Planet People Podcast

Join us as Coral and Natalie explore how Bad Bunny united the Americas through his historic halftime performance while shining a spotlight on an unlikely cultural icon: the Puerto Rican crested toad (known as coquí guajón or sapo concho). Bad Bunny features this endangered amphibian as a recurring symbol throughout his album DtMF (Debí Tirar Más Fotos), where animated versions of the toad appear in every song, transforming a threatened species into a powerful emblem of Puerto Rican identity and resistance. In an era when both Puerto Rican culture and ecosystems face mounting threats—from climate change to colonialism—this essential conversation celebrates how art, joy, and cultural pride become acts of resistance, and how one of the world's most prominent artists is using his platform to draw attention to a species on the brink of extinction. A note from Coral and Natalie: After this episode, we'll be taking a break from our regular interview format as we focus our energy and efforts on producing an exciting short film project! Season two interviews will resume in the spring. You can find out more in the coming weeks leading up to Jane Goodall's birthday—stay tuned for the launch of our Seed and Spark crowdsourcing effort for our short film coming soon to you!   RAY OF HOPE: In a time when Puerto Rico faces ongoing struggles with colonial status, economic exploitation, climate disasters, and threats to its biodiversity, Bad Bunny's celebration of the Puerto Rican crested toad in his music and halftime performance stands as a powerful ray of hope—demonstrating that global platforms can elevate local ecosystems, that joy and resistance are intertwined, and that cultural pride is inseparable from environmental stewardship. This commitment to centering Puerto Rican identity and ecology represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: artists using their massive platforms to spotlight endangered species, music creating emotional connections to ecosystems that desperately need protection, the recognition that resistance can be joyful and unifying rather than divisive, and a growing understanding that decolonization and ecological justice are interconnected struggles—ensuring that future generations inherit not just protected species but the cultural narratives that inspire us to fight for them.   FUN FACTS ABOUT THE PUERTO RICAN CRESTED TOAD: The Rarest Toad in Puerto Rico: The Puerto Rican crested toad (Peltophryne lemur) is one of only two toad species native to Puerto Rico and is critically endangered, found nowhere else on Earth. It was actually thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1966! The "Concho" Connection: Locally known as sapo concho, this toad gets its name from the bony crests on its head that form a distinctive crown-like pattern—a fitting symbol for Bad Bunny's artistic vision of Puerto Rican royalty and resilience. Underground Survivors: Unlike their famous relatives, the coquí frogs, Puerto Rican crested toads spend most of their lives underground in burrows, emerging primarily during the rainy season to breed in temporary pools. Explosive Breeders: When conditions are right, these toads engage in "explosive breeding"—thousands emerge simultaneously to breed in temporary rain pools, creating a spectacular natural event that lasts only a few nights per year. Conservation Success Story in Progress: Thanks to captive breeding programs in collaboration with zoos across the United States and Puerto Rico, over 300,000 tadpoles have been released back into the wild since the 1980s, though the species remains critically endangered.   ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era when Puerto Rico confronts ICE raids, colonial exploitation, climate catastrophes, and the loss of its unique biodiversity, Bad Bunny's joyful resistance reminds us that protecting Puerto Rican culture and ecosystems requires more than policy alone—it demands art, music, and cultural celebration that help us recognize why these communities and species matter and inspire us to fight for their liberation and survival.   Take Action: Listen to Bad Bunny's music and pay attention to the sapo concho animations throughout the DtMF album—let art deepen your connection to endangered species and inspire you to learn more. Learn about the species in your own backyard—research the native amphibians, plants, and animals in your local ecosystem and understand what threats they face. Support Puerto Rican environmental organizations working to protect the island's unique biodiversity and combat climate change impacts. Advocate against ICE raids and for immigration justice—recognize that human rights and environmental justice are interconnected struggles, and that displacement and ecological destruction share common roots in colonialism and exploitation. Unite through joy—create spaces for celebration, music, and art that bring people together around shared values of dignity, resistance, and hope. Support captive breeding and reintroduction programs for endangered species, such as the Puerto Rican crested toad.   EPISODE INFORMATION: Listen as Coral and Natalie break down Bad Bunny's historic halftime performance and the cultural significance of centering the Puerto Rican crested toad in his artistic vision. Donate to Puerto Rican Crested Toad Conservancy here. Listen to Bad Bunny's DtMF album here.    PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA:  Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

