Solacene
Welcome to the Solacene: an imagined future where the world is beautiful, sustainable, and tactile. Each episode designs a small part of this utopia, and episodes are grouped into semesters wherein topics are brainstormed in detail. The current semester covers BIOGRAPHIES: each episode a different person inspiring the Solacene.
Wed, October 02, 2024
some thoughts about ... education
here are some disparate thoughts / ideas we have about education in the beautiful sustainable tactile conceptual imagined future utopian somewhat solarpunk Solacene. check out our cool new video about Whisper of the Heart: https://youtu.be/2rcISI09X54?si=DmG0OsCZKLhY00sQ contact the hosts via email : aaron@solacene.org alicia@solacene.org
Tue, September 17, 2024
discussing some things that inspire us
this episode features a new guest in the beautiful sustainable tactile imagined utopian future adjective Solacene - Ava ! she talks with us about recent inspirations and thoughts on the concept of living a more tactile life. listen until the end for Aaron's poem. check it out if you're in Montreal: https://www.instagram.com/fleeting_form_studio?igsh=M21mZzBmNXIwaHdm contact the hosts via email: aaron@solacene.org // alicia@solacene.org
Tue, September 03, 2024
8.06 : the end of the news
we conclude the news (mini) semester after a little break, and detail what's coming next for the Solacene podcast! contact the hosts via email: aaron@solacene.org // alicia@solacene.org
Tue, July 30, 2024
8.05 : how the media shapes elections
it's always an election year somewhere contact the hosts or buy a handmade beautiful sustainable tactile Solacene garment/zine: https://www.solacene.org
Tue, July 23, 2024
8.04 : ranking newspapers by aesthetic
This episode, more interesting than its name suggests, features a discussion of newspaper designs as perceived by us via the shelves of our local MultiMag. Everything from fonts to mascots. Then we design our Solacene (perfect) newspaper accordingly. And if you liked the cut of our jibs, click here: https://www.solacene.org
Tue, July 16, 2024
8.03 : the newspaper of the future
Having decided on the humble newspaper as our favorite medium for keeping up with things, this episode sees us brainstorm 10 headlines that might exist in its utopian, Solacene, (beautiful sustainable tactile etc.) form. Woohoo Contact the hosts or buy a handmade Solacene zine/garment: https://www.solacene.org
Tue, July 09, 2024
8.02 : should newspapers be a thing again?
The 5 ages of mankind('s news): THE HERALD, THE NEWSPAPER, THE RADIO, THE T.V., THE INTERNET. Which is most soul? Which is most mole? Listen to find out. Contact the hosts or buy a handmade Solacene zine/garment: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, July 01, 2024
8.01 : what's new?
News news news! A new semester! Recording outside (sorry about the planes)! Clothes! Zines! : https://www.solacene.org
Tue, April 02, 2024
7.12 : the wonderful worlds of Hayao Miyazaki!
Who else to conclude our 'Rushmore' semester, each episode of which has focused on a different person whose life and works inspire our imagined utopia, but the patron saint of the Solacene himself- Hayao Miyazaki. This conversation touches on lessons we can learn from the animation maestro's life and career, as well as specific parts of his films which inspire us. Check out our handmade clothes and zines: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, March 25, 2024
7.11 : Marie Kondo, is minimalism sustainable?
We can learn a lot from aesthetics like minimalism, and cottage core; but what aspects of these digital lifestyles are unsustainable in the real world. With the case study of Netflix famous, Marie Kondo, we are inspired to live simple lives full of joy, mental clarity, and beauty. Contact and Zines: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, March 18, 2024
7.10 : Antoni Gaudí, Architect of the Future
Architecture is frozen music, and music is liquid architecture. Antoni Gaudí was a late 19th century Catalonian architect who changed the city of Barcelona forever. This week we discuss the life and work of this man and how his artistic style and reverence for nature can inspire us in our everyday lives. Contact and Shop: https://www.solacene.org
Tue, March 12, 2024
7.09 : designing a utopian person (Gustave)
Our journey along the utopian Solacene Mt. Rushmore continues: rather than discussing an inspirational figure from history, this discussion sees us pluck one from our imaginations. Gustave, the everyman, who will embody beauty, sustainability, and tactility, like all true Solacites can. Contact the hosts or check out our ZINES and CLOTHES: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, March 04, 2024
7.08 : taking inspiration from fictional characters
The phenomenon of the "literally me" character, though age-old, has gained new fervor in our age of pop culture and the internet. This episode features a discussion of said heroes through the utopian Solacene lens- rather than talking about those characters we identify with, we each focus on one who can act as an aspirational figure, a narrative north star from whom we can take lessons both individually and socially. Contact the hosts or check out our handmade Solacene clothes: https://www.solacene.org
Tue, February 27, 2024
7.07 : Mary Evelyn Tucker
What are the idols attempting to fill the void of spiritual meaning in our culture? How can world religions be united with ecological concerns to solve modern problems? What exactly is Zen Christianity? This episode features a discussion of these questions and more, as we continue our 'Rushmore' semester with a focus on author, professor, and expert on religious ecology, Mary Evelyn Tucker. Contact the hosts or check out some handmade Solacene beautiful sustainable tactile clothes: https://www.solacene.org
Tue, February 20, 2024
7.06 : Jeanne Villepreux-Power
If you look up the definition of aquarium in the dictionary, you may know about Jeanne Villepreux-Power. This episode we dissect the incredible life of this naturalist, inventor, and artist. Lessons of imagination, nature as teacher, and octopus. Contact and Shop: https://solacene.bigcartel.com
Tue, February 13, 2024
7.05 : a Harambe retrospective
2016 was a wild year. Amidst all its political turmoil and celebrity deaths, one loss hit hardest of all. Seismic enough to shift our entire timeline, some might say. His name was Harambe, and this is his story. ... Contact the hosts or check out our handmade Solacene zines here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, February 05, 2024
7.04 : does Teddy Roosevelt belong on Mt Rushmore?
