Skip to main content
  • May 2023

    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.

  • April 2023

    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.

  • March 2023
    What Natural History Tells Us About Our Future

    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.

  • February 2023
    Behind the making of the Biodiversity in Focus report

    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.

  • January 2023
    Inspiration and Inclusion in Conservation

    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.

  • December 2022
    NatureServe at COP 15

    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.

  • November 2022
    We All Belong in Nature

    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.

  • October 2022
    Insights on Corporate Conservation

    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.

  • September 2022
    The Fantastic World of Fungi

    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.

  • August 2022
    Assessing the Trees of the U.S.

    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.