Best Parks And Wildlife Service Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 147: Alan Weisman On His New Book “Hope Dies Last” 52:30

20h ago52:30

52:30

With books like the bestselling “The World Without Us,” a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award and translated into thirty-four languages, and “Countdown,” winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, environmental journalist Alan Weisman has established himself as one of the most prophetic voices on humanity’s relationship to the Eart…

1
#23 - Unveiling the Timber Industry's Grip on Public Lands w/ Ryan Talbott 39:27

6d ago39:27

39:27

In this episode, I speak with Ryan Talbott the Pacific Northwest Conservation Advocate for Wild Earth Guardians, about their work monitoring the Forest Service and BLM timber sale programs in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Ryan discusses the origins and achievements of the Legacy Roads and Trails program, the impact of recent legislative and adm…

1
#22 - The Legacy of Public Lands w/ Char Miller 1:05:24

14d ago1:05:24

1:05:24

In this episode, I interview Char Miller, a historian and professor with a focus on public lands, agencies, and land management. Char discusses the complexities of Gifford Pinchot's philosophy, contrasting it with that of John Muir, particularly around the conservation versus preservation debate. He offers insights into the historical development o…

1
Episode 146: Randy Hayes’ Roadmap for an Ecological Civilization

16d ago

—

Randy Hayes has been described in the Wall Street Journal as “an environmental pit bull.” He is Executive Director of Foundation Earth, an organization fostering the big rethink from the ground up to help protect the planet’s life support systems. Hayes, a former filmmaker, then founder of Rainforest Action Network, is a veteran of many high-visibi…

1
LANDSCOPE Beyond bee hotels 35:11

18d ago35:11

35:11

The ‘save the bees’ movement has gained remarkable traction lately, encouraging people to think beyond the European honey bee. We talk with Dr Kit Prendergast about Australia’s 1700 species of native bees and how we can help expand bee-friendly gardens to include ground-nesting species.By Parks and Wildlife Service

1
#21 - America’s Public Lands Under Attack w/ Wes Siler 1:14:42

18d ago1:14:42

1:14:42

In this episode, I interview Wes Siler. Wes delves into the pressing issues surrounding America's public lands, discussing how privatization efforts threaten public access and ownership. Key examples include the Yellowstone Club, the Crazy Mountains land heist, corner crossing, state efforts to wrest control over public lands, and federal public la…

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#20 - Fighting for Endemic Species in the Great Basin w/ Patrick Donnelly 52:23

23d ago52:23

52:23

In this episode, I interview Patrick Donnelly with the Center for Biological Diversity along the banks of the Amargosa River in California near Death Valley National Park. Patrick discusses the historical and ongoing impact of human activity, such as mining, and the modern-day pressures of the lithium boom in Nevada. He discusses how the Center is …

1
#19 - Public Domain: A Conversation w/ Investigative Journalist Jimmy Tobias 42:18

26d ago42:18

42:18

In this episode, I speak with Jimmy Tobias, a seasoned investigative journalist. Jimmy delves into his journey from working summertimes in wilderness in Montana to his current focus on public lands journalism. He discusses his deep passion for public lands issues, the influence of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in uncovering unethical behavi…

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#18 - America's Red Rock Wilderness Act 44:05

28d ago44:05

44:05

In this episode, I interview Terri Martin with the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA). The podcast highlights the reintroduction of the America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act, which seeks to protect over 8 million acres of public lands in Southern Utah from exploitation. The discussion includes the significance of the act within the broader '30 by…

1
Episode 145: Calling All Citizen Scientists! How To Make A Big Impact On Your Next Adventure With Adventure Scientists 34:26

30d ago34:26

34:26

Gregg founded Adventure Scientists in 2011 based on his passion for exploration, scientific discovery and galvanizing “the choir” to more directly participate in citizen science conservation. National Geographic named Gregg Treinish “Adventurer of the Year” in 2008 when he and a friend completed a 7,800-mile trek along the spine of the Andes mounta…