On this episode, we continue designing our utopian Mount Rushmore... using the real Mount Rushmore as inspiration. It's a conversation about conservationist, writer, and youngest U.S. President ever- Theodore Roosevelt. What lessons can be learned from his life, both in and out of politics? Contact the hosts or buy a handmade Solacene ZINE here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, January 29, 2024
7.03 : the importance of ACTION (ft. Ernest Hemingway)
This episode, the third in our season of utopian 'rushmore' figures, sees a discussion on Ernest Hemingway and his literature. What can be learned from his terse prose and energetic life? How can an imagined future incorporate such lessons, both on individual and societal levels? What is a 'Tommy'? Listen to find out! Contact the hosts or buy a handmade Solacene zine here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, January 22, 2024
7.02: From theatre kid to renaissance man: how Shakespeare shows the way
"And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything.” Today we discuss the bard himself: what we can learn from his life and apply to our conception of the utopian Solacene, how theatre is the art of personal growth, and why the 'renaissance man' should make a resurgence. ft Polonius, Aaron's Iago audition, and Gnomeo & Juliet. Contact the hosts or buy a handmade Solacene zine here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, January 15, 2024
7.01: Sappho's poetry and the many ways to love
In the first episode of out biography semester, we dive into life and love of Sappho; an ancient Greek poet. Sappho's legacy has inspired artists for thousands of years, and we wanted to see how her life can inspire more meaningful connection and community in the Solacene. Contact: https://solacene.bigcartel.com
Mon, January 08, 2024
Solarpunk technology: where science meets magic
Today completes our trio of episodes exploring the 'Solarpunk' aesthetic with a discussion of technologies that may populate the world of said aesthetic. From ancient social customs to existing household novelties, and futuristic fancies (electric frogs!), these 10 technologies are sure to knock your solar socks off. Click the link to discover our handmade clothes, zines, or contact the hosts: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, January 01, 2024
The guide to solarpunk stories
There aren't many solarpunk stories. Whether that's because of the relative unpopularity of the aesthetic, its focus on architecture rather than people, or the difficulty of inserting compelling narratives into idyllic settings, this podcast seeks to fill the gap! Listen to here us outline potential arcs and archetypes for the budding genre, while crafting a story of our own at the same time. Contact the hosts or buy a handmade beautiful sustainable tactile Solacene ZINE here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, December 25, 2023
Is Solarpunk just an internet aesthetic?
Solarpunk: big friendly cities, futuristic architecture, and greenery in every nook and cranny. But is this 'aesthetic' something viable which can help us shape the world, or just another one of many escapist hashtags? Listen to hear our thoughts, as well as comparisons to other online subcultures like cottagecore and dark academia! Contact the hosts or buy a handmade beautiful sustainable tactile Solacene ZINE here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, December 18, 2023
How to have better conversations
In a meta conversation about conversation, Aaron and Alicia reflect on lessons they have learned from life and podcasting about how to be a better speaker. In this episode they also discuss how the places and mediums we communicate through impact our relationships. Contact and Shop: https://solacene.bigcartel.com/contact
Mon, December 11, 2023
Would you rather
Zip lines or pogo sticks? Portable gaming or robot assistants? Termites??? This episode is a game of 'would you rather' regarding our ideas for a utopian future. LISTEN and play along! Contact us or check out our handmade beautiful sustainable tactile Solacene ZINES: https://www.solacene.org
Tue, December 05, 2023
6.16 : everything we learned about sustainable fashion
This week is the FINAL in our semester about fashion in the ideal future. We each chose one last topic to get on our soap box (or should we say shoe box) about. Without too many spoilers, Aaron has a monologue about toes and Alicia about education, what else is new? To wrap it up we review the highlights and key takeaways from the semester. Contact and Website: https://solacene.bigcartel.com
Mon, November 27, 2023
6.15 : 2024 fashion trend predictions
This week we review and predict fashion trends from this year and next. Trends are much more than the clothes we wear, they reflect the social, economic, artistic, and political environment. We dive into the deeper environmental meaning of what we will be wearing in the future. Some of our favorite trends: bows, red, and sock shoes. Contact and Shop: https://solacene.bigcartel.com
Mon, November 20, 2023
6.14 : can luxury fashion be sustainable?
In a future where fashion is returned to an art rather than a product, will there still be room for luxury? On this episode we imagine a high fashion industry that is generative for people and planet. Of course in true Solacene fashion we imagine a walkway show (get it, because its slow fashion?). Contact and Shop: https://solacene.bigcartel.com
Mon, November 13, 2023
6.13 : how to take care of clothes
This episode features a discussion of everything that happens after clothes are made, bought, and worn- their treatment and eventual 'end of life'. How can things be more circular in the Solacene? Why is thrifting so popular with Gen Z? What is Alicia's favorite stain??? Listen to find out! Buy a handmade Solacene zine or garment here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, November 06, 2023
6.12 : the power of hair salons
In our "everything but fashion" episode of the fashion semester, we do a deep dive on hair and make-up ad how these aspects of self expression can contribute to community. We also discuss how fast homewares have taken over the internet and what economic theory we can larn from this phenomenon to transition from acceleration to degrowth. Finally, Aaron talks about storage, and how storing your clothes can make the world a better place. Contact and Shop: https://solacene.bigcartel.com
Mon, October 30, 2023
6.11 : which art movements inspire solarpunk fashion?
What do Gregorian chants, arts and crafts, and spoken word have in common? They all inspire fashion in the Solacene. This week we dive into the art movements that shape Solarpunk fashion, and spend some time breaking down the relationship between ecological degradation and human exploitation in the fashion industry. Book Recommendations: To Die For by Lucy Siegle Stitched Up by Tansy Hoskins Fashionopolis by Dana Thomas Consumed by Aja Barber Zines, Clothing, and Contact: https://solacene.bigcartel.com
Mon, October 23, 2023
6.10 : what were the most iconic fashion innovations in history?
This week we discover the historic innovations that inspire and contribute to the fashion of the Solacene. Some highlights are biomimicry in design, a look at ancient shoes, and how wedding dresses are solarpunk. Contact and Shop: https://solacene.bigcartel.com
Mon, October 16, 2023
6.09 : designing the perfect mall
On this week's episode we design a solarpunk mall that features thrift shops, rotating meal halls, and scarecrow mannequins. For part two we go into our favourite movie costumes and the lessons we can learn from them. Like how we can dress more naturalistically like Elio in Call me By Your Name or how to be more stock like Marco from Porco Rosso. Contact us at: https://solacene.bigcartel.com
Tue, October 10, 2023
6.08 : why does everybody dress the same now?
"It's a small world after all..." ...but does it have to be? Globalization in fashion is the subject of today's podcast, especially how we can retain local identities and the idea of the 'exotic' in a beautiful sustainable tactile future. We also discuss the various ways degrowth and fashion might converge, and a very special garment of the week which Alicia terms "the most important piece of clothing she never wore." Buy a handmade Solacene zine or garment here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, October 02, 2023
6.07 : the rise and fall of fashion magazines
This episode sees us discuss the fashion magazine: part tabloidy obsolete relic, part glossy irl Pinterest. How could these exist in a future that is beautiful, sustainable, and tactile? We also rank sports uniforms by their Solacene-ness. Check out our own handmade zines, or the Solacene "merch": https://www.solacene.org
Mon, September 25, 2023
6.06 : how do advertisements shape our wardrobe?
