Listen Now

In this month's episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean speaks with Justin Cummings, the founding director of the UCSC Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program and former mayor of the City of Santa Cruz. Justin shares how he united his background in science and policy to create positive change for his home, and how citizens of any background can get involved in conservation.

In this month's episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean is joined by the lead authors of the first comprehensive assessment of the world's reptiles. Neil Cox is the manager of the Biodiversity Assessment Unit, a joint effort of IUCN and Conservation International, and Bruce Young is Chief Zoologist and Senior Conservation Scientist at NatureServe. Find out why everyone should care that one-fifth of the world's reptile species face extinction, and how we can save them before it's too late.

In this month's episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean is joined by Razan Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Razan shares how the IUCN leverages its constituency of governments, civil organizations, and indigenous communities to guide global policy change. The conversation also touches on Razan's personal experience in conservation as a woman from the UAE, and what diversity and authentic inclusivity bring to the field.

In this month's episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean is joined by NatureServe's own Chief Scientist, Dr. Healy Hamilton, to talk about the Map of Biodiversity Importance. Learn about what the map is, how it will help the United States to protect 30% of land and waters by 2030, and why we should care about biodiversity at all. Plus, Healy shares her own career journey and makes the case that seahorses are some of the most charismatic species on the planet. Thank you to the Esri, Microsoft, The Nature Conservancy, the natural heritage programs in Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia, and the entire NatureServe Network for making this work possible.

With the Biodiversity Without Boundaries conference right around the corner, NatureServe invited celebrated author and journalist Michelle Nijhuis back to the Conservation Conversations podcast to talk about her keynote speech for the upcoming conference, her book, 'Beloved Beasts: Fighting for Life in an Age of Extinction', and what she's working on next. Then, we revisit Michelle's first episode on the podcast to learn about the complex history of species conservation, the challenges we face today, and the interconnected solutions for our future.

In this episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean sits down with Scott Loarie, Co-Director of iNaturalist, a popular nature app that allows users to identify the plants and animals around them. Learn how iNaturalist is connecting over a million scientists, naturalists, and enthusiasts from across the globe, and how ordinary people can help turn data into conservation decisions.

This past spring, NatureServe kicked off the “NatureServe Network Van Tour”, an expedition highlighting how we sustain biodiversity through technology, collaborative science, and local expertise. Sean has been journeying across the US and Canada in a converted camper van, named the Van Humboldt in honor of naturalist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt.   For this special, end-of-year episode of Conservation Conversations, we’re kicking the Van Humboldt into reverse gear and hearing from several members of the NatureServe Natural Heritage Network who joined Sean for a stop along the Van Tour. Hear about recent field adventures in Alabama’s Conecuh National Forest, rare species in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, biodiversity restoration projects in Pennsylvania, and our special partnership with NatureServe Canada.   The Van Humboldt still has a lot more natural heritage to explore in 2022. We invite you to join the ride by checking out www.natureserve.org/VanTour and following NatureServe on social media. Thank you, and on behalf of NatureServe, have a very happy New Year. 

In this special episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean reflects on the previous episodes and shares some of the moments that intrigued, surprised, and inspired him and the listeners. Hear from scientists, authors, and conservation leaders about their vital work, and learn about the impacts of the global climate crisis, the public health ramifications of biodiversity loss, threats to worldwide food systems, and more. We’re thankful for the conversations we had with all the guests on the show who inspire us by advancing positive environmental change. We hope these clips will inspire you, too. 

The bulk of species on earth are insects; yet, scientists are noticing that insects are dying off at an alarming rate. In this episode of Conservation Conversations, author and professor of biology at the University of Sussex Dave Goulson takes us through his latest book, "Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse". Listen as he and Sean discuss the critical ecosystem services that insects provide, why they are disappearing and what we can do to help, and why all insects, from bees to earwigs, deserve our respect.

In the latest episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean sits down with scientist and conservation advocate Peter Soroye. Listen as Peter and Sean swap origin stories, discuss the value of Key Biodiversity Areas, and how citizen science can inspire people to get outside more. Together, they chat about pollinators and why diversity in the field of biodiversity conservation helps to foster creative solutions for our future.

In this timely episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean speaks with Thomas Brooks, Chief Scientist of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ahead of the IUCN World Conservation Congress taking place September 3rd to September 11th in Marseille. Find out who will be participating and what major topics will be covered at the conference, and learn about how NatureServe and the IUCN collaborate on the Red Lists for Species and Ecosystems. Plus, Tom reflects on his days as Chief Scientist of NatureServe and some of the major global initiatives that NatureServe is a part of, including Biodiversity Indicators and Key Biodiversity Areas.

In this first episode of the new season of Conservation Conversations, Sean sits down with author and wildlife biologist Doug Chadwick to talk about the future of biodiversity conservation. Listen as Doug recounts his adventures with National Geographic, explains the need for connectedness between public lands, and shares what it means to be four-fifths a grizzly.

Michelle Nijhuis, author of Beloved Beasts: Fighting for Life in an Age of Extinction, joins Sean in a conversation about the origins of conservation, climate change, and the many motivations for protecting nature. Listen and learn about the complex history of species conservation, the challenges we face today, and the interconnected solutions for our future.

In honor of invasive species awareness week, Sean speaks with Carrie Brown-Lima, Director of the New York Invasive Species Research Institute at Cornell University. Tune in and learn why invasive species are among the leading threats to native wildlife and how citizen scientists are helping to solve the problem.

In this episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean speaks with Andrea Wulf, an award–winning author of six acclaimed books, including the New York Times best sellers ‘Founding Gardeners’ and ‘The Invention of Nature.’ Listen as they discuss the adventures of Alexander von Humboldt, tips for effective science storytelling, and the NatureServe Network Van Tour!

In this episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean sits down with Saharah Moon Chapotin, Executive Director of the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. Learn how botanic gardens support research and conservation both in the wild and in captivity, how plants are already being affected by climate change, and the future of agriculture.

In this episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean chats with U.S. Congressman Don Beyer, Representative of Virginia's 8th district. Listen in on this candid conversation about policies past and present regarding wildlife corridors, climate change, and the 30x30 initiative. Don also shares stories from the Appalachian Trail.

In the latest episode of Conservation Conversations, listen as Sean sits down with Annie Novak, an author, educator, and conservationist who's cultivated her passions into a gratifying and diverse career. Hear about Annie's journey from academia to rooftop farming in New York City, and learn how interested citizens can contribute to science and why “following your bliss" is a guiding motto for life and work.

In this episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean speaks with Ellen Shultzabarger, State Forester and Director of the PA Bureau of Forestry. Listen as they discuss Ellen's history in the NatureServe Network and becoming Pennsylvania's first female state forester, and how environmental review tools help to balance the diverse resource needs of businesses while creating positive outcomes for biodiversity.

In our latest episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean sits down with an old friend—Jon Paul Rodríguez, Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. Listen as they discuss how red listing helps us understand the impacts of our actions on biodiversity, the relationship between the environment and human health in the context of the pandemic, and the power of optimism in the conservation field.