Rewilding Earth Podcast - Episode 148: The Art of Finding Balance In Choppy Waters With Dana Lyons
Release Date: May 16, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 148 of the Rewilding Earth Podcast, host Jack Humphrey welcomes the esteemed musician and environmental advocate, Dana Lyons. Renowned for his impactful songs like "Cows with Guns," Dana shares insights into balancing his dual roles as an artist and organizer, the inspirations behind his music, and his unwavering commitment to conservation and social justice.
Balancing Artistry and Organizing
Dana Lyons opens the conversation by reflecting on the importance of maintaining a balance between his creative pursuits and his activism. He emphasizes the necessity of stepping back to appreciate and connect with nature to fuel his artistic side.
"I'm half organizer, half artist. So those two parts of me are fighting each other and the organizer will eat the artist every time. And so I have to protect the artist."
— Dana Lyons [04:00]
Dana discusses his routine of retreating to wilderness areas—beaches, forests—where he can write music away from the distractions of the modern world. This practice not only nurtures his creativity but also reinforces his dedication to protecting wild spaces.
Upcoming Tour and New Creative Ventures
Dana shares details about his upcoming tour scheduled for April and May, highlighting a shift towards incorporating new elements like a podcast. He expresses excitement about integrating fun and creativity into his performances, ensuring that his tour remains both enjoyable and meaningful.
"You're going to get to hear Cows With Guns today and also a great song that he wrote for his good friend Jane Goodall."
— Jack Humphrey [02:12]
Dana also teases new music, including a special tribute to Jane Goodall, showcasing his ability to intertwine personal relationships with broader conservation themes.
The Essence of Creativity and Presence
A recurring theme in Dana's discussion is the importance of being present. He recounts his experiences during songwriting, noting that the best ideas often emerge when he's not actively seeking them but is instead fully immersed in the moment.
"The second I'm, quote, not working and I'm actually just being present, oh, guess what? The ideas just start popping into my head."
— Dana Lyons [05:15]
This philosophy not only aids his songwriting but also serves as a strategy to prevent burnout among activists and organizers, advocating for regular breaks to sustain long-term efforts in conservation.
Song Performances and Their Meanings
"Love Song to Jane"
Dana performs his heartfelt tribute to Jane Goodall, capturing the essence of their friendship and her profound impact on conservation.
"We are curious when we're very small so excited by the beauty of it all we turn our faces up just to feel the rain..."
— Dana Lyons [10:27]
He recounts performing the song live at the Moore Theater in Seattle, sharing the nervous excitement of honoring a living legend just before her 90th birthday.
"She loved it. She loved it. And that's when I first sang it to her some years before."
— Dana Lyons [17:01]
"My Country"
Dana introduces "My Country," a song that blends patriotism with environmental advocacy, challenging listeners to redefine what it means to fight for one's country.
"Protecting wilderness is a very American and very patriotic thing to do."
— Dana Lyons [21:00]
The performance underscores the bipartisan importance of conservation, highlighting how protecting natural landscapes transcends political affiliations.
"Ride the Lawn" and "Cows with Guns"
Dana presents "Ride the Lawn," a satirical take on suburban lawn culture, followed by his iconic "Cows with Guns." He humorously engages the audience, encouraging them to embrace the playful yet poignant messages within his songs.
"It's a spoof on ourselves. It's a spoof on the great pioneering rugged individual ethic."
— Dana Lyons [39:22]
Despite the songs' humorous tones, Dana emphasizes their underlying commentary on environmental issues and societal norms.
Patriotism and Conservation: A Unified Front
Dana delves into the intricate relationship between patriotism and environmental conservation. He reminisces about the shared values that once united conservatives and liberals in protecting national parks, lamenting the current partisan divide.
"Protecting wilderness is a very American and very patriotic thing to do."
— Dana Lyons [21:00]
Dana critiques contemporary political attacks on national parks, arguing that such actions are not reflective of the American spirit of freedom and conservation.
"Everyone loves national parks, from the poorest family to the richest gazillionaire."
— Dana Lyons [35:28]
He passionately asserts that true patriotism lies in safeguarding the nation's natural treasures and ensuring freedom and democracy for all.
The Power of Music in Advocacy
Throughout the episode, Dana illustrates how his music serves as a tool for advocacy and unity. By blending humor, storytelling, and activism, his songs resonate with diverse audiences, fostering a deeper connection to environmental causes.
"It's part of our job as artists to help shed some light on the bizarreness of our own culture."
— Dana Lyons [30:26]
Dana's approach demonstrates the potency of art in driving social change, making complex issues accessible and engaging.
Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Endeavors
As the conversation concludes, Dana outlines his plans for the coming year, including new music videos and collaboration on a song advocating for the reintroduction of jaguars in Arizona and New Mexico. He remains committed to blending his artistic passions with his conservation efforts, ensuring that his work continues to inspire and mobilize audiences.
"I'm working on a song for reintroducing jaguars in Arizona, New Mexico."
— Dana Lyons [58:38]
Conclusion
Episode 148 of the Rewilding Earth Podcast offers an intimate glimpse into Dana Lyons' life as a musician and conservationist. Through candid discussions and spirited performances, Dana underscores the essential balance between creativity and activism, the enduring importance of protecting natural landscapes, and the unifying power of music in championing environmental and social justice.
Notable Quotes
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"If you're working to protect the wild places and the critters and our beautiful world, you need to go out there and just appreciate it and just listen to it."
— Dana Lyons [04:00] -
"Patriotism is obviously manipulated by lots of people. And so what I'm trying to remind people is when we're working to protect our families, when we're working to protect the places and the people that we love, that's what real patriotism is."
— Dana Lyons [33:07] -
"Cows with guns. It doesn't get old for me either, because the song is so long, I sometimes forget certain jokes."
— Dana Lyons [56:32]
Listen to Episode 148 here to delve deeper into Dana Lyons' inspiring journey and his unwavering dedication to rewilding our planet.