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Dinah Awino Kawino is the founder and director of Akadi Eco and Mentorship Ventures.Akadi Eco is a consulting firm based in Kenya. It focuses on bringing environmental mentorship and sustainability solutions to educational and community spaces.This year, Akadi Eco is leading an initiative called  Pendo Mazingira. Pendo Mazingira is Swahili for "Love Environment."Awino describes this program as “an eco-sensitivity mentorship program designed to cultivate a sense of environmental belonging through nature-based sensory experiences.” Pendo Mazingira serves both youth and adults.How is the program working?Let's find out. SUBSTACK:  Pendo Mazingira Substack - AkadiEco and Mentorship Ventures KenyaPANEL DISCUSSION:Empowering Women in Science: Bridging Gaps and Building FuturesInteresting and honest conversation about being a woman in science. Awino's presentation begins at timestamp 57:22. Her presentation is titled, Empowering Women and Girls: Disrupting Fear-based Silence for Thriving Sustainability Science. This is a presentation by LIAISE.BOOK:Weaving a Green Future: Opportunities and Barriers in Textile Manufacturing in Kenya (Eliva Press, 2025)ARTICLES:Closing the Loop: A framework for tackling single-use plastic waste in the food and beverage industry through circular economy - a review (Journal of Environmental Management)Challenges and Opportunities for Green Transitions Adoption in Kenya's Textile Manufacturing Industry  (Frontiers in Sustainability)Assessment of Green Growth Practices in the Textile Industry: A Study of Thika Cloth Mill and Rivatex in Kenya  (East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources)LEADERSHIP:The Green Embassy Kenya CREDITS:Producer: Tania MarienMusic: So Far So Close by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License;SOLO ACOUSTIC GUITAR by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.Subscribe to Transferable Solutions.Affiliate Relationships:Purchases that begin as a click through any Bookshop.org or Descript.com link (or ad) may result in a commission. TALATERRA is an affiliate of Bookshop.org. Connect with, and support, independent bookstores.TALATERRA is an affiliate of Descript.com. Edit audio and video as easily as you edit a typed document.Contact Us

Christina Carter is the author, illustrator, and founder of Gumnut Trails—a unique collection of Outdoor Adventure Guides that help families rediscover the joy of exploring nature together.In this episode, we dive into how Christina's own nature-rich childhood inspired her to create the “Lonely Planet of childhood adventures”—starting with four beautifully illustrated Guides across Melbourne.Each Adventure Guide transforms an ‘ordinary' walk into an immersive experience using storytelling, creative missions, and joyful illustrations. Designed to be interactive, screen-free, and deeply local, Gumnut Trails helps families connect with the natural spaces around them in fun, meaningful ways.Every guide is built around the history, features, and hidden stories of each location. Months of on-the-ground exploring, researching, writing, and illustrating go into each one—making them more than just ready-made adventures, but true works of art.What began as one parent's mission to capture the magic of a childhood spent outdoors is now a growing movement.So how did it all come together—and what's next for Gumnut Trails? Let's find out.Website: www.gumnuttrails.com.auFollow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gumnut_trails/ CREDITS:Producer: Tania MarienMusic: So Far So Close by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License;SOLO ACOUSTIC GUITAR by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.Subscribe to Transferable Solutions.Affiliate Relationships:Purchases that begin as a click through any Bookshop.org or Descript.com link (or ad) may result in a commission. TALATERRA is an affiliate of Bookshop.org. Connect with, and support, independent bookstores.TALATERRA is an affiliate of Descript.com. Edit audio and video as easily as you edit a typed document.Contact Us

We are all in the attention economy.Louise Karch (pronounced CARSH) makes sure good people like us break out not blend in.Louise is delighted to speak us. She has a special fondness for environmental educators having been an Outward Bound Instructor.For over a decade, she also was a career management professional, She was honoured to study with and support Richard Bolles, the author of the bestselling career/life planning in history, What Color Is Your Parachute.It was Richard Bolles who inspired Louise to write guidebooks. Louise is the award-winning author of Word Glue, and head cheerleader and one of the co-authors of the global mega-hit The Carbon Almanac, It's Not Too Late (Penguin Random House),Louise's most recent book, First Aid for Fairies: From Rain to Rainbows, is an uplifting steampunk-inspired guide that helps teens shift from stress to strength It's been nominated for the American Library Association's MIchael Princz award.Louise has mentored leaders in 71 countries and edu-tained audiences from Australia to the Arctic. She prefers being warm.You can find Louise at…Word GlueFirst Aid for FairiesInterview Database with Addendum for Environmental Educators RESOURCES MENTIONEDWhat color is your parachute? (2022)*Transitions (2019)*Brag! Toot Your Own Horn Without Blowing It*Outward Bound (Canada)Outward Bound (USA) ASSESSMENTInstitute on CharacterJackson Vocational Interest SurveyGallup CliftonStrengths Finder CREDITS:Producer: Tania MarienMusic: So Far So Close by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License;SOLO ACOUSTIC GUITAR by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.Subscribe to Transferable Solutions.Talaterra is an affiliate of Bookshop.org. Commissions earned support the publication Transferable Solutions.Contact Us

Episode description:Join us as we dive into the world of innovation with Vanessa Thompson, Managing Director of The Sustainability Experts. Vanessa shares bold strategies for sparking disruptive ideas, seizing new opportunities, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to transform businesses and careers.A renowned keynote speaker and consultant, Vanessa partners with startups, VCs, and global corporations to deliver powerful solutions that merge innovation with sustainability for lasting impact.Listen to Vanessa's Podcast: https://www.the-sustainability-experts.com/the-showBook Vanessa as a Speaker: https://www.vanessathompson.comContact Us:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sustainability-experts/?viewAsMember=true- Email: info@the-sustainability-experts.com- Website: The Sustainability Experts- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5PLmkmxJLJQ5BJ2KgluxkuDon't miss this insightful episode packed with actionable ideas to drive innovation and sustainable success! CREDITS:Producer: Tania MarienMusic: So Far So Close by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License;SOLO ACOUSTIC GUITAR by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.Subscribe to Transferable Solutions.Talaterra is an affiliate of Bookshop.org. Commissions earned support the publication Transferable Solutions.Contact Us

Last week I launched the new newsletter. It's called Transferable Solutions and the theme of the newsletter is “Environmental Skills, Reimagined.” When I started The Freelance Project, I wanted to explore what freelancing looked like in environmental education. The people we've had the opportunity to meet through the podcast have shown us there are dozens of ways to approach working as an environmental education professional. With this deeper understanding established, it is time to add the next layer to my project.Subscribe to the newsletter at https://talaterra.com.  CREDITS:Producer: Tania MarienMusic: So Far So Close by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License;SOLO ACOUSTIC GUITAR by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.Subscribe to Transferable Solutions.Talaterra is an affiliate of Bookshop.org. Commissions earned support the publication Transferable Solutions.Contact Us

