Podcast Forces for Nature par Crystal DiMiceli Épisodes

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	Titre	Date	Durée
	How Local Leadership is Reviving Vanishing Species with Dr. Abdullahi Ali, Ep.104	07 Nov 2025	00:40:15
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Most people have heard about elephants and rhinos being in trouble. But few realize that giraffes are quietly disappearing too. And also the hirola, a graceful antelope found only along the Kenya–Somalia border, is down to fewer than 500 left on Earth. In this episode, Dr. Abdullahi Ali shares how his journey from a nomadic childhood to a Ph.D. in ecology led him to found the Hirola Conservation Program and the Somali Giraffe Project - two community-led efforts rewriting what coexistence looks like. Ali’s story is as much about people as it is about wildlife. From restoring grasslands once maintained by elephants before they were poached to helping farmers swap mango trees for lime trees to prevent conflict with giraffes, his work shows that when conservation is rooted in local knowledge, everyone thrives. Highlights How Dr. Ali’s childhood herding goats (and occasionally getting lost doing it!) shaped his lifelong connection to nature. How climate change is creating “climate refugees” - not just people, but also animals. The power of community-led solutions: from adult literacy classes to wildlife-friendly livelihoods. What You Can Do Partner with the Hirola Conservation Program and the Somali Giraffe Project. Share what’s going on with giraffes and hirolas. It might be a surprise to most. Look for ways to design coexistence where you live - in your garden, your community, or your workplace. Remember that conservation works best when it’s collaborative between species, between people, and across borders. Resources Facebook X YouTube If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate and review it on your favorite podcasting app! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! Never miss another episode! Sign up to receive email updates! What difference for the world are you going to make today? Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	How Citizens Keep Environmental Progress Alive in Between Elections with Bentley Johnson, Ep. 103	28 Oct 2025	00:44:42
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Federal policy might seem distant from the forests, rivers, and wildlife we care about but, as Bentley Johnson of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters explains, its impact reaches straight into our daily lives. From an executive order that resulted in higher(!) energy prices to bipartisan efforts that ensure the water coming from your tap is clean, Bentley reveals how political decisions ripple through ecosystems, economies, and communities alike. He also reminds us that our power doesn’t end at the ballot box. Between elections, we can still shape the laws that protect clean air, renewable energy, and wild spaces- by showing up, speaking out, and holding leaders accountable. If you’ve ever wondered how what happens in Washington affects us directly, this episode will connect those dots and help you see what you can be doing in between elections that can make a difference. This is another episode of the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders program Series! Highlights The real-world consequences of rolling back clean-energy and conservation laws. Bipartisan success stories- from PFAS cleanup to Great Lakes restoration- that prove cooperation is still possible. Why framing issues around health, cost, and community helps bridge divides. What YOU Can Do Vote in every election, especially local ones. City and state leaders decide on wildlife corridors, pollution standards, and habitat funding. **CHECK TO SEE IF YOUR AREA IS HOLDING ELECTIONS THIS NOVEMBER 4TH. Check your representatives’ environmental records. Visit your state’s League of Conservation Voters or lcv.org/scorecard. Speak up between elections. Attend town halls, share your story, and comment on proposed environmental rule changes. Join or support local conservation and restoration projects. The federal picture changes, but local action keeps progress alive. Share success stories. Remind others that clean-energy projects, restored wetlands, and wildlife protections are working. Hope is contagious. Resources Michigan LCV's Take Action page. MLCV's Action Hub Michigan LCV's Scorecard Because Michigan LCV's scorecard is focused on Michigan, you may be interested in the national LCV's congressional scorecard where anyone in the country can look up their Members of Congress. We also talked about the greenhouse gas emissions reporting rollback. Here is a link to take action on that (it's a national effort but this link is unique for Michigan LCV so that if people use it to make a comment, they can get credit). Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (EWCL) program Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	How to Think, Learn, and Lead in a Divided World with James Keyes, Ep.94	12 Mar 2025	00:54:27
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series! What if the way we approach learning could shape not just our own success, but the future of our planet? In this episode, I sit down with James Keyes—former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster—who believes that education isn’t just about getting a degree; it’s the key to freedom, progress, and solving some of our biggest challenges. But here’s the catch: many of us stop actively learning after school, relying instead on the information that already fits our worldview. That’s where we get stuck. In this conversation, we explore how fear is weaponized to keep people divided, why knowledge alone isn’t enough to change minds, and how we can shift the way we communicate environmental solutions to be more inviting, less polarizing, and ultimately more effective. Whether you're an entrepreneur, an activist, or simply someone who wants to engage more critically with the world, this episode will challenge how you think about learning, decision-making, and even the way you advocate for change. Highlights Why fear—not lack of information—is at the root of many societal and environmental challenges. How militant ignorance keeps people from seeing solutions (and how to avoid falling into that trap ourselves). The three skills you actually need to be a lifelong learner—far beyond the classroom. What YOU Can Do Challenge your own biases: Are you truly open to new perspectives, or just reinforcing what you already believe? Shift your messaging: When advocating for change, focus on shared values and opportunities rather than battles and division. Reignite your curiosity: Instead of assuming you already know the answer, start asking why more often. Resources Education is Freedom: The Future is in Your Hands by James Keyes. Jame's website James Keyes’ TEDx Talk on the power of learning Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Ep5: Innovating Marine Mammal Rescue with Katie Moore	24 Mar 2020	00:33:12
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Katie Moore is the Deputy Vice President of Animal Rescue with the International Fund for Animal Welfare. For the past two decades, Katie has been rescuing stranded marine mammals all over the world, leading these initiatives and pioneering methods that have saved thousands that wouldn't have had a chance before. Through better treatment practices employed by her and her team, successful releases on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, have jumped from under 14% to over 70%. This success is also due to a study she was a part of that challenged the common practice of euthanizing lone dolphins who had stranded. Each individual matters to Katie and she won't let anything get in her way to save them. Check out this episode's webpage for ideas on how you can help! Background music by Fearless Motivation Instrumentals: Meaning of Life If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Ep4: Reducing Street Animal Overpopulation in Panama with Patricia Chan	10 Mar 2020	00:29:34
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Did you know that an unspayed female dog, and her mate, and all their offspring and their offspring's puppies can add up to 67,000 dogs in just six years!? And cats also have the same staggering statistics! Unfortunately, there aren't enough homes to take care of the potential numbers of animals that can be born. And, what's worse, is that most of these unwanted animals end up with a terrible quality of life. This was a problem that Patricia Chan was observing on the streets of Panama. Pat decided to do something about it and created Spay Panama. Spay Panama's vision is to improve animal welfare and put a stop to animal cruelty by controlling the overpopulation of dogs and cats through intensive sterilization campaigns. They provide high-quality sterilization services at low cost for animal rescuers, feeders, and families of low means. Their #1 goal is to avoid unwanted litters. Look for this episode's show notes for ideas on how you can help! To date, they have operated on over 200,000 animals. Background music by Fearless Motivation Instrumentals: Meaning of Life If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Ep3: Rescuing Wildlife after the Australia Fires with Kelly Donithan	25 Feb 2020	00:40:29
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Kelly Donithan is a Senior Specialist in Disaster Operations with Humane Society International. She recently returned from Australia where she was stationed on Kangaroo Island after their unprecedented wildfires, rescuing any wildlife survivors that could be found and helping to give them a second chance. We talk about what it was like on the ground there and how, despite all the devastation she regularly sees, she finds ways to keeps ongoing. Look for this episode's full show notes at ForcesForNature.com for a list of how you can help and resources on how to prepare your pets for the unexpected. Background music by Fearless Motivation Instrumentals: Meaning of Life If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Ep2: Saving Pangolins, the World's Most Trafficked Mammal with Paul Thomson	14 Feb 2020	00:36:53
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! What do you get when you cross an artichoke with an armadillo? A pangolin, the world's most trafficked mammal you've probably never heard of. Paul Thomson is the cofounder of Save Pangolins, an organization that has been bringing attention to these elusive scaled mammals with the hopes that to know them is to love them and, therefore, protect them. **Update: To read an article put out by Save Pangolins regarding COVID19 and its relation to pangolins, check out this episode's show notes. Background music by Fearless Motivation Instrumentals: Meaning of Life If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Ep1: The Who, What, and Why Behind Forces for Nature	12 Feb 2020	00:06:44
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Meet the host of Forces for Nature, Crystal DiMiceli Background music by Fearleses Motivation Instrumentals: Meaning of Life If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Funding Innovations That Protect Our Oceans with Millicent Pitts, Ep93	26 Feb 2025	00:23:44
