Shows
The Green MindEvolving Environmental Economics: A Conversation with Elizabeth SchusterJoin Leander as he catches up with Elizabeth Schuster, discussing her journey as an environmental economist, the evolution of her consulting work, and the changing landscape of environmental economics. They explore the importance of relationship-building in conservation, the challenges of implementing equity in environmental work, and the need for sharing lessons learned in the field.Episode Highlights:[00:01:00] - Elizabeth's personal update and reflections on family changes[00:04:00] - Discussion on health reset routines and favorite meals[00:05:00] - Elizabeth's perspective on the term "consulting" and her collaborative approach[00:07:00] - Overview of Elizabeth's environmental economics consulting...
2025-02-1840 minThe Green MindReconnecting with Nature and Community: A Conversation with Jason SwannJoin Leander as he catches up with Jason Swann, discussing personal growth,conservation work, and the challenges facing outdoor education and recreation providers. They explore the importance of reconnecting with nature, addressing inequities in access to green spaces, and the role of advocacy in creating change.Episode Highlights:[00:01:00] - Jason's current roles and work in conservation[00:03:00] - Leander's experience at an eco dharma retreat[00:09:00] - Discussion on ancestry work and spiritual connections[00:14:00] - Jason's evolution in the conservation space[00:17:00] - Statistics on park access disparities across the US[00:22:00] - Challenges...
2025-02-0444 minThe Green MindAdvancing Inclusivity in Conservation: A Conversation with Nikki CoxJoin Leander as he catches up with Nikki Cox, discussing her evolving role ininclusivity within the U.S. Forest Service, the challenges of returning to work after time away, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces in conservation. They explore the complexities of equity in public lands management and the need for holistic approaches to community engagement.Episode Highlights:[00:01:00] - Nikki's new role as regional inclusivity social scientist[00:04:00] - Discussion on the importance of inclusivity in internal processes[00:09:00] - Challenges of creating inclusive programming in conservation[00:15:00] - The impact of cultural...
2025-01-2146 minThe Green MindReconnecting with Roots and Nature: A Conversation with Dani Reyes-AcostaJoin Leander as he talks with Dani Reyes-Acosta, an athlete, visual storyteller,and strategic advisor. They explore themes of ancestry, identity, and the complexities of the conservation movement, discussing how to reconnect with one's roots and address trauma in environmental spaces.Episode Highlights:[00:01:00] - Introduction to Dani Reyes-Acosta and her background[00:04:00] - Discussion on ancestral travel and reconnecting with heritage[00:09:00] - Leander shares his experience with Panamanian roots[00:15:00] - The power of connecting with ancestral lands through senses[00:20:00] - Examining trauma in the conservation movement[00:24:00] - The importance of acknowledging...
2025-01-0758 minThe Green MindTransformative Change and Global Solutions: A Conversation with Dr. Paul ZeitzJoin Leander as he talks with Dr. Paul Zeitz, a physician, epidemiologist, andauthor, about his journey from medical professional to global advocate. They explore the interconnectedness of human wellbeing and environmental outcomes, discussing Paul's work on global health crises, climate change, and sustainable development goals.Episode Highlights:[00:01:00] - Introduction to Dr. Paul Zeitz and his background[00:02:00] - Paul's memory of experiencing nature with his family in Zambia[00:05:00] - Discussion on Paul's journey from physician to global advocate[00:08:00] - Exploration of the AIDS crisis and its social determinants[00:10:00] - Paul's transition...
2024-12-2443 minThe Green MindBuilding Community and Fostering Inclusivity: A Conversation with Parker McMullen-BushmanJoin Leander as he reconnects with Parker McMullen-Bushman, discussing thechallenges of managing a multi-generational household, the importance of community building in social justice work, and the ongoing efforts to create more inclusive spaces in conservation and outdoor recreation.Episode Highlights:[00:02:00] - Parker discusses the challenges of managing a nine-person household[00:04:00] - Conversation about ADHD and its impact on daily tasks[00:09:00] - Parker introduces herself and her various roles in inclusivity and conservation[00:12:00] - Discussion on the importance of intersectionality in identity and work[00:14:00] - Reflection on the backlash against diversity...
