Podcasts about national lead

In a special episode of Lung Cancer Voices, Dr. Paul Wheatley-Price sits down with Laura Greer, Senior VP & National Lead, Health & Wellness at Hill+Knowlton, for a timely discussion on what political change — or uncertainty — could mean for health policy, research funding, and advocacy? They chat about how the shifting political landscapes may impact healthcare: ripple effects of tariffs and economic pressures on patient care, cuts to NIH/HHS in the U.S. and what they mean for Canadian research, and how charities like Lung Cancer Canada can keep advocating — no matter the political climate.

Season 8 Episode 7 was originally released as Season 6 Episode 10 in December 2023. Can nature make us happier, healthier and more creative? The simple answer is yes, ... and it's been scientifically proven. Host Sarah Thorne and Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature (EWN) Program, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE),thought this was a perfect time to replay one of our favorite episodes – our conversation with author Florence Williams from S6E10, which originally aired in December 2023. We had a great conversation with Florence about her book, The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative. Florence, who is a science journalist, author, speaker and podcaster spent over 3 years traveling around the world talking with leading scientists—and taking part in science experiments—focused on quantifying the benefits of nature to people's health and well-being.What did she learn? Well, the benefits of Nature are clear—spending more time outdoors is good for our physical health and our mental health. As Florence says, everything from short daily experiences in nature like taking a walk when you take a break at lunch to longer, immersive wilderness experiences like hiking, camping, and nature retreats are all beneficial—she says “we need all of it.” The bottom line is that regular “nature fixes” are literally good for mind, body and soul—and now we have the science to prove it.Sarah had the opportunity to talk with Florence recently and I asked her how writing The Nature Fix had changed her life.  She said it was “transformative”—it changed her relationship with Nature—which she says continues to be a source of strength, interest, and passion. And it has opened many doors for her leading to host of new opportunities.We hope you enjoy this encore edition of the EWN Podcast and that it inspires you to take time to get outdoors and take in the health benefits of Nature, even if it is only for a few minutes every day. Who knows, it just could be transformative! Enjoy the show! For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/  Jeff King at LinkedInFlorence Williams – Naturefix at LinkedIn

Nature is a powerful thing. While hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire in 2006, our guest let go of her dream to compete at the 2008 Olympics to pursue a career protecting the environment. In Season 8, Episode 6, host Sarah Thorne and Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature (EWN) Program, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), are joined by special guest Robyn DeYoung, who now leads the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Green Infrastructure Program. Through the Green Infrastructure Federal Collaborative, Robyn is bringing federal agencies together to advance nature-based solutions (NBS), including finding ways to streamline permitting and helping communities navigate funding. The Collaborative has just released a best practice guide on Federal Permitting and Environmental Reviews for Nature-Based Solutions and short videos for funding and technical assistance.Robyn joined the USEPA in 2010 working with states and local governments on clean energy, applying all that she had learned—including the value of teamwork that she learned from field hockey. In her current role as Green Infrastructure program manager, she continues to help people work together: “How can we collaborate and use people's unique talents—even people that might not agree with you, but have great ideas?”Green infrastructure can mean different things to different people. As Robyn describes it, “If I'm in a room full of engineers, then green infrastructure means you're using natural systems—native plants, soils, permeable surfaces—to help with bringing us back to predevelopment hydrology. But for the rest of us, the way that I define green infrastructure is that we're creating functional green space and other designs so that we can prevent flooding, keep our cities cool, and keep our waters clean using natural processes, using things like rain gardens or street trees.”Robyn notes that one of the primary functions of EPA's Green Infrastructure Program is outreach, providing resources to help people understand the economic, environmental and social benefits of green infrastructure, including handbooks for Green Infrastructure Design, peer exchange webinars, and models and tools. “One of the focuses of our program is to make sure that we have free information so people can design, build, maintain, and monitor the green infrastructure in their cities and communities.” Looking forward, Robyn notes some of the focus and priorities she sees in the next year, starting with EPA's 2035 Green Infrastructure Strategic Agenda that her program has been working on. She describes three priority areas: (1) Demonstrating the benefits of green infrastructure in ways that align with the economic, environmental, and social benefits that people value; (2) Connecting more communities to federal funding and technical assistance. And (3) continuing to engage with communities. “We want to do everything we can to bring nature-based solutions into those neighborhoods in a way that they want to use them, that's culturally relevant, so that they can really take it and run with it.”Robyn's call to action is for listeners to learn more about what the Green Infrastructure Program is doing and find out about the resources that are available to support individuals and communities interested in green infrastructure. For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/  Jeff King at LinkedInRobyn DeYoung at LinkedIn

Jacqueline Smyth, National Lead for Tusla Fostering, appeals for more people from all backgrounds to consider fostering.