Advertising has a bad wrap (rightfully so). This week on Solacene, we imagine a way advertising in the fashion industry can be more transparent, less intrusive, and as beautiful as a work of art. Listen to hear the advertising traps we have fallen into and tips on how to avoid them for yourself. Zines, Clothes and Contact: https://solacene.bigcartel.com
Mon, September 18, 2023
6.05 : who is designing the clothes of tomorrow?
This week we take a trip to the future, where fashion isn't killing the planet. I know what you may be thinking, everyone is wearing greige shapeless clothes. Believe it or not, this doesn't have to be the case! Listen to learn about designers like Jesse Lee, Ganit Goldstein and Christy Dawn who are paving the way towards exciting sustainable fashion. The second half of the episode is an ode to athletic wear and how to workout without draping yourself in microplastics. Contact/ Zines/ Fashion Line: https://solacene.bigcartel.com
Mon, September 11, 2023
6.04 : what is the fabric of the future?
Does the ideal world feature microplastics? What about wearable seaweed? Listen to find out! Check out the zines or buy some beautiful sustainable tactile handmade Solacene TULIP SHORTS here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, September 04, 2023
6.03 : is individuality dying?
Clothes(being close to us) play a key role in the presentation of personas and the manifestation of individual identities. Do the clothes maketh the man, or does the man maketh the clothes? Listeneth to this week's episode to hear us ponder such questions, as well as discuss DYES and all our favorite Solaceney colors of clothes. Purchase a zine or a pair of handmade Solacene TULIP SHORTS here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, August 28, 2023
6.02 : the ABCs of sustainable fashion
As we jump into a semester of talks about beautiful, sustainable, tactile fashion, a sort of glossary is necessary; cue the ABC's episode. This week we define and discuss the words necessary to engage with the world of sustainable fashion. Some more frivolous, while others historical, these 26 words will introduce new and revitalize old topics to those who listen. Contact the hosts, check out our zines, or buy some handmade beautiful sustainable tactile TULIP SHORTS here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, August 21, 2023
6.01 : what is the role of fashion in the ideal world?
Clothes- whether they fascinate or bore you, you definitely (hopefully) wear them. But such a massive industry as fashion is riddled with problems in its current state. Listen to hear our thoughts on what the role of clothing in the utopian Solacene would be, as well as how it relates to previous topics covered on this podcast. And a new Solacene semester brings with it a new announcement- Alicia has designed and sewn some clothes for sale! Contact the hosts, check out the zines, or buy some beautiful sustainable tactile handmade TULIP SHORTS here: https://www.solacene.org
Sun, August 13, 2023
How to make change
Ah, the Solacene... a beautiful, sustainable, tactile imagined future full of hope and dragonflies. But how to bring about this utopia??? Whereas most episodes of our podcast strictly focus on describing a better world, today's is about the process of creating one. We discuss activism and 'changemaking' in its various forms, and determine which methods of Solacening are the most... Solacene. Buy a handmade zine or contact the hosts here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, August 07, 2023
Boats!
"The Sea! Alas! I have not yet beheld it. But deep in the hearts of all my kindred lies the sea-longing, which it is perilous to stir. Alas! for the gulls. No peace shall I have again under beech or under elm." So says Legolas, so says Aaron in this week's episode, when describing the irrational yearning both he and Alicia feel for life on the sea. But is it irrational? Listen to hear us analyze 'boat lust' from the perspective of all things beautiful, sustainable, and tactile, discussing all the nautical tales that capture the collective imagination, as well as the mystique of swabbing. And buy a handmade Solacene zine, or contact the hosts, here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, July 31, 2023
Life in Five Senses
Gretchen Rubin's book 'Life in Five Senses' details the journey of finding one's mindfulness through taste, touch, smell, sight, and hearing- those abilities which are integral to our navigating the world, but which often go unappreciated or even unnoticed. This episode sees us discuss the book through a Solacene lens, as well as sharing our own 'sense self portraits', and sharing some other relevant mindfulness books. Contact the hosts or buy a handmade Solacene zine: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, July 24, 2023
Mentorship
What do you think about mentorship? Is it just a gross, old-fashioned concept like the russet potato? We think a beautiful, sustainable, tactile future would encourage close relationships of learning and modelling. Listen to find out why! Contact the hosts or buy a handmade Solacene zine here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, July 17, 2023
5.18 : what have we learned about the internet?
It's been a long 18 episodes discussing what the internet would look like in a beautiful, sustainable, tactile future. This episode concludes the semester with a discussion of our personal takeaways, as well as potential design ideas for a localized Solacene social media platform. Also Aaron gives us an update on his recent nightmares. Contact the hosts or buy a handmade Solacene zine here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, July 10, 2023
5.17 : how to monetize internet fame
This conversation covers the various ways in which different internet 'personalities' have succeeded (or struggled) in pivoting their 5 minutes of fame into full careers. Ft. Salt Bae, pewdiepie, and "bad luck brian". We also discuss the topic of brand loyalty, especially as it pertains to digital brands ('Mac vs PC' etc.), and some different industries the internet has changed for better or worse. Listen! Contact the hosts or buy a handmade Solacene ZINE here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, July 03, 2023
5.16 : what would go in a technology library?
What if each town had a building full of exciting, innovative, sci-fi technology you could visit like a library? This could allow society to curiosity for the digital world, while minimizing its intrusion into the real world. This building concept is explored in full in this conversation. We discuss fun architectural ideas, prospective activities, and the benefits of the 'computer room' theory. Contact the hosts or buy a handmade Solacene ZINE here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, June 26, 2023
5.15 : what's up with ASMR?
Born too late to explore the earth, born too early too explore the universe, born just in time to spend hours listening to crinkling leaves and 'stress relieving jelly sounds' on the internet. This episode sees us delving into the weird world of ASMR and its distinctly modern feel, as well as how it might feature in an ideal future. We also discuss our attempts to reduce screen time this week, and miscellaneous ways the internet should/shouldn't impact the workplace. Contact the hosts or buy a handmade Solacene ZINE here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, June 19, 2023
5.14 : what's your screentime?
The long-awaited "what I internet in a day" episode has arrived. Aaron and Alicia break down how they use the internet in an average day and make suggestions on how their habits could shift to living a more Solacene life. Zine and Contact: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, June 12, 2023
5.13 : does the internet warp our emotions?
"If we resist our emotions, we resist being human." This episode features a conversation about the internet's impact on our emotions- both in the short term (how we feel during and immediately after scrolling) and the long term way it shapes us. Along these lines, we also discuss NARCISSISM and the ugly beautiful concept of the 'influencer'. Contact the hosts or purchase a handmade Solacene zine here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, June 05, 2023
5.12 : is the internet a good place for political discourse?
How has internet lingo impacted our language skills? Is the internet a good place to discuss politics? Are moderation and censorship the same thing? We answer all these questions and more on this week's episode of Solacene! ft. sheep. Zine and Contact: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, May 29, 2023
5.11 : do you say "google it"?
