Nature Connection Radio

This episode of Big Blend Radio features renowned author, climate activist, and clean energy expert Bill McKibben, who talks about the transformative power of solar energy and his new book HERE COMES THE SUN: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization (W.W. Norton & Company; Aug. 19, 2025). McKibben explains why solar power is now the cheapest energy on the planet and no longer an “alternative” but the mainstream solution for businesses, communities, and households. As he puts it, “We’re used to thinking of solar energy as the Whole Foods of energy—nice, but pricey. The reality is that it’s now the Costco of energy: cheap, available in bulk, and on the shelf.” From the economic advantages of electrification and job creation, to the health impacts of moving away from fossil fuels, McKibben highlights how clean energy is reshaping policy, industry, and everyday life. He also shares insights on the upcoming Sun Day (Sept. 21, 2025), a nationwide grassroots mobilization he’s organizing alongside Denis Hayes (the original Earth Day founder) to raise awareness about the economic and community benefits of solar. More: https://billmckibben.com/  https://www.sunday.earth/ 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show, travel writer Terri Guthrie shares her family’s multi-generational adventures in the San Antonio Hill Country. From exploring the awe-inspiring Natural Bridge Caverns and experiencing the breathtaking bat emergence at Bracken Bat Cave, to interacting with giraffes and exotic birds at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, Terri highlights the wonder and joy of connecting with nature. The conversation showcases the beauty, excitement, and educational value of outdoor experiences, and how they create unforgettable family memories. A perfect feature for Intergeneration Month, this episode reminds us of the value of shared travel experiences across all ages. 📖 Read Terri’s article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/texas-hill-country-travel-surprises  🛎️ Plan your San Antonio trip: https://www.visitsanantonio.com/  🎙️ Listen weekly: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/  🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Nature Connection, Parks & Travel, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s Nature Connection show features climate storyteller and activist Denali Sai Nalamalapu, author of “Holler: A Graphic Memoir of Rural Resistance” (Timber Press / Hachette, May 13, 2025). Based in Southwest Virginia, Nalamalapu is a powerful new voice in climate storytelling and a leader in one of Appalachia’s most courageous environmental resistance movements. Holler chronicles the fight against the Mountain Valley Pipeline through the eyes of six local activists—a teacher, a nurse, a photographer, and more—who dared to challenge corporate power and government complicity in the heart of coal country. The conversation explores: - How visual storytelling makes climate issues more accessible. - The diverse perspectives and skill sets that strengthen grassroots movements. - The importance of community involvement in resisting fossil fuel expansion. - How innovation, education, and personal stories can drive climate action. - Why self-care and balance are vital for sustaining long-term activism. Blending personal insight, lived experience, and stunning visual storytelling, Nalamalapu offers a moving and empowering look at resilience, resistance, and the future of the climate movement. More at: https://denali-sai.com/  🎧 This Nature Connection episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Quality of Life" and "Rants, Raves & Rock" Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Nature Connection Show, we expose the urgent threat facing Florida’s black bears: the proposed return of trophy hunting. Our featured guests—Adam Sugalski, founder of OneProtest, and Kathleen Walls, travel writer and animal rights activist—delve into the history, controversy, and consequences surrounding bear trophy hunting in the state. Despite widespread public opposition, Florida officials are considering allowing trophy hunting again—this time with even more extreme and controversial methods. Proposed regulations include using dogs to chase down bears, and allowing bow hunting, both of which raise serious concerns about ethics, suffering, and safety. These changes reflect a broader shift: from traditional, regulated practices to high-tech and high-cruelty tactics that prioritize trophies over wildlife protection. Key issues discussed include: - The cruelty of using dogs to hunt bears, often resulting in prolonged chases and violent encounters. - The dangers and suffering caused by bow hunting, which can leave bears wounded and dying slowly. - How modern technology—like GPS collars and high-powered optics—makes killing easier, reducing fair chase and undermining conservation claims. - The false narrative that trophy hunters are conservationists. - The economic motivations behind these changes, often benefiting landowners and developers. - How urban expansion is shrinking bear habitat, making coexistence—not killing—essential. - The growing role of public activism and protest in challenging these proposals and defending wildlife. This conversation calls attention to the real motives behind trophy hunting and stresses the importance of ethical wildlife management rooted in science and compassion. If you're passionate about protecting animals and opposing cruelty disguised as tradition, this episode will inform, outrage, and inspire you to take action. 🎧 Learn more and get involved: https://www.beardefenders.org/  📖 Read Kathleen Walls' article, The Bear Facts: https://www.americanroads.net/bear_5-9-2025.htm  🌱 Visit OneProtest: https://www.oneprotest.org/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio shines a spotlight on North East Trees, an award-winning urban greening nonprofit committed to building climate resilience and advancing environmental equity in underinvested communities throughout Los Angeles. Featured Guests: 🌳 Joe Laskin – Director of Development, North East Trees – https://www.northeasttrees.org/  🌿 Cheryl Leutjen – Author of “Love Earth Now” and “Madness on the Brink of Eco-Apocalypse," and Board Director, North East Trees – https://cherylleutjen.com/  Recognized as a 2025 Nonprofit of the Year by the California Association of Nonprofits, North East Trees is making a lasting difference through urban forestry, biodiversity enhancement, and workforce development programs. From planting over 100,000 trees to transforming schoolyards into green spaces, the organization demonstrates how trees can heal communities, foster connection with nature, and combat climate change. 📺 Learn more in this PBS special: Combatting Climate Change with Trees – https://www.pbs.org/video/combatting-climate-change-with-trees-tcffrw/  This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Parks & Travel", "Quality of Life", and "Garden Gossip" Channels. Keep up with all Big Blend Radio shows at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  *** Images by Alex Michel, courtesy of North East Trees

