HumaNature

This time I speak with Ashley Korenblat and Walt Dabney of Public Land Solutions about the uncertain future of America's public lands. We speak about the threat these spaces are facing and what selling them off to the highest bidder would mean for the average person. But we also talk about solutions and what you can do to help.

After COVID, Monet Izabeth was craving a challenge. So she decided to become the first American woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole. Monet was not an avid skier and didn't particularly enjoy winter sports, but she was determined and trained for two years before setting out for Antarctica. Journey alongside Monet as she faces inclimate weather, freezing temperatures, and emotional highs and lows to achieve her goal.

Join us as we explore the story of how a German woman has devoted her life to advocating for manta rays in Hawaii.

This time environmental journalist Hillary Rosner joins us to discuss her latest book Roam: Wild Animals and the Race to Repair Our Fractured World. In it, Rosner discusses how a human centered world has disrupted wild animals ability to move naturally and the communities and people coming together to try and help. It's an important conversation that just might help save our planet.

A celebrity eagle couple takes the world by storm in this week's episode. Jackie and Shadow have millions of fans who have followed their love story from the beginning. But their habitat is being threatened and they need your help.

On this week's episode, adventurer Mark Synnot sets out in the Arctic Circle to try and solve a centuries old mystery. The Franklin Expedition has puzzled historians for decades, can Mark and his team finally discover the truth?

Author Robin Wall Kimmerer joins the show to discuss her new children's book Bud Finds Her Gift, her background as a botanist, and how we can all benefit from connecting with the world around us. Robin Wall Kimmerer is an activist, mother, scientist, and a registered member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She has authored numerous books including Braiding Sweetgrass, The Serviceberry, and Gathering Moss. She also leads the grassroots movement Plant Baby Plant that encourages change through reconnecting with the earth.

At only 20 years old, rock climber Beth Rodden was on top of the world and really making a name for herself. But when a climbing trip to Kyrgyzstan goes horribly wrong and Beth and the others and kidnapped, everything changes.

Brian Buckbee had no idea his life would change forever after he brought an injured pigeon home. He was battling a mysterious illness and feeling lonely and isolated. Together, Brian and Two-Step the pigeon would form an unexpected friendship that is full of heartwarming surprises. Be sure to grab a copy of Brian's book We Should All Be Birds and check out his website http://www.weshouldallbebirds.com/

Author Jonny Hanson joins HumaNature to discuss the pros and cons of reintroducing large predators (lynx, wolves, and bears) back to the wilds of Britain and Ireland. It's a controversial and politically charged subject to say the least and sparks a lot of emotions on both sides. Don't miss this fascinating conversation and make sure to check out Jonny Hanson's latest book Living with Lynx: Sharing Landscapes with Big Cats, Wolves and Bears to learn more.

Sandy Hazelip and Ellie Hamby are not your typical travel influencers, they're both grandmothers in their 80's widely known as the TikTok Traveling Grannies. This week you'll hear about how they've been breaking barriers for decades, their journey around the world to celebrate turning 80, and why Easter Island has the best food.

Just before her 30th birthday, Julia Sheehan realized she wasn't happy. She had a house and a great career, but wanted something more. So she sold her home, left her job, and set out to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. What follows is a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and a trail that will test her in ways she never imagined.

Fitz Cahall, founder of The Dirtbag Diaries podcast, joins host Megan Feighery to talk about life, finding adventure in your own backyard, and his new book States of Adventure: 30 Outdoor Adventure Stories About Finding Yourself By Getting Lost.

Bridget Crocker is a world-class whitewater rafting guide and author of the book "The River's Daughter." Bridget also grew up in an abusive household and suffered from severe trauma and PTSD. Through it all, she always had her special relationship with the river- something that would bring her the courage and resilience to persevere no matter what.

Show notes: This episode discusses violence, sexual assault, trauma, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts. Listener discretion is advised.

Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Hotline.

Call 1-800-799-SAFE or text "Start" to 88788 for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Call 800-656-HOPE for the National Sexual Assault Hotline or visit http://rainn.org/ for more resources.

Anissa Beal is the founder of Edgar and Ivy's Cat Sanctuary in Corpus Christi, Texas. She loves what she does but in late 2023 she wasn't sure she could afford to keep going. Then she got a phone call that changed everything.

Leigh Ann Henion is the author of Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark, a beautiful celebration of all the things that come alive in the dark. In a time where artificial light is ever-present, Leigh Ann invites you to think of darkness as a habitat and explore the biodiversity that exists at night in your own backyard. You never know what you might discover.

Alexandra de Steiguer is an artist, author, poet, musician, and photographer who has spent the last twenty-eight years working as the winter caretaker of Star Island off the coast of Maine and New Hampshire. She spends about six months completely alone, taking care of the vacant hotel and cottages that will fill with tourists in the summer months.

Original music by Alexandra de Steiguer used in this episode:

0:38 - One Day_Instrumental Version

9:21 - Oceanic_Instrumental Version

16:44 - Whistling Wind_Instrumental Version

22:50 - The Novelist_Instrumental Version

Twenty years ago, Catherine Raven befriended a wild fox who frequented her property in Montana. The two became friends and over time she watched him transform from a scrawny little runt into a confident and curious father. Hear her remarkable story on this episode of HumaNature and check out Catherine's book "Fox and I" for more.

Author Leila Philip discusses her book "Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America" on this week's episode. Learn how this under-appreciated creature played a pivotal role in the creation of the United States and could be the key to its future.

On this episode of HumaNature you’ll have a chance to meet some of the incredible animals that have called Earthfire home over the years. Fairytale the coyote, who formed an unexpected bond with a big burly football player, Huckleberry and Major Bear, two brothers who fought over strawberry ice cream, and Buttercup, a beautiful deer who wanted to be a chicken.