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series! The health of our oceans is critical—not just for marine life, but for our economy and future sustainability. Enter Ocean Exchange, an organization dedicated to accelerating solutions that improve ocean health and coastal resilience. And, one of only four groups in the United States that was awarded the recent NOAA Ocean Enterprise Accelerator grant! In this episode, I sit down with Millicent Pitts, the Executive Director of Ocean Exchange, to explore how they’re funding and supporting game-changing innovations in the blue economy. From cleaning up agricultural runoff to creating bio-based chemicals from coral reefs, these solutions are already making a difference. Over the past 13 years of giving non-dilutive grants to start-ups, the finalists in their process have raised $3.1 billion, mostly in seed and venture capital rounds. Millicent shares the challenges these innovators face, why investors are finally paying attention, and how we can all play a role in supporting ocean health. Highlights How Ocean Exchange helps fund and accelerate ocean-focused startups. The growing blue economy and why it matters. Innovations tackling biodiversity loss, pollution, and carbon sequestration. What YOU Can Do Even if you’re not an investor or scientist, there are ways to support these innovations and ocean health: Stay Informed – Follow and share updates from organizations like Ocean Exchange. Support Sustainable Businesses – Look for companies investing in ocean-friendly practices. Advocate for Stronger Policies – Support initiatives that regulate ocean pollution and promote clean energy. Reduce Your Own Impact – Minimize single-use plastics, choose sustainable seafood, and reduce carbon emissions. Get Involved Locally – Participate in beach cleanups or citizen science projects related to marine conservation. Resources Ocean Exchange Water Warriors Cordelia Biosciences Ocean Rescue Alliance Silent Returns Minesto EcoSubSea If today’s conversation sparked your curiosity, there’s no better place to dive deeper into topics like this than at EarthX, the world’s largest environmental gathering. Tickets for their event in April are on sale now at earthx.org. Be sure to grab yours and join the global community working toward a healthier, more sustainable planet. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	How Microbes Are Solving the World's Biggest Environmental Challenges with Rudy Montes & Cheyne Robertson, Ep.92	12 Feb 2025	00:40:11
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series! What if nature itself could help clean up our most toxic messes? That’s the promise of bioremediation, a groundbreaking process that uses living organisms—like microbes, plants, and fungi—to restore polluted environments. In this episode, we’re joined by two guests who are leading the charge in this field: Cheyne Robertson, founder of Ergofito Bio, whose expertise lies in leveraging microbial solutions to heal ecosystems, and Rudy Montes, founder of Phoenix Harvest, a U.S. Army veteran turned environmental innovator working to transform toxic sites into thriving, sustainable landscapes. Together, we explore the science, challenges, and hope behind bioremediation, and the ways it could reshape our approach to environmental restoration. Highlights What is Bioremediation? What role do microbes play in bioremediation? What are some real-life examples of Bioremediation in action? What YOU Can Do Superfund cleanups often rely on federal funding through the EPA. Contact your representatives and advocate for increased funding and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations. Support legislation that holds polluters accountable for the costs of cleanup, ensuring the burden doesn’t fall solely on taxpayers. Learn about Superfund sites in your area using the EPA’s Superfund Site Locator Tool. Resources Ergofito Bio Phoenix Harvest Get your tickets to EarthX Keep an eye out for Richard Harmer’s EarthX ProPlanet Podcast—coming soon! Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Harnessing Data for a Sustainable Future with Dave Rice, Ep.91	29 Jan 2025	00:21:31
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series! As the president of the United Nations Association – Orange County Chapter - Dave Rice is committed to localizing the UN's global Sustainable Development Goals. To effectively achieve this, Dave founded the nonprofit Sustainable Impact Alliance (SIA), and its for-profit counterpart, Sustainable Impact Alliance Solutions International (SIASI). Through his mantra of "Think Globally, Act Locally," Dave demonstrates how harnessing data and fostering collaboration can make sustainable development attainable for all communities. Highlights The mission of SIA and how it mobilizes local communities to achieve global goals. How SIASI bridges the gap between nonprofit initiatives and innovative for-profit solutions. The development of a Climate Dashboard in Orange County, California, to track energy usage, emissions, and green solutions for 34 cities and 3.5 million residents. What YOU Can Do Join the United Nations Association. Find a local citizen coalition or climate group you can get involved in. Promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Resources Sustainable Impact Alliance Solutions Check out Local2030 Follow Dave Rice on LinkedIn Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Revolutionizing Home Design for People and Planet with Eric Amyot, Ep.90	15 Jan 2025	00:38:52
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series! What if your home could do more than provide shelter—what if it could help heal the planet? In this episode, Eric Amyot, co-founder of Issho House, Oliizoi, and ReGen Earth Studio, talks about his visionary approach to sustainable and regenerative living. We explore groundbreaking innovations in home design, including self-sufficient, closed-loop systems that produce their own food, water, and energy. You'll also learn how waste-diverted, chemical-free materials are revolutionizing construction and why rethinking community ownership is key to making housing more equitable and resilient. A sustainable world starts at home and Eric is helping to make that a reality. Highlights How can homes be designed to not only minimize their environmental impact but also actively regenerate the planet? What steps can be taken to reduce the waste and health risks associated with traditional home construction? Why is community an essential part of building a sustainable future, and how can it be reimagined? What YOU Can Do Conduct a Home Audit: Start by understanding your home’s current condition, including energy use, water quality, air quality, and materials. This helps identify areas for improvement. Address Air Quality: Remove or replace items containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as carpets, paints, and cleaning products, with healthier, eco-friendly alternatives. Improve Insulation and Windows: Ensure your home is well-insulated and replace outdated windows to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling needs. Install Renewable Energy Systems: Consider solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal systems to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources. Upgrade Water Systems: Test your water quality and consider implementing greywater recycling or rainwater harvesting systems. Adopt Waste-Reduced Materials: Use recycled or waste-diverted materials for renovations, such as reclaimed wood or innovative options like recycled paper countertops. Grow Your Own Food: Incorporate indoor or outdoor food-growing systems to reduce reliance on store-bought produce. Retrofit for Resilience: Look into programs or services, like Issho’s Revive, that can help retrofit your home for greater sustainability, energy efficiency, and self-sufficiency. Take a Holistic Approach: Evaluate the overall health and functionality of your home to ensure it aligns with sustainable living principles, addressing structural, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Resources Oliizoi Issho Homes Revive- Resilient Retrofitting ReGenEarth Studio Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	How to Find Your Purpose and Help Regenerate the Planet with Lynne Twist, Ep. 89	31 Dec 2024	00:37:04
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! What does it mean to truly live a life of purpose, one that not only fulfills us but also helps regenerate our world? Lynne Twist, a legendary activist, philanthropist, and co-founder of the Pachamama Alliance, has an answer. Lynne shares powerful stories from her work alongside indigenous communities in the Amazon rainforest and explains how each of us can contribute to creating a more just and thriving planet. Through her inspiring journey and wisdom on our relationship with money, Lynne challenges us to rethink what we truly value and reveals how we can find our unique calling by identifying what breaks our hearts and makes our spirits soar. Tune in to hear about her mystical connection to the Amazon, the life-changing encounter that inspired her to found the Pachamama Alliance, and practical steps you can take today to align your choices with the future you want to see. Highlights The story behind Lynne’s call to action from the Amazon and her partnership with the Achuar people. How to find purpose by connecting with what breaks your heart and makes your heart sing. Why money, like water, can be a force for healing or harm—and how to use it wisely. What YOU Can Do Stop worrying, start doing. We have lost the sense of community above the individual. What can you do to help establish a sense of community near you? Engage with organizations doing work that resonates with you, whether local, regional, national, global in scale. As Lynne suggests, approach money as a tool for good; support businesses and causes that contribute to a sustainable future. Recognize and support the rights of indigenous communities to protect their land and culture. Resources Pachamama Alliance Pachamama Courses such as Awakening the Dreamer plus more! Lynne's book, The Soul of Money: A transformative look at how to use money in alignment with our values. Regeneration.org: Resources and ideas for living sustainably and regeneratively. If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Capturing Carbon the Natural Way with Jim Blackburn, Ep.88	17 Dec 2024	00:43:33
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series! How can the landscapes around us play a direct role in reducing carbon emissions? In this episode, we talk with Jim Blackburn, the CEO of BCarbon, about nature-based carbon sequestration. Jim shares how BCarbon is helping landowners restore prairies, forests, and wetlands to store carbon naturally, and why the voluntary carbon market could play a pivotal role in combating climate change. We explore how these projects contribute not only to carbon reduction but also to ecological resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable economic incentives for landowners. Whether you’re curious about the carbon market or looking for impactful ways to reduce your own carbon footprint, this episode sheds light on a holistic approach to climate action. Highlights How does BCarbon’s nature-based approach to carbon capture work, and why is it different from technological carbon capture technology? How can we know if carbon credits are truly making a difference or if they’re just being used as “greenwashing”? Why might investing in carbon credits be a meaningful step for individuals and businesses aiming to offset their environmental impact? What You Can Do: Look into verified, nature-based carbon offset options to balance out your personal or business emissions. Support local conservation and restoration efforts that contribute to biodiversity and carbon storage. Engage with nature. Resources Mentioned in the Episode: BCarbon – Learn more about BCarbon and how they work with landowners for natural carbon sequestration. Texas Coastal Exchange – A program supporting carbon sequestration along the Texas coast. If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Exploring Carbon Capture Technology with Daniel Cardenas, Ep.87	24 Nov 2024	00:29:15