Since 1970, the bird population in North America has declined by about 3 billion birds. In Season 8, Episode 5, host Sarah Thorne and Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature (EWN) Program, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), are joined by special guest, Dr. Elizabeth Gray, CEO of the National Audubon Society. Elizabeth is an ornithologist and a world-renowned champion of science-based conservation and leads an organization dedicated to protecting birds by altering the course of biodiversity loss. Elizabeth is the first woman CEO of Audubon since its founding in 1905. In her lifetime, Elizabeth has seen significant changes in bird populations. “This is just really tragic, and we know two-thirds of those birds are threatened by climate change. When I go out in the field, I see increasing habitat loss and habitat fragmentation. Climate change is a magnifier of all these effects, and birds are indicators of planetary health—really the sentinels and the symbols of how the planet's doing.”Audubon's 5-year strategic plan, called “Flight Plan,” is designed to “bend the bird curve”—to halt, and ultimately reverse, this decline of birds across the Americas by using science; building strong partnerships; and finding solutions that are positive for birds, for people, and for the planet. “We believe that what birds need—clean water, clean air, a healthy food system, a healthy climate—is also what people need.” Elizabeth notes how these efforts continue a tradition going back to the early 1900s when Audubon began protecting one of the last Reddish Egret rookeries. These efforts grew into Audubon's Coastal Bird Stewardship program, which now has over 500 sites in coastal areas, 1500 volunteers, and 250 partner organizations.Collaboration and partnerships are key to addressing these complex and interconnected issues and Audubon is well known for bringing together unlikely partners, industry, local communities, policy makers, decision-makers, government officials, Indigenous communities, and other conservation organizations. “We often have different priorities, but we've found that you can get people who have different priorities, even different values, certainly different approaches, to sit at a table if you can align around the outcome that you want to achieve together.” She adds that birds are Audubon's “superpower.” “Birds don't pay attention to geographic boundaries. They don't pay attention to what divides people or countries and things like that. They're really the ultimate unifier here. And I think to me, birds remind us of our shared humanity and the fact that we really share this planet.”Nature-based solutions (NBS) play a key role in Audubon's efforts. As Elizabeth notes, NBS can contribute significant greenhouse gas reductions through protecting, restoring, and appropriately managing natural areas, coastal systems, mangroves, grasslands, and forests while also delivering cobenefits to nature and society. Jeff notes the strong synergy and alignment between the mission of Audubon and the objectives of EWN. “With nature-based solutions, we can create resilience while also enhancing habitat and biodiversity and accomplish many more cobenefits. I see so many things that are complementary here, and I'm just excited about what you're doing and seeing on the horizon within Audubon.” For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/  Jeff King at LinkedInElizabeth Gray at LinkedIn 

In this episode of Sanford Says, Michael Cannon, Water Resources Engineer with the City of Sanford, joins us to discuss the national Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) and how Sanford ensures compliance. Michael breaks down the key elements of the updated EPA rule, the importance of reducing lead and copper in drinking water, and the proactive steps Sanford is taking to protect public health. Tune in to learn how this federal regulation impacts the community and what Sanford is doing to meet its daily standards.

Arlene Connor interviews Andrew Whitfield-Roberts about Safari Consulting in veterinary practices. This innovative model involves Registered Veterinary Nurses taking a more active role in consultations and client interactions. By supporting nurses to handle routine check-ups and booster appointments, clinics can reduce the workload on veterinary surgeons and improve overall efficiency. Arlene and Andrew share the emotional benefits for clients, and how it can lead to better client satisfaction and care.Arlene ConnorArlene qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2003 and subsequently worked in a small animal practice in central Scotland. She joined Vets Now 24/7 Emergency and Specialty Hospital in Glasgow in 2013 as a surgery nurse, before becoming Clinical Nursing Manager in 2014. In 2017, Arlene took on the role of Head of Clinical Operations for Vets Now's Referral Hospital sites across the UK, which saw her represent Referrals within VetsNow as a member of the Veterinary and Nursing Standards group and at the company's Clinical Strategy Board. In 2021 Arlene moved over to IVC Evidensia as the National Lead of Referral Nursing, within the newly created Referral Division, taking the lead on the UK's Referral Nurse Strategy. In addition, with the rest of the National Clinical Lead team, Arlene is responsible for the clinical and professional standards within the hospital and is part of the team responsible for opening new IVC Evidensia Referral Hospitals in the U.K. At home, Arlene lives with her husband, and two small children, Harris the dog and George the cat.Andrew Whitfield-RobertsAndrew started nursing in 2008 in Shropshire, He studied at Rodbaston College and after passing his VCA and ANA awards he qualified in 2015 as an RVN. He moved to the Liverpool area and 7 years became a Head Nurse and Practice Manager. He has a passion for sharing and teaching about nursing skills and pushing the promotion of Male veterinary nurses. Areas of interest included neonatal care, wound management and consulting. Currently, he is the Head Nurse at White Cross Vets - St Helens. Andrew holds a BSVA Merit Award in wound management, Cert NCS(RVN Cons) and is currently studying for CertNCS(VPM)

