In this urgent discussion, we interview Jack Humphrey from The Rewilding Institute to explore what rewilding truly means—and why it's under unprecedented threat right now. As the Trump administration dynamites through Arizona's most critical jaguar habitat to construct border walls, we examine what happens when we sever the very corridors that wildlife has traveled for millennia.

The Rewilding Institute was founded on a radical idea: that nature needs more than just protection. It needs restoration, connection, and room to breathe. Their vision is bold—gray wolves and grizzly bears with connected habitat from Mexico to Alaska, pumas reclaiming their homelands East and West, salmon swimming freely up our continent's rivers, and oceans teeming with whales and sharks. But corridors only work if they stay open.

Right now, in places like the San Rafael Valley, the Huachuca Mountains, and Sycamore Canyon, explosives are blasting apart landscapes that federal scientists have identified as essential for jaguar recovery in the United States. These aren't empty wastelands—they're the last remaining pathways connecting jaguars in Arizona to breeding populations in Mexico. Just last month, a new jaguar called Cinco was photographed in these mountains, the fifth wild cat documented since 2011, proof that these magnificent animals are still trying to come home.

The administration has waived more than 40 environmental laws—including the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Wilderness Act—to fast-track construction of double-layered steel walls, industrial floodlights, and surveillance infrastructure across hundreds of miles of protected habitat. This isn't just about jaguars. It's about ocelots, black bears, Mexican gray wolves, pronghorn, and hundreds of species of migratory birds and butterflies that depend on these cross-border ecosystems.

Join us for this critical conversation about what's at stake, what rewilding means in practice, and why the fight for connected landscapes is about so much more than any single species. Because when we wall off the wild, we don't just lose jaguars—we lose the possibility of a wilder, more resilient future.

ABOUT THE REWILDING INSTITUTE:

The Rewilding Institute (TRI) explores and shares tactics and strategies to advance continental-scale conservation and restoration in North America and beyond. They focus on the need for large carnivores and protected wildways for their movement, offering a bold, scientifically credible, practically achievable, and hopeful vision for the future of wild nature and human civilization on planet Earth. Rewilding isn't about going backward—it's about creating pathways forward for the wild species and ecosystems that have been pushed to the margins.

Learn more at The Rewilding Institute website.

RAY OF HOPE:

Despite the devastating assault on Arizona's borderlands, Cinco's recent appearance proves that jaguars are still fighting to come home. Wildlife doesn't give up—and neither can we. Rewilding reminds us that nature is remarkably resilient when given the chance. From wolf recovery in Yellowstone to beaver reintroduction across North America, we've seen how quickly ecosystems can heal when we restore apex predators and protect corridors.

The fight for connected landscapes is gaining momentum. Scientists understand connectivity better than ever. Communities across North America are championing wildlife corridors, from highway overpasses to ranch-led conservation efforts. Indigenous land management practices are being recognized as essential to rewilding success. Every protected wildway, every restored river, every lawsuit against illegal border wall construction is a victory for the future.

This isn't just about stopping destruction—it's about building a wilder tomorrow. When we protect jaguar corridors, we protect entire ecosystems. When we advocate for connected habitat, we're choosing resilience over fragmentation. The vision is achievable: a continent where wild animals can move freely, where ecosystems function fully, where nature has room to breathe. That future is worth fighting for.

ANXIETY TO ACTION:

Speak Up for Borderlands Wildlife: Contact your representatives about protecting critical habitat in Arizona's borderlands. Demand accountability for environmental law waivers and support legislation that prioritizes wildlife corridor protection.

Support Rewilding Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with groups working on continental-scale conservation, jaguar recovery, and wildlife corridor protection. Organizations need sustained support to fight ongoing threats.

Take Action:

• Learn about The Rewilding Institute's work and vision

• Follow jaguar recovery efforts and borderlands conservation news

• Support organizations fighting border wall construction in critical habitat

• Educate others about the importance of wildlife corridors and connectivity

• Advocate for policies that prioritize landscape-scale conservation

CONNECT WITH JACK HUMPHREY:

The Rewilding Institute - The Rewilding Institute website.

PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod

Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

In this discussion, we interview Josh Jackson, author of The Enduring Wild and creator of the Forgotten Lands project, which documents and advocates for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands across the American West. Through his writing and photography, Josh has become a leading voice in drawing attention to these vast, often-overlooked landscapes, which represent our largest—and most vulnerable—public land holdings.

