Conservation Conversations Podcast

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.

Michelle Nijhuis (Update & Re-release)

With the Biodiversity Without Boundaries conference right around the corner, NatureServe invited author and journalist Michelle Nijhuis back to the Conservation Conversations podcast to talk about her keynote speech for the upcoming conference, her book, 'Beloved Beasts: Fighting for Life in an Age of Extinction', and what she's working on next.

Scott Loarie

In this episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean sits down with Scott Loarie, Co-Director of iNaturalist, a popular nature app that allows users to identify the plants and animals around them. Learn how iNaturalist is connecting over a million scientists, naturalists, and enthusiasts from across the globe, and how ordinary people can help turn data into conservation decisions.

Highlights from the Road

For this special, end-of-year episode of Conservation Conversations, we’re kicking the Van Humboldt into reverse gear and hearing from several members of the NatureServe Natural Heritage Network who joined Sean for a stop along the Van Tour.

Holiday Special

In this special episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean reflects on the previous episodes and shares some of the moments that intrigued, informed, and inspired him and the listeners. Hear from scientists, authors, and conservation leaders and learn about the impacts of the global climate crisis, the public health ramifications of biodiversity loss, threats to worldwide food systems, and more.

Dave Goulson

In this episode of Conservation Conversations, author and professor of biology at the University of Sussex Dave Goulson takes us through his latest book, "Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse". Listen as he and Sean discuss the critical ecosystem services that insects provide, why they are disappearing and what we can do to help, and why all insects, from bees to earwigs, deserve our respect.

Peter Soroye

In the latest episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean sits down with scientist and conservation advocate Peter Soroye.