The Adaptors Wed, 29 Oct 2025 06:20:26 +0000 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 06:20:26 +0000 Libsyn RSSgen 1.0 http://www.theadaptors.org/ © SoundVision Productions http://www.theadaptors.org/ A podcast about life on Earth during a weird time: now. We visit people who are thinking about the future and figuring out how we will adapt to a changing planet. Hosted by Science Friday alum Flora Lichtman, produced by Freakonomics Radio/The Atlantic alum Katherine Wells. https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/b/b/1/c/bb1c97293cc0a133/social-icon-sq---green-on-green---1400px.png The Adaptors Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions no episodic no A podcast about life on Earth during a weird time: now. We visit people who are thinking about the future and figuring out how we will adapt to a changing planet. Hosted by Science Friday alum Flora Lichtman, produced by Freakonomics Radio/The Atlantic alflora@theadaptors.orgFlora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions Assisting Evolution Assisting Evolution Thu, 17 Dec 2015 14:21:14 +0000 Grist reporter Amelia Urry visits an Australian lab, where scientists are trying to grow coral that can survive in the future. And a farewell from Flora and Katherine.

 
]]> Grist reporter Amelia Urry visits an Australian lab, where scientists are trying to grow coral that can survive in the future. And a farewell from Flora and Katherine.

 ]]> 14:38 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)Grist reporter Amelia Urry visits an Australian lab, where scientists are trying to grow coral that can survive in the future. And a farewell from Flora and Katherine.  Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsGrist reporter Amelia Urry visits an Australian lab, where scientists are trying to grow coral that can survive in the future. And a farewell from Flora and Katherine.   Imagine Earthships [video] Imagine Earthships [video] Thu, 03 Dec 2015 13:48:01 +0000 Outside of Taos, NM, you'll find a community of people living in off-grid homes made of garbage. We visited them.

]]> Outside of Taos, NM, you'll find a community of people living in off-grid homes made of garbage. We visited them.

]]> 07:02 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)Outside of Taos, NM, you'll find a community of people living in off-grid homes made of garbage. We visited them.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsOutside of Taos, NM, you'll find a community of people living in off-grid homes made of garbage. We visited them. There's a Weird Vibe on the Bus There's a Weird Vibe on the Bus Thu, 19 Nov 2015 15:44:24 +0000 Michael Reynolds builds off-grid homes out of garbage. Meet the Earthship.

]]> Michael Reynolds builds off-grid homes out of garbage. Meet the Earthship.

]]> 14:37 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)Michael Reynolds builds off-grid homes out of garbage. Meet the Earthship.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsMichael Reynolds builds off-grid homes out of garbage. Meet the Earthship. REBROADCAST: Yak Life REBROADCAST: Yak Life Thu, 05 Nov 2015 09:00:00 +0000 Wild yaks live on the roof of the world, a frosty high-elevation plateau north of the Himalayas. Conservation biologist Joel Berger, of the University of Montana and the Wildlife Conservation Society, wanted to find out how climate change might affect yaks, so he paid them a visit. 

]]> Wild yaks live on the roof of the world, a frosty high-elevation plateau north of the Himalayas. Conservation biologist Joel Berger, of the University of Montana and the Wildlife Conservation Society, wanted to find out how climate change might affect yaks, so he paid them a visit. 

]]> 08:36 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)Wild yaks live on the roof of the world, a frosty high-elevation plateau north of the Himalayas. Conservation biologist Joel Berger, of the University of Montana and the Wildlife Conservation Society, wanted to find out how climate change might affect yaks, so he paid them a visit. Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsWild yaks live on the roof of the world, a frosty high-elevation plateau north of the Himalayas. Conservation biologist Joel Berger, of the University of Montana and the Wildlife Conservation Society, wanted to find out how climate change might affect yaks, so he paid them a visit.  He Bought the Water He Bought the Water Thu, 22 Oct 2015 06:00:00 +0000 Reporter Ryan Bradley follows up on his quest to buy water.

]]> Reporter Ryan Bradley follows up on his quest to buy water.

