - Poo. A tool to understand animal behaviour Links: The Promise Website: https://www.thepromise.earth The Promise on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CFLQ04nBZB4 Grow - Secrets of our DNA: https://wordery.com/grow-secrets-of-our-dna-nicola-davies-9781406382778 Last (Nicola’s debut in Illustration): https://wordery.com/last-nicola-davies-9781910328484 Ride The Wind: https://wordery.com/ride-the-wind-nicola-davies-9781406379556 Connect: Web : https://www.nicola-davies.com Twitter : @nicolakidsbooks (Sorry for the glitch on Nicola's microphone) ————— Thanks for listening to The Spaceship Earth Podcast Host: Dan Burgess @dansolo__ Edit: Charlie Shread Shownotes: Vicki Turner Music: Escape Goat by Soren Lorenson Join us on Instagram: @thespaceship.earth