Daniella Dos Santos talks with National Lead for Medicine, Lucie Goodwin about Cushing's Syndrome. Lucie shares her expertise on what Cushing's is, emphasising the importance of understanding the physiology behind it. They discuss the typical signs to look out for, alongside key diagnostic tests. They explore how to best explain the diagnostic process to pet owners, especially when multiple tests are required.Lucie GoodwinLucie graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2004 and spent the following two years working in a busy small animal hospital in Bristol. Having developed a love of internal medicine, she returned to the RVC in 2006 to undertake an internship and subsequently a residency in small animal medicine. Following the completion of her residency, Lucie returned to the West Country to work for the University of Bristol and Langford Veterinary Services as a teaching fellow and internal medicine clinician. She worked as an Internal Medicine Consultant for Axiom Veterinary Laboratories before joining the BSAVA as Head of Education in June 2018. Lucie joined Vale Referrals as an Internal Medicine clinician in September 2021 and became the IVC Evidensia National Lead for Medicine in June 2022. Lucie is also a trustee of RCVS Knowledge, a charity dedicated to the advancement of the quality of veterinary care for the benefit of animals, the public, and society. Lucie enjoys all aspects of internal medicine but has a particular interest in renal and urinary tract medicine and immune-mediated diseases.Daniella Dos SantosDaniella graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2012 having previously obtained a degree in Molecular Genetics from Kings College. She has since worked in first opinion, small animal and exotic pet practices across the Southeast. In 2019, she became the youngest-ever President of the British Veterinary Association, leading the profession through the height of the pandemic. During her time as President, she was instrumental in the association's Diversity and Inclusion work, as well as the development and launch of the Good Workplaces Policy. Daniella was the recipient on the RCVS Inspiration Award 2021 for her leadership and became an RCVS Fellow in 2021 for Meritorious Contributions to the Profession. She is a trustee of the animal welfare charity SPANA and the PetPlan Charitable Trust.Powered by IVC Evidensia:At IVC Evidensia we're building the world's best veterinary group, with a single purpose; healthy animals and happy owners.Visit ivcevidensia.co.uk to find out more, or follow us on social media.Please note that the views expressed by hosts and guests in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of IVC Evidensia.Links: Vet Compass Cushing's Predictor Tool: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/news/new-vetcompass-tool-aids-diagnosis-of-cushing-s-syndrome-in-dogsDiagnosis of Spontaneous Canine Hyperadrenocorticism: 2012 ACVIM Consensus Statement (Small Animal): https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jvim.12192Medicine referrals at Vale Referrals Dursley: https://www.valereferrals.co.uk/for-vets/disciplines#internal-medicine

Vice President Kamala Harris holds a slight edge over former President Donald Trump in national polling less than one month from election day. The Center Square Voters' Voice poll, conducted with Noble Predictive Insights and released Wednesday, shows Harris leads Trump 49% to 47%, a tight race that's within the poll's +/-2.1% margin of error. The poll is one of only six national tracking polls in the United States. The race likely will be determined by a handful of swing states where other polling shows a near tie.

In Season 8, Episode 2, host Sarah Thorne and Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature (EWN) Program, USACE, welcome back Dr. Christopher Lemon, a physician and Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine; Faculty Codirector of Clinical Programs with the Institute for Planetary Health; and Fellow with the Bloomberg American Health Initiative at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In Episode 1, we talked with Chris about his journey to becoming a medical doctor and an expert and thought leader in the emerging field of planetary health. In this episode, we focus on Chris's association with the Planetary Health Alliance (PHA) and how he and PHA are helping people understand and adapt to the changing conditions posed by climate change and encouraging people to take action.As an emergency physician, Chris is attuned to the need to take action. Noting the impacts of climate change—extreme heat, weather, drought, flooding, and disease—Chris contends that all these complicated situations boil down to the fact that Humanity is a part of this planet and that we will all be affected, “If you care about yourself, if you care about the health of your family and your loved ones, you need to act now because there is no question everyone is going to be impacted by climate change.”Citing The 2023 Report of the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, he describes troubling trends such as heat-related deaths of adults over 65 rising by over 80% percent since the 1990s; increased frequency of heat waves and droughts in recent decades, associated with roughly 127 million more people experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity; and new locations now suitable for the transmission of deadly infections. “These impacts could be an early sign of the future that we have in store. I think we're facing a scenario where things could be potentially catastrophic, and that also means to our health.”Much of Chris's efforts in this area is through his association with the PHA, a consortium of more than 450 universities, nongovernment organizations, research institutes, and government entities from more than 75 countries around the world. Launched in 2015, Chris defines Planetary health as “a solutions-oriented transdisciplinary field and social movement focused on analyzing and addressing the impacts of human disruptions on Earth's natural systems and how that will eventually impact human health, as well as all life on Earth.” Essential to planetary health is the understanding that it's not just climate change, it's ‘everything change,' encompassing the other ways our natural systems are destabilizing due to human influence, such as biodiversity loss, pollution, land use change, water scarcity, nutrient overloading, and marine degradation.Looking to the future, Chris is excited about the growing movement toward planetary health. His call to action is for listeners go to the PHA website and become a part of the growing community. “This is not a website where you join and it's just an email that comes out every so often. This alliance is a decentralized community for all stakeholders. We would love to interact and engage with you where you stand. I bet you have a superpower and an expertise that we need in the global community right now.”For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/  Jeff King at LinkedInChristopher Lemon at LinkedIn

I'm delighted to speak with Dr Derek Panchuk this week. Derek is a skill acquisition specialist with over 15 years experience working with coaches across sport, including: the NBA, G-League, a wide-range of National Sporting Organisations, regional and community level organisations, and clubs. Derek helps coaches and leaders build bridges between the science of learning and art of coaching so they can discover new ways to grow talent and build teams. Derek completed his MSc in Motor Control and his PhD in Neuromotor Control at The University of Calgary. After completing his studies, Derek moved to Australia and was the first ever National Lead for skill acquisition at the Australian Institute of Sport. Here he worked closely with coaches to design individualised learning environments that aligned with their coaching philosophies and goals.  Derek now consults, working closely with coaches to transform how they coach and develop players. He uses an individualised approach to coach development grounded in the science of skill learning that helps coaches discover their strengths and uncover new opportunities so they can improve buy-in and have a big impact with their players. 

