"Call Us a Bunch of Utopians" with Climate Activist Arto Sivonen

Today, we're speaking with Arto Sivonen, an activist and strategist fighting FOR human rights and AGAINST the climate crisis.Originally from Finland, Arto divides his time between Nairobi, Bengaluru, and Helsinki as the founder and CEO of Måndag, a creative change agency. A lot is happening in Africa and on the Indian subcontinent regarding young people leading movements for change, and Arto has the pulse on these movements.I first came across Arto and his work when I saw one of his Instagram posts about organizing for Palestinian human rights in Helsinki. With statements like: "Call us a bunch of utopians, but we think positive change is unstoppable," Arto shares his radical change ideas with us.Become a Going Places member for as little as $6 a month. Visit our reimagined platform at goingplacesmedia.com to learn more.Thanks to our Founding Member: RISE Travel Institute, a nonprofit with a mission to create a more just and equitable world through travel education.What you’ll learn in this episode:The tension between capitalism and activismWhat could the world of radical honesty look likeWhy ethical storytelling decenters the storytellerWhy Arto thinks East Africa, the Middle East, and India are places to be right nowTaking the global North off the pedestalClimate colonialism: sustainable tourism in the context of colonizationCan ecotourism ever be good?What's wrong with travel?Climate crisis in PolynesiaWhy Arto thinks flying is too cheapArto's life in two suitcases between India and KenyaHow land in America is connected to consumerismWhat it was like living in Nairobi and BengaluruYulia and Arto have a favorite spot they share in FinlandWhat gives Arto hopeFeatured on the show:Follow @artosivonen on InstagramLearn more about MåndagGoing Places is a reader-supported platform. Get membership perks like a monthly group call with Yulia at goingplacesmedia.com!For more BTS of this podcast follow @goingplacesmedia on Instagram and check out our videos on YouTube!Please head over to Apple Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE to the show. If you enjoy this conversation, please share it with others on social and don’t forget to tag us @goingplacesmedia!And show us some love, if you have a minute, by rating Going Places or leaving us a review wherever you listen. You’ll be helping us to bend the arc of algorithms towards our community — thank you!Going Places with Yulia Denisyuk is a show that sparks a better understanding of people and places near and far by fostering a space for real conversations to occur. Each week, we sit down with travelers, journalists, creators, and people living and working in destinations around the world. Hosted by Yulia Denisyuk, an award-winning travel journalist, photographer, and writer who's worked with National Geographic, The New York Times, BBC Travel, and more. Learn...