2024-12-1038 minThe Green MindReflecting on Season 4 and the State of ConservationJoin Leander as he introduces Season 4 of The Green Mind Podcast, reflectingon the past two years, the current state of conservation, and the themes that emerged during this season's interviews. He discusses the importance of addressing trauma, healing, and the need for systemic change in the environmental field.Episode Highlights:[00:02:56] - Introduction to Season 4 and Leander's background[00:01:24] - Leander's commitment to uplift communities and make conservation moreequitable[00:02:35] - Discussion on the evergreen nature of equity issues in conservation[00:03:26] - Reflection on trauma as a recurring theme in the season's...
2024-12-1016 min
Pangolin: The Conservation PodcastMy Arizona Adventure #8: Thank You Tucson, for Everything!Hello everyone! Thank you for joining me for the final episode of 'My Arizona Adventure'! Today, we are celebrating the entirety of my incredible trip. First, I recap the week and discuss what I learned from my visits to the Tucson Botanical Gardens, Phoenix Zoo, Reid Park Zoo, and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Then, I talk about why I loved the wildlife of Arizona... particularly the Saguaros and Javelinas. Finally, I discuss what I learned at the NAAEE Conference! 🌵
I split what I learned at the conference into 5 categories for ease of consumption!
Superheroes & Engaging Young People
Res...
2022-10-2233 minThe Green MindFinal EpisodeLeander wraps up Season 3 and talks about the future of The Green Mind Podcast. Support his journey in bringing this podcast to listeners into the future. Episode Highlights: 1:15: Date of Season 41:50: Helping The Green Mind3:20: Dr. Paul Zeitz4:45: Utilizing Funds for The Green Mind5:25: Other ways to helpLinks: Support: https://www.thegreenmindpodcast.com/support
2022-06-1407 minThe Green MindDEI in Natural Resource DepartmentsProfessor Leander Lacy connects with Dr. Rickey Frierson to discuss the academic institutions that are producing the future leaders in natural resources. Dr. Frierson is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Colorado State University. They discuss navigating natural resources departments and integrating DEI for faculty and staff. Episode Highlights: 4:35 - Recruiting diverse students/talent17:12 - When you are not the DEI expert23:57 - Dr. Frierson’s journey into natural resources 31:12 - Leander’s journey into natural resources36:15 - Success for DEI in academics40:10...
2022-05-3147 minThe Green MindEnvironmental Justice, Law, and WaterLeander connects with an old friend, Veronica Oakler, from his undergrad program in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida. Go Gators! They take a journey through their careers and tackle some very difficult conversations around environmental justice.Episode Highlights: 3:56: Wildlife Conservation and Law in Florida7:51: Love of Florida Black Bears18:39: Clean Water for North Carolina 21:02: Environmental Justice34:28: Getting Policies on the Agenda40:24: Get Involved in North CarolinaLinks: https://cwf...
2022-05-1754 minThe Green MindDiversifying Perspectives for Water ConservationLeander meets up with Blake Osborn to talk about a great program happening at Colorado State University attempting to get more voices into the water conservation world. Listen in as they tackle some difficult conversations. Episode Highlights: 3:40 - Colorado State University Water Program11:15 - Bringing diverse perspectives into water conservation17:41 - Diversifying your Conference Attendees19:48 - Water Rights in Colorado28:19 - Benefits of the programLinks Mentioned: w...
2022-05-0339 minThe Green MindThe System Called ConservationLeander meets Grace Anderson for the first time and they unpack the conservation field and the various impacts the system has on all people. Grace is very interested in social justice, conservation principles, and healing through nature. Follow this interesting conversation as they both take a tour around the social construct we call conservation.Episode Highlights: 3:37 - Grace’s Conservation Career09:37 - Identity Erasure in Conservation15:21 - The Show Pose19:25 - Finding Peace and Solitude in Nature
2022-04-1943 minThe Green MindMeet the CommissionersLeander talks to local Commissioners Adam (Colorado Parks and Wildlife) and Nanjappa (Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission) as they explore what it means to be a commissioner and the importance of every citizen to engage in the decision being made about their natural resources. They also have deep conversations about justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion means in the world of Commissioners. Episode Highlights: 5:05: Commissioner Gordon from Batman14:12: Oil and Gas vs Parks and Wildlife24:53: Women and race identity in the Commissioner role44:27: If you could do it...