In this episode of the Let's Talk Health podcast, we sat down with Dr Unnati Desai (GP and National Lead for GP Services at Nuffield Health) for a conversation about men's health. Unnati breaks down taboo subjects like erectile dysfunction, prostate health, and why men are more reluctant to engage in conversations about their health. She also touches on important topics like risk factors, warning signs of something serious, how your GP can help, and the importance of open communication for spotting men's health problems early on. 0:00: Intro1:56: What is erectile dysfunction?2:13: How is it diagnosed?3:53: Why men don't talk about ED4:50: What causes it?7:21: Risk factors and triggers8:58: The link between ED and other disorders10:53: Modern triggers and their influence on ED12:59: How your partner can help14:22: The importance of open communication16:24: What can men do to prevent ED?17:47: Prostate health introduction19:17: Prostate cancer risk factors19:50: Other issues that can occur20:45: Signs that something may be wrong22:39: What to expect when you see your GP27:13: Prostate enlargement and when it can be an issue28:30: Busting myths and expert advice30:05: Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After another summer of sweltering heat, extreme flooding, and in several places, unprecedented forest fires, we're thinking even more about climate change and about the nexus of climate change and health. In S8 E1, host Sarah Thorne and Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature (EWN) Program, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), are joined by Dr. Christopher Lemon, a physician and Asst. Professor, Dept. of Emergency Medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine; Faculty Co-Director of Clinical Programs with the JH Institute for Planetary Health; and Fellow with the Bloomberg American Health Initiative at the JH Bloomberg School of Public Health. Experts project that over 3 billion people are already vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Chris is using what he calls his “superpowers” to assess how climate change is affecting people's health around the world and take action. He's passionate about making a difference in his community and across the planet.Chris and Jeff met at a conference at the US Fish and Wildlife Service's National Conservation Training Center where Chris gave a presentation on Climate Change and Global Health. For Chris, the conference was an opportunity to get in front of an audience with different backgrounds but a common interest. “We started to pick up on the mental or physical health implications of some of the EWN projects at military installations. Pretty quickly it became this great synergy of how I bring certain things to the table as part of these complex solutions.” Jeff agrees and notes the magnitude of the opportunity. “These military installations are a wonderful opportunity – across 25 million acres of land – to do something positive for the employees at the installations, the military personnel, and the communities adjacent to military installations. They all can benefit from this interaction with nature.”Chris compares his experiences in healthcare, particularly with COVID, to the coming challenges he sees with climate change and discusses the alignment of healthcare with EWN. In both, the “traditional” approach has often been to try to control nature to an ever-increasing degree. “Right now, US healthcare contributes roughly 8.5 percent of US emissions. So, we are ‘doing no harm' with the goal of making people healthy; and yet, ironically, because we're not working within the constructs of nature anymore, we're actually making people unhealthy.” It is this more macro view of climate change and public health that Chris is trying to address at the Institute for Planetary Health. “It focuses on analyzing and addressing the impacts of human disruptions on Earth's natural systems. But importantly, those disruptions have impacts on human health and all life on Earth. We are bringing that into the center of the conversation.Chris's story resonates with Jeff and what he is seeing and striving for in the EWN community: “Chris, I admire the energy and enthusiasm with which you approach the challenge of planetary health. It's quite evident that you have so much knowledge to share, as well as the energy to make change a reality.” Jeff and Sarah invited Chris back to talk more about the important work being done by the Planetary Health Alliance, a growing consortium of over 450 universities, NGOs, research institutes, and government entities who are committed to understanding and addressing the impacts of global environmental change on human health and wellbeing. Our conversation with Chris continues in Episode 2 on October 9. We hope you enjoy these special episodes!For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/  Jeff King at LinkedInChristopher Lemon at LinkedIn

In this episode we continue our futures mini-series, and speak with Dr Simon Ng and Ms Clare East about the challenges of adopting novel technology and influencing its regulation. In particular, as the Chief Scientist and Manager of Law, Regulation and Assurance at the Trusted Autonomous Defence Cooperative Research Centre, we hope to tease out the regulatory and engineering challenges associated with advancing adoption of novel military technologies that have been learned through TAS' tenure.Dr Simon Ng is Chief Technology Officer at TAS. Graduating from Monash University with a PhD in 1998, he completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at CSIRO before joining DSTG, where he developed techniques for military operations experimentation, and applied systems methods to surveillance and response, space operations and autonomous aerial systems. He was previously DSTG Group Leader for the Joint Systems Analysis and Aerial Autonomous Systems Groups, and Associate Director of the Defence Science Institute. He is Australia's National Lead on The Technical Cooperation Program Technical Panel “UAS Integration into the Battlespace”, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.  Clare East is General Manager – Law, Regulation & Assurance at TAS, and Director of East Consulting Services. Clare is a lawyer by background with significant expertise in modern regulatory approaches, and has helped a range of different organisations respond to and harness the challenges and opportunities posed by rapid change. Clare has more than ten years in public policy and regulation, having started her career at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet before moving on to a number of private and public sector roles, including as Manager, Maritime Regulation at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and Director, Regulatory Standards and Policy at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.Additional resources:Alondra Nelson, The Right Way to Regulate AI: Focus on Its Possibilities, Not Its Perils, Foreign Affairs, 12 January 2024J. Robert Oppenheimer,  International Control of Atomic Energy, Foreign Affairs,  January 1948Kazuo Ishiguro,  Klara and the Sun, 2021Robotic and Autonomous Systems Gateway (RAS Gateway), Trusted Autonomous Systems Rachel Horne (2024) Navigating to smoother regulatory waters for Australian commercial vessels capable of remote or autonomous operation. PhD by Publication, Queensland University of Technology.Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources,  The Australian Government's interim response to safe and responsible AI consultation, January 2024 

