

Solarpunk Presents
Solarpunk Presents
***ON HIATUS - please read more at our Patreon***Solarpunk Presents is a podcast that explores the people and projects working on bringing us a better world today.Solarpunk is more than just an idea, more than just an aesthetic. Those inspire us, but where do we go from there? How do we put the values and visions described in solarpunk fiction and art into action in the here and now? What does that look like, translated into the reality of our present moment, into the places and spaces where we’re at? Hosts Ariel Kroon and Christina De La Rocha are producing podcast episodes featuring interviews with people working to make the world a better place right now, as well as discussions of solarpunk, DIY, aesthetic, housing, and more. Join us as we explore what #solarpunk looks like in the present.The best way to reach us is to email us at solarpunkpresents at gmail dot com or on our socials:Website: https://www.solarpunkpresents.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/solarpunkpresentsMastodon: https://climatejustice.social/@solarpunkpresentsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@solarpunkpresentsTumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/solarpunkpresentspodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 29, 2026 • 49min
Carbon Neutral Strike Update 4: Days 31 to 40
Hi! This is the summary of days 31 to 40 where we discuss the right to land, access to food and water, fair wages, self-censorship and cancel culture, billionaire bosses, my swollen lymph node, reputation economies, alternative currencies and bubbles, rights to life, solar generators, blood, National Housing Trust, Permaculture’s slave problem, weird rituals, and 1.5 to Stay Alive.I’m Aleya, and I founded Fastfrwrd.info. I have been carrying out a Carbon Neutral Strike where I avoid oil, gas and plastic as much as I can. I have been posting daily updates since Earth Day, April 22, 2025 on this process as well as with my musings about the world as it is now.Website: https://fastfrwrd.infoMusic: https://aleya.bandcamp.comSolarpunk Presents Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/solarpunkpresents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 27, 2026 • 15min
Carbon Neutral Strike Update 3: Days 21 to 30
This is the summary of days 21 to 30 of my Carbon Neutral Strike where we discuss eco porn, socialist mental healthcare, becoming someone who can go to work everyday (ish), Climate Sins, and Parseltongue.I’m Aleya, and I founded Fastfrwrd.info. I have been carrying out a Carbon Neutral Strike where I avoid oil, gas and plastic as much as I can. I have been posting daily updates since Earth Day, April 22, 2025 on this process as well as with my musings about the world as it is now.Website: https://fastfrwrd.infoMusic: https://aleya.bandcamp.comSupport the Solarpunk Presents Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/solarpunkpresents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 25, 2026 • 16min
Carbon Neutral Strike Update 2 Days 11-20
This is the summary of days 11 to 20 where we discuss Elon Musk’s obscene wealth, scams and the lack of access to payment portals in Jamaica, Direct Democracy possibilities, welfare and leisure, LPG gas in Jamaica and a salad recipe at the end.I’m Aleya, and I founded Fastfrwrd.info. I have been carrying out a Carbon Neutral Strike where I avoid oil, gas and plastic as much as I can. I have been posting daily updates since Earth Day, April 22, 2025 on this process as well as with my musings about the world as it is now.Music featured in these episodes are from me under the name Aleya Jobson. The songs can be found on most music streaming services, bandcamp and Fastfrwrd.infoSo much more to say, but as you listen, I'm sure you'll find out. Thanks so much.Update lengths vary based on what I have to say on a given day. I will be releasing 2025's clips in chunks of 10 and then when we're all caught up, I aim to release regularly as much as possible as long as I am not repeating myself too much, or feeling unwell, or need to reflect. Are you ready? Then let's go.Links:Website: https://fastfrwrd.infoMusic: https://aleya.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 22, 2026 • 13min
Carbon Neutral Strike Update 1: Days 1-10
