Shows
Everyday Environment PodcastFrom youth to adults: engaging our communities to learn about their waterThis week we chat with Peggy Anesi, Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator for Illinois Extension in northern Illinois. Peggy brings a wealth of experience in environmental education and shares her experiences working to engage different audiences all about water. From Watershed Stewards to a Paddle and Learn program to youth educational offerings, Peggy discusses the importance of engaging communities at multiple levels to become advocates for clean water in their communities. Check out Peggy's blog on this topic here. Learn more about the Watershed Stewards programQuestions? We'd love to hear from you!...2025-05-2242 min
Everyday Environment PodcastWater Economics: The Pricing PuzzleIn this episode of Everyday Environment, hosts Amy and Abigail explore the puzzle of water pricing with guest Margaret Schneemann, Water Resource Economics Specialist with Illinois Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. From aging infrastructure and economic planning to affordability and policy decisions, Margaret helps piece together the many factors that influence what we pay for water. Tune in for a deep dive into the hidden systems—and tough choices—behind every drop from your tap. Resources to learn more:Illinois State Water Survey interactive map of public water sourcesQuestions? We'd love to hear from you!2025-05-1544 min
Medium Lady ReadsEpisode 41: A Real Dud of a Thriller... plus What is a Novella And Do we Like ThemHello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads. This is episode 41, “A Real Dud of a Thriller... plus What is a Novella And Do we Like Them?” Erin and Jillian are so happy to be back with you this week—and of course, they've got more great books to share that they think you'll love! Whether you're looking for your next cozy read, something to make you laugh, or a story that’ll completely sweep you away, they've got you covered. So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let's dive into this week’s bookish goodness together!2025-05-1339 min
Everyday Environment PodcastProtecting our water supply with helicopters? How communities are tackling water challengesWhile the City of Chicago and many of its surrounding communities have access to water from Lake Michigan, the rest of Northeast Illinois relies primarily on groundwater aquifers for all its drinking water. These groundwater aquifers provide a wide range of opportunities for drinking water…as well as a variety of challenges. Tune in as we talk to Scott Kuykendall, McHenry County Water Resource Specialist, about our water resources. You'll learn all about Illinois geology, its aquifers, and what communities are doing to help protect our water supply. For additional information and graphics, check out Scott's blog!Resou...2025-05-0851 min
Everyday Environment PodcastTaking a systems-based approach to community water managementThis week we chat with Kara Salazar from Purdue Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant about how communities approach sustainable development around their water resources. Kara discusses the challenges of managing stormwater, green infrastructure solutions like bioswales and permeable pavements, how you can become involved in learning more about your community’s water, and how climate change is impacting water resource planning. Check out our blog on this topic here. Resources: EDEN – Extension Disaster Education NetworkClimate Change and Sustainable DevelopmentOne Water Approach to Water Resources ManagementQuestions? We'd love to hear from...2025-05-0133 min
Spiritual Spotlight SeriesYou Don't Need All the Answers to Heal: Erin Panzarella’s Transformational PathSend us a textWhat if healing didn’t require reliving every painful memory? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Erin Panzarella, a spiritual mentor and quantum healer whose life story is a testament to transformation and resilience. Adopted and having faced abandonment issues after her father's early death, Erin found herself battling anxiety and depression. Yet, through her mother’s Reiki practice, she experienced a profound spiritual awakening that set her on a path of healing and self-discovery. Erin’s journey emphasizes how energy work can release stored emotions and trauma without...2025-04-2436 min
Everyday Environment PodcastTaking into consideration the next 100 years: the reversal of the Chicago RiverThe history books often referred to the reversal of the Chicago River as an engineering marvel, but how did they do it? Why did they do it? and Why is it important to learn about it? Join Phil Nicodemus from Urban Rivers as he discusses the history of the Chicago River and the historical and current work done on the Chicago River to support humans and biodiversity. To read about it, check out the Everyday Environment BlogQuestions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy...2025-04-2453 minMedium Lady ReadsEpisode 40: Wonderful Publishers Behind Wonderful AuthorsHello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads. This is episode 40, “Wonderful Publishers Behind Wonderful Authors.”Welcome back to Medium Lady Reads! Erin and Jillian are excited to land in a new “decade” of episodes. The ladies are both in their 40s and they’ve hit their stride with the podcast as they arrive at episode forty. This episode will continue to bring you all the content you love! Book recs, cozy vibes and hot takes, Jillian and Erin are so glad you’re here!In This Episode:The ladies thank their listeners fo...2025-04-2239 min