1
#17 - Biden’s Public Lands Scorecard and Legacy 1:09:54

1M ago1:09:54

1:09:54

In this episode, I welcome back Andy Kerr to discuss Biden’s public lands record and legacy. We also discuss the contrasting environmental policies and actions early in the Trump 2.0 years. Andy delves into Biden's legacy on public lands, examining specific actions like the reinstatement of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante national monument…

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Episode 144 | Fighting Back: Alaska’s Stand Against Trump’s Environmental Blitzkrieg 37:46

1M ago37:46

37:46

Cooper Freeman works to protect Alaska’s wildlife, lands and oceans. Before joining the Center for Biological Diversity, he worked with Alaskan Native Tribes and Tribal organizations as a strategic planning facilitator and policy advisor, was program manager and development director at the Occidental Arts & Ecology Center in Northern California, an…

1
Episode 143: Beavering Beyond Boundaries With Joaquin Murrieta-Saldivar 39:17

2M ago39:17

39:17

Joaquin Murrieta-Saldivar specializes in building resilience in diverse communities by enhancing the connections between people, culture, and natural resources. He brings vast experience on the multicultural border region between the US and Mexico, where he has implemented community-based approaches to watershed management, river restoration, geo-t…

1
#16 - The F*ck Our Forests Act & D.C. Dysfunction 1:14:10

2M ago1:14:10

1:14:10

In this episode, I interview Jennifer Mamola with the John Muir Project. Jenn discusses insights and frustrations with current wildfire policy in Washington, D.C. She stresses the importance of shifting focus from backcountry forest management to home hardening and defensible spaces around communities. Criticizing ineffective policies like the Fix …

1
#15 - How to Starve an Entire Ecosystem 1:00:11

2M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

In this episode, I interview Roger Long an ecologist and professor. We discuss his career trajectory that led him from computer programming to teaching and focusing specifically on the shrub steppe ecosystem. After switching careers and completing his master's and dissertation, Roger continued studying nitrogen cycling and the impact of cattle graz…

1
Episode 142: Nadia Steinzor On Northeast Carnivore Recovery and Coexistence Through State Wildlife Agency Plans 40:06

2M ago40:06

40:06

Nadia Steinzor is an environmental consultant with 25 years of experience in policy analysis, research, writing, and communications. She has developed and managed projects to investigate the oil and gas industry’s impact on the climate and communities, secure governmental protections for air, water, land, and wildlife, and engage the public in advo…

1
Episode 141: Tom Biebighauser Gives A Wetland Rewilding Masterclass 44:59

3M ago44:59

44:59

Since 1979, Tom Biebighauser has enthusiastically restored wetlands, lakes, streams, and rivers. He has designed over 10,000 wetland projects and successfully supervised the construction of more than 3,000 wetlands and streams in 26 states, three Canadian provinces, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, and Taiwan. He has a deep and long-standing conce…

1
#14 - Protecting New England’s Remaining Wildlands 1:08:06

3M ago1:08:06

1:08:06

In this episode, I interview Zack Porter who discusses the state of public lands and roadless areas in Vermont and across New England. He highlights the ongoing threats from logging and road construction, particularly in the Green Mountain and White Mountain National Forests. Zack emphasizes the ecological importance of these lands for clean water,…

1
#13 - Wild Fish and Old Growth 49:56

3M ago49:56

49:56

In this episode, I interview Conrad Gowell with the Wild Fish Conservancy. Based in Washington, his organization uses science and law to protect wild fish and ecosystems. Conrad dives into the issues around fishery policies lagging behind scientific knowledge, particularly with endangered species like Chinook salmon. He highlights the challenges wi…

1
Episode 140: California’s Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot On Beavers, Rewilding Rivers, and Wildlife Crossings 38:50

3M ago38:50

38:50

Wade Crowfoot serves as California’s Natural Resources Secretary, leading efforts to conserve California’s environment and natural resources. He has served as Secretary since 2019 and advises Governor Newsom as a member of his cabinet. Secretary Crowfoot oversees an agency of over 25,000 employees spread across 26 departments, commissions, and cons…

1
#12 - Evaluating the Effectiveness and Ecological Impact of Forest Fuels Treatments 1:42:37