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series! Daniel Cardenas is the founder of CarbonEx, a Native American-owned carbon solutions firm. With over 20 years of experience in the carbon management field, Daniel shares his insights into one of today’s most polarizing climate solutions—technological carbon capture. As a member of the Pit River Tribe, Daniel brings a unique entrepreneurial and Indigenous perspective to the conversation, blending economic opportunity with environmental stewardship. Highlights How do carbon capture technologies work to combat climate change? What are some of the potentials and some of the pitfalls of carbon capture technology? Hear how we are not in an energy transition but, rather, an energy evolution. Resources The Inflation Reduction Act and the 45Q tax credit: Key federal incentives for carbon capture and storage projects. What YOU Can Do Support policies that promote carbon capture technologies and sustainable land management. Stay informed about the development of carbon capture technologies and consider supporting companies or organizations working in this space. Plant trees and restore native plants in your community to help sequester carbon naturally. If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Tribal Voices in Wildlife Conservation with Julie Thorstenson, Ep. 86	12 Nov 2024	00:22:29
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series! Julie Thorstenson is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Nation and the Executive Director of the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society. Julie's deep connection to the land began in her youth, growing up on her family’s ranch in South Dakota, where she developed a love for nature that would shape her career. Now, she works tirelessly to ensure that Tribal Nations are included in wildlife conservation efforts and advocates for more equitable funding for tribal fish and wildlife programs. Highlights: How traditional ecological knowledge complements Western science in wildlife management? A look at the challenges Tribal Nations face in conservation, particularly around funding inequities. What is the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act and why it is crucial for tribes, the environment, and biodiversity? What You Can Do to Help: Sign petitions supporting the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) to ensure tribes receive equitable funding for conservation efforts. Contact your representatives and ask them to support the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act to boost conservation funding for Tribal Nations and other local wildlife programs. Educate yourself on the diversity of Tribal Nations and their unique roles in conservation. Every tribe is different, and understanding their individual needs is crucial to supporting their efforts. Build relationships: Don’t assume the answers; instead, ask questions and listen to understand the barriers tribes face in accessing resources for conservation. Resources Mentioned: Native American Fish and Wildlife Society: An organization providing technical assistance and policy support to Tribal Nations engaged in fish and wildlife conservation. Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA): A bipartisan bill that aims to allocate $1.4 billion to states and tribes for wildlife conservation. America the Beautiful Challenge Grants: Collaborative grants supporting conservation projects that span large landscapes, including Tribal-led initiatives. If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Building Bridges to Unite a Divided America with Manu Meel, Ep.85	29 Oct 2024	00:34:06
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series! We're never going to create the healthy and humane world we want to see if we continue to be so divided from one another. Manu Meel is working to bring us together. He is the founder of BridgeUSA, an organization that empowers young people to foster constructive dialogue across political and ideological divides. With the United States feeling more polarized than ever, Manu shares how BridgeUSA is building spaces where real conversations can happen—ones focused on listening, understanding, and collaborating to find common ground. Discover the power of vulnerability in bridging divides, learn how to establish ground rules for productive dialogue, and understand the crucial difference between attacking arguments and attacking individuals. Whether you're feeling disheartened by today’s political climate or looking for practical steps to promote understanding, this episode will leave you feeling hopeful and empowered to take action. Highlights With so much polarization today, what do you think is missing from our conversations, and how does BridgeUSA address this gap? What practical norms does BridgeUSA teach for fostering constructive conversations? What actionable steps can listeners take to help bridge divides in their own communities? What YOU Can Do Be Vulnerable: Share your own experiences and reasons for your beliefs—it invites others to do the same. Set Ground Rules: Before diving into challenging topics, agree on norms like listening to understand (not just to respond), avoiding interruptions, and focusing on ideas, not people. Seek Out Diverse Perspectives: Challenge your own biases by actively seeking out viewpoints different from your own to foster a broader understanding. Vote in Primaries: Recognize that fewer people vote in primaries, meaning a small vocal minority often decides the candidates. Get involved early to support nuanced, solutions-oriented candidates. Reject Outrage Culture: Be mindful of the media you consume and share—avoid sensationalist content that drives division. Resources Bridge USA – Learn more about the organization and how to get involved. The Hopeful Majority Podcast – Manu’s work that encourages nuanced discussions on social issues. Benji Backer’s Book: "The Conservative Environmentalist – A fresh perspective on environmentalism from a conservative viewpoint. Media literacy resources - to help identify biased or inflammatory content. If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Behind the Lens: How Storytelling Shapes Conservation with Alex Goetz & Justin Grubb, Ep.102	20 Oct 2025	00:58:48
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Wildlife filmmakers Justin Grubb and Alex Goetz have traveled from Costa Rica to Alaska capturing stories that connect people and wildlife in powerful ways. As co-founders of Running Wild Media, their work has appeared on National Geographic, PBS, Discovery+, and Disney+, and has been recognized with multiple awards and Emmy nominations. In this conversation, Justin and Alex share the behind-the-scenes realities of wildlife filmmaking- the challenges, the ethics, and the unexpected humor that happens along the way. From hellbenders in Appalachia to red wolves in North Carolina, they reveal how the most effective conservation stories aren’t about animals alone, they’re about people. You’ll also hear how they build campaigns that lead to tangible impact, why hopeful storytelling is their most powerful tool, and how each of us can use our own voice to spark change, no matter what our day job is. Highlights From prairie dog turf wars to crocodile close calls, what it’s really like in the field. The ethics of getting the perfect shot while respecting the wildlife. Why the most powerful wildlife stories focus on the humans connected to the animals. What YOU Can Do Justin and Alex shared several simple yet meaningful ways listeners can help support wildlife and conservation storytelling: Tell your own story. Use your phone, words, art, or photos to share the nature you love. A story told with authenticity and hope can inspire others to care. Be a hopeful voice. Social media can get dark. Choose to amplify the good instead. Share solutions, success stories, or even small wins happening in your community. Engage locally. Attend or support environmental or wildlife film festivals. Ask questions, start conversations, and connect with filmmakers and advocates in your area. Support authentic conservation media. Donate to or share films that are fact-based and community-centered. Look for productions that give voice to both people and wildlife. Stay curious and informed. Fact-check what you share, know your sources, and help counter misinformation about wildlife and conservation issues. Look closer to home. You don’t need to go to the rainforest to find wonder. Start by noticing and appreciating the wildlife in your own backyard. Resources Running Wild Media website Hellbent (Film) – about hellbenders and the Rights of Nature movement Running Wild Instagram Running Wild YouTube Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (EWCL) program Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Turning Challenges into Opportunities with Eleanor LeCain, Ep. 84	16 Oct 2024	00:31:22
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series! Eleanor LeCain is the visionary behind the Solutions Summit, a groundbreaking event on Capital Hill that brings together bold thinkers and decision-makers to tackle some of today’s biggest challenges such as climate change, democracy, economic security, and health. During our conversation, Eleanor shares insights on how the Solutions Summit connects those with the best ideas—“solutionaries”—with the leaders who have the power to implement them. We dive into her focus on climate solutions and how she views the transition to a green economy not as a burden, but as a massive opportunity for job creation, innovation, and business growth. Highlights How the Solutions Summit bridges the gap between innovators and decision-makers. Why climate change is the biggest economic and business opportunity of the 21st century. Practical steps individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint and support a green transition. Resources Solutions Summit Recordings: Watch all four sessions on climate, democracy, economic security, and health on Eleanor’s YouTube channel. Read Eleanor's Book, "Breakthrough Solutions" (with an introduction by the Dalai Lama). Rewiring America: Find out more about the incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act for making your home and life more energy-efficient. Eleanor's website. The following is a list of sites where you can sign up to receive email petitions about all sorts of issues: Lady Freethinker In Defense of Animals WildEarth Guardians Care2 Get Early Bird Tickets to the EarthX Congress of Conferences in April 2025! What YOU Can Do Shift to Clean Energy Use public transportation, bike, or walk whenever possible. If you drive, switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances like refrigerators and light bulbs. Support candidates who back policies that promote renewable energy and green job creation. Embrace a mindset of opportunity rather than crisis. View the shift to sustainability as a chance for innovation, job creation, and economic growth. If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Reimagining Social and Climate Justice with Theo E.J. Wilson, Ep. 83	01 Oct 2024	00:26:25