]]> 13:59 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)Reporter Ryan Bradley follows up on his quest to buy water.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsReporter Ryan Bradley follows up on his quest to buy water. Spore Power Spore Power Thu, 08 Oct 2015 06:00:00 +0000 When you hear "renewable energy," you think solar and wind. But what about spores? Columbia University's Ozgur Sahin explains.

]]> When you hear "renewable energy," you think solar and wind. But what about spores? Columbia University's Ozgur Sahin explains.

]]> 07:06 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)When you hear "renewable energy," you think solar and wind. But what about spores? Columbia University's Ozgur Sahin explains.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsWhen you hear "renewable energy," you think solar and wind. But what about spores? Columbia University's Ozgur Sahin explains. How We Measure the Earth Breathing How We Measure the Earth Breathing Thu, 24 Sep 2015 06:00:00 +0000 What do Algerian monks have to do with 400 parts per million? Reporter Jeff Delviscio investigates how we measure CO2 in the atmosphere.

]]> What do Algerian monks have to do with 400 parts per million? Reporter Jeff Delviscio investigates how we measure CO2 in the atmosphere.

]]> 13:24 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)What do Algerian monks have to do with 400 parts per million? Reporter Jeff Delviscio investigates how we measure CO2 in the atmosphere.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsWhat do Algerian monks have to do with 400 parts per million? Reporter Jeff Delviscio investigates how we measure CO2 in the atmosphere. Dogs in the Forest Dogs in the Forest Thu, 10 Sep 2015 06:00:00 +0000 Dogs evolved in response to environmental changes tens of millions of years ago. Can that tell us anything about how animals might adapt to climate change today?

]]> Dogs evolved in response to environmental changes tens of millions of years ago. Can that tell us anything about how animals might adapt to climate change today?

]]> 06:29 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)Dogs evolved in response to environmental changes tens of millions of years ago. Can that tell us anything about how animals might adapt to climate change today?Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsDogs evolved in response to environmental changes tens of millions of years ago. Can that tell us anything about how animals might adapt to climate change today? Born in the Anthropocene Born in the Anthropocene Thu, 27 Aug 2015 06:00:00 +0000 Jeremy and Charlie, 11 year old students, are worried about climate change. They say it's because their generation will be the one to bear the brunt of its effects.

]]> Jeremy and Charlie, 11 year old students, are worried about climate change. They say it's because their generation will be the one to bear the brunt of its effects.

]]> 11:24 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)Jeremy and Charlie, 11 year old students, are worried about climate change. They say it's because their generation will be the one to bear the brunt of its effects.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsJeremy and Charlie, 11 year old students, are worried about climate change. They say it's because their generation will be the one to bear the brunt of its effects. Fixing the Sky Fixing the Sky Thu, 13 Aug 2015 06:00:00 +0000 Historian James Fleming talks about the surprising history of weather control and what past failures can tell us about today's geoengineering proposals.

]]> Historian James Fleming talks about the surprising history of weather control and what past failures can tell us about today's geoengineering proposals.

]]> 16:37 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)Historian James Fleming talks about the surprising history of weather control and what past failures can tell us about today's geoengineering proposals.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsHistorian James Fleming talks about the surprising history of weather control and what past failures can tell us about today's geoengineering proposals. Sex Change Dragons Sex Change Dragons Thu, 30 Jul 2015 06:00:00 +0000 When exposed to high temperatures, Australian Central Bearded Dragons do something strange.

]]> When exposed to high temperatures, Australian Central Bearded Dragons do something strange.

]]> 09:03 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)When exposed to high temperatures, Australian Central Bearded Dragons do something strange.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsWhen exposed to high temperatures, Australian Central Bearded Dragons do something strange. Let's Talk About Babies Let's Talk About Babies Thu, 16 Jul 2015 06:00:00 +0000 Ethicist Travis Rieder thinks that it's time we talked about population.

]]> Ethicist Travis Rieder thinks that it's time we talked about population.

]]> 22:14 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)Ethicist Travis Rieder thinks that it's time we talked about population.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsEthicist Travis Rieder thinks that it's time we talked about population. Cosmic Toilet Cosmic Toilet Thu, 02 Jul 2015 15:40:17 +0000 On the International Space Station, sewage, condensation and even sweat get recycled into potable water. We have the technology to recycle water on Earth, too, but we don't use it as often as we could -- mostly because we think it's gross.