BLM lands differ significantly from national parks and monuments, lacking the same level of protection and public awareness despite comprising millions of acres of critical habitat and stunning wilderness. Through his travels across California's deserts, particularly the Mojave and the Eastern Sierra Nevada, Josh discovered landscapes of remarkable beauty and ecological significance that were hiding in plain sight. From the otherworldly Trona Pinnacles to the threatened Conglomerate Mesa in the Owens Valley, these "forgotten lands" face mounting challenges from mining interests, development pressures, and shifting political climates.

In our conversation, Josh shares personal stories of exploring these desert landscapes with his children, explains how everyday people can access and advocate for BLM lands, and discusses current threats, such as the proposed mining at Conglomerate Mesa. He also reflects on recent victories, including pushback against the "Big Beautiful Bill," and offers hope for the future of public lands protection through education, sustainable recreation, and grassroots advocacy.

Join us for this inspiring discussion about America's enduring wild places and why these forgotten landscapes deserve our attention, appreciation, and protection!

BOOK SUMMARY:

The Enduring Wild chronicles Josh Jackson's journey across America's BLM territories, revealing the hidden majesty of landscapes that exist outside the famous national park system. Through compelling narrative and stunning photography, the book documents the ecological richness and cultural significance of these "forgotten lands" while exposing the unique threats they face from extractive industries and inadequate protections. Jackson weaves together personal stories, natural history, and urgent advocacy to argue that these vast public lands represent both our greatest conservation challenge and opportunity. The book serves as both a love letter to overlooked wilderness and a call to action for Americans to recognize and protect the enduring wild places that belong to us all.

Buy the book here.

RAY OF HOPE:

While threats to public lands can feel overwhelming, there's something powerful happening: ordinary people are falling in love with "forgotten" places. BLM lands, once ignored in favor of famous national parks, are finding their champions—writers, photographers, families, and local communities who recognize that protection doesn't require a famous name, just people who care.

Recent advocacy victories demonstrate that public engagement is an effective strategy. When communities rallied against harmful legislation such as the "Big Beautiful Bill," their voices made a difference. Grassroots organizations are successfully protecting threatened areas, such as Conglomerate Mesa, by educating the public about what's at stake. The desert isn't barren—it's full of life, stories, and people ready to defend it.

The beautiful truth? These lands belong to all of us. You don't need special credentials to explore, photograph, or speak up for them. Every hike, every shared photo, every letter to a representative adds to a growing movement recognizing that our wildest places aren't just worth visiting—they're worth fighting for.

ANXIETY TO ACTION:

Practice Sustainable Recreation: Follow "Leave No Trace" principles, stay on designated trails, and educate others about protecting sensitive desert ecosystems while enjoying them responsibly.

Raise Your Voice: Contact your representatives about public lands protection. Support organizations working to defend BLM lands. Provide public comments when lands face development threats. Democracy works when citizens participate.

Take Action:

• Explore your local BLM lands.

• Join the USAL project and take a field trip with Josh Jackson

• Visit the BLM website to find public lands near you.

• Take a hike, bring a camera, and share what you discover.

• Purchase The Enduring Wild and join the Planet People book club.

CONNECT WITH JOSH:

The Enduring Wild - Visit his website here.

Follow Josh's project on Instagram and Substack.

PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod

Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

Happy New Year's from Planet People hosts, Natalie & Coral!

PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod

Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

In this special holiday episode, hosts Natalie and Coral reflect on the season of giving and what it means to give sustainably. As we approach the end of the year, they discuss the importance of shopping small, supporting local businesses, and giving back to the incredible organizations and guests who have shared their knowledge and passion throughout the season.

This Christmas episode is a joyous reminder that sustainable giving goes beyond material gifts; it's about supporting the communities, creators, and changemakers who are working to build a better world. Natalie and Coral emphasize the importance of shopping from small businesses and local artisans this holiday season, as these purchases directly support individuals and families while minimizing environmental impact.

The hosts also highlight how listeners can give back to the show itself: following the organizations and experts featured in episodes, supporting their work, and spreading the word about Planet People. Liking, sharing, and subscribing might seem like small actions, but they make a huge difference in amplifying the voices of those doing critical environmental work.

RAY OF HOPE:

The most meaningful gifts don't always come wrapped in paper. This holiday season, we're witnessing a beautiful shift in how people approach giving, prioritizing experiences over possessions, supporting small makers over large corporations, and investing in causes that truly matter. When you shop small, you're not just buying a product; you're supporting someone's dream, keeping money in your local community, and often choosing items made with more care for both people and planet.