Everyday Environment PodcastNutrient loss in our waterways: the role of agricultureEverybody has a part to play in protecting the valuable resource that is water. So what is the part of farmers? As producers of our food, fiber, and fuel, farmers are essential to our economy, our plates, and our way of life. Learn from Rachel Curry about the options farmers have to protect water quality and the challenges they face in doing so. Check out the blog post on this topic for more information. Resources:Check out Illinois Extension’s nutrient loss reduction website to learn more about nutrient loss. Saturated buffer videoNutrient Lo...2025-04-1030 min
EDGE of the Web - The Best SEO Podcast for Today's Digital Marketer753 | SEO Week 2025: Shaping the Future of Search with AI and Digital StrategiesThis is going to be big. SEO Week 2025 is happening at the end of this month!. Held from April 28th to May 1st in New York City, this conference brings together a powerhouse of 40+ speakers to discuss the seismic shifts in SEO, including generative AI and its profound implications on search dynamics. Join Erin Sparks, Garrett Sussman, and Mike King as they share tales from the frontlines of SEO innovation. The conference is set to be groundbreaking. Thematic days are focused on the Science, Psychology, Ecosystem, and Future of SEO. Special g...2025-04-041h 03
Everyday Environment PodcastA gauntlet for Carp: invasives species in our waterwaysFrom the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan, Illinois’ waters are incredible environmental and economic resources, supporting a diversity of plants and animals, providing drinking water for millions of people, and allowing for transportation and recreation. However, aquatic invasive species can threaten these resources. These organisms cause harm to native species and collectively costing humans millions of dollars annually in impacts and control. Join the Everyday Environment team as they chat with Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist, Katie O'Reilly from Illinois Indiana Sea Grant. Resources: Transport Zero CampaignAquatic Invaders in the MarketplaceInvasive Crayfish Collaborative...2025-04-0346 min
Everyday Environment PodcastRain Check: Creative ways to use stormwater to your advantageIn this episode, we talk with Eliana Brown, Water Quality and Stormwater Specialist with University of Illinois Extension. Eliana explains how we can do simple things that improve lakes and rivers and why it's important to do so. This podcast complements Extension's Stormwater@Home video series. With Eliana, we define stormwater, explore the challenges and solutions of stormwater management, and discuss innovative technologies being implemented within Illinois communities. Erin and Amy both serve mostly rural landscapes so we talk about the differences between urban and rural stormwater management. As always, come away with a few tips about what you...2025-03-2753 min
Everyday Environment PodcastWhat you should know about contaminants of emerging concernWhen people think about ‘contaminants of emerging concern’ in our waters, it sounds like a scary, complicated thing. But in truth, it’s not. There are a number of things in our everyday lives that can pollute our water – even medicine, clothing, and what we use to keep our homes safe and beautiful can become contaminants. In this podcast episode, we’ll discuss how to keep these everyday materials from becoming something that pollutes our water. Check out the blog post on this topic for more information.Resources: Unwantedmeds.orgQuestions? We'd love to hear from y...2025-03-2036 min
Everyday Environment PodcastScience is not just for the professionals: RiverWatch and community scienceIllinois RiverWatch is a statewide community science (i.e. citizen science) program that trains volunteers to monitor water quality in their local streams. Learn how volunteers across the state use small water bugs, called macroinvertebrates, to look at stream health. Check out the blog post on this topic for more information.Illinois RiverWatch: Check out upcoming volunteer trainings and subscribe to their newsletter Podcast: The Science Behind Fall Color, Good Growing. Abigail mentioned this during Everyday ObservationsQuestions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse h...2025-03-1339 min
Everyday Environment PodcastFrom raindrop to river: State Hydrologist explains watershed basicsWatersheds are everywhere, adjusting and reforming all the time - they are not static. Watersheds are a reflection of natural and human activities: as activities change so do watersheds as well as the waterways within them. Whatever happens upstream goes downstream. Hear from State Hydrologist and Interim Director of the Illinois State Water Survey, Laura Keefer, about how movement of water and sediment in a watershed shows we all live downstream. Check out the blog post on this topic for more information.Learn More:Major Watersheds of Illinois map (Illinois State Water Survey)Illinois State Water...2025-03-0636 min
the kozēkozē podcast405. Indiana Doula Conference with Erin BrierTwo years ago, just before the launch of Nip Gloss, Garrett gave a Nip Gloss to her childhood neighbor, not knowing she'd pass it along to a friend and doula, named Erin Brier. After Erin found out about kozēkozē by way of Nip Gloss (through her friend), she and Garrett connected for this podcast episode, and then they continued to connect on how they could partner to create something meaningful. In today's episode you'll hear all about Erin's vision for the first ever state-wide Indiana Doula Conference, and how she has manifested this dream. ...2025-03-0349 minMedium Lady ReadsEpisode 36: Beware the Spoiler PoliceHello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads. This is episode 36, “Beware the Spoiler Police.”Welcome back to Medium Lady Reads! Make sure you have your holds list ready because if one thing is certain, Erin and Jillian are bringing you loads more book recommendations in this episode.In This Episode:Erin and Jillian start the episode like they usually do by sharing how they’re reading and life is going.The ladies share their reviews of 5 books. Jillian brings 2 and Erin has 3. The Hot Take is up next and the ladies have a...2025-02-1832 min
