118. The Poetry of Science, Nature Check, and Groups of Belonging w/ Dr. Sheryl Hosler

Planthropology

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Dr. Cheryl Hosler, creator of Nature Check and The Roving Naturalist, shares her journey from feeling inadequate in science to becoming a postdoctoral researcher and innovative science communicator who uses storytelling and gaming to connect people with ecological concepts.
• Cheryl's educational path from English major to scientist, overcoming early discouragement in high school science classes
• The limitations of the "deficit model" in science communication and why simply providing information rarely changes behavior
• How cover crops function in agricultural systems and their ecological benefits
• The importance of applied science that directly addresses stakeholders' needs
• Why scientists should study humanities to develop critical thinking and empathy
• Using Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop role-playing games to humanize scientists and make science accessible
• The Roving Naturalist YouTube channel and its approach to science communication
• How community and "groups of belonging" influence our attitudes and behaviors
Find your community and surround yourself with people who help you see the best version of yourself that could be. The right community will motivate you to become that person.
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Planthropology is written, hosted, and produced by Vikram Baliga. Our theme song is "If You Want to Love Me, Babe, by the talented and award-winning composer, Nick Scout.
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Chapters

1. Episode Introduction & Meeting Dr. Cheryl Hosler (00:00:00)

2. Educational Journey and Finding Science Again (00:03:45)

3. The Science of Science Communication (00:10:23)

4. Cover Crops and Applied Agricultural Science (00:27:13)

5. The Roving Naturalist YouTube Channel (00:36:24)

6. Nature Check and Storytelling Through Gaming (00:47:16)

7. The Value of Community and Finding Belonging (00:56:42)