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Dr. Warren Bell

Planetary Conversations

A Social Sciences , Science and Nature podcast

#84 in Social Sciences · 🇩🇰
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About the show

Most observers would agree that we have to turn away from harming our planetary home, and one another, if coming generations are to have any chance of surviving and thriving. They say we have to abandon the path of cruelty, neglect and physical harm to others, and seek out the path of harmlessness towards all living things and especially towards all the peoples on this earth. Simply put, we must learn to share. Planetary Conversations with Dr. Warren Bell is a podcast that explores this idea through in-depth interviews with guests who, one way or another, have taken steps towards improving life on our planet. They show us ways to create a world where everyone in the human family and all living things have an assured place, and where every one of us is truly able to make a constructive and creative contribution. Warren Bell is a family physician who has practiced full-service clinical medicine for nearly fifty years. Beyond his day-to-day practice, Warren has been actively involved in advocacy for human and planetary health. He is a co-founder of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) and was a leading member of a citizens’ group that saved most of a large river delta wetland from commercial development. He is a voice for justice for Indigenous peoples and for moving away from capitalist and colonialist conduct around the world. In addition, as a primary care psychotherapist, a major theme in both his clinical and advocacy work has been seeking to reform human thinking and behaviour in order to foster planetary health and human wellbeing. Find us online at Planetary Conversations.

Newest episodes

Kelly Matheson - Our Children's Trust

45 min

In this episode Warren's guest is Kelly Matheson, a lawyer with US organization Our Children's Trust. They work to ensure that courts around the world use the best available science in making decisions about the future of humanity. Kelly is on the team bringing the LaRose vs His Majesty the King case to court in Vancouver, along with Canadian Lawyers and a group of 15 young Canadian Plaintiffs who are seeking to hold the Canadian Government accountable for the harms caused by NOT addressing climate change in our country. Warren and Kelly will talk about the case, and about Kelly's path to becoming a scientist, lawyer and documentary filmmaker.

Antony Hodgson - Fair Voting BC

1 hr 0 min

In this episode hear Warren's interview with Antony Hodgson, President of Fair Voting BC. This very timely interview delves into Tony's background as a biomedical engineer, and his interest in seeing British Columbia adopt a new method for electing candidates to public office. Tony asserts that the "First Past The Post" system creates division in the province, whereas other methods used around the world, such as ranked ballot or single transferable vote, create a more equitable and productive government, representing citizen's interests more accurately. Learn about Fair Voting BC on Planetary Conversations.

Veronika Perkova - Inspiring Change

53 min

On this show Warren's guest is author, podcaster and activist Veronika Perkova. Veronika is a resident of the Czech Republic and is active in environmental issues and in promoting women's rights and their role in building a just society. She has conducted over 200 podcast interviews with professionals from all over the world, and brings a broad perspective to the fight for planetary health, the health of our communities and the role of feminism is bringing about change. Direct from Brno, listen in to hear about life in the Czech Republic and how Veronika Perkova is inspiring change.

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All episodes

Kelly Matheson - Our Children's Trust

45 min

In this episode Warren's guest is Kelly Matheson, a lawyer with US organization Our Children's Trust. They work to ensure that courts around the world use the best available science in making decisions about the future of humanity. Kelly is on the team bringing the LaRose vs His Majesty the King case to court in Vancouver, along with Canadian Lawyers and a group of 15 young Canadian Plaintiffs who are seeking to hold the Canadian Government accountable for the harms caused by NOT addressing climate change in our country. Warren and Kelly will talk about the case, and about Kelly's path to becoming a scientist, lawyer and documentary filmmaker.

Antony Hodgson - Fair Voting BC

1 hr 0 min

In this episode hear Warren's interview with Antony Hodgson, President of Fair Voting BC. This very timely interview delves into Tony's background as a biomedical engineer, and his interest in seeing British Columbia adopt a new method for electing candidates to public office. Tony asserts that the "First Past The Post" system creates division in the province, whereas other methods used around the world, such as ranked ballot or single transferable vote, create a more equitable and productive government, representing citizen's interests more accurately. Learn about Fair Voting BC on Planetary Conversations.

