On this, our 20th episode, we feature a dear friend who has brought so much to our community. Rachel Marco-Havens is a multi-disciplinary “solutionary” artist. Rachel is an advocate, activist, radio-show host, musician and an adept communicator who ignites action. Be it facilitating workshops, sharing stories, creating art, delivering a keynote, moderating or participating in a panel discussion or whipping up a party—Rachel moves the energy from the ripples of conversation to waves of inspired activity. Seth Bernard, Rachel's long time friend, sat down with her for a conversation about how becoming a water protector changed her life. /// State of Water is a program of the Michigan-based non-profit organization Title Track, and is powered by the Clean Water Campaign for Michigan. The podcast is made possible through a generous contribution from the Esperance Foundation. /// EPISODE 20 / Rachel Marco-Havens interviewed by Seth Bernard / Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus / Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Angela Gallegos, Rachel Marco-Havens / Theme Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus / Featured Music - "Logued Out" by JUUNI (Wayne Ramocan) : juuniverse.com

State of Water

Ep 20 - Rachel Marco-Havens

On this special episode, we feature a Michigan music legend. Peter Madcat Ruth is a Grammy Award-winning virtuoso harmonica player based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. But Madcat doesn't just play blues harp: he also sings and plays ukulele, guitar, high-hat, jaw-harp, penny-whistle, kalimba, banjo and other folk instruments from around the world. After studying harmonica and Chicago Blues with Big Walter Horton, Madcat moved to Ann Arbor. In the 70s he was touring the world with jazz pianist Dave Brubeck. In the 80s, Madcat went solo infusing the folk/blues tradition with elements of rock and jazz. In the 90s, Madcat teamed up with guitarist/singer Shari Kane to form the duo Madcat & Kane. For twenty four years they toured nationally and internationally. He now plays in Triple Play with Chris Brubeck, Big Joe Manfra and the MadCat Midnight Blues Journey. He’s been featured at harmonica festivals in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, and he can be heard playing on over 130 albums. /// State of Water is a program of the Michigan-based non-profit organization Title Track, and is powered by the Clean Water Campaign for Michigan. The podcast is made possible through a generous contribution from the Esperance Foundation. /// EPISODE 19 / Peter "Madcat" Ruth interviewed by Seth Bernard / Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus / Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Rachel Marco-Havens / Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus / featuring "Fishin' Blues" by Peter Madcat Ruth with the Big Joe Manfra band, from the album "Live in Rio"

Ep 19 - Peter Madcat Ruth

Today’s episode features an interview that’s not only empowering and good for the mind, but grounding and good for the heart. Seth Bernard has a moving conversation with bioregionalist Stephanie Mills. For nearly fifty years, Stephanie Mills has been writing and speaking for nature and community. She is a prolific published author, an adjunct professor, and has served on countless boards, from that of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America to her local natural foods co-op. In 2009 She was awarded an honorary doctorate by her alma mater. The citation called her “a visionary ecological activist and pioneering bioregionalist whose unswerving advocacy for the preservation of our shared planet and powerful message of personal responsibility teach us that a single voice can transform the world.” She volunteers with local nature education and nonviolence groups. Her occasional writing, which appears on the naturechange.org website, extols the work of natural scientists and the organisms, ecosystems, and watersheds to which they are devoted. She joined Seth Bernard on a call from her home in the Northwestern lower peninsula. /// State of Water is a program of the Michigan-based non-profit organization Title Track, and is powered by the Clean Water Campaign for Michigan. The podcast is made possible through a generous contribution from the Esperance Foundation. /// EPISODE 18 / Stephanie Mills interviewed by Seth Bernard / Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus / Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Rachel Marco-Havens / Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus

