Finding Belonging Through Chosen Family, Rituals, and Activism with Andrew Boyd

Connection From Here: Finding Community in a Changing World

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We talk often on the podcast about how, long ago, community was built based on geography. Now that this is no longer the case, it’s up to us to get creative about how we find – and sometimes build – the communities we are a part of. Renowned author, humorist, and climate activist Andrew Boyd joins the podcast this week to explore how community, ritual, and a willingness to hold both grief and hope can help us navigate change, loss, and activism in powerful, life-affirming ways. Episode 6 of Connection from Here is about finding belonging through chosen family, rituals, and activism!

Andrew Boyd is an author, humorist, and climate activist. He is currently CEO - the “Chief Existential Officer” - of the Climate Clock, a global campaign he co-founded that melds art, science, technology, and grassroots organizing to get the world to #ActInTime. He also co-created the grief-storytelling ritual the Climate Ribbon, co-founded the progressive netroots powerhouse Other98%, and led the 2000s-era satirical campaign “Billionaires for Bush, which has recently evolved into “Trillionaires for Trump”. Andrew's most recent book is I Want a Better Catastrophe: Navigating the Climate Crisis with Grief, Hope and Gallows Humor (New Society Press, 20203). His other books include Beautiful Trouble: A Toolbox for Revolution; Daily Afflictions and Life’s Little Deconstruction Book

Topics covered:

• Community is not always a given; oftentimes, we have to invent community for ourselves.
• Ways in which Andrew reinvigorates friendships and builds connection through rituals.
• Unpacking the concept of “chosen family” and how deep bonds and support can be formed outside of biological ties.
• The intersection of art, activism, and community through projects like The Climate Ribbon, which helps communities collectively process grief and commit to action.

Andrew’s story is a beautiful reminder that connection isn’t a given—it’s something we co-create with intention, ritual, and vulnerability.

Watch the episode on YouTube here!

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Other Ways to Connect with Andrew:

AndrewBoyd.com

The Tragic Optimist (Substack)

We shall not be overwhelmed (Substack)

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فصول

1. Finding Belonging Through Chosen Family, Rituals, and Activism with Andrew Boyd (00:00:00)

2. Introducing Andrew Boyd: Activist, Author, and Humorist (00:01:02)

3. Inventing the Community You Wish to Be Part Of (00:05:05)

4. Unpacking the Idea of "Chosen Family" (00:10:59)

5. Art and Ritual in Community (00:16:26)

6. Eco Chaplaincy and Empathy Toolkit (00:24:22)

7. Empowering Others with Toolkits (00:25:25)

8. Guidebook for Activist Action (00:30:46)

9. Let Go and Reach Out to Friends (00:35:24)