ANOOOOOTHA episode of that quirky bird girl is up and this is a topic that I personally know alllllllll tooooooo wellllllll (because i had to fight for it) - joy!

this series has been so much fun to build and from last week's episode of resilience, it's only natural that our next topic is joy! why? because joy is a direct result of your ability to be resilient and recognize the beauty in our day to day!

it's a challenge to continue to be joyful in a world that can seem, oh, so very dark at times! but, birds guide me to find and re-find myself each and every single time!

in this episode, i talk about the steller's jay (whose name will soon be changed!), white throated sparrows and many many more!!

love y'all super mucho, hope you enjoy this new episode, and I will see ya on the other side :)))))

-steph

UR quirky bird girl

https://linktr.ee/learnaboutbirds

Welcome to SEASON 5 of THAT QUIRKY BIRD GIRL -- I cannot believe we have come this far and that I'm typing this, a year after launching this podcast and growing my community, we are now at over 10,000 quirksters and chirpers AND have a budding IRL community of over 800 people in NYC.

As this community grows, I've been spending a lot of time thinking about the advice and life experience that I want to be sharing with you all, and well -- from that, I am launching a brand new series!

We will be bringing back Bird Banter, but in a completely different way! Each week, we’ll explore a new value that the birds around me have helped me understand. The birds I’ve encountered, the moments that changed me, and the lessons I’m still learning from them.

Starting off strong (and arguably one of my favorites), RESILIENCE! I've talked about resilience a few times on my channel, but I'm so excited to be exploring it further with you all! In this episode, we dive deep into the areas of my life where I did (and DID NOT) feel strong, we chat the birds that supported me, and how I use this skill today.

So, my Quirksters and Chirpers… tell me—what value are we diving into next??

Love y'all super mucho and I will see ya on the other side :)))))

-steph

UR quirky bird girl

If you are coming to NYC or live here, check out my bird walks! They're fun, low-pressure, and beginner friendly for anyone to learn how to enjoy birds, outdoors, and maybe even a little exercise along the way :)

https://linktr.ee/learnaboutbirds

I had the best conversation with Kelly VanZant — and this one really stayed with me (all the way through and to Ecuador, if you've been following my TikToks lately!). 🥹✨

We talk about what it actually looks like to move through the world with dyslexia, ADHD, and dyscalculia — and how Kelly went from feeling challenged by those experiences to recognizing them as her superpowers. Not in a surface-level way, but in a deeply real, lived, “I figured this out and now I help others do the same” kind of way.

Kelly is the founder of Neuro Navigation, where she supports neurodivergent individuals in accessing the tools, accommodations, and confidence they deserve. We get into how she’s built a community and created resources that bridge gaps in systems that weren’t designed with neurodivergent people in mind.

We also talk about the honest side of advocacy — what it feels like to speak up for yourself, how exhausting that can be, and why having the right support system makes all the difference.

If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, underestimated, or like you had to work twice as hard just to be seen — this episode is your reminder: your brain isn’t broken, you are not broken… once you find your systems, it might just be your greatest strength. ✨

iiiiiiiii’m baccccckkkk! 🦆🦅

In this episode, I sit down with the lovely Ryan Goldberg, author of the newly published Bird City. Together, we talk birds, community, and the stories that shape who we become.

Ryan shares how his passion for birds began, the people who supported him along the way, and what it took to bring Bird City to life—a four-year journey shaped by both human and avian connections. As we chat, we even spot and admire birds in real time, birds like the Red-tailed Hawk, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch, Tufted Titmouse, and more.

We dive into how the city influenced Ryan from the very beginning, the birds that changed everything for him, and why storytelling—with care and intention—matters so deeply.

This is a truly can’t-miss episode with a can’t-miss author.

On a personal note, Ryan is incredibly inspiring and deeply community-driven. He cares about how stories are told and isn’t afraid to show it. I admire his passion for sharing and genuinely encourage everyone to seek out guides and voices with the same kindness, thoughtfulness, and enthusiasm that Ryan brings to his work.

✨You can learn more about Bird City and Ryan's website for his other amazing articles here!✨Be sure to subscribe to his Substack here!

BUCKLE IN - we are at Vanderbilt, chatting about two birds that I absolutely love and have heard a lot from during my time here. hope you enjoy :) 🛍️ Order your limited edition That Quirky Bird Girl pin here:⁠https://square.link/u/YK7XiuV8📲 Find all my other content, links, and lives here:⁠https://linktr.ee/learnaboutbirds⁠

In this episode of That Quirky Bird Girl, I sit down with the lovely and incredibly intelligent Daisy Yuhas — author, science writer, and genuinely one of the most grounded people I’ve ever talked to about birds!! 🐦‍⬛

We dive into her lifelong love of birds, how her childhood curiosity turned into a career in science communication, and the story behind her gorgeous book A Field Guide of Birds. Daisy and I talk about the accessibility of birding (yes, even if you don’t know a single bird name yet!), the species that first captured her heart, and why empathy and community are at the center of how she approaches nature.

We also explore the collaborative and creative process behind writing her book — how she worked with scientists, artists, and everyday bird lovers to build something beautiful, educational, and deeply human.

