Shows
The Healthy Seas PodcastWhen Nature Has a Number on the Balance SheetWhen Nature Has a Number on the Balance SheetHow the financial world is starting to recognize the value of ecosystems servicesIn this episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ralph Chami — financial economist, former Assistant Director at the International Monetary Fund, and Co-Founder of Blue Green Future — to explore one of the most powerful shifts underway: integrating the value of nature’s services into economic and financial systems.From whales and seagrass to elephants and bison, Ralph’s work centers...
2025-12-0947 min
The Healthy Seas PodcastFrom Reporting to Real Impact: What Businesses Can Learn from ESG ConsultantsHow sustainability reporting, biodiversity, and NGO partnerships can shape the next wave of corporate responsibility.In this new episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast, we explore what lies beyond ESG compliance — and how companies can turn sustainability reporting into real environmental impact.Our guests Elena Cicoria and Giuseppe Cais from Diligea, a Benefit Corporation specializing in ESG consulting, share what they’ve learned working with businesses of all sizes, from banks to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).They explain why sustainability can no l...
2025-11-0534 min
The Healthy Seas PodcastFrom Ghost Nets to Knowledge: Science at the Heart of Healthy SeasTwo marine scientists, one shipwreck, and a mission to uncover the hidden impacts of ghost nets.Beyond Cleanups: A New Kind of MissionIn this episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast, we take you inside a groundbreaking project that combines our cleanup work with long-term scientific research. Together with our partner DWS, Healthy Seas is investigating how ghost nets affect biodiversity on shipwrecks—and what happens when they’re removed with the help of Ghost Diving volunteers.Our guests are Isadora Abuter and Ramona Reichert, two Healthy Seas...
2025-10-0822 min
The Healthy Seas PodcastMore Than a Swim: How Andy Donaldson Turns Endurance into ImpactOne Stroke at a Time: A Journey of Purpose and ResilienceIn our first episode after a long pause, the Healthy Seas Podcast dives back in with a guest who embodies everything we stand for—passion, action, and deep connection to the sea. Andy Donaldson is not just the first person to complete the Ocean’s Seven in a single year—he’s a man on a mission.In this honest and inspiring conversation, Andy reflects on his transformation from elite swimmer to accountant and back again—this time driven by a renewed...
2025-09-0240 min
The Healthy Seas PodcastTailer - The Healthy Seas PodcastJoin us as we dive into the depths to explore the challenges and solutions shaping the future of our seas. Hosted by Crystal DiMiceli, each episode features conversations with the people making waves in marine protection: divers, scientists, educators, business partners, and local communities.Healthy Seas is a unique alliance of NGOs and businesses working together to tackle marine litter, especially ghost fishing gear, and transform waste into opportunity through circular economy solutions. Active across 20+ countries, we operate with a global mission and a local heartbeat.Through cleanups, education, innovation, and partnerships, we’re restoring th...
2025-08-2600 min
Forces for NatureEarthX Series Wrap-Up: Reflections and What Comes Next with Crystal DiMiceli, Ep.96Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!After a powerful series of conversations recorded at the EarthX Conference in Dallas, Texas, Forces for Nature host, Crystal DiMiceli, is taking this moment to pause, reflect, and share what she's carrying forward as the season ends.In this solo episode, she talks about the common themes that emerged across the EarthX series, the value of having all stakeholders in the room—even those we may not always agree with—and why it’s okay to hold complexity in this moment. She also o...
2025-04-1109 min
The Healthy Seas PodcastUnlocking the Ocean’s Secrets with NatureMetrics: How eDNA is Revolutionizing Marine Conservation with Nicole Yeomans, Ep.22In this latest episode of the Healthy Seas podcast, we dive into the revolutionary world of eDNA with Nicole Yeomans, the Offshore Industrials Lead and marine ecology expert at NatureMetrics. With a powerful commitment to making biodiversity measurable, NatureMetrics uses environmental DNA (eDNA) to reveal previously unseen insights into marine ecosystems. Now a finalist for the prestigious Earthshot Prize, NatureMetrics is showing how this cutting-edge technology has become an essential tool not only for scientists but also for corporations and NGOs dedicated to conservation. Throughout this episode, Nicole introduces eDNA and e...
2024-11-0529 min
The Healthy Seas PodcastNetting Innovation: Diopas on Creating the First Recycled and Recyclable Aquaculture Nets with Ioakeim Diamantidis, Ep.21Ioakeim Diamantidis is the General Manager of Diopas, a family-run business based in Greece. For generations, Diopas has been a leader in producing fishing, aquaculture, and sport nets. Now, under the leadership of Ioakeim, the company is pushing the boundaries of innovation in the fishing industry.One of the standout achievements discussed in the episode is Diopas' pioneering development of the world's first recycled and recyclable fish farming nets. This breakthrough, in collaboration with Aquafil, utilizes ECONYL®, a regenerated nylon, to create a fully circular system. Beyond just the netting, Diopas has also developed ropes and sewing t...
2024-10-1022 min
Forces for NatureConnecting at EarthX with the Conservation Connection Podcast, Ep. 81Send 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...
2024-09-0331 min
The Healthy Seas PodcastExploring the Power of Outdoor Education with Aristea Kyriakou, Ep.20In our latest episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast, we explored an innovative approach to education that’s not just about learning—it’s about living and interacting with the world around us. Our guest, Dr. Aristea Kyriakou, founder of the European Outdoor Education Hub, shares fascinating insights on how outdoor education can transform not only how students learn but also how they connect with their environment.Outdoor education is more than just taking lessons outside. It’s a comprehensive methodology and philosophy that places students in natural settings, engaging them directly with their environment. Unlike t...