The ripple effect of these choices extends far beyond the holidays. Every small business supported, every podcast shared, every organization amplified—these are acts of community building that sustain the people doing the hard work of creating change. The beauty is in the simplicity: your everyday choices to support, share, and show up for the causes and people you believe in can have a profound impact.

ANXIETY TO ACTION:

Make your holiday shopping count - Create a list of small businesses, local artisans, and mission-driven companies to support this season. Consider giving donations in someone's name to organizations featured on the show.

Amplify the voices that matter - Like, share, and review podcasts and content creators who are doing important work. Follow and engage with the organizations and experts who have appeared on Planet People.

Give the gift of awareness - Share your favorite Planet People episodes with friends and family. Start conversations about sustainable living and environmental stewardship around the holiday table.

PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod

Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

In this festive discussion, hosts Coral and Natalie sit down with guest Jenli Kaylor to explore the art of sustainable holiday living through thrifting and upcycling. Together, they dive deep into creative ways to make the holiday season more environmentally conscious while still maintaining the magic and joy of the season. From transforming secondhand finds into meaningful gifts to reimagining holiday decorations with thrifted treasures, this conversation is packed with practical tips for anyone looking to reduce their environmental footprint during the most wonderful—and often most wasteful—time of year.

Jenli shares her expertise on identifying quality pieces at thrift stores, creative upcycling techniques that turn forgotten items into holiday gold, and how to shift our mindset from consumption-focused celebrations to more intentional, sustainable practices. The discussion covers everything from DIY gift wrapping using repurposed materials to hosting eco-friendly holiday gatherings that don't compromise on style or sentiment. Join Coral, Jenli, and Natalie for this inspiring conversation that proves the holidays can be both magical and mindful!

RAY OF HOPE:

While the holiday season often brings anxiety about overconsumption and waste, there's a beautiful shift happening in how people approach gift-giving and celebrating. Thrift stores are seeing record numbers of creative shoppers who are discovering that the most meaningful gifts often come with stories—vintage books, restored furniture pieces, and unique finds that can't be bought new.

Communities are embracing gift swaps, DIY workshops, and upcycling parties where neighbors gather to transform old items into new treasures. Social media is filled with inspiring before-and-after transformations that show how creativity can turn the discarded into the divine. The silver lining? Every thrifted gift is both an act of environmental stewardship and a more personal, thoughtful way to show love. You're not just reducing waste—you're giving something with character, history, and heart.

ANXIETY TO ACTION:

Start small this holiday season - Visit your local thrift store with a specific person or occasion in mind, and let yourself browse with creative eyes rather than a rigid shopping list.

Build community around sustainable celebrating - Host a gift-wrapping party using newspapers, brown paper, and natural elements like pinecones and twigs. Organize a holiday decoration swap with neighbors to refresh your décor without having to buy new ones.

CONNECT WITH JENLI:

Follow @thejenliproject on Instagram and TikTok

PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod

Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

In this discussion, we interview Kurt Leuschner, a Professor of Natural Resources at the College of the Desert, a public community college serving the diverse Coachella Valley of Riverside County, California. College of the Desert enrolls approximately 12,500 students and is federally recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution, reflecting its commitment to educational accessibility in the region.

Through his role at College of the Desert, Professor Leuschner is helping to educate the next generation of environmental stewards while contributing to our understanding of the remarkable biodiversity that calls the Coachella Valley home. In addition to our discussion on low-desert ecology, Kurt shares the many ways renewable energies are used across Southern California and how we can have hope for the progress humanity is making towards green energy solutions. Not only that, but he also shares the incredible efforts of rewilding desert landscapes by "killing your lawn" and planting native plants.

Join us for this hopeful discussion around renewable energy, desert ecology, and what it means to rewild your desert landscape at home in your backyard!

RAY OF HOPE:

While climate news can feel overwhelming, there's a beautiful movement happening right under our noses. Across the country, people are transforming their lawns into native habitats, one yard at a time. These aren't grand gestures - they're quiet acts of rebellion against monoculture grass that's creating wildlife corridors through suburbia.

Farmers are increasingly learning to spot burrowing owl nests, not because they're required to, but because they're discovering that protecting these tiny ecosystem engineers actually improves their soil health. Meanwhile, more people than ever are calling their representatives about environmental issues - democracy in action, one concerned citizen at a time.