As summer wanes and we celebrate back-to-school time with our friends in academia, students, and parents, we're pleased to launch Season 8 of the Engineering With Nature® Podcast! Host Sarah Thorne recently caught up with Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature (EWN) Program, to discuss what the EWN Team has been up to over the summer, share some highlights from Season 7, and offer a glimpse of what's ahead in Season 8.As Jeff describes, the EWN Team has had a busy summer extending the reach of EWN by collaborating with engineering and landscape architect colleagues, and working with the EWN Proving Grounds leads on larger, more ambitious projects. “We've started to envision really large EWN projects that will be pursued at a systems level so that we can maximize the function and benefits that can be derived from these projects. I'm really excited about having an opportunity to publish these as ‘EWN Playbooks' and have them available soon.” The EWN Team is also growing. Steven Bailey, a landscape architect, recently joined the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). His hire reflects the growing importance of landscape architecture in EWN. And continuing EWN's tradition of training the next generation of EWN practitioners, Claire Middendorf, an Environmental & Ecological Engineering student at Purdue University, completed a summer internship working with Burton Suedel, one of our frequent EWN Podcast hosts.Jeff is encouraged, and excited about the progress of EWN more broadly within the USACE on the contribution EWN and NBS are making to the navigation, flood risk management, and ecosystem restoration missions. “Many elements within the USACE are now focused on NBS and wanting to have NBS be prioritized across all of our business lines. The conversations we're having are focused on what can we do as an organization to accelerate implementation of NBS.”Jeff and the EWN Team continued outreach to external partners to expand opportunities for integration of NBS. They have been reaching out to colleagues in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the US, and internationally, to colleagues with the Environmental Agency in the United Kingdom, and the Rijkswaterstaat, which is responsible for the design, construction, management and maintenance of the Netherlands' primary infrastructure facilities. The theme for Season 8 is Channeling the Energy. That Jeff explains is inspired by the energy and excitement in the conversations that he has with all the EWN and NBS practitioners, collaborators and educators that he meets. “It's that energy and it's very contagious. So, that's our theme – channeling the energy.” Listeners can expect another great lineup of episodes in Season 8, including topics such as the nexus of climate change and health, climate policy initiatives being driven by NOAA; how the Navy is incorporating NBS into their plans and projects; and some of the groundbreaking work being done by our EWN colleagues in both the policy and program areas.Mark your calendar for the launch of Season 8 on September 25! In Season 8, Episode 1, we're speaking with Dr. Chris Lemon, Johns Hopkins Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins Institute for Planetary Health, and Fellow of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative. We focus on Chris's journey into climate change and global health challenges. We hope you'll tune in.For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/  Jeff King at LinkedInSarah Thorne at LinkedInDave Trafford at LinkedIn

Host Arlene Connor sits down with Liz Cox, IVC Evidensia's Group Veterinary Nursing Advisor, to discuss the details of Schedule Three legislation in practice. Liz explains how this legislation allows vets to delegate certain tasks to registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) and student veterinary nurses (SVNs). They also explore the challenges faced by veterinary surgeons and RVNs, emphasising the importance of communication and trust within a veterinary team.Arlene ConnorArlene qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2003 and subsequently worked in a small animal practice in central Scotland. She joined Vets Now 24/7 Emergency and Specialty Hospital in Glasgow in 2013 as a surgery nurse, before becoming Clinical Nursing Manager in 2014. In 2017, Arlene took on the role of Head of Clinical Operations for Vets Now's Referral Hospital sites across the UK, which saw her represent Referrals within VetsNow as a member of the Veterinary and Nursing Standards group and at the company's Clinical Strategy Board. In 2021 Arlene moved over to IVC Evidensia as National Lead of Referral Nursing, within the newly created Referral Division, taking the lead on the UK's Referral Nurse Strategy. In addition, with the rest of the National Clinical Lead team, Arlene is responsible for the clinical and professional standards within the hospital and is part of the team responsible for opening new IVC Evidensia Referral Hospitals in the U.K. At home, Arlene lives with her husband, two small children, Harris the dog and George the cat.Liz CoxLiz is IVC Evidensia's Group Veterinary Nursing Advisor, this is a critical part of the delivery of a modern veterinary service and the development of our professional nursing team and complementary care providers such as our teams providing physio and hydrotherapy. Liz is a founder member of the IVC Evidensia Nurse Committee, has presented at major Veterinary Congresses and holds senior office on the RCVS Nurse Council. She has a passion for Nurse Development and training and has worked in a full range of practices from single-site to hospital practices and as a locum for Bristol Veterinary School. Liz is a huge asset to the group and brings a depth of understanding of the Veterinary Nurse profession that is unparalleled in the industry as a whole.Powered by IVC EvidensiaAt IVC Evidensia we're building the world's best veterinary group, with a single purpose; healthy animals and happy owners.Visit ivcevidensia.co.uk to find out more, or follow us on social media.Please note that the views expressed by hosts and guests in this podcast Clinic do not necessarily reflect those of IVC Evidensia.Links:RCVS Advice on Schedule 3: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/advice-and-guidance/advice-on-schedule-3/#:~:text=Under%20Schedule%203%20to%20the,employed%20in%20the%20same%20practice.SUPERB Acronym poster: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/news/superb-checklist-poster-to-assist-schedule-3-delegation/RCVS Schedule 3 Case studies: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/features/case-studies-for-navigating-schedule-3-delegation-in-practice/