]]> On the International Space Station, sewage, condensation and even sweat get recycled into potable water. We have the technology to recycle water on Earth, too, but we don't use it as often as we could -- mostly because we think it's gross.

]]> 13:42 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)On the International Space Station, sewage, condensation and even sweat get recycled into potable water. We have the technology to recycle water on Earth, too, but we don't use it as often as we could -- mostly because we think it's gross.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsOn the International Space Station, sewage, condensation and even sweat get recycled into potable water. We have the technology to recycle water on Earth, too, but we don't use it as often as we could -- mostly because we think it's gross. Dollypartoniana and Other Lichens Dollypartoniana and Other Lichens Thu, 18 Jun 2015 06:00:00 +0000 Lichens are under threat from climate and habitat changes. Should we care?

]]> Lichens are under threat from climate and habitat changes. Should we care?

]]> 13:15 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)Lichens are under threat from climate and habitat changes. Should we care?Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsLichens are under threat from climate and habitat changes. Should we care? What Rats Really Think About Climate Change What Rats Really Think About Climate Change Thu, 04 Jun 2015 04:30:00 +0000 We interviewed New York City rats to get their thoughts on climate change and whether humans will be able to adapt.

]]> We interviewed New York City rats to get their thoughts on climate change and whether humans will be able to adapt.

]]> 03:08 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)We interviewed New York City rats to get their thoughts on climate change and whether humans will be able to adapt.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsWe interviewed New York City rats to get their thoughts on climate change and whether humans will be able to adapt. When Rats Inherit the Earth When Rats Inherit the Earth Mon, 18 May 2015 06:30:00 +0000 If humans were to go extinct, what would the planet look like? One paleobiologist says the creatures most likely to take our place are rats.

]]> If humans were to go extinct, what would the planet look like? One paleobiologist says the creatures most likely to take our place are rats.

]]> 17:25 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)If humans were to go extinct, what would the planet look like? One paleobiologist says the creatures most likely to take our place are rats.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsIf humans were to go extinct, what would the planet look like? One paleobiologist says the creatures most likely to take our place are rats. How Water Is Bought and Sold How Water Is Bought and Sold Thu, 07 May 2015 06:00:00 +0000 Reporter Ryan Bradley lives in California. Given the drought, he figured it'd be a good idea to buy some water rights. It was more complicated than he thought.

]]> Reporter Ryan Bradley lives in California. Given the drought, he figured it'd be a good idea to buy some water rights. It was more complicated than he thought.

]]> 16:29 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)Reporter Ryan Bradley lives in California. Given the drought, he figured it'd be a good idea to buy some water rights. It was more complicated than he thought.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsReporter Ryan Bradley lives in California. Given the drought, he figured it'd be a good idea to buy some water rights. It was more complicated than he thought. Climate Confessions Climate Confessions Thu, 23 Apr 2015 06:00:00 +0000 We asked for your stories of climate shame. You delivered.

]]> We asked for your stories of climate shame. You delivered.

]]> 17:13 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)We asked for your stories of climate shame. You delivered.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsWe asked for your stories of climate shame. You delivered. Yak Life Yak Life Thu, 09 Apr 2015 06:00:00 +0000 Wild yaks live on the roof of the world, a frosty high-elevation plateau north of the Himalayas. Biologist Joel Berger wanted to find out how climate change might affect yaks, so he paid them a visit. 

]]> Wild yaks live on the roof of the world, a frosty high-elevation plateau north of the Himalayas. Biologist Joel Berger wanted to find out how climate change might affect yaks, so he paid them a visit. 

]]> 08:36 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)Wild yaks live on the roof of the world, a frosty high-elevation plateau north of the Himalayas. Biologist Joel Berger wanted to find out how climate change might affect yaks, so he paid them a visit. Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsWild yaks live on the roof of the world, a frosty high-elevation plateau north of the Himalayas. Biologist Joel Berger wanted to find out how climate change might affect yaks, so he paid them a visit.  Video: Driving on Air Video: Driving on Air Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:26:41 +0000 Why did a young Romanian inventor build an eco-friendly car made out of half a million LEGO pieces that runs on compressed air? Well, why not?