Imagine an internet browser that is aesthetic, has no ads, and promotes mindful internet usage (reducing dependence). This week we design a new internet browser, discuss trolls on the internet, and finally dissect the trend that is "there are no more trends". Contact and Zine: https://solacene.bigcartel.com
Mon, May 22, 2023
5.10 : does the ideal world feature online shopping?
eCommerce has already defied expectations in surpassing 'brick and mortar' stores for various industries. It is convenient and widespread. But is it beautiful? Sustainable!? TACTILE? Listen to today's episode to find out our thoughts on whether there is room for Amazon in a hypothetical utopia, as well as more general notes on the Internet's potential positive and negative environmental impacts. Contact the hosts or purchase a handmade Solacene zine here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, May 15, 2023
5.09 : how to have a low-tech life?
Imagine a device ecosystem that enables health, wellbeing, and true connections with our community. This week we dive into the pros and cons of the devices in our lives and piece together a vision for how these devices can evolve (or go extinct) in the ideal future. Featuring ten tips to reduce your screentime today! Zine and contact: https://solacene.bigcartel.com/about
Mon, May 08, 2023
5.08 : why are kids videos on YouTube so evil?
Going down the rabbit hole of what lurks in kids videos on YouTube is a scary prospect. This episode sees us discussing this 'demonic' 'content', as well as the more general phenomena of the iPad kid, reaction videos, and how brainrot culture has become mainstream. We also talk about how nice it would be if the world were free of these things! Contact the hosts or buy one of our beautiful sustainable tactile handmade ZINES here: https://www.solacene.org
Tue, May 02, 2023
5.07 : how does the internet devalue art?
Content. CONTENT. c o n t e n t. How you read this word might be part of the problem. In this episode we discuss how to fix the evil infinite Internet's ploy to reduce all beauty into a single stream of... stuff. We also talk about TikTok (it is bad, but probably in more ways than you ever imagined!). And each tried to create a Solacene meme. So silly. Contact the hosts or buy our beautiful sustainable tactile Solacene ZINES here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, April 24, 2023
5.06 : are memes deeper than you think?
A deep dive into memes, their history, and cultural significance brings us all over the map of the internet. This brings us to analysing what forms of art are exclusive to the internet such as Vlogs and Interfacing. We also discuss online gaming and how that will manifest in the Solacene. Zine and Contact: https://solacene.bigcartel.com
Mon, April 17, 2023
5.05 : why do we compulsively share online?
Your child is born, the most beautiful moment of your life, hopefully the Instagram live is working! This week we talk about the compulsion to share our lives online and how to redirect that energy to more sustainable community building. We also highlight a few of our favourite websites on the internet, and how liking vs. commenting impacts users across platforms. To buy the internet zine visit our website (sales go live 04/17/2023 7pm EST) Our Website: https://solacene.bigcartel.com
Mon, April 10, 2023
5.04 : what can we learn from a Montreal ice storm?
This episode has been seasoned by a four-day power outage that has left the hosts with some... strong feelings about the Internet. We discuss the pros and cons of 'place websites' taking over from the yellow pages, the ways people talk online versus in real life (lol), and the intrinsic merits of going to a lecture rather than reviewing the uploaded recording. Contact the hosts or buy one of our handmade ZINES through the link: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, April 03, 2023
5.03 : is any social media good for you?
Through ranking 27 social media "mediums" we determine the good, bad, and ugly dwelling places of the internet- and ultimately if any are truly Good (Solacene). Social media is more varied then just Instagram and TikTok so this discussion reaches all corners of the internet (or almost all). Zine and Contact: https://solacene.bigcartel.com/about
Mon, March 27, 2023
5.02 : why do we talk so much about 'generations' now?
This episode features a conversation on different ways the internet has affected our notions of culture, identity, and the individual. Why have the 'boomer', 'millenial', 'gen Z', etc, categories become so mainstream and seemingly important? In what ways does the internet prompt a deeper engagement with culture? What are we defined by, if not by what we do? All these questions and more are discussed, and used to form new questions for next week. Follow the link to contact the hosts or buy one of our handmade zines! : https://www.solacene.org
Mon, March 20, 2023
5.01 : how does the internet shape us?
To launch the long-awaited internet semester we discuss the extent to which the internet formed our personalities and sense of self. Then we explore the original intent of the internet and a brief history. This episode certainly prompted more questions than answers so we look forward to future episodes! Zines and Contact: https://solacene.bigcartel.com
Tue, March 14, 2023
Oscars Review
How could the Oscars be more Solacene? Would awards be determined in the same way in the ideal future? In this part two episode we discuss how the 2023 Oscars exceeded our expectations in terms of beauty, sustainability, and tactility (and how it could have done better). We also expanded upon our thoughts on this year's best picture winner- Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Mon, March 13, 2023
How the Oscars should have been
Red carpets, monologues, social commentary, and of course, award-winning films, all presented in our take on how the 2023 Academy Awards should have been. (and who could forget, 'The Sea Beast') Contact the hosts or buy one of the handmade Solacene zines here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, March 06, 2023
Greenwashed product symposium: ten satirical inventions for a better future
Have you been dreaming of a product that will solve the climate crisis and help keep your shirt sleeve clean all at the same time? A furry friend to pad out your numbers at climate protests? Well look no further- in this satirical infomercial episode the hosts invent ten (almost) useless products invented in the name of sustainability. Contact and Zine here: https://solacene.bigcartel.com/about
Mon, February 27, 2023
Meet the hosts
This week we finally introduce ourselves by interviewing one another on our ideal versions of everyday objects, activities, and technologies. I hope you enjoy and feel free so send us any questions you may have about us as we love to get to know you, our listeners, too. Zine and Such: https://solacene.bigcartel.com/about
Mon, February 20, 2023
Why you should listen to the radio
Radio is an old and highly convivial technology that we believe has countless applications in the ideal future. This week we discuss how radio can take over for certain undesirable aspects of the internet, and how it can build and foster community better than almost any other communication technology. Zine Available Here: https://solacene.bigcartel.com
Mon, February 13, 2023
4.16 : how will biomimicry shape the Solacene?
For the final episode of the Nature semester we design the society, infrastructure, and culture of the Solacene using biomimicry. To wrap things up we also took a quiz on the lessons from the semester. Tune in for some fun and facts on the show where we imagine the ideal future that is beautiful, sustainable, and tactile. Website: https://solacene.bigcartel.com/about
Mon, February 06, 2023
4.15 : how could the climate crisis have been avoided?
