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

Join us as we journey to the frozen continent of Antarctica with Dr. Steve Emslie, a leading Antarctic ecologist whose groundbreaking research on Adélie penguins has revealed fascinating insights into one of Earth's most extreme environments. From the remarkable adaptations of these charismatic seabirds to the surprising revelation that Antarctica is technically a desert, Dr. Emslie shares his discoveries from decades of fieldwork in the coldest, windiest, and driest place on our planet. This eye-opening conversation explores the delicate balance of polar ecosystems and why understanding Antarctica's past holds crucial insights for our planet's future.

RAY OF HOPE:

In a time when polar regions face unprecedented challenges from climate change, Dr. Steve Emslie's decades-long research on Adélie penguins and Antarctic ecology stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that through careful scientific study, we can understand and protect these remarkable ecosystems.

This dedication to Antarctic science represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: long-term ecological monitoring revealing how resilient these ecosystems can be, international scientific cooperation protecting the continent for peaceful research, and a deeper understanding of how Antarctic wildlife adapts to extreme conditions—knowledge that helps us predict and prepare for environmental changes affecting penguin colonies and polar biodiversity for generations to come.

ANXIETY TO ACTION:

In an era where Antarctic ice shelves are changing and penguin populations face new pressures, understanding the ecology of Adélie penguins and the unique desert environment of Antarctica reminds us that even the most remote ecosystems on Earth are connected to our daily choices and deserve our protection.

Take Action:

• Learn about the Antarctic Treaty System and how international cooperation protects this unique continent
• Support organizations conducting polar research and conservation
• Reduce your carbon footprint to help protect polar regions from climate impacts
• Share the fascinating science of Antarctica to help others understand why polar ecosystems matter
• Follow Antarctic research stations and scientists on social media to stay connected with ongoing discoveries

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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

LISTEN TO "ALL ABOUT ANTARCTICA"

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts

PHOTO LINKS:

• Adélie Penguins
• Antarctic Landscape
• Antarctic Desert Facts
• Dr. Emslie's Research
• Guano

This episode takes you behind the scenes of our San Diego Climate Week event, where we combined mindfulness meditation with birdwatching to forge a deeper connection with the natural world and raise awareness about one of climate change's most vulnerable victims—our birds.

Hosts Natalie and Coral share why they chose to lead a meditative bird walk during Climate Week, highlighting the critical relationship between climate change and declining bird populations. As habitats shift, migration patterns are disrupted, and food sources vanish, birds are serving as early warning indicators of our planet's changing health. Their songs and presence are not just beautiful—they're essential signals of a functioning ecosystem.

We explore how meditation can transform our relationship with nature by slowing us down, sharpening our senses, and helping us truly observe the world around us. When we quiet our minds, we become better birdwatchers and more attuned listeners to what the planet is trying to tell us. This mindful approach to nature connection isn't just about appreciation—it's about understanding the urgent needs of our environment.

The hosts discuss the experience of guiding participants through meditative practices before observing local bird species, and how this combination opened new pathways to environmental awareness. By cultivating presence and attention, we can better notice the changes happening in our backyards and communities—and feel more motivated to act.

Ultimately, this episode delivers a sobering reminder: a world without birdsong is a world in trouble. When the birds fall silent, it's a warning we cannot ignore. Through meditation and mindful observation, we can deepen our connection to these vital creatures and become better stewards of the planet they—and we—call home.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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

It's Halloween on Planet People Podcast, and this episode dives into the eerie intersection of nature and folklore. Hosts Natalie and Coral are joined by their teammate Hugh Carr to explore the misunderstood realities of four creatures that have long haunted human imagination—the raven, coyote, tarantula, and owl. Hugh unpacks the mythological roots of ravens and coyotes as tricksters and spirit messengers. Additionally, he presents a fascinating theory regarding what may have contributed to ravens' dark portrayal throughout history and today…

Natalie sheds light on the tarantula's misunderstood reputation, revealing why these gentle giants surface during October and how their real-life behavior inspired centuries of fear and folklore. Meanwhile, Coral delves into the owl's enduring mystique, from its silent flight and fixed gaze to the cultural symbolism that casts it as both a wise protector and an omen of death.

Together, we unravel how myth and biology intertwine, proving that the creatures that spook us most often hold the deepest stories about the natural world.