2022-04-0550 minThe Green MindEp. 3 Land Ownership and Food JusticeLeander catches up with another friend from his old graduate program: Conservation Leadership Masters Program at Colorado State University. Leander finds out what Dr. Adam Calo has been doing since his graduate school days and explores the future of sustainable agriculture and land ownership globally. Episode Highlights: 6:33: Working outside of the United States8:42: Transition from individual to community land ownership in Scotland18:24: Is the current agricultural system flawed? 24:18: Racism and reparations in the agricultural system34:14: The power of land ownership37:49: Evol...
2022-03-2243 minThe Green MindDiversifying the Conservation FieldJoin Leander as he discusses the pathway to conservation with a Black conservationist named Diquan. Leander and Diquan share stories about navigating a conservation career and engaging with their own communities about the topic of conservation. Episode Highlights: 3:33 - Finding your love for nature9:43 - Introducing your family to Yellowstone 16:43 - Leander’s switch into conservation 23:34 - Working at The Triangle Land Conservancy28:17 - Working with diverse communitiesLinks Mentioned: https://www.triangleland.org/www.lacyconsultingservices.com
2022-03-0838 minThe Green MindAcademic Institutions and ConservationJoin Leander as he discusses the North Carolina State University’s contribution to raising the next generation of conservationists through this conversation with Dean Myron Floyd of the College of Natural Resources. They discuss Dean Floyd’s background, state of research at his university today, and the future of conservation. Episode Highlights: 9:31 - Being one of few in undergrad15:39 - Transition to the Conservation Field 20:08 - Being the Dean of the College of Natural Resources 23:49 - Research at North Carolina State University35:39 - Future Conservationists...
2022-02-2241 minThe Green MindFireside Chat with Lacy Consulting ServicesJoin Leander as he talks with his employees about the future of conservation’s organizational culture. Leander is creating the future of conservation and he invites you to the healing space that is possible in conservation. Episode Highlights: 2:30 - Introducing Staff20:14 - Discussing Mental Health 39:12 - Discussing Social Justice at Work 40:39 - Transparency in Salary53:16 - Strength-Based CultureLinks Mentioned: www.lacyconsultingservices.com www.kiteanddartgroup.com
2021-11-231h 07The Green MindGrace, Strength, and ResilienceLeander meets the amazing storyteller Regina Lopez Whiteskunk from the mountain Ute tribe. They talk about the rollercoaster of identity empowerment and how being Ute plays a strong role in Regina's current life working with a conservancy land trust. Regina played a role in the governmental designation of Bears Ears and we discuss the rollercoaster of fighting for what you believe in. Episode Highlights:6:00 - Bears Ears Intertribal Coalition12:45 - Asking for grace17:25 - Taking back power21:54 - Deb Holland30:50 - Why the past matters n...
2021-10-2644 minThe Green MindPower of a Conservation NetworkLeander Lacy catches up with his old colleague and friend Cristina Lasch to talk about the powerful Conservation Coaches Network. They discuss the history of the network and the powerful benefit it has to conservation groups around the world. They also discuss how an infusion of JEDI principles would create a global impact for communities where conservation groups work. Episode Highlights:2:30 - What is CCNET?9:33 - Why engage with the CCNET listserv?12:39 - Evolution of the Conservation Coaches Network18:29 - Incorporating JEDI into the Conservation Standards
2021-10-0546 minThe Green MindEnvironmental and Social Justice: Blurring the LinesLeander meets for the first time the amazing Estephanie. A wonderful recommendation from Crystal Egli. Listen in on this budding friendship as they tackle the intersection of environmental and social justice. Estephanie is a powerful communicator and has a way of helping to connection your mind, heart, and soul to the work we are doing in the environmental space. You may want to be in a meditative state when you listen to this podcast. Enjoy! Episode Highlights:12:55: True Systems Change Conservation20:18: Distribution of Power in Conservation 25:12: People of Color Hu...