Hey Solarpunk Presents listeners, my name is Aleya Jobson. While your regular listening material is on hiatus, I thought I would pop in and provide some material of my own that have accumulated since April 22, 2025. Starting Earth Day 2025 I commenced or recommenced, rather, my Carbon Neutral Strike and Challenge, where at least one choice per day avoids needless oil, gas or plastic. During the process I began to share musings, emotions, opinions, and findings around the central tenet of what is essentially a 'clean' lifestyle. One that is truly aware of its wastes and excesses. This process, I believe, is eye opening and very interesting to observe, even if you don't do it yourself. It was made all the more fun and engaging because I was acquiring points called 'Dews' on my platform Fastfrwrd.info for sharing my findings and keeping a green lifestyle. Dews can buy user-generated goods and unlock games, while still surfing green on Fastfrwrd, which is a sustainable oasis on the internet with green energy credits powering it. As you listen, I hope you feel, as I do, that the process is a worthwhile method for figuring out where you stand in the Anthropocene, and what really matters in life. Ariel and Christina have been so gracious to platform me, and I am forever grateful.Music featured in these episodes are from me under the name Aleya Jobson. The songs can be found on most music streaming services, bandcamp and Fastfrwrd.infoSo much more to say, but as you listen, I'm sure you'll find out. Thanks so much.Update lengths vary based on what I have to say on a given day. I will be releasing 2025's clips in chunks of 10 and then when we're all caught up, I aim to release regularly as much as possible as long as I am not repeating myself too much, or feeling unwell, or need to reflect. Are you ready? Then let's go.Episode includes: Mangoes from the neighbourhood, climate sins, 666 sightings, plastic brick plans that (spoilers) still haven't come true, and attempts at carbon neutrality through offsets, emissions avoidance and waste prevention.Links:Website: https://fastfrwrd.infoMusic: https://aleya.bandcamp.comThe Stellar (Lunarpunk TTRPG): https://fastfrwrd.info/the-stellar-%c2%a4-lunarpunk-ttrpg-%e2%98%86/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 9, 2026 • 34min
8.3: Fastfrwrd to the Solarpunk Future
We’re back! (Kind of…) In this episode, Ariel interviews Aleya Jobson about gamifying climate action with the Fastfrwrd website, where people can be rewarded for positive climate actions in their own lives. They also discuss Aleya’s Carbon Neutral Strike: how Aleya started it, how it’s going, and its pros and cons. Starting next week, Aleya will be taking over the feed with reflections on her Carbon Neutral living; Christina and Ariel are still s t r u g g l i n g but Aleya is willing and able to keep the solarpunk content going in the meantime. Tune in - you won’t want to miss this.Read more here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/we-are-so-back-152321240 *At 2:48 Aleya mentions IRL, which is short for “In Real Life”.Links:Fastfrwrd website: https://fastfrwrd.infoGame makers group: https://fastfrwrd.info/groups/fastfrwrd-games-group-for-game-makers/The Stellar TTRPG: https://fastfrwrd.info/the-stellar-%c2%a4-lunarpunk-ttrpg-%e2%98%86/Carbon-neutral game jam: https://itch.io/jam/fastfrwrd-twine-game-jamBrowsers/search engines that plant trees or remove plastic from the ocean: https://wavebrowser.com/; https://www.searchfortrees.com/#gsc.tab=0; https://www.ecosia.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 6, 2025 • 26min
8.2: Solarpunk in the Library with Joseph Brannan
In today’s episode, Ariel chats with Joseph Brannan about sustainability workshop series at the Kitchener Public Library, unionizing library workers, and bringing solarpunk into the sustainability conversation.Links:Everyday Permaculture by Anna MatildaWaterloo Region NatureBuilding for people : designing livable, affordable, low-carbon communities by Michael EliasonLow Tech Magazine articleReep Green Solutions Article on the neighbourhood effect and solar panels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 13min
8.1: Ariel & Christina Discuss: What History Says About What It Takes to Level Inequality
Delve into the fascinating argument that catastrophic events, like wars and plagues, have historically reduced inequality. Explore how elite wealth concentration arises and the complex relationship between societal upheaval and leveling forces. The discussion raises pressing questions about climate change's potential role in future inequality. Can true equity be achieved without violence? Discover insights on political obstacles, cultural shifts, and the enduring hope for a more just society despite troubling historical patterns.

Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 3min
7.10: Ariel & Christina Discuss the Merits of "Walkaway" by Cory Doctorow
Cory Doctorow’s 2017 novel Walkaway has a reputation in solarpunk circles as a great example of a solarpunk lifestyle, and a must-read book for everyone from the individual who lives and breathes solarpunk to the solarpunk-curious to general science fiction fans. But what is it about Walkaway that gives it solarpunk cred? Ariel and Christina ponder this, discussing features of the novel that could be considered solarpunk, and some that might be more post-cyberpunk than anything, and how some of the ideologies and technologies are or have been applied in our present world. Is the world of Walkaway an achievable solarpunk paradise, or a nice hopeful story featuring very cool gadgets and bites of lefty philosophy? Or something else entirely? What is the draw, here, anyway? Join us to think through some of the quandaries and ideas the book raises.Links:https://catholicworker.org/aims-and-means/https://www.reddit.com/r/solarpunk/comments/79r7c7/is_cory_doctorows_book_walkaway_solarpunk/?rdt=44395https://www.reddit.com/r/solarpunk/comments/1fgv88h/has_anyone_on_this_sub_read_walkaway_by_cory/https://theportalist.com/solarpunk-bookshttps://alxd.org/solarpunk-lenses-and-foundations.htmlhttps://us.macmillan.com/books/9780765392770/walkaway/https://edgeryders.eu/t/solarpunk-and-permaculture/12079https://www.reddit.com/r/solarpunk/comments/18ajw7y/solarpunk_fiction_where_to_start/https://www.reddit.com/r/solarpunk/comments/1bfrpy6/solarpunk_fictionutopias/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tang_pinghttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10384867/https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20230120-how-gut-bacteria-are-controlling-your-brainhttps://www.news-medical.net/health/Signals-from-Gut-Biome-to-Brain-and-Behavior.aspxhttps://www.scientificamerican.com/article/whats-so-funny-the-science-of-why-we-laugh/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 21, 2025 • 52min
7.9: Writing (and Doing!) Magical Activism Through Solarpunk Fiction With BrightFlame
Explore the vibrant world of solarpunk witchcraft with BrightFlame, who fuses magic and activism for a regenerative future. Discover how reclaiming traditional practices empowers communities, with insights from BrightFlame's novel, *The Working*. Learn about the synergy of chanting, spiral dances, and subtle energy work in protests. BrightFlame emphasizes community intention and accessibility in magical activism, while sharing personal stories of real-world impacts. Dive into practical exercises and resources to inspire your own journey into magical activism!

Jun 30, 2025 • 52min
7.8: Why Do These Cancelled Science Grants Matter?
In this episode, Christina talks to Dr Gabriel Filippelli - one of the first scientists to have a running project canceled by the Trump administration. This fascinating interview reveals just how important internationally and domestically these American grants can be, and Dr Filippelli passionately describes this unprecedented attack on science and education and what we all lose when the work that scientists do grinds to a halt or is extremely politically curtailed. It's important, he tells us, to support the institutions that you care about and are vital to the continued knowledge of how to survive our climate-changed future.Dr Filippelli is the Chancellor’s Professor of Earth Sciences at Indiana University Indianapolis and the Executive Director of the Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute. He works at the junction between biogeochemical cycles, climate change, and human health.Dr Filippelli has also written the book Climate Change and Life: The Complex Co-evolution of Climate and Life on Earth, and Beyond, which explores Earth's ecological resilience to the great changes in climate that have occurred over the history of the Earth. He was also part of the driving force behind Climate Change and Resilience in Indiana and Beyond, which details local efforts to reduce the risks and lessen the harmful impacts of climate change, as well as prepare for the unavoidable consequences of climate change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


