Drilled
Pushkin Industries
Drilled is a true-crime climate change podcast exposing how corporate corruption and political operatives built decades of climate denial and delay. Hosted and reported by award-winning investigative climate journalists and led by Amy Westervelt, each season unravels new evidence of deception, disinformation, and the power structures keeping real climate solutions out of reach.
In September 2025, a group of Brazilian ministers trekked all the way to chilly North Dakota to see a presentation on a new type of clean energy project, one that promised to help them deliver Brazilian President Lula’s dream of turning Brazil into “the Saudi Arabia of sustainable aviation fuels.” It was the latest in a string of projects from Midwest Republican kingmaker and corn ethanol magnate Bruce Rastetter, whose investments in Brazil might just transform him into a global carbon czar, even as his Summit pipeline carbon project faces fierce opposition from Iowa to North Dakota. The problem? It all requires loads of land and none of it does a thing about climate change.
In September 2025, a group of Brazilian ministers trekked all the way to chilly North Dakota to see a presentation on a new type of clean energy project, one that promised to help them deliver Brazilian President Lula’s dream of turning Brazil into “the Saudi Arabia of sustainable aviation fuels.” It was the latest in a string of projects from Midwest Republican kingmaker and corn ethanol magnate Bruce Rastetter, whose investments in Brazil might just transform him into a global carbon czar, even as his Summit pipeline carbon project faces fierce opposition from Iowa to North Dakota. The problem? It all requires loads of land and none of it does a thing about climate change.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 15, 2020 • 11min
Held Hostage by Fracking: Colorado Seniors Shelter In Place
As shelter-in-place orders went into effect, residents of Broomfield, Colorado faced exposure to flowback-driven air pollution thanks to their proximity to oil and gas operations. When the city issued an emergency decree to local operations to cease fracking flowback during the pandemic, Extraction Oil filed for a restraining order to block the city's decree. It's the first test of Colorado's 2019 law prioritizing public health and safety over oil and gas production, which allows local governments to set stringent safeguards. Additional resources:Climate-COVID-19 policy trackerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 7, 2020 • 22min
New Research Shows Fossil Fuels Are Not As Essential As The Industry Would Like You to Believe
Dr. Julia Steinberger, a professor in social ecology and ecological economics, discusses her research debunking fossil fuel industry narratives. She reveals how fossil fuel growth does not affect life expectancy, highlighting the benefits for few individuals. The podcast explores energy inequality, climate change effects, and the need to shift to renewable energy sources.
Apr 3, 2020 • 13min
Texas Shale Refineries Release "Unimaginable" Amounts of Methane Emissions
Field investigator Sharon Wilson has spotted a troubling increase in methane emissions from refineries in the Permian Basin, in Texas. Things went from bad to worse in January 2020, and really blew up in early March ... almost as though they knew regulators wouldn't be watching. Support us on Patreon.Extra tidbits in the Heated newsletter.Read the transcriptSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 1, 2020 • 15min
Why ExxonMobil and Chevron Oppose a Shale Gas Bailout
The American Petroleum Institute, ExxonMobil and Chevron have been amongst the biggest opponents to bailouts for shale gas companies as part of the coronavirus relief package. DeSmog's Justin Mikulka explains why. Support us on Patreon.Extra tidbits in the Heated newsletter.Read the transcriptSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 28, 2020 • 22min
How Big Oil Exploited the COVID-19 Pandemic
The oil and gas industry was headed for financial collapse long before COVID-19, but now the Trump administration wants to use the pandemic to put it on life support. Meanwhile, the American Petroleum Institute is using the pandemic to get the industry's deregulation wishlist. Support us on Patreon.Extra tidbits in the Heated newsletter.Read the transcript Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 25, 2020 • 1h 34min
From Hot Take: Seeing Climate Through Coronavirus Glasses with David Wallace-Wells
Author David Wallace-Wells discusses the intersection of climate change and the coronavirus pandemic, emphasizing the power of storytelling in conveying the urgency of the climate crisis. They explore parallels between climate action and pandemic responses, addressing personal anxieties, societal implications, and the interconnectedness of human activities with the natural world. The conversation underscores the critical need for global proactive measures to address disease outbreaks and climate change.
7 snips
Feb 29, 2020 • 30min
Tackling Disinformation: Jay Rosen & Nicholas Johnson on the Media’s Role
NYU journalism professor Jay Rosen and former FCC commissioner Nicholas Johnson discuss the impact of media policy on journalism and democracy, the history of American media policy, challenges faced by journalists combating disinformation, and the importance of accountability in media.
Feb 28, 2020 • 29min
Meet the Harrisons: Architects of Greenwashing and Environmental PR
Discover the controversial legacy of E. Bruce Harrison, known as the 'godfather of greenwashing', and his partnership with Patricia Harrison in running cross-industry coalitions. Delve into their influence on environmental public relations and their engagement in challenging climate denial. Explore Patricia's diverse engagements in conservative circles, ties to coal and oil industries, and unexpected political involvement during the 2000 presidential election. Uncover the controversy surrounding public media funding and board appointments in the world of broadcasting.
Feb 27, 2020 • 25min
The Tobacco-Oil-Plastic Triangle
John Hill, founder of the influential public relations firm Hill & Knowlton, crafted strategies for powerful clients like Standard Oil and the Tobacco Industry Research Committee. In a captivating discussion, he reveals how PR manipulated public opinion during crises while downplaying labor movements. Hill details the sinister ties between the tobacco and oil industries, showcasing deceptive tactics that even misled media icons like Edward R. Murrow. Explore the evolution of PR and its chilling impact on environmental issues and public health.
Feb 25, 2020 • 27min
The Origins of Corporate PR Manipulation
Explore the manipulation of public opinion by Edward Bernays and W. Howard Chase, key figures in public relations. Learn about Bernays' use of psychology to sway the masses and Chase's focus on issues management. Discover how they shaped public perception and influenced corporate image, including the controversial 'crying Indian ad.'