This week, Aaron and Alicia hop into our conversational time machine to do some benevolent meddling. We discuss the many inflection points of human technological/cultural history which, if altered, might have lead us to a more sustainable present. A 'pseudocene', if you will. ft. ripple effects, paradoxes, and a tiny giant pun. Buy one of the handmade Solacene zines or contact the hosts here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, January 30, 2023
4.14 : what's the point of space exploration?
This episode is all about SPACE: THE FINAL FRONTIER. Outer space is technically a wild, untouched expanse of nature. Should our species' interaction with it thus abide by the same rules of care and sustainability as, say, exploring an old growth forest? Is there much to be gained in leaving orbit besides pride? Today we tried to answer these questions and more. We also discussed light pollution, greenwashing, and DENDOCHRONOLOGY. Contact the hosts or order a handmade Solacene zine here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, January 23, 2023
4.13 : what about hunting in the Solacene?
Alicia and Aaron are feeling passionate this episode, ranting about things like deepfakes, seal hunting, poaching (not eggs), and Alicia's frequent misquoting of the bible. We also discuss the aesthetic argument for material cohesion and local sourcing. Listen!! Use this link to buy one of our handmade zines or contact us with feedback: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, January 16, 2023
4.12 : can cities coexist with nature?
With an ever-increasing % of the world population residing in urban areas, a key element of our species' relationship with nature is urban planning. Parks, gardens, and allotments are some of the ways we currently make our cities greener. This discussion is about the 'nature' of urban vs rural living, as well as some ideas for how Solacene cities can best resemble and incorporate wilderness. Buy a zine or contact us with feedback here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, January 09, 2023
4.11 : which forgotten practices should return?
The last two hundred years have seen exponential changes in the way we interact with nature. These have been driven by technology and culture, and largely perceived as beneficial to our species. This episode focuses on certain aspects of lifestyle, attitude, and society that have perhaps been unnecessarily abandoned, and which could return in the Solacene. We also discuss kangaroos and treehouses (obviously). Buy a zine, or contact us with feedback and ideas for next week's topics here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, January 02, 2023
4.10 : are dinosaur bones real?
We talk a lot about the future on Solacene, but what about the past? This episode is all about the relevance of geological history to our imagined future. Topics of discussion include how large time scales contextualize human impacts (cool), the aesthetic significance of fossils (very cool), and the educational power of museums (super cool), as well as how all these things help shape the mind of the beautiful sustainable tactile SOLACITES (people). Contact us or buy a handmade Solacene zine through this link! : https://www.solacene.org
Tue, December 27, 2022
4.09 : why should we keep pets (and houseplants)?
Pets (and their lazy cousins, houseplants) have partnered our species since long before recorded history. Why? Should this continue in the beautiful sustainable tactile imagined utopian future SOLACENE? Why was Ron allowed to bring a rat to Hogwarts? All these questions and more are covered by us in this week's episode. We also talk about our favorite textures of nature. Things get sensual, so listen! Contact us, or buy a handmade Solacene zine through this link! : https://www.solacene.org
Tue, December 20, 2022
4.08 : what's the point of human beings?
Logically we covered the secrets of nature in this week's episode: from the purpose of life to waste management. An introduction to what ecotourism is and how people of the Solacene may travel differently, and an attempt to tear down curtain on how things are actually recycled. Tune in for a beautiful melange of science, philosophy, and passion. Contact and Zine: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, December 12, 2022
4.07 : what is the environmental impact of leisure?
Did you know our hobbies have an environmental impact? This week we discuss how the Solacene will facilitate green activity not just in the economy and government, but in all aspects of our lives. But first- we dive into the natural origins of many of our favorite mythological creatures! Zine and contact information are available here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, December 05, 2022
4.06 : how can we learn from the deep sea?
The deep sea retains a certain sense of mystique amongst humans today, a unique holdover from the days of explorative frontiers and mythologized wilderness. It also happens to contain many cool and potentially innovative species. This episode features a discussion of the possible ways in which the Solacene can take inspiration from dark ocean depths. We then cover briefly the intersection of nature and spirituality (especially as told in film) and some ideas for a Solacene national park. Zine and contact information are available here: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, November 28, 2022
4.05 : what annoys you in nature?
Diving into the philosophy of nature's intrinsic value after a discussion of all the things in nature that annoy us, we cover the highs and lows of what it means to live as one with nature. This week is a mix of comedy and philosophy with an introduction to concepts such as the perception gap, anthropocentrism, natural-historic perspective, and more! Zine and contact information are available here: https://solacene.bigcartel.com
Tue, November 22, 2022
4.04 : what extinct animal would you bring back?
This week we begin a discussion on the ethics of human interference in nature in the form of medicine and genetic modification. Given that this is the nature series we also provide an introduction to the nine planetary boundaries and discuss what they mean and imagine how they will be maintained in the Solacene. Check out our new zine, 'A Walk Through the Wilderness', available via the link below. All profits go towards Ecojustice, Canada’s largest environmental law charity. Our Website: https://solacene.bigcartel.com/about Ecojustice: https://ecojustice.ca
Mon, November 14, 2022
4.03 : what would Jesus do about climate change?
Environmentalism as outlined in the bible can be interpreted in various ways. From different definitions of words like "subdue", to the matter of earthly versus heavenly attention, and even the persistent mentions of wildlife in psalms and parables, this episode discusses the topic of Christian views on nature in some detail. We also talk about how Solacene media outlets will present environmental issues, as well as some rules we think should govern the way our species interacts with the natural world. Check out our new zine, 'A Walk Through the Wilderness', available via the link below. All profits go towards Ecojustice, Canada’s largest environmental law charity. Our Website: https://www.solacene.org Ecojustice: https://www.ecojustice.ca
Mon, November 07, 2022
4.02 : are humans part of nature?
Almost everybody has a different perception of the place and purpose of our species in the world. Are we a part of, or apart from, nature? Various ideologies, religions, and philosophers seek to answer that question in different ways, and while it may seem a semantic difference, in this episode we explore how these perspectives inform our individual and collective environmental impact. Then we talk about how and why the Solacene prioritizes being beautiful, sustainable, and tactile, and how these qualities are absent in the modern world. Also discussed is the fascinating field of ecolinguistics. Check out our new zine, 'A Walk Through the Wilderness', available via the link below. All profits go towards Ecojustice, Canada’s largest environmental law charity. Our Website: https://www.solacene.org Ecojustice: https://www.ecojustice.ca
Mon, October 31, 2022
4.01 : what's your favourite ecosystem?
This week we kick off our newest Solacene series, Nature, by talking about our favourite ecosystems, the biggest problems facing nature, and how this will relate to our other semesters. Tune in for all things wetlands, and an optimistic conversation about how we can combat climate change. Check out our Nature Zine, A Walk Through the Wilderness, available on our website. All profits go towards Ecojustice, Canada’s largest environmental law charity. Our Website: https://www.solacene.org Ecojustice: https://ecojustice.ca
Mon, October 31, 2022
The nature zine!