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series! Theo E.J. Wilson is a TEDx speaker, social activist, and leader in fostering dialogue across cultural and ideological divides. While Theo may not come from a traditional environmental background, his work on social justice, understanding others' perspectives, and the interconnectedness of humanity makes him an ideal person to explore the link between social and climate justice. Theo shares his journey, the connections he sees between pollution, racism, and how we treat the planet, as well as the critical need for holistic thinking in solving these global issues. One of the most moving moments? Theo’s beautiful spoken word poem, "I Am Humanity," which will leave you contemplating your role in shaping the future of our planet and our society. This is a can't-miss. Highlights The importance of holistic thinking in solving the climate crisis. How understanding others' perspectives, even those who oppose you, can lead to meaningful dialogue and change. Again, the reading of his poem, I am Humanity. Resources EarthX Leadership Circle: A platform fostering collaboration across ideological lines to work together on climate solutions. Get Early Bird Tickets to the EarthX Congress of Conferences in April 2025! TEDx Talk by Theo E.J. Wilson: His viral speech on his undercover experience in a white supremacist online community. What YOU Can Do Buy from Ethical Companies: Support brands that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility. Spread Positive News: Use your social media to spotlight companies and individuals making positive strides toward environmental justice. Get Involved Locally: Engage with groups in your community working on environmental and social justice initiatives. If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Exploring Wild Wonders with Brooke Carter, Ep. 82	17 Sep 2024	00:17:24
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series! Brooke Carter is not your average teenager. At the young age of 13, she's already making waves in the world of wildlife education and conservation. Growing up in the Bahamas and traveling to exotic locations across the globe with her family, Brooke has had the incredible opportunity to experience a wide range of animals and ecosystems firsthand. Now, through her show, Wild Wonders with Brooke, she shares her passion for nature with the world, inspiring viewers of all ages to appreciate and protect our planet's biodiversity. In this episode, she shares her most memorable wildlife encounters, including her top three adventures in Costa Rica, Madagascar, and the Kalahari. She also talks about some of her scariest experiences, like filming with alligators in Florida, and the valuable lessons she's learned about animals along the way. With her infectious enthusiasm and vast knowledge, Brooke will capture your heart and leave you feeling inspired to protect our natural world. Resources Brooke's Show: Wild Wonders with Brooke (EarthX TV, FuboTV, DirecTV) What YOU Can Do Spend time outside and observe nature in your own backyard. Learn about local wildlife and ecosystems, and how they contribute to the environment. Take small steps toward conservation by reducing waste, recycling, and supporting wildlife-friendly initiatives. Share your love for animals and nature with others to inspire change in your community. Encourage young people to get involved with environmental education and action, as they are the future stewards of our planet. If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Connecting at EarthX with the Conservation Connection Podcast, Ep. 81	03 Sep 2024	00:31:10
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! In this special episode recorded live at the EarthX Conference, Crystal sits down with Chance and Sarah Katheryn Ruder from the Conservation Connection Podcast. They discuss the power of collaboration in conservation, the importance of bringing diverse perspectives together to address sustainability challenges, and share insights from their on-the-ground experiences in nature education and science communication. You get to hear about some of the exciting guests they interviewed while at EarthX - including oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle- and Crystal teases an exciting new development coming soon for the show. Tune in for this behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like at the bustling EarthX Conference! We're now on YouTube! If you want to watch this episode, head on over to the Forces for Nature YouTube Channel! If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Bridging Divides for a Sustainable Future at EarthX with Crystal DiMiceli, Ep80	20 Aug 2024	00:08:34
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! This new season of the Forces for Nature podcast is a special one! All interviews were done on location at the EarthX Congress of Conferences, an event dedicated to fostering sustainability and environmental action. Initially, though, I was hesitant about attending due to its surprising mix of sponsors and speakers, many of whom you would never expect to see at a conference about protecting the Earth. However, I chose to go with an open mind, ready to challenge greenwashing if I saw it and explore genuine intentions when present. To my delight, EarthX was a melting pot of ideas and collaborations, uniting individuals from various backgrounds, including energy companies, environmental activists, and political figures, all driven by a shared passion for conservation. The experience was eye-opening and underscored the importance of including all stakeholders in our environmental discussions to create lasting solutions. This episode marks the beginning of a season filled with enlightening conversations and my personal reflections on navigating this complex but crucial path toward sustainability. Tune in to hear about my most vulnerable and educational journey yet, and let's discuss how we can all contribute to a healthier planet. We're now on YouTube! If you want to watch this episode, head on over to the Forces for Nature YouTube Channel! If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Experiencing the Success Stories of Rwanda with Crystal DiMiceli, Ep.79	02 Jul 2024	00:31:52
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Did you ever travel somewhere that left a deep impression on you? Join Crystal DiMiceli as she reflects on her recent adventure to Rwanda, where she fulfilled her dream of seeing gorillas. Turns out, they weren't the only things that left her speechless. Highlights The incredible influence of Dian Fossey. Recovering wildlife populations in the country's national parks. The country's resilient community spirit after a turbulent past. If you're looking for a story that combines travel, wildlife, and a touch of inspiration, this one's for you. If you can't get enough of gorillas, listen to this past episode (episode 25) about gorillas in Uganda with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka: https://chtbl.com/track/DEB9GF/www.buzzsprout.com/774236/7861105-ep25-protecting-gorillas-through-human-health-with-dr-gladys-kalema-zikusoka.mp3?download=true If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Show Swap! Inspiring Powerful Forces for Nature with Crystal DiMiceli, Ep.78	17 Jun 2024	00:33:24
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Get to know the host of Forces for Nature, Crystal DiMiceli, better! In this show swap, she joins Stephanie Manka on The Fancy Scientist podcast. Stephanie has a great show that helps wildlife conservationists navigate their careers and she also provides coaching and mentoring for those struggling and feeling stuck as to what to do next. Highlights How did Forces for Nature come to be? What was Crystal's conservation career path (and how it brought her to various countries)? What's next for Crystal and Forces for Nature? What YOU Can Do Sign up to receive show notes, practical tips, and eco-inspiration from Crystal (don't worry, we won't spam you!)! Resources Go to Fancyscientist.com for informative blog posts, free tools, masterclasses, and mentoring opportunities. The Fancy Scientist podcast Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook group If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Promising Eco Stories with Laura Sitterly, Ep. 77	27 May 2024	00:34:53
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! It often feels like there's only bad news being reported these days. It's easy to feel that way but, if you dig a little deeper, you can find reports of hopeful things that are happening. Laura Sitterly is a climate reporter that you can trust to find the silver lining in her stories. We talk about three recent articles she's written- one about a youth climate summit in Upstate New York, another about the downfalls (yet easy solutions) of our evolution towards a clean energy future, and, lastly, about a novel new way to help bees. Dive into some good news today! Highlights How are schools "filling in the gap" in terms of climate change education when they don't have it integrated into their curriculum? How can we evolve into a clean energy future without putting biodiversity at risk? How can you help bees with your cell phone? What YOU Can Do Encourage your local BOCES, community college, or school district to host a Youth Climate Summit. You can find a toolkit here. Download the iNaturalist app to be able to become a citizen scientist with the snap of a picture. If there are wind turbines in your area, petition the town to mandate blade speed reductions during peak migration times. Resources Links to Laura's Articles: Addressing the gap, the demand for climate education in New York K-12 schools Coping with the green-green dilemma: how can we pursue renewable development without wreaking further havoc on the ecological landscape and wildlife habitats? No More No Mow May: how smartphones are helping a region in Upstate NY save the bees Laura is a Climate Reporter who covers midcoastal Maine and, previously, a Breaking News Reporter for the USA Today New York State team. Her lifelong love of the outdoors was sparked by a childhood spent paddling the lakes and rivers of New York State’s Adirondack Mountains. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Auburn University and a graduate degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She spends most of her free time cross-country skiing or swimming in the sea, depending on the season. If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Balancing Forest Conservation with Economic Development with Laurie Wayburn, Ep.76	07 May 2024	00:54:38
