What happens when nature's cleanup crew disappears? In this episode of Nature Breaking, host Seth Larson talks with Professor Eyal Frank, an environmental economist at the University of Chicago, about his groundbreaking research on the near-extinction of vultures in India—and the devastating ripple effects on human health.

Frank explains:

• Why vultures are critical for ecosystems and public health
• How a common painkiller triggered a collapse in vulture populations
• Why that collapse may have caused 500,000 additional human deaths
• What this teaches us about the hidden costs of biodiversity loss

This is a fascinating—and sobering—look at how species we often overlook play vital roles in our lives. Tune in to learn why protecting wildlife isn't just about saving nature—it's about saving ourselves.

Listen now and subscribe for more episodes on the connections between people and the planet.

Links for More Info:

Eyal Frank bio

Study: The Near Extinction of Indian Vultures Led to the Death of a Half Million People

Shocked Podcast Ep. 3: Vultures

WWF web story: Vultures as Nature's Influencers

Chapters:

0:00 Wild Guess trivia

0:32 Intro

2:16 Eyal Frank's background

4:40 Comparing attribution science in climate change v. biodiversity loss

6:27 Why are vultures important?

9:06 How Eyal learned about vulture loss in India

11:02 What happened to vultures in India?

15:50 How did vulture loss contribute to human deaths?

26:47 What were the actual causes of human deaths?

32:02 How many people died due to loss of vultures?

37:36 Lessons for policymakers and the general public

42:03 What's next for Eyal Frank?

45:02 Outro

At COP30 in Brazil, one of the most ambitious climate finance initiatives ever conceived is set to launch: the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF). This bold plan aims to flip the economics of deforestation by paying countries to keep their forests standing—rather than rewarding them for cutting them down.

In this episode of Nature Breaking, WWF's Andrew Deutz joins host Seth Larson to break down how the TFFF works, why Brazil's $1 billion commitment is a game-changer, and what makes this model so innovative. From leveraging private finance to guaranteeing benefits for Indigenous Peoples and local communities, the TFFF could reshape global forest conservation—and climate finance as we know it.

Tune in to learn why COP30 is the "make-or-break" moment for the TFFF, how the facility plans to mobilize $125 billion in capital, and what this means for tropical forest countries and the fight against climate change.

Links for More Info:

Andrew Deutz bio

Op-Ed: Finance has long failed forests - now it may save them

Press Release: WWF calls for investments in the TFFF following Brazil's catalytic announcement

Chapters:

0:00 Wild Guess trivia question

0:43 Intro

2:07 What is the TFFF?

4:22 TFFF development process

6:11 Benefits for Indigenous Peoples

10:11 COP30 expectations and next steps

14:12 How would the TFFF work in practice?

19:01 Brazil's leadership

21:57 What's in it for the private sector?

26:02 Response to TFFF critiques

31:23 One thing that everyone should know about the TFFF

33:04 Outro

In this Halloween bonus episode of Nature Breaking, WWF's Seth Larson and Hayley Lawton share tips for celebrating the season in a more sustainable way—from upcycled costumes and DIY decorations to creative uses for leftover pumpkin bits.

Then, things get spooky as Seth and Hayley play a game of "Guess That Spooky Species," featuring eerie animal sounds from the wild. Can you tell the difference between a raven and an owl? A bear and an alligator? Tune in and test your wildlife knowledge!

Whether you're trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, or just enjoying the spooky vibes, this episode is packed with fun and eco-friendly ideas to help you celebrate Halloween with nature in mind.

Happy Halloween from all of us at WWF!

Links for More Info:

WWF's Spooky Species Playlist

10 Green Tips for Halloween

Eerie Animals? Not so fast.

Chapters:

0:00 Wild Guess trivia question

0:41 Intro

1:38 Seth & Hayley Halloween memories

4:09 Green Halloween Tips

7:44 Guess that "spooky species" sound

12:29 Outro

Nearly half of Earth's surface lies beyond the jurisdiction of any single country—and until now, those waters have been largely unregulated. In this episode of Nature Breaking, WWF's Johan Bergenas joins host Seth Larson to unpack the newly ratified High Seas Treaty and what it means for the future of our ocean.

From illegal fishing and environmental degradation to human trafficking and unregulated resource extraction, the high seas have long been a lawless frontier. But with this treaty now in force, countries have a framework to establish marine protected areas, conduct environmental impact assessments, and collaborate on enforcement and conservation.

Johan explains how the treaty came together, what it aims to achieve, and why it's a critical step toward meeting global biodiversity goals—like protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.

Tune in to learn how this landmark agreement could reshape ocean governance and help safeguard the planet's largest ecosystem.