This episode is equal parts cozy conversation, nerdy bird joy, and a gentle reminder that paying attention to nature can reconnect us to ourselves and to each other. If you’ve ever wondered how birds help us build community and compassion… this one is for you.

Tune in, chirper and quirkster. You're gonna love Daisy. 💛🪶

Want to check learn more about Daisy? Check out her Instagram here and her website. 🛍️ Order your limited edition That Quirky Bird Girl pin here:⁠https://square.link/u/YK7XiuV8📲 Find all my other content, links, and lives here:⁠https://linktr.ee/learnaboutbirds⁠

In the season premiere of That Quirky Bird Girl, I explore what three incredible birds — the early-mating American Woodcock, the curious juvenile Red-bellied Sapsucker, and the clever Corvid family — have taught me about navigating business, creativity, and self-growth.

From showing up before you feel ready, to valuing learning over comparison, to keeping a wide perspective when things get tough, these birds model what it means to adapt, evolve, and lead with resilience.

As I continue to grow my brand and community, I’m learning that progress doesn’t always look like a straight flight path — sometimes it’s a looping migration, a pause to rest, or a brave detour toward something new.

🪶 Tune in for a heart-centered episode about embracing change, trusting your instincts, and finding your own rhythm in a world that often demands speed and certainty.

Order your limited edition That Quirky Bird Girl pin here:⁠https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLNBR88D654P9/checkout/ACJQVI63WDTQK7RXNTQ7DGZP⁠

Find all my other content, links, and lives here:⁠https://linktr.ee/learnaboutbirds⁠

In this episode, I’m getting a little more personal. I open up about some of the toughest challenges I’ve faced — and how, somehow, birds always found a way to guide me through them.

From the boldness of Blue Jays to the quiet persistence of American Robins, these birds became my teachers, my mirrors, and my reminders that growth isn’t always graceful, but it’s always worth it.

They helped me rebuild when I thought I had nothing left to give. They showed me that curiosity, joy, and even a little silliness can exist right alongside healing.

This episode is a love letter to resilience, to change, and to finding your wings again — no matter how many times you’ve fallen.

Tune in for a story about transformation, self-belief, and the unexpected magic of the natural world that’s always trying to show us how to soar.

🛍️ Order your limited edition That Quirky Bird Girl pin here:⁠https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLNBR88D654P9/checkout/ACJQVI63WDTQK7RXNTQ7DGZP⁠📲 Find all my other content, links, and lives here:⁠https://linktr.ee/learnaboutbirds⁠

Hi there chirper or quirkster!!

In this (reluctantly: heartwarming) episode, I’m sharing how birds have been my greatest teachers, motivators, mentors, and mirrors through every major chapter of my life. From American Robins reminding me to stay curious, to Steller’s Jays showing me the power of using my voice, birds have guided me through fear, change, and EVEN the moments when I doubted my own potential (????!).

I talk about how birds helped me rebuild my confidence after moving to NYC, the ways they continue to shape my creative journey as That Quirky Bird Girl, and how every bird — from the bold Blue Jay to the soaring Osprey — has something to teach us about chasing our dreams and staying true to ourselves.

This episode is part storytime // part reflection, and 100% a love letter to the birds that helped me become who I am today.

Check out...- Birds that inspired my confidence and creativity

- The connection between nature, healing, and personal growth

- Why birds are at the heart of my work, my mission, and my joy

Listen now and rediscover your own wings!!

Order your limited edition That Quirky Bird Girl pin here:⁠https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLNBR88D654P9/checkout/ACJQVI63WDTQK7RXNTQ7DGZP⁠Find all my other content, links, and lives here:⁠https://linktr.ee/learnaboutbirds⁠

In this episode, I sit down with Nick Bayard, Executive Director of BirdNote, the beloved nonprofit radio program that has reached over 10 million listeners nationwide with stories that spark wonder and action for our lovely birds.

Nick shares his journey from being a peacekeeper in Paraguay to leading a non-profit that uniquely blends education, storytelling, and even humor to bring bird conservation into people’s daily lives. We reflect on how his time in the Peace Corps shaped his understanding of community, and why humor and authenticity are such powerful tools for connection (cross-linguistically, because yes, he speaks Guarani'!!).

Together, we dive into the ways BirdNote inspires people to take meaningful steps for birds, and how audience engagement and fundraising are essential to sustaining BirdNote's vital mission.

✨Want to support BirdNote? ✨ On October 29th, they’re hosting a special event (VIRTUALLY!!!) to raise funds that help keep their programming streaming for free to national radio stations. Don’t miss the chance to uplift the work of a nonprofit that’s changing the way millions of people see and care for our birds.

Secure your spot here: https://www.birdnote.org/explore/field-notes/2025/10/reasons-celebrate-joy-filled-auction-conversation-j-drew-lanham

Tune in to BirdNote daily hear how storytelling, community, and a little quirkiness can make the world a better place for both birds and people.

birdnote.org

Order your limited edition That Quirky Bird Girl pin here:⁠https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLNBR88D654P9/checkout/ACJQVI63WDTQK7RXNTQ7DGZP⁠Find all my other content, links, and lives here:⁠https://linktr.ee/learnaboutbirds⁠