Shows
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 558 - Insights into Pitcher Plant EvolutionThe drivers of evolution that result in the diversity of life we see around us are complex and fascinating. Nowhere is that more apparent than in pitcher plant genera like Nepenthes and Sarracenia. Join me and Dr. Kadeem Gilbert as we explore the myriad ways he and his colleagues try to tease apart the evolutionary ecology of these enigmatic carnivorous plants. This episode was produced in part by Diane, Matthew, April, Dana, Lilith, Sanza, Eva, Yellowroot, Wisewren, Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, Laure, R.J., Carly, Lucia, Dana, Sarah, Lauren, Strych Mind, Linda, Sylvan, Austin, Sarah, Ethan, Elle, Steve, Cassie...
2025-12-2853 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 557 - How to Help FirefliesFireflies, lightning bugs, whatever you call them, these wonderful bioluminescent beetles are wonderfully diverse, occur in a variety of habitats, and they need our help. Habitat loss is causing declines for many species but there is a lot we can do to reverse this loss! Surprise surprise, a lot of it involves native plants. Join me and Ben Pfeiffer of Firefly Conservation & Research to learn more about how we can protect, restore, and create firefly habitat. This episode was produced in part by Matthew, April, Dana, Lilith, Sanza, Eva, Yellowroot, Wisewren, Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, Laure, R.J., Carly...
2025-12-2145 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 556 - From Seeds to Plants: A Plant Conservation PipelinePlant conservation comes in many forms. Today we explore a plant conservation pipeline that starts with propagation and continues through to reintroducing rare plants back into the wild. Conservation Collections Manager for the Desert Botanical Gardens Steve Blackwell takes us behind the scenes of the Garden’s living collection, where rare, threatened, and endangered species are collected, propagated, and carefully curated for both research and recovery efforts. This episode was produced in part by Matthew, April, Dana, Lilith, Sanza, Eva, Yellowroot, Wisewren, Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, Laure, R.J., Carly, Lucia, Dana, Sarah, Lauren, Strych Mind, Linda, Sylvan, Austin, Sa...
2025-12-1440 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 555 - The Rookie GardenerGardening can be a daunting enterprise, especially for a beginner. Heck, even skilled gardeners still kill plants. The quest to become a better gardener is a lifelong journey and thanks to people like my guest today, taking the leap doesn't have to be scary. Joining us is horticulturist and author Chloe Foster who has written an amazing book called "The Rookie Gardener" to help you in your gardening journey. Listen in as we explore how feeding native caterpillars with native plants started her journey and why she wants to help you discover your passion for plants as well. This...
2025-12-0751 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 554 - How Plants Handle Heat StressHeat stress is a major component of plant health and it in growing more and more timely each year. Understanding how plants do or do not tolerate heat can teach us a lot about not only individual species, but communities and habitats as a whole. Joining us to talk about this is Dr. Brad Posch who is trying to understand the consequences of heat stress at the leaf level. He and his colleagues are tackling these questions in the Sonoran Desert where so many plants are living on a knife edge of survival. This episode was produced in part...
2025-11-301h 01
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 553 - Soil Microbes & Desert Plant RestorationDeserts present a unique set of challenges to plants, especially when you are trying to restore them to the landscape. Drought, heat, soil salinity and more can make desert plant restoration seriously challenging. Luckily, Ali Schuessler and her colleagues at the Desert Botanical Garden are working hard to understand if soil microbes like fungi can help put ecosystems back together. Join us for a fascinating look at this process. This episode was produced in part by April, Dana, Lilith, Sanza, Eva, Yellowroot, Wisewren, Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, Laure, R.J., Carly, Lucia, Dana, Sarah, Lauren, Strych Mind, Linda, Sylvan...
2025-11-2345 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 552 - Native Plant Seed Supply ChainOne of the biggest hurdles to native plant gardening is sourcing native plants. Whereas nurseries are starting to fill the demand, it is nevertheless difficult to keep up with demand. Sourcing seed from the wild is a major part of this process, but how do we do it ethically? Stripping native plant populations of their seeds isn't good for the habitats they comprise so this is where groups like the Mid-Atlantic Regional Seed Bank (MARSB) come in. Their mission is to conserve and wisely manage the Mid-Atlantic Region’s wild seed resources, through scientific sampling, ethical collection, banking, and cu...
