Golden State Naturalist

Catalina Foxes with Lauren Dennhardt and Katie Elder

In 1999, the once-healthy population of Catalina foxes plummeted suddenly and without explanation. Over the next few years, scientists worked to find out what was wrong a

Island Biogeography with Kevin Alison and John Knapp

Humans have been fascinated by islands since the writing of the earliest works of literature, but the outsized role they play in our imaginations isn't limited to fiction

Schedule Update

The pod is going stronger than ever, but it's also part of a larger picture than ever, which means a little shuffle is in order. Have a listen to find out the specifics.

California Grasslands with Justin Luong

The golden hills of California are hiding things.  At first glance, grasslands like these ones appear to be simple systems. And to some degree, they are simplified versi

Seeds with Cheryl Birker

Seeds are far more present in our lives than most of us realize. They compose everything from our morning coffee to our favorite chocolates and have helped shape the worl

Forgotten Lands with Josh Jackson

California is home to 15 million acres of a kind of land most people have never heard of. These lands span deserts, grasslands, oak woodlands, and coastal rainforests. Th

Did someone say season 5?

What do California lizards and tiny foxes have in common? Check out this special announcement episode to find out.  More soon, friends! Michelle Kayleigh Shawn McColl

Resolutions with Anders Reynolds and Bill Hodge

Are you making New Year's resolutions this year? Mine are a little unconventional. Find out what they are and get to know two incredible advocates for public land, Anders

Critical Mast: Oak Trees with Zarah Wyly

We need every single species of native tree here in California, but our 20+ varieties of native oaks are the most crucial of all. In this episode, join me and my guest, Z

Symbiotic Cities with Kat Superfisky

Can cities be good for wildlife? Or at least not so bad? What changes would we need to make to welcome more life into our cities? How would those changes impact humans? W

Saving California: How 30x30 Is Growing the Conservation Movement in the Golden State

California is one of only 36 Global Biodiversity Hotspots. This means that we have incredible species richness with at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species. But her

The LA River with Kat Superfisky

Descend with me and LA's first ever urban ecologist into the concrete channel of the Los Angeles River as we discuss novel ecosystems, eminent domain, Greased Lightnin',

California Red-Legged Frogs with Brad Hollingsworth

Chances are, you’ve never seen our state amphibian in the wild. In this episode, find out how the California red-legged frog became so rare while also delving into inte

Listening in Nature with Fil Corbitt

How can listening deepen our relationship with place? What do birds think about highway noise? Is that ice bridge safe to cross at this time of year? How can I learn to l

Torrey Pines with Jon Rebman

What do cacti and rare pines have in common? What’s a paleoendemic? Do pinecones have teeth? Why do so many different plant species live in Mediterranean climates?  Join

Ringtails with Dave Wyatt and Kristyn Schulte

Have you ever wondered what little-known and mysterious beings are living among us, just out of sight? This episode is about one such creature that most Californians have

Fire in Built Environments (Special Episode: LA Fires) with Alexandra Syphard

Join me and Dr. Alexandra Syphard as we discuss what makes some neighborhoods more fire prone than others, the Santa Ana Winds, defensible space, the massive differences

Urban Canyons with Michelle Thompson

Flying over San Diego, you can see them: Fingers of green extending through neighborhoods all across the city.  San Diego’s urban canyon’s serve as refuges for people an

Keystone Plants with Doug Tallamy

What do oak trees, goldenrod, willows, and ceanothus all have in common? They all belong to the group of roughly 14% of plants supporting 90% of caterpillar species.  In

Burrowing Owls with Phil Unitt

What do fake rattlesnakes, California ground squirrels, odd eye bones, bubonic plague, bizarre choices in home decor, and regurgitated mouse bones have to do with burrowi