Welcome back to part 2 of our thermophiles in Yellowstone conversation! If you haven’t tuned in to part 1 first, I recommend pausing this episode and hopping into the previous one to learn the basics about the terrific thermophiles. 

I’m excited to continue our conversation with Dr. Eric Boyd and dive deeper into the world of thermophiles. Did you know that a thermophile species discovered in Yellowstone has been used in important scientific discoveries related to crime scene investigation? If you’re an avid true crime podcast listener, you’ll definitely want to stick around to learn about that discovery and application. We’ll also cover how thermophiles played a role during the Covid-19 pandemic, what could still be waiting to be discovered in Yellowstone’s thermal features, and get into some great listener questions submitted by our podcast insiders. 

Alright, let’s continue this burning conversation about thermophiles.

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

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> Dr. Eric Boyd's Lab

> Yellowstone Summit Presentation: Life in Geysers

> Dr. Boyd on PBS Nature

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

Music > Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)

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The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is known for a lot of big things. Charismatic megafauna like bears and bison, expansive forests as far as the eye can see, and mountain ranges that seem to touch the sky are all found in this unique region. However, did you know that the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is also home to some of the most fascinating microbes found on the planet?

Enter thermophiles: microscopic creatures found in Yellowstone’s geothermal regions that thrive in scalding hot temperatures. The name thermophile comes from the Greek word thermē meaning heat and the Greek word philos meaning love or an affinity for something. They’re not often the stars of the show when it comes to visiting the park, but these thermophiles are at the center of some of the most interesting stories and scientific discoveries in a national park. After listening to this conversation, we hope that even the greatest Yellowstone experts can head into the park armed with a new subject to explore.  

Joining us on the podcast is Dr. Eric Boyd, a professor of environmental microbiology at Montana State University. For the past 20 years, Dr. Boyd has studied the microbiology and geochemistry of the thermal features in Yellowstone National Park to better understand the processes that support diverse microbial ecosystems in high temperature environments. He’s also authored over 190 scientific articles on extremophilic microorganisms, which live in environments with conditions approaching or stretching the limits of what known life can adapt to such as temperature, pressure, salinity, and pH level. If you want to learn about the incredible thermophiles found in Yellowstone, Dr. Boyd is your guy.

We chatted for quite a while so we’ve split this episode into two parts. In this episode, part 1, we’ll take a deep dive into what exactly a thermophile is, how thermophiles are able to thrive in these crazy hot conditions, how Dr. Boyd collects thermophiles in the park—including some interesting methods for Old Faithful—and much more.

I can’t wait for you to learn more about this “hot” topic!

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Join our Online Community and Receive Two FREE Stickers

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Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

Music > Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)

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Is there any fish species in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem more iconic than the Yellowstone cutthroat trout? While the name conjures imagery of a ruthless nature, these fish are called cutthroats due to the distinct red markings found along their jawline and gills. Yellowstone cutthroat trout are a keystone species in the region, providing food to numerous species including bears, otters, ospreys, and others.

Yellowstone cutthroat trout are also at the epicenter of one of the most interesting species recovery stories from the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Decades ago, when an unexpected threat appeared in Yellowstone Lake, the population of Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the park was decimated. This important link in the Greater Yellowstone food web was in big trouble and something needed to be done.

We’re pleased to welcome Andi Puchany, a fisheries biologist at Yellowstone National Park, to the podcast. She joined the park’s Native Fish Conservation Program in 2014 and her work focuses on native fish conservation, population recovery assessments, and lake trout reproductive ecology. Andi received her Bachelor’s in Zoology at North Dakota State University and her Master’s in Fish and Wildlife Management at Montana State University.

Join us on the episode to learn how to identify a Yellowstone cutthroat trout, what happened all those years ago to cause a decline in Lake Yellowstone, how these remarkable fish rebounded, and what makes her hopeful about her work today.

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Join our Online Community and Receive Two FREE Stickers: https://greateryellowstone.org/podcast-sign-up-stickers

> Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition: https://lovegyc.org/podcastgiving

> YNP Native Fish Conservation Program: https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/management/fish.htm

> Andi's Trout Photos: http://greateryellowstone.org/podcast/35/trout-tales-the-comeback-of-the-yellowstone-cutthroat

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

Music > Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)

 

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Before public lands were even a concept, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem was, and continues to be, stewarded by Indigenous Peoples. In short, public lands are Native Lands. In today’s world, many current public land management policies exclude or marginalize Indigenous roles and input.

