Drilled
A true-crime podcast about climate change.
Season 14
Drilled S14: Obstruction
S14, Ep4 | The Media As a Tool of Climate Obstruction
It’s unlikely climate obstruction would have worked as well it has without the participation of the media.
It’s unlikely climate obstruction would have worked as well it has without the participation of the media.
S14, Ep3 | The Psychology of Misinformation: Why Does It Work So Well?
In a lot of ways the disinformation crisis we’re dealing with today started with climate obstruction.
In a lot of ways the disinformation crisis we’re dealing with today started with climate obstruction.
S14, Ep2 | Welcome to the Rapture! How Rightwing Populism and Accelerationism Intersect with Climate
Jesse Bryant and Dieter Plehwe join to walk us through the intersection of rightwing populism and climate obstruction.
Jesse Bryant and Dieter Plehwe join to walk us through the intersection of rightwing populism and climate obstruction.
Welcome to the World of Obstruction
Everyone agrees that the reason the world hasn’t acted on climate has less to do with science or technology than with political will. So, how do you build it? And what’s stopping it being built?
Everyone agrees that the reason the world hasn’t acted on climate has less to do with science or technology than with political will. So, how do you build it? And what’s stopping it being built?
Season 13
Drilled S13: Carbon Bros
Carbon Bros, Ep 3: Climate Hysteria, Doomers, and Boy Math Solutions
From techno quick fixes and visions of abundance to carbon capture and geoengineering to doomerism and colonies on Mars, we take a look at how gendered notions of the climate crisis have led to individualized, “masculine” approaches to solving it.
From techno quick fixes and visions of abundance to carbon capture and geoengineering to doomerism and colonies on Mars, we take a look at how gendered notions of the climate crisis have led to individualized, “masculine” approaches to solving it.
Carbon Bros, Ep 2: Energy Dominance
On man’s domination of nature, where this idea came from, and how it’s blocking climate action.
On man’s domination of nature, where this idea came from, and how it’s blocking climate action.
Carbon Bros, Ep 1: The Testosterone Pipeline
Manosphere figures like Andrew Tate, Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson aren’t just telling men how to treat their girlfriends or train for MMA fights; they’re also blasting their listeners with climate denial talking points. When did that start, and why has it been so effective?
Manosphere figures like Andrew Tate, Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson aren’t just telling men how to treat their girlfriends or train for MMA fights; they’re also blasting their listeners with climate denial talking points. When did that start, and why has it been so effective?
Season 12
Drilled S12: SLAPP’d
SLAPP’d Episode 6 | The SLAPP Heard ‘Round the World
The verdict shocks even those prepared for the worst, and raises serious questions about free speech in the U.S.
The verdict shocks even those prepared for the worst, and raises serious questions about free speech in the U.S.
SLAPP’d Episode 5 | Sacred Sites
The question of whether or not Energy Transfer destroyed sacred sites when building the Dakota Access Pipeline was never up to either the pipeline company or Greenpeace, but the tribe.
The question of whether or not Energy Transfer destroyed sacred sites when building the Dakota Access Pipeline was never up to either the pipeline company or Greenpeace, but the tribe.
SLAPP’d Episode 4 | Back to the Water
A return to the heart of the matter: the Standing Rock Sioux tribe’s water.
A return to the heart of the matter: the Standing Rock Sioux tribe’s water.
SLAPP’d Episode 3 | The Charge
By this point, Energy Transfer has quietly dropped both Cody Hall and the other Indigenous activist initially named in the suit, Krystal Two Bulls, from the case and is focused solely on Greenpeace. So what exactly is Energy Transfer accusing them of? And what evidence do they have?””
By this point, Energy Transfer has quietly dropped both Cody Hall and the other Indigenous activist initially named in the suit, Krystal Two Bulls, from the case and is focused solely on Greenpeace. So what exactly is Energy Transfer accusing them of? And what evidence do they have?””
SLAPP’d Episode 2 | The Trial Begins
Deep biases emerge during jury selection in the Energy Transfer v Greenpeace trial in North Dakota.
Deep biases emerge during jury selection in the Energy Transfer v Greenpeace trial in North Dakota.