Join us for the second episode of our Planet People Book Club series as we explore Yuck: The Birth & Death of the Weird & Wondrous Joshua Tree, Yucca Brevifolia by author Barret Baumgart. This contemplative work uses the iconic Joshua tree as a lens to examine our relationship with the Mojave Desert and the American West. Barret shares the personal and creative journey behind this distinctive meditation on desert landscapes, pilgrimage, and the search for meaning in places often dismissed as barren. In an era when the Mojave faces unprecedented threats from climate change and when Joshua trees themselves teeter on the edge of extinction, this essential conversation challenges us to reconsider what we seek when we venture into the desert and to recognize how literature can awaken us to the profound beauty and fragility of landscapes we thought we understood.   RAY OF HOPE: In a time when the Mojave Desert and its iconic Joshua trees face mounting pressures from climate change and human encroachment, Barret's meditation on these landscapes stands as a powerful ray of hope—demonstrating that art and literature can transform how we see and value the desert, turning what many dismiss as wasteland into a place worthy of reverence, protection, and deep contemplation. This commitment to desert storytelling represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: writers and artists helping us see familiar landscapes with fresh eyes, literature creating emotional connections to ecosystems that desperately need our protection, the recognition that pilgrimage and seeking are woven into our relationship with wild places, and a growing understanding that the desert is not empty but full of meaning—ensuring that future generations inherit not just protected landscapes but the cultural narratives that inspire us to care for them. ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era when Joshua trees face potential extinction and desert ecosystems are rapidly transforming under climate pressure, understanding our cultural and spiritual connections to these landscapes reminds us that protecting the Mojave requires more than science alone—it demands the stories, art, and literature that help us recognize why these places matter and inspire us to fight for their survival. Take Action:  Read books like Yuck that deepen your connection to threatened landscapes and help you see them with new eyes. Visit the Mojave Desert mindfully and experience firsthand the ecosystems described in Barret's work. Support organizations working to protect Joshua trees and desert habitats. Share desert literature and art to counter narratives that dismiss these landscapes as wastelands. Reflect on your own pilgrimages and what you seek when you venture into wild places. Engage with local book clubs or reading groups focused on environmental literature. Advocate for climate action that protects the ecosystems you've come to love through literature. Recognize that cultural connection to place is a powerful force for conservation.   GUEST & BOOK INFORMATION: Yuck by Barret Baumgart: Purchase on website here  Follow Barret: You can follow him on Instagram here    PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA:  Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

Join us as we journey along the Colorado River with Alex Harper, a naturalist, wildlife conservationist, bird photographer, and guide with Red Rocks Audubon, whose recent survey expedition documents one of the American West's most urgent environmental crises. Alex shares what it means to witness the dramatic transformation of a river system that sustains millions of people and countless species—from disappearing wetlands and struggling bird populations to the stark reality of a watershed pushed to its limits by climate change, overuse, and outdated water policy. In an era when the Colorado River's reservoirs have reached historic lows and entire ecosystems hang in the balance, this essential conversation challenges us to confront the water crisis unfolding across the Southwest and to recognize how conservation education and documentary storytelling can inspire the collective action needed to secure water for both people and wildlife in an uncertain future. RAY OF HOPE: In a time when the Colorado River faces unprecedented challenges from climate change and overallocation, threatening the birds, wildlife, and communities that depend on it, Alex's dedication to documenting the river's condition and educating the next generation of naturalists stands as a powerful ray of hope—demonstrating that bearing witness to environmental change and sharing those stories can awaken the awareness and action needed to restore balance to our most critical watersheds. This commitment to river advocacy and naturalist education represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: naturalists using photography and documentary filmmaking to make invisible crises visible, educational programs and no cultivating deep ecological understanding in communities throughout the Southwest, birders and wildlife advocates connecting water conservation to the species they love, and a growing recognition that the health of our rivers reflects the health of our relationship with the natural world—ensuring that future generations inherit both the knowledge and the will to protect these lifeline ecosystems. ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era when the Colorado River's flow has diminished dramatically and climate projections suggest even drier years ahead, understanding the connection between water scarcity and ecosystem collapse reminds us that every conservation choice we make—from reducing personal water use to supporting river restoration—represents a commitment to the millions of people, birds, and wildlife that depend on this irreplaceable river system for survival. Take Action: Support organizations like Red Rocks Audubon, working to protect bird habitat and river ecosystems throughout the Southwest.  Reduce your water consumption through conscious daily choices, especially if you live in water-scarce regions.  Learn about where your water comes from and advocate for sustainable water policy in your community.  Participate in naturalist education programs to deepen your connection to local watersheds and wildlife.  Share Alex's documentary and other river advocacy work to raise awareness about the water crisis.  Connect with local birding and conservation groups to support habitat restoration along waterways.  Speak up for policies that prioritize ecological flows and balance human needs with healthy river ecosystems.  Recognize that water conservation isn't just about scarcity—it's about ensuring thriving ecosystems for generations to come.   GUEST SOCIAL MEDIA & RESOURCES: Follow Alex Harper: @alexharper Red Rocks Audubon: @redrockaudubon    PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

