Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Jumpstart Nature
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Titre
Date
Durée
#7: Don't Be a Birdnapper! (Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Help Wildlife)
20 May 2024
00:32:01
Many well meaning people, seeking to help wildlife, mistakenly become a birdnapper. Or a turtlenapper. Or even a bunnynapper.
And it's all too easy to mistakenly harm an animal that you might think is distressed or in trouble.
Do you know what to do if you see a bird on the ground? Or a turtle in the road? Or newborn bunnies in your yard?
Spurred by a personal story from a follower, Griff and Michael discuss all of these scenarios and more, and wildlife coexistence in general. With a little knowledge of the animals, and a few resources at your disposal (looking at you Animal Help Now), you'll be prepared to be the hero that your neighborhood animals need!
Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.
Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and recommendations of things YOU can do to help nature.
#6: Cicadas: Unexpected Ambassadors of Biodiversity
29 Apr 2024
00:30:12
Periodical cicadas are amazing animals - they spend nearly 13 or 17 years underground, and all decide, together, to come out and party in your trees at the same time.
They are loud, and perhaps you think they are annoying. But they are one of the most accessible demonstrations of nature's abundance that still occurs.
But cicadas are super important to our ecosystems and the food webs that support life. Their story is full of history, drama, and even optimism. And right now, as this is being released in 2024, a rare "double emergence" is occurring.
So now is the time to give cicadas a second look, and see just how magical the "magicicada" genus is.
Host Griff Griffith, with the help of renowned cicada researchers Dr. Chris Simon, Dr. Gene Kritsky, and Dr. Matt Kasson, as well as All Bugs Go to Kevin founder Kevin Wiener, takes a fun, and sometimes disturbing look at cicadas, why they matter, and how they reflect biodiversity in general.
See the Full Show Notes and photos on Jumpstart Nature's web page.
Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.
For even deeper nature insights, delve into our companion podcast, Nature's Archive.
Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and recommendations of things YOU can do to help nature.
CREDITS This podcast episode was written, edited, and produced by Michael Hawk. Our host and co-writer is Griff Griffith. Kat Hill provided editing assistance.
Thanks to the team at cicadas.uconn.edu for allowing us to use some of their recordings of periodical cicadas, as well as Kevin Weiner for use of his photos and audio.
The following music was used for this media project: Music: Lofi Prairie by Brian Holtz Music Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9247-lofi-prairie License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
#5: Every Observation a Discovery: How iNaturalist Changes Lives and Changes Science
22 Apr 2024
00:20:23
Have you ever seen a bird or a tree, and wondered what it is? Why did that bird show up here? How come I've never seen that tree anywhere else?
Just a few years ago, you'd need to consult an expert or spend loads of time reviewing field guides and natural history books to get those answers.
Today, the answers are at your fingertips. And with curiosity comes the satisfaction of learning.
Explore the transformative power of the iNaturalist app through the journeys of Jennifer Rycenga, a humanities professor turned nature enthusiast, Joseph Montes de Oca, a high school foreign languages teacher, and Cat Chang, an architecture professor and now, an iNaturalist board member.
Hear how this technology is connecting millions globally, from identifying species to contributing to vital science databases.
And learn how YOU can join the movement and start your own adventure today!
Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.
CREDITS This podcast episode was written, edited, and produced by Michael Hawk. Our host and co-writer is Griff Griffith.
The following music was used for this media project: Music: Imagefilm 033 by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/535-imagefilm-033 License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Mystical Autumn by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9755-mystical-autumn License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Jumpstart Bonus: Dr. Doug Tallamy - The Nature of Oaks
14 Feb 2024
01:08:02
Jumpstart Nature's next season is making great progress, but it's still a few weeks away. So we decided to share one of our top episodes from our sister podcast, Nature's Archive. It's with Dr. Doug Tallamy, the world renowned author, entomologist, native plant advocate, and co-founder of Homegrown National Park (instagram).
In this episode of Nature's Archive, Dr. Tallamy discusses why oak trees are perhaps the most important tree on Earth! And despite their reputation, there are oak trees in all sizes - and you may be able to plant one in a small yard! Be sure to check out Dr. Tallamy's latest books, including The Nature of Oaks and Nature's Best Hope.
And please check out Nature's Archive! If you are interested in birds, mushrooms, butterflies, beavers, regenerative agriculture, snowflakes, climate change, wildfire, and so many other nature topics, there is likely an episode that you'll enjoy.
Support Us On Patreon! We need your support to continue to produce Jumpstart Nature Podcasts and develop new and innovative ways to reconnect people to nature.
