The Bird Joy Podcast

In this special on-the-road episode, Dexter and Jason visit the Soaring Eagles of Chase STEMM Academy in Toledo, Ohio, for an inspiring conversation with 6th and 7th-grade student ambassadors. Just steps from Manhattan Marsh, these young scholars are exploring nature, STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine), and their big dreams. Shout-out to Vonda Hogle for helping bring this recording to life! Another big shoutout to the folks at The Biggest Week in Birding for connecting us with this incredible school. 

Episode Highlights

1. Welcome – Dexter & Jason share their journeys in science, birding, and the power of outdoor learning.
2. Birding at the Marsh – Students reflect on nature sightings and the magic of having a marsh next to their school.
3. STEMM Spotlights – Student ambassadors talk favorite subjects, proud projects, and future careers in STEMM fields.
4. Flip the Mic – Students ask the hosts about birding, STEMM careers, and staying curious.
5. Final Takeaways – A call to keep exploring—in the classroom, in nature, and beyond.

Key Themes

• Nature as a living classroom
• Birding as a gateway to science
• Empowering the next generation of STEMM leaders
• Joy, curiosity, and connection in education

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget: keep asking questions, keep exploring, and keep spreading that Bird Joy. Let’s go!

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin

In Color Birding

Resources & Mentions:

• 📚 Black & Brown Faces in America's Wild Places by Dudley Edmondson
• 📖 People the Planet Needs Now
• 🎥 PBS: America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston
• 🖼️ Minnesota Marine Art Museum – Northern Waters

Connect with Dudley Edmondson:

• Website: www.dudleyedmondson.com
• Instagram: @dudleyedmondson

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin: bipocbirdingclub.org
In Color Birding Club: incolorbirding.org

We’re celebrating Black Birders Week with a very special guest: Corina Newsome — wildlife biologist, conservation scientist, and one of the original co-organizers of the first Black Birders Week in 2020. In this inspiring episode, Corina joins Dexter and Jason to talk about her journey from zookeeper to passionate advocate for environmental justice, and how she’s helping reshape who feels welcome in the outdoors.

Corina reflects on the moment she fell in love with wildlife, the movement-building behind Black Birders Week (founded by Black AF in STEM), and how becoming a mother is deepening her connection to nature. This episode is full of heart, humor, and real talk—from favorite birding snacks and awe-filled moments to the ongoing work of creating inclusive spaces in science and nature. It’s a celebration of joy, justice, and unapologetic presence in wild places.

Instagram: @hood_naturalist
LinkedIn: Corina Newsome
Website: www.corinanewsome.com

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin: bipocbirdingclub.org
In Color Birding Club: incolorbirding.org

🎧 Subscribe to Bird Joy wherever you listen to podcasts and follow @thebirdjoypod for more episodes celebrating birds, community, and belonging.

In this episode, Dexter and Jason sit down with Kojo Baidoo — a 23-year-old birder, Princeton graduate, and self-proclaimed vulture enthusiast — to explore how one young conservationist is flipping the script on one of the most misunderstood birds in the skies.

Kojo shares how his birding journey began in Maryland and took flight during his time studying Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Princeton. He opens up about his experiences navigating the birding world as a young Black birder, the mentors who shaped him, and how he’s using social media to educate and inspire. From viral reels to fieldwork with The Nature Conservancy, Kojo’s mission is clear: even the “ugly” birds deserve joy.

The conversation also touches on Kojo’s recent trip to witness the Sandhill Crane migration, his current work as a Hubbard Fellow, and advice for aspiring birders who feel like outsiders in the outdoor space. Kojo’s blend of humor, heart, and scientific insight makes this episode a powerful reminder that birding can be a tool for joy, community, and change.

Instagram: @kojobirder
Learn more about Black Vultures here

Subscribe, rate, and review Bird Joy wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on social @thebirdjoypod for more feathered joy and behind-the-scenes content!

