In this episode of Earthsayers in Conversation, host Shannon interviews Alex, a pediatric and VA nurse, and a founding member of the Handmaids of Minnesota. This protest group uses the imagery

In this episode of Earthsayers in Conversation, host Shannon interviews Alex, a pediatric and VA nurse, and a founding member of the Handmaids of Minnesota. This protest group uses the imagery from Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale to highlight the erosion of women's rights in America. Alex shares her transformation from a first-time protester to a dedicated activist, explaining the significance of her Handmaid attire as a form of silent protest.

The discussion delves into the emotional toll of activism, including personal experiences with domestic violence and community loss. Alex emphasizes the need for inclusivity within the movement and her vision for future organization and mutual aid. She expresses hope that love and community can overcome political challenges. Learn more at handmaidsofmn.org.

In this episode of Earthsayers in Conversation, host Shannon interviews Alex, a pediatric nurse and activist with the Handmaids of Minnesota. What started as a protest on International Women's Day

In this episode of Earthsayers in Conversation, host Shannon interviews Alex, a pediatric nurse and activist with the Handmaids of Minnesota. What started as a protest on International Women's Day in 2025 has evolved into a movement using the imagery from Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale to highlight the erosion of women's rights in America. The group’s uniform symbolizes the silencing of women, with red cloaks and white bonnets representing a world where women are seen but not heard.

Alex shares impactful stories from her activism, including supporting a fellow nurse in a domestic violence case and witnessing tragedies firsthand. She discusses the challenges of being a visible protester and the need for inclusivity in the movement. Looking forward, Alex envisions a shift from silent protest to active rebellion, while also sharing her creative outlets like her podcast Once in a Millennial. Learn more about the Handmaids at Handmaids of Minnesota.

Join the #VoteWithUs movement to vote early, in person, and together. The #VoteWithUsRally is a live stream rally and virtual concert designed to educate and mobilize young people and communities

Join the #VoteWithUs movement to vote early, in person, and together. The #VoteWithUsRally is a live stream rally and virtual concert designed to educate and mobilize young people and communities of color to vote early before Election Day.

Plan your vote and access resources at [www.votewith.us](http://www.votewith.us). Find state-specific voting plans at [www.votewith.us/states](http://www.votewith.us/states) and organize early vote events at [www.votewith.us/events](http://www.votewith.us/events). The rally features numerous notable guests.

Beyond environmental and physical impacts, climate change significantly affects mental health, leading to "climate anxiety" characterized by dread, hopelessness, and sleep issues. Psychotherapists

Beyond environmental and physical impacts, climate change significantly affects mental health, leading to "climate anxiety" characterized by dread, hopelessness, and sleep issues. Psychotherapists like Leslie Davenport note patients' ambient anxiety, likening these feelings to the stages of grief for environmental and lifestyle loss. Acknowledging these emotions is crucial to prevent despair.

Experts like Renee Lertzman emphasize staying present with such feelings. Bryant Welch advocates for open conversations about climate change, highlighting the power of listening to foster connection and hope. Naming anxieties helps tame them, cultivating optimism and improving mental well-being.

For more information, visit ClimateOne.

Despite scientific consensus on human-caused climate change, political rhetoric, such as President-elect Trump's "hoax" claim, emboldens denial. This fuels public anxiety over potential fossil

Despite scientific consensus on human-caused climate change, political rhetoric, such as President-elect Trump's "hoax" claim, emboldens denial. This fuels public anxiety over potential fossil fuel expansion and the reversal of climate progress, a significant shift from past bipartisan support.

Join us for an informative look at how climate change became so divisive. Climate scientist Michael Mann and cartoonist Tom Toles offer a satirical perspective, while science journalist Cristine Russell discusses the politicization of science. Psychologist Renee Lertzman explores the psychology of denial, aiming to foster common ground and solutions.

In this episode of Earthsayers in Conversation, host Shannon speaks with Alex, a pediatric nurse and activist from the Handmaids of Minnesota. What began as a protest on International Women's Day

In this episode of Earthsayers in Conversation, host Shannon speaks with Alex, a pediatric nurse and activist from the Handmaids of Minnesota. What began as a protest on International Women's Day in 2025 has evolved into a movement using the imagery from Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale to highlight the erosion of women's rights in America. Alex discusses the symbolism behind the Handmaid uniform, which represents the silencing of women's voices.

Alex shares poignant stories from her activism, including supporting a fellow nurse in a domestic violence case and witnessing tragedies that fuel her commitment to change. She emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in the movement and envisions a shift from silent protest to active rebellion. Learn more about the Handmaids at Handmaids of Minnesota.

Feeling anxious about climate change can lead to overwhelm and shutdown, a concept environmental psychologist Dr. Renee Lertzman calls our "window of tolerance." Exceeding this threshold can

Feeling anxious about climate change can lead to overwhelm and shutdown, a concept environmental psychologist Dr. Renee Lertzman calls our "window of tolerance." Exceeding this threshold can immobilize us, preventing effective engagement.

Dr. Lertzman's unique approach integrates behavioral, social, and design sciences. She offers psychological tools to acknowledge these anxieties, creating conditions that empower individuals to move past immobilization and contribute their brilliant selves to social change.

Visit [TED.com](http://TED.com) for a vast library of TED Talks, transcripts, and personalized recommendations. These talks feature leading thinkers sharing insights on Technology, Entertainment,

Visit [TED.com](http://TED.com) for a vast library of TED Talks, transcripts, and personalized recommendations. These talks feature leading thinkers sharing insights on Technology, Entertainment, Design, science, business, global issues, and the arts.

For example, psychologist Renée Lertzman discusses transforming anxiety about climate change into productive action, highlighting psychology's role in fostering creativity and resilience for environmental issues.

You can share these videos freely. For commercial use, submit a Media Request via [media-requests.TED.com](http://media-requests.TED.com). Follow TED on [Twitter](http://twitter.com/TEDTalks), [Facebook](http://facebook.com/TED), and [subscribe](http://youtube.com/TED) to our channel.

Embracing authenticity and dismissing the need for universal approval is crucial for advancing sustainability.

Reverend Renee Ward exemplifies this by fearlessly championing causes close to

Embracing authenticity and dismissing the need for universal approval is crucial for advancing sustainability.

Reverend Renee Ward exemplifies this by fearlessly championing causes close to her heart, unconcerned with public opinion. Her impactful speech was sponsored by TEDxConcordiaUPortland.

Their 2012 speech schedule is available here.

Dr. Renee Lertzman challenges conventional assumptions about public engagement with climate change. She proposes reframing issues to more

Dr. Renee Lertzman challenges conventional assumptions about public engagement with climate change. She proposes reframing issues to more effectively protect the environment and people.

An applied researcher and strategic communications specialist, Lertzman focuses on generating lasting behavior change. Her work employs a scalable, potent, and deep systems-based psychosocial approach.