Veronika Perkova - Inspiring Change

53 min

On this show Warren's guest is author, podcaster and activist Veronika Perkova. Veronika is a resident of the Czech Republic and is active in environmental issues and in promoting women's rights and their role in building a just society. She has conducted over 200 podcast interviews with professionals from all over the world, and brings a broad perspective to the fight for planetary health, the health of our communities and the role of feminism is bringing about change. Direct from Brno, listen in to hear about life in the Czech Republic and how Veronika Perkova is inspiring change.

Sabina Qureshi - Share International

56 min

On this show Warren is in conversations with geneticist, musician and resident of Edmonton, Alberta, Sabina Quereshi. Warren and Sabina will talk about her unusually diverse upbringing, music education, genetics and the work of Share International. Share International states that "without sharing there is no justice, without justice there is no peace, without peace there is no future." Find out about Maetreya, the World Teacher and the ideas that move Sabina's philosophy and life.

Nancy Whittier - Smith College: Social movements, Social change, and Feminism

58 min

Nancy Whittier is an American sociologist and a professor at Smith College, in Northampton, Massachusetts. Her research and publications focus on activism against child abuse, sexual violence, and violence against women; and on social movements, social change, and feminism. Nancy and Warren discuss the current state of attitudes and progress around feminism and sexual violence towards children and women.

Dr. Trevor Hancock - Policy for a Healthy Population

58 min

In this episode Warren's guest is Dr. Trevor Hancock, a retired family physician and now health promotion consultant. Trevor was formerly a Professor and Senior Scholar at the School of Public Health and Social Policy at the University of Victoria. He writes regularly on population and public health for the Times Colonist in Victoria. Warren and Trevor will talk about population health promotion, healthy cities and communities, public health policy, and environmental health.

Julia Beatty - Shuswap Climate Action

59 min

In this show Warren's guest is Julia Beatty, Chair of the Shuswap Climate Action Society. Julia is a retired Professional Biologist and founder of the SCAS. As Chair she leads programs to help members, subscribers and followers to be more aware of the impacts and solutions to the climate crisis, especially in and around the Shuswap. Warren and Julia will talk about the Society, Julia's experiences as a biologist and the "triple planetary crisis" - the three interlinked, core threats to humanity and Earth's ecosystems: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Sheryl Nestel - A Jewish Voice for Justice in Palestine

1 hr 3 min

In this show Warren's guest is Sheryl Nestel (PhD), a founding member of Independent Jewish Voices (IJV). She is the author of numerous refereed journal articles, book chapters and reports on race and racism in the health professions and the author of Obstructed Labour: Race and Gender in the Re-emergence of Midwifery (UBC Press, 2007). She recently completed a ground- breaking research project, Unveiling the Chilly Climate: The Suppression of Speech on Palestine in Canada written with Rowan Gaudet, which surveys the impact of harassment, intimidation and the suppression of speech on Palestine on faculty, students and activists in Canada. She serves on the steering committees of the Jewish Faculty Network and the International Jewish Collective for Justice in Palestine.

Alicia Ely Yamin - Defending Public Health

57 min

This week Warren’s guest is Alicia Ely Yamin (JD MPH PhD) who is a Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School. Known globally for her trans-disciplinary work in relation to economic and social rights, reproductive justice, the right to health, and the intersections between development paradigms and human rights, Alicia Ely Yamin’s career has bridged academia and activism. She has lived in Latin America and East Africa for much of her professional life and worked with local advocacy organizations, including co-founding a program on health and human rights in the Asociación Pro Derechos Humanos (Lima, Peru; 1999). Dr. Yamin is a Senior Adviser on Human Rights and Health Policy at the global health justice organization, Partners In Health, and is the Director of the Global Health and Rights Project at Harvard Law School. Alicia and Warren will talk about her life journey, international work, and research into maternal health programs and human rights standards and principles among national governments and international institutions. Listeners can learn more by going to DefendPublicHealth.org.