Today we get to learn from Kalliopi Monoyios, visual science communicator and lead author of "Visuals as a Catalyst for Climate Science Communication," a chapter in the book "Storytelling to Accelerate Climate Solutions" (Springer Nature, 2024).In this episode, Kalliopi and I discuss the value of visuals in climate change communication. We discuss what effective visuals look like and also talk about creating culturally relevant and sensitive information. Kalliopi shares how someone can become a visual science communicator and what a collaborative project between a visual science communicator and a client might look like. LINKSKalliopi Monoyios websiteGuild of Natural Science IllustratorsVisuals as a Catalyst for Climate Communication (Open Access)Kirsten Carlson | Fathom iT StudiosTaina Litwak Fiona Martin | Visualizing ScienceYour Inner Fish (book)Your Inner Fish (PBS video)Association of Medical Illustrators YOU MAY ALSO LIKEStorytelling and Climate Solutions - A conversation with co-editors Emily Coren and Hua (Helen) WangGretchen Halpert, Scientific Illustration Distance ProgramGary Hoyle discusses museum plant models, exhibit design, and dioramas  CREDITS:Producer: Tania MarienMusic: So Far So Close by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License;SOLO ACOUSTIC GUITAR by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.View The Freelance Project Portfolio to learn more about Independent environmental education professionals and how they strengthen environmental literacy.Talaterra is an affiliate of Bookshop.org. Commissions earned support The Freelance Project.Contact Us

A conversation with Emily Coren and Hua (Helen) Wang, editors of Storytelling to Accelerate Climate Solutions (Springer Nature, 2024). They collaborated with 44 authors to create a resource addressing many forms of climate communication.Each of the book chapters addresses a specific type of storytelling. You'll find chapters about entertainment education, locally-driven narratives, youth engagement, Hollywood, climate fiction, music, news reporting, geospatial tools, interactive storytelling, mental health, and telling stories through food. There is also a chapter about using visuals as a catalyst for climate science communication. Storytelling to Accelerate Climate Solutions is an open-access title. You can download the entire book or individual chapters for free.  LINKSStorytelling to Accelerate Climate Solutions (Download)Publications by Emily CorenContact Emily CorenHelen Wang, University of BuffaloEntertainment-Education Behind the Scenes - Case Studies for Theory and Practice (Download)Emily Coren: Science communicator, author, and affiliate in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. (Read Bio)Hua Wang: Professor of Communication at the University of Buffalo, New York. Communication scientist whose specialties are health promotion, behavior change, and social justice. (Full Bio)Episode Art: Photo by Naoram Sea on Unsplash CREDITS:Producer: Tania MarienMusic: So Far So Close by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License;SOLO ACOUSTIC GUITAR by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.View The Freelance Project Portfolio to learn more about Independent environmental education professionals and how they strengthen environmental literacy.Talaterra is an affiliate of Bookshop.org. Commissions earned support The Freelance Project.Contact Us

Introducing a new feature to the podcast. This new feature is called INSIGHT. With each episode we'll explore some aspect of freelancing and how it intersects with the environmental awareness work being done by independent professionals worldwide. In this first episode, we consider seven types of freelancing as described by Nikita Tambe, a contributor to Forbes magazine. Which type of freelancing best describes you?Let's talk. I am inviting people to 1:1 conversations to learn more about them and their experiences freelancing. Join me here. LINKSThe Freelance Project PortfolioWhat is freelancing and how does it work? (Nikita Tambe) (Photo in episode art by Annie Spratt on Unsplash) CREDITS:Producer: Tania MarienMusic: So Far So Close by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License;SOLO ACOUSTIC GUITAR by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.View The Freelance Project Portfolio to learn more about Independent environmental education professionals and how they strengthen environmental literacy.Talaterra is an affiliate of Bookshop.org. Commissions earned support The Freelance Project.Contact Us

Maria Coryell-Martin is an expeditionary artist.That's right.Expeditionary, as in expeditions. What type of imagery does this bring up? If you imagine an artist traveling with a scientist or an explorer, you are imagining things correctly.This episode originally aired in 2019. Back then, Maria took a few moments to speak with me while she was packing for her trip to meet a scientist in Alaska.In this episode, we discuss Maria's journey from student to artist, how she has sustained herself as a working artist, and the three questions she answers before taking on new projects.Plus, I have exciting updates to share. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Maria. LINKSLearn more about Maria's current project in the post Witnessing Climate Change.View the exhibition and other news about Maria's trip to Alaska.Expeditionary Art (Maria's website)Maria talks about her work in this presentation for Girls Can Do.Maria shares how she introduces nature journaling to kids.See the Art Toolkit's new store!Follow Maria on Instagram at @expeditionaryart and @arttoolkit. ________________________Producer: Tania MarienMusic: So Far So Close by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License; SOLO ACOUSTIC GUITAR by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.View The Freelance Project Portfolio to learn more about Independent environmental education professionals and how they strengthen environmental literacy.* Talaterra is an affiliate of Bookshop.org. Commissions earned support The Freelance Project.Contact Us

Wendy Nadherny Fachon is an author, journalist, podcast host and environmental educator. Her work is published by Natural Awakenings Magazine, Sustainable Living News, and Dreamvisions 7 Radio.After working many years in the healthcare industry, Wendy left her position to focus on children's health and wellness issues. She developed an afterschool walking program, which gave rise to her radio show, the Story Walking Radio Hour.How did Wendy develop her afterschool program?What is her radio show about?How does she approach partnership building, which has been critical to her success?Let's find out. LINKSStory Walking Radio HourListen to the latest episodeStory Walking WebsiteStory Walking Radio Hour Facebook groupNature Drawing ProgramThe Empowerment Factory's Trash to Treasures Short Video (YouTube)Contact Wendy ________________________Producer: Tania MarienMusic: So Far So Close by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License; SOLO ACOUSTIC GUITAR by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.View The Freelance Project Portfolio to learn more about Independent environmental education professionals and how they strengthen environmental literacy.* Talaterra is an affiliate of Bookshop.org. Commissions earned support The Freelance Project.Contact Us

Today, we get to learn from Gloria Desanker, geospatial storyteller, founder, and Principal Consultant at Map Nerd Consulting.More About GloriaMy name is Gloria Desanker, and I founded Map Nerd Consulting so that I could work as a Geospatial Storyteller to help others unlock the power of location-based insights. My services are designed to uplift community stories, especially communities of color. I offer tailored GIS solutions, visually appealing cartographic design, social media and marketing support, and storytelling guidance so that you can ensure your stories and experiences are authentically portrayed.As a Black woman in the GIS, forestry, environmental science, and environmental education fields/sectors, I experience firsthand the lack of acknowledgment and representation these fields have of Black and brown successes, accomplishments, and feats. That is why I strive to change the white-dominant narrative of how data should be used, why data should be used, and how to use data and GIS to share an accurate representation of people of color in the U.S.I take my clients through the full arc of mapping their story: story development, data collection and management, cartography and spatial analysis, graphic design and creation, and communications through Story Maps, infographic and report creation, or social media marketing. Data is only meaningful if a story is attached to it and we at Map Nerd Consulting believe there is a story in every map.This past year, I joined the 2023 Cohort of the NAAEE CEE-Change Fellows where I am partnering with NorthStar of GIS whose mission is to advance intersectional racial justice, equity, and belonging in GIS, geography, and STEM. Together, we are developing GIS curriculum and training materials specifically for and by Black people and the Black African diaspora to change the narrative on how Black people and communities are portrayed in the context of climate change. Map Nerd ConsultingView Map Nerd Consulting's LinktreeSchedule a call with Gloria at https://calendly.com/mapnerdMercator ProjectionGloria's Community Action Project with NAAEE CEE-Change Fellowship  ________________________Producer: Tania MarienMusic: So Far So Close by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License; SOLO ACOUSTIC GUITAR by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.View The Freelance Project Portfolio to learn more about Independent environmental education professionals and how they strengthen environmental literacy.Contact Us * Talaterra is an affiliate of Bookshop.org. Commissions earned support The Freelance Project.

