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
Aug 15, 2019 • 12min
Big Oil Ramps Up PR Spend and Oil Production
The podcast delves into how the fossil fuel industry has increased oil production and greenwashing efforts post-Paris Agreement. It questions why mainstream media is aiding Big Oil with their ads. Insights on PR strategies, campaigns, and expenditures by oil companies are discussed, including sponsored content blur with editorial material. The episode also touches on the evolution of oil companies' media influence and their role in shaping narratives on climate change.
May 20, 2019 • 13min
Facing Extinction
Crabbers face potential fishery closure due to climate change impacts and legal disputes. Oil industry fights against climate lawsuit as community grapples with division. Lawsuit hopes to hold oil companies accountable for climate effects. Episode emphasizes need for sustainability in fishing industry and coastal communities.
May 13, 2019 • 17min
David vs. Goliath
The podcast explores the challenges faced by the West Coast crab fishery in holding Big Oil accountable. It delves into the legal battles, industry diversification, and the importance of sustainability in combating climate change. The clash between survival and industry influence is showcased, highlighting the need for infrastructure readiness in coastal communities.
9 snips
May 6, 2019 • 18min
Taking Big Oil to Court
Explore the lawsuit against big oil by crabbers, diving into the evidence and reasons conservative crabbers are taking legal action. Uncover Exxon's early climate change knowledge, contrasted with efforts to reduce carbon footprint. Delve into fossil fuel companies' concealment of climate impacts, leading to legal battles and the urgent need for climate action.
Apr 29, 2019 • 20min
Two Lawsuits, One Industry: Crab Fishermen Take on Big Oil
Crabbers sue Big Oil over climate change impact. Conflicts arise with environmental groups. Warm waters, toxic algae threaten marine life. Tensions in fishing communities. Fossil fuel companies hide climate change truth for profit.
Apr 22, 2019 • 17min
West Coast Crab Fisheries Face a Shaky Future
Exploring the consequences of 'the blob' warm water phenomenon on the Pacific coast's fishing industry, the impact of warming oceans on marine life, and the challenges faced by crabbers. The podcast discusses the hardships experienced by fishermen during a tumultuous fishing season and encourages support for independent climate reporting.
Apr 22, 2019 • 21min
West Coast Crab Fishermen vs. Big Oil
West Coast crab fishermen face shutdown due to climate change, linked to warnings oil industry ignored since the 1960s. Podcast explores historical context of oil companies funding climate science, lawsuit against ExxonMobil, and role of fisherwomen in community amidst environmental crises.
Apr 3, 2019 • 2min
Coming Soon: Hot Water
Discover how West Coast crab fishermen are standing up to Big Oil, challenging climate change effects on their industry caused by warming oceans and shifting wind patterns. Hear about their fight for accountability in a new series dropping on April 22nd.
Feb 5, 2019 • 24min
Big Oil’s First Amendment Defense: Can Climate Denial Be Protected Speech?
Exploration of Exxon's aggressive countersuits, accusing others of quashing First Amendment rights. Delving into the historical context and legal consequences of corporate free speech rights in climate change. Discussing the intersection of religious freedom and corporate personhood in legal precedents. Analyzing the challenges of holding corporations accountable for deceptive statements and navigating the complexities of political speech in oil companies' cases.
Oct 9, 2018 • 20min
Winning the War: Fighting Back Against Decades of Climate Delay
Exploring fossil fuel industry manipulation of climate change information, economic impacts from toxic algal blooms, Exxon's profit-driven stance on climate change, legal battles hindering progress, and the call for swift action through societal shifts and historical transformations.