Celebrate National Parks & Recreation Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show featuring travel writer Terri Guthrie, who shares her recent adventures in Corpus Christi, Texas—officially known as the Birdiest City in America! From vibrant wetlands and hundreds of bird species to the famous annual birding festival, Corpus Christi is a top destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Terri highlights the Texas State Aquarium’s rescue and education programs, wildlife-rich Padre Island National Seashore, and the legendary King Ranch, a leader in conservation and habitat restoration. Beyond its natural wonders, Corpus Christi offers a flavorful mix of cultural and culinary delights, from fresh Gulf seafood to live music and true Texas hospitality. 📖 Read Terri’s article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/corpus-christi-the-birdiest-city-in-america/  🛎️ Plan your trip: https://www.visitcorpuschristi.com/  🎙️ Listen weekly: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/  🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, Nature Connection, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Join us for a delightful "Happy Hour Hang Out" on Big Blend Radio as we celebrate National Picnic Month and Parks & Recreation Month! This engaging episode explores the pure joy of picnicking, the profound benefits of connecting with nature, and our favorite spots and foods for an outdoor feast from Arizona to England.  We dive into the calming practice of forest bathing, the therapeutic power of nature's sounds, and the breathtaking beauty of Arizona's diverse landscapes, from vibrant wildflower seasons to dramatic monsoon experiences. Discover how nature can positively impact mental health and the simple pleasure of sharing picnics with loved ones, whether in your local park or while traveling the world. Featured Guests: * Judy Karnia – Travel writer and forest bathing guide. Learn more at https://travelingnature.com/  * Eva Eldridge – Traveler, writer, editor, and book publishing expert. Discover more at https://evaeldridge.com/  This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend,” “Eat, Drink & Be Merry,” and “Parks & Travel” podcasts. Explore our network of shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Noise is everywhere—disrupting our sleep, increasing our stress, and wrecking our focus—yet it's often dismissed as a minor nuisance. But what if it’s a major environmental issue hiding in plain sound? This episode of Big Blend Radio's Nature Connection Show features author and science writer Chris Berdik, who dives into the surprising science and urgent implications behind his new book, "Clamor: How Noise Took Over the World―and How We Can Take It Back." Berdik discusses the widespread impact of noise pollution on human health, wildlife, and our planet's natural soundscapes. The conversation covers: - Why everyday noise deserves serious measurement and attention - How chronic noise affects mental and physical health - The role of urban planning and community action in reducing noise - Personal insights and compelling stories uncovered through Berdik’s research "Clamor" is more than just a wake-up call—it’s a rallying cry to recognize noise as an environmental threat on par with air and water pollution. 📘 Learn more about Chris Berdik and his work at: https://www.chrisberdik.com/  🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's Quality of Life Show. 🌐 Explore our full network of shows here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with this captivating episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Nature Connection" Show, featuring naturalist and author Charles Hood, who discusses his new book “Nature at Night: Discover the Hidden World That Comes Alive After Dark” (Timber Press). From glowing oceans to jungle predators and migrating birds under the stars, Hood explores the wonders of nocturnal wildlife through vivid storytelling and over 240 stunning photographs. With humor and ecological insight, he invites readers and listeners to see the night in a whole new light. With a lifetime of travel to 80 countries and all 50 U.S. states, Charles has seen 6,000 bird species, survived a bubonic plague scare, and written 20 books. His passion for the natural world shines in this lively and insightful conversation. 🎧 This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio’s Nature Connection and Big Daily Blend channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  🌐 About Charles: https://hypersphere-orange-y8n3.squarespace.com/ 