Follow this link to check out all our zines! www.solacene.org
Mon, October 24, 2022
Children's stories
Frog and Toad, Little Bear, Franklin and Friends, The Berenstain Bears, Arthur. These are just some of the formative stories from our childhood that contain, along with their entertainment and memorable messages, certain threads of simple living that manifest in our adult personalities. This episode discusses children's stories through this lens of simple living, as well as how the medium can best be used to shape people that are childlike in all the best ways. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, October 17, 2022
Little nice things
So much of the human experience is made up of small moments that either make you smile or frown. This episode focuses on the former- various little nice things we wanted to feature that are all too rare in today's world, but will be commonplace in the Solacene. What a happy conversation! Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, October 10, 2022
Patagonia
"We’re making Earth our only shareholder. I am dead serious about saving this planet." These are the words of Yvon Chouinard, founder and longtime sole owner of Patagonia, in a recent open letter announcing the future of the company. This episode of Solacene is dedicated to celebrating the impact of Chouinard's last fifty years in business, and what makes Patagonia such an inspiring and forward-thinking model (it isn't just the fleeces). We also touch on the discuss the concept of 'benevolent capitalism' in service of the environment, and some elements of consumerism in eco-friendly brands. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, October 03, 2022
Travel!
Inspired by a recent trip we took to Europe, this episode is devoted to the pros and cons of travel, both personal and societal. Will it be different in the Solacene, when everyone has 'a life they don't need a vacation from'? In what ways is local travel underrated? How does seeing new places help us generate new ideas? We discuss all these questions and more on this week's edition of SOLACENE the podcast all about a beautiful sustainable tactile f u t u r e Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, September 26, 2022
3.15 : how much does circumstance matter?
We conclude the storytelling semester with a simple discussion on the significance of circumstance and serendipity to a story's reception. Also discussed are the 'narratives' we construct when talking about other people, and how that will be done more positively in the Solacene. Lastly, Alicia introduces the Solacene book club, currently discussing Richard Powers' 'The Overstory'. Join by contacting us using the information below! Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: https://www.solacene.org
Mon, September 19, 2022
3.14 : who should tell the story of the Solacene?
This is a fun episode in which we each nominate an artist who embodies the Solacene, and why we think they would be good at portraying that beautiful, sustainable, tactile world. It is uplifting to consider the world as a story and ourselves its tellers. We also feature some feminist literature and talk about the distinct role of actors through history. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, September 12, 2022
3.13 : how do archetypes help storytelling?
Across history and different cultures, many of our stories are populated by similar characters. These are archetypes- different elements of human psychology made narrative- and can be useful in understanding both storytelling and people. This episode sees us discuss this concept as well as the use of cliches in general, especially in advertising, and their presence in the Solacene. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, September 05, 2022
3.12 : why are scary stories scary?
From ancient forest spirits to modern serial killers, humans have always been fascinated with the narratives of fear. Our imagination is boundless in creating and exaggerating real-world horror in stories. In this episode we discuss the state of scary stories in the Solacene, including the impact of urbanization and the concept of healthy vs damaging terror. We also talk about the spookiest development of recent times- AI art. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Tue, August 30, 2022
3.11 : how to grow your imagination
Imagination is at the heart of storytelling, both in the process of creation and that of 'consumption', so why do so many features of the modern world seemingly exist to crush it? In this episode, we discuss ways that imagination will be fostered and encouraged in the Solacene. We also share our outlines for solarpunk stories that embody the major themes of that aesthetic. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, August 22, 2022
3.10 : should fiction be romantic?
'Romance' can be an amorphous term. It's love letters and medieval adventures, Call Me By Your Name and The Hobbit, idyllic and fraught with peril. At least, that's how we discuss it on this episode of Solacene. We discuss romance in love stories as well as in the general sense of passion we feel for certain fictional worlds, all in the context of a beautiful, sustainable, tactile future. Enjoy :) Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, August 15, 2022
3.09 : what makes a good hero?
Do you daydream about what films you wish were in the theaters or which ones you'd make if you were a producer? This week's episode was an indulgence in such a daydream where we plan out a year of box office hits in the Solacene. This week we also had fun imagining the ideal hero and learning about the history of fan fiction. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, August 08, 2022
3.08 : what makes a good villain?
Plankton, Thanos, Satan. What makes these villains so terrifying and memorable? In this episode, we discuss this question in depth as well as questions of 'character' in architecture and fashion. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, August 01, 2022
3.07 : how has cultural acceleration changed our stories?
Look at graphs mapping different types of human activity over time and you will most likely see a spike in the last ~hundred years. This period of rapid infrastructural, technological, and cultural acceleration affects us in a milieu of ways known and unknown. In this episode, we discuss its impact on the types of stories we tell, and how they are received. We also talk about both music and various creative limitations in the context of storytelling. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Wed, July 27, 2022
Degrowth & Strategy: how to bring about social-ecological transformation
This special edition of Solacene is an interview with two of the editors of the new book, Degrowth and Strategy: how to bring about social-ecological transformation. A throw-back to our first semester all about Degrowth, this conversation discusses practical solutions to the social and ecological challenges of today. I encourage you to check out the link to the free PDF of this significant work or purchase a copy through the second link below. This book was a long time in the making so its release is a celebration for all involved, and the degrowth movement as a whole. https://mayflybooks.org/degrowth-strategy/ https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/degrowth-strategy-nathan-barlow/1141785325?ean=9781906948603
Mon, July 25, 2022
3.06 : what defines the Solacene Hollywood?
Hollywood: depending on who you talk to, it's a magical capital of culture, an inspirational dream factory, or a den of corruption and degeneracy. What would it look like in an ideal world? This episode attempts to answer that by painting a picture of a new Hollywood existing in a beautiful, sustainable, tactile future. We also discuss the intersection of fact and fiction in our retellings of history, and the timeline of stories becoming 'mass scale'. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, July 18, 2022
3.05 : what does a Solacene cinema look like?
This is a fun and imaginative discussion themed around storytelling of place. We share our designs for the Solacene move theatre (one of our favourite types of places), our thoughts on 'narrativized nationalism', and ideas for new mediums for storytelling that use new technology to interact with the real world. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, July 11, 2022
3.04 : is increased immersion better for storytelling?
One of the oft-touted benefits of our era of technological innovations is increased immersion. For the purpose of storytelling, this refers to a more satisfying and focused experience as watchers of movies and television, listeners of music and audiobooks, and players of video games. This pros, cons, and accuracy of this assertion is challenged during this podcast episode. We also talk about our relationship with fictional characters, and the state of comedy today and in the Solacene. Enjoy! Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, July 04, 2022
3.03 : why are there no smartphones in movies?