2024-09-0232 min
Forces for NatureBridging Divides for a Sustainable Future at EarthX with Crystal DiMiceli, Ep80Send 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...
2024-08-2008 min
The Healthy Seas PodcastDiving into the Depths of Science with Edd Stockdale from the Finnish Scientific Diving Academy, Ep. 19Edd Stockdale is the Coordinator of the Finnish Scientific Diving Academy at the Tvärminne Zoological Station, University of Helsinki. Edd shares his expertise on scientific diving, a specialized field that merges diving skills with scientific research, particularly in marine biology and archaeology.Understanding Scientific DivingScientific diving is a unique discipline that requires rigorous training and a deep understanding of both diving techniques and scientific methods. Edd Stockdale elaborates on what scientific diving entails and the extensive training necessary to become proficient. This includes not only mastering diving skills but also learning h...
2024-07-0935 min
Forces for NatureExperiencing the Success Stories of Rwanda with Crystal DiMiceli, Ep.79Send 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.HighlightsThe 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...
2024-07-0231 min
Forces for NatureShow Swap! Inspiring Powerful Forces for Nature with Crystal DiMiceli, Ep.78Send 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. HighlightsHow did Forces for Nature come to be?What was Crystal's conservation career path (and how it brought her to various countries)?W...
2024-06-1733 min
The Healthy Seas PodcastExploring Ocean Litigation and Rights with Dr. Anna von Rebay, Ep. 18Dr. Anna von Rebay is the founder and CEO of Ocean Vision Legal (OVL), the first law firm worldwide entirely specializing in Ocean Protection. OVL focuses on the enforcement of existing obligations to protect the marine environment (Ocean Litigation) and advocates for new laws to provide better protection standards for the Ocean (Ocean Rights).Understanding Ocean LitigationOcean litigation is a term coined by Dr. von Rebay, inspired by the growing climate litigation movement. In our discussion, she explains what ocean litigation means and how it could transform the way we protect our o...
2024-06-0339 min
The Healthy Seas PodcastReclaiming Waters: An Interview with Veronika Mikos on Ghost Farms, Ep.17We're diving into the murky waters of ghost farms with Veronika Mikos, the director of Healthy Seas. Ghost farms, a relatively unknown, but significant, threat to marine ecosystems and coastal communities, are the focus of this insightful conversation. Veronika guides us through the intricacies of what ghost farms are, where they are typically found, and their impact on communities, marine life, and ocean pollution.What Are Ghost Farms?Ghost farms refer to abandoned aquaculture or fish farming sites, often left to deteriorate in coastal waters. These sites become environmental hazards, polluting the ocean...
2024-05-0230 min
The Healthy Seas PodcastUntangling Seals: Inside Ocean Conservation Namibia's Fight Against Ghost Gear with Naude Dreyer, Ep.16Naude Dreyer is the co-founder of Ocean Conservation Namibia (OCN), a non-profit organization established in 2020 with a mission to rescue marine life, especially seals, entangled in plastic pollution and raise awareness about the devastating impact of this waste on our oceans.Through Naude's firsthand accounts, listeners gain insight into the heartbreaking reality of seals becoming ensnared in abandoned fishing gear, posing a grave threat to their survival and the health of our oceans. Despite facing challenges ranging from safety concerns to bureaucratic hurdles, OCN has rescued over 3,500 seals from entanglement, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to marine conservation.
2024-04-0325 min
The Healthy Seas PodcastScaling Up and Enforcing Marine Protected Areas: Insights from Earthshot Prize Winner Wild Aid with Emily Owen, Ep. 15Emily Owen is the Marine Program Director at WildAid, an organization at the forefront of marine protection efforts. With their recent Earthshot Prize win, WildAid is setting the bar high for global conservation initiatives. In this conversation, Emily delves into one of WildAid’s specialties- the enforcement of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Highlighting the varied types of MPAs, from offshore sanctuaries to coastal reserves, Emily emphasizes their essential contribution to sustainable fisheries and climate change mitigation. Despite the challenges in enforcing MPAs, such as staffing shortages and limited resources, WildAid has pioneered an approach that empowers local lea...
2024-03-1229 minThe Healthy Seas PodcastUnveiling the Hidden: Advancements in Marine Litter Detection with Manuel Arias, Ep 14Dive into the depths of marine litter detection with Manuel Arias, an earth observationscientist at the Instituto de Ciencias del Mar in Spain in this episode of the HealthySeas Podcast.As specialists in cleaning the seas and combating marine pollution, the Healthy SeasFoundation brings you an insightful conversation with Arias, who delves into the innovative technologies driving the detection and categorization of marine debris. From optical sensors on satellites to drones, explore the pros and cons of different remote sensing technologies and their crucial role in identifying and measuring...
2024-02-1350 min
Forces for NatureDefending our Health from Plastic Contamination with Dr. Roopa Krithivasan, Ep. 71Send 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...
2024-01-2926 minThe Healthy Seas PodcastCelebrating a Decade of Healthy Seas: 2023 Highlights and 10 Years of Marine Protection, Ep.13In this special episode of the "Healthy Seas Podcast," we celebrate a decade of the organization's impactful work in marine conservation. Featuring guests Veronica Mikos, Director of Healthy Seas, and Maria Giovanna Sandrini from Aquafil, the episode delves into the unique partnership between a marine conservation group and a synthetic fiber producer. They reflect on the organization's growth, its role in promoting sustainability and a circular economy, and discuss future plans for marine conservation. The episode is a testament to how businesses and nonprofits can work together for a sustainable future for our oceans.If you enjoyed...