In this episode, we get to learn from Dr. Tom Rhoads, an economist and professor at Towson University.Dr. Rhoads shares his transition from sports economics to environmental economics and his research integrating economics into environmental education.Dr. Rhoads explains that his interest in environmental education began about five years ago when he noticed a shift in the demographics of his class, with more environmental science and studies majors than economics majors. This led him to change his approach to teaching environmental economics, focusing more on the environment and finding the economics within it. LINKSTom Rhoads, Towson UniversityAldo Leopold, Sand County Almanac*Rachel Carson, Silent Spring*The Leopold Writing ProgramWorking Paper - Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences, 2023 Conference | Thinking like an economist while reading the land: Using reading quizzes to show environmental studies and sciences and economics intersecting in Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac; Working paperPresentation Slides - North American Association for Environmental Education, 2023 Conference | Costs, Benefits, and Environmental Action; Presentation slides ________________________Producer: Tania MarienMusic: So Far So Close by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License; SOLO ACOUSTIC GUITAR by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.View The Freelance Project Portfolio to learn more about Independent environmental education professionals and how they strengthen environmental literacy.Contact Us * Talaterra is an affiliate of Bookshop.org. Commissions earned support The Freelance Project.

I hope you enjoyed my conversation with Bill Reynolds, Lars Wohlers, and Mike Mayer, co-founders of Experiential Interpretive Design, a coaching company they founded to help individuals, organizations, and sites develop the interpretive experiences they provide.In this episode, we learned about the founders, their respective specialties, and why they founded EID.Today is part 2 of this conversation. In this episode, I sit down with Mike Mayer to discuss his specialty (environmental education) and to learn more about the environmental program that inspires what he, Bill, and Lars do at EID.We begin this episode by learning more about the Institute for Earth Education. Some of this may sound familiar because I included a short segment in Part 1. Don't let this distract you because you'll hear something a bit different before Mike walks us through an example of the type of programming offered by the Institute.In this conversation, Mike and I also discuss creating holistic experiences in free-choice settings, the AMORE framework developed by Steve Van Matre, interpreting global topics across cultures, and what might change the status quo in environmental education. LINKSExperiential Interpretive DesignInstitute for Earth EducationInterpretive Design and the Dance of Experience (2009)Cooper Center for Environmental Learning, College of Education at the University of Arizona ________________________Producer: Tania MarienMusic: So Far So Close by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License; SOLO ACOUSTIC GUITAR by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.View The Freelance Project Portfolio to learn more about environmental education professionals and the businesses they start to strengthen environmental literacy.Contact Us

In this episode, we meet the co-founders of Experiential Interpretive Design (EID) -- Bill Reynolds, Lars Wohlers, and Mike Mayer. Collectively, they have many years of experience in interpretation and experience design and bring to EID the experience they gained from various roles in tourism, planning, heritage interpretation, environmental education, and coaching. We learn about the founders, why they started EID Coaching, and discuss what is working in the field of interpretation and what is not working. This is the first installment of a two-part episode. In Part 2 of this episode, I sit down with Mike Mayer to learn more about the environmental education program that inspires the work he, Bill, and Lars do at EID.  LINKSExperiential Interpretive DesignMétis CrossingSteve Van MatreJohn Ververke ADDITIONAL RESOURCES SHARED BY THE EID TEAMLars Wohlers' bilingual website about digital evaluation (Visitor Studies)Expecting Company? Preparing your site for Ag-Tourism! (youtube.com)Sharing Great Ways to Greet the Guests (Part 1)Sharing Great Ways to Greet the Guests (Part 2) ________________________Producer: Tania MarienMusic: So Far So Close by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License; SOLO ACOUSTIC GUITAR by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.View The Freelance Project Portfolio to learn more about environmental education professionals and the businesses they start to strengthen environmental literacy.Contact Us

Janice Kelley is the founder and program director for Nature Detectives, where children in kindergarten through third grade discover the mysteries of the outdoor world on their school campus, at home, at a park, and in their neighborhood.She is the author of several publications, and when she was here before, we spoke about her book "Mornings on Fair Oaks Bridge: Watching Wildlife at the Lower American River." Today, we're talking about a book she wrote for parents, grandparents, and family friends called "Nature Detectives at Home." LINKSNature Detectives websiteNature Detectives at Home_____TALATERRA Community Calendar - Learn more about the calendar and how to add your events here.   ________________________Producer: Tania MarienMusic: So Far So Close by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License; SOLO ACOUSTIC GUITAR by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.View The Freelance Project Portfolio to learn more about environmental education professionals and the businesses they start to strengthen environmental literacy.Contact Us

Roots of Success (RoS) is an empowering environmental literacy and job training program that prepares youth and adults with significant barriers to employment to access jobs and career pathways in environmental fields and to improve environmental and social conditions in their communities. The program is centered around a federally registered Department of Labor Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship program and 10-module course. We prepare individuals for 70 jobs and 111 career pathways  in environmental and STEM fields.Roots of Success is offered in job training programs, reentry programs, prisons, jails, juvenile facilities, high schools, youth programs, adult schools and other workforce and education settings throughout the United States. Since 2009, the program has been offered in over 600 programs in 40 states and over 26,000 youth and adults have gone through the program; more than 12,000 youth and adults took the course while incarcerated. The Roots of Success course is composed of 10 modules: 1) Fundamentals of Environmental Literacy2) Water3) Waste4) Transportation5) Energy6) Building7) Health, Food & Agriculture8) Community Organizing & Leadership9) Financial Literacy & Social Entrepreneurship10) Application & Practice The program strengthens academic, professional, financial, social entrepreneurship, and advocacy skills. The teaching approach encourages students to use their lived experiences as the foundation upon which to build further knowledge and skills, deepen their understanding of environmental problems and solutions, and access  jobs in environmental fields. Graduates earn an “Environmental Specialist” Pre-Apprenticeship credential and are prepared to access 50 jobs and 111 career pathways in the water, waste, transportation, energy, building, food, open space, and environmental advocacy sectors. Detailed information about each of these jobs and career pathways is provided in a two volume Green Jobs and Career Pathways Guidebook that is included in the teaching materials used by instructors who teach the Roots of Success course. Roots of Success graduates have a high employment rate, are working in a wide range of fields, and are addressing environmental challenges and injustices through advocacy and policy efforts. A study conducted with community-based program partners that used Roots of Success for at least two years found that among 1,200 graduates 98% felt they were better prepared for job interviews, 75% found employment within 3 months, and 70% remained employed 6 months later.In prisons, the Roots of Success program is usually taught by incarcerated men and women who are paid full time to teach the course to their peers and can also be taught by staff. Many Roots of Success instructors are serving long and life sentences and working with the Roots of Success program gives these men and women an opportunity to help others. The data we have collected for over a decade shows that participants who go through the Roots of Success course while incarcerated are finding stable, living wage employment opportunities when they return to the community and have very low recidivism rates.Roots of Success is the leading resource for education and workforce programs across the country that strive to prepare youth and adults with barriers to employment for careers in environmental sectors and empower them to improve conditions in their communities. The program is easy to implement, cost effective, highly impactful, and provides graduates with industry recognized credentials that are highly valued by employers. To learn more about the Roots of Success program, go to rootsofsuccess.org or email us at info@rootsofsuccess.orgDownload a one-page overviewDownload a short brochureDownload the 10-year report

Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to Jerry Willenbring.Jerry is a community organizer, teacher, and guide. He is also a physicist and an electrical engineer who has taken on electrifying California.Literally.In 2020, Jerry formed Electrify California, a nonprofit committed to providing education and resources to guide the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. When Jerry and I met we talked about why he started Electrify California, who he created it for, and how he engages with the public and supports them as they explore what's possible while living an electrified life. LINKSElectrifyNow.orgInflation Reduction ActInflation Reduction Act Rebates and Tax Credits (MarketWatch)CA Climate Action RebatesExxon scientists predicted global warming with ‘shocking skill and accuracy,' Harvard researchers say.The Climate Exxon Memo (1982)  (The Carbon Almanac)Microgrid Community in Menifee, CAMore about heat pumps and property value  (Center for Global Sustainability, University of Maryland)The Carbon Almanac 

Erin Majeske is a mother, wife, dreamer, kitchen experimenter, wannabe gardener, nature explorer, and founder of Barefeet Farm School. When she's not in the outdoor classroom with preschoolers, she loves to enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her family and make as much music as possible.In this episode, Erin shares how the need for a summer job led to her opening Barefeet Farm School. She shares her successes, challenges, and what she has learned to improve.Topics discussed include licensing, consulting, working with parents, and building community partnerships. LINKSBarefeet Farm SchoolExplore starting your own preschoolInstagram (@barefeetfarmschool)Loving Space SchoolWashington State is First to License Outdoor PreschoolsNatural Start  

Today we get to learn again from Dr. Brad McLain.You might remember my conversation with Dr. McLain about identity theory and the professional identities of informal science educators.In this episode, we pick up the conversation where we left it and talk about Dr. McLain's new book called Designing Transformative Experiences.In his book, Dr. McLain leads experience designers through the  methodology he developed through years of working with employees, students, corporations, museums, and nonprofit organizations like Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots.While you may recognize a transformative experience when you have one, do you know how to create one for the people you serve? LINKSDesigning Transformative Experiences: A Toolkit for Leaders, Trainers, Teachers, and Other Experience Designers (book)Designing Transformative Experiences (website)Ep98: Brad McLain, Identity of Informal Science Educators

Saurabh Mithal is a teacher, independent professional, and the founder of Passionately Curious, a community for solopreneurs. I invited Saurabh to talk about his experience working with freelancers. In this episode, Saurabh shares how he helps independent professionals establish their businesses, and how he helps them manage self-doubt, procrastination, and distractions.  LINKSPassionatelyCurious.inThe Passionately Curious podcastSaurabh on LinkedInDesigning Your LifeCreativity Inc. Creative Confidence The Practice War of Art This is MarketingThe Art of Possibility

My guest today is Jeffrey H. Ryan. Jeffrey is the author of Appalachian Odyssey and Blazing Ahead in his latest book, This Land Was Saved for You and Me.Jeffrey introduces us to seven people who were key to forming and preserving America's public lands. Jeffrey tells how these individuals influenced and worked with each other and who they met during their careers.He writes about the contributions made by Frederick Law Olmsted, Gifford Pinchot, Benton Mackaye, Theodore Roosevelt, Bob Marshall, Aldo Leopold, and Howard Zahniser.Let's join the conversation. LINKSJeffrey H. RyanBooks by Jeffrey RyanVoices of the WildernessWilderness SocietyNational Association for Interpretation   

Today my guests are Dan Kriesberg and Camille Simone Edwards, founders of Diversity Education in Nature.Dan and Camille's unique approach to diversity education occur through the lens of ecological concepts and pairs outdoor experiences with conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion.They reach beyond the field of environmental education and lead workshops for students, educators, parents, and caregivers. They have also developed a program for corporate settings and look forward to working with decision-makers at organizations large and small.In this episode, we discuss the structure of their programs, radical empathy, consuming DEI as a “product,” and healing in communities.Let's join the conversation. LINKSDiversity Education in Nature (DEIN)Contact Dan or Camille at DEINConsulting@gmail.comEarth Wisdom, Dan Kriesberg's websiteCamille Simone ConsultingAn Invitation to a Brave SpaceTerri Givens, Radical EmpathySubscribe to The Trail newsletterView past issue of The Trail

Today our guest is Michael Hawk.Michael is the founder of Jumpstart Nature and the host of the Nature's Archive podcast.Jumpstart Nature is a new organization taking a tech-centric approach to how they connect people with nature. In this episode, we learn what inspired Michael to create the Nature's Archive podcast and what has informed his views about technology in nature education. Michael also shares how the AGILE approach to project management is key to how he and his collaborators built Jumpstart Nature.Let's join the conversation. LINKSJumpstart NatureNature's Archive podcastNational Association for InterpretationCalifornia Naturalist Presentations by Michael:Incredible InsectsThe Surprising Biodiversity of a Suburban YardThe Wonders of Plant Galls: Biology, Identification, and Discovery 

Today my guest is Jo Petroni.Jo is an architect, illustrator, writer and teacher. She's the author of Listen To Your Land, a Guide to Regenerative Land Design that blends biophilic design and permaculture philosophy. Jo is also a contributor to the Carbon Almanac and co-founder of Damn Good Humans, a creative agency about climate communication.What is permarchitecture?How can people listen to their land?What is reversible habitat?Let's find out. LINKSPermarchitecture - Regenerative Human Habitat Design StrategyBill MollisonJo's EpistolaryAn illustrated time-lapse letter about climate from Jo's EpistolaryEcoVillage NetworkThe Carbon AlmanacConnect-the-DotsRoam ResearchDamn Good Humans - The Creative Agency for Climate Communication   

Today we learn from Jessica Maccaro, Catherine Nguyen, and Joshua Reger, the team behind the new science communication podcast Across the Cline.This podcast is the latest outreach vehicle for SciComm @ UCR, the student-led science communication group at the University of California, Riverside.SciComm @ UCR was established in 2019 to explore creative approaches to science communication and to provide learning opportunities in science communication to Riverside residents.The Across the Cline podcast has a smart format; we'll learn more about it in this episode.We'll also hear how SciComm @ UCR engages with graduate students across disciplines and learn about what graduate students will share with Riverside residents this spring.Let's meet Jess, Catherine, and Joshua! LINKSSciComm @ UCR websiteContact SciComm @ UCR@SciCommUCR (Twitter)@scicommucr (Instagram)Jessica Maccaro on Twitter (@JessicaMaccaro)Catherine (Thiên-Ý) Nguyễn on Twitter (@Catherine_TY_Ng)ZME Science@ZMEScience (Twitter) MORE ABOUT OUR GUESTSJessica:Science Nights at Back to the GrindWhen bees get a taste for dead thingsCatherine:Sex differences in offspring discrimination in the biparental California mouse (Peromyscus californicus)Student research gear closet lowers barriers to field experiencesJoshua:Joshua Reger, 2022 Scholarship Recipient | Applied Biological Control ResearchWhy flight testing is an important step in sterile insect technique