The silver lining? You don't need to save the whole planet today. You just need to plant one native shrub, make one phone call, or learn to identify one species in your area. These small acts are part of a growing web of environmental stewardship that's quietly rebuilding our connection to the natural world.

ANXIETY TO ACTION:

Begin with your backyard - Converting even a small patch to native plants creates immediate habitat and gives you a sense of agency.

Build Community and share your native plant journey on social media to inspire neighbors. Join local environmental groups working on renewable energy advocacy. Connect with farmers in your area who are implementing wildlife-friendly practices.

CONNECT WITH KURT:

Email Kurt Lueshner: [email protected]

PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod

Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

Join us for an in-depth conversation about Mojave desert tortoise conservation efforts, from the original endangered species designation to current threats and protection strategies. In this interview with Mary Lane Poe of the Desert Tortoise Council, we review the many threats facing the desert tortoise, as well as meaningful ways for people to take action and even start a career in desert tortoise conservation.

RAY OF HOPE:

Here's something incredible: Desert tortoises are ancient ecosystem engineers that have survived ice ages, volcanic eruptions, and dramatic climate shifts over 15 million years. These slow-and-steady champions create burrows that become life-saving refuges for over 300 other desert species - from burrowing owls to kit foxes to countless invertebrates. They're living proof that resilience isn't about speed or aggression; it's about creating infrastructure that benefits entire communities.

The Desert Tortoise Council represents something beautiful: people so inspired by these remarkable creatures that they've dedicated their lives to protecting them. Every time you engage with their social media, you're amplifying science-based conservation efforts that are working.

The silver lining? Desert tortoises remind us that survival isn't just about individual resilience - it's about building systems that help everyone thrive. When you advocate for the places you love, you're following the tortoise model: creating lasting change through steady, persistent action.

ANXIETY TO ACTION:

You can turn your anxiety into action by volunteering with the Desert Tortoise Council, such as participating in the annual symposium event, serving on a committee, or becoming a board member. Additionally, it helps to interact with the Desert Tortoise Council Website social media, follow, like, comment, and share. It's also equally important to advocate for the places you love by writing official comment letters, calling your reps, and letting them know we need to keep these environmental policies in place.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Sign up for the Desert Tortoise Introductory course here
• Annual symposium event information can be found here
• Health Assessment Training can be found here
• Learn more about habitat conservation with the Mojave Desert Land Trust

FOLLOW MARY LANE POE AND THE DTC ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Follow Mary Lane Poe on Instagram
• Follow the Desert Tortoise Council on Instagram

FOLLOW PLANET PEOPLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod
• Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

Join us as we explore the vibrant creative scene of Joshua Tree with Shari Elf, founder of Art Queen, whose innovative approach to upcycled fashion reveals the profound relationship between clothing, self-expression, and environmental consciousness. Shari shares what it means to transform discarded garments into wearable art, as well as the powerful story of how upcycling can serve as both a personal statement and a sustainable alternative to fast fashion's destructive cycle. In an era when the fashion industry is one of the world's largest polluters, this essential conversation challenges us to reassess our relationship with clothing and to recognize how reimagining and revitalizing garments can become a symbol of creativity, individuality, and environmental stewardship.

RAY OF HOPE:

In a time when fast fashion prevails and clothing waste fills our landfills, Shari's dedication to transforming discarded garments into unique pieces of wearable art stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that creativity and sustainability can merge to create something both beautiful and meaningful.

This commitment to upcycling represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: artists and makers reclaiming materials that would otherwise be waste and transforming them into expressions of identity, growing recognition that our clothing choices can be both personal statements and environmental actions, and a new generation learning to value craftsmanship, individuality, and the stories embedded in reimagined garments—ensuring that fashion becomes a force for positive change rather than environmental harm.

ANXIETY TO ACTION:

In an era when the fashion industry contributes massively to pollution and waste, and when social media often pressures us toward constant consumption of new trends, understanding the power of upcycled fashion reminds us that every garment tells a story, and that choosing to reimagine and revitalize clothing is both a creative act and a form of resistance against throwaway culture.

Take Action:

• Learn basic clothing repair and alteration skills to extend the life of your garments.
• Support local artists and makers who create upcycled fashion.
• Shop secondhand and vintage before buying new.
• Organize clothing swaps in your community.
• Challenge fast fashion culture by embracing your personal style over fleeting trends.
• Share and celebrate creative upcycling projects to inspire others.

