Author: Michael Hawk

#131: Storms from the Sun: Understanding Space Weather and Auroras with Dr. Ryan French

July 30, 2026

In this captivating episode of Nature’s Archive, Dr. Ryan French, a solar astrophysicist, explores the profound connections between solar activity and life on Earth. He explains how solar flares and coronal mass ejections influence everything from GPS disruptions to the stunning northern lights. Unveil the secrets of our solar system and discover how these celestial events directly impact our daily lives. Tune in for a thrilling journey into the heart of the sun! … More #131: Storms from the Sun: Understanding Space Weather and Auroras with Dr. Ryan French

#130: Burning Questions: Understanding Fire Management with Lenya Quinn-Davidson

June 30, 2026

When we think of wildfire, most of us think of raging infernos burning everything in its path. But historically, this intense type of fire was quite rare. In fact, there used to be more frequent fires, and more acres burned than today – but at low intensity. Learn why this is, and what we can do to restore beneficial fire with Lenya Quinn-Davidson. … More #130: Burning Questions: Understanding Fire Management with Lenya Quinn-Davidson

#129: Wide-Angle Listening: How Nature’s Soundtrack Completes Your Connection to the Wild 

May 27, 2026

Dive into the enchanting world of nature’s soundscape! This episode reveals how listening profoundly connects us to the environment, highlighting the treasures hidden in everyday sounds. Join Michael Hawk and audio engineer Sue Pelmulder on a quest to uncover the immersive experience of birdsong, transforming how we engage with our surroundings. … More #129: Wide-Angle Listening: How Nature’s Soundtrack Completes Your Connection to the Wild 

#128: How Your Photos Save Species: Scott Loarie on iNaturalist and Community Science

April 22, 2026

iNaturalist is more than just a nature identification app; it fundamentally transforms our relationship with the natural world. Through its platform, users not only identify flora and fauna but also contribute to a vast community science dataset, fostering engagement and empowering conservation efforts globally. This represents a groundbreaking shift in environmental stewardship. Hear all about it from Scott Loarie, Executive Director of iNaturalist! … More #128: How Your Photos Save Species: Scott Loarie on iNaturalist and Community Science

#127: Salt Lakes – An Unnatural History with Caroline Tracey

March 17, 2026

Caroline Tracey’s captivating book “Salt Lakes: An Unnatural History” unveils the hidden wonders of the world’s over 100 salt lakes, rich in biodiversity and unique ecosystems. It highlights their ecological significance amid urgent threats like water diversion and climate change. This compelling narrative calls for awareness, action, and reverence for our planet’s overlooked treasures. … More #127: Salt Lakes – An Unnatural History with Caroline Tracey

Plankton of the Land: The Hidden World of Aphids

March 8, 2026

Aphids, often dismissed as pests, are vital players in the ecosystem, dubbed the “plankton of the land.” Their rapid reproduction supports immense biodiversity, serving as food for various species. These tiny creatures highlight nature’s intricate connections, reminding us that even the smallest organisms have significant roles in sustaining life. … More Plankton of the Land: The Hidden World of Aphids

#126: New Hope for Sunflower Sea Stars

February 17, 2026

In today’s episode, the Sunflower Star Lab shares a hopeful narrative about the recovery of sunflower sea stars, keystone species devastated by an outbreak of sea star wasting disease. The lab’s innovative research, community partnerships, and aquaculture advancements promise brighter days for fragile kelp forest ecosystems once populated by billions of these extraordinary creatures. … More #126: New Hope for Sunflower Sea Stars

#125: The Plankton of the Land: The Alien World of Aphids with Natalie Hernandez

January 28, 2026

Dive deep into the bizarre world of aphids—creatures born pregnant, continuously reproducing without a mate, and pivotal to our ecosystems. Entomologist Natalie Hernandez unveils their mind-blowing biology, revealing their symbiotic dance with ants and vital roles in the food web. … More #125: The Plankton of the Land: The Alien World of Aphids with Natalie Hernandez

#124: The Moving Target of Climate: The Future of Stewardship with Dr. Zac Cannizzo

January 8, 2026

Land stewards are caught in a high-stakes dilemma: cling to familiar ecosystems or embrace inevitable change. Climate-informed conservation demands a mindset shift to proactive design for the future. Dr. Zac Cannizzo champions this transformative approach, proving that hope exists even amidst ecological upheaval. … More #124: The Moving Target of Climate: The Future of Stewardship with Dr. Zac Cannizzo

#123: A Look at Biodiversity

December 11, 2025

In 2025, Jumpstart Nature and Nature’s Archive celebrate biodiversity with captivating episodes exploring essential yet overlooked species, like mistletoes and aphids. This compilation showcases their intricate roles in ecosystems, highlighting their importance in food webs and climate resilience. Join the journey of discovery as we deepen our connection to nature’s wonders! … More #123: A Look at Biodiversity