Sandy Steers is the Executive Director of Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), a non-profit in Big Bear Lake, California, dedicated to protecting and preserving wildlife habitat across the 15-mile Big Bear Valley in the San Bernardino National Forest.

At the heart of the valley is an active bald eagle nest—home to Jackie and Shadow. Through FOBBV’s 24/7 livestream camera, millions of viewers around the world have been able to witness the pair’s lives up close, finding joy, education, and even comfort in the process.

In this episode, Sandy and I explore the incredible story of Jackie and Shadow, their eaglets Sunny and Gizmo, the challenges bald eagles face in the valley, and Sandy’s own inspiring journey to the mountains that brought her peace.

Learn more about Friends of Big Bear Valley and watch the eagle livestream at friendsofbigbearvalley.org

It was an honor to sit down with Sandy! I am beyond grateful for her time, and am thrilled that so many people get to connect with nature on a daily basis thanks to Jackie and Shadow. 
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Dr. Morgan Cable is a research scientist at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. Her mission is to help answer one of humanity’s biggest questions: are we alone in the universe?

In this episode, we explore how NASA uses national parks as analog sites to study the landscapes of other worlds. Dr. Cable explains how these environments provide testing grounds for new technologies designed to operate on different terrains and in alien atmospheres.

Named to the American Chemical Society’s “Talented 12” in 2018, Dr. Cable has contributed to some of NASA’s most exciting missions, including Cassini-Huygens, the Mars Perseverance Rover, Europa Clipper, and the Dragonfly mission to Titan.

Our conversation also dives into the mysteries of the ocean worlds Europa and Enceladus—their habitability, potential for life, and why they captivate planetary scientists. And beyond her work, we talk about Morgan’s adventurous hobbies, from surfing to mountain unicycling.

It was an honor to host Dr. Morgan Cable on the podcast. Her passion, expertise, and energy are truly inspiring, and her contributions to planetary science are nothing short of remarkable.

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Will Deacy is the Large Mammal Ecologist at Rocky Mountain National Park, where he plays a key role in managing some of the park’s most iconic wildlife. With a background that includes grizzly bear research on Kodiak Island in Alaska, Will brings a wealth of experience to his work with Rocky’s booming elk and moose populations—species that have flourished in the absence of natural predators.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of large mammals at Rocky Mountain National Park. Will shares insights into the ecological challenges of managing these populations and what it takes to maintain a balanced and healthy ecosystem in one of America's most beloved parks. We also chat through the importance of wetlands and riparian areas and the negative effects that large moose and elk have on these fragile ecosystems. 

Will is an incredible human who has accomplished so much in his role as a large mammal ecologist. I am grateful for his work and thankful for his time on this podcast. 
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In this episode, we sit down with Mike Lukens, who has dedicated over 15 years to Rocky Mountain National Park and currently serves as the Climbing and Wilderness Program Supervisor. Mike oversees critical aspects of the park's operations, including Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts, ensuring visitor safety across its vast wilderness.

Beyond his administrative role, Mike is an accomplished climber. In 2016, alongside Quinn Brett and Max Barlerin, he completed the first ascent of the "Colorado Route" on the south face of Fitz Roy in Patagonia—a challenging 500-meter climb rated at 5.11c .

What You'll Learn:

• The diverse recreational opportunities within Rocky Mountain National Park, from technical climbs to serene backcountry adventures.
• Insights into the park's SAR operations and the importance of preventative measures for visitor safety.
• Mike's personal experiences and stories from his climbing expeditions and rescue missions.

Why Listen:

Gain a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty and challenges of Rocky Mountain National Park through the eyes of a seasoned ranger and climber. Whether you're an avid adventurer or a casual park visitor, Mike's insights offer valuable perspectives on safety, exploration, and the spirit of the wilderness.
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Kyle Patterson is the Public Affairs Officer at Rocky Mountain National Park. For the past 23 years, she’s served as a Park Ranger, dedicating her career to community engagement and media relations.

In this episode, Kyle and I dive into what makes Rocky Mountain one of America’s most iconic national parks. We explore the park’s rich history, how visitors experience its vast landscape, and the unique challenges and joys of protecting such a beloved place.

Kyle’s passion for Rocky Mountain is undeniable. Her deep love for the park is infectious, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our conversation.
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In this episode, I’m joined by Carole Graham and Laura Brumbaugh, two archaeologists from Mesa Verde National Park. We explore their roles within the park, what makes the Mesa Verde region such a culturally rich and significant place, and the deep, continuous human history that has unfolded here over thousands of years.

I'm incredibly grateful to have had both Carole and Laura on the podcast. Their knowledge and passion for archaeology—and for sharing the stories of the people who lived in this remarkable landscape—make this a special conversation.
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Satchel Martin is an Indigenous Ranger Intern at Mesa Verde National Park. Satchel is a part of the Hopi Tribe of Arizona and shares with us his special and personal perspective of the ancestral history and significance of Mesa Verde. 

I am so thankful for this conversation with Satchel. His personal stories and experiences are so special to listen to. His insight will help lead people towards a more connected and respectful experience when they're visiting Mesa Verde National Park.
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Dalton Dorrell is a Supervisory Park Ranger that focuses on Education, Community Outreach, and Interpretation at Mesa Verde National Park. In our conversation together, Ranger Dalton and I chatted through Mesa Verde's incredible history, tips and tricks for visitors, important safety rules and a whole lot more. 

Dalton is from south-western Colorado and has dreamed of working at Mesa Verde since he was a little kid. He even chased his dreams as a 12-year-old volunteering with the US Forest Service. 

I had an amazing time chatting with Ranger Dalton, he's a special human who cares deeply about our National Parks. 
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Brinnen Carter is the Chief of Resources at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. In this episode, Ranger Brinnen and I chat all about the incredible natural and cultural resources of the Black Canyon.

From traditional hunting grounds for ancient tribes to learning all about the individuals that make up the resource team, Brinnen shares fascinating information throughout this podcast.

I had a blast getting to sit down with Park Ranger Brinnen, he's an incredible land manager with an amazing amount of knowledge. 
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Lori Rome is the Chief of Interpretation at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. She's had an incredible career with the National Park Service, working at some of the premier parks in the United States. 

In this episode, Lori and I chat all about the Black Canyon - from Geology to wildlife and a whole lot more. 

Lori also shares tips for visitors that are looking to do some of the top hikes and those that dare to scramble down to the bottom of the canyon. 
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