Everyday Environment PodcastGetting involved in climate work: find the solution that works for youIn the final episode of our Everyday Environment season focused on climate change, we chat with Duane Friend, Illinois Extension Climate Change Specialist to explore practical ways to get involved in climate action. Whether you're looking to make a difference in your own life or in your community, we discuss climate solutions that fit your lifestyle, share inspiring community success stories, and help you navigate conversations about climate change. We also highlight the Illinois Extension Climate Stewards course, dispel common misconceptions, and offer motivation for those ready to make a positive impact. We also invite you to read our...2024-10-2439 min
Everyday Environment PodcastCoffee grounds are green: composting reduces methane and builds up soilThis week we welcome guests Sue Gasper and Gemini Bhalsod with Illinois Extension to chat about composting and how we can use this process to divert food waste from the landfill, where it often releases greenhouse gases as it decomposes, into backyard composts that reduce the greenhouse gases released. Join us to explore how to compost, its benefits, and its challenges. Learn more on the Everyday Environment blog. 2024-10-1739 min
Brainstorms: Functional Neurorehab for SLPsResilient Voices: Trauma-Informed Care for SLPs with Erin ForwardGuest: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP, CLC, Advanced DIR/Floortime® Provider, TBRI® Trained Practitioner In this crossover episode, Renee, the host of Brainstorms: Functional Neurorehab for SLPs, and Erin, co-host of First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional, collaborate to discuss Trauma Informed Care and the impact trauma has on communication, feeding, and learning. Renee and Erin presented a similar course at the ASHA Convention in Boston in 2023. Together, they define the principles of trauma-informed practice, discuss how SLPs learn to recognize signs of trauma in clients and develop strategies to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. Learn to in...2024-10-171h 05
Everyday Environment PodcastExploring carbon markets as part of emissions reduction goalsThis week we’re joined by Sarah Sellars, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Sustainable Farm and Food Systems at South Dakota State University. We’re chatting with Sarah about agricultural carbon markets and their potential as one piece of the puzzle to meeting climate goals. Learn more on the blog. Resources to learn more: The Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Voluntary Carbon Markets Joint Policy Statement and Principles 2024-10-0229 min
Everyday Environment PodcastIt’s all about risk: how climate change increases our risk of health concerns and how we can adaptThis week we’re chatting with Elena Grossman from GTI Energy about how climate change is impacting us – our health and our communities – and what we can do about it. We’ll discuss existing health concerns that are exacerbated by climate change, leading to overall increased risk of health issues. Elena will break down how climate change affects different populations disproportionately. Then, we’ll discuss solutions that could be implemented in our communities through the built environment, social infrastructure, gray infrastructure, and systems. Learn more on the blog.2024-09-1942 min
Everyday Environment PodcastExploring the challenges facing pollinatorsJoin us as we talk with Brodie Dunn, Outreach Associate in Biodiversity and Pollinators for Illinois Extension, about how pollinators are expected to respond to climate change. Learn more on the blog. Resources to learn more: If you’d like to hear more from Brodie, check out his wildlife sound ID podcast “Voice of the Wild”Pollinator-friendly garden designs can be found at https://illinoispollinators.org/pollinator-habitat-design/ and https://illinoispollinators.org/pollinator-plant-selector/ Pollinator-friendly rain garden designs and plant selection toolMonarch Project Rural Mowing GuidanceGuide to telling apart bees and flies that mimic bees2024-09-1242 min
Everyday Environment PodcastWill invasive species be helped or hindered by climate change?This week we welcome Chris Evans to the podcast. Chris is an Extension Forestry and Research Specialist with Illinois Extension based in southern Illinois. We chat about what invasive species are, how their characteristics may make them more resilient to climate change, and what we can do to help slow their spread. Learn more on the blog.Resources for learning more: iNaturalist - tool for identification and reporting EDDMapS - tool for reporting where you see invasives and looking at up to date range maps Invasive Species website from Illinois Extension2024-09-0541 min
Everyday Environment PodcastUnderstanding soil as a systemThis week we chat with Michelle Wander, Emeritus Soil Scientist in the Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences department at University of Illinois. We go belowground to explore the importance of soil health, threats to that health, and practices to mitigate negative impacts on soil. Learn more on the blog. Helpful resources for homeowners: Soils website from Illinois ExtensionWeb Soil Survey UC Davis SoilWebs App Helpful resources for farmers: Idea Farm Network Midwest Cover Crops Council 2024-08-2941 min
