A 16-year-old on misinformation, conservation, and civic engagement
Sixteen-year-old Abraham Hickson first encountered manta rays at age seven, and he's kept coming back. During his latest swim, seeing guests disturb the animals sparked a deeper awareness of what it means to protect them, and in that moment of frustration, something shifted. Now he channels that spark through competitive debate, civic engagement, and speaking up for ocean protection. His story offers a Gen Z perspective on inheriting environmental crises and what it takes to turn concern into action.
Episode summary
What began as a memorable night swim became the spark that ignited Abraham's broader sense of environmental responsibility. On his third manta ray experience, seeing guests ignore safety and wildlife-protection rules shifted him from quiet frustration to feeling compelled to speak up.
He explains how getting involved in speech and debate gave him the tools to turn instinctive concern into evidence-based advocacy, and how learning to articulate ideas publicly has shaped the way he sees climate, policy, and his generation’s role in both.
Martina shares her perspective on what it takes to run a small, ethical manta operation in Hawaii, and how decades on the water have shaped her approach to education, safety, and respect for wildlife. She talks about starting over in Hawaii after losing her partner, shifting from engineering into ocean recreation work, and learning firsthand how quickly gaps in regulation or guest awareness can put both animals and people at risk. She also discusses some of the broader industry patterns she's witnessed and why consistent, values-driven practices matter.
The conversation shifts from manta rays to the bigger picture: the environmental and political challenges Gen Z has inherited, and the larger forces shaping their future. They discuss misinformation, the importance of developing a “personal BS radar”, the cultural differences around speaking up, and why this “decade of decisions” demands more civic engagement than previous generations expected. Abraham’s story shows just how quickly a spark of concern can turn into real momentum when young people are given the tools, context, and confidence to use their voice.
Takeaways:
Anger can fuel productive change: That moment of frustration in the water encouraged Abraham to build the communication skills he’d need to advocate for issues he cares about.
Gen Z's voice matters: This generation inherited massive environmental and political challenges, and they're the ones who'll live with the consequences, making their engagement and leadership critical right now.
Direct experience drives responsibility: A single, powerful wildlife experience can shift someone’s understanding of what’s worth protecting.
Critical thinking is non-negotiable: With misinformation everywhere, building a reliable BS radar is essential for anyone trying to make sense of the world.
Today’s guests: Abraham Hickson
Abraham Hickson is a 16-year-old from a small town in Colorado with two years of speech and debate experience at the highest levels. He’s deeply engaged with current events, environmental issues, and civic life, and he’s learning how to turn that interest into real advocacy. Outside the debate circuit, he trains in Muay Thai and MMA and hopes to make a positive impact in the world in every way he can.
Resources from this episode:
Dr. Heather Cox Richardson — Historian whose daily analyses and newsletter help explain U.S. history, democracy, and current events.
National Speech & Debate Association — The organization that governs competitive high school debate in the US.
Lincoln-Douglas debates — A one-on-one debate format named after the historic Lincoln–Douglas debates, focused on values, ethics, and evidence-based argument.
Gaslight (1944) — The movie that introduced the term “gaslighting,” discussed in relation to misinformation and psychological manipulation.
If this conversation leaves you wanting to do more than just hope things improve, start by strengthening the skills that make advocacy possible: critical thinking, clear communication, and reliable sources. Look into speech and debate programs or other opportunities that help you practice making well-supported arguments. For those already engaged, take the next step: learn who represents you at the local, state, and national levels and where they stand on environmental and civic issues. Then choose one concrete action: submit testimony on a bill, reach out to an elected official about a conservation concern, or support credible journalism that keeps the public informed. Small, consistent engagement is how meaningful change happens.