This conversation draws from a lot of different references to answer questions about storytelling today and in the Solacene. We first discuss the individual and communal benefits of rereading/rewatching good literature and cinema. Then we talk about the pros and cons of mapping our lives onto existing narratives, and the strange phenomena of smartphones in movies. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, June 27, 2022
3.02 : should we consume fewer stories?
Has the increased production, advertisement, archival, and accessibility of narrative-based art grown its presence in our lives to an unhealthy level? Has intertextuality gone too far? Are there any stories that show the search for modern identity in a positive light? Listen to this episode to hear our thoughts on all these questions and more! Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Fri, June 24, 2022
Introducing Field Notes
Welcome to Field Notes- a weekly collection of thoughts, images, and stories that we find exciting. We hope this new project will allow us to go deeper into topics from our weekly episodes and highlight things going on in the Solacene community! To sign-up use the link below and if you have any questions feel free to email us at alicia@solacene.org || aaron@solacene.org www.solacene.org
Tue, June 21, 2022
3.01 : what is the story of today?
This episode is the first in our new semester- storytelling! Each week we'll be discussing a different element of the narratives, both explicit and unspoken, lived and fantastical, that make up the texture of life in the Solacene. We begin by discussing stories that we find useful for understanding modern times. In true Solacene spirit, a breadth of allusions are made, from Jonah to Tinkerbell. We also ask the question of storytelling in a hypothetical perfect world, and what would be some of its recognizable aspects. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, June 13, 2022
Flowers
This week's episode is an ode to FLOWERS- those colorful, fragrant gifts that decorate the natural world. We discuss their various uses and presence in mythology, but mainly just why we like them so much (they're very Solacene). Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, June 06, 2022
Wellness Influencers
This episode is a discussion on 'wellness influencers'- the quasi-spiritual figures that inhabit certain corners of the Internet and pop culture, spreading various messages of fitness, mental health, and holistic wellness. The conversation touches on everything from jade eggs to ancestral tenets, and of course, the presence of these influencers in the beautiful sustainable tactile utopian future SOLACENE! Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, May 30, 2022
Put your phone down!
Inspired by recent observations of phone use even at important events, this episode is a discussion of how the people of the Solacene behave among strangers in social settings. Of particular concern are those 'liminal' spaces (elevators, waiting rooms, buses, etc.) that make up a large portion of our time. Some topics discussed include the benefit of everyone "sharing a room", building places for common interests, and unchecked expressions of joy. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, May 23, 2022
2.12 : designing the Solacene University
We conclude our semester on education by describing various organizational, individual, and aesthetic elements of the Solacene University. We also discuss learning outside of such designated institutions (self-learning / at-home learning), and Aaron gets tested on his memory of the last twelve episodes. We hope you enjoyed and were inspired by this series. We will be back next week with the first of several miscellaneous topics before jumping into another semester. Thank you for listening! Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, May 16, 2022
2.11 : how should we teach thinking?
We imagine people of the Solacene to be free, original, and comprehensive thinkers. This episode sees us brainstorm the conditions that might create such citizens. We also discuss educational buildings for children (that aren't schools), and various educational philosophies that help categorize the Solacene systems of learning. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, May 09, 2022
2.10 : how should we teach talking?
Effective and honest speech is crucial for communicating ideas. In this episode, we brainstorm how to teach good speaking skills via modeling, practice, listening, and performance. The value of film as an inspirational and didactic tool is also discussed. Finally, we continued our mapping of the educational infrastructure in the Solacene by designing its 'gymnasium', a multi-use physical/intellectual space in the Ancient Greek tradition. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, May 02, 2022
2.09 : what are the Solacene rites of passage?
This episode focuses on two transitory stages of life- maturity into adulthood, and maturity into elderliness- and how various Solacene infrastructures might make them periods of celebration rather than dread. We talk specifically about rites of passage related to education, and ways to stay young by continued learning. Also discussed are educational techniques that have faded through history that we think will make a return in the Solacene. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, April 25, 2022
2.08 : what can we learn from music and nature?
Music is the art that decorates time, and nature that which best decorates space. How can they be used as educational tools, both for their own inherent lessons and also as mediums for teaching other concepts? How can outdoor classrooms encourage curiosity and creativity? Will the Solacene have bards? Listen to hear us address all these questions and more. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, April 18, 2022
2.07 : how (and where) are Solacene classes taught?
Museums! Lecture halls! Bookstores! The built infrastructure of education is intertwined with its policy and curriculums, so this episode is devoted to designing two perfect (Solacene) libraries and classrooms. We use the latter as a base to explain how we would teach a high school course in the beautiful, sustainable, tactile utopia. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, April 11, 2022
2.06 : how does the Solacene encourage learning?
What does a culture of learning look like? How can one maintain enthusiasm and standards as a self-educator? What are the common traits of good teachers? This episode seeks to answer these questions and more through our continued discussion on education in the utopian Solacene. Enjoy! Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, April 04, 2022
2.05 : what should be the role of mentorship in education?
When making observations about schools and learning today, the word "education" is often followed by "system". This episode seeks to focus more on the individuals that comprise that broader system. We discuss the benefits of a variety of mentorship opportunities that might be encouraged in the Solacene, tangible teaching techniques that actually work, and what it actually means to learn something. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, March 28, 2022
2.04 : how to balance standardization and individualization?
Our latest discussion in this series designing the utopian school system of the Solacene focuses on achieving the matter of tailoring education to individual students, as well as maintaining "standards without standardization." We address this topic directly, as well as through a conversation about our favourite examples of education in art, and by sharing our designs for a Solacene school uniform. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, March 21, 2022
2.03 : how can I improve my memory?
Just as last week's episode established the reasons why internalized knowledge/memory is still important in the modern world, this episode provides some guidance for how we can increase it. We also discuss various examples of 'brain food' and their possible presence in the school lunches of the Solacene, certain "grubby holdovers" of the education system, and the best ages for starting and finishing school. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, March 14, 2022
2.02 : how has the modern world changed 'knowledge'?
An understanding of our historical and contemporary conception of 'knowledge' is necessary for any in-depth conversations about education. In this episode we outline the ways that the Internet has changed the way we access and retain information, as well as the relevance of memory in the modern world. We also discuss the ideal school hours in the Solacene and how children can retain concentration and focus in a time of fleeting entertainment. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Tue, March 08, 2022
2.01 : what is wrong with education?
Our second semester will aim to detail the presence, purpose, and methods of education in the Solacene. This episode starts the conversation with an analysis of what is going wrong in today's educational systems. We address the three influential aspects on the classroom- the students, the methods, and the planning. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Tue, March 08, 2022
The education zine!