2021-09-2139 minThe Green MindConservation Projects and Relationship GoalsLeander catches up with Vance Russell to discuss environmental social science, working in the environmental field, engaging in multiple types of projects. Episode Highlights:6:50 - How do you end up in Environmental Social Science?24:20 - What type of work will get Vance excited? 29:02 - How did Vance end up in the UK? 32:36 - How to create relationship goals in conservation? 37:10 - What are the next steps for Vance and his consulting? Links Mentioned:https://www.vrconservationcollective.com/https...
2021-09-0740 minThe Green MindLeveraging Privilege for Inclusive ConservationLeander catches up with Inclusivity Social Scientist, Nikki Cox, to discuss the importance of recognizing privilege on a path to a more inclusive conservation movement. Nikki currently works for the U.S. Forest Service and has dedicated her career towards the betterment and empowerment of ALL people. Nikki is a shining example of a person doing their best to recognize privilege, elevate social science, and support others in viewing the possibilities of building collaborations with new and innovative allies. This podcast should motivate you to step up your game!Episode Highlights:5:45 - What...
2021-08-2445 minThe Green MindThe New Voices of ConservationLeander interviews another podcaster Sapna. Sapna is the host of the Breaking Green Ceilings podcast. They discuss experiences of being BIPOC podcasters with a focus on environmental and social challenges and the importance of providing a platform for unheard voices. Leander wants to forgive his audience for making the statement "falling on deaf ears". He actively, daily works to eliminate unnecessary vocabulary that isn't accurate and utilizes a group of people to describe something which further stigmatizes and highlights societal ignorance. Episode Highlights:4:20 - Starting a new podcast9:55 - Conservation as a...
2021-08-1037 min
Breaking Green CeilingsEP 50: Incorporating Social Sciences into Conservation
Why is modern conservation failing? And what can we do to improve its effectiveness?
As a social research consultant, Leander Lacy notes that traditional approaches are fragmented, not adequately considering the social dimensions of environmental issues. His transformative solutions— rooted in empiricism and critical Human-Nature connectedness, help conservation groups and eco-minded businesses achieve optimal outcomes from conservation action: business growth, stronger community relationships, stakeholder engagement, and increased JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion).
In this episode we talk about:
On the “selfless” nature of Environmental Preservation
On applying Social Science perspectives to address...
2021-08-031h 01The Green MindFireside chat with LeanderIt is our season finale and Leander is talking directly to you. He discusses projects he is working on around the world and hopes to get you excited about the world of combining social and environmental justice. Get out in nature, relax, and listen.Episode Highlights:2:50 - Intersection of urban poverty and environmental action8:50 - Incorporating JEDI into the Conservation Standards13:35 - Projects at Lacy Consulting Services22:40 - Research on the social science of trust31:00 - Transforming the conservation fieldLinks Mentioned:
2021-06-0435 minThe Green MindFrom Free Shirt to Conservation AdvocateSummary:Leander catches up with his friend Juan Perez. They talk about what it means to be Panamanian, how young Juan got into conservation, the impacts of U.S. politics, and how to exemplify sustainable conservation. Juan shares personal stories to help expand the link between people and nature. Enjoy!Episode Highlights:6:52 - Getting youth into conservation14:50 - Juan's journey to sustainable conservation20:29 - Dominant culture on the global stage27:10 - Impacts of U.S. politics to individuals outside the U.S.
2021-05-1839 minThe Green MindYouth, Religion, and ConservationSummary: Leander meets up with a new friend, Jim Cummings. They discuss how faith, youth, and conservation all intersect. Listen as these two share personal and powerful stories that provide context for how conservation impact is occurring in one of the most impoverished and high-crime cities in the United States. And how this model is being adopted around the world. Episode Highlights: 3:00 - Nature in Camden, New Jersey9:50 - Jim's story 11:35 - Urban Promise around the world21:00 - Faith-based Organization24:30 - White, straight, mal...