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Conserving land doesn't have to be all or nothing. We don't have to choose between setting aside whole tracks of forests to protect them or cutting them all down for economic development. Laurie Wayburn, the co-founder and president of Pacific Forest Trust, has found a middle ground. Since 1993, Pacific Forest Trust has transformed over 350,000 acres of privately owned forests in California and Oregon into carbon-sequestering and climate-fighting assets. Through the use of conservation easements, she works with landowners to find the best ways for them to keep the ecosystem intact, yet, still gain economic benefit from what they own. With nearly 60% of U.S. forests under private ownership, this "middle ground" could be key in protecting our natural treasures. Highlights How hass her international experience with conservation influenced her work today? How can conservation and economic development go hand in hand? How can we avoid the terrible wildlife seasons we have been seeing? What YOU Can Do Plant native trees, bushes, and plants within your community as part of your parks and natural areas or as borders around play fields, etc. This can be very powerful in supporting the ecosystem. Urge whether it's your city council, your county, the commissioners and supervisors, your state legislature, your federal, representatives, etc to support forest conservation as a critical climate change policy, and that means putting some real money behind it and really guiding how that forest conservation is done for the future. Provide financial support to Pacific Forest Trust so they can do the work that you want to have done. Resources Conservation Easements 101 1757 EAC Recommendations Pacific Forest Trust Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Giving a Voice to North Atlantic Right Whales with Bonnie Monteleone, Ep. 75	21 Apr 2024	00:47:12
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Bonnie Monteleone is the Founder & Director of Science, Research, and Academic Partnerships of the Plastic Ocean Project (POP) whose mission is finding science-based solutions to the global plastic pollution crisis. In 2019, she was working on a documentary about the North Atlantic Ocean. However, its plot quickly went from one about a complex, impacted ecosystem into a "who done it," following the death of a newborn critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whale that washed ashore. Was it manmade noise that caused the mother to lose her newborn, a ship strike, chemical or plastic pollution, was it discarded fishing gear, or overfishing? Bonnie discusses her work with plastics pollution and how it relates to this new documentary project she is undertaking. The threats the ocean and its creatures are facing are vast, but Bonnie dives deep into viable solutions that everyone can support to preserve the sounds of the sea and the marine life in it. This film, which asks what the oceans would say if they could talk, promises to inspire hope, not doom, but only if we listen. Bonnie's work has led her around the world collecting plastic marine samples including four of the five main ocean gyres and the Caribbean. She also works in the Environmental Studies Department at UNC Wilmington as an Adjunct Instructor teaching a Plastic Marine Debris Field Studies course and manages a lab working with student Directed Independent Studies (DIS) research. Highlights What happened to this baby Right Whale and what does that mean for the species as a whole? How can whales help mitigate climate change? If the oceans could talk, what would we learn? What YOU Can Do Bonnie talks a lot about solutions her organization is implementing as well as what different industries can do. But, here are some ideas on what YOU can do: Avoid single-use plastic. Support the documentary either monetarily, by spreading the word, or by seeing it when it comes to a festival near you. Filmmakers (and wanna-be filmmakers) contribute your ocean footage to the film so they have less of a need to go out and film (and use fossil fuels to do so). Spread the word about the danger these whales are in so people are more likely to support ideas and legislation that protect them. Resources Information about the documentary, If the Ocean Could Talk. Plastic Ocean Project (POP) Facebook POP Instagram POP LinkedIn If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	How Collaboration Can Make for a Wildlife-Friendlier Future with Kate Gersh, Ep.101	10 Oct 2025	00:37:49
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! This is another episode of the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders program series! In a place where moose wander through neighborhoods and grizzlies sometimes cross backyard fences, living alongside wildlife takes creativity, cooperation, and care. The Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation is proving that when communities come together, including volunteers, landowners, agencies, and visitors alike, they can create lasting solutions that benefit both people and wildlife. In this episode, Associate Director Kate Gersh shares how this small but mighty organization helps the Greater Yellowstone community coexist with the wild neighbors that make Jackson Hole so special. From pulling down old barbed-wire fences to hand-removing invasive weeds and collecting valuable wildlife data, Kate’s volunteers are showing that conservation success depends on everyone’s participation- not just scientists or professionals. Kate and I first met through the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders program, where we worked together on a global bat conservation project. It’s been incredible to see how she continues to carry that same collaborative spirit into her work today. Highlights How community volunteers have become the lifeblood of wildlife conservation in Jackson Hole. Why collaboration among ranchers, agencies, nonprofits, and residents leads to solutions that last. Why conservation needs communicators, fundraisers, and advocates just as much as biologists. What YOU Can Do Inspired by Kate’s work? Here are some simple ways to help make your own community more wildlife-friendly: Volunteer your time with local conservation projects or citizen science programs. Use bear-resistant trash cans and secure garbage to keep wildlife safe and wild. Plant native species to support pollinators and local ecosystems. Support local conservation groups- your voice, time, or donation matters. Advocate for smart land-use policies that protect wildlife movement and habitat. Talk about coexistence and help spread understanding of how people and wildlife can thrive together. Resources Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation website Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders program, that brought Kate and me together, is accepting applications for its next class of young wildlife professionals. Apply here and tell them I sent you! Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation Facebook Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation Instagram Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation YouTube Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Shaping the Future of Climate Education and Empowerment with Bryce Coon, Ep. 74	01 Apr 2024	00:25:26
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! In a time where our planet's health is at the forefront of global discussions, understanding the intricacies of climate change is not just beneficial; it's imperative. Bryce Coon is the Director of Education Initiatives at Earthday.org and a passionate advocate for embedding climate literacy within our educational systems. He plays a central role in crafting the organization's overarching goals and roadmap to increasing climate literacy worldwide. Moreover, Bryce is instrumental in driving the efforts dedicated to the climate and environmental literacy campaign, working year-round to cultivate a nationwide movement aimed at bolstering climate literacy across various educational institutions, ranging from K-12 schools to universities, trade schools, and graduate schools. EARTHDAY.ORG’s mission is to diversify, educate, and activate the environmental movement worldwide. Growing out of the first Earth Day (1970), EARTHDAY.ORG is the world’s largest recruiter to the environmental movement, working with more than 150,000 partners in nearly 192 countries to build environmental democracy. More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day actions each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. Learn more at earthday.org. Highlights What is the status of climate education across the world? How can we equip teachers to teach climate literacy without adding more to their plates? How can climate education fit into all subjects and all grades? What YOU Can Do Advocate for climate education wherever you are, from school boards to your State, and up to the Federal level. Talk with young people about climate education. Ask what they know about it. Resources Earthday.org's Environmental Resources Climate Literate Lesson Guide Earth Month Calendar resources If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Creating Future Stewards of Our Planet with School Gardens with Ciara Byrne, Ep.73	11 Mar 2024	00:31:54
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Our disconnection from nature has never been greater and this is resulting in not only a crisis for our planet but for our own well-being too. Ciara Byrne, the founder of Green Our Planet, has been using school gardens to help bridge this disconnect. Through her organization, these green spaces are more than just a cool project—they're a way to teach kids about taking care of our planet and each other. And it's working! She's helping to plant seeds of change and watching hope, connection, and environmental stewardship bloom right before our eyes. Highlights How did a school garden get a couple of kids to protect sea turtles? How did Ciara go from documentary film making to creating school gardens? What other benefits do school gardens bring? What YOU Can Do Take a walk outside. Even if it's just around your neighborhood. Observe the trees, the birds, the animals, and even the insects. Give yourself space to connect and enjoy it. Plant a garden, even if it's just some pots on your balcony. Advocate for getting school gardens and/or hydroponics at your local school. Inform others about the benefits of school gardens and share Green Our Planet's mission on social media to raise awareness. Resources Green Our Planet Website: A resource hub for starting a school garden, with guides and success stories. If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Finding the Magic in Our Young Changemakers with T. A. Barron, Ep.72	18 Feb 2024	00:36:13
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! There's magic in nature and all of us. T. A. Barron integrates this belief into his life as a bestselling author, conservationist, and host of the Magic & Mountains podcast. But, it's his work honoring young changemakers with the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, that really proves this notion to be true. These individuals are making significant contributions to environmental conservation and community improvement, despite the odds that may be stacked against them. And T. A. shines a light on their heroism and the power we all have deep inside. If you need some inspiration to keep going with the great work you're doing (along with some practical guidance), you'll find it in this episode. Since its inception, the Barron Prize has awarded more than half a million dollars to hundreds of young leaders and has won the support of the National Geographic Education Foundation, Girl Scouts of the USA, and the National Youth Leadership Council, among other organizations. When not writing or speaking, T. A. Barron serves on many boards including Princeton University, where he helped to create the Princeton Environmental Institute, and The Wilderness Society, which recently honored him with its highest award for conservation work. Highlights Where can we find hope amid all the doom and gloom we hear of and experience? What's the biggest challenge that young changemakers face nowadays? (it's not what you think) What's the responsibility of creatives in today's world? How YOU Can Help Barron suggests that the best way to inspire others, especially young people, is through the example set by our own actions and choices. Share the good stories. The bad ones seem to always rise to the top so we need to counter them with stories of the good that people are doing in the world. It's surprising how effective simple storytelling can be in inspiring action. For those who are or know young changemakers, consider applying for the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. Echoing his advice for the main character in many of his books, Merlin, Barron urges listeners to recognize the unique magic within themselves and use that to create positive change in YOUR world. The ripple effects will follow. Resources T. A. Barron website Magic & Mountains: The T. A. Barron podcast Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes Inspiring Young Heroes – a video portal featuring more incredible stories of amazing kids. If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Defending our Health from Plastic Contamination with Dr. Roopa Krithivasan, Ep. 71	29 Jan 2024	00:26:02