Dr. Nicole Redvers - The Science of the Sacred

55 min

This week Warren's guest is Dr. Nicole Redvers, a member of the Deninu K'ue First Nation Band and the first Dene licensed practicing naturopathic doctor in North America. Dr. Redvers is an Associate Professor, Western Research Chair, Director-Indigenous Planetary Health at Western University. She has traveled the globe, studying traditional medicine systems in various countries and working with Indigenous patients, helping to bridge the gap between traditional and modern medical systems. In addition, Dr. Redvers developed Northern Canada's only integrative medicine clinic from the ground up and co-founded the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation (AIWF). Nicole is the author of The Science of the Sacred: Bridging Global Indigenous Medicine Systems and Modern Scientific Principles. Warren and Nicole will talk about her life and career experiences, and the state of Indigenous Health services in our country.

Kawartha Lakes - MuniciPAL AI

52 min

This episode is Warren's conversation with Cheri Davidson and Kristy Guthrie. Cheri is the Manager of Communications and Marketing for the City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario. She has teamed up with Kristy, founder of MuniciPAL AI, to bring artificial intelligence to City services making it easier for citizens to access local government services online. This is the first use of AI in this way in Canada. As a bonus, there may be a discussion about horses as well! Listen in to find out.

Julian Branch - Asbestos in our Water Pipes

57 min

This week Warren's guest is Julian Branch, an award-winning journalist who spent many years in the business as a national correspondent with The Canadian Press. Following his time in journalism, Julian embarked on a second career in strategic communications, where he served as the Director of Communications for 3 provincial premiers. In his retirement Julian has pursued an issue few people know. Asbestos-cement fabricated water pipes deliver water to millions of people around the world including in Canada. Research shows the pipes have reached the end of their lives and are shedding fibres into the water. While the hazards of inhaling asbestos are well documented, there is still a debate regarding the hazards of ingested asbestos. Warren and Julian will discuss this issue and highlight the urgent actions that need to be taken for the health of every person impacted by asbestos contamination of our water.

Issues in Hospice and Palliative Care

58 min

In this show Warren's guests are Salmon Arm residents Kathy DeMille, Jenae Pedersen RN, and Adele Preto MD (Rtd.). These ladies are all associated with the Shuswap Hospice Society and will talk with Warren about the history and value of palliative and hospice care in our area, and around the world. From the valiant work of clinical staff and volunteers in providing palliative and hospice care, to the challenges in finding resources and facilities to support our community, this conversation will offer insight into the world of end of life care and providing for loved ones through their final days.

Mark Anielski - The Economics of Happiness

58 min

In this episode Warren's guest is Economist Mark Anielski, author of The Economics of Happiness and developer of the integrated five-capitals accounting model for measuring and accounting for conditions of well-being in communities, businesses and nations. Mark and Warren will talk about Mark's journey into economics, the role of spirituality in human thriving, and his work to integrate concepts of well-being into our standard economic models.

Andrea Copland - Planetary Health Alliance

56 min

This week Warren's guest is Andrea Copland, Digital Librarian at the Planetary Health Alliance and Librarian at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Warren and Andrea will talk about her work to assist the Planetary Health Alliance to communicate the organization's research mission to the planetary health and global community. She is also a musician who uses her skills as an information professional to help the planet AND find new ways that music can be a vehicle for change and connection.

Mike Boudreau - Peace Builders

57 min

On this show Warren's guest is Mike Boudreau, Engineer, businessman, Rotarian, member of PeaceBuilders.world and leader of the Peace and Pizza program in Salmon Arm. Warren and Mike talk about Mike's journey from Engineer to peace builder and to the practice of Buddhism. Mike's story is one of personal evolution and change, and finding ways to be at peace with one's self, and to bring peace to the world.

Darcia Narvaez - The Evolved Nest

53 min

On this show Warren's guest is Darcia Narvaez, Professor of Psychology Emerita at the University of Notre Dam. Darcia has written extensively on issues of character, moral development, and human flourishing. She studies the effects of early life experience on sociality, morality and thriving. She hosts the website EvolvedNest.org which emphasizes the importance of nestedness for all ages in order to maintain wellbeing and compassionate morality.