Welcome to SLAPP’d | Episode 1: How did we get here?
A look back at the Standing Rock protests as we try to understand a $666 million verdict, the erasure of Indigenous activists in it, the First Amendment concerns it raises, and how it obscures ongoing leaks and spills from the Dakota Access pipeline.
A look back at the Standing Rock protests as we try to understand a $666 million verdict, the erasure of Indigenous activists in it, the First Amendment concerns it raises, and how it obscures ongoing leaks and spills from the Dakota Access pipeline.
Season 11
Drilled S11: Denial to Delay
Genevieve Guenther on the Language of Climate Politics
A deep dive on the rhetoric of climate delay.
A deep dive on the rhetoric of climate delay.
Denial to Delay: How Fossil-Funded University Research Lays the Foundation for Fossil-Friendly Policy
Molly Taft talks us through newly released reports on fossil fuel funding of university research, and share interviews with climate disinformation researcher Geoffrey Supran, who authored one of the recent studies, and with philosopher of science Craig Callender at UCSD, which just passed a precedent-setting policy to require disclosure of funding on research.
Molly Taft talks us through newly released reports on fossil fuel funding of university research, and share interviews with climate disinformation researcher Geoffrey Supran, who authored one of the recent studies, and with philosopher of science Craig Callender at UCSD, which just passed a precedent-setting policy to require disclosure of funding on research.
The Great Greening of LNG
How did a fossil fuel become a climate solution?
How did a fossil fuel become a climate solution?
How Management Consultancies “Data Wash” for the Fossil Fuel Industry
Management consultancies play a unique role in climate disinformation, often working for both government regulators and the industries they regulate at the same time.
Management consultancies play a unique role in climate disinformation, often working for both government regulators and the industries they regulate at the same time.
“All Hell Breaks Loose”: How Big Oil Ruined a Small Texas Town
Three export terminals that represent half of the U.S. crude oil export industry have sprouted up around Ingleside on the Bay in the past decade, turning the Texas Coastal Bend town into an unlikely fenceline community.
Three export terminals that represent half of the U.S. crude oil export industry have sprouted up around Ingleside on the Bay in the past decade, turning the Texas Coastal Bend town into an unlikely fenceline community.
New Research: The Advertorials Many Media Outlets Make for Oil Companies Are Misleading, But They Don't Have to Be
New research highlights the role social media plays in making oil company advertorials even more misleading to readers, and what media outlets could do to make it less so.
New research highlights the role social media plays in making oil company advertorials even more misleading to readers, and what media outlets could do to make it less so.
Season 10
Drilled S10: The Real Free Speech Threat
How the U.S. Got the World to View Environmentalists as "Terrorists”
The finale of our Real Free Speech Threat season.
The finale of our Real Free Speech Threat season.
In El Salvador a Cold Case Murder Has Become a Weapon for Silencing Environmental Activists
El Salvador’s dictator Nayib Bukele wants to bring mining back to the first country that ever banned it. But first, he needs to silence the activists who got the ban passed.
El Salvador’s dictator Nayib Bukele wants to bring mining back to the first country that ever banned it. But first, he needs to silence the activists who got the ban passed.
Sainte-Soline, the Government Effort to Disband a Movement in France, and the Radical Solidarity of the Earth Uprisings
Why is the French government so afraid of the climate movement?
Why is the French government so afraid of the climate movement?
Dana R. Fisher on the Past, Present and Future of Climate Protest
The “radical” flank of the climate movement is not that radical, but it’s going to become more so.
The “radical” flank of the climate movement is not that radical, but it’s going to become more so.
Messy Conversations, with Rhiana Gunn-Wright
The architect of the Green New Deal on what the climate movement loses when it excludes environmental justice
The architect of the Green New Deal on what the climate movement loses when it excludes environmental justice
Department of Homeland Security, the Manufactured "EcoTerrorist" Panic, and Cop City
The U.S. government's ever-expanding definition of what constitutes an "ecoterrorist” continues to drive repression of protest
The U.S. government's ever-expanding definition of what constitutes an "ecoterrorist” continues to drive repression of protest
Meet the First UN Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders
Michel Forst is concerned by the increased use of repressive laws and tactics to silence climate protest.