SHARI SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Follow Shari on Instagram: @shari.elf
• World Famous Crochet Museum: @worldfamouscrochetmuseum
• Art Queen: @artqueen_jt

PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod
• Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

Join us for a special shorter-format conversation as founder, Natalie, sits down with co-host and Creative Director, Coral Carson, to reflect on Planet People's remarkable 2.5-year journey. As we celebrate this milestone and enter our second season, we take a moment to express gratitude for our incredible community and discuss why Indigenous knowledge is foundational—not supplementary—to any meaningful conversation about conservation. This Thanksgiving episode sets the stage for our featured guest, Seth Bizardi Tsosie, a Native American monitor from the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, whose insights about the Eastern Sierra Nevada will shift how you think about land, community, and our collective responsibility to the earth.

Seth shares stories and knowledge that will shift how you think about land, community, and our collective responsibility to the earth. His insights offere powerful takeaways that everyone needs to hear, especially during this season of gratitude and reflection.

Don't miss our previous episode (Episode 32) featuring Seth's full interview, where he dives deep into Indigenous knowledge of the Eastern Sierra Nevada and the untold story of the Owens Valley water grab. Listen to both episodes for the complete experience!

RAY OF HOPE:

In a world that often moves too fast to pause and reflect, the growth of the Planet People community over these 2.5 years stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that people still crave meaningful conversations about our relationship with nature and are eager to engage with ideas that honor both people and planet.

This community's curiosity and commitment represent hope because it shows us a pathway forward: a growing movement of listeners who show up with care, a network of nature advocates and storytellers amplifying essential voices, and recognition that Indigenous perspectives are foundational to conservation work, ensuring that we build a more just and sustainable future together.

ANXIETY TO ACTION:

In an era when Indigenous voices have been historically marginalized in conservation conversations, recognizing that Indigenous knowledge is essential—not optional—reminds us that true environmental stewardship requires listening to and learning from the original stewards of the land whose wisdom about ecological balance and reciprocity spans thousands of years.

Take Action:

• Engage with Indigenous-led conservation initiatives and organizations

• Educate yourself about Indigenous history and land rights in your region

• Support Indigenous-led environmental justice organizations, like @indigenouswomenhike, along with the advocacy movement to Protect Conglomerate Mesa.

• Support podcasts and platforms that center Indigenous voices and perspectives

• Share episodes like this one to help amplify Indigenous knowledge

• Practice gratitude not just during holidays, but by honoring the land and its original caretakers year-round

• Listen to Episode 32 with Seth Bizardi Tsosie for his complete story

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow Seth on Instagram: @indigenous.technology

Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod

Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

Join us as we explore the Eastern Sierra Nevada with Seth Bizardi Tsosie, a Native American monitor from the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, whose ancestral knowledge reveals the profound relationship between Indigenous peoples and the land of flowing water. Seth shares what it means to grow up with generations of traditional ecological wisdom about this remarkable region, as well as the devastating story of how the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power systematically exploited and diverted the Owens Valley's lifeblood. As we approach Thanksgiving, this essential conversation challenges us to confront the true history of American land and water rights, and to understand the ongoing impacts of environmental injustice on indigenous communities whose connection to these waters spans millennia.

RAY OF HOPE:

In a time when Indigenous voices have been historically silenced and their lands exploited, Seth's willingness to share the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe's knowledge and perspective stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that Indigenous wisdom and resilience persist despite centuries of injustice.

This dedication to preserving and sharing traditional knowledge represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: Indigenous communities reclaiming their narratives and educating others about their connection to the land, growing recognition of the value of traditional ecological knowledge in addressing modern environmental challenges, and a new generation learning to honor and protect the relationship between people and water—ensuring that these stories and this wisdom continue to guide us toward more just and sustainable futures for all communities.

ANXIETY TO ACTION:

In an era when water rights battles continue and Indigenous communities still fight for recognition and justice, understanding the history of the Owens Valley water grab reminds us that the stories we tell during holidays like Thanksgiving matter, and that real American history includes reckoning with exploitation and learning from those whose knowledge of the land predates colonization.

Take Action:

• Educate yourself about Indigenous history and land rights in your region.
• Support Indigenous-led environmental justice organizations, like @indigenouswomenhike, along with the advocacy movement to Protect Conglomerate Mesa.
• Be informed on the true history behind Thanksgiving and share accurate narratives.
• Advocate for Indigenous water rights and tribal sovereignty.
• Listen to and amplify Indigenous voices on environmental and conservation issues.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Follow Seth on Instagram: @indigenous.technology
• Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod
• Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast