Empathy and Natural Disasters – Feminist Book Club

The podcast is back with a quick review of Geordie’s Gem of the Island for all us adventure-loving rom-com fans. But much of the episode is about Knox and Meri’s conversation about how online communities respond to natural disasters. Although this episode was recorded just after Hurricane Helene, the dialogue rings true as we watch the wildfires in California. Resources are below.

Laughter, Love and Lost Treasures: The Island’s Gems by Kerry Rea (0:22)

In this installment, Jody explores Kerry Rae’s “The Island Jewel,” a romantic comedy adventure filled with witty banter, absurd misadventures, and pathos. This book is filled with hilarity, heartwarming moments, and heavy themes that make this treasure hunt an adventure. A real gem.

Who deserves sympathy? (3:06)

Knox and Meri talk about the discussion surrounding the recent natural disasters Hurricane Helen and Hurricane Milton, and how there is a lack of empathy when talking about those affected by disasters. Why do we talk about people like this? What makes us ignore others in this situation?

Content warning: This section discusses recent natural disasters, homelessness, evacuation capabilities, death (as well as stories mentioning the death of a child), and religion.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

“Gem of the Island” by Kerry Rea

The Lost Heat Raiders by Jo Segura

Are prisons obsolete? Author: Angela Y. Davis

Disability and Disaster Hotline: (800) 626-4959 or hotline@disasterstrategies.org

Los Angeles Times list of resources for people affected by wildfires

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This episode was edited and produced by Renee Powers on the ancestral lands of the Dakota people.

Original music from @agate rose

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