Join us as we venture into the Mojave Desert with Kelly Herbinson, Executive Director of Mojave Desert Land Trust, and Patrick Emblidge, Plant Conservation Program Manager, whose groundbreaking conservation work reveals the urgent need to protect one of North America's most iconic and misunderstood ecosystems. Kelly and Patrick share what it means to safeguard the desert's irreplaceable biodiversity from the iconic Joshua tree facing climate-driven extinction to the thousands of acres permanently protected through conservation easements that preserve rare plants and vulnerable desert species. In an era when deserts are dismissed as barren wastelands even as they face unprecedented threats from climate change and development, this essential conversation challenges us to recognize the Mojave as a vibrant, interconnected ecosystem worthy of fierce protection and to understand how strategic land conservation can become a powerful tool for ensuring these landscapes endure for generations to come.   RAY OF HOPE: In a time when climate change threatens the Joshua tree with extinction and development pressures fragment critical desert habitat, Kelly and Patrick's dedication to protecting Mojave ecosystems through conservation easements, land acquisition, and seed banking stands as a powerful ray of hope by demonstrating that science-driven action and community engagement can permanently safeguard thousands of acres and the rare species that depend on them. This commitment to desert conservation represents hope because it shows us a way forward: land trusts working to permanently protect critical habitat through conservation easements before it's lost, thousands of acres preserved that provide refuge for rare plants and desert wildlife, seed banks preserving genetic diversity for future restoration, native plant sales connecting communities to desert biodiversity, and a growing recognition that desert ecosystems are not wastelands but thriving communities of life, truly ensuring that the Mojave's iconic species have a fighting chance against the escalating threats of our changing climate.   ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era when climate change is rapidly reshaping desert ecosystems and development pressures threaten to destroy irreplaceable habitat, understanding the urgency of Mojave Desert conservation reminds us that every acre protected through conservation easements, every seed preserved, and every native plant cultivated represents a lifeline for species that have survived in these harsh landscapes for millennia—and that our choices today will determine whether future generations inherit a living desert or a memory of one.   Take Action: Support organizations like Mojave Desert Land Trust that permanently protect critical habitat through conservation easements and land acquisition.  Attend MDLT's annual native plant sale to support desert biodiversity in your own yard.  Practice responsible recreation by staying on designated trails and roads to protect fragile desert plants.  Plant native desert species if you live in arid regions to support local biodiversity and rare species.  Reduce your carbon footprint to slow the climate change threatening Joshua trees and other desert species.  Contact your representatives to support public land protection and conservation easement programs.  Share the importance of desert conservation to counter the "wasteland" narrative.  Learn about conservation easements and how they protect landscapes in perpetuity.   GUEST SOCIAL MEDIA & RESOURCES: Mojave Desert Land Trust: @mojavedesertlandtrust Learn more: www.mdlt.org   PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

In this urgent discussion, we interview Jack Humphrey from The Rewilding Institute to explore what rewilding truly means—and why it's under unprecedented threat right now. As the Trump administration dynamites through Arizona's most critical jaguar habitat to construct border walls, we examine what happens when we sever the very corridors that wildlife has traveled for millennia. The Rewilding Institute was founded on a radical idea: that nature needs more than just protection. It needs restoration, connection, and room to breathe. Their vision is bold—gray wolves and grizzly bears with connected habitat from Mexico to Alaska, pumas reclaiming their homelands East and West, salmon swimming freely up our continent's rivers, and oceans teeming with whales and sharks. But corridors only work if they stay open. Right now, in places like the San Rafael Valley, the Huachuca Mountains, and Sycamore Canyon, explosives are blasting apart landscapes that federal scientists have identified as essential for jaguar recovery in the United States. These aren't empty wastelands—they're the last remaining pathways connecting jaguars in Arizona to breeding populations in Mexico. Just last month, a new jaguar called Cinco was photographed in these mountains, the fifth wild cat documented since 2011, proof that these magnificent animals are still trying to come home. The administration has waived more than 40 environmental laws—including the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Wilderness Act—to fast-track construction of double-layered steel walls, industrial floodlights, and surveillance infrastructure across hundreds of miles of protected habitat. This isn't just about jaguars. It's about ocelots, black bears, Mexican gray wolves, pronghorn, and hundreds of species of migratory birds and butterflies that depend on these cross-border ecosystems. Join us for this critical conversation about what's at stake, what rewilding means in practice, and why the fight for connected landscapes is about so much more than any single species. Because when we wall off the wild, we don't just lose jaguars—we lose the possibility of a wilder, more resilient future.   ABOUT THE REWILDING INSTITUTE: The Rewilding Institute (TRI) explores and shares tactics and strategies to advance continental-scale conservation and restoration in North America and beyond. They focus on the need for large carnivores and protected wildways for their movement, offering a bold, scientifically credible, practically achievable, and hopeful vision for the future of wild nature and human civilization on planet Earth. Rewilding isn't about going backward—it's about creating pathways forward for the wild species and ecosystems that have been pushed to the margins. Learn more at The Rewilding Institute website.   RAY OF HOPE: Despite the devastating assault on Arizona's borderlands, Cinco's recent appearance proves that jaguars are still fighting to come home. Wildlife doesn't give up—and neither can we. Rewilding reminds us that nature is remarkably resilient when given the chance. From wolf recovery in Yellowstone to beaver reintroduction across North America, we've seen how quickly ecosystems can heal when we restore apex predators and protect corridors. The fight for connected landscapes is gaining momentum. Scientists understand connectivity better than ever. Communities across North America are championing wildlife corridors, from highway overpasses to ranch-led conservation efforts. Indigenous land management practices are being recognized as essential to rewilding success. Every protected wildway, every restored river, every lawsuit against illegal border wall construction is a victory for the future. This isn't just about stopping destruction—it's about building a wilder tomorrow. When we protect jaguar corridors, we protect entire ecosystems. When we advocate for connected habitat, we're choosing resilience over fragmentation. The vision is achievable: a continent where wild animals can move freely, where ecosystems function fully, where nature has room to breathe. That future is worth fighting for.   ANXIETY TO ACTION: Speak Up for Borderlands Wildlife: Contact your representatives about protecting critical habitat in Arizona's borderlands. Demand accountability for environmental law waivers and support legislation that prioritizes wildlife corridor protection. Support Rewilding Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with groups working on continental-scale conservation, jaguar recovery, and wildlife corridor protection. Organizations need sustained support to fight ongoing threats.   Take Action: Learn about The Rewilding Institute's work and vision Follow jaguar recovery efforts and borderlands conservation news Support organizations fighting border wall construction in critical habitat Educate others about the importance of wildlife corridors and connectivity Advocate for policies that prioritize landscape-scale conservation   CONNECT WITH JACK HUMPHREY: The Rewilding Institute - The Rewilding Institute website.   PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA:  Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

