At Outside/In, we often talk about the challenge of covering climate in a way that doesn’t leave us feeling hopeless or overwhelmed. For us, that’s often meant staying curious and keeping a sense of humor.

But a few years ago, investigative journalist Amy Westervelt had another idea. Why not use one of podcasting’s most popular genres—true crime—to tell the story of climate change?

From greenwashing to climate denialism and corporate propaganda, Drilled makes accountability journalism a thrill to listen to, while consistently being one of the most informative sources for in-depth climate news.

So today, we’re featuring the first episode of their latest three-part series: “Herb.” This is the story of Herb Schmertz, the political strategist-turned-oil-man who popularized corporate personhood, and how it's become one of the biggest problems facing climate action today.

Featuring Robert Kerr and Robert Bruhl.

Read the episode transcript.

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CREDITS

This episode of Drilled was written and reported by Amy Westervelt.

It was produced and sound designed by Martin Zaltz Ostwick.

Sound engineer: Peter Doff

Additional reporting by Julia Manepela

Fact checking: Wudan Yan

Outside/In is hosted by Nate Hegyi. The team also includes Tayor Quimby, Justine Paradis, Felix Poon, and Jeongyoon Han.

Outside/In’s executive producer is Rebecca Lavoie.

Outside/In is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio.