Resilience in Dark Times

Taking Back Our Power through a General Strike with Kieran Knutson

Happy May Day! In an era of escalating state violence and authoritarianism, how can a community actually fight back and win? This episode of Resilience in Dark Times features a riveting conversation with Kieran Knutson, a veteran labor organizer who was at the heart of the historic resistance to the ruthless ICE and CBP actions in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Knutson details how ordinary neighbors transformed into a disciplined, thousands-strong rapid response network to challenge the abduction of their community members by thousands of federal agents,. It’s a powerful exploration of the shift from individual coping mechanisms to a collective strategy that proves “we keep us safe” is more than just a slogan—it is a lived reality. "...we can't and we shouldn't rely on, you know, a great savior to come fix the situation, whether it's a politician or or anyone else... no one is coming to save us or …keep us safe, we keep us safe." - Kieran Knutson Listeners will gain a masterclass in modern labor leverage as Knutson breaks down the “general strike” that brought the Twin Cities to a standstill on January 23rd. He explains how unions and non-union workers alike bypassed restrictive labor laws to exert economic pressure, resulting in 60 Minnesota CEOs to demand a de-escalation from the federal government. Beyond the tactical brilliance of work stoppages and mutual aid, this episode connects today’s struggles to the deep-rooted history of Mayday, offering a vision of hope and solidarity that is essential for anyone looking to confront the dual crises of political repression and climate change. "…our labor creates the profits…for these corporations. And that the withdrawal of our labor gets their attention very quickly because it can start cutting into their profits, which is their main motivating factor..." - Kieran Knutson This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaelglavin.substack.com [https://michaelglavin.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Drawing from Nature's Wisdom: Eco-Psychology with Dennis Kiley

I used to struggle with a deep sense of overwhelm whenever I thought about the state of our planet, often finding it easier to just not think about it. However, my conversation about Eco-Psychology with Dennis Kiley shifted my perspective by framing our current situation not just as an environmental disaster, but as a “crisis of consciousness” rooted in a “story of separation.” If you’re struggling with the state of our planet. You don’t want to miss this episode. It is filled with helpful ideas and practices. For instance, Dennis introduces the concept of “psychological biomimicry,” which suggests that we can look to nature’s own patterns—like its ability to adapt and regenerate—to build our own mental resilience and find a way through these dark times. “The eagle perspective is the like the really large context of where we are... But then we also need the ant perspective, which is in the moment. It’s right here. It’s right now.” — Dennis Kiley Dennis Kiley shares many helpful strategies like shifting between the “eagle” and the “ant” perspective; using a technique he calls “Face, Feel, and Flow;” and many other practices that cultivate resilience. If you have been feeling anxious or have “eco-anxiety,” Dennis explains why that pain is actually a testament to your care for the world rather than a sign that something is wrong with you. This episode offers a practical map for moving from isolation toward a “web of belonging” and meaningful action. Listen now to join the conversation! “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something…finding some area of purpose and passion where you can give in a way that feels generative for you and your community and the planet.” — Dennis Kiley Organizations and Official Sources * The Ecopsychology Initiative: The organization founded by guest Dennis Kiley that integrates nature and psychology for healing and resilience. * Link: Ecopsychology Initiative [https://www.ecopsychologyinitiative.com/] * A Climate to Thrive: A nonprofit co-founded by Dennis Kiley with the goal of energy independence for Mount Desert Island by 2030. * Link: A Climate to Thrive [https://www.aclimatetothrive.org/] * Maine Climate Council: A state council where Kiley led a working group on psychological resilience and mental health in the face of climate change. * Link: Maine Climate Council [https://acadiacenter.org/work/maine/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22858216787&gbraid=0AAAAADcED4JA9EgS7LzZxV4QU5__1mUP8&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-pHPBhCdARIsAHXYWP_gZuqV6W0aAxZ5M4IHLqf-84z6aB5iV6DErvX-WHGvVJK7a8TqlsUaAquZEALw_wcB] Authors and Researchers * Theodore Roszak: A scholar credited with coining the term “ecopsychology” in the 1980s to bridge the fields of ecology and psychology. * Reference: The Voice of the Earth [https://bookshop.org/a/116753/9781890482800] * Rick Hanson: A psychologist mentioned for his work on “taking in the good” and the importance of giving oneself credit to build resilience. * Reference: Rick Hanson’s Website [https://rickhanson.com/] * Matthew White: A researcher whose findings suggest that spending just two hours a week outdoors provides long-term benefits for mental health. * Reference: Nature study in Scientific Reports [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3] * Thich Nhat Hanh: A Zen Master referenced for an interview regarding climate change and the “long-term perspective” of life’s ephemeral nature. * Reference: Plum Village - Thich Nhat Hanh [https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/interviews-with-thich-nhat-hanh/the-ecologist-uk-22-march-2012] * Ayanna Elizabeth Johnson: A marine biologist and policy expert referenced for her framework on finding the intersection of passions, skills, and community needs for climate action. * Reference: The Climate Action Venn Diagram [https://www.ayanaelizabeth.com/climatevenn] Stories and Myths * The Myth of Daedalus and Icarus: A Greek myth read in full by the host to illustrate biomimicry (mimicking bird wings) and the dangers of human hubris in ignoring natural limitations. * Link: Daedalus and Icarus [https://primarytexts.co.uk/free_resources/Myths17-21.pdf] Podcast Resources * Resilience in Dark Times: The podcast hosted by Michael Glavin. * Link: resilienceindarktimes.com [https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fresilienceindarktimes.com] * Deeper Connections Counseling: Resilience in Dark Times Host, Michael Glavin’s, counseling center. * Link: Deeper Connections Counseling [https://www.dcctherapy.com/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaelglavin.substack.com [https://michaelglavin.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Resilience is a Practice

