The Backyard Naturalists – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature.

 In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie sit down with Angie Gotta, the passionate owner of Barn and Bee Botanicals. Angie shares her inspiring journey from struggling with health issues to discovering the healing power of natural ingredients, which led her to create her own line of skincare and body care products. Using ingredients sourced from her farm in rural North Carolina, including goat’s milk, tallow, and various herbs, Angie crafts everything from soothing soaps to effective insect repellents.

You’ll learn about the medicinal properties of common “weeds” and the benefits of using natural ingredients in personal care products. Angie’s enthusiasm for sustainable living shines through as she talks about her farm, which is home to Nigerian dwarf goats, chickens, ducks, and a thriving garden. Debbie and Laurie also share their personal experiences using Angie’s products, highlighting their effectiveness.

Be sure to tune in for details on how to purchase these products and learn about an upcoming event where you can meet Angie and her goats in person at Laurie's store, Backyard Birds. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in natural wellness and sustainable living.

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to info@downtownpodcasting.com.

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company  in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market  this Saturday morning. 

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists, the podcast about anything and everything connected with nature. We love to engage with our listeners and have a few fabulous prizes we’d love to share with you. As a part of helping us grow our social media and online presence, we’re giving you an opportunity to score a few of them we talk about in this week’s show.

This week, Debbie and Laurie share a few neat little items designed to make your natural life, just a little easier. These are products to help deter mosquitoes, feed hummingbirds, clean your bird bath and keep you bird food fresh. All of these items are available from our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to info@downtownpodcasting.com.

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the award-winning podcast about anything and everything connected with nature, heard in 115 countries, 50 states, and all throughout the Carolinas. Honored with the Best of the Weeklies podcast award by the readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly, we bring you engaging and educational content each week.

In this episode, Debbie and Laurie continue their exploration of invasive species in part two of this compelling series. The focus shifts to some of the most troublesome invaders, including Burmese pythons in the Everglades, spotted lanternflies, and American bullfrogs in the Pacific Northwest. Learn how these non-native species were likely introduced by human activities such as the pet trade and transport on ships.

The hosts delve into the severe environmental impacts caused by these invasive species, from outcompeting native wildlife to spreading diseases. They also provide practical tips for listeners on how to help prevent the spread of these invaders, including not transporting firewood, inspecting camping gear, and reporting sightings to local authorities. This episode raises crucial awareness about the role human actions play in the introduction and spread of invasive species, and what we can do to mitigate their impact.

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to info@downtownpodcasting.com.

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company  in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market  this Saturday morning. 

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the award-winning podcast about anything and everything connected with nature, heard in 115 countries, 50 states, and all throughout the Carolinas. Honored with the Best of the Weeklies podcast award by the readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly, we bring you engaging and educational content each week.

In this episode, Laurie and Debbie delve into the fascinating and often troubling world of invasive species in part one of this series. Discover how these unintended travelers, such as the house finch, have been introduced to new areas, often unintentionally by human actions. The house finch, for instance, was illegally brought from the western U.S. to the East Coast to be sold as caged birds in the 1940s. After being released, they spread rapidly across the region.

Laurie and Debbie discuss the significant ecological consequences of such introductions and the urgent need for more effective treatments to control these problematic invaders. Learn about the impact of human activities on the spread of invasive species and the importance of preserving our native ecosystems.

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to info@downtownpodcasting.com.

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company  in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market  this Saturday morning. 

Welcome to a special re-run of one of our most popular episodes of The Backyard Naturalists, your favorite podcast about everything connected with nature! Broadcasting across 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the Carolinas, our award-winning show, honored by the readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly, delights and educates 64,000 regular listeners every week.

In this episode, we dive into the world of nature apps that can transform your outdoor experiences. Join Laurie, Debbie, and Chris as they explore three fantastic tools: Audubon, iNaturalist, and Merlin.

Audubon offers stunning photos, bite-sized learning opportunities, and daily highlights of different birds. With field guides, bird songs, and recent sightings, it’s a perfect companion for bird enthusiasts.

iNaturalist is your go-to app for identifying birds, insects, plants, and more. Simply upload a photo, and the app uses location and date to provide accurate IDs, helping you discover the diverse wildlife around you.

Merlin is an interactive bird ID app where you input location, date, size, color, and behavior of a bird to get likely options. The hosts especially love the sound ID feature, which helps you uncover birds you might not have noticed otherwise.

All these apps are free and highly recommended by our hosts. Start with your local area and see what amazing discoveries await you right in your backyard. Happy exploring!

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to info@downtownpodcasting.com.

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company  in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market  this Saturday morning.

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, your go-to podcast for anything and everything connected with nature! Broadcasting across 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the Carolinas, our award-winning show, honored by the readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly, delights and educates 64,000 regular listeners every week. Join Laurie, Debbie, and Chris every Saturday morning at 6:00 a.m. EDT as they dive into the wonders of the natural world, often recording from vibrant outdoor locations like local farmers markets.

In this week's episode, Laurie and Debbie reminisce about the early days of the podcast, initially hesitant but soon thrilled by its unexpected popularity. Tune in to hear engaging conversations with expert guests like J. Bell, a reptile specialist, and botanist Lisa Tompkins, who share invaluable insights on topics ranging from snake care to gardening tips. Discover how the podcast's unique approach and the dedicated listener community have created a global family, inspired by nature and driven by curiosity.