In this discussion, we interview Josh Jackson, author of The Enduring Wild and creator of the Forgotten Lands project, which documents and advocates for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands across the American West. Through his writing and photography, Josh has become a leading voice in drawing attention to these vast, often-overlooked landscapes, which represent our largest—and most vulnerable—public land holdings. BLM lands differ significantly from national parks and monuments, lacking the same level of protection and public awareness despite comprising millions of acres of critical habitat and stunning wilderness. Through his travels across California's deserts, particularly the Mojave and the Eastern Sierra Nevada, Josh discovered landscapes of remarkable beauty and ecological significance that were hiding in plain sight. From the otherworldly Trona Pinnacles to the threatened Conglomerate Mesa in the Owens Valley, these "forgotten lands" face mounting challenges from mining interests, development pressures, and shifting political climates. In our conversation, Josh shares personal stories of exploring these desert landscapes with his children, explains how everyday people can access and advocate for BLM lands, and discusses current threats, such as the proposed mining at Conglomerate Mesa. He also reflects on recent victories, including pushback against the "Big Beautiful Bill," and offers hope for the future of public lands protection through education, sustainable recreation, and grassroots advocacy. Join us for this inspiring discussion about America's enduring wild places and why these forgotten landscapes deserve our attention, appreciation, and protection!   BOOK SUMMARY: The Enduring Wild chronicles Josh Jackson's journey across America's BLM territories, revealing the hidden majesty of landscapes that exist outside the famous national park system. Through compelling narrative and stunning photography, the book documents the ecological richness and cultural significance of these "forgotten lands" while exposing the unique threats they face from extractive industries and inadequate protections. Jackson weaves together personal stories, natural history, and urgent advocacy to argue that these vast public lands represent both our greatest conservation challenge and opportunity. The book serves as both a love letter to overlooked wilderness and a call to action for Americans to recognize and protect the enduring wild places that belong to us all. Buy the book here.   RAY OF HOPE: While threats to public lands can feel overwhelming, there's something powerful happening: ordinary people are falling in love with "forgotten" places. BLM lands, once ignored in favor of famous national parks, are finding their champions—writers, photographers, families, and local communities who recognize that protection doesn't require a famous name, just people who care. Recent advocacy victories demonstrate that public engagement is an effective strategy. When communities rallied against harmful legislation such as the "Big Beautiful Bill," their voices made a difference. Grassroots organizations are successfully protecting threatened areas, such as Conglomerate Mesa, by educating the public about what's at stake. The desert isn't barren—it's full of life, stories, and people ready to defend it. The beautiful truth? These lands belong to all of us. You don't need special credentials to explore, photograph, or speak up for them. Every hike, every shared photo, every letter to a representative adds to a growing movement recognizing that our wildest places aren't just worth visiting—they're worth fighting for.   ANXIETY TO ACTION: Practice Sustainable Recreation: Follow "Leave No Trace" principles, stay on designated trails, and educate others about protecting sensitive desert ecosystems while enjoying them responsibly. Raise Your Voice: Contact your representatives about public lands protection. Support organizations working to defend BLM lands. Provide public comments when lands face development threats. Democracy works when citizens participate.   Take Action: Explore your local BLM lands.  Join the USAL project and take a field trip with Josh Jackson Visit the BLM website to find public lands near you.  Take a hike, bring a camera, and share what you discover.  Purchase The Enduring Wild and join the Planet People book club. CONNECT WITH JOSH: The Enduring Wild - Visit his website here. Follow Josh's project on Instagram and Substack.    PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA:  Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast    

Happy New Year's from Planet People hosts, Natalie & Coral!   PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

In this festive discussion, hosts Coral and Natalie sit down with guest Jenli Kaylor to explore the art of sustainable holiday living through thrifting and upcycling. Together, they dive deep into creative ways to make the holiday season more environmentally conscious while still maintaining the magic and joy of the season. From transforming secondhand finds into meaningful gifts to reimagining holiday decorations with thrifted treasures, this conversation is packed with practical tips for anyone looking to reduce their environmental footprint during the most wonderful—and often most wasteful—time of year. Jenli shares her expertise on identifying quality pieces at thrift stores, creative upcycling techniques that turn forgotten items into holiday gold, and how to shift our mindset from consumption-focused celebrations to more intentional, sustainable practices. The discussion covers everything from DIY gift wrapping using repurposed materials to hosting eco-friendly holiday gatherings that don't compromise on style or sentiment. Join Coral, Jenli, and Natalie for this inspiring conversation that proves the holidays can be both magical and mindful!   RAY OF HOPE: While the holiday season often brings anxiety about overconsumption and waste, there's a beautiful shift happening in how people approach gift-giving and celebrating. Thrift stores are seeing record numbers of creative shoppers who are discovering that the most meaningful gifts often come with stories—vintage books, restored furniture pieces, and unique finds that can't be bought new. Communities are embracing gift swaps, DIY workshops, and upcycling parties where neighbors gather to transform old items into new treasures. Social media is filled with inspiring before-and-after transformations that show how creativity can turn the discarded into the divine. The silver lining? Every thrifted gift is both an act of environmental stewardship and a more personal, thoughtful way to show love. You're not just reducing waste—you're giving something with character, history, and heart.   ANXIETY TO ACTION: Start small this holiday season - Visit your local thrift store with a specific person or occasion in mind, and let yourself browse with creative eyes rather than a rigid shopping list. Build community around sustainable celebrating - Host a gift-wrapping party using newspapers, brown paper, and natural elements like pinecones and twigs. Organize a holiday decoration swap with neighbors to refresh your décor without having to buy new ones.   CONNECT WITH JENLI: Follow @thejenliproject on Instagram and TikTok    PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