Celebrate National Go Birding Day with this special episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" show, featuring Glynn Burrows, owner of Norfolk Tours in England. Glynn shares his insights into birding in the UK, from spotting Kingfishers along the Norfolk Broads to witnessing Puffin colonies off the coast of Wales, and even catching breathtaking starling murmurations along the East Coast during migration season. You can also read Glynn’s article about where and when to see the various birds that live in the British Isles and visit during the spring and autumn migrations: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/birding-in-the-uk/   Glynn appears on Big Blend Radio every fourth Saturday covering England as a travel destination as well as family history research. Follow his podcasts here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm2IK_1Zfh-xJ9eEVYhqqC3Z   This episode is also part of Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Nature Connection" podcast series. Explore our network of shows at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Think New York City is just skyscrapers and sidewalks? Think again! 🗽🌳 On this special Arbor Day (April 25) and National Go Birding Day (April 26) episode of Big Blend Radio, we chat with Ryan Mandelbaum—naturalist, science writer, and author of the beautifully illustrated new book, "Wild NYC: Experience the Amazing Nature In and Around New York City" (art by Chelsea Beck). From red-tailed hawks in Manhattan to horseshoe crabs in Brooklyn, "Wild NYC" reveals over 130 species and shares insider tips for spotting them across all five boroughs. Part field guide, part trip planner, and part love letter to urban nature, this episode is your gateway to the city's most surprising wild side. 🌆🦉 Whether you're a bird watcher, urban explorer, or a curious New Yorker, Ryan shows you how to take a walk on the wild side of the City That Never Sleeps. 🎧 Tune in via our "Parks & Travel," "Nature Connection," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. 👉 Explore more episodes: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork   🌐 Learn more about Ryan Mandelbaum and "Wild NYC": http://www.ryanfmandelbaum.com/   

In this special Earth Day episode of the Big Blend Radio, we’re joined by Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, to dive into the growing lifestyle trend of “backyarding” – the shift of indoor activities like dining, working, exercising, and entertaining to our outdoor spaces. Kris shares how this powerful movement is encouraging communities across the country to invest in urban parks, public green spaces, and sustainable outdoor living areas. With over 15 years of advocacy, the TurfMutt Foundation continues to champion the health, environmental, and social benefits of getting outside and caring for our green spaces. 🎧 In this episode: * Discover what “backyarding” means and why it matters * Learn the Top 5 Reasons communities should invest in green spaces for well-being and resilience * Explore how public parks and urban landscapes are becoming the new “backyards” for people everywhere 🌱 Listen now and join the movement to get outside, get active, and green your community! 🔗 Learn more: https://www.turfmutt.com/  🌎 In celebration of Earth Day, this episode is featured on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel," "Nature Connection," "Quality of Life," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore Big Blend Radio's full network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's NATURE CONNECTION Podcast features  Alyson F. Brokaw, behavioral and sensory ecologist, and author of "The Weird and Wonderful World of Bats: Demystifying These Often-Misunderstood Creatures."  Out now through Timber Press, "The Weird and Wonderful World of Bats" is a vibrant and approachable text that reintroduces readers to bats, dispelling their negative reputations and providing a window into their world. Partitioned into easily navigable sections, it explains not only how bats see, smell, and fly, but also how they share, love, and create homes. As Brokaw proves, these creatures are more familiar than foreign. In fact, bats are a lot like us: they argue with their roost mates, share with their friends, and take care of their young. By better understanding them, we can learn from them—not only to coexist, but potentially grow healthier and wiser together.  Alyson F. Brokaw’s professional passion is communicating about the diversity and biology of bats. Since earning her PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Texas A&M University, she has studied wildlife around the world, including Mexico, Belize, Panama, Argentina, and Tanzania, while also publishing multiple articles in peer-reviewed journals on bat behavior and other topics. She is a narrator for March Mammal Madness.  You can find Alyson on social media @alyb_batgirl.  http://www.alysonbrokaw.com  

