Alison Pollack – Finding and Photographing Slime Molds

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

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

#105: From Fear to Fascination: Kevin Wiener on His Journey at All Bugs Go to Kevin

Step into the world of insects and arachnids with Kevin Wiener (creator of All Bugs Go To Kevin), who transforms fear into fascination through his passionate advocacy for spiders and insects. Discover the oft-overlooked roles these creatures play in our ecosystem, and learn how community can help us overcome our apprehensions. It’s time to embrace the beauty of bugs! … More #105: From Fear to Fascination: Kevin Wiener on His Journey at All Bugs Go to Kevin

#104: Wasting Away: The Battle to Save Sunflower Sea Stars and Kelp Forests with the Sunflower Star Lab

The Sunflower Sea Star, a keystone species once numbering 6 billion, has dramatically declined, impacting marine systems, particularly kelp forests. Today’s episode details the Sunflower Star Laboratory, where researchers aim to restore this vital species through aquaculture and community outreach, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and ecological balance. … More #104: Wasting Away: The Battle to Save Sunflower Sea Stars and Kelp Forests with the Sunflower Star Lab

Saving a Valley: How Coyote Valley Inspires Conservation

Coyote Valley’s saga reveals the clash between corporate ambition and environmental preservation. Steve Jobs’ vision fell short, yet the valley flourishes as a beacon of biodiversity and cultural heritage. This podcast ignites a rallying cry for community-driven conservation, showing listeners how to protect landscapes that they love and care for. … More Saving a Valley: How Coyote Valley Inspires Conservation

#103: Exploring Wildlife Forensics with Ashley Bray

Wildlife forensics expert Ashley Bray shares her passion for the field, illuminating the connections between wildlife crime and broader illegal activities. Through compelling anecdotes about the endangered vaquita and California condors, this discussion highlights the urgent need for conservation and ethical responsibility, sparking hope for future advocacy. … More #103: Exploring Wildlife Forensics with Ashley Bray

#102: Sophie Osborn – From the Brink: Reintroducing Endangered Birds

Join Sophie Osborn as she unveils the triumphant yet harrowing journeys of the peregrine falcon, Hawaiian crow, and California condor. Discover the shocking threats they face (and how they are surprising threats to us, too), from lead poisoning to deadly pesticides, and how their survival stories could spell hope for us all. … More #102: Sophie Osborn – From the Brink: Reintroducing Endangered Birds

#101: Connecting Climate, Carbon, Tree Leaf Phenology and Genetics with Dr. Hanna Makowski

Discover how Dr. Hanna Makowski unpacks the secrets of plant responses to environmental stress at Black Rock Forest. From seasonal growth patterns to climate adaptations, her research holds crucial implications for biodiversity and climate change. Join her journey and explore the intersection of genetics and the natural world. For more, visit hannamakowski.com. … More #101: Connecting Climate, Carbon, Tree Leaf Phenology and Genetics with Dr. Hanna Makowski