Ep 18 - Stephanie Mills

On this episode, we feature a dynamic and game-changing luminary from Detroit. Piper Carter is an Arts and Culture Organizer in Entertainment Justice, Education Justice, Maker Space, Environmental Justice, and Food Justice, communities. She is the Host of her own podcast, the Piper Carter Podcast on Detroit is Different where she discusses Social Justice and Hip Hop to a world wide audience.She is co-Founder of We Found Hip Hop (The Foundation, uplifting, celebrating, and supporting Women in Hip Hop create and build careers in a safer environment). She is Creator of Dilla Youth Day (dedicated to providing S.T.E.A.M. education to underserved and marginalized youth in Detroit). She is also Creator and Editor-In-Chief for thestudioarena.com (a sustainable fashion magazine promoting zero waste and international trade). From her work as a fashion photographer, she has been a returning feature on Tyra Banks’ VH-1 show “The Shot.” She is the First Black Woman to shoot for Hi-End publications such as French Vogue, British Elle, New York Times, Spin, & Essence Magazines, & emerging talent for Music companies such as Def Jam, Sony Music, Warner Music, Universal Music, Disturbing tha Peace, Elektra Records, & Television Cast Images for BET. She is a founding member of a staggering list of action councils, caucuses and boards with environmental, equity and youth focused missions in Detroit, she’s a Howard University Graduate, a next-level volunteer coordinator and an adept co-creator. Piper received the prestigious Muhammad Ali Global Peace Initiative Women of Impact Award from The United Nation. She also received The Spirit of Detroit Award for Creating Dilla Youth Day. /// State of Water is a program of the Michigan-based non-profit organization Title Track, and is powered by the Clean Water Campaign for Michigan. The podcast is made possible through a generous contribution from the Esperance Foundation. /// EPISODE 17 / Piper Carter interviewed by Seth Bernard / Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus / Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Rachel Marco-Havens / Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus

Ep 17 - Piper Carter

Peter Sinclair is an independent videographer specializing in climate change, and renewable energy solutions. His YouTube video series, “Climate Denial Crock of the Week”, the blog of the same name, as well as his collaboration with Yale Climate Connections called “This is Not Cool”, have all received millions of views. These series are used in higher education settings around the planet, and have become trusted resources for scientists, educators, students, policy makers, and citizens. Peter is a winner of the “Friend of the Planet” award from the National Center for Science Education. As Media Director of the Dark Snow Project, a crowd-funded, international Science/ Communication initiative, he continues to travel with and interview leading scientists in all fields related to Climate Change. He lives with his wife, Sandra, in Midland, MI, where he works out of his home. It’s been over a week since mid-Michigan was hit with catastrophic flooding that washed away and damaged homes, wiped out an entire lake and displaced residents. On Tuesday, May 19, the Edenville Dam collapsed and shortly after, water flooded over the top of the Sanford Dam following heavy rains. The dams, both based in Midland County, sent rushing water down the Tittabawassee and Saginaw rivers. Thousands of Michiganders are still picking up the pieces from the flood’s aftermath. /// State of Water is a program of the Michigan-based non-profit organization Title Track, and is powered by the Clean Water Campaign for Michigan. The podcast is made possible through a generous contribution from the Esperance Foundation. /// EPISODE 16 / Peter Sinclair interviewed by Seth Bernard / Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus / Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Rachel Marco-Havens / Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus

Ep 16 - Peter Sinclair

On today’s episode, we continue our mission to connect clean water issues to the work of racial justice, and we’re excited to lift up the work and message of a one of a kind community hero. Nayyirah Shariff is a grassroots organizer based in Flint, Michigan. They have over a decade of experience organizing around local, state, and national electoral and issue-oriented campaigns. Nayyirah was one of the co-founders of the Flint Democracy Defense League, a grassroots group formed to confront Flint’s emergency manager in 2011. They have been featured on Democracy Now!, Al-Jazeera and Netroots Nation speaking out about the poisoning of Flint’s water and Michigan’s Emergency Management of local governments. They are currently the Director of Flint Rising, a coalition of Flint residents and community groups, labor, and progressive allies that formed in response to the Flint water crisis. /// State of Water is a program of the Michigan-based non-profit organization Title Track, and is powered by the Clean Water Campaign for Michigan. The podcast is made possible through a generous contribution from the Esperance Foundation. /// EPISODE 15 / Nayyirah Shariff interviewed by Seth Bernard / Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus / Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Rachel Marco-Havens / Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus

Ep 15 - Nayyirah Shariff

On this episode, our second release since the COVID19 Pandemic began here in Michigan, we feature a true local hero. Monica Lewis-Patrick (aka The Water Warrior) is the president and CEO of We the People of Detroit. An educator, entrepreneur, and a legendary human rights activist/advocate, Monica Lewis-Patrick is actively engaged in almost every struggle on behalf of Detroit residents. She is an active member of the People’s Water Board Coalition, US Human Rights Network, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), and more. She was named to the World Water Justice Council in October of 2015. As a former Lead Legislative Policy Analyst for Detroit City Council, Monica has authored legislation, conducted research and delivered constituency services to thousands of city residents. We’re so honored that she took the time to call in to Seth Bernard to have this truly moving conversation, and we’re so grateful for the work that she’s continually engaged in. State of Water is a program of the Michigan-based non-profit organization Title Track, and is powered by the Clean Water Campaign for Michigan. The podcast is made possible through a generous contribution from the Esperance Foundation. EPISODE 14: Monica Lewis-Patrick interviewed by Seth Bernard Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Rachel Marco-Havens Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus Featuring a musical performance by Antwaun Stanley, recorded for our very first episode

Ep 14 - Monica Lewis-Patrick

Here we are in the midst of a global pandemic, an unprecedented time in the modern history of our people. It is times like these that remind us what’s important, what matters and what is essential for human life. As we see our communities here in Michigan struggling with this crisis in a myriad of different ways, it is clearer than ever how vital it is that we keep up the fight in demanding that clean, safe drinking water be recognized as an inalienable human right. On this episode, we feature Sean McBrearty - Michigan Legislative and Political Director with Clean Water Action, and a coordinator for Oil and Water Don’t Mix. He and Seth Bernard have an empowering conversation about Sean's work, what lead him to this path, and what we can all do right now, today. State of Water is a program of the Michigan-based non-profit organization Title Track, and is powered by the Clean Water Campaign for Michigan. The podcast is made possible through a generous contribution from the Esperance Foundation. EPISODE 13: Sean McBrearty interviewed by Seth Bernard Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Rachel Marco-Havens Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus

Ep 13 - Sean McBrearty

FLOW founder Jim Olson is back for part two of his in-depth interview with Seth Bernard. On our last episode, Jim shared an age-old legal framework called the public trust doctrine, which we the people can utilize as we demand the protection of our region’s waters. In this second half, Jim breaks down the four pillars that guide FLOW’s work. State of Water is a program of the Michigan-based non-profit organization Title Track, and is powered by the Clean Water Campaign for Michigan. The podcast is made possible through a generous contribution from the Esperance Foundation. EPISODE 12: Jim Olson interviewed by Seth Bernard Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Rachel Marco-Havens Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus

Ep 12 - Jim Olson pt 2

On this episode, we feature part one of our in-depth interview with Jim Olson. Jim Olson is the founder and president of FLOW, For Love of Water, a Traverse City based organization empowering communities and leaders to protect the Great Lakes. A celebrated legend in his community, Jim has nearly 40 years of experience as an environmental, water, and public interest law advocate and champion, dedicated to protecting waters and ecosystems in the Great Lakes Basin. In this first installment, Jim breaks down the Public Trust Doctrine, a centuries-old, holistic legal framework at the core of FLOW’s work. Tune in to hear how the Public Trust Doctrine offers a way for citizens to demand action in the courts. State of Water is a program of the Michigan-based non-profit organization Title Track, and is powered by the Clean Water Campaign for Michigan. The podcast is made possible through a generous contribution from the Esperance Foundation. EPISODE 11: Jim Olson interviewed by Seth Bernard Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Rachel Marco-Havens Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus

Ep 11 - Jim Olson pt 1

On this episode, we feature Toledo-based activist Markie Miller - the key leader who spearheaded Toledoans for Safe Water, a grassroots campaign that lead to the passing of the Lake Erie Bill of Rights this past February. Since then, she has spoken about the Rights of Nature movement all over the country. On Earth day 2019, she spoke to the United Nations as part of the Ninth Interactive Dialogue of the General Assembly on Harmony with Nature. She was even featured on the Daily Show with Trevor Noah. For this interview, we're taking you into the crowd of the 2019 Water is Life Festival, held in Mackinaw City Michigan last August, where Seth Bernard interviewed Markie. So let's pretend we're enjoying a beautiful late-summer afternoon at a festival in Northern Michigan, honoring the water and celebrating those who protect it! State of Water is a program of the Michigan-based non-profit organization Title Track, and is powered by the Clean Water Campaign for Michigan. The podcast is made possible through a generous contribution from the Esperance Foundation. EPISODE 10: Markie Miller interviewed by Seth Bernard Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Rachel Marco-Havens Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard

Ep 10 - Markie Miller

On this episode, we feature the second half of our in-depth interview with representative Yousef Rabhi. Since 2017, Yousef Rabhi has represented Michigan's 53rd House district, which encompasses the majority of Ann Arbor. He is currently serving as the Democratic floor leader in the MI House of Representatives. State of Water is a program of the Michigan-based non-profit organization Title Track, and is powered by the Clean Water Campaign for Michigan. The podcast is made possible through a generous contribution from the Esperance Foundation. EPISODE 9: Yousef Rabhi interviewed by Seth Bernard Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Rachel Marco-Havens Theme Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard, Dan Rickabus Featured track: "Tangerine Aquamarine" by Savina-Bernard

Ep 9 - Yousef Rabhi pt2

Starting with Episode 8, we've re-launched, and re-branded the podcast! Welcome to "State of Water" - a podcast focusing on clean water issues and their relationship to policy, equity, community and climate. On this episode, we feature part one of our in-depth interview with representative Yousef Rabhi. Since 2017, Yousef Rabhi has represented Michigan's 53rd House district, which encompasses the majority of Ann Arbor. He is currently serving as the Democratic floor leader in the MI House of Representatives. In this interview, he discusses his unique background, the path that led him from activism to politics, and the work he's engaged in for social and environmental justice. State of Water is a program of the Michigan-based non-profit organization Title Track, and is powered by the Clean Water Campaign for Michigan. The podcast is made possible through a generous contribution from the Esperance Foundation. EPISODE 8: Yousef Rabhi interviewed by Seth Bernard Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Rachel Marco-Havens Music - Mike Savina & Seth Bernard

Ep 8 - Yousef Rabhi pt 1

On this coming Tuesday, November 6th, Michigan votes in the midterm elections. And so, we present this special "Get Out the Vote" episode of the podcast. We asked musicians, educators, artists and luminaries in our community to weigh in on the importance of voting in this crucial election. We hope their words resonate with you, and encourage you to keep Clean Water issues in mind when making your choices at the polls. Featured speakers: Sarah Drumm Emilee Petersmark Bill Chesney John Hanson Savannah Buist Katie Larson Michael Dause Kyle Brown Eric O'Daly Josh Holcomb The Clean Water Campaign for Michigan seeks to place clean water issues front and center in the year building up to the 2018 elections by urging every candidate running for public office to make a strong stand on critical issues affecting Michigan’s waters. Using storytelling and music events across the state to amplify the groundswell of public support for clean water issues, this campaign is driven by Michiganders from all walks of life who share a similar priority: protection of our water, a most vital resource. EPISODE 7: Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus Narrators - Alex Smith, Dan Rickabus Music - Mike Savina & Seth Bernard

Ep 7 - Get Out The Vote

On this episode, we feature a testimonial from Roshanda "Shani" Womack, pastor, singer-songwriter, storyteller, counselor and Flint Michigan native. She shares the story of her experience with the Flint water crisis, the important moments in Flint's history that led to present day conditions, and her perspective on the power of water, and the importance of electing clean water candidates. Shani was interviewed by campaign founder Seth Bernard. This episode is sponsored by HopCat. The Clean Water Campaign for Michigan seeks to place clean water issues front and center in the year building up to the 2018 elections by urging every candidate running for public office to make a strong stand on critical issues affecting Michigan’s waters. Using storytelling and music events across the state to amplify the groundswell of public support for clean water issues, this campaign is driven by Michiganders from all walks of life who share a similar priority: protection of our water, a most vital resource. EPISODE 6: Roshanda "Shani" Womack interviewed by Seth Bernard Sponsored by HopCat Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus Narrators - Alex Smith, Dan Rickabus Music - Mike Savina & Seth Bernard

Ep 6 - Shani Womack

A podcast focusing on clean water issues and their relationship to policy, equity, community and climate.