Our pilot season is over, but Griff Griffith and Michael Hawk have more great nature knowledge to share!
Today's episode answers your questions about the Jumpstart Nature episodes we've already published and gives you an exciting peak into what comes next.
In fact, maybe YOU can be part of a future podcast episode? Be sure to listen to hear how.
And perhaps most importantly, Griff, Michael, and the Jumpstart Nature team need your support! If you agree with their vision, enjoy this podcast, and want to hear more, please become a member of our Patreon! You'll have the satisfaction of supporting this important work - and you'll get some perks, too!
Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and recommendations of things YOU can do to help nature.
And be sure to like, share, rate, and review this podcast on the app of your choice!
#4: We Live in a 10% World: : The Shocking Decline We’ve Normalized
23 Oct 2023
00:27:28
What is "normal" or even "natural" in nature? In a world where everything is constantly changing, the human desire to define things as "normal" has broad implications on how we see the world, and how we choose to conserve it (or not conserve it!).
This desire to establish a personal "normal" leads to a quirk of psychology called Shifting Baseline Syndrome.
Learn about the dramatic impacts that it has in this Jumpstart Nature episode.
Join your guide, Griff Griffith, as he explores what shifting baseline syndrome is through some incredible examples. With the help of Dr. Loren McClenachan, Dr. Alison Whipple (San Francisco Estuary Institute), Ben Goldfarb (author and environmental journalist), and Francisco Saavedra Jr (forestry student and member of the Pit River Tribe Madesi band), we look at the many ways that shifting baselines steer us in the wrong direction.
Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.
For even deeper nature insights, delve into our companion podcast, Nature's Archive.
Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and recommendations of things YOU can do to help nature.
The following music was used for this media project: Music: Lofi Prairie by Brian Holtz Music Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9247-lofi-prairie
#3: The Age of Connectivity: How Wildlife Crossings Help Animals and People
16 Oct 2023
00:32:24
Human society is more connected than ever. Between mobile phones and internet applications, we can connect with each other instantaneously, around the globe.
And more traditionally, the United States alone is home to nearly 4 million miles of roads, structures which, for many of us, have only served to enhance our sense of connectedness to the cities we live in, to our families and friends, and to the larger world around us. Yet, these same roads that connect people have the opposite effect to the natural world, extracting an extreme toll on the plants and animals around us, and in many unexpected ways.
And roads and highways are just the tip of the iceberg. Join us as we unravel the many complex dimensions of wildlife connectivity while revealing the surprising toll that human activity has inflicted on the movement of species. Join your guide, Griff Griffith, as he is helped by experts Ben Goldfarb, Beth Pratt, and Robert Rock, who will also teach us how we can help restore essential links while supporting the health of the living beings around us.
Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and recommendations of things YOU can do to help nature.
Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.
#2: Plant Your Birdfeeder: The Surprising Downsides of Feeding Birds
09 Oct 2023
00:19:39
Feeding birds is a cherished nature pastime in the United States, the UK, and Canada. It brings the wonders of the wild right to our backyards, allowing us to marvel at the beauty and behaviors of our feathered friends up close. Plus, there's the satisfaction of knowing we're contributing to wildlife's well-being!
But have you ever wondered about the impact of bird feeding? What about the recent concerns regarding disease outbreaks? And do you know where the birdseed you use comes from?
Join us in this episode as we delve into the world of bird feeding with insights from experts in the field: Dr. Emma Greig from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Dr. Alex Lees from Manchester Metropolitan University, Dr. Doug Tallamy (see last week's episode for much more from Dr. Tallamy!), and Mary Phillips. They'll help our host, Griff Griffith, unravel the mysteries, so you can feel confident that your bird feeding habits are indeed making a positive difference for our avian companions.
Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and recommendations of things YOU can do to help nature.
#1: The Yard of the Future: How Native Plants Save Biodiversity
02 Oct 2023
00:28:12
Without noticing, homeowners across the country have destroyed habitat covering an area the size of New England or Florida. As bad as that sounds, it actually gets worse.
But we can easily fix this problem - and it actually saves you time and money.
With the help from Dr. Doug Tallamy, Mary Phillips, and Leslie Inman, Griff explains what’s going on here, and how you can help create The Yard of the Future.
Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and recommendations of things YOU can do to help nature.
This podcast episode was written and produced by Michael Hawk. Our host is Griff Griffith. Michelle Balderston is our associate producer.