Michel Forst is concerned by the increased use of repressive laws and tactics to silence climate protest.
S10, Ep15: How UK Courts Became the New Climate Protest Battleground
Since the passage of a new law curtailing protest rights in 2022, the U.K. has been on a rapid path to repression.
Since the passage of a new law curtailing protest rights in 2022, the U.K. has been on a rapid path to repression.
S10, Ep 14: What Happened at Bayou Bridge? The Other End of the Dakota Access Pipeline
While protests against the northern leg of the Dakota Access Pipeline, on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation, garnered international press attention, protestors in Louisiana, where the southern leg was being built, faced aggressive fossil fuel-funded and state-backed repression, but saw little to no media attention. Their story is a cautionary tale for the climate movement, and anyone concerned about democracy.
While protests against the northern leg of the Dakota Access Pipeline, on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation, garnered international press attention, protestors in Louisiana, where the southern leg was being built, faced aggressive fossil fuel-funded and state-backed repression, but saw little to no media attention. Their story is a cautionary tale for the climate movement, and anyone concerned about democracy.
S10, Ep13: Seven Years Later, an Environmental Impact Statement for the Dakota Access Pipeline
Public comment period closes Dec 13 in what may be the last Standing Rock battle
Public comment period closes Dec 13 in what may be the last Standing Rock battle
S10, Ep12: Modern-Day Bead Trading: “Redwashing” and Repression in Canada
A look inside the Coastal Gas Link fight in Canada.
A look inside the Coastal Gas Link fight in Canada.
Abeer Butmeh: Living on the Front Lines of a War and the Climate Crisis, in Palestine
Fighting for survival on every level.
Fighting for survival on every level.
S10, Ep9: The Tomato Soup “Controversy”
Climate protests are getting more disruptive—is it working?
Climate protests are getting more disruptive—is it working?
S10, Ep8: In Brazil, A Tale as Old as Colonization: Why Indigenous Land Defenders Are Particularly Targeted by Extractive Industries
The backlash against Indigenous-led environmental protest is particularly harsh because it’s fueled by centuries’ worth of colonialist entitlement.
The backlash against Indigenous-led environmental protest is particularly harsh because it’s fueled by centuries’ worth of colonialist entitlement.
S10, Ep7: The Same Australian Think Tanks That Have Pushed Against Climate Policy for Years Say No to Indigenous Rights
As the “Voice” referendum heads to the polls in Australia, Atlas Network think tanks have fired up a campaign against it.
As the “Voice” referendum heads to the polls in Australia, Atlas Network think tanks have fired up a campaign against it.
S10, Ep6: Joanna Smith on “Conspiring Against the United States Government” with…Fingerpaint
How did what would normally be a misdemeanor vandalism charge turn into two felonies, for a non-violent and non-destructive protest?
How did what would normally be a misdemeanor vandalism charge turn into two felonies, for a non-violent and non-destructive protest?
S10, Ep5: How Think Tanks Laid the Groundwork to Criminalize Climate Protest
Libertarian think tanks have been laying the groundwork to criminalize protest for at least a decade.
Libertarian think tanks have been laying the groundwork to criminalize protest for at least a decade.
S10, Ep4: In Vietnam, Tax Evasion Charges Help Lock Up Climate Activists
Since 2021, five prominent climate activists have been jailed on shaky grounds.
Since 2021, five prominent climate activists have been jailed on shaky grounds.
S10, Ep3: In Australia, a State-by-State Approach to Criminalizing Protest
In just a few years, anti-protest legislation has spread rapidly in the country.
In just a few years, anti-protest legislation has spread rapidly in the country.
S10, Ep2 | Disha Ravi on Becoming the “Radical” Face of Protest in India at 22
For Disha Ravi, the price of success for effective climate activism in India was a sedition charge.
For Disha Ravi, the price of success for effective climate activism in India was a sedition charge.
S10, Ep1 | The Corporate Push to Criminalize Speech
The more successful climate protestors are, the more effort industry is putting in to criminalize them.
The more successful climate protestors are, the more effort industry is putting in to criminalize them.