In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and beyond, a growing movement is pushing to restore Indigenous connection, stewardship, sovereignty, and sustainable practices rooted in Traditional Ecological Knowledge. 

Joining us on the podcast today is an Apsáalooke Tribal member and educational and cultural consultant, Dr. Shane Doyle. Shane is a Montana historian and educator who hails from Crow Agency, Montana.  He holds a Master’s in Native American Studies, a Doctorate in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, and completed a post-doctoral appointment in Genetics from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Shane has published over a dozen articles about the ancient history, culture, and contemporary experience of the Indigenous people of Montana and continues to work as a researcher and public lands advocate in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.  He is the Executive Director of the Native American non-profit group Yellowstone Peoples, whose mission is to hold an annual InterTribal Tipi Village in Yellowstone National Park.

We’ll chat with Shane about how he likes to enjoy Montana’s public lands, how he’d like to see public land co-management done in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and how we can be better advocates for re-Indigenizing public lands.

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Join our Online Community and Receive Two FREE Stickers: https://greateryellowstone.org/podcast-sign-up-stickers

> Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition: https://lovegyc.org/podcastgiving

> Yellowstone Peoples: https://www.yellowstonepeoples.org/

> Yellowstone Revealed 2022: https://greateryellowstone.org/blog/2022/yellowstone-revealed

> Public Lands are Native Lands: Yellowstone and Our Shared Future by Dr. Shane Doyle: https://bettertrail.com/public-lands/public-lands-are-native-lands

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

Music > Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)

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In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and beyond, beavers are experiencing a bit of a renaissance. These large aquatic rodents are critical ecosystem engineers and play a role in mitigating the effects of climate change and strengthening wildlife habitat. However, decades of rampant trapping and views of beavers as a nuisance have decreased their numbers across the country. 

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem needs healthy beaver populations doing their job to help keep this place remarkable. Luckily, beavers are making a comeback. Their star power is soaring as climate resiliency heroes and efforts to bring back beavers are becoming a top priority.

In this episode, Part 2, we’ll cover some beaver reintroduction success stories, dive into a variety of listener questions from our podcast insiders, dispel some beaver myths, and gain some writing advice for aspiring environmental journalists. Ben also shares how his face ended up in the British tabloids after an apparently scandalous comment about the Chronicles of Narnia. 

Without further ado, let’s jump back into Beaver-Mania.

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Join our Online Community and Receive Two FREE Stickers!

> Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition

> Eager by Ben Goldfarb

> Beaverland by Leila Philip

> Once They Were Hats by Frances Backhouse

> The Beaver Manifesto by Glynnis Hood

> In Beaver World by Enos A. Mills

> The Beaver Believers (Film)

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

Music >
Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Thumbnail Photo > NPS/Neal Herbert

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In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and beyond, beavers are experiencing a bit of a renaissance. These large aquatic rodents are critical ecosystem engineers and play a role in mitigating the effects of climate change and strengthening wildlife habitats. However, decades of rampant trapping and views of beavers as a nuisance have decreased their numbers across the country. 

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem needs healthy beaver populations doing their job to help keep this place remarkable. Luckily, beavers are making a comeback. Their star power is soaring as climate resiliency heroes and efforts to bring back beavers are becoming a top priority.

Joining us on the podcast today is renowned conservation journalist and beaver believer Ben Goldfarb, author of Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter. Eager has won a slew of literary awards, including the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award, Washington Post’s “50 Notable Works of Nonfiction,” Science News’ “Favorite Science Books of 2018,” and many more. It’s a fantastic book that should jump to the top of your reading list if you haven’t already checked it out. 

We had a lot of ground to cover, so we’ve split the conversation into two episodes. This episode, Part 1, will cover the history of beavers in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the fascinating relationship between beavers and wolves, how beavers combat the effects of climate change, and some surprising pushback when it comes to beaver restoration. Ben also informs us that vodka laced with beaver secretion is definitely a thing, so now we both unfortunately know that it exists.

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Join our Online Community and Receive Two FREE Stickers!

> Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

Music >
Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Thumbnail Photo > Brandt T. Bolding/Getty Images

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What makes Yellowstone bison special? Sure, they’re the largest herd of bison found in the United States, but why are they the best bet for restoring bison across the country? Is it the fluffiest fur, the pointiest horns, or something else? In this episode, we’ll dive into why Yellowstone bison matter. 

Joining us again on the podcast is the Greater Yellowstone Coalition’s wildlife program manager Shana Drimal. Shana provides strategic leadership to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition’s policies and programs to conserve, manage, and protect the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem’s iconic wildlife. Her main focus is on the ecological and cultural restoration of bison. She has an extensive background in wildlife ecology and research and knows just about everything there is to know about Yellowstone bison! 

We’ll chat about why the Greater Yellowstone Coalition focuses on restoring Yellowstone bison, how bison are ecosystem engineers, and one of the biggest barriers we face in bison conservation. 

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Join our Online Community and Receive Two FREE Stickers!

> Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition

> Stay Informed on GYC's Defense of Yellowstone's Bison Plan

> Follow GYC on Facebook and Instagram

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

Music >
Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Thumbnail Photo > NPS/Neal Herbert

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What happens beneath Yellowstone is vast and varied. One of the most interesting geological phenomena found here is hydrothermal explosions. While they may not have a timetable like some of the iconic geysers, or the breathtaking colors of some pools, 2024’s sky-high event at Biscuit Basin put hydrothermal explosions on the map. 

Reading about this unpredictable encounter got me thinking: what are the underlying forces behind hydrothermal explosions? Is the caldera waking up? How are they studied? Luckily, our guest will explain all that and more!

Joining us is Dr. Mike Poland, a research geophysicist and the current Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory with the United States Geological Survey. His area of expertise is volcano geodesy, which emphasizes the surface deformation and gravity fields associated with volcanic activity, but he also knows a heck of a lot about hydrothermal explosions and other exciting geological activities in Yellowstone. 

He’ll also share a few of his favorite spots in the park to check out rock formations, thermal features, and beyond.

Let’s dive in and learn more about why Yellowstone is a blast!

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Join our Online Community and Receive Two FREE Stickers!

> Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition

> Caldera Chronicles

> Black Diamond Pool Explosion Video

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

Music >
Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Thumbnail Photo > USGS/Joshua Sells

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What would Greater Yellowstone be like without the grizzly bear? Once upon a time, we were close to answering that question. Today, these grizzly bears represent one of the greatest conservation success stories. Going forward, we want to make sure that grizzlies can continue to thrive on the landscape long into the future.

In Greater Yellowstone, figuring out the next steps in grizzly bear conservation and management is a complex issue. There isn’t consensus on how best to manage grizzlies, and in this conversation you’ll have a better understanding of why it’s so complicated. On this podcast episode, we’ll dive in the history of grizzly bear conservation in Greater Yellowstone and chat about what’s happening in the grizzly bear space today.

Joining us on the podcast is GYC's wildlife program manager Brooke Shifrin, who you may recognize from episode 2 on grizzly bears. Brooke focuses her work on grizzly bear policy and conservation strategies to ensure grizzlies are successful in the ecosystem while also keeping people safe and livelihoods intact.

As of January 8, 2025 - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces Northern Rockies grizzly bears to remain protected by Endangered Species Act

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Join our Online Community and Receive Two FREE Stickers!

> Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition

> The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

Music >
Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

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Bats elicit many emotions from us – fear, intrigue, aversion, adoration. These pint-sized flyers often go unnoticed, yet they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. 

From their incredibly unique adaptations to their contributions to pest control, bats are truly nature’s unsung heroes.

In Part 2, we’re joined again by Dr. Riley Bernard, an applied wildlife ecologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming. Dr. Bernard’s research focuses on the ecology and behavior of cryptic species, including bats, on topics such as foraging, competition, invasive species interactions, the effects of disease on community structure, species susceptibility, and survival.

We’ll talk about the threats like white-nose syndrome and wind farms that spell out trouble for our beloved bats, some myths Dr. Bernard dispels for us, where to view bats in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and what people can do to support bat populations.

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Join our Online Community and Receive Two FREE Stickers!

> Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition

> Dr. Bernard's Lab

> Bat Houses

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

Music >
Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Thumbnail Photo > Dr. Riley Bernard

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