What a great new show we have for you all this week! Billie Marten is a brilliant young singer-songwriter from England who began her career at the age of 15. And from Portland, Oregon, we welcome Dean Johnson, a fresh new voice in a bit of an older skin. Dean didn’t begin his music career until he was in his fifties. eTown host Nick Forster also has a chat with meteorologist and former Denver TV weatherman Mike Nelson about his book, The World’s Littlest Book on Climate: 10 Facts in 10 Minutes about CO2.

Billie Marten is only in her twenties and has already released five acclaimed albums, including her latest, Dog Eared, which she shares on this episode. What began as videos she posted online for her grandparents has grown into a remarkable musical career defined by an unmistakable voice, adventurous musical instincts and thoughtful songwriting. 

After years tending bar and quietly honing his craft, Dean Johnson released his debut album on his 50th birthday. On this episode, he performs songs from both that remarkable debut and its follow-up, I Hope We Can Still Be Friends. His songs are funny, heartbreaking and full of keen observations about everyday life, delivered with honesty and wit.

And Nick sits down with longtime Colorado meteorologist Mike Nelson for a conversation about climate science and public understanding. Drawing from decades of forecasting and his book, The World’s Littlest Book on Climate: 10 Facts in 10 Minutes about CO2, Mike shares insights into one of today’s most important topics.