CREDITS:

• Spooky raven theory: @wingsandwildlands
• Raven, bear, wolf video: @wolfgirl_maine

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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

Join us in continuing this Spooky Season as we sit down with Scott Heacox to explore the truly exciting world of parasitic insects in the Coachella Valley. From wasps that turn their hosts into living nurseries to fungi that create zombie ants, Scott reveals the fascinating and sometimes horrifying survival strategies of desert insects. This spine-tingling conversation uncovers the complex relationships between parasites and their hosts, demonstrating that the scariest stories aren't found in horror movies—they're happening right now in the desert ecosystem around us.

RAY OF HOPE:

In a time when insects are often misunderstood and feared, Scott Heacox's work stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that understanding these complex creatures—even the parasitic ones—reveals the intricate balance and resilience of desert ecosystems.

This educational approach represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: scientific curiosity replacing fear, local communities appreciating the ecological roles of all insects (even the creepy ones), and a deeper understanding of how parasitic relationships maintain healthy populations and biodiversity in the Coachella Valley for generations to come.

ANXIETY TO ACTION:

In an era where insect populations face unprecedented threats, understanding the fascinating world of parasitic wasps, ants, and crickets reminds us that every creature—no matter how unsettling—plays a vital role in maintaining the health of desert ecosystems.

Take Action:

• Learn about the insects in your local desert ecosystem and their ecological roles
• Support desert conservation organizations protecting insect habitats
• Share your newfound knowledge about parasitic insects to help others overcome fear with understanding
• Participate in citizen science projects documenting desert insect populations

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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

PHOTO LINKS:

• Scorpion Photo & Video
• Parasitoid Wasp Orasema Heacoxi
• Death's Head Cockroach
• Bat Flies
• Water Strider

Join us as we sit down with Katie Shaw, a social scientist with The Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert, to explore the fascinating intersection of human behavior and wildlife conservation. Kate shares insights into their innovative "Time to Talk Trash" conservation program, which targets the root cause of rising raven populations that threaten endangered desert tortoises. This eye-opening conversation reveals how changing human behavior around waste management can have profound impacts on desert ecosystems, demonstrating that sometimes the most effective wildlife conservation happens by focusing on people, not just animals.

RAY OF HOPE:

In a time when desert tortoise populations face mounting pressure from increasing raven predation, The Living Desert's "Time to Talk Trash" program stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that community conservation and social science can intersect to make a positive impact on imperiled desert wildlife.

This community-driven approach represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: social science informing conservation strategy, local communities becoming active partners in wildlife protection, and behavioral change programs that create lasting benefits for both people and the desert species that depend on balanced ecosystems for generations to come.

ANXIETY TO ACTION:

In an era where human activities increasingly impact wildlife survival, The Living Desert's trash management program reminds us that we have the power to be part of the solution, one behavioral change and one protected tortoise at a time.

Take Action:

• Support The Living Desert's conservation programs and "Time to Talk Trash" initiative.
• Practice proper waste disposal and secure trash containers in desert communities.
• Educate others about the connection between human behavior and wildlife impacts.
• Advocate for community-based conservation programs that address root causes.

RESOURCES:

• What are Ravenous Ravens? Learn more here.
• Learn more about The Living Desert and their conservation programs: here.
• "Time to Talk Trash" program information: here.
• Desert tortoise conservation resources: here.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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

Get ready for our most innovative episode yet! In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge world of conservation technology (CTs) with Tim Shields from Ornilogic, who is revolutionizing desert tortoise protection through creative technological solutions. Tim shares mind-blowing conservation tools, including laser guns to deter raven presence and ingenious fake tortoise babies filled with grape juice designed to discourage ravens from eating real tortoise youngsters. This fascinating conversation explores how CTs are transforming wildlife protection by gamifying conservation efforts and making the fight against extinction both effective and FUN!

RAY OF HOPE:

In a time when traditional conservation methods struggle to keep pace with the rapid decline of species, Tim Shields' innovative CTs stand as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that creative problem-solving and cutting-edge tools can transform how we protect endangered species. By gamifying conservation through laser deterrents, decoy tortoises, and other ingenious devices, this approach shows that fighting extinction can be both scientifically rigorous and genuinely enjoyable for conservationists and the public alike.

Tim's work represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: technology making conservation more effective and engaging, creative solutions that outsmart wildlife threats, and innovative approaches that inspire the next generation of conservationists by proving that saving species can be as exciting as any video game.

ANXIETY TO ACTION:

In an era where extinction rates are accelerating, Tim Shields' conservation technologies remind us that we have the power to be part of the solution through innovation, creativity, and making conservation irresistibly engaging, one protected tortoise at a time.