I’ve come to realize that resilience isn’t some rare character trait; Resilience is a daily practice. Many of us are stuck in a vicious cycle of stress and anxiety, listening to endless advice without ever feeling like we can take that first step. In this episode, I’m lowering the bar to meet you exactly where you are, offering strategies that are easy enough to start right from the comfort of your couch. “Resilience is not a character trait; it is a practice of what you do every day to cope and be more effective in the world.” — Michael Glavin I will walk you through four simple, immediate actions designed to help you shift from being reactive to truly responsive. The first, simple yet powerful technique, will focus on calming the body to help you feel better right away. The second technique will help you calm your mind by making a small mental shift that transforms frustration and anger to connection and compassion. Next, we’ll talk about an important step you can take to detoxify your environment. It’s hard to be resilient when your attention keeps getting hijacked. And finally, I’ll show you a simple political action that you can do to fight back, and save money at the same time. “This intervention can help shift from a vicious cycle to a virtuous cycle. And it’s so simple anyone can do it.” — Michael Glavin We will close, like always, with a wll know fable that illustrates how even the smallest among us can have a big impact through small actions. I wonder if you can guess what story we’ll discuss. Next Episode Eco-Psychology with Dennis Kiley! Useful links: Frederic Luskin, Forgive for Good: A Proven Prescription for Health and Happiness [https://bookshop.org/a/116753/9780062517210] Resist and Unsubscribe: resistandunsubscribe.com [https://www.resistandunsubscribe.com/] — Send evil corporations a message and save money! Support the good guys instead! Linda B. Ross, The Lion and the Mouse [https://yun.vpsxb.net/ebook/Heinemann%20GK-G2%20%E8%8B%B1%E5%9B%BD%E6%B5%B7%E5%B0%BC%E6%9B%BC%E5%90%AF%E8%92%99%E7%BB%98%E6%9C%AC%20%EF%BC%88PDF%EF%BC%89/G1%E7%BA%A7110%E4%B8%AAPDF/105%20The%20Lion%20And%20The%20Mouse.pdf], illustrated by Aleksey and Olga Ivanov (I couldn’t find this book for sale. If you find it, let me know and I can include a link here.) Resilience in Dark Times [https://resilienceindarktimes.com/] website. Practice website: dcctherapy.com [https://www.dcctherapy.com/] - Deeper Connections Counseling This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaelglavin.substack.com [https://michaelglavin.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Resistance, Rage, & Resilience