Arjit Jere, is a biologist, science communicator, and popular science writer based in India. Arjit has written about the lifecycle of antlions, competitor behavior in hummingbirds, climate change, and the critically endangered Amboli toad that's found only in the mountains of Western India.I met Arjit during the Science Journalism Forum, a global gathering of science journalists, communicators, and students. The forum is a virtual event, and as you know, virtual events make it possible to learn from people you would never meet otherwise. Like Arjit!  In this episode, we discuss Arjit's experiences as a science journalist and what he would like to write about next.Let's join the conversation. CLICK HERE to engage with the transcript for this episode.What do you think of this format? How does it help you relate to the guest and their work?Please share your thoughts here (https://talaterra.com/contact). LINKSArjit Jere on LinkedInArjit's blog, Nature and FootballSaevus MagazineRoundGlass SustainDr.Pankaj Koparde, Chatur Ullu Evolutionary Ecology Lab, MIT World Peace University, PuneMaharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT) World Peace UniversityCentre for Environmental Education, Pune Articles:A. Jere, Global warming and climate change - Current scenario. Biotechnology (2013) View Article A. Jere, Circle of Life, Saevus. December 2017 - February 2018, p. 66 (2017) View ArticleA. Jere, Hummingbirds and their hidden daggers. Manthan, Volume 2.2, 3 (2020) View articleA. Jere, Meet the Tiger Toad. Youth for Nature Magazine (2022). Accessed 11 Jan 2023. https://yfnmagazine.wordpress.com/2022/10/12/meet-the-tiger-toad 

Today we get to learn from Robin Lee Carlson.Robin is a biologist, science writer, and scientific illustrator. In all aspects of her work, Robin transforms scientific information into stories to help people see the natural world in new ways. Her scientific illustration work and writings can be found on posters,  interpretive panels, and informative species cards used by the California Department of Transportation.Robin is also the author and illustrator of The Cold Canyon Fire Journals: Green Shoots and Silver Linings in the Ashes.In The Cold Canyon Fire Journals, Robin takes us to her local nature preserve that has twice experienced the type of fast-moving and expansive wildfires seen more and more often in California.Through her illustrations and text, Robin takes us on a tour of the canyon before and after the fires and teaches us about fire ecology in an engaging way.How did Robin's relationship with Cold Canyon begin?How did her illustrations and field notes become a book?When it comes to fire management, who should be part of the conversation?Let's find out. LINKSRobin Lee Carlson IllustrationRobin on Instagram (@anthropocenesketchbook)Reading the Ashes | The CommonCalifornia Wilderness Coalition Bundle (Book + Bandana)A couple of great podcasts about fire and controlled and cultural burning:Living with FireLife with Fire PodcastBook resources for cultural fire:Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural ResourcesForgotten Fires: Native Americans and the Transient WildernessFire Country: How Indigenous Fire Management Could Help Save Australia MUSIC:So Far So Close by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License.

“Human rights are held by all persons equally, universally and forever.Human rights are the basic standards without which people cannot live in dignity.These rights are inalienable. This means you cannot lose these rights just as you cannot cease to be a human.“                                                                                                                                          - The World As It Could Be In this episode, we learn from Sandy Sohcot and Ellen Sebastian Chang of The World As It Could Be Human Rights Education Program. We also learn about a collaboration between TWAICB and Talaterra that will help environmental professionals from diverse fields advance their work within a human rights framework.What circumstances led to the creation of The World As It Could Be?How do Sandy and Ellen introduce people to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?How have they strengthened the relationship between community members and law enforcement?How is The World As It Could Be and Talaterra collaborating to help environmental professionals view their environmental work through a human rights framework?These questions will be answered in this episode.We begin with Sandy explaining how The World As It Could Be, got its start.(A quick note to our regular listeners. This episode is a little longer than our usual episode.)LINKSThe World As It Could Be (TWAICB)TWAICB FacebookTWAICB Instagram (@TWAICB)TWAICB LinkedInJoin TWAICB Email ListAlameda County Deputy Sheriffs Activities League (DSAL)Rex FoundationRegister for Amplify Your Practice for People and the Planet (begins January 19, 2023). Join Sandy Sohcot and Ellen Sebastian Change of The World As It Could Be Human Rights Education Program to amplify the impact of your environmental education practice.In this workshop, you'll consider your educational objectives and the impact your programs have on people and the planet. You will engage in conversation about the fundamental purpose of environmental education and reflect on how the Universal Declaration of Human Rights connects with your practice and environmental education overall.Pre-enroll yourself (pre-enrollment ends January 1, 2023)Pre-enroll yourself and a colleague (pre-enrollment ends January 1, 2023)(Note: Regular Registration begins on January 2, 2023. Check back here for links on January 2.)___________________________________________ABOUT SANDY SOHCOTDirector and originator of The World As It Could Be Human Rights Education Program. Sandy holds a California Lifetime Teaching Credential. In July 2001, Sandy became Executive Director of the Rex Foundation and served as in that capacity through 2013, to help renew the Foundation in the absence of direct Grateful Dead concert funding. In 2006, as part of her work, Sandy developed The World As It Could Be initiative to raise awareness about the human rights framework. The initial work evolved to become a full program with curriculum that includes the creative arts as a vital part of teaching about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since January 2014, Sandy has been Director of TWAICB, now a program of the Alameda County Deputy Sheriffs' Activities League (DSAL). Sandy has been active in the small business and women's communities of San Francisco. She co-founded the Women's Leadership Alliance, and is past president of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. In July 1999, the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women honored Sandy with their Women Who Make a Difference Award. Sandy served as a Commissioner on the San Francisco Human Rights Commission 2004 – 2008.___________________________________________ABOUT ELLEN SEBASTIAN CHANG:Ellen Sebastian Chang (she/her), whose creative practice spans 45 years, is a storied figure in the performing arts, as a multi-disciplinary director (theater, opera, dance, and installation) arts educator, and lighting designer. "I create as a director, producer, writer, and teaching artist.  I began my theater practice as a lighting technician (Berkeley Stage Company) and designer. In 1981, I shifted to directing/writing/creating devised experimental performances with the premiere of Your Place is No Longer with Us which followed a ten-year-old biracial girl throughout a Victorian mansion in San Francisco.  In 1986, I was the co-founder/co-artistic director of LIFE ON THE WATER, a national and internationally known presenting and producing organization at San Francisco's Fort Mason Center. In the 21st century, with Deep Waters Dance Theater I have co-created 14 Episodes of "House/Full of Blackwomen," in 2020 episode 14 called New Chitlin Circuitry: a reparations vaudeville; “How to Fall in Love in A Brothel” interactive installation, performances and short film with Sunhui Chang and Maya Gurantz commissioned by Catherine Clark Gallery;  “A Hole In Space (Oakland Redux) created with Maya Gurantz connecting to Oakland neighborhoods via 24-hour video portal; Consulting Producer for “Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley” HBO and interviewee; “Fabulation”  by Lynne Nottage Lorraine Hansberry Theater with Margo Hall and Daveed Diggs. Lost and Found Sound with The Kitchen Sisters. Since 2006 as the ongoing Creative Director and Teaching Artist for The World As It Could Be Human Rights Education Program (TWAICB) I co-created curriculum and a series of successful initiatives employing the creative arts to deepen learning about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and its principles. My perspective is an ongoing desire to engage creatively and collaboratively, to make works that connect us across disciplines, cultures, class, and break through our fears by challenging our learned beliefs. I have collaborated with and directed the works of KITKA, Gamelan Sekar Jaya, Eisa Davis, Youth Speaks, Holly Hughes, Word for Word, Center for Digital Story Telling, Fauxnique, Magic Theater, Lorraine Hansberry Theater, The Kitchen Sisters, Bill Talen, Anne Galjour, Felonious with One Ring Zero, Robert Karimi and George Coates Performance Works."Between 2013-2017, she was the co-owner and events planner for the award-winning West Oakland restaurant FuseBOX, with co-owner and Chef Sunhui Chang.She is currently serving as Resident Owner and Board Member for East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative/Advisor for Esther's Orbit Room Project/Artist Housing.She is a recipient of awards and grants from Creative Capital, MAP Fund, A Blade of Grass Fellowship in Social Engagement, Art Matters, Kenneth Rainin Foundation, NEA,  MAP Fund, Creative Work Fund, California Arts Council, Sam Mazza Foundation and Zellerbach Family Community Arts Fund.Diversity and Social/Human Justice Work through the Arts with Ellen Sebastian ChangFishing Lessons, a digital storytelling project in collaboration with StoryCenter MUSIC:So Far So Close by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License.