Season 9
Drilled S9: Herb
S9, Ep3 | The Next Citizens United Will Be a Climate Case
Big Oil is still trying to expand corporate free speech rights.
Big Oil is still trying to expand corporate free speech rights.
S9, Ep2 | A Legal Strategy
Herb realizes it’s not enough just to defend corporate free speech in the court of public opinion.
Herb realizes it’s not enough just to defend corporate free speech in the court of public opinion.
S9, Ep1 | The Panic
When broadcast news stations stand up to Mobil Oil, the company realizes it needs to go to bat for corporate free speech rights.
When broadcast news stations stand up to Mobil Oil, the company realizes it needs to go to bat for corporate free speech rights.
Season 8
Drilled S8: Light, Sweet Crude
S8, Ep9 | A Verdict
A Guyanese judge shocks the world with a blistering ruling against Exxon and the government.
A Guyanese judge shocks the world with a blistering ruling against Exxon and the government.
S8, Ep8 | The Turning Point
Guyana faces some big decisions about its future.
Guyana faces some big decisions about its future.
S8, Ep7 | The Global Oil Rush
What’s happening in Guyana is happening throughout the Global South.
What’s happening in Guyana is happening throughout the Global South.
S8, Ep6 | Old-School Greenwashing
Why Guyana’s environmental organizations are supporting an offshore drilling project.
Why Guyana’s environmental organizations are supporting an offshore drilling project.
S8, Ep5 | On Global Poverty and Global Warming
How the utter failure of international climate negotiations and global development funding has left Global South countries reliant on fossil fuel development to pay for climate adaptation.
How the utter failure of international climate negotiations and global development funding has left Global South countries reliant on fossil fuel development to pay for climate adaptation.
S8, Ep4 | Constitutional Violation
New plaintiffs argue the oil project undermines their constitutional right to a healthy environment.
New plaintiffs argue the oil project undermines their constitutional right to a healthy environment.
S8, Ep3 | Unlimited Liability
A lawyer steps in to challenge the risks the government is taking.
A lawyer steps in to challenge the risks the government is taking.
S8, Ep2 | The Contract
After asking for years, journalists finally see Guyana’s contract with Exxon
After asking for years, journalists finally see Guyana’s contract with Exxon
S8, Ep1 | The Boom
Exxon strikes oil off the coast of Guyana.
Exxon strikes oil off the coast of Guyana.
S8 Update: Gas to Energy for Guyana, or Problem to Profit for Exxon?
Guyana’s Gas to Energy project has been billed as a gift to the public, but the numbers tell a different story.
Guyana’s Gas to Energy project has been billed as a gift to the public, but the numbers tell a different story.
Season 7
Drilled S7: The ABCs of Big Oil, with Earther
S7, Ep7 | Katie Worth on the State of Climate Education in the U.S.
What are U.S. schools teaching kids about climate change today?
What are U.S. schools teaching kids about climate change today?
S7, Ep6 | So…What Do We Do About This?
What can be done, and who’s trying to do it.
What can be done, and who’s trying to do it.
S7, Ep5 | Ben Franta on Oil on Big Campus
Stanford researcher Ben Franta on fossil fuel influence at universities
Stanford researcher Ben Franta on fossil fuel influence at universities
S7, Ep4 | We’re Going Streaking
How fossil fuel companies influence curricula and research at the university level.
How fossil fuel companies influence curricula and research at the university level.
S7, Ep3 | High School
Shaping young Americans’ understanding of how things work.
Shaping young Americans’ understanding of how things work.
S7, Ep2 | Elementary School
Get ‘em while they’re young.
Get ‘em while they’re young.
S7, Ep1 | The First Day of School
How Big Oil got into the education game, and why it worked so well.
How Big Oil got into the education game, and why it worked so well.
Season 6
Drilled S6: The Bridge to Nowhere
S6, Ep10 | The Disaster Capitalist Response to Russia-Ukraine
The great gas lock-in
The great gas lock-in
S6, Ep9 | Epic Astroturfing
An early test case.
An early test case.
S6, Ep8 | Anatomy of a Front Group
The country’s largest utility starts a front group and charges ratepayers for it.