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! We all know that plastics have become a problem, but there's even more to it than the litter you see thrown on the ground. Dr. Roopa Krithivasan is the Director of Research for Defend Our Health, an environmental health and justice organization. They recently released a report titled Hidden Hazards: The Chemical Footprint of a Plastic Bottle which tracks the impact of plastic bottles on human health and climate change. Turns out, we can experience the hazards of our plastic use well before the items even end up in our homes- and afterward. Highlights What's the untold story about plastics? What do we need to consider regarding our summer backyard activities? Why is recycling not the answer like we thought? What YOU Can Do Look for refillable options for the items that you buy. And use a refillable water bottle. Buy versions of items with minimal packaging (do you really need that cucumber that's wrapped in plastic?). Don’t recycle canisters unless you fully rinse them out (ESPECIALLY bottles that contain chemicals or detergents). Use laundry sheets instead of bottles of detergent (less plastic use). Buy secondhand (to avoid having raw plastic needing to be made). Call out companies on social media. Write letters or sign petitions to companies and governments about reducing single-use plastics and plastic contamination. Resources Sign Defend Our Health's petition asking Coca-Cola to clean up its plastic. Defend Our Health's website Learn about plastic alternative, Notpla, with this episode of The Healthy Seas Podcast (Crystal is the host of that show too!) In the show's outro, I mentioned my Action for Climate education program. If you know of a school who may want to empower its students with actions that experts are saying are the most impactful at reducing our carbon footprints, then let's connect! *Since the taping of this episode, Dr. Roopa Krithivasan is no longer the Director of Research for Defend Our Health. If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Unveiling the Shocking Secrets of Pesticides with Elizabeth Hilborn, Ep70	07 Jan 2024	00:42:30
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! First, the tadpoles and frogs disappeared; then the bats and the songbirds left. Dr. Elizabeth Hilborn, a honey bee veterinarian and environmental health scientist, soon realized the bees—the vital pollinators of fruits, plants, and vegetables—were dying. Everything went still and silent. In 2017, after a large flood, most of the teeming life on her beloved family farm in North Carolina had vanished in a matter of weeks. As a scientist and a naturalist, Hilborn set about to get answers and shares her story in her riveting book, Restoring Eden, and in this episode. No matter where you live- even if it's a city far from farmland- if you drink water and eat food, you are going to want to listen to this episode. Highlights The alarming findings about pesticides, particularly Roundup and neonicotinoids, on the environment, wildlife, and human health. Why some pesticides cannot be washed off. Strategies for individuals to minimize exposure to harmful pesticides and support a healthier ecosystem. What YOU Can Do Get in the know by buying her book, Restoring Eden Support local agriculture, agroecology, regenerative agriculture, and organic agricultural practices in the food you buy, when possible. Mow less and plant native flowers (grown from uncoated seed) to support wild pollinators. Leaving soil undisturbed and leaving leaves when they fall are ways to support our beneficial insects. The Environmental Protection Agency is soliciting comments about treated seed. Leave a comment in support of regulations. (find other petitions to sign once this comment period is over or create your own) Resources Visit Elizabeth's website Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen List If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	The Surprising Benefits of Beavers with Alison Zak, Ep69	16 Dec 2023	00:26:00
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! The recent COP28 climate change conference concluded with mixed feelings from many stakeholders. Despite this, a noteworthy optimistic takeaway was the emphasis by top scientists on the urgent need to prioritize the protection and restoration of wild ecosystems within global climate strategies, highlighting the necessity of biodiversity conservation. Alison Zak from the Human-Beaver Coexistence Fund champions the crucial role of beavers in mitigating the effects of climate change. Her advocacy aims to enhance the acceptance and appreciation of beavers, recognizing the enormous benefits they bring to an area- for people and other species. Highlights How are beavers important to other species, including many endangered ones? What do beavers and climate change have to do with one another? How can humans coexist with these animals on their property? What YOU Can Do Learn more about beavers. Apps like iNaturalist and iBeaver are great places to start. Talk to others about their benefits and about the ways to, more conveniently, coexist with them. Visit their habitat. This can help you to grow an appreciation for what they are capable of doing. Donate to the Human-Beaver Coexistence Fund Resources Human-Beaver Coexistence Fund Alison's personal website Wild Asana book If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	The Ongoing Story of the Youth Who Sued The US Government Over Climate Change with Elizabeth Rusch, Ep.68	27 Nov 2023	00:27:33
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! What happens when you have a constitutional right that's being violated but you're too young to vote for the constituents who might fix it? These kids asked the courts to step in. Today's guest, author Elizabeth Rusch, has captured this gripping story in her latest book, The Twenty-One. We dive into how, in 2015, twenty-one young Americans, ages 8-19, filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. government. In this ongoing landmark case, Juliana VS. United States, the plaintiffs claim that the government’s support of the fossil-fuel industry is actively contributing to climate change and, therefore, violating the young generation’s Fifth Amendment rights. They insist that having life, liberty, and property are intrinsically linked to a stable climate. Many legal experts initially thought the case wouldn't go anywhere, however, over the past eight years it has become a potential legal game-changer for our environmental future. If you're a fan of the underdog giving "the big guys" a run for their money, you won't want to miss this episode. Elizabeth Rusch is also the author of You Call This Democracy?, a finalist for the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults, and more than a dozen acclaimed children’s books, including picture books, middle-grade, fiction, nonfiction, and a graphic novel. In a starred review, Kirkus calls her book, THE TWENTY-ONE, “a nail-biting account of a still unresolved landmark case”. Highlights How a small-town lawyer created a case that could have global repercussions. What evidence do the plaintiffs have that their rights, and yours, are being violated? How does the recently successful case of Held v. Montana compare to this one and can it help? What YOU Can Do Call, Email, or Tweet the Department of Justice for your support of the case. For a list of other ideas on how you can get involved, go to the Our Children's Trust website. Resources Buy the book, The 21 Elizabeth Rusch's website Twitter/X Instagram Facebook If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Empowering our Students with Climate Education in New Jersey Schools with Tammy Murphy, Ep67	06 Nov 2023	00:27:17
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! As the world makes strides toward a green economy, the U.S. State of New Jersey is determined to be a leader in the movement. And, the First Lady of New Jersey, Tammy Murphy, is ensuring that citizens are prepared. She has spearheaded the initiative of integrating climate change into school curriculum. New Jersey is now the first State to require the topic be taught across all disciplines in the K-12 grade levels. With the consequences of global warming affecting us all, there's no better time to ensure that students understand the complexities of this issue. By providing them with the knowledge of how and why things are happening, students will be better equipped to tackle the challenges they will face and succeed in the opportunities being created to address them. Highlights How did she do it? What does it look like in classrooms? How can other schools and States do the same? What YOU Can Do Talk about what New Jersey is doing with others and encourage your local schools to do the same. They can find help from the resources below. Resources New Jersey Department of Education Climate Change Education Resources New Jersey Climate Change Education Hub To learn more about the Action for Climate School Program that I mentioned at the end of the episode, send me a message at crystal@forcesfornature.com, and let's chat! If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	66. Empowering Future Wildlife Conservation Leaders with Nina Fascione & Jeff Flocken	25 Sep 2023	00:29:01
