2025 Broken Ground Podcast
Broken Ground is a podcast by SELC, digging up environmental stories in the South.
Meet the small-town neighbors fighting to build a better future, together.
From strip mines to wood pellet mills, polluting industries have forced the costs of consumption onto small Southern towns, places they’re betting are out of sight, therefore out of mind. In the latest season, we shine a spotlight on some of the important issues impacting rural communities and share the stories of the neighbors who are working together to build a better environmental future.
Goals and objectives
- Use storytelling to elevate environmental issues often overlooked, impacting the rural South.
- Spotlight inspiring stories, solutions, and communities paving the way for a better environmental future.
- Bring national attention to critical issues playing out in the rural South.
Results
25,000+
Listens for Season 7 since launching in July.
80%
Average completion rate on Season 7 episodes.
255,000+
Total listens since launching in 2019.
Interview
Leanna First-Arai, our host, on WABE.
Press
New York Times, op-ed highlights Broken Ground, Season 7 episode.
Reviews
Consistent 4-star reviews on Apple Podcasts.
Case study
In the first episode of Season 7, The Strip Mine and the Swamp, we highlight untold stories from communities on the brink of losing an environmental treasure. In a major victory, the mining company featured in that Okefenokee episode recently scrapped their project.
50 states
Where people opposed mining the Okefenokee Swamp.
30 countries
Where comments were submitted from, to stop Twin Pines Mine.
250,000+
People who advocated to save the Okefenokee Swamp, and in 2025 – VICTORY.
Season 7 trailer
Behind the scenes
Photos by Joel Caldwell