In this discussion, we interview Kurt Leuschner, a Professor of Natural Resources at the College of the Desert, a public community college serving the diverse Coachella Valley of Riverside County, California. College of the Desert enrolls approximately 12,500 students and is federally recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution, reflecting its commitment to educational accessibility in the region. Through his role at College of the Desert, Professor Leuschner is helping to educate the next generation of environmental stewards while contributing to our understanding of the remarkable biodiversity that calls the Coachella Valley home. In addition to our discussion on low-desert ecology, Kurt shares the many ways renewable energies are used across Southern California and how we can have hope for the progress humanity is making towards green energy solutions. Not only that, but he also shares the incredible efforts of rewilding desert landscapes by "killing your lawn" and planting native plants.  Join us for this hopeful discussion around renewable energy, desert ecology, and what it means to rewild your desert landscape at home in your backyard!   RAY OF HOPE: While climate news can feel overwhelming, there's a beautiful movement happening right under our noses. Across the country, people are transforming their lawns into native habitats, one yard at a time. These aren't grand gestures - they're quiet acts of rebellion against monoculture grass that's creating wildlife corridors through suburbia. Farmers are increasingly learning to spot burrowing owl nests, not because they're required to, but because they're discovering that protecting these tiny ecosystem engineers actually improves their soil health. Meanwhile, more people than ever are calling their representatives about environmental issues - democracy in action, one concerned citizen at a time. The silver lining? You don't need to save the whole planet today. You just need to plant one native shrub, make one phone call, or learn to identify one species in your area. These small acts are part of a growing web of environmental stewardship that's quietly rebuilding our connection to the natural world.   ANXIETY TO ACTION: Begin with your backyard - Converting even a small patch to native plants creates immediate habitat and gives you a sense of agency. Build Community and share your native plant journey on social media to inspire neighbors. Join local environmental groups working on renewable energy advocacy. Connect with farmers in your area who are implementing wildlife-friendly practices.   CONNECT WITH KURT: Email Kurt Lueshner: kleuschner@collegeofthedesert.edu   PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA:  Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast  

Join us for an in-depth conversation about Mojave desert tortoise conservation efforts, from the original endangered species designation to current threats and protection strategies. In this interview with Mary Lane Poe of the Desert Tortoise Council, we review the many threats facing the desert tortoise, as well as meaningful ways for people to take action and even start a career in desert tortoise conservation.  RAY OF HOPE: Here's something incredible: Desert tortoises are ancient ecosystem engineers that have survived ice ages, volcanic eruptions, and dramatic climate shifts over 15 million years. These slow-and-steady champions create burrows that become life-saving refuges for over 300 other desert species - from burrowing owls to kit foxes to countless invertebrates. They're living proof that resilience isn't about speed or aggression; it's about creating infrastructure that benefits entire communities. The Desert Tortoise Council represents something beautiful: people so inspired by these remarkable creatures that they've dedicated their lives to protecting them. Every time you engage with their social media, you're amplifying science-based conservation efforts that are working.  The silver lining? Desert tortoises remind us that survival isn't just about individual resilience - it's about building systems that help everyone thrive. When you advocate for the places you love, you're following the tortoise model: creating lasting change through steady, persistent action.   ANXIETY TO ACTION: You can turn your anxiety into action by volunteering with the Desert Tortoise Council, such as participating in the annual symposium event, serving on a committee, or becoming a board member. Additionally, it helps to interact with the Desert Tortoise Council Website social media, follow, like, comment, and share. It's also equally important to advocate for the places you love by writing official comment letters, calling your reps, and letting them know we need to keep these environmental policies in place.   EPISODE RESOURCES: Sign up for the Desert Tortoise Introductory course here  Annual symposium event information can be found here Health Assessment Training can be found here   Learn more about habitat conservation with the Mojave Desert Land Trust   FOLLOW MARY LANE POE AND THE DTC ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Mary Lane Poe on Instagram  Follow the Desert Tortoise Council on Instagram FOLLOW PLANET PEOPLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA:  Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

Join us as we explore the vibrant creative scene of Joshua Tree with Shari Elf, founder of Art Queen, whose innovative approach to upcycled fashion reveals the profound relationship between clothing, self-expression, and environmental consciousness. Shari shares what it means to transform discarded garments into wearable art, as well as the powerful story of how upcycling can serve as both a personal statement and a sustainable alternative to fast fashion's destructive cycle. In an era when the fashion industry is one of the world's largest polluters, this essential conversation challenges us to reassess our relationship with clothing and to recognize how reimagining and revitalizing garments can become a symbol of creativity, individuality, and environmental stewardship.   RAY OF HOPE: In a time when fast fashion prevails and clothing waste fills our landfills, Shari's dedication to transforming discarded garments into unique pieces of wearable art stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that creativity and sustainability can merge to create something both beautiful and meaningful. This commitment to upcycling represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: artists and makers reclaiming materials that would otherwise be waste and transforming them into expressions of identity, growing recognition that our clothing choices can be both personal statements and environmental actions, and a new generation learning to value craftsmanship, individuality, and the stories embedded in reimagined garments—ensuring that fashion becomes a force for positive change rather than environmental harm.   ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era when the fashion industry contributes massively to pollution and waste, and when social media often pressures us toward constant consumption of new trends, understanding the power of upcycled fashion reminds us that every garment tells a story, and that choosing to reimagine and revitalize clothing is both a creative act and a form of resistance against throwaway culture.   Take Action: Learn basic clothing repair and alteration skills to extend the life of your garments. Support local artists and makers who create upcycled fashion. Shop secondhand and vintage before buying new. Organize clothing swaps in your community. Challenge fast fashion culture by embracing your personal style over fleeting trends. Share and celebrate creative upcycling projects to inspire others.   SHARI SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Shari on Instagram: @shari.elf World Famous Crochet Museum: @worldfamouscrochetmuseum Art Queen: @artqueen_jt   PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA:  Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