2024-01-2520 minThe Healthy Seas PodcastOctopuses Revealed: Exploring Their Intelligence, Sentience, and the Controversy of Octopus Farming with Dr. Elena LaraThe world's first octopus farm is on the cusp of being greenlighted, however, not without a global outcry. Today's guest, Dr. Elena Lara, is with the organization, Compassion in World Farming. She talks about what makes these animals so incredible- from their ability to solve problems to their uncanny talent for camouflage despite being colorblind! We explore the ethical and environmental considerations that come into play as the world seeks to supply the growing demand for seafood with the welfare of these intelligent, sentient creatures.If you would like to sign a petition against octopus farming, click...
2023-11-1426 minForces for NatureEmpowering our Students with Climate Education in New Jersey Schools with Tammy Murphy, Ep67Send 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...
2023-11-0627 minThe Healthy Seas PodcastRacing for KGs: From Flawed Metrics to Impact Measurements with Pascal Van Erp & Kelsey RichardsonWhen it comes to supporting ocean clean-up efforts, oftentimes organizations are asked to report on the weight of everything they pulled out of the water. Seemingly, the higher the number, the more valuable the effort was. However, this is a flawed, and potentially dangerous, practice. For example, an almost weightless gill net could entangle and kill countless more animals than a heavy trawler net. It's also more likely to get wrapped up in boat propellers, posing a hazard and liability for people out at sea. Today's guests, Kelsey Richardson, a marine consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization, and...
2023-09-2125 minForces for Nature65. Advocating for Environmental Justice in the Ecuadorian Rainforest with Julio Prieto UPDATEDSend 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...
2023-09-0927 minForces for Nature64. Bridging the Partisan Divide with Christopher BarnardSend 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...
2023-08-2844 minForces for Nature63. Protecting the World's Penguins with Pablo BorborogluSend 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...
2023-08-1434 minForces for Nature62. Bee-ing the Change for Detroit with Nicole Lindsey & Timothy PauleSend 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...
2023-07-3133 minThe Healthy Seas PodcastUnveiling History's Secrets: Conservation and Discovery in the Mediterranean Sea with Mario Arena & Pascal Van ErpWhat do you get when you combine environmental and historical conservation? The latest Healthy Seas project! In this episode, Pascal Van Erp from Healthy Seas and Ghost Diving, and Mario Arena from the Society for the Documentation of Submerged Sites (SDSS), share about their recent, exciting, eight-day expedition off Italy's Lampedusa Island.The area was the site of World War II's Battle of the Convoys which saw hundreds of ships, submarines, and planes brought down over a three-year period. With the help of volunteer divers who removed large fishing nets that covered one particular shipwreck...
2023-07-2827 minForces for Nature61. Recycling to Keep Our Seas Trash Free with Ryan HickmanSend 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...
2023-07-1624 minForces for Nature60. Forces for Nature Season 3 Wrap-Up and Updates with Crystal DiMiceliSend 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 m...
2023-06-2812 minForces for Nature59. How to Spot Abusive Animal Situations on Social Media & Live Interactions with Devon SchoweSend 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...
2023-06-0528 minForces for Nature58: Following the Path of the Panther and Bringing Hope for a Wild Florida with Carlton Ward Jr.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...
2023-05-1544 minThe Healthy Seas PodcastChanging the Perception About Sharks with Cristina ZenatoSharks have survived five global mass extinctions yet, now, many of their species are endangered due to human activities and myths. Cristina Zenato works to reverse this. She is an ocean and cave explorer, shark behaviorist and expert, dive instructor, speaker, writer, and conservationist. She has helped to change the perception of sharks through the close encounters she has with these animals. They often allow her to pet them and even remove hooks from their mouths! Cristina was a vital player in helping to declare the Bahamas as a shark sanctuary when external fisheries were looking to come in...
2023-05-0135 minForces for Nature57. Spreading Happy Eco News with Grant BrownSend 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 p...
2023-04-2024 minForces for Nature56. Animal Rescue in the Big City with Mary Beth Purdy ArtzSend 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...
2023-03-2827 minThe Healthy Seas PodcastD(r)iving the Change for Oceans with Alana Alvarez & Manuel BusteloThe Divers Alert Network Europe, otherwise known as DAN Europe, was created 40 years ago to protect divers. However, it started to realize that the divers' playground, the ocean, also needed protection. To that end, they created the Sustainability Tour, led by Alana Alvarez and Manuel Bustelo. The two of them are traveling across Europe and its surrounding areas in an electric Hyundai Kona, creating awareness as they go about the perils that the ocean is facing. This year's focus is on climate change's evil twin, ocean acidification. This threat acts like an osteoporosis of the sea and A...
2023-03-1528 minForces for Nature55: Show Swap! Becoming Forces for Nature with Carly Puch & Crystal DiMiceliSend 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.HighlightsWhat 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?ResourcesConsciously Clueless on AppleOn SpotifyIf...
2023-03-0937 minForces for Nature54: Working to Save the World's Most Trafficked Mammal with Four Pangolin ChampionsSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!The organization, Save Pangolins, is raising awareness and supporting conservation efforts of the world's most trafficked mammal. One of their initiatives is the Pangolin Champions Program which aims to support emerging leaders in the pangolin conservation landscape. Since its inception in 2020, they have accepted 12 passionate, committed, and inspiring pangolin conservationists into its program- I speak with four of them here. The Champions comprise of a global team of conservationists who have proven dedication to pangolins, have carved their own path in unchartered terrain, and h...