4M ago1:42:37

1:42:37

In this episode, I interview George Wuerthner, an independent advocate, ecologist, and author to explore what it means for fuels treatments to be effective in wildfire management. George challenges the prevailing assumption that preventing high-severity fires and minimizing tree deaths is inherently beneficial. He argues that high-severity fires cr…

1
Episode 139: Year-End Recap With 2024 Guest Updates 29:08

4M ago29:08

29:08

Welcome to our 2024 recap episode! This year, we’re doing something different. We’ve asked a group of our 2024 guests to come back and give updates on their work since their episodes aired. Thanks to our sponsor, Biohabitats, and to all the individual supporters of the Rewilding Earth Podcast and the Rewilding Institute! In this […] Read full artic…

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Episode 138: No Surrender! Paul Watson Talks About His Latest Victory Over Japan and The Battles Ahead 22:29

4M ago22:29

22:29

“It’s obvious to me that Japan [was] seeking revenge for the international humiliation caused by the Whale Wars TV series, reporting our actions against illegal whaling. But my two little boys need me more than Japan needs its revenge” – Paul Watson Special Episode: Finally released from Nuuk, Greenland prison, Paul Watson talks about Japan’s […] R…

1
#11 - The Truth Behind Forest Management: Dr. Chad Hanson on The Deception of Thinning and Fire Prevention 1:26:33

4M ago1:26:33

1:26:33

In this episode, I interview Dr. Chad Hanson of the John Muir Project. We discuss forest protection, fire ecology, and the deceptive practices of federal land management agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service. Chad critically examines the Forest Service's narrative around logging disguised as fuel reduction and forest health projects, revealing t…

1
Episode 137: Paul Ehrlich On Saving Nature’s Populations and Ourselves 39:16

5M ago39:16

39:16

About Paul Ehrlich Paul Ehrlich is the Bing Professor of Population Studies, Emeritus, and founder of the Center for Conservation Biology at Stanford. He has carried out field, laboratory, and theoretical research on the dynamics and genetics of insect populations, the evolutionary interactions of plants and herbivores, the behavioral ecology of bi…

1
Episode 136: How To Save Greater Yellowstone From Runaway Sprawl 47:09

5M ago47:09

47:09

Leon Kolankiewicz is Scientific Director of NumbersUSA and Vice-President of Scientists and Environmentalists for Population Stabilization. His career as a wildlife/fisheries biologist and environmental scientist spans more than 30 years, 40 states, and three countries. He has worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Department of Envi…

1
#10 - Beavers & Water Conservation: A Call for Leadership and Action on Public Lands 1:34:18

5M ago1:34:18

1:34:18

In this episode, I interview Dr. Suzanne Fouty and Kami Ellingson, both past Forest Service hydrologists, to talk about beavers. Suzanne and Kami share their insights and experiences about the significance of beavers in ecosystem restoration and water management. Our conversation covers the ecological benefits of beavers, such as water storage, flo…

1
Episode 135: Dr. Todd Bridges on Engineering with Nature 34:38

5M ago34:38

34:38

Dr. Todd Bridges is a Professor of Practice in resilient and sustainable systems in the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia. Prior to joining UGA in 2023, Bridges served for 17 years as the U.S. Army’s Senior Research Scientist (ST) for Environmental Science, one of 40 Senior Research Scientists in the Department of […] Read full ar…

1
#9 - Behind the Scenes with Blue Mountains Biodiversity Project 1:25:43

5M ago1:25:43

1:25:43

In this episode I interview Karen Coulter co-founder of the Blue Mountains Biodiversity Project, reflecting on their work since 1991 in Oregon. We discus the escalation of timber sales from thousands to tens of thousands of acres and how logging practices have intensified over the years, often disguised under terms like 'vegetation management' or '…

1
Episode 134: Rewilding Pitchfork Ranch – On The Ground With AT Cole 33:18

6M ago33:18

33:18

Before he and his wife Lucinda began rewilding work on the Pitchfork Ranch 20 years ago, A Thomas Cole spent thirty-two years as a small-town lawyer in Casa Grande, Arizona, successfully defended two death-penalty murder cases, a dozen homicide cases, co-counseled the largest jury verdict in Arizona history, Chaired the Casa Grande Town Hall, Arizo…

