Scientista

What does a bright-red bird have to do with global conservation? For Patricia Zurita, Chief Strategy Officer at Conservation International, it was the Andean cock-of-the-rock that first sparked her passion for protecting nature. In this episode, Patricia shares how that pivotal moment in Ecuador’s cloud forests led her to a career at the intersection of economics, conservation, and global policy. She explains why biodiversity is critical to human survival, how we can create economic incentives for sustainability, and why protecting nature is ultimately about protecting people. Tune in for a fascinating conversation on the power of nature, science, and smart policy to shape our future.

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How do we protect the climate policies that shape our future? Lora Snyder, former Staff Director for the House Natural Resources Committee, joins The Scientista Podcast to break down the fight for renewable energy, coastal restoration, and conservation policy. From defending the Inflation Reduction Act to countering fossil fuel interests, she shares what’s at stake in the push for true energy independence and why smart climate policy is critical for both the planet and the economy. Listen now for an inside look at how environmental policy is shaped—and why it matters more than ever.

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How does representation shape leadership? In this episode of The Scientista Podcast, Tamara Wilds Lawson, President & CEO of the Washington Area Women’s Foundation, shares how growing up around strong women in leadership shaped her path. From her family’s legacy of activism to her work advancing gender and racial equity, she discusses why visibility, community, and service are critical for driving change. Listen now for an inspiring conversation on leadership, representation, and building a more inclusive future.

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How do you stop the next pandemic before it starts? Dr. Nikki Romanik, former Deputy Director and Chief of Staff for the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness, has spent her career answering that question. In this episode of The Scientista Podcast, she takes us behind the scenes of pandemic response, from Ebola to COVID-19, and reveals what it will take to protect the world from the next outbreak.

From fighting misinformation to rebuilding public trust in science, Nikki breaks down the critical lessons we can’t afford to ignore. 

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What happens when the air your child breathes makes them sick? For Ebony Twilley Martin, it sparked a journey from concerned mother to climate justice leader. In this episode of The Scientista Podcast, the former Executive Director of Greenpeace USA shares how environmental racism, activism, and leadership intersect—and why frontline communities must be at the center of climate solutions.

From breaking barriers in the environmental movement to challenging the backlash against diversity and inclusion, Ebony brings a powerful perspective on what it takes to drive real change.

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Sherri Goodman: The Godmother of Climate and Security

Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a national security risk. In this episode of The Scientista Podcast, Sherri Goodman, the expert who coined the term “threat multiplier,” explains how climate-driven disasters are reshaping global defense strategies.

As a former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense, Goodman shares how the military is preparing for climate risks, why global alliances matter more than ever, and what it will take to build a safer, more resilient future.

If you care about security, climate action, or how science shapes policy, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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