Take Action:

• Support Ornilogic and other conservation technology innovators.
• Advocate for funding conservation technology research and development.
• Share the excitement of conservation innovation to inspire others.
• Explore how technology and creativity can enhance local conservation efforts.

RESOURCES:

• Learn more about Ornilogic and Tim Shields' CTs here.
• Tim Shields' TED Talk here.
• Desert tortoise protection programs here.
• Raven clicking noise - YouTube

Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Danielle Wall, recorded live at a studio in Joshua Tree, California! In this exclusive episode, Danielle shares wild stories from her years as a snake wrangler out West, fascinating fun facts about rattlesnake behavior, and essential rescue advice that could save both human and snake lives. The interview becomes even more exciting when Danielle brings out a baby rattlesnake, providing us with a rare up-close look at these remarkable desert predators. From dramatic rescue calls to the intricate world of snake biology, this episode will completely transform how you think about rattlesnakes and desert wildlife.

RAY OF HOPE:

In a time when fear and misunderstanding drive humans to kill harmless and beneficial snakes, Danielle Wall's mission to "save one snake and save one life" stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that compassion and education can transform our relationship with wildlife. Through her volunteer efforts in Joshua Tree, California, Danielle rescues and relocates rattlesnakes throughout the Mojave Desert, proving that coexistence is possible when we choose understanding over fear.

Danielle's work represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: changing hearts and minds one rescue at a time, building bridges between human communities and wildlife, and creating safer outcomes for both people and snakes through professional relocation services that benefit generations to come.

ANXIETY TO ACTION:

In an era where wildlife-human conflicts are increasing, Danielle's snake rescue work reminds us that we have the power to be part of the solution, one rescued rattlesnake at a time.

Advocate for wildlife coexistence! Share educational content about snake safety and the important role snakes play in desert ecosystems.

Call professional snake relocators instead of killing snakes - every life matters.

RESOURCES:

• Follow Danielle Wall's snake rescue nonprofit: @high_desert_dani
• Snake safety and identification resources for the Mojave Desert: here

PHOTO / VIDEO CREDIT:

• Northern Pacific | WildSafe B.C.
• Burrowing Owl Video
• Mojave Desert Photography | Colin Barrows

Dani Photographers:

• Richard Stow: @richardstow
• Katie Shearer: @kateshearerstudio
• Shaughn and John: @shaughn_and_john

In this important episode, hosts Coral and Natalie discuss the history of Joshua tree conservation in Southern California and examine the groundbreaking Joshua Tree Conservation Act. They explore what it takes to protect these iconic desert trees under their own dedicated legislation, analyzing the current threats Joshua trees face from rapid solar development and the escalating impacts of climate change. This comprehensive conversation covers the legislative journey, conservation challenges, and the critical importance of specialized protection for one of the Mojave Desert's most beloved and vulnerable species.

RAY OF HOPE:

In a time when Joshua trees face unprecedented threats from development and climate change, the Joshua Tree Conservation Act stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that targeted legislation can provide specialized protection for vulnerable species. This dedicated act recognizes Joshua trees as unique and irreplaceable elements of Southern California's desert heritage, creating a framework for their long-term survival despite mounting environmental pressures.

The Joshua Tree Conservation Act represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: species-specific conservation legislation that addresses real threats, communities and lawmakers working together to protect iconic landscapes, and proactive measures that will safeguard these ancient desert sentinels for generations to come.

ANXIETY TO ACTION:

In an era of rapid desert development and climate uncertainty, the Joshua Tree Conservation Act reminds us that we have the power to be part of the solution, one protected tree and preserved habitat at a time. The iconic act is one of its kind, providing one single species with strong protections, paving the way for future species to be protected in their own right.

• Support the Joshua Tree Conservation Act by contacting your representatives.
• Advocate for responsible solar development that avoids critical Joshua tree habitat.
• Participate in public comment periods for desert development projects.
• Educate others about the unique ecological importance of Joshua trees.

RESOURCES:

• Learn more about the Joshua Tree Conservation here
• Responsible renewable energy development guidelines here
• Climate change impacts on Joshua trees research here

PHOTO CREDITS:

• Yucca Moth
• Yucca Moth | Ann Cooper
• Yucca Moth | NPS
• York Fire | David Swanson
• Dome Fire | JT Sohr, NPS
• Dome Fire | James Quigg
• Native Territories | SAND TO STONE
• Manirva
• Eastern Joshua Tree | Jim Boone
• Mojave Desert Photography | Colin Barrows