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin 

In Color Birding 

In this inspiring episode of The Bird Joy Podcast, Jason and Dexter sit down with Shane Alden Edwards, better known online as The Wild Dryad. A self-taught illustrator and botanist, Shane has captured the hearts of over half a million nature lovers through his vibrant educational content centered on plants, ecology, and outdoor learning.

From early creative roots in aquaponics and drawing, to leading community workshops in partnership with The Conservation Foundation and The Field Museum of Natural History, Shane shares how art and education can work together to nurture a deeper relationship with the natural world.

We talk about the joy of native plants, the importance of experiential learning, and how community and creativity can foster healing for both people and the planet.

Topics Covered:

• Shane’s journey into botany through art and aquaponics
• How acting and improv shape his unique teaching style
• Building inclusive, community-centered environmental education
• The importance of native plants for birds, biodiversity, and ecosystems
• Memorable experiences studying ecology in North America and Southeast Asia
• What it’s like to grow an online community of over 500,000 nature lovers
• Tips for beginners who want to start exploring plants and botany
• Hopes for the future of conservation, education, and environmental justice
• Finding joy through connection with plants and nature

bipocbirdingclub.org

incolorbirding.org

The second episode of The Bird Joy Podcast features hosts Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall in conversation with their "dream guest," Dr. J. Drew Lanham, a distinguished wildlife ecologist, professor, poet, and author. The episode delves into Dr. Lanham's deep connections to nature, starting with his childhood on The Home Place and the influence of his grandmother.

The discussion explores themes of land, identity, and belonging for Black individuals in landscapes with a history of slavery, referencing Dr. Lanham's book The Home Place. It also discusses the realities of "Birding While Black," including the experience of being watched and the question of safety, while also touching on the progress and necessary changes brought about by initiatives like Black Birders Week.

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the concept of "Joy as Justice," the title of Dr. Lanham's latest poetry collection. They explore why joy is central to his work and its meaning as a form of resistance. They also discuss navigating grief alongside the wonder of nature.

The hosts and Dr. Lanham touch upon the power of storytelling in conservation, blending science with poetry, and the impact of his writing, referencing his BirdNote episode "For Lindsay." The episode concludes with a discussion on legacy, advice for young Black and Brown nature enthusiasts, and Dr. Lanham's hopes for the future of birding and the outdoors.

The hosts thanked Dr. Lanham and provided information on where listeners can find his work before signing off. They also shouted out relevant organizations and called listeners to action.

bipocbirdingclub.org

incolorbirding.org

We're back! In the Season 3 premiere of Bird Joy, your favorite birding buddies reunite to catch up, share what’s new, and get pumped for the peak of spring migration. From exciting bird sightings to major personal milestones—including Dexter’s new book and In Color Birding Club’s website launch—this episode sets the tone for an inspiring and vibrant new season.

In This Episode:

• A warm welcome back to the Bird Joy community
• Early spring sightings and birding energy
• Community-driven birding updates and new collaborations
• Behind-the-scenes of Dexter’s book journey
• Launch of a new inclusive birding platform
• What’s ahead this season—special guests, stories, and inspiration

Subscribe, share, and follow us on socials to stay in the loop this season. Got a cool spring birding moment? Tag us—we’d love to see it!

Let’s go! Season 3 is officially in flight. 

Season 2 of the Bird Joy Podcast was an unforgettable journey! This season, we celebrated diverse voices and explored themes like birding, mentorship, science communication, healing, community, and breaking barriers in STEAM fields. From pioneers like Emmy-award winner and best-selling author Christian Cooper to next-generation leaders like Isaiah Scott, our guests inspired us with their passion and wisdom.

Dexter reflects on the personal growth and healing sparked by powerful conversations with guests like Tammah Watts and Melissa Hafting. At the same time, Jason hilariously compares a male Northern Cardinal to Adele (yes, that happened!).

As we gear up for Season 3, we invite YOU, our listeners, to join the show by sharing your Bird Joy stories. Plus, get a sneak peek at exciting future guests and how we’re working to grow the podcast, reach more people, and fairly compensate our amazing guests.