2023-02-1539 minForces for Nature53: An Intro to The Healthy Seas Podcast with Crystal DiMiceli & Various Pod GuestsSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!Are you concerned about the state of our oceans and seas and all the life in them? Do you worry that not enough is being done to help? Come dive in and meet the people doing all they can for these ecosystems - from above and below the waves! The Healthy Seas Podcast is hosted by Forces for Nature creator, Crystal DiMiceli, and, in this episode, she takes you through snippets of the first six episodes of this show. Last year, it was ranked in...
2023-02-0529 minThe Healthy Seas PodcastMaking Packaging Disappear: A chat with Earthshot winner, NotplaTouted as the "Nobel Prize for environmentalism", the Earthshot Prize aims to find new solutions to the world’s biggest environmental problems by 2030. It is divided into five categories, one being "Build a Waste-Free World." Last year, Notpla had the honor of winning the prize in this category. Their mission is to replace single-use plastic packaging through their innovative invention based on seaweed. Samara Croci is the Senior Brand Partnership Manager with Notpla and she tells us about how this naturally biodegradable product works, how it is different than bioplastics, and the impact they are looking to achieve with th...
2023-01-3028 minForces for Nature52. Sustainable Style: Mitigating Fashion's Environmental Impact with Anna Bakst and Michele RutiglianoSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!According to the OECD, if fashion were a country, it would be the fourth largest emitter of CO2 in the world*! And a significant percentage of those emissions comes from just the creation of the textiles and leathers that are to be used for clothing and accessories. Unfortunately, too many of these raw materials are left unused and either end up in a landfill or in climate-controlled (aka energy-guzzling) warehouses. Anna Bakst and Michele Rutigliano are two fashion industry veterans that saw t...
2023-01-1323 min
Forces for Nature51. How To Do Composting Right At Your Home With Michelle And Java BradleySend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!Did you know that we send about 40-50% of our food scraps and organic material, like fallen leaves, to landfills? Landfills don't allow for proper decomposition so those materials end up releasing harmful methane into the atmosphere as they break down. To avoid this much waste, we can compost instead! Michele and Java Bradley, the founders of Java's Compost, help individuals make composting an easy addition to their recycling routine and they give us some insights as to how!If it surprises...
2022-12-2121 min
The Healthy Seas Podcast“Mediterranean Life Under Siege” An inspirational talk with director Frederic FougeaIn this episode, Crystal speaks with Frederic Fougea as he gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of his newest documentary, Mediterranean Life Under Siege. The film and series take viewers on the journeys of some of the Mediterranean’s most precious species as they navigate survival around an increasingly human-dominated landscape. Some of the stories Frederic talks about are the unpredictability of working with animals, how he got some of those seemingly impossible shots, and which storyline stood out to him the most.You'll also be hearing from Anni Mitropoulou, the Executive Director of the Cyclades Pr...
2022-12-1630 min
Forces for Nature50. How To Be More Sustainable-ish With Jen GaleSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!Jen Gale is the founder of Sustainable(ish), a podcast and blog that have grown into a myriad of resources meant to help individuals find support and ideas in their efforts of becoming more eco-friendly. She's all about embracing the "-ish" in our actions. We all have different circumstances and, within those, she helps you to aim for progress and not the unattainable perfection. If you ever thought your contribution to saving the planet was insignificant, Jen will surely change your mind.
2022-11-2435 minThe Healthy Seas PodcastHow to Make Black Friday Planet Friendly with Laura in Waterland & Curra RotondoThe biggest shopping day of the year is fast approaching and the rampant overconsumption that has been known to accompany Black Friday has devastating effects on the planet. Rather than a complete boycott of the day, Healthy Seas has a better concept- Blue Friday! This is the idea of shopping sustainably and ethically. Today's guests are Laura in Waterland, an oceans and sustainability advocate, and Curra Rotondo, the co-founder and CEO of the brand, Lefrik. We talk about why having a Blue Friday is the way to go and how we all can support Healthy Seas this w...
2022-11-2125 minForces for Nature49. How to Have an Eco-Friendly Holiday Season with Crystal DiMiceliSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!With everything going on during this time of the year, you may not want to be bothered with trying to change your holiday habits to be more eco-friendly. However, I have a few suggestions on what you can do WITHOUT adding to your to-do list! With these tweaks, you can end the year on a sustainable note! HighlightsThanksgivingBlack FridayChristmasIf you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's ch...
2022-11-0618 minForces for Nature48. Show Swap! Becoming a Force for Nature with Julie Delucca-Collins & Crystal DiMiceliSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!Today's episode is different than usual in that it's actually from another podcast that I guested on a few months back. The podcast is called Casa de Confidence and it's hosted by the incredible Julie Delucca-Collins. Her show highlights people who are confident dreamers. And, although I can't say I've always done it with confidence, I can say that I have always followed my North Star in order to reach for my dreams and live the life I imagined. We chat about imposter syndrome...
2022-10-1739 minForces for Nature47. Working For Well-being For All Beings with Beth AllgoodSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!According to the World Health Organization, the pandemic triggered a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. Today's guest, Beth Allgood, has a suggestion on what could help. She is an expert in well-being but in a very niche way. She looks at the connections that nature and wildlife play toward the well-being of communities. What's really interesting, but concerning though, is how our current systems are designed in a way that doesn't consider well-being nor value the elements that can lead...
2022-09-2626 minForces for Nature46. Breaking Down Climate Change & What We Can Do with James LawlerSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!This summer, it's been hard to ignore the fact that climate change is no longer something we can think of as a future threat. It is here and it is impacting lives and livelihoods on unprecedented scales. But, it's also something that many people are still trying to fully understand. Today's guest is James Lawler, the founder of Climate Now, a Webby Award-nominated multimedia resource that distills the science and economics of climate change. He's here to answer questions sent in from listeners about...