In this episode of the Let's Talk Health podcast, our host James talks to Dr Unnati Desai (GP and National Lead for Clinical Services at Nuffield Health) to discuss all things gut health-related. They spoke at length about how best to improve the health of your gut, exciting new research linking the brain and the digestive system, and the impact that lifestyle, diet, and hydration can have on our gastrointestinal health. They also touched on stress and the role it plays with inflammation, and how certain foods and probiotics can help balance bacteria levels in the gut. 00:00: intro00:48: what is the gut?01:22: the role of the gut02:41: 'microbiome' and what it means03:43: good v bad gut health04:01: mental health and the 'gut-brain axis'06:07: where things can go wrong07:25: are gut problems becoming more common?07:45: why balance is so important for gut health09:40: common symptoms11:04: when to see your doctor14:33: other lifestyle factors that influence gut health17:37: how probiotics can help19:20: the link between stress and anxiety20:25: how professionals spot gut problems21:15: final tips and takeaways22:04: outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Arctic is changing more rapidly than anywhere else on earth due to climate change, and this is profoundly impacting the people that live in and depend on the ecosystems in these cold regions. In Season 7, Episode 13, host Sarah Thorne and cohost Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature (EWN) Program, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), welcome back Laura Wendling, Senior Research Scientist at SINTEF Community in Trondheim, Norway. We continue our conversation on how innovative nature-based solutions (NBS) are being used in cold regions. After recording Episode 12, Laura was headed to the Gaia Arctic Summit held in Vesterålen in Northern Norway. The summit focused on how to accelerate the transition to climate resilience in the Arctic. She returned inspired: “It was fabulous from start to finish. The landscape there is absolutely stunning, and I think seeing it really brought home how important it is that we protect this beautiful area and the people who live there.” The summit brought together people from policy, finance, business, research and innovation, and public administration. “The main message for me is the need to collaborate across disciplines in how we work every day—not just having a meeting once a year but how we work in our daily life and how we plan things.”Laura goes on to discuss the policies, challenges, and opportunities for advancing NBS in cold regions and some of the efforts going on in Europe. She notes that there is strong explicit support for NBS within the European Green Deal and associated strategies such as the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030—policies designed to set goals to deliver on international commitments. One of the challenges that Laura notes is aligning policy at various levels, from the high-level European national policies to those on the ground at the local level. Jeff notes a similar challenge in the US: “Even those individuals or organizations that are receptive to the idea of NBS still have their own set of policies, rules, or regulations that they must adhere to and sometimes those can be contrary to the overall goal of integrating NBS into a landscape. We must find that common ground and be able to highlight the value of NBS and what that means for local economies, sustainability, and resilience.”Laura also notes challenges in valuing NBS and making trade-offs are particularly evident in the Arctic. “Where we see the sea ice dissolving and opening up new transport routes and revealing previously unknown mineral resources, there are all sorts of development possibilities. How do we ensure that the Arctic is developing in a way that's consistent with the needs and desires of the local populations?”Looking forward, Jeff highlights the ongoing work at ERDC's Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. “We are continuing to prioritize NBS and look for opportunities to integrate NBS concepts and projects into our Arctic communities. International collaboration is something that I want to see EWN continue to support.” Laura agrees with this effort and has a call to action for listeners: “I would ask everybody listening—our global community—to think about a consolidated action plan to engage the full range of stakeholders and move across borders to address the issues of climate change because climate change doesn't stop at borders. We all have to work together. Only global action is going to have the outcome that we all need.”We hope you enjoy our final Season 7 episodes on NBS in cold regions with Laura Wendling. Season 8 kicks off in September. For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/  •      Jeff King at LinkedIn•      Laura Wendling at LinkedIn 

In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Aaron and Adam interview Randy Gladman, Senior Vice President, National Lead, and Development Advisory at Colliers. Join us as we discuss the challenges and opportunities in real estate development. We cover the need for more affordable housing in Toronto and Vancouver, the difficulties developers face... The post Addressing the Affordable Housing Crisis with Collaboration and Support: Insights from Randy Gladman of Colliers appeared first on Commercial Real Estate Podcast.