1
#8 - Championing Utah's Wilderness and Wildlife 1:19:35

6M ago1:19:35

1:19:35

In this episode, I interview Kirk Robinson with the Western Wildlife Conservancy. Kirk shares his deep connection with Utah's environment, public lands, and history. We discuss the Great Salt Lake's environmental issues due to drought and human activities, highlighting the impacts of agriculture, mining, and urban growth. Kirk reflects on his famil…

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Episode 133 | Beyond National Parks: Kris Tompkins’ Ambitious Vision For Continental-Scale Rewilding 38:57

7M ago38:57

38:57

“Whoever you are, wherever your interest lies, whatever you’ve fallen in love with, get out of bed every morning and do something. Act, step into the fray—fight for a human society in balance with the natural world.” —Kristine McDivitt Tompkins Kris Tompkins is the president and co-founder of Tompkins Conservation, an American conservationist, and …

1
LANDSCOPE Battling feral cats 16:59

7M ago16:59

16:59

Feral cats top the list of the most destructive species in Australia, costing the economy a huge $18.5 billion over the last 60 years in damage and population control measures. Today we speak with the Program Leader for Western Australia’s Invasive Animals Program, Corrin Everitt, about new technology and community-based action, backed by a nation …

1
#7 - Safeguarding the Wilderness Act 57:21

7M ago57:21

57:21

In this episode, I interview Katie Bilodeau and Kevin Proescholdt from Wilderness Watch. We discuss their organization's mission to preserve the integrity of the wilderness Act, legal enforcement, and challenges to wilderness across the political spectrums. Our conversation delves into the historical context and continuing relevance of wilderness p…

1
Episode 132: Rewilding Our World – Big Ideas for Landscapes Large & Small 31:17

7M ago31:17

31:17

About Dr. Jessica Hardesty Norris is a biologist with over 20 years of experience in ecological planning and research, program development, strategic planning and community outreach for natural resource conservation. She has demonstrated success in proposal writing, partnership building, and project management. Her recent project work includes park…

1
#6 - Logging, Politics, and Conservation: A Deep Dive with Andy Kerr 1:08:05

7M ago1:08:05

1:08:05

In this episode, I interview Andy Kerr, a main stay of conservation politics and public lands advocacy. Andy discusses his journey into forest conservation, reflecting on key moments in his career, such as the Save French Pete demonstration in 1970, and significant legislative milestones like the Endangered American Wilderness Act of 1978. Andy als…

1
Episode 131: The Growing Movement Toward 100 New US National Parks 40:14

8M ago40:14

40:14

About Michael Kellett, the co-founder and Executive Director of RESTORE: The North Woods, has over 35 years of experience in the land conservation movement. In 1994, he wrote the first white paper proposing a 3.2 million-acre Maine Woods National Park & Preserve, and has been actively involved in efforts to restore the endangered wildlife such […] …

1
#5 - Oregon Coast Conservation 1:09:45

8M ago1:09:45

1:09:45

In this episode, I interview Paul Englemeyer with the Bird Alliance of Oregon (formally the Audubon Society). Paul and I have an in-depth discussion on the conservation efforts and environmental challenges faced on Oregon's Central Coast. We cover topics such as the Clean Water Act, salmon recovery, the ecological importance of beavers, the impact …

1
Episode 130: Conservation Challenges and Successes Amidst Increased Border Militarization In The Sky Islands

8M ago

—

About Emily Burns Emily joined the Sky Island Alliance in 2019 after practicing conservation science and restoration for nearly a decade in the redwood forests of California at Save the Redwoods League. She leads the team running all programs, including the Border Wildlife Study, the Trinational Internship Program, Sky Island FotoFauna, Spring Seek…

1
#4 - Balancing Grazing and Conservation—Is it Possible? 1:29:25

9M ago1:29:25

1:29:25

In this episode I interview Laura Welp, Ecosystems Specialist with the Western Watersheds Project. We discuss the significance of our public lands, and the democratic principles that should underpin their management. Our discussion addresses the conflicts between livestock grazing and ecological health, including challenges from invasive species (l…