This summer, I have featured episodes from various shows on The Carbon Almanac Podcast Network.In July, I shared an episode from The Carbon Almanac Collective, a podcast about the team who created The Carbon Almanac. In August, I shared an episode from Generation Carbon, the podcast for kids 6-10.This month, I am sharing an episode of the CarbonSessions podcast. This podcast features everyday conversations about climate with people from all over the world.Listening to this podcast is like sitting at the kitchen table with neighbors and talking about the changes we're all seeing in the world around us.In this episode, we gather around the table with host Katherine Palmer, an aromatherapist and workshop coordinator; Tonya Downing, a digital marketer; and Kristy Sharrow, a journalist-turned-marketer.Tonya and Kristy are also scriptwriters for Generation Carbon. In this episode, they discuss what they learned while researching and writing the script for the episode about ocean plastics. LINKSCarbonSessionsGeneration Carbon - Ocean PlasticsThe Carbon AlmanacGreat Pacific Garbage Patch (National Geographic)

Today we get to learn from Diane Wyzga, story strategist, guide, and founder of the practice called Engaged Storyism.Diane is also the creator, host, and producer of Stories From Women Who Walk, a much-loved and listened-to podcast that has spread wisdom and touched hearts worldwide.I reached out to Diane so you and I could think about story. Not in an MBA/marketing sort of way, but in a real way. A way that reflects who we are as individuals and professionals.What is your story?How do you find it?Let's find out. LINKSQuarter Moon Story ArtsStories From Women Who WalkCamino de SantiagoReceive updates about the story workshop with Diane

As you know, I've been working on a project involving The Carbon Almanac for the past several months. One of the projects I've been able to help with is the Carbon Almanac Podcast Network. This network includes a podcast featuring conversations with individuals who worked on the book, a podcast about climate conversations happening across the globe, a podcast featuring the conversations everyday people are having about our changing world, and a podcast for kids aged 6-10. Today's bonus episode comes from Generation Carbon, the kids' podcast. In this episode about bugs, you'll meet our host Edie, Callie Caterpillar, and Spencer Sparrow. You'll also hear science reporters on the climate case and curious changemakers asking Beetlelady questions about bugs and our changing climate.If you are a longtime listener of this podcast and wondering why Beetlelady sounds familiar to you, it's because you've met her before in a  previous episode.Generation Carbon is part of the Carbon Almanac Network of Podcasts and has been rebroadcast with permission.Supervising Producer: Jennifer Myers Chua. Senior Producer: Tonya Downing. Expert Outreach Advisor: Tania Marien. Written by: Carolanne Petrusiak with support from Kristy Sharrow. Hosted By: Jennifer Myers Chua, Edie Chua. Talent: Sam Schuffenecker, Olabanji Stephen, Steve Heatherington Editor: Jennifer Myers Chua. Project Co-ordinator: Jen Ankenmann. Shownotes: Amanda Hsiung-BlodgettView Generation Carbon's catalog of episodes

Sue Heatherington is a quiet disruptor. She started introducing herself this way after a period of time marked by family trauma, business challenges, and serious illness. The first time Sue introduced herself as a quiet disruptor, she was surprised by the reaction she received.  in this episode, we join a conversation Sue led at an author event in May.What is a quiet disruptor?What has Sue learned about them?Let's join the conversation. LINKSQuietDisruptors.comMaria Sibylla MerianTwitter (@QuietDisruptors)Facebook (@quietdisruptors)Instagram (@quietdisruptors)

Welcome back to the Talaterra podcast!A landmark project pulled me away, and I let it take priority during an intense period of its production. So I return to podcasting by explaining where I've been, and to do this, I've decided to share a conversation I had for The Carbon Almanac Collective. This podcast is one of the podcasts built around The Carbon Almanac, a book of facts that will make it easier for ALL of us to talk about climate change. I had the opportunity to contribute to The Carbon Almanac Project and am excited to share that the book will be published next week. To learn more, visit thecarbonalmanac.org.Special thanks to Jennifer Myers Chua, Executive Producer of The Carbon Almanac Podcast Network, for allowing me to share this episode with you.

About KalliopiKalliopi Monoyios is a visual creative dedicated to communicating the wonder of the natural world to a wide and varied audience.  After graduating from Princeton University with a degree in geology, she built her career as a science illustrator for the prominent paleontologist Neil Shubin at The University of Chicago. Her scientific illustrations have appeared inside and on the covers of top peer-review journals such as Nature and Science as well as in four popular science books, including The New York Times best-seller, Your Inner Fish by Neil Shubin as well as his most recent, Some Assembly Required. In 2011, she co-founded Symbiartic, a blog covering the intersection of science and art for Scientific American. Since 2019, she has been on the Board of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, a group of professionals who communicate science through art, acting as President since 2020. Now, driven by the conviction that science communicators operating in all spheres are a critical part of creating a scientifically literate public, she is developing new avenues of public engagement with science via her own art and curated exhibits. The Shubin Lab at the University of Chicago studies the great leaps in evolution by combining paleontology with cutting-edge molecular biology and genetics. Professor Shubin is also an author, frequent public speaker, and television host, having authored three popular non-fiction science books and hosted the PBS series Your Inner Fish (highly recommend!).Patterns of Consumption, a solo exhibit of work by Kalliopi Monoyios, explores the complexity of our relationship with plastic with humor, beauty, and wonder. It is on view at the Littleton Museum in Littleton, CO now through June 26, 2022. An online artist's talk will be scheduled in May.The Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI) is a 54-year-strong organization that began at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, USA. Today, they are a community of over 800 visual science communication professionals and enthusiasts worldwide. In addition to functioning as a generous and resourceful community of peers, they host the annual GNSI Visual SciComm Conference, publish the Journal of Natural Science Illustration, and run workshops and social events year-round, both in-person and online.Ridwell, a company that specializes in keeping trash out of landfills by collecting hard to recycle items and finding local companies to either sustainably reuse or recycle them. (For the record, I don't get any perks for referring people to them beyond a cleaner world for us all!)Sashiko Embroidery on InstagramSymbiartic was a blog written by Kalliopi Monoyios, Glendon Mellow and Katie McKissick covering the intersection of science and art for Scientific American from 2011-2016. Select archives are still available here and here. 

Blending art and science to help young learners establish a science identity.A tabletop activity designed for a Pi Day event introduces students and families to Fibonacci and scientific illustration as a career path. This activity was adapted for classroom use by The Leonardo Principle. In this episode, we learn more about The Leonardo Principle from founding director, Sally Bensusen. LINKSThe Leonardo PrincipleActivities for developing observation skillsVi Hart - Fibonacci, Doodling & MathScience Identity MattersWomen in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World* * Talaterra is a Bookstore affiliate. Commissions support the podcast.