]]> Why did a young Romanian inventor build an eco-friendly car made out of half a million LEGO pieces that runs on compressed air? Well, why not?

]]> 04:23 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)Why did a young Romanian inventor build an eco-friendly car made out of half a million LEGO pieces that runs on compressed air? Well, why not?Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsWhy did a young Romanian inventor build an eco-friendly car made out of half a million LEGO pieces that runs on compressed air? Well, why not? Future Fossils Future Fossils Thu, 12 Mar 2015 06:00:00 +0000 We can imagine the deep past: full of mammoths and dinosaurs and climates very different from our own. But how are we supposed to imagine the future?

]]> We can imagine the deep past: full of mammoths and dinosaurs and climates very different from our own. But how are we supposed to imagine the future?

]]> 12:11 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)We can imagine the deep past: full of mammoths and dinosaurs and climates very different from our own. But how are we supposed to imagine the future?Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsWe can imagine the deep past: full of mammoths and dinosaurs and climates very different from our own. But how are we supposed to imagine the future? A Star in New Jersey A Star in New Jersey Wed, 25 Feb 2015 07:00:00 +0000 In a fusion world, we'd generate unlimited clean energy from mini suns that we build all over Earth. Sound like a fairytale? Scientists at Princeton Plasma Physics Lab say we can get there -- if we can pay for it.

]]> In a fusion world, we'd generate unlimited clean energy from mini suns that we build all over Earth. Sound like a fairytale? Scientists at Princeton Plasma Physics Lab say we can get there -- if we can pay for it.

]]> 15:56 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)In a fusion world, we'd generate unlimited clean energy from mini suns that we build all over Earth. Sound like a fairytale? Scientists at Princeton Plasma Physics Lab say we can get there -- if we can pay for it.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsIn a fusion world, we'd generate unlimited clean energy from mini suns that we build all over Earth. Sound like a fairytale? Scientists at Princeton Plasma Physics Lab say we can get there -- if we can pay for it. Cat Eyes for Climate Change Cat Eyes for Climate Change Wed, 11 Feb 2015 14:00:07 +0000 How far would you go for climate change? NYU philosopher Matthew Liao has an outside-the-box proposal: Decrease energy use by engineering humans to have meat allergies, fur, and yes, cat eyes.

]]> How far would you go for climate change? NYU philosopher Matthew Liao has an outside-the-box proposal: Decrease energy use by engineering humans to have meat allergies, fur, and yes, cat eyes.

]]> 13:49 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)How far would you go for climate change? NYU philosopher Matthew Liao has an outside-the-box proposal: Decrease energy use by engineering humans to have meat allergies, fur, and yes, cat eyes.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsHow far would you go for climate change? NYU philosopher Matthew Liao has an outside-the-box proposal: Decrease energy use by engineering humans to have meat allergies, fur, and yes, cat eyes. Hey -- Climate Confessions Hey -- Climate Confessions Wed, 04 Feb 2015 22:16:14 +0000 Is there something you feel like you should be doing, or not doing, for the environment? If so, you're not alone.

]]> Is there something you feel like you should be doing, or not doing, for the environment? If so, you're not alone.

]]> 03:48 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)Is there something you feel like you should be doing, or not doing, for the environment? If so, you're not alone.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsIs there something you feel like you should be doing, or not doing, for the environment? If so, you're not alone. Black Gold Black Gold Wed, 28 Jan 2015 10:00:00 +0000 New York City is poised to become the country's largest producer of an unexpected type of green energy. This fuel source you can make yourself - and you certainly do. Anthony Fiore, director of the NYCDEP Office of Energy, explains how NYC's Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is turning sewage and food scraps into "black gold."

]]> New York City is poised to become the country's largest producer of an unexpected type of green energy. This fuel source you can make yourself - and you certainly do. Anthony Fiore, director of the NYCDEP Office of Energy, explains how NYC's Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is turning sewage and food scraps into "black gold."