Everyday Environment Podcast708 million tons of carbon storage: Urban Forests and climate changeThis week we welcome Justin Vozzo to the podcast. Justin is an Extension Forestry Specialist with Illinois Extension based in Urbana, and he shares with us what an urban forest is and how they play a role in mitigating climate change. Learn more on the Everyday Environment Blog.2024-08-2234 min
Everyday Environment PodcastToo Much of a Good Thing: A Plant’s Perspective on Climate ChangeJoin us as we chat with Karla Griesbaum, NREE Educator with Illinois Extension, about how plants are expected to respond to climate change. While plants may experience some short-term benefits, overall increased stress is expected for plants with our changing climate. Take a listen as we discuss all things plants and climate change! Learn more on the Everyday Environment blog. Resources for learning more: Explore carbon levels across the globeLearn about how plants experience heat stressClimate ready woodlands resources from University of MinnesotaIllinois Pollinator website fr...2024-08-1439 min
Everyday Environment PodcastShifting to a Silver Lining: Climate Expert Talks Climate Change BasicsJoin us as we talk with Dr. Justin Schoof about the basics of climate change and what we are already seeing happen in Illinois. Justin is the Director of the School of Earth Systems and Sustainability at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. We’ll break down climate change, discuss current trends, and talk about what it all means for the future. Learn more on the Everyday Environment blog. 2024-08-0752 min
EDGE of the Web - The Best SEO Podcast for Today's Digital MarketerCognitive Bias in Marketing w/ Garrett SussmanComing back for his second segment of this interview series is Marketing Lead and Demand Generation Manager at iPullRank, Garrett Sussman. We explore the psychology behind consumer intent and assess how SEOs can implement a content strategy that addresses the various cognitive biases. Learn why the strength of a brand will contribute to user bias across the SERP and how even Google shows bias in brands. Communication is king in marketing, learn how to best connect to your audience past a wall of bias this week on the EDGE of the Web! Key Segments: [00:03:53] Reintroducing Garr...2024-07-2442 min
Everyday Environment PodcastWelcome to the New Everyday Environment Podcast!Welcome to the new Everyday Environment Podcast! Your hosts Abigail, Erin, and Amy are here to talk all about the switch from Spotlight on Natural Resources to a new podcast, Everyday Environment. But wait, there's more! No longer just a podcast, we have more learning opportunities for you, including a blog, webinars, and short videos. Take a listen to hear about our plans for this podcast, and stay tuned for the launch of our first season on August 8, all about climate change. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/everydayenvironment. 2024-07-1832 min
EDGE of the Web - The Best SEO Podcast for Today's Digital MarketerAI Overview Optimization w/ Garrett SussmanWelcome back to the EDGE! This week’s guest is the Marketing Lead and Demand Generation Manager at iPullRank, Garrett Sussman. Garrett recently showcased his expertise in various SGE optimization frameworks, and today he joins us to explore the nuances behind optimizing for AI Overviews. Volatility is peaking on the SERP. We navigate the risks and opportunities associated with optimizing for AI Overviews while investigating what type of content this learning engine tends to pull from. Tune in for the latest in the AI search wave as we teach you what AI Overview optimization looks like this week on th...2024-07-1641 min
Everyday Environment PodcastPFAS: Understanding this Contaminant of Emerging ConcernJoin us as we talk with Sarah Zack, Pollution Prevention Extension Specialist, about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Commonly found in a wide variety of consumer products like non-stick cookware, cosmetics, and cleaners, PFAS are an emerging contaminant that has recently become newsworthy due to its widespread discovery in waterbodies across the country. In this podcast episode, we’ll learn what PFAS are, where they are found, and how they can affect our health, as well as what’s being done to combat this hazardous pollutant.2024-06-2029 min
Everyday Environment PodcastBeneath the Surface: Exploring Illinois' Freshwater MusselsClam, Mollusk, Mussel, or Muscle? Let's unravel the mystery! Join us in this podcast episode as we delve into the captivating world of Illinois freshwater mussels. Whether you're gliding along a river or strolling by a stream, the remarkable underwater life beneath the surface may surprise you. These unsung heroes play a vital role in purifying our aquatic ecosystems and deliver Oscar-worthy performances in their struggle for survival. Discover how they interact with other aquatic species, including their selective preferences for fish companionship. The Spotlight crew will uncover the true identity of these organisms, dive into their fascinating reproductive...2024-06-0623 min
Everyday Environment PodcastTips for your home during Electrical Safety MonthJoin us as we chat with Kerri Taylor from Safe Electricity about tips for electrical safety month. We cover electrical safety tips for our homes and yards, as well as tips to talk about with your kids.2024-05-2324 min