1
Episode 129: Advancing Wildlife Connectivity with Erin Sito of Wildlands Network 32:03

9M ago32:03

32:03

About As the United States Policy Director for Wildlands Network, Erin Sito researches, develops and promotes laws and policies geared towards supporting habitat connectivity and biodiversity at the local, state, and federal level. Erin’s work also focuses on state agency reform and funding, and outreach to promote Wildlands Network’s policy initia…

1
#3 - The Gallatin Forest Partnership Exposed 1:12:37

9M ago1:12:37

1:12:37

In this detailed conversation, I interview Dr. Joseph Scalia III to discuss our journey with the Gallatin Yellowstone Wilderness Alliance (GYWA) based in Bozeman, Montana and the broader challenges facing wilderness preservation. We reflect on our past and present experiences, including efforts to advocate for wilderness designations on public land…

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Episode 128: A Howl of Hope – Eric Trefney’s Inspiring Campaign to Protect the Critically Endangered Red Wolf 28:49

9M ago28:49

28:49

About Eric Trefney grew up in Michigan in the metro-Detroit area, where he often camped and canoed with his family and friends. After finishing graduate school in 2015, Eric joined the Peace Corps, where he was assigned to Senegal, Africa, in the Sahel desert region. Eric practiced and trained in agroforestry techniques with local Senegalese […] Re…

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#2 - Canopy of Titans 1:15:53

10M ago1:15:53

1:15:53

In this episode of 'Our Public Lands', I interview journalist and environmental investigator Paul Koberstein. Our conversation delves into the importance of protecting old growth forests, and their immense ecological and value. Paul shares his extensive experience in environmental journalism, highlighting landmark investigations by his outfit Casca…

1
Episode 127: How Rewilding The Night Skies Can Provide Major Benefits To Migratory Birds And Other Species 29:50

10M ago29:50

29:50

Ruskin Hartley champions equitable access to dark skies and quality lighting for all through DarkSky’s award-winning programs. He works closely with volunteer leaders and donors to secure increased support for our priorities around the world. Ruskin believes that experiencing a dark sky, and appreciating quality lighting, are essential to DarkSky’s…

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#1 - Poisoning the Public Lands 1:09:18

10M ago1:09:18

1:09:18

In the inaugural episode of 'Our Public Lands,' host Adam Bronstein speaks with Sharon Selvaggio from the Xerces Society about the federal USDA APHIS grasshopper and Mormon cricket spraying program. They explore the extensive use of pesticides on public and private lands to control these native species and its widespread ecological impacts. Sharon …

1
Episode 126: Borderlands Connectivity – Conservation Challenges And Victories on the U.S.-Mexico Border 44:28

11M ago44:28

44:28

About Myles Traphagen coordinates Wildlands Network’s borderlands program, focusing on channeling collaborative efforts to maintain and restore habitat for species like jaguar, black bear, and Sonoran pronghorn. He oversees strategic partnerships, communications, and projects to advance large-landscape conservation goals in Mexico and the United St…

1
LANDSCOPE Forest orchestras 38:20

11M ago38:20

38:20

Innovative scientists are recording sounds of Western Australia’s forests in the south-west to uncover clues about what types of species occur there and how the environment changes throughout the day. Guest host Alan Gill chats with scientist Lauren Hawkins about how her work is helping detect creatures that might otherwise hard to see.…

1
Episode 125: Reflections on The 75th Anniversary of ‘A Sand County Almanac’ and the 100th Anniversary of the Gila Wilderness with Buddy Huffaker

11M ago

—

About With an academic background in landscape architecture and plant ecology, Buddy Huffaker joined the Aldo Leopold Foundation as an intern in 1996 and today serves as its President and Executive Director. In this role, he headed the $7.5 million campaign to construct and endow the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center and served as the Executive […] Read f…

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Episode 124: Rowan Kilduff On The Poetry Of Coexistence 40:25

12M ago40:25

40:25

About Rowan Kilduff is a dad, long-time mountain, hawk & wildlife enthusiast, poet, and activist-artist. He has worked on various projects, including with Greenpeace, hands-on forest conservation in the Czech Republic, fixing a roof in Nepal, and photos used by The Irish Seal Sanctuary. His first writing about rewilding and first poems were publish…

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