Franz Lidz returns to the podcast to talk about his recent bylines in the New York Times, where he covers the science and archaeology beat. He takes complex topics and distills them down to highly informative, entertaining and useful narratives.

The NYT published his story, headlined "They Shoot Owls in California" about the invasive Barred Owls, which are displacing the endangered Spotted Owl throughout much of its range. A new Fish & Wildlife initiative will pay hunters to shoot these aggressive raptors, and it is pitting scientists against animal lovers. He also recently wrote a story about daily life in Britain 3,000 years ago, thanks to a recent excavation in which a well-preserved village has been exhumed, as well as how the Stone Age was actually the Wood Age.

We also talked about his "beat" of covering stories that pique his interest, of Ojai life and politics, food culture and much more. We did not talk about graphic design, wool-carding technology of the Middle Ages or Ainu culture.

You can read more about Franz and his brilliant career through your New York Times subscription.