2025-11-1650 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 551 - Sagebrush, Pitcher Plants, & Leaf MicrobiomesMicrobes are everywhere and studying them isn't always easy, but microbial ecology is a vitally important field. Microbes influence the world around them in numerous ways and trying to understand how they do that with plants is where people like Dr. Leonora Bittleston come in. Join us as we explore the leaf microbiomes of sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) and various species of pitcher plants (Sarracenia, Nepenthes, and Cephalotus) and learn just how fractal community ecology truly is! This episode was produced in part by April, Dana, Lilith, Sanza, Eva, Yellowroot, Wisewren, Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, Laure, R.J., Carly, Lucia...
2025-11-0950 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 550 - For the Love of Flowers (feat. Sam Tallent)People are drawn to plants for various reasons and that is why I wanted to talk with stand up comic and author Sam Tallent. From his early days hauling rocks out of his mom's garden to his desire to bring beauty into his neighborhood, Sam is diving head first into the world of plants. Join us as we explore his love for flowers and learn why their presence means to much to him in a world dominated by phone addiction and a lack of authenticity. Fair warning, there is plenty of strong language and substance references throughout this episode...
2025-11-021h 01
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 549 - Advocating for Fallen LeavesFallen leaves provide habitat to countless organisms and maintain crucial ecosystem processes. At the same time, convincing people to keep leaf litter on the landscape is a serious challenge. Leaving the leaves needs effective advocacy more than ever and that is where people like National Wildlife Federation Naturalist David Mizejewski come in. With October being Leave the Leaves Month, David and I take a deep dive into not only why it is an important practice but how we can all be better advocates for creating habitat. This episode was produced in part by Trish, April, Dana, Lilith, Sanza, Eva...
2025-10-261h 02
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 548 - Gall Wasps & Their Host PlantsGalls are among the most remarkable biological structures on our planet. The organisms that produce them are also extreme diverse and contribute a bewildering amount of biomass to their habitats. Some of the most fascinating gall makers are the gall wasps. This group of organisms is still woefully understudied but people like Dr. Louis Nastasi are trying to change that. Join us as we take a deep dive on gall wasps that specialize on herbaceous plants like the rosinweeds (Silphium spp.) and learn what these amazing little insects can teach us about biodiversity and evolution. This episode was produced...
2025-10-191h 02
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 547 - Ancient Tree StoriesHave you ever looked at an old tree and wondered what stories it could tell? If so, this is a conversation for you! Dr. Valerie Trouet returns to the podcast to talk about her wonderful collaborative book "In the Circle of Ancient Trees" in which she and 11 other authors talk about the ancient trees they study as dendrochronologists and how they have helped them understand everything from climate and solar flares to the cultures that celebrate them. This episode was produced in part by April, Dana, Lilith, Sanza, Eva, Yellowroot, Wisewren, Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, Laure, R.J., Carly...
2025-10-1248 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 546 -Botanical Art Connects People to PlantsBotanical art and science truly feed off of one another. A good botanical artist must understand their subjects to do them justice which fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the plants, their habitats, and their role in ecosystems around the world. Join me and botanical artist Carol Woodin as we explore her love of botanical art and her role in helping the American Society of Botanical Artists connect people to plants. This episode was produced in part by Sanza, Eva, Yellowroot, Wisewren, Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, Laure, R.J., Carly, Lucia, Dana, Sarah, Lauren, Strych Mind, Linda, Sylvan...
2025-10-0551 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 545 - The Dynamics of Kelp Forest EcologyKelp forests are among the most important marine habitats on our planet. They impact our lives in countless ways whether we realize it or not. To protect and restore kelp forests, we must first understand their complex dynamics and that is exactly what people like Dr. Aaron Galloway are trying to do. Listen in as we learn how he and his colleagues use everything from fatty acids to satellite imagery to try and understand how kelp forests are changing as our world changes around them. This episode was produced in part by Eva, Yellowroot, Wisewren, Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, L...
2025-09-2856 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 544 - Helping Move the Needle on Sagebrush RestorationBig sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) is a foundational species in the ecology and economy of much of western North America. It also faces numerous threats. From invasive grasses and mega wildfires, it is important that we learn how to better restore sagebrush and the habitat it provides. That is where people like Dr. Trevor Caughlin come in. Join us as we look at how he and his lab are leveraging new technologies to help understand sagebrush and move the needle on helping to restore it. This episode was produced in part by Eva, Yellowroot, Wisewren, Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, Laure...
2025-09-2153 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 543 - Cryptic Ghost Pipe DiversityGhost pipe (Monotropa uniflora) has captured the imaginations of many a hiker and can you blame them? What is not to love about a parasitic plant that bucks all the traditional plant trends? For as charismatic as this ghost pipe is, we still have a lot to learn about it. For instance, what has largely been considered a widespread single species turns out to by two. Join me and Ashley Keesling as we explore what it takes to uncover cryptic Monotropa diversity and what her research can tell us about its evolution and ecology. This episode was produced in...
2025-09-1445 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 542 - The Passion Flower Family RevisitedIt is time to revisit this episode is all about the passion flower family - Passifloraceae. Joining us is long time friend of the podcast, the one and only Rebecca Hilgenhof. Rebecca is extremely passionate about this group and I can't think of a better person to dish out an eloquent introduction to these wonderful plants. This episode was produced in part by Yellowroot, Wisewren, Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, Laure, R.J., Carly, Lucia, Dana, Sarah, Lauren, Strych Mind, Linda, Sylvan, Austin, Sarah, Ethan, Elle, Steve, Cassie, Chuck, Aaron, Gillian, Abi, Rich, Shad, Maddie, Owen, Linda, Alana, Sigma, Max...
2025-09-071h 04
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 541 - Coexistence & Maintaining Species BoundariesHow are species boundaries maintained when groups of related plant species live near each other? Considering all the things that need to go right for a plant to survive and reproduce, this is not an easy question to answer. Luckily, the genus Lobelia offers multiple opportunities to explore concepts related to plant coexistence and evolution and that is exactly why Dr. Andrea Case is drawn to this genus. Join us for a fascinating discussion about species coexistence and the maintenance of species boundaries in a wild system. This episode was produced in part by Yellowroot, Wisewren, Nadia, Heidi, Blake...
2025-08-3148 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 540 - Orchids for PeaceOrchids for Peace believes orchids are symbols for both peace and biodiversity. By empowering communities to conserve these plants, this wonderful organization encourages environmental stewardship and fosters a future where nature and humanity thrive together. Join me and founder Dr. Tatiana Arias as we explore why she started Orchids for Peace and how you can lend a hand in their mission to bring people and orchids together for the good of the planet. This episode was produced in part by Yellowroot, Wisewren, Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, Laure, R.J., Carly, Lucia, Dana, Sarah, Lauren, Strych Mind, Linda, Sylvan, Austin...
2025-08-2440 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 539 - Exploring the Seed MicrobiomeMicrobes are everywhere, even in seeds! Indeed, seeds from various plants can host a community of different microbes. Despite how cool this sounds, we still have a lot to learn about seed microbiomes. Join me and Dr. Gilliam Burgmann as we explore questions like what kinds of microbes are present in seeds? How do these communities differ? Are microbes good, bad, or indifferent to the seeds that host them? This episode was produced in part by Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, Laure, R.J., Carly, Lucia, Dana, Sarah, Lauren, Strych Mind, Linda, Sylvan, Austin, Sarah, Ethan, Elle, Steve, Cassie, Chuck...
2025-08-1758 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 538 - Coastal Wetlands, Rising Seas, & Ghost ForestsCoastal wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on our planet. They are a boon for plants, animals, and people alike. However, sea level rise is changing these ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. Join me and Dr. Keryn Gedan as we explore the links between sea level rise, wetland migration, and ghost forests and learn how communities are bracing themselves for adapting to these changes. This episode was produced in part by Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, Laure, R.J., Carly, Lucia, Dana, Sarah, Lauren, Strych Mind, Linda, Sylvan, Austin, Sarah, Ethan, Elle, Steve, Cassie, Chuck, Aaron...
2025-08-1042 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 537 - From Seeds to ClimateLarge seed dispersers are disproportionately affected by human disturbances like habitat loss and poaching. At the same time, a disproportionate number of tropical tree species rely on animals for seed dispersal. What happens when these animals disappear from an area? Do forests suffer and how might this impact things like carbon cycling and climate? Join me and Dr. Evan Fricke as we explore these questions and more. This episode was produced in part by Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, Laure, R.J., Carly, Lucia, Dana, Sarah, Lauren, Strych Mind, Linda, Sylvan, Austin, Sarah, Ethan, Elle, Steve, Cassie, Chuck, Aaron, Gillian...
2025-08-0351 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 536 - Tropical Forests & Loss of Seed DispersersSeed dispersal is a vital ecological process no matter what scale you look at. From the genetic diversity of plant populations to the impact of forests on climate, how plants move around the landscape and regenerate is one of the most important processes on Earth. So, what happens when plants lose seed their seed dispersers? How do things like poaching and habitat loss affect these ecological relationships? These are the kinds of questions that drive Dr. Therese Lamperty's research. Join us for a fascinating look at the challenges in studying what it means for plants and the ecosystems they...
