Tag: Podcast

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

October 21, 2024

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

October 7, 2024

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

September 23, 2024

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

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

August 19, 2024

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

Joro Spiders: Should You Be Concerned? And more Astounding Spiders with Dr. Sarah Rose

June 24, 2024

Have you seen all of the scary headlines about massive venomous Joro spiders invading the eastern USA? Well, as you might imagine, these headlines are designed to drive clicks so that individuals and media can monetize their content.

Dr. Sarah Rose helps set the record straight, and also answers some questions about spider mating rituals, which turn out to be complex and fascinating!

And after that short Q&A, we play the full interview with Dr. Rose from Episode 58. … More Joro Spiders: Should You Be Concerned? And more Astounding Spiders with Dr. Sarah Rose

#95: The Rare 2024 Cicada Double Emergence with Dr. Chris Simon

April 22, 2024

Periodical cicadas emerge on 13 or 17 year intervals, but offset depending on the location. But 2024 features a DUAL emergence, with billions of cicadas coming out at the same time.

How do they know to emerge at the same time? Where will the emerge, and how can you see them? Dr. Chris Simon, the world’s top cicada expert shares all of this and more. … More #95: The Rare 2024 Cicada Double Emergence with Dr. Chris Simon

#92: Secrets of Beautifully Fuzzy Velvet Ants with Dr. Joseph Wilson (and a bit about native bees, too!)

March 11, 2024

Those brightly colored fuzzy ants? Well, they aren’t ants at all! Learn what they are, how to find them, and also a bit about native bees from bee and velvet ant expert Dr. Joseph Wilson. … More #92: Secrets of Beautifully Fuzzy Velvet Ants with Dr. Joseph Wilson (and a bit about native bees, too!)

#91: Examining Tree Physiology with Dr. Lucy Kerhoulas: Insights into Drought Adaptation and the Carbon Smoking Gun

February 26, 2024

Dr. Lucy Kerhoulas, a forest ecophysiologist, shares insights into tree physiology and how trees adapt to environmental challenges. She discusses scientific tools for studying tree responses to environmental changes, including measuring carbon isotopes. Additionally, she explores how trees may cooperate and share resources during times of stress. … More #91: Examining Tree Physiology with Dr. Lucy Kerhoulas: Insights into Drought Adaptation and the Carbon Smoking Gun

#90: From Invasive Species to Allergenic Pollen with Allasandra Valdez (The Happy Botanist Podcast) and Dr. Daniel Katz

February 12, 2024

Today’s episode features Allasandra Valdez, a botanist and host of the Happy Botanist podcast. The wide-ranging discussion covers plant physiology, invasive species, and science communication. In the latter part, Dr. Dan Katz discusses allergenic pollen. This episode highlights the work of these scientists and is an opportunity to discover more about botany and nature. … More #90: From Invasive Species to Allergenic Pollen with Allasandra Valdez (The Happy Botanist Podcast) and Dr. Daniel Katz