Follow us on Instagram @thebirdjoypod and check out our incredible Season 2 guests:

• Christian Cooper – @christiancooperbirder
• Isaiah Scott – @ikesbirdinghikes
• Jordan Rowley – @brighteyedbirding
• Mariah Hryniewich – @mariaheve13
• Luis Eduardo Gles – @phonescoper
• Amar Ayyash 
• Lauren Pharr – @ldpharr
• Dr. Murry Burges – @murryloub
• Field Inclusive – @fieldinclusive
• Indigo Goodson-Fields – @indigoindaflow
• Tammah Watts – @tammahwatts
• Calvin Feagans – @biotainframe
• Alex Troutman – @n8ture_al
• Melissa Hafting – @bcbirdergirl

• Audience Involvement: We want to hear from you! Record a short voice memo sharing your favorite birding moments, reflections on the podcast, or what Bird Joy means to you. Please email us at [email protected]

Shoutouts: 

• A big shoutout to Field Inclusive (it’s Field Inclusive Week!)
• Jasmine Banks of Operation Fresh Start, Christopher Kilgour of Color in the Outdoors, Outdoor Auntie.
• Support the Podcast: Help us grow by subscribing, sharing, and leaving a review. Interested in partnering with us? Reach out to support or sponsor the podcast and help us scale while fairly compensating our guests.

We’re so proud to showcase the diversity and beauty of the birding community. To all our Bird Nerd homies, thank you for making Season 2 unforgettable. We’ll see you in Season 3—we outside all 2025!

In the final guest appearance of Season 2, Dexter and Jason sit down with British Columbia's own Melissa Hafting to explore how birding can provide profound healing and hope. Melissa reflects on her experiences as a Black woman birding in British Columbia and discusses her remarkable new book, Dare to Bird: Exploring the Joy and Healing Power of Birds. She shares how her parents nurtured her love for birds early on and how that foundational support motivates her to mentor the next generation of birders in her community and beyond through the BC Young Birders Program she founded in 2014.

Melissa is a trailblazer in the birding community, breaking barriers, championing diversity, and leading with grace and determination.

The conversation also touches on Melissa's favorite birding spots in BC, including the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary and Boundary Bay. She talks about her role as an eBird reviewer and showcases her breathtaking bird photography.

Melissa Hafting is a shining example of how Black women significantly contribute to birding and beyond.

Connect with Melissa:

📸 Follow Melissa: @bcbirdergirl  

🌐 Visit her website: Dare to Bird

We also want to thank the Special Bird Service, another Canadian organization dedicated to making nature more accessible. Through birding, they aim to remove barriers and challenge stereotypes about the outdoors.

Connect with Us:

🐦 Dexter: @WiscoBirder  

🐦 Jason: @TheBirdingBeardsman

🌐 More episodes & resources: Bird Joy Podcast

🎙️ Are you ready for some Bird Joy? Let's Go!

In this uplifting episode, Dexter and Jason are joined by Alex Troutman, known as the “Best Smile in Birding,” to explore the many ways to find joy in the great outdoors. Whether it’s birding, fishing, hunting, or camping, Alex inspires us to live life with a wildlife mirror, reflecting the beauty of the natural world.

Alex shares his incredible research journey highlights, including studying Karner Blue Butterflies in Wisconsin, sea turtles in Texas, and bats in Malaysia.

The conversation includes Bird Joy Podcast shoutouts to Hunters of Color, Black Duck Revival, and the homie Mahdi Woodard, the Atlanta Birdman.

Don’t miss Alex’s thoughts on his upcoming merch and the hosts’ shared dream of birding in South America to spot the iconic Harpy Eagle. Want to help them get there? Holler at your bird-loving crew!

Connect with Us:

Follow Alex Troutman: @N8ture_Al

Dexter: @WiscoBirder

Jason: @TheBirdingBeardsman

🌐 More episodes & resources: Bird Joy Podcast

🎙️ Are you ready for some Bird Joy? Let’s Go!