Conservation Conversations with Sean O'Brien

Priya Nanjappa: Bringing People & Parks Together

In this insightful episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean is joined by Priya Nanjappa (National Parks Conservation Association). Listen as they discuss the collaborative work between the NPCA and NatureServe to identify important areas for safeguarding biodiversity and providing refuge from climate change.

Paul Ehrlich: Journey Through Science & Politics

On this month's episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean was joined by the legendary author and scientist Paul Ehrlich, known for his work in biology and population dynamics. In their discussion, Ehrlich reflects on changes in science and conservation over the last half-century, the vital importance of science communication, and society's ability to rapidly change at pivotal moments.

Kirk Johnson

Natural history museums tell the story of our planet and provide lessons for the future. No one knows this better than Kirk Johnson, Sant Director of the National Museum of Natural History, who joined Sean for this month's episode of Conservation Conversations to talk about the science happening at museums.

Regan Smyth

Regan Smyth, NatureServe's VP for Data and Methods, joined Sean on the podcast this month to talk about what the results of the new Biodiversity in Focus: United States Edition report mean for the future of conservation.

2022 Highlights

With 2022 wrapped up, we’re bringing you a special episode of Conservation Conversations this month—a compilation of some of the most thought-provoking moments from our episodes last year.

Mike Gill

In this episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean speaks with NatureServe's Biodiversity Indicators Program Director Mike Gill about the conference: what was discussed, what agreement was made, and what role NatureServe will play. Listen to find out what the next ten years of biodiversity conservation will look like on a global and national scale.

James Evans

In this compelling episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean sits down with James Evans, Founder and CEO of Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), a BIPOC-led organization that addresses animal welfare through the well-being of both animals and humans.

Margaret O'Gorman

In the latest episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean sits down with Margaret O'Gorman, President of the Wildlife Habitat Council, which supports companies in developing and achieving goals around protecting biodiversity.

Greg Mueller

In this episode of Conservation Conversations with Sean O'Brien, Sean is joined by Dr. Greg Mueller, Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science for the Chicago Botanic Garden. Listen to learn why we need fungi, how trees use an underground network to communicate, and how mycology inspires science fiction writing.

Murphy Westwood

In this episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean speaks with Dr. Murphy Westwood, Vice President of Science and Conservation at the Morton Arboretum, which recently collaborated with NatureServe and other organizations to create a comprehensive assessment of trees in the United States. Find out how many trees in the U.S. are threatened with extinction, what really makes a tree a tree, and how botanic gardens inspire and educate 500 million people around the world each year.