2022-09-0235 minThe Healthy Seas PodcastLobster Pot Recovery After Storm Arwen with Duncan Simpson & Andrew JackIn the winter of 2021, an unusually powerful cyclone called Storm Arwen wreaked havoc on the United Kingdom, Ireland, and France. In Scotland alone, on land, it was estimated that over 8 million trees were damaged or affected by the storm. The damage was no less under the water. Andrew Jack, a fisherman that works in the Moray Firth of the North Sea, lost almost 600 lobster traps in the angry sea. After contacting Duncan Simpson of UK Ghost Diving, the two collaborated (with their teams) on the retrieval of this lost gear that, at first, seemed like it couldn't be done.
2022-08-3024 minForces for Nature45. Saving Bats (and Tequila!) with Dr. Rodrigo MedellinSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!Did you know that bats provide you with the services of pest control and plant pollination that directly benefit the food you eat, the clothes you wear, and even the liquor you drink? In fact, for example, the existence of tequila and mezcal is thanks to these mammals. Unfortunately, industrialized farming is endangering bats- and your favorite margarita. Renowned ecologist, Dr. Rodrigo Medellin, has a simple way to fix that. He has not only spent his life working to rectify the misunderstandings surrounding these...
2022-08-0330 minThe Healthy Seas PodcastSearching for a Sea Change at the UN Ocean Conference with Gelareh DarabiHealthy Seas ambassador, Gelareh Darabi, attended the UN Ocean Conference this past June and fills us in on the topics discussed and the progress made in protecting the world's oceans. We talk about new technology and inventions, economically prosperous opportunities in ocean conservation, and the advancement of marine pollution on the global agenda. But, perhaps the most important questions she addresses regarding this gathering of over 6000 participants are, "Who was missing" and "Was it worth it?"If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.
2022-07-1920 minForces for Nature44. Living with Wildlife- Elephants in a Developing Landscape with Dr. Nurzhafarina OthmanSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!As humans increasingly dominate the landscape through building homes, farms, highways, etc, the territories of wildlife are getting smaller and smaller. Animals are finding themselves in what are now our backyards as they are trying to satisfy their own needs for food, shelter, water, and finding mates. Elephants in Malaysia are no exception. Dr. Nurzhafarina Othman is a Bornean Elephant researcher and founder of the organization Seratu Aatai whose mission is to create a society that is willing and capable of protecting and coexisting...
2022-07-1030 minForces for Nature43. Sustainable Investing for Climate Change with James RegulinskiSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!James Regulinski is the cofounder of Carbon Collective, the first financial investment advisory firm focused solely on solving climate change. We talk about how we may, unintentionally, be supporting industries that we don't want to see in our world's future (such as fossil fuels and nuclear weapons) and James provides tangible resources and ways for us to change that.*The opinions expressed in this episode are not meant to be taken as financial advice. Investing comes with risks that should be discussed with...
2022-06-0151 minThe Healthy Seas PodcastNets, Divers, Action! Marine Conservation in Los Angeles with Norbert Lee & Eric NelsonIn this episode, we hear from both Norbert Lee of Ghostdiving USA and Eric Nelson of Aquafil about their new U.S. partnership with Healthy Seas that recently kicked off in Los Angeles. They removed entangled fishing nets from the ship, the USS Moody, that was sunk for the Hollywood movie, Hell Below. Norbert talks about the near-impossible conditions they overcame that day and Eric tells us all about what Aquafil does with the nets after they are retrieved. This new partnership expands Healthy Seas' presence and impact to 13 countries!HighlightsHow do you retrieve ghost...
2022-05-1729 minThe Healthy Seas PodcastThe Who, What, and Why Behind the Healthy Seas Organization with Veronika MikosVeronika Mikos is the Director of Healthy Seas, a marine conservation organization established to tackle marine pollution caused by lost or abandoned fishing gear, otherwise known as ghost gear. As these materials drift aimlessly through the water, they get entangled on reefs and wrecks while continuing with their original purpose- to trap anything that comes within their path. Healthy Seas not only tackles this issue through clean-up, prevention, and awareness-raising, they contribute to the circular economy by working with partners who then recycle and repurpose this material.HighlightsWhat is ghost gear and why is it...
2022-05-1523 minForces for Nature42. Getting the Peregrine Falcon Off the Endangered Species List with Art McMorrisSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!By 1964, there were no successfully nesting peregrine falcons in North America east of the Rockies and south of the Arctic. They were functionally extinct. So, why do we have them now? How did they come back? And why are they loving cities? One of the heroes of their story is Art McMorris. He was the Peregrine Falcon Coordinator with the Pennsylvania Game Commission from 2004 to 2021. Under his leadership, the Peregrine came to be removed from the endangered species list. This is a story not...
2022-04-2729 minForces for NatureEp41: Restoring Wild Salmon in the Cowichan with Parker JeffersonSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!It has been found that 70% of wild fish populations are either fully used, overused, or in crisis from overfishing. And with food demand projected to increase by 50% by 2050, there is simply not enough fish in the sea for fishing to be sustainable. Fish farming, otherwise known as aquaculture, is intended to supplement this demand. In fact, salmon aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production system in the world- although not without its own share of controversy. Parker Jefferson is a fly-fisherman in Cowichan, Canada, and...