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! **This episode first aired in October 2021. Listen to an update from Nina at 26: 27 about the next round of EWCL open to applicants now. The field of wildlife conservation has some of the most passionate and determined people in the world. Building a career protecting animals requires professionals in this field to have a diverse and complex toolbox of skills and knowledge. However, as happens in many other professions, academic training is only the beginning of the learning journey and often does not fully cover the wide range of challenges and opportunities that individuals will face in the real world. Recognizing this gap, Nina Fascione (Exec. Director, International Rhino Foundation) and Jeffrey Flocken (President, Humane Society International), created the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (EWCL) program in 2005 to afford early-career wildlife conservationists an opportunity to become better-rounded professionals. Through EWCL, participants in the program are equipped with a gamut of skills, techniques, and approaches to wildlife conservation, and are connected to an extensive network of peers worldwide. We talk about the program, its evolution, and the future, diving into some very amusing stories of how EWCL came to be and continues to change people's lives straight from the start. Highlights The borderline nutty dedication to getting EWCL off the ground. ;) What kinds of impacts has EWCL had throughout the world? How can someone become a part of this fantastic network? What YOU Can Do If you're an early career conservationist, apply to join the next EWCL class! Tell them Forces for Nature sent you! Applications will be accepted from October 1st-31st of 2023. Resources Application Website Instagram Facebook If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	65. Advocating for Environmental Justice in the Ecuadorian Rainforest with Julio Prieto UPDATED	09 Sep 2023	00:27:38
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! **This episode originally aired in May 2021. You can find an update from Julio at 24:19. Today's guest is Julio Prieto. He's an Ecuadorian lawyer working with the Union of People Affected by Texaco, the organization otherwise known as UDAPT. He has been a key player in one of the most well-known battles for environmental justice- the case of Ecuador vs. Chevron-Texaco. After 20 years of litigation, Julio's team won the case that found Chevron to be guilty of egregious pollution and irresponsibility in the Ecuadorian rainforest. However, 10 years later, he is still fighting for the settlement that would benefit the tens of thousands impacted. We talk about his lessons learned, his most recent victory, and why, despite the impossible odds, he will never give up. Highlights What were the allegations brought against Chevron-Texaco? What happened after they were found guilty? His most recent victory was a case brought by nine indigenous girls. What did that involve? Advice he shared if you find that an existing or proposed project in your community raises environmental, social, or animal welfare concerns. What YOU Can Do Join Julio and his team by using #antichevron and #beyondchevron in your social media posts in order to bring more visibility to the issue. In the episode, Julio mentioned how a community in Richmond, California is also fighting against Chevron. He has asked that we support their efforts as well in order to decommission the refinery there. You can do so by writing support letters to officials and/or to editors and posting on social media to increase the case's visibility. You can learn more about these efforts on their website. Resources Union of People Affected by Texaco website Facebook Twitter If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate and review! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today? If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	Protecting Sharks and the People that Depend on Them with Gaby Ochoa, Ep. 100	30 Sep 2025	00:45:53
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! This is another episode of the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders program series! In 2011, Honduras declared all its waters a shark sanctuary. On paper, it looked like a major conservation win. But for the Indigenous Miskito fishers who had relied on sharks for generations, the law came without consultation- turning long-standing practices into crimes overnight. My guest, Gabriela “Gaby” Ochoa, is a Honduran marine biologist and founder of Ilili, an organization named after the Miskito word for “shark.” Ilili is working to flip the script on top-down conservation by putting local communities at the center of decision-making. From training fishers in scientific methods, to blending traditional knowledge with modern science, to navigating the complexities of shark sanctuaries, Gaby’s work offers a powerful example of what conservation looks like when it’s truly locally driven. Highlights What was the paradox of Honduras’ shark sanctuary and why did top-down conservation backfire here. How to build trust with fishers and transform them into collaborators and co-researchers. The emotional challenges of shark conservation and the small wins that keep Gaby going. What YOU Can Do Listen first. Conservation that lasts begins by hearing all perspectives, especially those most impacted. Find citizen science opportunities by you. And, if you are in Honduras, report shark and ray sightings through Ilili’s website. Remember that conservation isn’t about telling people what to do. It’s about empowering local communities to lead. Shop to support Ilili Resources Ilili website Facebook Youtube Instagram Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	64. Bridging the Partisan Divide with Christopher Barnard	28 Aug 2023	00:44:26
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! *This episode first aired in April 2021 and Chris's title mentioned in the show has changed since. Climate change and environmental protection haven't always been as politicized as they are today. And, unfortunately, in being so, progress on these fronts gets hindered. Chris Barnard is helping to change that. He's the VP of External Affairs of The American Conservation Coalition, a group founded by political conservatives working to transform the narrative of denialism in order to get more voices to the table. We talk about how these issues shouldn't be political, how you can find allies across the political spectrum, and which solutions may satisfy all. Highlights How have conservatives, at least stereotypically, come to be labeled as anti-environment or even anti-science? What does Chris think is missing from the current environmental conversation? What kind of work has his organization done to bridge the political divide on climate change and other environmental matters? What YOU Can Do Decide to be pro-environment over pro-X political party. Have healthy discussions with others who may not necessarily share your political views. As long as your end goal is the same regarding protecting the environment, discussion and compromise can move us so much further, together. Have an open mind to solutions you may have disregarded before. Educate yourself. Chris, for example, recommends resources such as the Market Environmentalism Academy. Resources American Conservation Coalition website ACC Instagram ACC Twitter ACC Facebook If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	63. Protecting the World's Penguins with Pablo Borboroglu	14 Aug 2023	00:34:37
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! This episode first aired in April 2020. When Pablo Borboroglu released his first rehabilitated penguin back into the wild 30 years ago, he saw the ability that one person has to make a difference. Holding steadfast to this belief, he has since become one of the greatest voices for these animals. And, facing threats both on land and in water, they need it. Through the Global Penguin Society, Pablo uses scientific research to help guide conservation actions that have not only protected penguins but have also benefitted many other species that they live among as well as local communities. His enthusiasm for this work is palatable and he uses it to inspire thousands of people to become stewards for these animals too. Pablo is a National Geographic Explorer and recipient of the Whitley Gold Award, Rolex Award for Enterprise, and various other accolades. Though, what’s even more impressive, is all that penguins have gained because of him. Highlights from our talk: 1:51) Some surprising penguin facts 4:28) Threats on land and in the water 11:14) Illegal trafficking of penguins 12:41) Why does Pablo feel like he has the power to make change 19:34) How has he dealt with pushback from local communities against his conservation actions 25:52) How he has overcome feeling discouraged at times 31:12) What's his biggest challenge now What YOU can do to help penguins: Take an ecotourism trip to see penguins. This helps local communities economically benefit from the presence of these animals and support their preservation. Be a citizen scientist from your own home! Help scientists know when there changes in population, survival, and breeding through participating in Penguin Watch. Pablo has seen a huge uptick in the presence of plastic in penguin habitats that comes from near and far. Help by decreasing your use of single-use plastic and recycling. From the food you eat to the clothes you wear, try your best to make sure its origin and end are both sustainable. Microplastics are increasingly becoming a problem as they make their way up the marine food chain. Help decrease the microplastics that escape from your laundry by using a Guppy Friend. Help Pablo and the Global Penguin Society accomplish their work with a donation (through the Wildlife Conservation Network). Mentioned in the Episode: El Pedral Wildlife Refuge Punta Tombo If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	62. Bee-ing the Change for Detroit with Nicole Lindsey & Timothy Paule	31 Jul 2023	00:33:29
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! This episode first aired in June 2021. You can find the updated clip from Timothy and Nicole at 30:35 Did you know that most of the food crops we eat are reliant on pollinators to reproduce? Fruits, vegetables, nuts, even the food fed to cattle, sheep, and pigs, need pollinators such as bees. Unfortunately, there have been staggering declines in bee population numbers over the past couple of decades that have the potential for disastrous consequences. Timothy Paule and Nicole Lindsey saw an opportunity in this crisis to make a two-fold impact. They created Detroit Hives which not only works to protect these vital animals but also to revitalize the city they call home. Highlights What's happening to bees and why is this actually not an issue in Detroit? How is Detroit Hives protecting bees and helping communities? How do you convince city developers to consider pollinators in their plans? And city residents to accept them? Why must we protect all bees, not just the honeybee? What YOU Can Do Plant a bee-friendly garden. Your local plant nursery could help inform you as to what are the best native flowers to have. Even a flower box outside of your apartment window is effective. Provide a water source (a shallow dish with small rocks above the waterline) Use little to no chemicals on your lawn and garden. If you have a swarm at your home, call a local beekeeper to safely take care of it instead of an exterminator. Volunteering with an eco-oriented organization or beekeeper. Have a honeybee hive mindset in that everyone does their own specialized part in bettering the world. Help support Detroit Hives through a donation or purchasing some of their products. Engage with them on social If you liked this episode and want to learn more on how you can make your lawn pollinator-friendly, check out Episode 26 with Dave Mizejewski. Resources Detroit Hives Website Instagram Facebook Bee City USA Xerces Society If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	61. Recycling to Keep Our Seas Trash Free with Ryan Hickman	16 Jul 2023	00:24:40
