Episode Summary
Hope is a word that often gets used in important speeches, in critical moments, in Star Wars films, and in our darkest hours – but what is hope? There are many explanations for the word, including from the late Old English hopa “confidence in the future,” or from c. 1200 as “expectation of something desired;” also “trust, confidence; wishful desire.” So what does hope mean to Jane Goodall? For a woman who defied the odds to change the world, Jane has lived a life propelled by hope. But it is not enough to expect something to happen, or to desire it. You must have confidence in the future, take action and trust – trust of yourself and in others. That is what the Jane Goodall Hopecast is all about. After a truly unimaginable 2020, that is what we aim to make 2021 about.
So today, we usher in a new age of hope; one that builds on the vision of Dr. Goodall of hope turned into action. A vision that unifies through storytelling, and connects us through a shared will to create a better future for all. In the long awaited premiere episode of the Jane Goodall Hopecast, Jane takes us on a journey through her past to explain her present recording from her childhood home in Bournemouth, England. This is the first time Jane has been in one place for longer than two weeks in nearly three decades, and the urgency to share her message is greater than ever. In a fireside style chat, Jane shares intimate stories from her childhood, including how growing up during World War II taught her to take nothing for granted, and why she believes hope is essential to fuel positive action, individually and together, for a better world. While Jane doesn’t shy away from the adversity we face – the Sixth Great Extinction and the Climate Crisis in particular – she shares the importance and power of making space for hope, as it spurs the indomitable human spirit to take action, even in the most grim situations.
Now through the Jane Goodall Hopecast, she will share stories of hope and resilience, encouraging listeners to embrace the power of every individual to make a difference for people, other animals, and the rich tapestry of life with whom we share this precious planetary home.
At the End of the Rainbow
Stay to the end of the episode to hear a rare archival clip of Jane speaking at the ‘Understanding Chimpanzees’ conference in Chicago, Illinois, in 1986, which was the catalyst moment that transformed Jane from a scientist to activist.
Read the Full Episode Transcript
Stay tuned…Episode 2 will feature a very special guest….