Don't miss the heartwarming stories of listeners whose lives have been touched by the show, and get excited for future plans including potential meetup events to bring our community even closer. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or just beginning your journey, The Backyard Naturalists promises to educate, entertain, and connect you with the natural world in new and exciting ways.

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to info@downtownpodcasting.com.

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company  in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market  this Saturday morning. 

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, your award-winning podcast about anything and everything related to nature! Heard in 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the Carolinas, we're thrilled to have you join us. We're also proud recipients of the Best of the Weeklies podcast award from the readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly.

In this episode, we're excited to welcome back Reptile Expert Jay Bell from Reptiles 101. As a flock member, Jay has shared his knowledge with us in over three episodes, and we're always eager to hear his insights. Today, Jay joins hosts Debbie and Laurie to discuss the invasive reptile species of North Carolina and their impact on local ecosystems.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• ·         The Texas horned lizard
• ·         The red-eared slider turtle
• ·         The tegu lizard
• ·         The house gecko
• ·         The hammerhead slug

Jay describes the appearance, habitat, and impacts of each invasive species, highlighting the risks they pose to native wildlife by outcompeting them for food, water, and shelter. Tune in to find out what you can do to help control the spread of these invasive species and protect North Carolina's native reptiles.

We love hearing from our listeners! Drop us a review on Apple Podcasts and let us know where you're tuning in from and what you enjoy most about the show. Happy listening and stay informed!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to info@downtownpodcasting.com.

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company  in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market  this Saturday morning. 

Welcome to another informative episode of The Backyard Naturalists, the award-winning podcast heard in 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the Carolinas. We're proud to have won the Best of the Weeklies podcast award from the readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly!

In this episode, we explore an environmentally friendly way to control mosquitoes: bats! Our hosts delve into the benefits of attracting bats to your yard, such as natural mosquito control and pollination, and provide expert tips on building and installing bat houses.

Key Points:

·         Bats are fantastic for controlling mosquitoes—one brown bat can eat over 1,000 mosquitoes in a single night!

·         Bats also aid in pollination, benefiting your garden.

·         Optimal bat house design features a 4-chamber structure.

·         Ensure bat houses receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

·         Mount bat houses 10-20 feet off the ground and 20-30 feet away from trees to avoid predators.

·         Use buildings or poles for mounting, not trees.

·         Paint the interior dark (brown or dark gray) but avoid oil-based paints. Exterior color should match your climate's July temperatures.

·         Install bat houses by late winter before the breeding season. Caulk the sides to prevent drafts.

·         Use rot-resistant wood like cedar, black locust, white oak, or reclaimed barn wood for durability.

·       

  JJoin us as we guide you through creating a welcoming habitat for these beneficial creatures and transform your yard into a mosquito-free zone!

We love hearing from our listeners! Drop us a review on Apple Podcasts and let us know where you're tuning in from and what you enjoy most about the show. Happy listening and happy bat-watching!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to info@downtownpodcasting.com.

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company  in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market  this Saturday morning. 

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Backyard Naturalists, your go-to podcast for everything connected with nature! Heard in 115 countries and all 50 states, and a proud recipient of the Best of the Weeklies podcast award from the readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly, we're thrilled to have you join us.

This week, we're diving into the fascinating world of owls! Learn how to maximize your chances for success with owl boxes, perfect for attracting these incredible birds to your backyard. Plus, it's the perfect time to spot young barred owls as they begin branching out!

We love hearing from our listeners! Drop us a review on Apple Podcasts and let us know where you're tuning in from and what you enjoy most about the show. Happy listening and happy birdwatching!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to info@downtownpodcasting.com.

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company  in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market  this Saturday morning. 

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature.

In this captivating episode, hosts Debbie and Laurie, along with guests Jay and Chris, delve deep into the buzzing world of cicadas. The conversation takes listeners on a journey through the recent cicada emergence, exploring not just the cacophonous sounds they produce but also their ecological significance and cultural impact. From sharing audio clips of cicada choruses in local greenways to discussing the surprising culinary adventures some have with cicadas, this episode leaves no cicada stone unturned.

The hosts recount their own encounters with cicadas, from the loud chorus disrupting outdoor activities to the awe-inspiring sight of these insects emerging en masse after years underground. They delve into the fascinating life cycle of periodical cicadas, explaining the difference between the 13 and 17-year broods and why this particular emergence is a rare spectacle worth noting.

Special guest Jay Bell adds a flavorful twist to the discussion by sharing his experiences cooking and eating cicadas. He describes how he enjoys them fried in olive oil with simple seasonings, likening their taste to almonds—a surprising culinary revelation for many listeners.

The episode also touches on the broader implications of cicada emergences, such as their role in ecosystem dynamics and their contribution to scientific research. Listeners are encouraged to share their own cicada sightings, recordings, and photos on social media or by contacting the podcast, fostering a community of cicada enthusiasts eager to document this remarkable natural phenomenon.

Whether you're a seasoned cicada observer or new to their fascinating world, this episode of The Backyard Naturalists is sure to pique your curiosity and inspire you to appreciate the intricate interconnectedness of nature. Join the conversation, share your cicada stories, and let's celebrate this extraordinary cicada season together!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to info@downtownpodcasting.com.

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company  in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market  this Saturday morning.