To celebrate and accompany our next semester of podcasts, we are releasing a handmade zine on the topic of education. It's collaborative, educational, and dense. To check it out, follow the link below to our online storefront. www.solacene.org
Mon, February 28, 2022
The 7 Wonders of the Solacene
The 7 wonders of the ancient world (that's the Colossus of Rhodes, the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus, the Temple of Artemis, and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus) have long been a source of inspiration and fascination for us. In this episode, we present our vision for 7 similarly impressive feats of art and engineering that we imagine might characterize a Solacene future. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, February 21, 2022
The Oracle of Delphi + how should we view the past and the future?
Much has been said recently about the crisis of mindfulness, and how modern people find experiencing the present difficult. This episode seeks to explore how our concepts of 'future' and 'past' are similarly troubled in the information age. The conversation starts in ancient Greece with the 3 Delphic Maxims, and goes from there all the way into the futuristic people of the Solacene. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, February 14, 2022
The benefits of making
This episode covers a lot of different topics under the umbrella of 'making'. We use our personal experiences with different mediums, as well as research on the psychological benefits of art, to discuss why making is so beneficial in a culture built around 'taking' (consuming). Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, February 07, 2022
1.15 : how 'degrowth' is Solacene?
This is the final episode of our degrowth semester. We conclude by mentioning some common criticisms of degrowth and our rebuttals/agreements, as well as the ways in which the Solacene can or cannot be described as 'degrown'. Thank you to everyone who has listened to this series on degrowth. The podcast will continue next week with a new topic Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, January 31, 2022
1.14 : what is wrong with the metaverse?
This is a conversation about what makes the proposed metaverse ("a hypothetical iteration of the Internet as a single, universal virtual world that is facilitated by the use of virtual and augmented reality headsets") so awful and terrifying, especially when viewed through the principles of degrowth. The episode ends on a positive note, with a discussion of our 'SDGs', or Solacene Degrowth Goals, to accompany those of the U.N. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, January 24, 2022
1.13 : why do we want to live off the grid?
Various aesthetic qualities of degrowth have been growing in popularity, especially during the pandemic, through Internet subcultures like 'cottagecore' and the overall rise in activities like gardening and baking. These niches can be considered extensions of the age-old genre of art known as 'pastoral'. This episode features a discussion about the relationship between art and degrowth, and how it might shape our desire for an off-the-grid life. We also discuss tangible examples of degrowth technology and innovative social systems. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, January 17, 2022
1.12 : can degrowth and innovation co-exist?
This week we debate two controversial subjects in the degrowth community: degrowth and innovation, and the circular economy's role in a degrown future. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, January 10, 2022
1.11 : how can I be degrowth?
Movements are made up of individuals becoming exemplars. Degrowth, while typically defining a collective social perspective, can therefore be a useful guide for individual behaviour. This episode sees us discuss how we can best embody degrowth in our own lives, as well as in an idealized 'degrown' Internet. We also continue our discussion on the potential environmental benefits of degrowth via specific examples of food, fashion, and production. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, January 03, 2022
1.10 : what makes degrowth sustainable?
Sustainability, in every sense of the word, is a core tenet of degrowth. This episode features a discussion of the environmental alternative degrowth proposes to the current paradigm of extraction and waste, as well as a look at the social and psychological unsustainability of modern mass media. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Tue, December 28, 2021
1.09 : how can grown-ups be freed?
Today, some of the most affluent and technologically-advanced societies in history are suffering widespread ennui, especially among younger people. This episode discusses some of modernity's negative impacts on our individual and collective psyche, and the various ways degrowth could help. We also share some of our favourite degrowth-adjacent movements, ideologies, and concepts. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, December 20, 2021
1.08: how can degrowth educate?
The home/school binary (or for adults, home/work) seems to be becoming more rigid and all-consuming as the generations pass. Gone are the days of kids hanging out unsupervised on the street all evening, for which our parents so wistfully pine. In this episode, we discuss how a variety of learning structured and unstructured learning environments is key to degrowth education, as well as how degrowth can repopularize such settings. We also share ideas for repurposing parking lots and cover the history of degrowth. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, December 13, 2021
1.07 : the power of exploration
To continue our series within a series on transportation and education, we answer the question of how can we adapt existing infrastructure to be more walkable. We also ask what should students learn at home vs. in school in the ideal, degrown, future? Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Tue, December 07, 2021
1.06 : the future of transportation & education
Are we on track to a sustainable future? This week we answer questions surrounding how transportation will change in a sustainable, Solacene, future. We also introduce the topic of education in relation to degrowth in creating free, moral, and informed citizens. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Tue, November 30, 2021
1.05 : alternatives to career politicians?
Politics should be a representation of the collective will of the people, a discourse featuring an all-encompassing variety of voices. So why are 'career politicians' so prevalent? In this episode, we address the pros and cons of a government full of people who stay in office for decades. We also describe the imagined aesthetics of a food-sovereign neighborhood in the Solacene. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, November 22, 2021
1.04 : what is food sovereignty?
Food sovereignty, a more nuanced concept semi-adjacent to food security, is a central illustration of how degrowth can redesign culture and economics. This episode features a discussion of the merits of decentralizing food. We also talk about how current systems incentivize the wrong types of politicians, and how structures of currency and trade can be tweaked in interesting ways. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, November 15, 2021
1.03 : how is degrowth governed?
Proponents of degrowth vary in their visions of the power and purpose of the ideal state. In this episode, we outline some common ideas as well as our own opinions regarding a degrown government. We also discuss the pros and cons of a UBI, and continue exploring the impact of commodification on individual autonomy. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, November 08, 2021
1.02 : what are mindful systems?
This discussion features a critique of the systems of work, leisure, and education that discourage mindfulness. What would systems that promote mindfulness look like? We connect this conversation to the 'great resignation' and also to true cost. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, November 01, 2021
The degrowth zine
To celebrate and accompany our semester of podcasts all about degrowth, we are releasing a handmade zine on the topic. To learn more about it, follow the link below to our online storefront. https://www.solacene.org
Mon, November 01, 2021
1.01 : what is wrong?
We begin the semester of degrowth by asking ourselves what are the problems that can be solved by degrowth. The discussion spans environmentalism and the various types of alienation that we see in modern society, and is capped off by projections for how bad things can get. Is degrowth a distant inevitability? Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
Mon, November 01, 2021
Introducing Solacene
Solacene is a project about merging activism and imagination- envisioning and discussing a perfect future to aim towards. We attempt to solve real-life environmental and social issues through research, art, and fantasy. The podcast is structured in 'semesters'- long series of episodes centred around a particular theme. Our first theme is degrowth. This episode is a brief introduction to the concept of Solacene, as well as to the hosts of the podcast, and a discussion on the historical and contemporary issues with utopias. Buy the zines, sign up for field notes, or contact the hosts: www.solacene.org
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