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! This episode first aired in June 2020. You can find the updated clip from Ryan at 21:00 Did you know that only 10% of all plastic that's ever been produced has been recycled?!* And that just 60% of communities in the U.S. have access to curbside recycling pick-up? Our waste is a huge problem but, today's guest, Ryan Hickman, is determined to be part of the solution. At just 12 years old (yes, you read that right!), he's CEO of his own company, Ryan's Recycling. He joins us today with his dad, Damion, and helps to demystify the confusion that recycling can sometimes cause. Highlights from our talk: (1:54) How does Ryan's Recycling work? (2:43) You'll never guess how many customers he has! (4:26) Nor how much he has recycled so far... (6:28) Lightning round of 5 items and their recyclability (12:49) What happens to the items you recycle? (15:11) In addition to saving up for a garbage truck, Ryan also donates some of his profits to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. His favorite animal there was Heartbreaker. <3 (17:02) Why does Ryan feel like he can make a difference? How YOU can do recycling right: Glass, steel, and aluminum can be recycled indefinitely. Try to choose these items over plastic. Recycling codes for plastic #1 (hard) and #2 are the most widely accepted. Plastic #1 (soft), #4, #5 some centers will accept these. Plastic #3, #6, #7 most centers cannot take these but do check. Pizza Boxes- You can recycle the clean lid, but compost or throw out the bottom part that has the grease. Takeaway Soda or Coffee Cups- Despite being paper on the outside, they have a plastic waterproof lining on the inside. This makes them non-recyclable. As for their lids, they tend to be #6 plastic and very few centers will accept them. However, the cardboard slip used to protect you from the heat can be recycled! Plastic Bags- most curbside programs won't accept plastic bags because they can damage the machines. However, many grocery stores have recycling programs for them so drop them off on your next grocery run. Peanut butter jars- This is a lesson about how important it is to clean out the items before you throw them in the bin. Although the jar may be recyclable, if it isn't cleaned, it will be thrown out. Worse, it may cause the whole batch to be thrown out! You can find more suggestions in the show notes on the episode's webpage! As per Ryan, "When in doubt, throw it out." Each municipality is different and some take more items and, some, less. A quick online search will find their number for you to call and get clarification from them. *https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/07/plastic-produced-recycling-waste-ocea If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	60. Forces for Nature Season 3 Wrap-Up and Updates with Crystal DiMiceli	28 Jun 2023	00:12:56
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Whoohoo! Sixty episodes in! This seems like a good time to take a step back and introduce to new listeners some of Forces for Nature's older episodes. So, the season break to follow won't be a break, per se, because you'll keep seeing episodes be published. But, they will be some favorites from Seasons 1 and 2, many with bonus updates from the guests! If you have a favorite that you loved and would like to hear their "where are they now" update, let me know! I had two asks in this episode. Here they are again: 1) Check out my other show, The Healthy Seas Podcast, right here on this podcasting app that you're using. And, if it's of interest to you, please subscribe and rate it! 2) Let me know what subjects or who you would like to hear from for Season 4. You can send me a DM on social media or an email to crystal@forcesfornature.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becoming.forces.for.nature/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/becomingforcesfornature/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-dimiceli-4705218/ If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	59. How to Spot Abusive Animal Situations on Social Media & Live Interactions with Devon Schowe	05 Jun 2023	00:28:14
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Have you had wild animal photo opportunities while on vacation? Have you "liked" cute exotic animal videos on social? Are you dying for an opportunity to hold a baby monkey? If so, you may unintentionally be fueling a dark industry and promoting animal abuse. Devan Schowe is the campaigns director for Born Free USA, an organization that works to ensure that all wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild, are treated with compassion and respect and are able to live their lives according to their needs. Devon works to increase public awareness of pertinent wildlife conservation issues and works to change legislation regarding practices that harm wild animals kept in captivity for exploitative purposes. If you want to know how to avoid supporting these dangerous practices unknowingly, this episode is for you! Highlights How can "liking" a video on social media endanger wildlife? Why are seemingly innocent animal photo ops, not so innocent? The Big Cat Public Safety Act has passed! What does this mean? What YOU Can Do Do not visit or in any way support places that exploit wild animals in the ways talked about. Report any abusive online content you see on the website or platform. Petition social media outlets to modify their definition of harmful animal content, um, to reflect a definition that is more in line with wild animal welfare. Don't view like, comment, save, post or share the content. Even dislikes or quoting angry reactions or comments will add to the overall popularity. So restraining from doing that even if you want to. Respectfully educate others. Resources Born Free USA website Adopt a Monkey program Their Lives for Your Likes Report Instagram Tik Tok Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	58: Following the Path of the Panther and Bringing Hope for a Wild Florida with Carlton Ward Jr.	15 May 2023	00:44:22
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Driven to near extinction in the eastern United States, the Florida panther was able to escape complete persecution by disappearing into the untamed wilderness of the Everglades. However, for its long-term survival, they need more than just a small pocket of land at the bottom of the State. Carlton Ward Jr., a National Geographic Explorer, and photographer, has spent almost two decades advocating for the conservation of the vital acres of land and water that this, and so many other species, need to survive- including humans. With over 1000 people moving to the State per day, development is quickly closing in on the remaining natural lands, threatening the animals, and even the ranchers, who have called the area home for generations. Highlights We talk about Carlton's 2,000-mile-long trek, over two expeditions, through the heart of Florida to illustrate the natural corridors wildlife need to migrate. How his storytelling of the panther helped lead to the passing of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act in 2021 (with full bipartisan support!) Why two unlikely stakeholders- panthers and cattle ranchers - need one another to survive? How can we balance the need for economic development with the need to protect natural habitats and ecosystems? What YOU Can Do Take various actions for panthers and a wild Florida through the website. Watch Path of the Panther on Disney+, Hulu, or at a screening near you. Buy the Path of the Panther book. Not mentioned in the episode, there is also a campaign to encourage people to drive the posted speeds in wildlife crossing areas. With road collisions being one of the biggest threats to the panther, driving slower through these areas only means a minute or two added to your journey, but could mean a lifetime for these animals. To learn more tips and info on what to do if you see a hit animal go to PantherCrossing.org. Resources Path of the Panther Instagram Facebook Twitter https://carltonward.com/ If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	57. Spreading Happy Eco News with Grant Brown	20 Apr 2023	00:24:35
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! If you're tired of only hearing about environmental destruction and that we're around the corner from doomsday, you're going to want to listen to this episode! Grant Brown is the founder of the website and newsletter, Happy Eco News. He's not naïve to the pressures that the world is facing - we talk about what he has seen with his own two eyes - but he has also seen, and gotten to know, people who are doing something about them. He's created this platform to share their stories and inspire others to also be the change that they wish to see in the world. And it seems to be working. Highlights How did he go from climbing up the corporate ladder to creating Happy Eco News? How has this had ripple effects on others? What does he think is key to being able to make a difference? What YOU Can Do Figure out whatever it is that you're passionate about and use that to make a difference. Resources Happy Eco News If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	56. Animal Rescue in the Big City with Mary Beth Purdy Artz	28 Mar 2023	00:27:19
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Nothing could be cuter than baby animals. But, their adorableness can easily distract you from the lifelong responsibility that their care requires. Unfortunately, this reality check can result in animals- especially those that we associate with their wild cousins like ducks and bunnies- being dumped out into the wild after they are grown and their care becomes too much. Except, these animals don't have the instincts to survive outdoors. This "wild" is often your local neighborhood park and Mary Beth Purdy Artz knows this all too well. She's an animal rescuer and rehabilitator in Brooklyn, NY, and has saved hundreds of abandoned and injured animals through the years. If you've ever wondered about getting an unusual pet or how you could help an animal you've seen outside, this episode is for you. Highlights How can you tell the difference between a wild animal and its domestic cousin? What's the craziest animal that's been found in her park? (this one's a doozy!) When might you be more likely to find dumped animals? What YOU Can Do Do not buy animals for someone and be sure you know the care requirements of an animal before you buy one for yourself. Contact help, whether you can no longer care for an animal yourself or if you see a dumped or injured one in the wild. Petition for signage and cameras in your local park to discourage the dumping of animals and encourage the cleanup of fishing gear. Resources Link to all places to see the movie, Honk They All Want to Live Rescue Group If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?
	55: Show Swap! Becoming Forces for Nature with Carly Puch & Crystal DiMiceli	09 Mar 2023	00:37:28
Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Show Swap! The host of Forces for Nature, Crystal DiMiceli, joined Carly Puch on her podcast, Consciously Clueless, to talk about her own cluelessness on this lifelong journey toward sustainability. Highlights What does she do when she’s not feeling optimistic about the world? What made her almost throw in the towel on this journey? How did Forces for Nature come to be? What are her go-to's to lessen her carbon footprint? Resources Consciously Clueless on Apple On Spotify If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is crystal@forcesfornature.com. Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?

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