Links for More Info:

Johan Bergenas bio

WWF Oceans webpage

WWF Statement on High Seas Treaty

Chapters:

0:00 Wild Guess trivia question

0:36 Intro

1:58 Defining "the high seas"

3:21 Crime on the high seas

5:13 Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing

10:00 The High Seas Treaty

12:13 Marine Protected Areas

16:00 Next steps for the treaty

17:25 Hurdles to implementation

20:28 Why did it take this long to get a treaty?

22:02 Outro

In this episode of Nature Breaking, host Seth Larson speaks with Dr. Stacy Beller Stryer, Associate Medical Director of Park Rx America, about the growing movement to prescribe time in nature as a way to improve physical and mental health as a complement to modern medicine and medical techniques.

From reducing stress and anxiety to lowering blood pressure and boosting immune function, the health benefits of nature are real—and measurable. Dr. Beller Stryer explains how nature prescriptions work, why they're gaining traction in the medical community, and how anyone can start incorporating nature into their wellness routine.

Whether you live near a forest or in the heart of a city, this episode offers practical insights into how nature can support your well-being—and why protecting it is essential for public health.

Links for More Info:

Park Rx America

WWF's Forests & Human Health page

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Wild Guess trivia question

0:38 Intro

2:10 Dr. Beller Stryer's background

4:25 What is a nature prescription?

5:30 Science behind nature-health link

8:37 How are nature prescriptions designed?

11:02 Rural vs. urban nature access

13:24 Real-world patient examples

15:27 Guidance for doctors

18:30 How can patients take action?

19:41 Closing thoughts

20:33 Outro

Nature provides countless benefits—from clean air and fresh water to raw materials for homes, medicines, and food. But nature is under threat from pollution, deforestation, poaching, and more. That's why WWF just launched a new campaign with a powerful message: Nature Needs Us Now.

In this episode of Nature Breaking, host Seth Larson sits down with Sara Thomas, WWF's Senior Director for Marketing and Outreach, to take you behind the scenes of how the campaign came together. Sara shares the creative thinking behind the campaign's 90-second ad, "Marble," and reveals insights from WWF's 2025 Connected by Nature Report, which explores how Americans view their relationship with nature.

You'll learn why nature is more than just beautiful landscapes—it's the foundation of our health, economy, and daily lives. And you'll hear what each of us can do to protect the natural systems that sustain us.

🎧 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment to share how nature shows up in your life—and what you're doing to protect it.

Links for More Info:

Nature Needs Us Now homepage

2025 Connected by Nature report

Chapters:

0:00 Wild Guess trivia question – free merch giveaway!

0:23 Intro

1:58 Sara's background

3:09 How kids inspire Sara's and Seth's interest in nature

5:22 Nature Needs Us Now campaign – what is it, and why now?

7:48 "Marble" ad

9:27 Key takeaways from the ad

11:27 Messaging choices & Connected by Nature report

17:00 What actions can people take?

21:30 Outro

Credits for "The Blue Marble":

Video: © Silverback Films/WWF-UK; © WWF-UK; © Staffan Widstrand/Wild Wonders of China/WWF; © Shutterstock/Nat Sumanatemeya/WWF-UK; © monkeybusinessimages/iStock; © thedronalist/pond5; © StratfordProductions/pond5; © BananaRepublic/pond5; © sekarb/pond5; © Erik Tatevosian/iStock; © molchanovdmitry/iStock; © risingforus/pond5; © chuchart/pond5; © Stockmagical; © Localradio/pond5; © Mycreative/pond5; © uralbear/pond5; © RickRay/pond5; © Shutterstock/WF/WWF; © theundertow.ocean & @diversforclimate/pond5; © Shutterstock/Cinematic Storm Footage/WWF; © Fer Ligabue/WWF-Brazil; © mvtstockshot/pond5; © olegbadak/pond5; © FrozenAntFilms/pond5; © Bellavista/pond5; © SteadyRux/pond5;© KsenyD/pond5; © WWF-US/Zac Shamah and Chris O'Leary

Music Composed by Wishlake

Back-to-school season is here—and it's the perfect time to rethink how we pack lunches, buy supplies, and teach kids about sustainability. In this episode of Nature Breaking, hosts Seth Larson and Hayley Lawton share practical, eco-friendly tips for parents, teachers, and students to reduce waste and protect nature.

Then you'll hear an in-depth success story from Lovin Elementary School in Georgia, where educators and students have cut cafeteria food waste by over 70% with the help of WWF's Food Waste Warriors program. Gerin Hennebaul, a teacher at Lovin Elementary, joins Seth to talk through her school's journey.

From reusable lunch gear to share tables and composting, this episode is full of ideas you can bring to your own school or home. Plus, learn about WWF's Wild Classroom resources and a new grant opportunity for educators through the Green Prints for the Future initiative.

