Knit to This
The Anthropocene Reviewed
If you are not up on your geologic ages (and I suspect few of us are), the planet is currently in its Anthropocene era, where human influences, more than comets or volcanos, are having the greatest effect on the planet itself.
If only, you may be thinking to yourself, I had a guide to which of the parts of this age we’re in are worth my time and trouble. And if only each part had a rating out of five stars.
Writer John Green (The Fault in Our Stars, An Abundance of Katherines, and many more) is here for you with his podcast The Anthropocene Reviewed.
The topics are as broad as the Anthropocene itself. He takes on plagues, proms, pennies, and the Piggly Wiggly, not to mention the Stanford prison experiment and sycamore trees (a video version of that last one is linked above). In his measured tones, Green walks you through the background of each topic and how he’s calculated its star value. Each episode is a tasty snack, one that combines both cerebral and emotional topics with delicate ease.
If, after a taste of the podcast you crave a feast for both eyes and ears, Green collected these episodes (and more!) in a book version, then narrated the audiobook version. No word on how many stars he assigned his own work.
If you crave a banquet, Green’s curious mind took him to a zero stars aspect of our geologic age: tuberculosis, which is all but eradicated in wealthy parts of the world and endemic everywhere else. Everything is Tuberculosis, a New York Times bestseller, shares clear DNA with the podcast, especially if experienced as an audiobook.
I give John Green’s non-fiction four out of five stars.
Photo credit: Marina Waters
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I was in Strasbourg, France, on vacation with my husband. We happened upon a beautiful plaza next to a canal built around and shaded by 3 giant sycamore trees. Tables and chairs were scattered beneath the trees and we sat and ate ice cream for lunch (it was vacation, after all). It is a beautiful memory that I return to often.
My first apartment was down the road from a Sycamore tree that was already large enough to be a landmark when Europeans first came to the area and began to settle Deerfield and Sunderland, MA. It is amazing to stand at the base of such a big, old tree that’s just part of the neighborhood.
I had the great pleasure of seeing my daughter interview John Green in Atlanta when he was on tour for Everything is Tuberculosis. He is a remarkably entertaining educator as is she ( Health Wanted podcast). Speaking of which, her podcast is a good knit to this, as well.
You’re Laurel’s mom? That’s so cool, as I’m sure you know. Have loved her on instagram and the podcast.
I am indeed. She gives me proud Mama moments regularly. I take no credit, though. She’s always been all Laurel, all the time. 🙂
How exciting and wonderful for both you and your daughter! I just finished Everything is Tuberculosis on audiobook and really enjoyed it. He is such a talented writer.
Thank you! Perfect timing as I need a new podcast since I now only allow a trickle of current events so as to maintain a semblance of sanity.
Perfect timing as I need a new podcast since I now only allow a trickle of current events so as to maintain a semblance of sanity. Thabk you!
She covers various public health issues and other fun stuff like sleep and gambling and stuff. Enjoy!
Thanks! Another new (to me) author to add to my list.
In 2020 we drove our daughter and new son-in-law’s stuff across the country after their tiny wedding (in the time of COVID). The Anthropocene Reviewed podcast was our soundtrack. It’s so good. Don’t skip through the commercials for life insurance. They were so funny I could hardly believe a real company let him do them.
I have an ad-free subscription to John Green’s other podcast (Dear Hank and John) and I truly miss the life insurance ads. He has such fun with them!
I’d give him 5 out of 5. Everything I’ve read of his is well worth my time.
This sounds very nerdy. Right up my alley (Bio major, Chem and Geology minor). Need to check it out. Thanks
OK, well now I’m crying. Mesmerizing voice, thoughts I can relate to, and a sycamore tree that makes it all worthwhile. Sold.
I had never read or listened to John Green until I heard him interviewed on 99% Invisible. That inspired me to listen to Everything is Tuberculosis, which was fascinating and well read. I look forward to listening to this.