The following music was used for this media project: Music: Sunny Morning by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7813-sunny-morning License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Horde Of Geese by Alexander Nakarada Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9835-horde-of-geese License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Prepare to shatter preconceptions and debunk myths about the world around us, all while uncovering the astonishing truths hidden within nature and climate. Embark on a transformative journey with Jumpstart Nature, an innovative podcast that melds captivating storytelling with cutting-edge science.
Join your guide, Griff Griffith, as each episode whisks you away on an immersive adventure like no other. From unearthing hidden wonders to sparking a passion for change, Jumpstart Nature promises to entertain, enlighten, and empower.
Are you ready to be captivated, surprised, and inspired to make a lasting impact? Tune in to Jumpstart Nature and experience nature's mysteries as never before.
Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.
For even deeper nature insights, delve into our companion podcast, Nature's Archive.
The following music was used for this media project: Music: Unseen by Phat Sounds Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/11194-unseen License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Jumpstart Bonus: Top 10 Favorite Species with Griff Griffith, Michelle Fullner, and Michael Hawk
10 Sep 2024
01:09:31
What do parasitic plants, 600 year old oak trees, salmon, and hoverflies have in common? Well, they are some of Griff's, Michelle Fullner’s and my favorite wild organisms!
Today’s episode is a fun conversation with Michelle Fullner, Griff Griffith, and myself, Michael Hawk, where we advocate for our 10 favorite animals and plants. We each bring three species to the conversation…well, not physically. And we had a bit of a game to decide who got to pick the 10th one. All I’m saying is that I still think that aphids would be good at soccer, but you’ll have to listen to hear what that’s about.
This idea was all Michelle’s - and if you don’t know Michelle, she’s the host and producer of the Golden State Naturalist podcast, which is a fun and entertaining California-centric nature podcast. Her fourth season is about to launch, and she plans to cover topics that I know you’ll love - wildlife crossings, coastal wetlands, red-legged frogs, and much more. Be sure to check out her podcast and follow her social media, too.
And looking ahead, Jumpstart Nature is in the late stages of three new episodes for this fall, covering invasive species, outdoor cats, and an inspiring land conservation story that succeeded against all odds. And if you’re listening to this on the Nature’s Archive feed, well, we have plenty of fun episodes coming too - covering topics ranging from wildlife forensics to ants!
#8 - Saving A Valley: How Coyote Valley Inspires Conservation
24 Sep 2024
00:32:08
On a 1983 morning, Steve Jobs scouted Coyote Valley for Apple's new headquarters. Despite his plans, Coyote Valley remains one of the most important undeveloped landscapes near Silicon Valley.
This episode tells the story of its conservation through unexpected alliances, resilience, and the invaluable ecosystem services it provides. From critical wildlife connectivity to indigenous cultural significance, discover how perseverance and community action can protect cherished landscapes.
Join host Griff Griffith and our guests, Andrea Mackenzie, Amah Mutsun Chairman Valentin Lopez, Megan Fluke, Nick Perry, and Dr. Stuart Weiss as they provide unique and inspiring perspectives as they explore how to protect and steward unique lands like Coyote Valley, whether near Silicon Valley or your own backyard.
Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.
For even deeper nature insights, delve into our companion podcast, Nature's Archive.
Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and learn what YOU can do to help nature.
#9: Invaders in Your Yard: The Hidden Dangers of Invasive Species
13 Jan 2025
00:31:54
There’s an invasion happening right under our noses—one that’s likely reached your own backyard. You may have even unknowingly played a part in it.
This is the spread of invasive plants, animals, and fungi. Once removed from their native habitats, these species reproduce rapidly, disrupting ecosystems, threatening biodiversity, and even endangering our food, health, and recreation.
Invasive species are wreaking havoc in every corner of the world, often with our unwitting help. But with knowledge, care, and action, we can turn the tide.
Griff Griffith guides you on a journey explaining how invasive species pose a threat, how they got here, and what you can do. Griff is joined by Dr. Sara Kuebbing (from the Yale School of the Environment), Emelie Swackhamer (Penn State University Extension), and Carl Klarner (Redwood Invasive Plant Eradicators).
Thanks to Associate Producer Kat Hill and Sound Designer Miles Ewell for their assistance in production of this episode.
iNaturalist - you can use iNaturalist to identify plants, fungi, insects, and more, with the help of machine learning and a dedicated community of experts. iNaturalist also flags many invasive species, so take a backyard safari and see what you can find and remove from your yard!