2021-05-0440 minThe Green MindStar Power and Conservation ImpactLeander invites a fantastic entrepreneur, David Dabah, that has been with Leander since he started Lacy Consulting Services. David and Leander spend hours collaborating and trying to elevate each other. In this podcast, we talk star power and talent as David describes what it is like to work with talents such as Eve, Nick Jonas, Chainsmokers, and Lewis Hamilton.Episode Highlights: 3:00 - Working with talent10:20 - How to not be starstruck14:18 - Leveraging talent to improve conservation outcomes22:40 - Lived experience versus perceived experience in n...
2021-04-2037 minThe Green MindMezcal, Water, and CommunitiesLeander catches up with his graduate school friend Britt Basel and discusses Britt's work elevating human and ecological wellbeing around the world. Britt is a videographer, water specialist, conservationist, world traveler, and amazing human being. You won't want to miss this one. Links Mentioned: https://ecothropic.com/
2021-04-0643 minThe Green MindThe Power of What You SayMelissa Krug is a linguistic anthropologists with a focus on people, food systems, organizational culture, and nature. Dr. Krug is the owner and founder of Forest and Trees Research Consulting. She is curious about social systems, communication, and the ways in which messages impact organizational structures.Visit http://www.thegreenmindpodcast.com for the full transcript.Episode Highlights:6:20: Melissa explains what an athropologist does12:00: Indigenous work and Fair Trade18:13: Forest and Trees Research Consulting22:00: Comedy skit on The Office25:40: Conservation and JEDI discourse...
2021-03-2339 minThe Green MindWomen and Allies in SustainabilityBecky Migas talks about how to be more environmentally conscious when hosting a variety of events and also the role women and allies play in sustainability. We talk about the process of behavior change and policy creation in an effort to improve sustainability everywhere.Visit http://www.thegreenmindpodcast.com for the full transcript. Episode Highlights:2:55 - Impact of events on the environment13:00 - Beginning of Women in Sustainability 18:14 - Benefits of getting women and allies together24:15 - Diversity of women28:22 - Leander's trip to...
2021-03-0940 minThe Green MindSafe Spaces and Triggering MomentsCrystal Egli and Parker McMullen-Bushman are the co-founders of Inclusive Journeys. Their organization is helping marginalized communities find their voice and space in nature through a variety of projects such as The Digital Green Book. The Digital Green Book provides a platform for individuals to rate their experiences with businesses and public spaces to help others in their community plan out their next safe and fun experience. We talk about creating safe spaces, triggering moments of 2020, friendships, and how you can play a part in supporting their amazing work.Visit http://www.thegreenmindpodcast.com for the full...
2021-02-2342 minThe Green MindMind, Heart, and BodyCo-Founder Jason Swann speaks to us about Rising Routes. Born out of a traumatic experience, Rising Routes seeks to heal individuals and bridge the social divide in the country by providing outdoor experiences that address mental health and systems of oppression that hold the United States back from reaching its full potential. We start the first 12 minutes of our session, as we do in real life, with a model of sharing called Mind, Heart, and Body. Visit http://www.thegreenmindpodcast.com for the full transcript.Episode Highlights:12:10 – Begin talking about Rising Rou...
2021-02-2338 minThe Green MindEnvironmental Social Science or EconomicsElizabeth Schuster is the founder and CEO of Sustainable Economies Consulting and good friend of podcast host Leander Lacy. Elizabeth is a credible and nationally-known environmental economists. We talk about the difference between environmental economics and social science, projects we have worked on together, and current projects that Elizabeth is taking on to transform her local county. We also discuss the importance of building trust and relationships with communities and the people that we engage. In order to truly understand your stakeholders, hiring an economist or social scientist will give you the data you need to have clarity in...
2021-02-1036 min