2022-04-0933 minForces for NatureEp:40 Ghost Gear- From Waste to Wear with Jenny IoannouSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!Have you seen the images of whales dragging buoys wrapped around their tails? Or turtles entangled in ropes? These are examples of what is called "ghost gear," which are lost or abandoned fishing nets or gear that then aimlessly drift through the ocean, catching whatever comes into their path. Jenny Ioannou is with Healthy Seas, an organization dedicated to fixing this problem. Their work focuses on the retrieval of this pollution from the sea, prevention activities, and awareness building. And, once these materials are...
2022-03-2526 minForces for NatureEp:39 Conservation Success Stories with Emma Illick FrankSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!More often than not, when you hear about the state of the natural world, you hear allllll the bad things. Yes, they are happening and, yes, they suck. But what you might not realize is that there are also soooo many good things happening. People are coming together to make the changes that we wish to see. Emma Illick Frank is a journalist and she joins us today to be the bearer of some great news. Although, our tangent about natural flavoring may make...
2022-03-0825 minForces for NatureEp38: Empowering Future Wildlife Conservation Leaders with Nina Fascione & Jeff FlockenSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!The field of wildlife conservation has some of the most passionate and determined people in the world. To build 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 careers, 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, I...
2021-10-2128 minForces for NatureEp37: Season 2 Closer: Update and What's NextSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!Hey there! We're wrapping up this season with an update on what Crystal's been up to and a call to action.What would you like to see from Forces for Nature? What topics, people, tips, etc? Find me on social media or write to me at crystal@forcesfornature.com. I can't wait to hear from you!Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it at https://forcesfornature.com/becoming-a-force-for-nature-free-guide/What action for...
2021-08-0507 minForces for NatureEp36: Restoring Coral Reefs with Francesca VirdisSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!Despite its protected status, the marine waters surrounding the Caribbean island of Bonaire are not immune to the global effects of climate change, warming waters, and ocean acidification. These dangers, among others, are greatly impacting coral reefs all over the world. Francesca Virdis of Reef Renewal Bonaire is working to protect and restore these ecosystems by propagating new coral growth and transplanting these animals (did you know they are animals!?) back into degraded landscapes. This work is important for us all because coral reefs...
2021-07-2224 minForces for NatureEp35: Leading a Global Movement Against Trash with Sharona ShnayderSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!If you live in a country with a highly developed garbage collection system, such as the US, you might not be fully aware of the impact that trash and litter have. However, even the US is in the top 20 of all countries generating the greatest amount of ocean-bound trash. These items end up choking the waters we swim in, ingested by the fish we eat, and degrading ecosystems across the world. Sharona Shnayder is the co-founder of Tuesdays for Trash. What started as her...
2021-07-0926 minForces for NatureEp34: Bee-ing the Change for Detroit with Timothy Paule and Nicole LindseySend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!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...
2021-06-2432 minForces for NatureEp33: Changing the Perception of Sharks with Tadzio BervoetsSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!Sharks have a bad rep. But Tadzio Bervoets is here to tell us why our fear should be replaced with respect and intrigue instead. These animals are keystone species that, if removed, can cause a cascading negative effect on the entire ocean ecosystem and human livelihoods- and it's already been witnessed in some places. We talk about how an obsession, not a fear, has been their main demise (an obsession for their fins), the unexpected way scientists get their hands on sharks, and how...
2021-06-1039 minForces for NatureEp32: Curating Sustainable Lifestyles with Jaclyn TracySend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!The connection of how consumerism impacts the environment may not always be so clear. However, when you take a moment to think about how and what products are made of, and what their life cycle may be, a very discouraging picture can start to emerge. And, to find what is and isn't "good" can be quite overwhelming when we're juggling all the other things. Jaclyn Tracy is here to help. She created the lifestyle brand, Sistain, to connect conscious consumers with sustainable solutions. She...
2021-05-2630 minForces for NatureEp31. Advocating for Environmental Justice in the Ecuadorian Rainforest with Julio Prieto UPDATEDSend 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 24:44. 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 E...
2021-05-1428 minForces for NatureEp30: Watch, Connect, and Take Action on the Waterbear App with Andrea WaljiSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Have you ever watched a documentary that made you want to do something about what you were seeing? But then, after the credits, life takes back over and that inspiration quickly fades. It happens to all of us. But today's guest, Andrea Walji, is going to introduce us to a new streaming platform that lets you take action as you're watching the action. Waterbear is a free, interactive streaming platform dedicated to the future of the planet. We talk about the edu-tainment they offer, t...
2021-04-2822 minForces for NatureEp29: Making All Cosmetics Cruelty-Free with Aviva VetterSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!Did you know that over 100k animals still suffer and die each year due to the testing of chemicals used to make mascara, shampoo, and other cosmetics despite there being more effective non-animal testing methods available? This antiquated practice is still legal in 4 out of 5 countries but today's guest, Aviva Vetter, is part of a global team working to change that. She is the campaign manager for Humane Society International's latest project to end animal testing in the cosmetics industry, Save Ralph. We talk...
2021-04-1414 minForces for NatureEp28: Bridging the Partisan Divide with Christopher BarnardSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!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 Policy Director at The 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...
2021-04-0144 minForces for NatureEp27: Bringing Regenerative Farming to Your Door with Jennifer MaynardSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!More and more scientific studies are showing that protecting healthy soils, or regenerating degraded ones, is key to not only slowing down climate change but can actually help reverse it. This is in addition to greater water retention capabilities (aka flood and drought resistance), protection from erosion, and the ability to produce healthier foods for us to eat. Jennifer Maynard talks to us about how her regenerative farm is bringing life back to its soil and how her meal-kit company is delivering those benefits...