Susan Blacklin - Water Justice

57 min

This episode includes Warren's conversation with Susan Blacklin, the author of Water Confidential - Witnessing Justice Denied. In her book she shares stories of the fifteen years during which she observed the challenges in obtaining safe drinking water for Canadians in rural and First Nations communities. Her late ex-husband, Dr. Hans Peterson, developed a biological water treatment process for First Nations. She shares the indifference of Government and sometimes outright discrimination toward First Nations as they attempted to make safe drinking water a reality for their communities. Susan's new book is Water Justice - What You Don't Know Can Kill You. It will be released on World Water Day, March 22, 2026.

Luke Kemp - Goliath's Curse

55 min

Listen in on Warren's conversation with Luke Kemp, Ph.D. author of Goliath's Curse. Luke is a research associate at the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk at the University of Cambridge. He has a background in human geography, international relations and economics, all of which he tutored or lectured in at the Australian National University. Luke is the author of the widely acclaimed book Goliath's Curse. Published in 2025, the book is a historical study of the collapse of human societies from the Bronze Age to the Modern era.

Guy LaChapelle - World Values Survey

58 min

In this episode Warren talks with Guy LaChapelle about the World Values Survey. Guy is a tenured professor of Political Science at Concordia University in Montreal Canada. He was the Secretary General of the International Political Science Association (IPSA) from 2000-2020 and organized 10 World Congress around the world for the International Political Science Association. Guy will talk about the origins of the World Values Survey, some of the key aspects of the survey scope and content, and how the survey results are open access for all researchers and organizations around the world.

Dan Meakes - Social Disconnection and Isolation

56 min

This episode includes Warren's interview with Dan Meakes, a local educator, pastor, farmer and facilitator of the EDSI program (Economic Disconnection and Social Isolation) in the Shuswap. Dan and Warren talk about the state of social isolation and economic disconnection in our communities and about ways to support individuals who experience these issues or are at risk of disconnection due to their socio-economic status, age or health challenges.

Jamie Kneen - MiningWatch Canada

59 min

In this episode hear Warren's interview with Jamie Kneen, Outreach Coordinator and Canada Program Co-Lead for MiningWatch Canada. Jamie leads MiningWatch's work on mining policy advocacy and mining activity in western and northern Canada, leading policy reform and providing strategic and technical support to communities affected by mineral exploration and mining projects. Listen in on this insightful conversation on the impacts of mining in Canada, particularly on indigenous communities in the north.

Human Rights in BC - Kasari Govender and Laura Track

57 min

Listen in on Warren's interview with Kasari Govender and Laura Track. Kasari Govender is the first independent B.C. Commissioner for Human Rights and is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights in our province through the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner. Laura Track is the Director of the Community Legal Assistance Society’s Human Rights Clinic, as well as its Director of Education. She advocates on behalf of people who have experienced discrimination and assists complainants to navigate BC’s human rights process.

Paul Kershaw - Generation Squeeze

51 min

Warren's guest is Dr. Paul Kershaw, an award-winning tenured professor at the University of British Columbia. Paul is a policy professor in the UBC School of Population and Public Health. He is the founder of Generation Squeeze, a non-profit organization that is the driving force behind advocacy for policy changes to support housing affordability, rent controls, taxes on empty homes, the recent $10/day daycare program across Canada, fair access to medical care, and generational equity.

Deirdre Nunan - A Canadian Physician working in Gaza - First published September 13, 2025

1 hr 2 min

Dr. Deirdre Nunan has spent many years working with Doctors Without Borders and bringing her skill as an orthopedic surgeon to people in famine stricken and impoverished communities in countries around the world. Recently Dr. Nunan has spent time in the Gaza strip treating patients impacted by the war between Israel and Hamas. In this episode Dr. Nunan shares with Warren her experiences working alongside local physicians, in extremely difficult conditions, to try and save the lives of civilians injured by the weapons of war.

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