It’s hard to watch the news these days without becoming angry. In our society, anger is seen as a negative, as something that needs to be overcome, or soothed away. Yes, anger can be a destructive force and can cause damage. But is there a healthy form of anger? Can anger be the fuel for personal and societal transformation? "Anger and outrage seem to come with awareness of what's going on to our planet and to our society." — Michael Glavin In today’s episode of Resilience in Dark Times, we will explore the work of African-American philosopher Myisha Cherry and her concept of “Lordean Rage” -- a productive, justice-oriented rage aimed at social change rather than destruction. We will also discuss Glenn Albrecht’s new term “terrafurie.” Terrafurie is a protective, political anger that transforms unresolved grief into a mobilizing call to action aimed at protecting the Earth and its creatures from destruction. "Anger within the context of love. Anger as defense. Anger as protection. Anger in the service of the greater good..." —Michael Glavin Anger, properly channeled, can be the exact force we need to bring about a just and ecological world. I would love for you to join the conversation. Useful Links: N.I.H.: “Anger may harm heart and blood vessel health” [https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/anger-may-harm-heart-blood-vessel-health] YouTube: Monkey Research on Fairness [https://youtu.be/meiU6TxysCg] We discuss this research in today’s episode. Audre Lorde: “The Uses of Anger” - Keynote Address: The NWSA Convention [https://www.are.na/block/7784052] Myisha Cherry: “The Case for Rage: Why Anger Is Essential to Anti-Racist Struggle” [https://bookshop.org/a/116753/9780197557341] “Terrafurie” is define in: Marion Grau, “Beyond “Hope”: Constructive Anger as a Force in Sustained Climate Action” [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11089-024-01196-x] Boston University: “Kali Battles the Demon Raktabija” [http://polymer.bu.edu/~scala/franci.html] Resilience in Dark Times Website: ResilienceInDarkTimes.com [https://youtu.be/meiU6TxysCg] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaelglavin.substack.com [https://michaelglavin.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The 4 Resilience Essentials

What do you do when the future you imagined for yourself and your family is suddenly taken away? Whether it is from the nightmare of an authoritarian crackdown in your community or the devastation of a climate-fueled ecological catastrophe, such rapid change can be disorienting and lead to panic or psychological shutdown. I’m psychotherapist and activist Michael Glavin, and I want to offer you a different way forward. This isn’t about simple comfort; it is a distilled survival guide for the soul. We are living through times where anxiety feels like the only rational response, but I’ve spent the last 17 episodes exploring empowerment as a means of resilience. This episode is the culmination of those conversations—a roadmap designed to transform your paralyzing dread into purposeful agency. "Connection is resilience. The more we're connected to other people, other creatures, other beings, the more resilient we're going to be." —Michael Glavin In this episode, I will share with you Four Resilience Essentials to keep you functioning and taking purposeful action in the midst of any sociatal breakdown. Moreover, these four principles of resilience are all present in a traditional folktale from Latin America, which I share in the podcast and discuss. Fun stuff. Listen Now! Share with those who need to hear this uplifting message. Useful Links: Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning [https://bookshop.org/a/116753/9780807014271] YouTube: “First Follower: Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy” [https://youtu.be/fW8amMCVAJQ?si=Mjx0PpJaHmVm20uN] “Harvard study, almost 80 years old, has proved that embracing community helps us live longer, and be happier” [https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/04/over-nearly-80-years-harvard-study-has-been-showing-how-to-live-a-healthy-and-happy-life/] NIH: “The Healing Power of Laughter” [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6609137/] Washington Post: “A psychologist says this exercise can make you more hopeful in 14 days” [https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2026/01/23/nature-health-benefits-hope/] FaceBook: Protect RP [https://www.facebook.com/protectrp] “The Hummingbird and the Forest Fire” [https://www.vedantu.com/stories/the-hummingbird-and-the-forest-fire] Resilience in Dark Times Website [https://resilienceindarktimes.com/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaelglavin.substack.com [https://michaelglavin.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]