Join us for a special shorter-format conversation as founder, Natalie, sits down with co-host and Creative Director, Coral Carson, to reflect on Planet People's remarkable 2.5-year journey. As we celebrate this milestone and enter our second season, we take a moment to express gratitude for our incredible community and discuss why Indigenous knowledge is foundational—not supplementary—to any meaningful conversation about conservation. This Thanksgiving episode sets the stage for our featured guest, Seth Bizardi Tsosie, a Native American monitor from the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, whose insights about the Eastern Sierra Nevada will shift how you think about land, community, and our collective responsibility to the earth. Seth shares stories and knowledge that will shift how you think about land, community, and our collective responsibility to the earth. His insights offere powerful takeaways that everyone needs to hear, especially during this season of gratitude and reflection. Don't miss our previous episode (Episode 32) featuring Seth's full interview, where he dives deep into Indigenous knowledge of the Eastern Sierra Nevada and the untold story of the Owens Valley water grab. Listen to both episodes for the complete experience!   RAY OF HOPE: In a world that often moves too fast to pause and reflect, the growth of the Planet People community over these 2.5 years stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that people still crave meaningful conversations about our relationship with nature and are eager to engage with ideas that honor both people and planet. This community's curiosity and commitment represent hope because it shows us a pathway forward: a growing movement of listeners who show up with care, a network of nature advocates and storytellers amplifying essential voices, and recognition that Indigenous perspectives are foundational to conservation work, ensuring that we build a more just and sustainable future together.   ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era when Indigenous voices have been historically marginalized in conservation conversations, recognizing that Indigenous knowledge is essential—not optional—reminds us that true environmental stewardship requires listening to and learning from the original stewards of the land whose wisdom about ecological balance and reciprocity spans thousands of years. Take Action: Engage with Indigenous-led conservation initiatives and organizations Educate yourself about Indigenous history and land rights in your region Support Indigenous-led environmental justice organizations, like @indigenouswomenhike, along with the advocacy movement to Protect Conglomerate Mesa.  Support podcasts and platforms that center Indigenous voices and perspectives Share episodes like this one to help amplify Indigenous knowledge Practice gratitude not just during holidays, but by honoring the land and its original caretakers year-round Listen to Episode 32 with Seth Bizardi Tsosie for his complete story   SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Seth on Instagram: @indigenous.technology  Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod  Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

Join us as we explore the Eastern Sierra Nevada with Seth Bizardi Tsosie, a Native American monitor from the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, whose ancestral knowledge reveals the profound relationship between Indigenous peoples and the land of flowing water. Seth shares what it means to grow up with generations of traditional ecological wisdom about this remarkable region, as well as the devastating story of how the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power systematically exploited and diverted the Owens Valley's lifeblood. As we approach Thanksgiving, this essential conversation challenges us to confront the true history of American land and water rights, and to understand the ongoing impacts of environmental injustice on indigenous communities whose connection to these waters spans millennia.   RAY OF HOPE: In a time when Indigenous voices have been historically silenced and their lands exploited, Seth's willingness to share the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe's knowledge and perspective stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that Indigenous wisdom and resilience persist despite centuries of injustice. This dedication to preserving and sharing traditional knowledge represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: Indigenous communities reclaiming their narratives and educating others about their connection to the land, growing recognition of the value of traditional ecological knowledge in addressing modern environmental challenges, and a new generation learning to honor and protect the relationship between people and water—ensuring that these stories and this wisdom continue to guide us toward more just and sustainable futures for all communities.   ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era when water rights battles continue and Indigenous communities still fight for recognition and justice, understanding the history of the Owens Valley water grab reminds us that the stories we tell during holidays like Thanksgiving matter, and that real American history includes reckoning with exploitation and learning from those whose knowledge of the land predates colonization.   Take Action: Educate yourself about Indigenous history and land rights in your region. Support Indigenous-led environmental justice organizations, like @indigenouswomenhike, along with the advocacy movement to Protect Conglomerate Mesa.  Be informed on the true history behind Thanksgiving and share accurate narratives. Advocate for Indigenous water rights and tribal sovereignty. Listen to and amplify Indigenous voices on environmental and conservation issues. SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Seth on Instagram: @indigenous.technology  Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

