Podcast
Season Watch
"Season Watch" is a KAXE podcast for the curious, filled with the delights of nature in Northern Minnesota. Hosts are Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan, John Latimer and a rotating cast of characters, often featuring voices of young nature observers from around the state. From owl calls to sleeping bears and freezing frogs, we want hear from you! Record a message and send us what you are seeing in nature! NEW to the Season Watch pod - John Latimer's full phenology report!Season Watch Podcast is made possible by Sugar Lake Lodge in Grand Rapids.
- Nature chart
- #164
- Episodes
- 24
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Typical length
- 29 min
- On air since
- 2026
- Latest episode
- 4 days ago
Episodes
24 episodes, newest first
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29 min
A dramaturgist, a journalist, and an ecologist walk into a podcast...
Show notes
Charlie Mitchell and Stella Mayerhoff discuss the intersection of monsters and conservation with Michael Chemers, professor of dramatic literature and founding member of the Center for Monster Studies.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!
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18 min
The screech of the barred owl can be haunting
Show notes
During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 27, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on sandhill cranes in Aitkin county, active chipmunks, deer scrapes and the colors of the family of willows.
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30 min
In defense of naps and highbush cranberries
Show notes
Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell ponder the importance of rest, the benefits of sugar, and celebrate the first full year of the Season Watch Podcast.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!
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17 min
Northern Harriers soar low over open areas as migration continues
Show notes
During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 20, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on migrating birds, the taste of cranberries, and first frosts.
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30 min
Are you cold hardy? How plants protect themselves from the winter chill
Show notes
Charlie Mitchell listens to Sandhill Cranes, ponders Bald Eagle courtship, and learns about cold hardiness in plants.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!
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16 min
Ruffed Grouse strut their stuff and a few monarch butterflies linger
Show notes
During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 13, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on changing fall colors, Ruffed Grouse, and insects.
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32 min
Yes, but why is your face like that? An ode to the American Woodcock
Show notes
Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Julia Schrenkler opine about the weird and endearing American Woodcock, a love of strange science, and much more.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!
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31 min
Turns out Great Horned Owls can hunt Great Blue Herons
Show notes
Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell gripe about buckthorn, learn about hummingbirds, and consider the healing effects of forests.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!
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20 min
Mourning cloak and comma butterflies bed down for a long winter
Show notes
During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 29, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on overwintering butterflies, changing colors, and hummingbirds.
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29 min
When mushrooms bleed blue
Show notes
Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell converse about mushrooms, angry squirrels, and go off on tangents.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!
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30 min
Parasitoid wasps are a big bummer (and have one too)
Show notes
Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell chat about Darwin, monarch butterflies, and the decline (and hope) of birds.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!
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21 min
Hummingbirds depart as fall color begins
Show notes
During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 15, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer discovers Nevada flora and fauna and notes seasonal transitions in Northern MN.
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38 min
Chickadees and chimpanzees: Two geeks gab about the joy of science
Show notes
Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Stella Mayerhoff geek out about primatology, evolution, and fantastic teachers.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!
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29 min
What's the difference between a groundhog and a woodchuck?
Show notes
Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell discuss detailed observations, the joy of pursuing a snake, and the calming sound of nature names.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!
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17 min
Scoping out September: A preview of early fall phenology
Show notes
During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 1, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer anticipates the many happenings of early fall.
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31 min
Bear hands are better than bare hands for climbing trees, eating ants
Show notes
Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan enjoy learning about hungry black bears with Andy Tri, DNR bear biologist.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!
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18 min
A good summer for rabbits heralds a good winter for predators
Show notes
During the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 25, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on rabbit populations, changing leaves, and wildflowers.
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29 min
Immerse yourself in nature (and, possibly, a pile of ants)
Show notes
Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell ponder the behavior of a wasp and discuss John Latimer's party tricks.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!
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18 min
The subtle changes towards autumn with John Latimer
Show notes
During the Phenology Report for the week of August 17, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on lake water temperatures and those stubborn bears at this feeders.
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30 min
Transforming toads: How American toads shift hues in different environments
Show notes
Co-hosts Jennifer Barr and Charlie Mitchell discuss toads, marvel at kestrels, and ponder the changing seasons.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!
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