Stephanie Rozzo is the founder and principal educator of Nature Sketch Crate, a subscription service that not only inspires interest in nature but supports people in their exploration of it. How did she build this subscription service?Let's find out. LINKSwww.naturesketchcrate.comNature Sketch Crate on FacebookNature Sketch Crate on InstagramNature Sketch Crate on YouTubeNature Sketch Crate on TiktokNature Sketch Crate on Twitter Special coupon code for Talaterra listeners: TALATERRA20Use this code at www.naturesketchcrate.com to receive 20% off your first crate with a month-to-month purchase or 3 Monthprepay. Offer valid March 11, 2022 - April 29, 2022.

Be a guiding light.Here is the link you need to lead. Photo by Joshua Woroniecki on Unsplash

Sarah R. Johnson is a landscape-based environmental educator. As a freelance science educator, she is focused on climate change, public lands, watershed science, civics, and geography, and teaching and learning through her business,  Wild Rose Education. She designs and facilitates educator professional development workshops, teaches public lands courses, teaches International Arctic Buoy Program STEM programs, and facilitates a Colorado cohort of climate change educators. Sarah has created and facilitated numerous environmental education programs including the award-winning Youth Water Leadership Program. Sarah is currently a  PolarTREC educator,  Spirituality and EE eePro Group Moderator,  Guidelines for Excellence eePro Group Moderator, and also a student of the  Living School  at the Center for Action and Contemplation. Sarah has been based in western Colorado working to protect rivers and public lands through education since 2004 where she enjoys playing outside during all seasons, gardening, and making music. Follow Sarah's  Arctic ExpeditionsLearn more about and join the  U.S. ACE CoalitionRead more about  Sarah's UNFCCC COP26 experience through her blog.United Nations Framework Convention on Climate ChangeMore about Sarah and how she founded Wild Rose Education

Rebecca Rolnick is a naturalist, writer, and educator. She is the founder of Forest School-to-You and leads in-person and online programs for both K-12 students and adults. Rebecca also leads conversations about neurodiversity in environmental education.What is neurodiversity?Why is Rebecca inviting environmental educators to conversations about this topic?Let's find out. LINKSAbout me Rebecca Rolnick: Naturalist | Writer | Educator www.rebeccarolnick.com IG: @forestschooltoyouYoutube: Forest School-to-YouRecordings of Nature Journal Writing Workshops; other Nature Journaling videos John Muir Law's Nature Journal Community CalendarIncludes my free class, Nature Journal “Writing Workshop Wednesdays” Free mini-ebook “Science & Imagination: Exploring Words in Your Nature Journal” Get notified when registration opens soon for “Nature Journaling for Re-STORY-ation Course, and free class coming soon “A World Full of Stories”:Join the waitlist_____________________________________________Other Resources That I LikePanel Discussion “Supporting Neurodivergent Students & Educators” NAAEE 2021With Rebecca Rolnick, John Muir Laws, Sylvia Collazo, Katrina Thomas Books mentioned in the podcastThe Dyslexia Empowerment Plan by Ben FossBraiding Sweetgrass by Robin KimmererCoyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature by Jon Young, Ellen Haas, Evan McGown (forward by Richard Louv)Autism Resources Youtube Channels Yo Samdy Sam Chloe Haydn Aspergers from the Inside Mottron, Laurent. 2011. “The Power of Autism.” Nature 479 (7371): 33–35. https://doi.org/10.1038/479033a.“...people with autism need opportunities and support more than they need treatment. As a result, my research group and others believe that autism should be described and investigated as a variant within the human species.….By emphasizing the abilities and strengths of people with autism, deciphering how autistics learn and succeed in natural settings, and avoiding language that frames autism as a defect to be corrected, [scientists] can help shape the entire discussion.”ADHDYoutube Channel: How to ADHDADHD “Under the Sea” Parody by The Holderness Family   DyslexiaARM Reports "Hard to Read: How American Schools Fail Kids with Dyslexia"Scientific American: The Advantages of Dyslexia_____________________________________________ADDITIONAL RESOURCESWhat is neurodiversity?Neurodiversity: On the neurological underpinnings of geekdom (Harvey Blume, The Atlantic)Episode 33: John Muir Laws, Community Building Braiding Sweetgrass and other resources are available at Talaterra's bookshop. Talaterra is a Bookshop.org affiliate and ten percent of each purchase goes towards the production of this podcast.

Today my guest is Mindi Rosser.Mindi helps business owners and subject matter experts have conversations with their LinkedIn audience, peers, and prospects.Mindi helps people establish a presence based on trust, authenticity, and consistency. I invited Mindi to talk about how independent professionals can establish credibility in their respective fields.Joining us today is a panel of independent professionals representing STEM fields, photography, and storytelling.You will hear from Mindi and me first. Then you will begin to hear from the guest panel.Let's join the conversation. LINKSMindi Rosser helps B2B business owners, thought leaders, and subject matter experts to start having great conversations with their audience, prospects, and peers based on trust, authenticity, and consistency on LinkedIn. She's worked within the agency world, with startups, and then decided to branch out to work directly with business leaders on their social presence, building thought leadership and working with them to fill their pipelines with ideal clients using LinkedIn. As an entrepreneur, she values freedom and coloring outside the lines. She loves building systems that work on LinkedIn and testing them to generate results for her clients.Mindi on LinkedInMindi's LinkedIn Accelerator WaitlistMindi Rosser Marketing on FacebookMindi Rosser Marketing on YouTubeMindi on InstagramMindi on TikTok Special Thanks:Maria Kauffman, Kauffman InstituteMaria is a Women's Leadership Coach who helps women progress through successful career and business advancements with empowerment programs. Her signature Leadership Mastery Makeover coaching program uses the '5 Natural Steps to Advancement' to help women quickly go from Imposter to Impressive.Maria on LinkedInStrategies Course for Empowered Women (free) Laeti Golden, Laeti PhotographyLaeti is a lifestyle photographer in Minneapolis who helps couples celebrate their love. With over 20 years of experience and a background in various types of photography, she enjoys helping people save their precious memories with each click of the camera's shutter. Her relaxed approach to each session places people at ease, allowing them to focus on their special moments. Her ability to recognize the uniqueness of her client's emotions, energy,  approach to life, and their special occasion- ensures they will be comfortable and feel cared for during a photography session. Laeti on LinkedInLaeti on AlignableLaeti on Instagram Diane Wyzga, Quarter Moon Story ArtsDiane coaches professional women who are ready to confidently convey their stories to be seen, heard, and understood. Diane is a story strategizer and founder of the Engaged Storyism Method. What if you could discover your one true authentic voice to shape your personal or professional story, mission, or vision so you are seen, heard, understood, and listened to?What if, indeed! If you have a desire to say what you mean and mean what you say, come as you are and change inside Quarter Moon Story Arts.Stories From Women Who WalkDiane on LinkedInDirect message Diane on LinkedInContact Diane

Jim Folsom is the creator and host of @BotanyInContext, a fun and fascinating channel on TikTok about the plants we engage with and see in our daily lives. Jim is a teacher, a gardener, a botanist, and a cook who enjoys talking about plants. He is also Director Emeritus of the botanical gardens at The Huntington, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens in Southern California. In this episode, Jim tells us about his TikTok channel, the 1,000-page botanical book he wrote, and what he would like the public to understand about plants. LINKSBotany In Context (website)@BotanyInContext (TikTok)A Botanical Reader (Apple Books)Orthosiphon aristarusObedient PlantNesocodon (Gecko-pollinated flower)Edward LumTale of the Bean (TikTok)Tale of the Bean (PDF download)Glass Flowers at Harvard UniversityWhy Plants and Gardens Matter