2025-07-2749 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 535 - Quillworts RevisitedTheir ancestors once dominated the coal swamps of the Carboniferous Period, growing into massive trees that could reach upwards of 160 feet (50 m) into the canopy. Today, the quillworts (Isoetes spp.) are all that remains of this lineage. Though cosmopolitan in their distribution, quillworts can be hard to find unless you know where to look. Luckily, there are people like Dr. David Wickell who have placed them at the center of their scientific focus. Dr. Wickell is hard at work helping to uncover the mysteries of these wonderfully strange lycophytes. Join us as we revisit a conversation that covers everything...
2025-07-2059 min
In Defense of Plants PodcastEp. 534 - Self-Incompatibility in PhloxSelf-Incompatibility is a means by which some plants prevent self-fertilization and promotes outcrossing. It has evolved independently in many different groups and plays a very important role in the ecology, evolution, and conservation of different species. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Grace Burgin to explore the multitude of ways she is trying to understand self-incompatibility in the genus Phlox. Join us for a fascinating deep dive into what it takes to understand this phenomenon in Phlox. This episode was produced in part by Blake, Josh, Laure, R.J., Carly, Lucia, Dana, Sarah, Lauren, Strych Mind, Linda...
2025-07-1355 min
AFL Fantasy with The TradersAround the Grounds - Match SimulationWe had some of our favourite journos on the ground at the eight match simulation games and have kindly jumped on to give us a wrap up … with AFL Fantasy at the front of their minds. We hear from Josh Gabelich, Michael Whiting, Sarah Black, Riley Beveridge, and Nathan Schmook from AFL.com.au and we also have Anna Hay, a channel 7 reporter in Perth who is making her debut after a big pre-season which has in line for some votes in the Fantasy Journo of the Year. Play now at http://fantasy.afl.com.au. ...
2023-02-251h 06
The Sideline Heat20 Minutes To Post: Episode 81 (Cox Plate Day)It's finally here! Cox Plate Day? Or Anamoe redemption Day? We'll let you know what we think on this weeks edition of 20 Minutes to Post. It's a jam packed edition of the Podcast with friend of the show Brodie Nickson getting a start with all the regulars. Max, Nathan, Josh and Brodie review what was an epic edition of the Everest with the incredible performance, and story of Clayton Douglas-trained 3yo Giga Kick. Then of course we discuss first emergency Caulfield Cup winner Durston, as we dissect who we want to be taking forward to the Melbourne Cup. We...
2022-10-201h 42
The Sideline Heat20 Minutes To Post: Episode 65 (Tatt's Tiara Day)The boys are back and ready to rip into a terrific Eagle Farm card with the headline G1 feature Tatt's Tiara! This week on 20 Minutes to Post, Max is joined by regulars Nathan and Josh, but we also welcome new friend of the show Brodie Nickson as the resident Queensland punter helps the team find all the Quaddie Legs up north, but also dissect an impossible edition of the Tatt's Tiara. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @TheSidelineHeat to get all the late mail for the weekend, best bets, and of course our Tipsters Multi. Good Luck on...
2022-06-231h 14
AFL Fantasy with The TradersAround the Fantasy Grounds - Practice MatchesWarnie winds the clock back to his teenage years when he was glued to the radio as they went around to grounds getting updates on all the footy action. He caught up with reporters from AFL.com.au and a special guest to give the rundown, from an AFL Fantasy perspective, of the nine pre-season practice matches from around the country. Play AFL Fantasy at http://fantasy.afl.com.au or download the free smartphone app. Episode guide 0:45 - Essendon v Western Bulldogs with Cal Twomey 2:25 - Darcy Parish continued in...
2022-02-261h 24
AFL Fantasy with The TradersFirst two rounds of AFL Fantasy Draft 2022Leagues can now hold their live AFL Fantasy Draft for the 2022 season, so we thought we'd get a crew of experts together to run through the first two rounds of a 10-team league. We've got Cam, Steve and Statesman from the Draft Doctors, Heff and Kaes from the Keeper League Podcast plus Ben Sutton and Nathan Schmook from AFL.com.au to make their picks. Play AFL Fantasy at http://fantasy.afl.com.au or download the free smartphone app. Episode guide 2:20 - How does multiple hat winner Statesman's Classic form help his...
2022-02-0222 min