2021-03-1938 minForces for NatureEp26: Gardening for Wildlife with David MizejewskiSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!David Mizejewski, a naturalist, author, and television presenter with the National Wildlife Federation, shares how our gardens can be key to helping reverse the dramatic wildlife declines the world is experiencing. We talk about current misconceptions around yards and gardens, how they may be unintentionally barren of the beneficial wildlife you would like to have (for example, birds and butterflies), and what you can do and not do in order to change that. This episode is relevant to anyone whether you have the largest...
2021-03-0342 minForces for NatureEp25: Protecting Gorillas Through Human Health with Dr. Gladys Kalema-ZikusokaSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!When a scabies outbreak in a gorilla population in Uganda was attributed to the hygiene habits of nearby local communities, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka knew that she would have to find creative ways to ensure that these magnificent animals and surrounding communities can co-exist. As a response, she created the NGO, Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), which employs a multidisciplinary approach to prevent and control disease transmission between closely genetically related species such as people and gorillas, and cattle and buffalo. CTPH also improves livelihoods...
2021-02-1730 minForces for NatureEp24: Season 1 Closing: Where We've Been, Where We're Going with Crystal DiMiceliSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!As this crazy year comes to an end, we celebrate the forces for nature that were featured this past season and offered rays of hope in otherwise dark times. Season 2 coming in February 2021! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates on more wins our guests from this past season achieved as well as more ideas on how you, too, can be a force for nature! Background music by Fearless Motivation Instrumentals: Meaning of Life If yo...
2020-12-2305 minForces for NatureEp23: The Top 7 Actions to Take to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with Brandon SchauerSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!This is our most action-packed episode to date! Today's guest is Brandon Schauer. He's the Senior VP of Rare's Make it Personal program, an initiative aimed at encouraging climate-friendly behaviors. Through their research, they have found the top seven behaviors that, if only 10% of Americans adopted, would put the U.S. 75% closer to its Paris Climate Agreement emissions targets! Without dramatic lifestyle changes! You can't afford to miss this episode. You will walk away with practical, do-able actions that you can take to reduce...
2020-12-0834 minForces for NatureEp22: Creating Forest Highways for Cotton-top Tamarins with Rosamira GuillenSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!Did you know that there is a little one-pound monkey in the forests of Colombia that looks like Albert Einstein? Many people didn't know that either. But, today's guest, Rosamira Guillen, is changing that. She's the Executive Director of Proyecto Titi, working for the past decade to protect Cotton Top Tamarins. And her efforts have not gone unnoticed. She's a winner of the National Geographic/ Buffet Award, the Whitley Fund for Nature Award, and the Premio Latino America Verde, just to name a few...
2020-11-2435 minForces for NatureEp21: Getting a Green Amendment on U.S. State Constitutions with Maya van RossumSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!The U.S. Amendments to the Constitution protect, for example, your freedom of religion, your freedom of speech, your right to vote. But it doesn't state that you have a right to clean air, water, and a healthy environment. U.S. citizens actually have more of a right to own a gun than to have the water coming out of their faucet be clean. Today's guest, Maya Van Rossum, is working to change that. She has been the leader of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network...
2020-11-1032 minForces for NatureEp20: Saving Animals One Signature at a Time with Nina JackelSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!Have you ever felt that you, alone, don't have the power to make a difference? Now, what if you had thousands, or millions, of people join you? Would you feel more impactful then? Nina Jackel uses the culmination of everyone's one voice to make a tangible difference for animals all over the world. Her organization, Lady Freethinker, mobilizes people via petitions and, as a result, has helped countless animal abuse victims over the years. We talk about some of her favorite success stories and...
2020-10-2723 minForces for NatureEp19: Creating the Largest Wildlife Reserve in the Continental U.S. with Sean Gerrity and Daniel KinkaSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!There are only four large-scale temperate grasslands left in the world whose protection would conserve a fully functioning ecosystem. However, undertaking a conservation effort of that size could be immensely daunting and difficult. Today’s guests welcome that challenge. Sean Gerrity is the founder of the American Prairie Reserve (APR) and Daniel Kinka is the APR's wildlife restoration manager. Using a myriad of talents, this long-term project is well underway to become the largest wildlife reserve in the continental United States- a North American Se...
2020-10-0646 minForces for NatureEp18: Bringing Rhinos Back From the Brink with Nina FascioneSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show! Did you know that there is a small, hairy rhino species in Sumatra? Or a rhino species in Java that lives in the shadow of an active volcano? I sit down with Nina Fascione, the Executive Director of the International Rhino Foundation, and we talk about these special animals, their plight, and how, despite their dire population numbers, we have the chance to bring them back from the brink of extinction. For ideas on how you can help, check out this episode's sh...
2020-09-2226 minForces for NatureEp17: Protecting the Pristine Seas with Dr. Enric SalaSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!World-renowned ecologist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, Dr. Enric Sala, founded and leads Nat Geo’s Pristine Seas, a project that combines exploration, research, and media to inspire country leaders to protect the last wild places in the ocean. Today, we talk about how some ocean species can act as our N95 masks, how our oceans are like a global savings account, and why even those nowhere near oceans can be affected by what happens in them. We also discuss his "love letter to...
2020-08-2530 minForces for NatureEp16: Standing Up For Environmental Justice with Peggy ShepardSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!The guiding principle of environmental justice is that everyone, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income is entitled to equal protection from environmental harms and risks. However, statistics clearly show that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) disproportionately bear the impacts of climate change, from storms to extreme heat, and are more often made to live alongside polluting industries such as refineries and landfills. Today's guest, Peggy Shepard, has spent decades standing up against environmental injustices and has achieved some impressive wins...