]]> 12:42 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)New York City is poised to become the country's largest producer of an unexpected type of green energy. This fuel source you can make yourself - and you certainly do. Anthony Fiore, director of the NYCDEP Office of Energy, explains how NYC's Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is turning sewage and food scraps into "black gold."Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsNew York City is poised to become the country's largest producer of an unexpected type of green energy. This fuel source you can make yourself - and you certainly do. Anthony Fiore, director of the NYCDEP Office of Energy, explains how NYC's Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is turning sewage and food scraps into "black gold." Video: Tornado Man Video: Tornado Man Wed, 28 Jan 2015 09:30:00 +0000 What if you had an idea that you believed could change the world? What if that idea was a tornado machine?

]]> What if you had an idea that you believed could change the world? What if that idea was a tornado machine?

]]> 05:35 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)What if you had an idea that you believed could change the world? What if that idea was a tornado machine?Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsWhat if you had an idea that you believed could change the world? What if that idea was a tornado machine? Cyclone in a Box Cyclone in a Box Wed, 28 Jan 2015 09:00:00 +0000 Retired engineer Louis Michaud believes he has an idea that could solve the world's energy problems: A tornado machine. For 50 years, Michaud has been working on an "Atmospheric Vortex Engine" -- a device that he hopes someday will generate mile-high tornadoes from warm air heated by the sun or waste heat from power plants. The updraft would turn turbines and produce power. Lots of power, he believes. All he has to do is prove it.

]]> Retired engineer Louis Michaud believes he has an idea that could solve the world's energy problems: A tornado machine. For 50 years, Michaud has been working on an "Atmospheric Vortex Engine" -- a device that he hopes someday will generate mile-high tornadoes from warm air heated by the sun or waste heat from power plants. The updraft would turn turbines and produce power. Lots of power, he believes. All he has to do is prove it.

]]> 17:08 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)Retired engineer Louis Michaud believes he has an idea that could solve the world's energy problems: A tornado machine. For 50 years, Michaud has been working on an "Atmospheric Vortex Engine" -- a device that he hopes someday will generate mile-high tornadoes from warm air heated by the sun or waste heat from power plants. The updraft would turn turbines and produce power. Lots of power, he believes. All he has to do is prove it.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsRetired engineer Louis Michaud believes he has an idea that could solve the world's energy problems: A tornado machine. For 50 years, Michaud has been working on an "Atmospheric Vortex Engine" -- a device that he hopes someday will generate mile-high tornadoes from warm air heated by the sun or waste heat from power plants. The updraft would turn turbines and produce power. Lots of power, he believes. All he has to do is prove it. Video: Hi from The Adaptors Video: Hi from The Adaptors Sat, 24 Jan 2015 16:21:26 +0000 Meet the adaptors: the visionaries, the scientists, the entrepreneurs, the backyard tinkerers who are responding to the challenges presented by climate change. We'll introduce to them, one story at a time. We'll bring you a new podcast every two weeks. We make videos, too. Host Flora Lichtman and producer Katherine Wells set the stage.

]]> Meet the adaptors: the visionaries, the scientists, the entrepreneurs, the backyard tinkerers who are responding to the challenges presented by climate change. We'll introduce to them, one story at a time. We'll bring you a new podcast every two weeks. We make videos, too. Host Flora Lichtman and producer Katherine Wells set the stage.

]]> 02:02 false full flora@theadaptors.org (Flora Lichtman and SoundVision Productions)Meet the adaptors: the visionaries, the scientists, the entrepreneurs, the backyard tinkerers who are responding to the challenges presented by climate change. We'll introduce to them, one story at a time. We'll bring you a new podcast every two weeks. We make videos, too. Host Flora Lichtman and producer Katherine Wells set the stage.Flora Lichtman and SoundVision ProductionsMeet the adaptors: the visionaries, the scientists, the entrepreneurs, the backyard tinkerers who are responding to the challenges presented by climate change. We'll introduce to them, one story at a time. We'll bring you a new podcast every two weeks. We make videos, too. Host Flora Lichtman and producer Katherine Wells set the stage.