Join us as we journey to the frozen continent of Antarctica with Dr. Steve Emslie, a leading Antarctic ecologist whose groundbreaking research on Adélie penguins has revealed fascinating insights into one of Earth's most extreme environments. From the remarkable adaptations of these charismatic seabirds to the surprising revelation that Antarctica is technically a desert, Dr. Emslie shares his discoveries from decades of fieldwork in the coldest, windiest, and driest place on our planet. This eye-opening conversation explores the delicate balance of polar ecosystems and why understanding Antarctica's past holds crucial insights for our planet's future.   RAY OF HOPE:  In a time when polar regions face unprecedented challenges from climate change, Dr. Steve Emslie's decades-long research on Adélie penguins and Antarctic ecology stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that through careful scientific study, we can understand and protect these remarkable ecosystems. This dedication to Antarctic science represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: long-term ecological monitoring revealing how resilient these ecosystems can be, international scientific cooperation protecting the continent for peaceful research, and a deeper understanding of how Antarctic wildlife adapts to extreme conditions—knowledge that helps us predict and prepare for environmental changes affecting penguin colonies and polar biodiversity for generations to come.   ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era where Antarctic ice shelves are changing and penguin populations face new pressures, understanding the ecology of Adélie penguins and the unique desert environment of Antarctica reminds us that even the most remote ecosystems on Earth are connected to our daily choices and deserve our protection.   Take Action: Learn about the Antarctic Treaty System and how international cooperation protects this unique continent Support organizations conducting polar research and conservation Reduce your carbon footprint to help protect polar regions from climate impacts Share the fascinating science of Antarctica to help others understand why polar ecosystems matter Follow Antarctic research stations and scientists on social media to stay connected with ongoing discoveries     SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow us on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast     LISTEN TO "ALL ABOUT ANTARCTICA" Spotify Apple Podcasts     PHOTO LINKS: Adélie Penguins Antarctic Landscape Antarctic Desert Facts Dr. Emslie's Research Guano

This episode takes you behind the scenes of our San Diego Climate Week event, where we combined mindfulness meditation with birdwatching to forge a deeper connection with the natural world and raise awareness about one of climate change's most vulnerable victims—our birds. Hosts Natalie and Coral share why they chose to lead a meditative bird walk during Climate Week, highlighting the critical relationship between climate change and declining bird populations. As habitats shift, migration patterns are disrupted, and food sources vanish, birds are serving as early warning indicators of our planet's changing health. Their songs and presence are not just beautiful—they're essential signals of a functioning ecosystem. We explore how meditation can transform our relationship with nature by slowing us down, sharpening our senses, and helping us truly observe the world around us. When we quiet our minds, we become better birdwatchers and more attuned listeners to what the planet is trying to tell us. This mindful approach to nature connection isn't just about appreciation—it's about understanding the urgent needs of our environment. The hosts discuss the experience of guiding participants through meditative practices before observing local bird species, and how this combination opened new pathways to environmental awareness. By cultivating presence and attention, we can better notice the changes happening in our backyards and communities—and feel more motivated to act. Ultimately, this episode delivers a sobering reminder: a world without birdsong is a world in trouble. When the birds fall silent, it's a warning we cannot ignore. Through meditation and mindful observation, we can deepen our connection to these vital creatures and become better stewards of the planet they—and we—call home.   SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow us on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: ⁨@PlanetPeoplePodcast⁩

It's Halloween on Planet People Podcast, and this episode dives into the eerie intersection of nature and folklore. Hosts Natalie and Coral are joined by their teammate Hugh Carr to explore the misunderstood realities of four creatures that have long haunted human imagination—the raven, coyote, tarantula, and owl. Hugh unpacks the mythological roots of ravens and coyotes as tricksters and spirit messengers. Additionally, he presents a fascinating theory regarding what may have contributed to ravens' dark portrayal throughout history and today… Natalie sheds light on the tarantula's misunderstood reputation, revealing why these gentle giants surface during October and how their real-life behavior inspired centuries of fear and folklore. Meanwhile, Coral delves into the owl's enduring mystique, from its silent flight and fixed gaze to the cultural symbolism that casts it as both a wise protector and an omen of death.  Together, we unravel how myth and biology intertwine, proving that the creatures that spook us most often hold the deepest stories about the natural world.   CREDITS:  Spooky raven theory: @wingsandwildlands Raven, bear, wolf video: @wolfgirl_maine   SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow us on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: ⁨@PlanetPeoplePodcast⁩

Join us in continuing this Spooky Season as we sit down with Scott Heacox to explore the truly exciting world of parasitic insects in the Coachella Valley. From wasps that turn their hosts into living nurseries to fungi that create zombie ants, Scott reveals the fascinating and sometimes horrifying survival strategies of desert insects. This spine-tingling conversation uncovers the complex relationships between parasites and their hosts, demonstrating that the scariest stories aren't found in horror movies—they're happening right now in the desert ecosystem around us.   RAY OF HOPE: In a time when insects are often misunderstood and feared, Scott Heacox's work stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that understanding these complex creatures—even the parasitic ones—reveals the intricate balance and resilience of desert ecosystems. This educational approach represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: scientific curiosity replacing fear, local communities appreciating the ecological roles of all insects (even the creepy ones), and a deeper understanding of how parasitic relationships maintain healthy populations and biodiversity in the Coachella Valley for generations to come.   ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era where insect populations face unprecedented threats, understanding the fascinating world of parasitic wasps, ants, and crickets reminds us that every creature—no matter how unsettling—plays a vital role in maintaining the health of desert ecosystems. Take Action: Learn about the insects in your local desert ecosystem and their ecological roles Support desert conservation organizations protecting insect habitats Share your newfound knowledge about parasitic insects to help others overcome fear with understanding Participate in citizen science projects documenting desert insect populations     SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow us on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: ⁨@PlanetPeoplePodcast⁩     PHOTO LINKS: Scorpion Photo & Video Parasitoid Wasp Orasema Heacoxi Death's Head Cockroach Bat Flies Water Strider  

