Conservation Conversations with Sean O'Brien

In this month's episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean is joined by wildlife photographer, filmmaker, and author Dudley Edmondson, whose most recent release is The Black & Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places. In this deeply moving conversation, they explore the freedom that nature provides for people and how we can make our public spaces accommodate different cultural values. Plus, Dudley shares his hopes for the future generation of wildlife and conservation professionals.

Join Sean O'Brien in this thought-provoking Conservation Conversations episode as he is joined by Priya Nanjappa, Vice President for Conservation Programs at the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). The conversation explores the impacts of colonialism on public spaces and the movement to make people feel safe in outdoor environments once again. They also discuss the collaborative work between the NPCA and NatureServe to identify important areas for safeguarding biodiversity and providing refuge from climate change. Plus, Priya shares how she grew to love frogs and toads and become a herpetologist!  

On this month's episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean was joined by the legendary author and scientist Paul Ehrlich, known for his work in biology and population dynamics. In their discussion, Ehrlich reflects on changes in science and conservation over the last half-century, the vital importance of science communication, and society's ability to rapidly change at pivotal moments. Plus, hear how butterflies captured Ehrlich's early interest in biology.

You can learn more about Ehrlich's career in his new memoir, Life: A Journey through Science and Politics.

Natural history museums tell the story of our planet and provide lessons for the future. No one knows this better than Kirk Johnson, Sant Director of the National Museum of Natural History, who joined Sean for this month's episode of Conservation Conversations to talk about the science happening at museums.

In February of 2023, NatureServe released a brand new analysis finding that over one-third of biodiversity is at risk of extinction. Regan Smyth, NatureServe's Vice President for Data and Methods, joined Sean on the podcast this month to talk about what the results of the new Biodiversity in Focus: United States Edition report mean for the future of conservation. Plus, Sean and Regan get into why data is so important to making informed decisions.

With 2022 wrapped up, we’re bringing you a special episode of Conservation Conversations this month—a compilation of some of the most thought-provoking moments from our episodes last year. Listen as scientists and leaders in conservation share what inspires them, the importance of their work, and what the future of biodiversity looks like. We hope this episode inspires you the same way these individuals have inspired us.

In December 2022, the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP) reached a historic agreement to protect a third of the planet by 2030 to safeguard biodiversity.

In this episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean speaks with NatureServe's Biodiversity Indicators Program Director Mike Gill about the conference: what was discussed, what agreement was made, and what role NatureServe will play. Listen to find out what the next ten years of biodiversity conservation will look like on a global and national scale.

In this compelling episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean sits down with James Evans, Executive Director of Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), a BIPOC-led organization that addresses animal welfare through the well-being of both animals and humans. James, also a professional wildlife photographer, shares the philosophy behind his new book showcasing his work, Among the Birds, I am Human. Learn how organizations like CARE are reframing how we identify and solve problems within communities and how choice at the individual level can make a world of differences.

In this episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean sits down with Margaret O'Gorman, President of the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC), which supports companies in developing and achieving goals around protecting biodiversity. During the conversation, Sean and Margaret discuss the recent framing shift from environmental health and safety to the environmental, social, and governance, tackle the issue of 'greenwashing,' and share predictions for the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15). Sean and Margaret also bond over their love of New Jersey pine barrens.

In this episode of Conservation Conversations with Sean O'Brien, Sean is joined by Dr. Greg Mueller, Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science for the Chicago Botanic Garden. Greg studies the ecology and conservation of mushrooms and other macrofungi. Today, he focuses on raising awareness about the importance of fungi in our natural communities. Listen to learn why we need fungi, how trees use an underground network to communicate, and how mycology inspires science fiction writing.