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio's PARKS & TRAVEL Podcast features travel writer Sharon K. Kurtz who shares her whale watching adventures in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Baja California Sur is a premier whale-watching destination, home to both the blue whales of Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the gray whale nursery of Magdalena Bay. Read Sharon's article about her whale watching experiences in Loreto, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/top-whale-watching-spots-in-loreto-baja-california-sur/  Host of Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World" with Sharon Podcast, Sharon K. Kurtz is an accomplished travel writer and award-winning photographer based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to exploring the world and sharing her adventures through compelling storytelling. Her travels have taken her to more than 50 countries on six continents—her carry-on is always packed, ready for the next adventure. Enjoy Sharon’s writing at https://sharonkkurtz.com/.  This episode is also being shared and featured on other Big Blend Radio Network Channels including "Nature Connection" and "Vacation Station." Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Celebrate World Conservation Strategy Day with this special episode of Big Blend Radio focusing on Sustainable Travel and Tourism. Hear what destinations are doing around the world to promote sustainable and eco-friendly practices to safeguard the planet for their local community and future generations, and the ways travelers can be part of sustainable solutions.  FEATURED GUESTS: - Dan Howard – VP of Communications at Visit Park City: https://www.visitparkcity.com/  - Cheryl Leutjen – Environmental author and speaker: https://cherylleutjen.com/  - Maria Chamberlain –  The Inn at Oxbow Acres: https://www.oxbowacresnh.com/  - Barbara Redding – Travel writer: https://barbararedding.com/  - Jo Clark – Travel writer:  https://haveglasswilltravel.com/  - Glynn Burrows -  Owner of Norfolk Tours UK: https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/  - Sharon K. Kurtz - Travel writer: https://sharonkkurtz.com/ 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Show, author Paula Whyman discusses her memoir, "BAD NATURALIST: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop," out now through Timber Press.  A few years ago, Paula Whyman decided to leave her Maryland / suburban DC empty nest to find a rural getaway -- maybe a small farmhouse where she could put her interest in conservation to work. With little experience in gardening or conservation, Whyman had a crazy idea to cultivate a small native meadow to provide an acre or two where wildlife could thrive and she could explore with her poodle. Then she set foot on 200 acres of old farmland atop a Virginia mountain about 20 miles outside Front Royal, VA and her dream became a reality. In "BAD NATURALIST: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop," author Paula Whyman explains how she cares for her mountain-sized ecological restoration challenge with a mixture of humility and humor.  She quickly discovers it’s impossible to be a “good” naturalist. More at https://paulawhyman.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio features author Cheryl Leutjen, who discusses her latest book, "Madness on the Brink of Eco-Apocalypse: Furious Facts, Dark Humor & SOS Calls to Action." A follow up to her award-winning book "Love Earth Now," the book confronts the human-caused harm on Earth’s life support systems. Weaving “furious facts” with dark humor and vivid prose, Cheryl offers concrete resources and inspiration to fuel the fight for our survival. Each chapter spotlights a group taking action, showcasing inspired and practical solutions to counter one of the many threats to our survival. "Madness on the Brink of Eco-Apocalypse" invites us to move beyond individual efforts and forge connections to amplify our collective power for greater impact.    Cheryl Leutjen draws from her experience as a geologist, attorney, small business owner, spiritual practitioner, nervous stand-up comic, and worried mother. This wealth of experience, along with degrees in Interdisciplinary Ecology, Environmental Geology, and Law, affords her a broad perspective to contemplate the dire environmental challenges of our time. She writes, rants, and facilitates creative experiences to inspire us all to discover our own path of living more Earth-mindfully. More at: https://cherylleutjen.com/  New episodes of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Show air every fourth Friday. Follow the podcast here: https://nature-connection.podbean.com/ 

From Africa and Asia to North America, this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND podcast celebrates National Squirrel Appreciation Day (Every January 21st) with some fun facts about squirrels and their small rodent families.   SONG OF THE DAY: Ray Stevens, "The Mississippi Squirrel Revival": https://youtu.be/K16fG1sDagU?feature=shared   TRAVELING BIRD (SQUIRREL) FEEDER videos on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MovieSquirrels

One of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in which 230,000 people perished, will be National Geographic's biggest docuseries of autumn, 'Tsunami: Race Against Time.'  This episode of Big Blend Radio features Barry Hirshorn, the seismologist who, in 2004, was tracking all the data as it trickled in. During the chaos, Hirshorn had to make sense of data so extreme as to be unreal. In 2004, Indian Ocean countries lacked the technology that could warn them, so Hirshorn knew that, based on his data, untold numbers of deaths were happening live. He raced to get the message to the remaining countries oblivious to the imminent calamity.   Premiering November 24, 2024, the series provides a 360-degree view into the heart-stopping events of 2004. It features personal accounts from survivors and scientists who raced against time to understand the catastrophe and warn the world. Told minute-by-minute through harrowing videos of survival – some seen for the first time – the four-part series offers an immersive look at the destructive wave as it surged across 14 countries.   TSUNAMI: RACE AGAINST TIME Premieres Across Two Nights, beginning Nov. 24, 2024 at 9/8c on National Geographic. All Episodes Stream Nov. 25 on Disney+ and Hulu 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, award-winning author and journalist Simon Parkin discusses his new book, "The Forbidden Garden: The Botanists of Besieged Leningrad and Their Impossible Choice."  The first book to chart the history of the world’s largest collection of seeds, "The Forbidden Garden" shares the story of the Siege of Leningrad and how from 1941 to 1944, the scientists in the seed bank had to face an impossible choice each day: eat the collection to prevent starvation, or protect their life’s work to help end world hunger? More at https://www.simonparkin.com/  This episode is cohosted by Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment.  More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/  Check out Big Blend Radio's network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork