The Brett Cooper Show: Episode 15 - "Can b00bs Save The Planet?"

Release Date: March 20, 2025
Host: Brett Cooper
Title: Can b00bs Save The Planet?
Podcast Description: The Brett Cooper Show explores how generational shifts and cultural trends are reshaping our values, behaviors, relationships, and communities. Through a blend of video essays and interviews, Brett uncovers how we can build stronger connections with each other and foster resilience within ourselves as we navigate a world in constant flux.

1. Introduction: The State of Modern Protests

Brett Cooper opens the episode by reflecting on the recent decline in large-scale protests, noting a surprising peace compared to past events. However, this momentary calm is quickly disrupted as protests begin to resurge, prompting Brett to question their overall effectiveness.

Notable Quote:

"The moment I thought that, I started seeing protests literally everywhere, unfortunately, which made me think about how effective these protests actually are."
— Brett Cooper [00:00]

2. The Diminishing Impact of Protests

Brett delves into an analysis of protests over the past five to ten years, arguing that they have often done more harm than good by alienating the very causes they aim to support. He cites the example of radical activists undermining environmentalism as a universally accepted American value.

Notable Quote:

"They have actually done more harm than good, turning people away from the causes that they are trying to promote."
— Brett Cooper [00:00]

3. Case Study: Women's March and Its Paradoxes

Brett discusses the recent International Women's Day marches, particularly focusing on the contradictory messaging and actions of the protesters. He highlights instances where demonstrators used symbols and actions that confused the core message, such as displaying American flags with swastikas.

Notable Quotes:

"Like, why on earth do you have an American flag painted on your bare chest with a swastika? That literally makes no sense."
— Brett Cooper [02:30]

"Abortion was not the only thing that they were protesting and screaming about... They were protesting everything."
— Brett Cooper [04:15]

4. Tesla Protests: A Case of Misguided Activism

Transitioning to climate activism, Brett critiques the recent wave of protests targeting Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk. He describes incidents of Teslas being vandalized and the irony of climate activists attacking electric vehicles—products that advance environmental sustainability.

Notable Quotes:

"These protests, they make no sense. Nothing you are doing is effective."
— Brett Cooper [06:00]

"The irony of the fact that these are the electric cars that you demanded be mandated across the country... is so ridiculous."
— Brett Cooper [08:30]

5. Interview with Benji Bakker: The Flaws in Modern Environmentalism

Brett is joined by Benji Bakker, founder of ACC National and the new group Nature Is Nonpartisan. Benji critiques the current environmental movement, asserting that it has shifted from genuine concern for nature to brand promotion and political statements.

Notable Quotes:

"These are people who don't really care about the environment. They care about growing their own brands and making extremist political statements."
— Benji Bakker [11:56]

"The environmental movement should stand for the 80% of Americans that care about the environment and want sensible policies to solve those problems."
— Benji Bakker [24:37]

6. Government Actions Undermining Environmental Goals

Brett highlights recent governmental actions that contradict environmental conservation efforts. He points to Brazil’s construction of a highway through the Amazon rainforest for the COP30 summit and California’s push to remove dairy farmers from Point Reyes National Seashore despite their regenerative practices.

Notable Quotes:

"They are bulldozing acres upon acres of the Amazon so that they can fly people in and drive them in to talk about how we need to save the planet."
— Brett Cooper [20:10]

"Removing livestock agriculture will restore Point Reyes to a more natural state... It's about the darn elk."
— Brett Cooper [21:00]

7. The Call for Real Solutions Over Grand Gestures

Concluding the episode, Brett emphasizes the need for practical, bipartisan solutions to environmental issues rather than attention-seeking protests. He discusses the launch of Nature Is Nonpartisan, advocating for policies that transcend political divisions to effectively address environmental challenges.

Notable Quotes:

"Radical climate folks prioritizing grand gestures over practical, proven fixes... Their strategies are just not effective."
— Brett Cooper [23:05]

"The environment should not be an issue that is dominated only by one side. It should be a nonpartisan point of American pride."
— Brett Cooper [27:32]

8. Promoting Positive Change: Nature Is Nonpartisan

Benji Bakker elaborates on the mission of Nature Is Nonpartisan, aiming to represent the majority of Americans who care about the environment without the partisan baggage. The organization seeks to implement sensible policies that protect nature while supporting human livelihoods.

Notable Quotes:

"There is no organization out there... Nature's Nonpartisan is dedicated to representing those people and pushing for sensible policies."
— Benji Bakker [24:37]

"It's an American identity, cultural opportunity to reclaim something that we all share, make it about the environment again."
— Benji Bakker [25:00]

9. Conclusion: Reclaiming Environmentalism

Brett wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of moving beyond ineffective protests and embracing constructive, bipartisan approaches to environmental conservation. He expresses optimism that with leadership and unity, environmentalism can regain its standing as a unifying American value.

Notable Quote:

"There is not a better time to redirect this issue because the environment... should not be a political issue."
— Brett Cooper [27:01]

Key Takeaways:

• Protests' Efficacy: Brett Cooper argues that modern protests, especially those with radical tactics, often undermine the causes they intend to support by alienating the public.

• Environmentalism's Direction: The current environmental movement is criticized for prioritizing brand and political statements over genuine conservation efforts, leading to public disillusionment.

• Government Contradictions: Recent governmental projects, such as Brazil's Amazon highway and California's policies against regenerative farming, highlight a disconnect between stated environmental goals and actual policies.

• Bipartisan Solutions Needed: Emphasizing the launch of Nature Is Nonpartisan, the episode calls for sensible, collaborative approaches to environmentalism that transcend political divides.

• Reclaiming Environmental Pride: There is a strong push to reposition environmentalism as a nonpartisan, unifying value that aligns with common American ideals of conservation and stewardship.

For New Listeners:

If you haven't tuned into this episode yet, Brett Cooper provides a critical examination of contemporary protest movements and their impact on environmentalism. Through insightful discussions and expert interviews, he advocates for a return to practical solutions and bipartisan collaboration to effectively address environmental challenges.

Tune in to Episode 15 of The Brett Cooper Show to explore these discussions in detail and join the conversation on building a more resilient and united approach to environmental conservation.