From Iowa to Australia to Finland, and most recently Norway, Laura Wendling has followed her passion to integrate nature with engineering and technology to create solutions that, as she says, “are workable in lots of different situations, including cold regions.” In Season 7, Episode 12, host Sarah Thorne and cohost Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature (EWN) Program, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), are joined by Laura Wendling, Senior Research Scientist at SINTEF Community in Trondheim, Norway. Jeff and Laura met at a recent conference sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers.Laura's interest in innovating with nature was sparked in her undergraduate years while working as a research assistant on a project comping how constructed and natural wetlands purify water from agricultural runoff. “That really got me interested in understanding how we could design natural, or pseudo-natural systems that worked as well or almost as well as the natural system itself—like a real ecosystem.” As she says, her “ah-ha moment” was when she learned about the use of nature-based solutions (NBS): “To have the added emphasis on stakeholder engagement right from the beginning, and making sure that we plan projects so that we're deriving social and economic benefit in addition to the core target of achieving some kind of ecological outcome—it just made so much sense to me.”Today, Laura is particularly interested in how climate change is affecting cold regions. “The Arctic is warming at a rate that's far greater than the rest of the world, and there's been profound—possibly irreversible—effects on terrestrial, aquatic, freshwater, marine ecosystems, and the cryosphere, as well as the people who live in these areas.” Laura highlights some of her recent projects. In her work at SINTEF, she focuses on water and the environment, everything from water-cycle services and water management to the broader environmental issues associated with climate change.Laura also talks about the importance of spreading the word about NBS, including her work as coeditor of the Nature Based Solutions Journal and Evaluating the Impact of Nature-Based Solutions: A Handbook for Practitioners. “We can't do science in secret. We should be telling everybody what we're doing and sharing our results widely, including the things that don't work.” Laura also stresses the importance of using these indicators and measures to communicate beyond the scientific community. “To talk with people in different sectors, we need to present information in different ways. Traditionally, we haven't been as good at talking with the public policy sector. We need better evidence that can help to underpin evidence-based policy.” Jeff feels that Laura's travels and experiences have really aligned her focus with the principles and practices of EWN: “Everything you describe speaks volumes in terms of your affinity for EWN. You've been in the United States, Australia, Finland, and now Norway. You've had exposure to so many diverse ecosystems and so many different people. Those opportunities to learn in those diverse environments will serve you well, both now and in the future. I know you're going to continue to be a leader in this space.”Jeff and Sarah invited Laura back for Episode 13 to talk about the policies that are driving strategies for including NBS in Europe. For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/  •      Jeff King at LinkedIn•      Laura Wendling at LinkedIn

In Season 7, Episode 11, host Sarah Thorne and cohost Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature (EWN) Program, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), conclude their in-depth conversation with Katharine Hayhoe, Chief Scientist of The Nature Conservancy (TNC). In Part 3 of our special three-part series, Katharine talks about her role as an advocate and her mission to inspire others to take action on climate change. Her bottom line is that you don't have to be a top climate scientist to make a difference – we can all get involved. As a scientist, Katharine is an advocate for understanding the social science of how humans interact with information. “So often we physical and natural scientists feel like: ‘Oh, you just tell people the truth. Surely, they'll do the right thing, right?' Well, what social science tells us is no. If we haven't made that head to heart to hands connection, nothing is going to happen in the right direction, especially pushing against the accumulated inertia of our fossil-fuel based economy and society.”  Katharine notes the work of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, which finds that people's assumptions about what others think about climate change are usually wrong. “We assume that we care and very few other people do. We assume that we're doing things and nobody else is. We assume that nobody else is worried except me and my friends. But actually, they're already worried. They just don't know what to do. So, they don't want to talk about it.”Katharine's climate change advocacy is focused on talking about and encouraging other people to talk about climate change. She has initiated and supported multiple channels of communications on climate change, including her TED Talk in 2018, The Most Important Thing You Can Do to Fight Climate Change: Talk about It; her personal social media accounts and her Newsletter, Talking Climate; and her work with organizations like the Potential Energy Coalition and Science Moms. Jeff reflects on how inspiring and inclusive Katharine's message is, to include scientists, ecologists, engineers, social scientists, and artists.” As Katharine describes it, “We need people painting the pictures with words, with art, with music, with visual art, with spoken art, with every way we can.” Katharine plans to continue her tireless advocacy along many fronts. Her academic work is focused on developing and evaluating high-resolution climate projections and preparing for impacts and increasing resilience planning. As Chief Scientist of TNC, she is dedicated to supporting and advancing the work of TNC scientists. And she is going to continue her work with faith-based communities to advocate for climate action—including being the first plenary speaker at this year's World Evangelical Alliance annual meeting.Jeff closes by comparing her skill to another well-known Canadian, “That reminds me of Wayne Gretzky. He basically said, ‘I just skate to where I think or know that the puck is going to be.' That's exactly what you're saying here. We need to be thinking well out into the future and then leaning into those certain outcomes that we can anticipate and planning accordingly.” He adds, “Katharine, the message I am really drawn to is your ‘head to heart to hands' message. I want to use that and put it into practice in the Engineering With Nature program.  It is truly inspirational.”  This concludes our conversation with Katharine. We hope you enjoyed this special series! For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/  •      Jeff King at LinkedIn•      Katharine Hayhoe at LinkedIn 

