Author: Michael Hawk

#114: Mistletoes Are Keystone Species – Dr. David Watson

May 5, 2025

Mistletoes are the misunderstood heroes of the plant world, often seen as mere parasites yet crucial to ecosystem health. They support a vibrant community of birds and wildlife, recycle nutrients, and cool their host trees. Their evolutionary history intertwines with birds, signifying a complex, symbiotic relationship that challenges conventional perceptions of parasitism. … More #114: Mistletoes Are Keystone Species – Dr. David Watson

#112: Incredible Deep Sea and Tropical Marine Habitats – Dr. Judith Gobin

March 25, 2025

The ocean is a treasure trove of biodiversity, yet it’s often overlooked. Dr. Judith Gobin exposes the rich marine ecosystems of Trinidad and Tobago, highlighting the critical need for conservation amidst exploitation. With treaties emerging to regulate deep-sea mining, the stakes are high. Will humanity prioritize preservation? … More #112: Incredible Deep Sea and Tropical Marine Habitats – Dr. Judith Gobin

#111: Earthquakes: Myths, Surprises, and Hidden Dangers with Dr. Wendy Bohon

March 4, 2025

Dive deep into the fascinating world of earthquakes with Dr. Wendy Bohon as she demystifies seismic science, elaborates on the misconceptions and risks, and recounts her eclectic journey from a theater major to a renowned earthquake geologist. Discover the truths that could shake your understanding of our planet! … More #111: Earthquakes: Myths, Surprises, and Hidden Dangers with Dr. Wendy Bohon

#110: Why We Need Apex Predators – Coexistence with Dr. Jonny Hanson

February 11, 2025

Dr. Jonny Hanson dives into the provocative discussion around reintroducing apex predators like lynx and wolves, revealing the complex tapestry of ecological and human interaction. His insights expose the paradox of conservation efforts amid conflicts between farmers’ livelihoods and wildlife. It’s a messy, often contentious journey towards a shared landscape, necessitating innovative solutions. … More #110: Why We Need Apex Predators – Coexistence with Dr. Jonny Hanson

#109: Cultural Fire with Margo Robbins

February 3, 2025

In a world besieged by devastating wildfires, Margo Robbins passionately champions cultural burning practices that not only secure community bonds but also protect biodiversity. This episode reveals the profound importance of traditional fire management, especially for the Yurok tribe, challenging preconceived notions about fire’s role in nature. … More #109: Cultural Fire with Margo Robbins

#108: Acorn Woodpeckers and Oak Masting with Dr. Walt Koenig

January 13, 2025

Acorn woodpeckers are a curious, complex species steeped in intriguing behaviors. Dr. Walt Koenig’s decades of research reveal cooperative breeding, unique acorn storage practices, and mysterious masting phenomena. As nature’s jester, they thrive in large familial groups, showcasing dynamics that will leave any nature lover spellbound. … More #108: Acorn Woodpeckers and Oak Masting with Dr. Walt Koenig

Alison Pollack – Finding and Photographing Slime Molds

December 31, 2024

Slime molds (Myxomycetes) are beautiful, weird, and amazing organisms. Often mistaken for fungi, they are actually single celled, yet they grow and efficiently move in search of food, can start and stop their life cycle based on environmental conditions, and even change colors several times during their brief life cycle. They can be beautifully colored, frequently iridescent, and can be ornately shaped. And better still, they can be found in much of the world – maybe even in your yard.

My guest today, Alison Pollack, is a renowned slime mold photographer and unabashed enthusiast of slime molds and their habitats. … More Alison Pollack – Finding and Photographing Slime Molds

#106: Why Ants Might Be the Most Interesting Creatures on Earth with Chloe Jelley

November 25, 2024

Ants are the amazingly interesting, but overlooked heroes of our ecosystems, outnumbering us in staggering numbers and exhibiting complex social structures. Their surprising behaviors, from farming fungi to constructing vast colonies, challenge the notion that viruses and microbes dominate our world. Dive into the captivating world of ants with researcher Chloe Jelley. … More #106: Why Ants Might Be the Most Interesting Creatures on Earth with Chloe Jelley