At Alberta Ecotrust, we are always recommending books, podcasts and playlists to each other in our Slack channels.

That’s why we’ve rounded up our staff member’s top book, podcast and playlist recommendations as a special gift to our community because the holidays are coming up. 

Maybe you want to read a good book in a cozy chair? Or, learn something new while you’re on your way to family dinner? Or, listen to a new playlist instead of Christmas music 24/7. We’ve got you covered.

Here are the top book, podcast and playlist recommendations from our team:

Books

• Vicki, our Engagement Director, recommends From What Is to What If: Unleashing the Power of Imagination to Create the Future We Want by Rob Hopkins because it really inspired her with examples from around the world of communities that are prioritizing imagination to help solve the challenges we are facing. In order to make change we need to be able to imagine the possibilities and solutions so we can create them. Vicki also says Hopkins’ book reminds us of the most powerful tool we have to meet our challenges…our individual and collective imaginations. A very inspiring read for the start of a new year!

• Stefanie recommends Hungry Zine. Launched this year, Hungry is based out of Edmonton, and centres voices that are missing from traditional food media. Stefanie enjoys the fresh perspectives it offers and that it welcomes the multifaceted communities, cultures, knowledge, and experiences surrounding food.

• Pat, our President and CEO, recommends Values Building a Better World for All by Mark Carney. She likes the dive into finance and economics, plus the responsibilities of the state to address resilience and preparedness. Most of all all, she likes the bold pursuit of a purposeful society where shared values and equity are taken into consideration when we talk about creating value – most often, which refers to monetary value.

• Rod, our Vice President, recommends Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. He says he recommends this book to everyone because it is beautifully written and deeply insightful about how we can see and understand the world in different ways.

• Shakespeare, our Finance and Investment Director, recommends Animal Farm by George Orwell because he likes how the book tells the story of a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer, hoping to create a society where the animals can be equal, free, and happy. It’s a classic!

Podcasts

• Mike, our Program Director, recommends The Academy of Ideas because he likes that it gives context for the world we live in. This podcast explores the ideas of the greatest philosophers and psychologists of history.

• Lori, one of our Program Specialists, recommends Anthropomania hosted by Jay Ingram and her good friend Niki Wilson, because the episodes focus on how we humans relate to plants and animals and the impact that has on the way we view the world. 

• Jessica, our Program Specialist, recommends the podcast Maintenance Phase because the hosts are hilarious while they debunk the junk science behind health fads, wellness scams and nonsensical nutrition advice.

 Playlists

• Hailey, our Communications Manager, recommends the playlist, Songs to Sing in the Shower on Spotify because it’s fun, upbeat and sure to have one of your favorite hits.

• Susan, our Administrative Coordinator, recommends Lords of the Rings Symphony No. 1 by Johan de Meij and the London Symphony Orchestra because her family loves the books and movies.

• Diana, our Program Specialist, recommends Wake Up Happy on Spotify because it’s a great way to start the day, especially if your morning coffee hasn’t kicked in yet. 

We hope you enjoy our complete list of recommendations. 

Our staff will be taking a much deserved break this holiday season, so our office will be closed from December 24 to January 4.

Happy Holidays and see you in the new year!