Additional Credits The following music was used for this media project: Music: The Question Is (Quizpackage) by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/228-the-question-is-quizpackage License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Silent Movie 19 by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/12433-silent-movie-19 License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Cinematic Suspense Series Episode 008 by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/7669-cinematic-suspense-series-episode-008 License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Bahnstreik by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/404-bahnstreik License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Additional Music: Cleanse by Principal Dean Sound Effects from Soundly: getsoundly.com
#10 - Can We Save Cats and Wildlife? The Outdoor Cat Dilemma.
03 Feb 2025
00:33:58
Cats are independent, lovable, and endlessly entertaining—but with nearly 100 million outdoor cats in the USA alone, they become one of the most devastating forces against wildlife, killing billions of animals each year. At the same time, outdoor cats face harsh, short lives filled with disease, injury, and danger. So how do we balance our love for cats with our responsibility to protect biodiversity?
Join host Griff Griffith as we explore the complex reality of outdoor cats with veterinarian Dr. Mike Armer, TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release) advocate Allison Fluty, and biologist Sophie Osborn. They’ll tackle tough questions, debunk myths, and reveal how cat lovers and wildlife advocates can find common ground. Whether you adore cats, cherish wildlife, or both, this episode will challenge your perspective—and offer real solutions.
FULL SHOW NOTES with extra resources, including impacts of outdoor cats, ways to enrich your indoor cat's life, and studies on TNR efficacy.
Also check out our full interview with Sophie Osborn to hear more about her efforts to reintroduce endangered birds, and how cats are hindering efforts.
Additional Credits
Filmmusic.io Compositions - License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Cinematic Suspense Series Episode 009 by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/8224-cinematic-suspense-series-episode-009
Imagefilm 018 by Sascha Ende https://filmmusic.io/en/song/315-imagefilm-018
Lockdown by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/7658-lockdown
Miles Ewell Compositions: Principal Dean - Clic [C670 Records] Principal Dean - ANX
Angry Activist, Rural Landowner: Finding Common Ground for Nature
16 Jul 2025
00:48:32
Have you ever found it tough to talk about big issues, especially when people already have strong ideas? In the world of nature and climate, we often see communication that feels more like telling people what to do, or how to think. It's easy for us all to dig in our heels, even if we're wrong, and shut down new ideas. Today, we're exploring a different path.
--
Griff: I was very radical and had really bad ecological depression because was from the Bay Area and watched all my favorite places get destroyed.
So I was, you know, really felt like the only thing left to do was to fight. And that's where I was at at 18, 19, 20. Pretty much all the way until 23, I was in a very radical mind state. Mostly angry and depressed.
--
That's Griff Griffith, someone many of you know as a passionate environmental communicator and a key collaborator with Jumpstart Nature. Like many, Griff once felt that fighting and lecturing were the only ways to defend the places he loved. But a surprising encounter on a work site with a farmer named Pops changed everything. Griff realized that truly saving biodiversity needed a different approach.
Today, Griff shares his remarkable personal transformation, revealing the power of nuance in communication and how embracing a different approach can yield incredible results for nature. It's a candid and thought-provoking conversation we can all learn from. We also dive into how even dandelions can have a surprising place in conservation—another vivid example of how our perspectives can evolve.
Because this conversation embodies the spirit of both our shows, I'm excited to release it on both the Nature's Archive and Jumpstart Nature feeds! If you're listening on Nature's Archive, know that Jumpstart Nature usually takes you on an immersive journey into thought-provoking topics that help you save biodiversity.
And if you're on the Jumpstart Nature feed, Nature's Archive brings you deep-dive interviews with top minds in ecology, biodiversity, and nature more broadly. Get ready, because this summer we're gearing up for many new episodes across both feeds! Our new team of volunteers is hard at work, and we already have several amazing interviews recorded that I can't wait to share with you.
For now, let’s lean in for Griff's truly inspirational story of personal transformation.
#11 - Critical Mast: The Hidden Cycle of Oak Abundance
23 Oct 2025
00:21:46
Have you ever noticed that oak trees sometimes have bumper crops of acorns, and sometimes hardly produce a thing? What causes this? And why?
Join host Griff Griffith and producer Michael Hawk on an exploration of acorn masting (bumper crops), with a special deep dive into one species that profoundly benefits - the charismatic Acorn Woodpecker.
Along with our special guests, Dr. Walter Koenig (both a masting and Acorn Woodpecker researcher), and Dr. Doug Tallamy (author of The Nature of Oaks), we guide you through the interesting tale of acorn masting, and oaks in general.
This episode is part of a playful exercise in community podcasting, with 6 different shows each producing their own stories about or inspired by the mystery of masting, and releasing them at (approximately) the same time.
We’ll populate this Spotify playlist with all our stories as they come out!
Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.