The country’s largest utility starts a front group and charges ratepayers for it.
S6, Ep7 | The New Climate Villains
The industry adjusts to a new role.
The industry adjusts to a new role.
S6, Ep6 | A Busload of COVID
A utility threatens a town over its proposed gas ban.
A utility threatens a town over its proposed gas ban.
S6, Ep5 | Whack-a-Mole
The endless thread of problems on the front lines.
The endless thread of problems on the front lines.
S6, Ep4 | Keeping Oil Alive
The fossil fuel industry’s plastic playbook uncovered.
The fossil fuel industry’s plastic playbook uncovered.
S6, Ep3 | And Then There Was Covid
A perfectly timed pandemic
A perfectly timed pandemic
S6, Ep2 | Erasing the Imaginary Line
A new fight against Formosa.
A new fight against Formosa.
S6, Ep1 | Don’t Mess With Texas
How the fracking boom led to a plastics boom
How the fracking boom led to a plastics boom
Season 5
Drilled S5: La Lucha En La Jungla
S5, Ep10 | The Kill Step
Chevron makes good on its promise to fight the Ecuadorian judgement until hell freezes over.
Chevron makes good on its promise to fight the Ecuadorian judgement until hell freezes over.
S5, Ep9 | The Judge
Corruption charges start to fly against the judges.
Corruption charges start to fly against the judges.
S5, Ep8 | Damages
Chevron drops a shocking new case.
Chevron drops a shocking new case.
S5, Ep7 | The Linchpin
Chevron's attorneys go after the documentary filmmaker chronicling the case.
Chevron's attorneys go after the documentary filmmaker chronicling the case.
S5, Ep6 | A Verdict And a New Charge
The case takes a bizarre turn.
The case takes a bizarre turn.
S5, Ep5 | The Big Guns
Chevron kicks things up a notch, bringing on new lawyers and PR firms
Chevron kicks things up a notch, bringing on new lawyers and PR firms
S5, Ep4 | The Secret Tribunal
An explainer on investor-state disputes, and Chevron’s claim against Ecuador
An explainer on investor-state disputes, and Chevron’s claim against Ecuador
S5, Ep3 | The Trial
The trial gets underway in Ecuador.
The trial gets underway in Ecuador.
S5, Ep2 | The Colonizers
The early days of oil colonialism
The early days of oil colonialism
S5, Ep1 | Lockdown
A lawyer on lockdown faces a pandemic.
A lawyer on lockdown faces a pandemic.
Season 4
Drilled S4: There Will Be Fraud
S4, Ep8 | Naomi Klein and How the Shock Doctrine Applies to America Right Now
Covid-19 and disaster capitalism
Covid-19 and disaster capitalism
S4, Ep7 | The U.S. Government Has Been Rubber-Stamping New Oil and Gas Projects—This Lawsuit Hopes to Change That
A lawsuit filed against the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) over a small project in Massachusetts could have big implications
A lawsuit filed against the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) over a small project in Massachusetts could have big implications
S4, Ep6 | Earth Day in Louisiana: A Petro State Fights Back
Petrochemicals, petroleum, plastic, and fossil-fueled philanthropy on the Gulf Coast.
Petrochemicals, petroleum, plastic, and fossil-fueled philanthropy on the Gulf Coast.
S4, Ep5 | How Big Oil Is Using the Pandemic to Push More Plastic
How the industry is using the pandemic to push more single-use plastics.
How the industry is using the pandemic to push more single-use plastics.
S4, Ep4 | In Colorado, Seniors Held Hostage by Fracking
COVID pits public health against oil industry profits
COVID pits public health against oil industry profits
S4, Ep3 | Amid the Pandemic Free-for-All, Unlit Flares at Texas Shale Refineries Are Dumping "Unimaginable" Amounts of Methane into the Atmosphere
Industry has leveraged the pandemic for a get-out-of-jail-free card on emissions.
Industry has leveraged the pandemic for a get-out-of-jail-free card on emissions.
S4, Ep2 | Reporter Justin Mikulka on Why ExxonMobil and Chevron Are the Biggest Opponents to a Shale Gas Bailout
Covid bailouts for shale companies have some surprising opponents.