2020-08-1134 minForces for NatureEp15: Working to Avert Another Covid19 with Onkuri MajumdarSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!It is suspected that a wildlife market in China was ground zero for the Covid19 outbreak, but why? How did that happen? How has it happened in the past and why will it inevitably happen again unless we make some important changes? I talk about all of this with today's guest, Onkuri Majumdar of the organization Freeland. She has been working to strengthen the capacity of governments, law officials, and companies to recognize illegal wildlife trafficking and to bring culprits to justice in such...
2020-07-2933 minForces for NatureEp14: Preventing a Poaching Pandemic with Anna RathmannSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!The effects of Covid19 have been far-reaching and unexpected. With the sudden stop of international tourism to Africa, vast wilderness areas that would normally have a reliable presence of tourists and workers, have been left vacant. This vacancy, and its negative economic consequences, have left these areas vulnerable to wildlife crime. There are fears that poaching will become a pandemic of its own. Today's guest, Anna Rathmann, is the Director of the Great Plains Foundation and talks to us about their new endeavor, Project...
2020-07-1420 minForces for NatureEp13: Making Lion Conservation About People with Resson Kantai DuffSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!Did you know that at their current rate of decline, lions can become extinct in our lifetime?! With many of them living outside of protected areas, conservation solutions have to involve the people they live among. Today's guest is Resson Kantai Duff, the Deputy Director of Ewaso Lions based in Northern Kenya. The mission of Ewaso Lions is to conserve lions and other large carnivores by promoting coexistence between people and wildlife. They do this by involving individuals who, traditionally, have had very little...
2020-07-0143 minForces for NatureEp12: Aligning Nonprofits' Events With Their Missions with Deva HolubSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!Have you ever stopped to wonder why an organization who, let's say, works to protect animals may still serve (other) animals at their events? There's a disconnect there that today's guest, Deva Holub, is working to adjust. She helps to run Animal Place's Food for Thought program whose aim is to help nonprofits adopt mission-driven menu policies for fundraising and sponsored events. The benefits of doing so are plenty, including (for a 150 person event) saving up to 50 farmed animal lives, 55,000 gallons of water, and...
2020-06-1624 minForces for Nature11: Recycling to Keep Our Seas Trash Free with Ryan HickmanSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!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 10 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...
2020-06-0223 minForces for NatureEp10: Using Regenerative Agriculture to Revive the Land with Irene MontesSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!Is there a way to feed millions and support economies without the severe environmental footprint left behind by conventional agricultural practices? There is! Regenerative agriculture is a growing movement and it includes practices such as agroforestry and silvopastoral systems- basically, food that's grown and animals raised in a more forest-like setting. These methods help to regenerate topsoil, increase biodiversity, sequester carbon, and protect water supplies while actually increasing yields! Sounds too good to be true? Irene Montes's father, Olimpo, made the switch to regenerative...
2020-05-1935 minForces for NatureEp9: An Influencer for Positive Change with Anne Therese GennariSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!Anne Therese Gennari is a model, entrepreneur, activist and a great example of how you don't have to be in the environmental field to make a difference in it. She uses social media and the business she co-created, Role Models Management, as platforms to inspire others to make more conscious choices for a better future. And, her podcast, Hey Change, motivates people to embrace change and find happiness in new realities. Hear from this influencer on how she's challenging the modeling industry, her advice...
2020-05-0525 minForces for NatureEp8: Protecting the World's Penguins with Dr. Pablo BorborogluSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!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...
2020-04-2634 minForces for NatureEp7: Changing the Narrative to Hope with Dr. Nancy KnowltonSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!So often it can feel like all you hear are the negative things that are going on with the environment. The danger in that, though, is that you can overwhelm the listener, make them want to tune out and, worse, feel like there is nothing that they can do. I mean, why try to make eco-friendly choices when you feel like it won't make a difference, right? Dr. Nancy Knowlton, a world-renowned marine biologist, saw how she, herself, was guilty of only talking about...
2020-04-2130 minForces for NatureEp6 BONUS: Muttville COVID19 UpdateSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!Since the taping of Sherri Franklin’s episode, Giving Senior Dogs a Second Chance, COVID19 has brought the world to a standstill. There are reports of shelters experiencing increased foster adoptions but also reports of increased animal drop-offs as people lose their jobs. I caught up with Sherri to see how Muttville has been faring the storm so far. Refer to this show's episode page for resources on how to help keep your pet if you fall on hard times. If you...
2020-04-0705 minForces for NatureEp6: Giving Senior Dogs a Second Chance with Sherri FrankllinSend Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!While volunteering at animal shelters, Sherri Franklin noticed that senior dogs had little to no chance of being adopted- they're not always the prettiest of the bunch, they may have unknown health issues, and the attraction of a new puppy can sometimes be far greater. This broke Sherri's heart and she decided to start Muttville, a shelter-based in San Francisco that rescues senior dogs and adopts them out to forever homes, oftentimes giving these grateful pups a loving final chapter to their lives.
2020-04-0727 minForces for NatureEp5: Innovating Marine Mammal Rescue with Katie MooreSend 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...
2020-03-2433 minForces for NatureEp4: Reducing Street Animal Overpopulation in Panama with Patricia ChanSend 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...
2020-03-1029 minForces for NatureEp3: Rescuing Wildlife after the Australia Fires with Kelly DonithanSend 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...
2020-02-2540 minForces for NatureEp2: Saving Pangolins, the World's Most Trafficked Mammal with Paul ThomsonSend 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.
2020-02-1436 min