Join us as we sit down with Katie Shaw, a social scientist with The Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert, to explore the fascinating intersection of human behavior and wildlife conservation. Kate shares insights into their innovative "Time to Talk Trash" conservation program, which targets the root cause of rising raven populations that threaten endangered desert tortoises. This eye-opening conversation reveals how changing human behavior around waste management can have profound impacts on desert ecosystems, demonstrating that sometimes the most effective wildlife conservation happens by focusing on people, not just animals.   RAY OF HOPE: In a time when desert tortoise populations face mounting pressure from increasing raven predation, The Living Desert's "Time to Talk Trash" program stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that community conservation and social science can intersect to make a positive impact on imperiled desert wildlife.  This community-driven approach represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: social science informing conservation strategy, local communities becoming active partners in wildlife protection, and behavioral change programs that create lasting benefits for both people and the desert species that depend on balanced ecosystems for generations to come.   ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era where human activities increasingly impact wildlife survival, The Living Desert's trash management program reminds us that we have the power to be part of the solution, one behavioral change and one protected tortoise at a time.   Take Action: Support The Living Desert's conservation programs and "Time to Talk Trash" initiative. Practice proper waste disposal and secure trash containers in desert communities. Educate others about the connection between human behavior and wildlife impacts. Advocate for community-based conservation programs that address root causes.   RESOURCES: What are Ravenous Ravens? Learn more here.  Learn more about The Living Desert and their conservation programs: here. "Time to Talk Trash" program information: here. Desert tortoise conservation resources: here.   SOCIAL MEDIA:  Follow on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast⁩    

Get ready for our most innovative episode yet! In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge world of conservation technology (CTs) with Tim Shields from Ornilogic, who is revolutionizing desert tortoise protection through creative technological solutions. Tim shares mind-blowing conservation tools, including laser guns to deter raven presence and ingenious fake tortoise babies filled with grape juice designed to discourage ravens from eating real tortoise youngsters. This fascinating conversation explores how CTs are transforming wildlife protection by gamifying conservation efforts and making the fight against extinction both effective and FUN!   RAY OF HOPE: In a time when traditional conservation methods struggle to keep pace with the rapid decline of species, Tim Shields' innovative CTs stand as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that creative problem-solving and cutting-edge tools can transform how we protect endangered species. By gamifying conservation through laser deterrents, decoy tortoises, and other ingenious devices, this approach shows that fighting extinction can be both scientifically rigorous and genuinely enjoyable for conservationists and the public alike. Tim's work represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: technology making conservation more effective and engaging, creative solutions that outsmart wildlife threats, and innovative approaches that inspire the next generation of conservationists by proving that saving species can be as exciting as any video game.   ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era where extinction rates are accelerating, Tim Shields' conservation technologies remind us that we have the power to be part of the solution through innovation, creativity, and making conservation irresistibly engaging, one protected tortoise at a time.  Take Action: Support Ornilogic and other conservation technology innovators. Advocate for funding conservation technology research and development. Share the excitement of conservation innovation to inspire others. Explore how technology and creativity can enhance local conservation efforts.   RESOURCES: Learn more about Ornilogic and Tim Shields' CTs here. Tim Shields' TED Talk here.  Desert tortoise protection programs here. Raven clicking noise - YouTube

Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Danielle Wall, recorded live at a studio in Joshua Tree, California! In this exclusive episode, Danielle shares wild stories from her years as a snake wrangler out West, fascinating fun facts about rattlesnake behavior, and essential rescue advice that could save both human and snake lives. The interview becomes even more exciting when Danielle brings out a baby rattlesnake, providing us with a rare up-close look at these remarkable desert predators. From dramatic rescue calls to the intricate world of snake biology, this episode will completely transform how you think about rattlesnakes and desert wildlife.   RAY OF HOPE: In a time when fear and misunderstanding drive humans to kill harmless and beneficial snakes, Danielle Wall's mission to "save one snake and save one life" stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that compassion and education can transform our relationship with wildlife. Through her volunteer efforts in Joshua Tree, California, Danielle rescues and relocates rattlesnakes throughout the Mojave Desert, proving that coexistence is possible when we choose understanding over fear. Danielle's work represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: changing hearts and minds one rescue at a time, building bridges between human communities and wildlife, and creating safer outcomes for both people and snakes through professional relocation services that benefit generations to come.   ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era where wildlife-human conflicts are increasing, Danielle's snake rescue work reminds us that we have the power to be part of the solution, one rescued rattlesnake at a time. Advocate for wildlife coexistence! Share educational content about snake safety and the important role snakes play in desert ecosystems. Call professional snake relocators instead of killing snakes - every life matters.   RESOURCES: Follow Danielle Wall's snake rescue nonprofit: @high_desert_dani Snake safety and identification resources for the Mojave Desert: here    PHOTO / VIDEO CREDIT: Northern Pacific | WildSafe B.C.   Burrowing Owl Video Mojave Desert Photography | Colin Barrows  Dani Photographers: Richard Stow: @richardstow  Katie Shearer: @kateshearerstudio Shaughn and John: @shaughn_and_john