Conservation Conversations with Sean O'Brien

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.

Justin Cummings

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 role to create positive change for his home, and how citizens of any background can get involved in conservation.

Neil Cox and Bruce Young

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 that face extinction, and how we can save them before it's too late.

Razan Al Mubarak

In this month's episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean is joined by Razan Al Mubarak, President 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.

Healy Hamilton

In this month's episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean is joined by former NatureServe 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.