Covid bailouts for shale companies have some surprising opponents.
S4, Ep1 | There Will Be Fraud: How the Coronavirus Pandemic Turned into Christmas for Big Oil
From de-regulation to a laundry list of subsidies, the pandemic was the best thing to happen to fossil fuels in a long time.
From de-regulation to a laundry list of subsidies, the pandemic was the best thing to happen to fossil fuels in a long time.
Season 3
Drilled S3: The Mad Men of Big Oil
S3, Ep8 | Meet The Harrisons
The godparents of greenwashing.
The godparents of greenwashing.
S3, Ep7 | John Hill and the Tobacco-Oil-Plastic Triangle
The science denial king.
The science denial king.
S3, Ep6 | Manipulating the Masses and Predicting the Future—Edward Bernays and W. Howard Chase
From propaganda to PR to issues management.
From propaganda to PR to issues management.
S3, Ep5 | Oil Slick, Part 2—False Equivalence and Free Speech
Schmertz and the art of “creative confrontation.”
Schmertz and the art of “creative confrontation.”
S3, Ep4 | Oil Slick, Part 1—The Rise of the Corporate Persona
Mobil’s PR guy, Herb Schmertz, takes a whole new approach.
Mobil’s PR guy, Herb Schmertz, takes a whole new approach.
S3, Ep2 | The Oil-Nazi-Propaganda Triangle
The American PR men who advised Hitler.
The American PR men who advised Hitler.
S3, Ep1 | The Father of Public Relations
Standard Oil and the first modern PR guy.
Standard Oil and the first modern PR guy.
S3, Bonus: We Interrupt This Podcast for New Research + Emily Atkin and Guardian CEO Anna Bateson on Banning Fossil Fuel Ads
Why and how The Guardian banned fossil fuel ads.
Why and how The Guardian banned fossil fuel ads.
Season 2
Drilled S2: Hot Water
S2, Ep6 | Facing Extinction
Which industries do we protect, and which do we let go?
Which industries do we protect, and which do we let go?
S2, Ep5 | David v. Goliath
The crabbers are in for an even bigger fight than state and municipal governments.
The crabbers are in for an even bigger fight than state and municipal governments.
S2, Ep4 | Taking Big Oil to Court
The case and the evidence.
The case and the evidence.
S2,Ep3 | Two Lawsuits at Once, Both Driven by Climate Change
The first industry to sue Big Oil.
The first industry to sue Big Oil.
S2, Ep2 | A Late Season and a Shaky Future
The crabbers start to get desperate.
The crabbers start to get desperate.
S2, Ep1 | A Crisis, a Cover-Up, and a Community on the Front Lines of Climate Change
West Coast crab fishermen find their livelihoods threatened by climate change.
West Coast crab fishermen find their livelihoods threatened by climate change.
Season 1
Drilled S1: The Origins of Climate Denial
S1, Ep8 | Winning the War
Radical social change is still entirely possible.
Radical social change is still entirely possible.
S1, Ep7 | Campaigns So Successful They’ve Landed In Court
Dozens of climate cases prosecuting denial.
Dozens of climate cases prosecuting denial.
S1, Ep6 | The First Step to Influencing Policy: Setting Research Agendas
If you unravel climate policy back to its origins, eventually you get to academic research
If you unravel climate policy back to its origins, eventually you get to academic research
S1, Ep5 | Aggressive Think Tanks, Shouty Pundits, and a New Religious Argument
Shifting culture to enable the success of climate denial.
Shifting culture to enable the success of climate denial.
S1, Ep4 | Exploiting Scientists’ Kryptonite: Certainty
Turning doubt into a product.
Turning doubt into a product.
S1, Ep3 | Weaponizing False Equivalence
The weaknesses in the U.S. media system that allowed climate denial to flourish.
The weaknesses in the U.S. media system that allowed climate denial to flourish.
S1, Ep2 | The Turn
From research to suppression
From research to suppression
S1, Ep1 | The Bell Labs of Energy
Exxon’s foray into global warming research
Exxon’s foray into global warming research