Dr. Marijke Hecht is an Assistant Professor at Penn State whose research of urban greenspaces involves the interaction between humans and more-than-human nature. In 2019 I read Dr. Hecht's paper about cultivating 21st-century naturalists. When I sat down with Dr. Hecht to discuss her research, she was then a doctoral candidate at the University of Pittsburgh. I am excited to share that Dr. Hecht's dissertation is now complete and has been published. If you have an interest in identity development, out-of-school learning, informal science education, or curriculum design, consider reading Marijke's dissertation. You'll find a link in the show notes.Before you dig in, listen to our conversation first. This will give you a solid introduction to Dr. Hecht's research. LINKSMarijke Hecht (Faculty Profile at Penn State)Dr. Hecht's Dissertation (2020)

Dr. Brad McLain is a social scientist interested in the nature and psychology of identity development, learning, and leadership.He is the Director of the Center for STEM Learning at the University of Colorado Boulder, and a Senior Researcher and Director of Corporate Research at the National Center for Women in Information Technology,I reached out to Dr. McLain after reading a chapter he wrote about identity construction in informal science educators.In this episode, we discuss identity theory. We discuss what informal science educators have in common with independent environmental education professionals, Dr. McLain's work as chair of Dr. Jane Goodall's US Roots & Shoots program, and his current research dedicated to the design of transformative experiences.What is identity theory?How do transformative experiences work?Let's find out. LINKSPreparing Informal Science Educators (Book)Informal Science Educator Identity ConstructionInspire Me: Dr. Brad McLain at TEDx LincolnCenter for STEM Learning, University of Colorado BoulderNational Center for Women and Information TechnologyRoots and ShootsDavid Whyte, Poet 

The Friends of Talaterra. LINKSSurvey - Friends of Talaterra

Dina Falconi and Wendy Hollender discuss how they wrote and illustrated their award-winning book, "Foraging and Feasting: A Field Guide to Wild Food Cookbook." They also discuss how they launched a  successful Kickstarter campaign to raise money for their project.Dina Falconi is a clinical herbalist, author, and teacher. Her specialty areas are food activism and nutritional healing. Wendy Hollender is a botanical artist, illustrator, and author. She is one of the world's leading experts in using colored pencils and watercolor in detailed botanical illustrations. LINKSForaging and Feasting: A Field Guide to Wild Food Cookbook (Botanical Arts Press)Kickstarter CampaignForaging and Feasting on InstagramForaging and Feasting on FacebookDina Falconi on YouTubeWendyHollender.comDrawBotanical.comWendy Hollender on YouTubeTalaterra on YouTube Theme music for the podcast is provided by:Jahzzar, So Far So Close, CC By 4.0 US (Episode 16 - onward) 

Eleanor Chaney is a freelance artist and educator. She is also the founder and creative director of The Library of Nature, an online resource for children. In this episode, Eleanor and I discuss how her experience as a contemporary artist has informed her approach to art, nature, teaching, and learning. We also talk about Eleanor's exquisite paper sculptures, her enthusiasm for natural history books, and how she secured enough funding to launch her project. LINKSEleanor's websiteSign up for Eleanor's free five-day mini-courseFacebookInstagramYouTubeThe Library Of Nature:Library of Nature WebsiteLibrary of Nature on FacebookLibrary of Nature on InstagramSpecial ThanksJanice Benson for supporting Eleanor with her application for The Library Of Nature; Neil Mather for his help and support on the project, and Tullie House Museum and Gallery for their support on Eleanor's recent Hidden Natural Histories project. Theme music for the podcast is provided by:Jahzzar, So Far So Close, CC By 4.0 US (Episode 16 - onward) 

Today my guest is Rebecca Kling.Rebecca is an educator, performer, community organizer, storyteller, and advocate for social change.Rebecca is also an advocate for transgender rights, is involved in the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal campaign, and is the co-founder of Better World Collaborative, a trans, woman, and Latinx-owned consultancy rooted in social justice and the creative arts.I met Rebecca in the pilot of the Earth Stories workshop that was hosted by StoryCenter. We learned about Earth Stories in the last episode.The workshop was my introduction to her advocacy work, and how storytelling is a tool she uses throughout her work with individuals and organizations.It is this aspect of her work that we will focus on today. LINKSRebeccaKling.comRebecca on Twitter (@RebeccaKling)Better World CollaborativeBeyond Coal Initiative, Sierra Club"Not Permanent" - A short film by Rebecca Kling, featured in the Earth Stories playlist by StoryCenter.NEW! Storytelling for Advocacy, an interactive workshop with Rebecca Kling. (Learn More)

Today we are joined by Amy Hill, Yakuta Poonawalla, and Cassidy Villeneuve, creators, and facilitators of a new workshop experience at StoryCenter, the founders of the digital storytelling movement. I met Amy, Yakuta, and Cassidy while a student in the pilot of the Earth Stories workshop. This workshop focuses on the personal connections individuals have with the natural world.In this conversation, Amy, Yakuta, Cassidy, and I talk about how this workshop was created, how digital storytelling can change peoples' minds, and so much more. LINKSStoryCenterView films from Earth Stories pilotFrameworks InstituteEpisodic vs. Thematic StoriesPaolo Friere GUEST PROFILESAmy Hill, StoryCenterAmy is director of Silence Speaks, an initiative that works to bring personal stories into education and advocacy environments around women's rights and human rights. Amy also coordinates a lot of StoryCenter's social justice and environmental justice work.Yakuta Poonawalla, Earth Stories FacilitatorYakuta works at Golden Gate Parks Conservancy in San Francisco, CA, and feels extremely lucky and privileged to tell stories of the natural world and find ways to connect Bay Area communities to the natural world and parks in San Mateo and Marin counties.Cassidy Villeneuve, Earth Stories FacilitatorCassidy works at Frog Hollow Farm, a regenerative organic farm in California, and is interested in connecting experts, scientists, farmers, and individuals with expertise in climate solutions, to a broader audience through storytelling.   

Susan B. Inches is an author, educator, and environmental advocate. In this episode, we discuss her career and new book, “Advocating for the Environment: How to Gather Your Power and Take Action.”How did Susan become an independent advocate?What is the difference between advocacy and direct action?How can advocates connect with decision-makers?Let's find out. LINKSSusan B. Inches - Author, Educator, Environmental AdvocatePine Tree AmendmentFrameworks InstituteBuy "Advocating for the Environment" **Note: Talaterra is a Bookshop.org affiliate.  Theme music for the podcast is provided by:Jason Shaw, Audionautix, CC By 3.0 US (Episodes 1 - 15)Jahzzar, So Far So Close, CC By 4.0 US (Episode 16 - onward)

Scientific illustrator and science communicator, Gretchen Halpert, discusses how she entered the field of science illustration, shares a story about the time she demonstrated the value of drawing at a medical school, and tells us about the distance learning program she created for anyone interested in learning about scientific illustration.  LINKSScientific Illustration Distance Program Guild of Natural Science Illustrators

Environmental and cultural educator, Miguel Cruz, prepares to launch environmental education programs in Mexico and to learn Otomi, his family's indigenous language. LINKSMiguel's YouTube channel - Nature, Culture, Nurture (@venconmige)Facebook (@venconmige)Instagram (@venconmige)Miguel on LinkedInInformation about ethnicity and language (Otomi)Advocates for Indigenous California Language Survival (AICLS)AICLS Master Apprentice ProgramNative-Land.caBEETLESEE Forward Summit