🎧 Tune in to discover how small changes can make a big impact—and how you can help raise the next generation of eco-smart kids.

Links for More Info:

Food Waste Warriors

Wild Classroom toolkits

Green Prints for the Future

Chapters:

0:00 Preview

0:21 Wild Guess trivia question

0:59 Intro

1:58 Seth and Hayley back to school memories

4:47 Back-to-school eco tips

9:53 WWF resources for educators

12:39 Interview with Gerin Hennebaul, a teacher involved in Food Waste Warriors

14:01 Background about Lovin Elementary School

17:00 How Lovin Elementary got started with Food Waste Warriors

22:11 Which solutions worked best to avoid food waste?

28:06 The "share table"

32:15 Composting program

33:53 Total impact of Food Waste Warriors

35:45 Closing summary

36:53 Wild Guess trivia answer

Once nearly wiped out, the plains bison, or buffalo, as they are often called by Native Americans, are returning to the Great Plains — and with them, a powerful story of cultural renewal, ecological restoration, and Indigenous leadership. In this episode of Nature Breaking, WWF's Heather Dawn Thompson (a citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe) shares how Native Nations are leading efforts to restore buffalo populations, reclaim food sovereignty, and heal the land. From spiritual connections to practical conservation, this interview explores how buffalo are more than just wildlife — they are relatives, providers, and symbols of resilience.

Learn about the Tribal Buffalo Lifeways Collaboration, the role of buffalo in grassland ecosystems, and how communities are working together to bring these iconic animals home.

🎧 Listen in and be inspired by a story that's still unfolding — one rooted in tradition, science, and hope.

Links for More Info:

Heather Dawn Thompson bio

Tribal Buffalo Lifeways Collaboration

WWF's Plains Bison page

Chapters:

0:00 Preview

0:26 Intro

2:10 Heather Dawn's background and role at WWF

7:58 History of buffalo and connection with Native Nations

10:07 Role of Heather Dawn's family in conserving buffalo

13:00 What's it like to see a buffalo in real life?

14:30 Buffalo harvest story

16:00 Connection between buffalo and healthy grasslands

20:16 Buffalo and food sovereignty for Native Nations

23:19 Tribal Buffalo Lifeways Collaboration

28:30 Biggest challenges to buffalo restoration

In this episode of Nature Breaking, host Seth Larson sits down with Linda Walker, WWF's senior director of corporate engagement for forests, to explore the urgent threats to global forests and the role of business in helping reverse current trends.

Last month, alarming new data were released showing record-breaking tropical forest loss in 2024—an 80% increase over the previous year. Forests are critical to our planet and to us as humans, so we need to double down on efforts to stop the loss of forests where possible and more responsibly manage forests that are earmarked for production. Businesses have a big role to play because 54% of the world's forests are managed either wholly or partly for the production of things like timber, pulp and paper, and furniture. This interview dives into how some companies are already making a difference, including by participating in Forests Forward—WWF's flagship program for corporate leadership on forests launched in 2021. Linda and Seth also discuss what a new report, the Forests Forward Impact Report, reveals about the program's progress and the challenges ahead.

🎧 Tune in to hear inspiring stories from the field, insights into responsible forest management, and how everyday actions—by companies and consumers—can help keep forests thriving.

Links for More Info:

Linda Walker bio

Forests Forward Impact Report

WWF's Forests Forward program

BLOG: Global Forest Watch data shows alarming rate of forest loss

BLOG: To Secure our Forests, We Need Corporate Leadership Now More Than Ever

Chapters:

0:00 Preview

0:25 Intro

2:09 Linda's favorite forest memories

5:54 Global deforestation and the role of companies in managing forests

10:56 WWF's Forests Forward program

21:11 Impacts of the program

24:09 HP example

27:16 Interholco example

30:39 Reasons for hope

33:57 How all of us can help protect forests

36:57 Outro

As the school year ends and the summer season begins, it's time to think about how to integrate nature into your summer plans. In this edition of Nature Breaking's "Headlines & Trendlines" series, hosts Seth Larson and Hayley Lawton share personal stories and practical tips for weaving nature into your everyday life. From backyard camping and local wildlife refuges to dream destinations like Yosemite and the Great Barrier Reef, this episode is full of ideas that are inspiring and doable—whether you're planning a big trip or just want to make the most of your weekends.

Plus, we'd love to hear from you! What are your favorite ways to connect with nature during the summer? Drop a comment or email us at [email protected].

Listen in and get inspired to make this your most nature-filled summer yet.

Chapters:

0:00 Preview

0:26 Intro

2:00 Seth & Hayley's childhood nature experiences

6:27 Simple ways to connect with nature close to home

10:20 Bucket-list nature destinations

12:39 Outro