Gaia Gossip is on the Move
Welcome to the latest edition of Gaia Gossip! We're thrilled to bring you an engaging conversation about climate impact stories and developments in the hemp industry. Today’s episode features a new team member who is making waves in the hemp world.
Introduction to Gaia Gossip on the Move
This episode, showcases Maren, a new dynamic leader in our team. Maren’s journey and expertise bring fresh insights and excitement to our discussions. Let's dive into an enthralling conversation about climate impacts, the role of hemp, and Maren’s incredible contributions.
Welcoming a New Team Member: Maren
Alicia: Hello everyone, and welcome back to Gaia Gossip! We’ve got a special treat for you today. Hey there, Aicila. How are you today?
Aicila: I'm good. I feel like we just did this.
Alica: We did, just a few days ago! But today is unique because we’re introducing a fantastic new team member. Welcome to Gaia Gossip on the Move. This series will highlight climate impact stories and developments in the hemp industry.
A Glimpse of Maren’s Story
Maren’s journey is as inspiring as it is unusual. She devoted four years living out of her car, traveling extensively to gather stories for her book H is for Hemp. Let’s delve into her journey and understand what makes her an invaluable addition to our team.
Maren's Early Connection with the Hemp Community
Host: Before we bring Maren on, let’s talk a bit about her. Maren reached out to me a few years ago while she was researching her book. She wanted insights into the hemp industry and indigenous peoples working within it. Our first conversation lasted about three hours over Zoom, and we instantly connected. We knew we were going to collaborate and support each other’s work.
The Relentless Pursuit of Curiosity
Aicila: Maren’s relentless pursuit of her curiosity is remarkable. Initially, she aimed to understand the refugee crisis and lived in her car for a few months to follow her question through to the end. This journey extended to four years and led her to the realization that man-made environmental damage contributes significantly to refugee crises. This realization ultimately brought her into the hemp community.
Alicia: Exactly. Maren’s journey underscores the importance of curiosity and the profound connections between environmental issues and social crises. Her stories, passion, and knowledge enrich the conversation around these topics.
Alicia: Without further ado, let’s bring Maren in.
Maren: Thank you for the warm welcome! It’s great to be here and recount how we all met. It’s indeed a special connection forged during the COVID lockdown through online meetings.
Maren’s Unique Setup and Storytelling
Maren lives off-grid in Austria, relying on solar power, and this unique lifestyle informs her approach to storytelling. Her connection to nature is profound, and it influences her work significantly.
Maren: Living in the Alps, surrounded by cows and nature, keeps me grounded. This environment was supportive when writing my book. It’s an experience that’s hard to describe but incredibly rewarding.
H is for Hemp: A Journey of Persistence
Alicia: H is for Hemp is not just a book. It’s a testimony to Maren’s tenacity. She spent two years ensuring the book was printed on hemp paper, working with Hanemühle, a German fine art paper manufacturer. This journey was fraught with challenges, from finding the right hemp paper to enduring setbacks during the printing process.
Maren: The perseverance was worth it. The book is unique, and, having sold out, it validates that there’s a significant interest in hemp-related discussions. The next steps involve exploring different media to continue sharing these important stories.
Alicia: And we’re excited to have you continue these stories with us on Gaia Gossip.
Innovative Solutions in the Hemp Industry
Plasma for People: A Game Changer
Alicia: Let’s discuss an exciting innovation Maren introduced us to – Plasma for People. This initiative replaces the albumin in blood plasma with hemp-derived edestin protein, making it safer, cheaper, and more accessible, particularly in regions with limited resources.
Maren: Absolutely. This hemp-derived plasma addresses multiple issues – from avoiding bacterial contamination to sidestepping cooling chain requirements. It holds promise for revolutionizing medical treatments, especially in under-resourced areas like Central Africa and Latin America.
"This is about making life-saving treatments accessible and affordable globally. Hemp is not just a plant; it’s a potential game changer in medical science." – Maren
Upcoming Adventures
Host: Speaking of treatments and innovations, Maren will soon embark on a journey with the Plasma for People team on a hemp-outfitted sailboat. This exciting adventure aims to showcase hemp's versatility and raise awareness about its potential.
Maren: Yes, we’ll be sailing with Hemp for World, a boat project heavily outfitted with hemp materials. The sailboat serves as an educational platform in different harbors, demonstrating hemp’s benefits across various applications.
Future Episodes: What's Next?
Morocco and Hashish Production
In upcoming episodes, Maren will explore diverse topics, such as her recent visit to Morocco’s Rif Mountains. This region’s involvement in hashish production reveals both social justice issues and innovative uses of the cannabis plant.
Maren: Together with a colleague from Spain, I’ve produced a reportage on the social and legal landscape of Morocco’s hashish production. This involves complex narratives around legalization, economic impacts, and human rights.
Cross-Cultural Insights
Aicila: One of the exciting features of Maren's segments is her ability to converse with people in their native languages, whether it be French, Spanish, or German. This adds authenticity and depth to the stories.
Maren: It’s an honor to share stories in their authentic voices. The response from the community is profoundly positive when we communicate in their native language.
Closing Thoughts
Alicia: Maren, your journey and contributions are invaluable. Thank you for sharing your insights and adventures with us. We look forward to more exciting stories and innovations in the world of hemp.
Aicila: Absolutely. We’re eager to see where this journey takes us next.
Maren: Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m excited to be part of Gaia Gossip and to continue exploring the world of hemp with you all.
Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll dive into more captivating stories from around the world.
Subscribe to Gaia Gossip for future updates and more immersive stories about climate impacts and hemp innovations. Let’s continue exploring these vital topics together.