In Season 7, Episode 10, host Sarah Thorne and cohost Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature (EWN) Program, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), continue their in-depth conversation with Katharine Hayhoe, Chief Scientist of The Nature Conservancy (TNC). In Part 2 of our special 3-part series, Katharine talks about taking action—living according to your values and making changes that contribute to climate solutions—and about the critical role of nature-based solutions (NBS) in addressing climate change. To live up to her personal climate action values Katharine measured her own carbon footprint 12 years ago and when she found that travel was the largest factor, she successfully transitioned over 80% of her talks to virtual. “Then the pandemic hit and I was ready to go.” She notes that when she does travel for an important event, she “bundles” other meetings and speaking opportunities around that event. “When I went to the climate COP two years ago in Egypt, I packed in 55 panels, meetings, talks, and events.”Katharine believes that communicating the message that climate action is a collective effort that all people can meaningfully contribute to, is essential. “People are worried about climate change, but they don't know what to do about it.” Picking up the analogy she used in S7E9 comparing the work of addressing climate change to moving a giant boulder, Katharine adds: “If we feel like we're the only hands on the boulder that we're trying to roll uphill, we will despair. But if we realize there are millions of hands on the boulder, in every country around the world, then we realize we're not alone. That global connectivity is absolutely essential to fixing this problem.”Katharine goes on to talk about the critical role of NBS as part of the response to climate change, noting that the IPCC estimates that 25% of present-day emissions could be addressed by NBS. “If I see a newspaper headline saying, ‘Is this a silver bullet for climate change?', I can tell you the answer is no. But I like to say there's a lot of silver buckshot, and nature is one of our biggest pieces of silver buckshot. I mean, 25% of the climate change pie? That is huge!” She adds that NBS also produces multiple benefits, and notes: “Nature is all through these climate solutions. In fact, I don't think there's any way for us to meet our commitments made in the Paris Agreement in 2015, in any way, shape, or form, if we leave nature out of the equation.”Jeff is highly complimentary of TNC's work on NBS and highlights the important contribution of TNC in bringing organizations together to collaborate on NBS initiatives such as the Natural Infrastructure Initiative that TNC led along with Caterpillar, USACE, the University of Georgia, and Ducks Unlimited. “When you put TNC in a room with, say, an AECOM or a Great Lakes Dredge and Dock, people start scratching their heads saying, ‘Hmm, what's this all about?' TNC brings so much interest and awareness to this space, showing how very different entities can work collaboratively to accomplish many of the same goals and objectives that we all share.”Our conversation with Katharine concludes in Episode 11, which posts on June 26. In our final episode of this series, Katharine focuses on inspiring action, how to learn more about climate change, and how to talk about it with others. We hope you enjoy this special series!!For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/  •      Jeff King at LinkedIn•      Katharine Hayhoe at LinkedIn 

Katharine Hayhoe is a world-renowned scientist, climate communicator, and passionate advocate for climate equity. She's a climate ambassador whose message is one of hope. She has dedicated her life to motivating action. Every day. In Season 7, Episode 9, host Sarah Thorne and cohost Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature (EWN) Program, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are joined by Katharine Hayhoe, Chief Scientist of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) for a conversation on climate change that was so deep, and wide ranging that we're going to break it into 3 episodes.Katharine was born in Toronto, Canada, growing up in a home where science was always front and center. Late in her undergraduate studies in astrophysics, she took a class on climate change, which completely changed her educational path and led to a PhD in atmospheric science. “I found out that climate change affects us all, but it doesn't affect us all equally. I felt if I had the skill set you need to work on this urgent global issue that affects every aspect of our lives on this planet, if I have those abilities and those privileges, I need to be using them to make a difference.”Today, Katharine is Chief Scientist at TNC, where she can live her passion for applied science. TNC has ambitious goals for protection and conservation of freshwater, of land, and of the oceans. In describing the challenges of addressing climate change today, and in particular the social inequities, Katharine notes that “engaging with nature-based solutions not only addresses immediate issues of climate adaptation to heat, it also helps with air pollution, health, and flooding.”Katharine's message is one of hope. “I think of this as the ‘head to heart to hands' gap. In our heads, we know global temperature is rising and humans are responsible. Around the world, the vast majority of people are worried about climate change. In the US over two thirds of people are worried. So, we're really reaching a tipping point in terms of the head, but they don't understand how it affects the people, places and things we love. They haven't made the head to heart connection. They still think of it as a future issue, a distant issue, and something that is not on their priority list. If we don't understand there's a problem that matters to us, why would we want to fix it?”Katharine sees that as only half of the communications challenge. “We could have the whole world worried, but if they don't know what to do about it, they'll do nothing. And that's exactly what we see in the US. Two thirds of people are worried, but only 8% are activated. That's where the hope comes in. The hope is in connecting our heart to our hands. If I do something, could it make a difference?” Through her Newsletter — Talking Climate — and many other channels, Katharine is trying to close these gaps by sharing good news and the actions being taken by people. “Because the number one thing we can do to kickstart and catalyze action is the thing that two thirds of Americans are not doing, and that is we're not talking about it.”In the next episode, Sarah and Jeff talk with Katharine about how she is personally making changes and taking action—and they have a fascinating discussion about the critical role that nature-based solutions play in addressing climate change. Tune in to Season 7, Episode 10 on June 12th.For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/  •      Jeff King at LinkedIn•      Katharine Hayhoe at LinkedIn

How do we think about forests and their value? We know that forests store carbon, and with the climate changing, many might think the answer is to just plant more trees. Our guests challenge that conventional wisdom and, as the saying goes, help us see the forest for the trees. In Season 7, Episode 8, host Sarah Thorne and cohost Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature (EWN) Program, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), are joined by Laurie Wayburn, Cofounder and President of Pacific Forest Trust (PFT), and Nathan Beane, Research Forester in the Environmental Laboratory of the USACE Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). They're talking about how to sustainably manage forests to make them more resilient. Laurie has dedicated her career to forest conservation and sustainability. She is an innovator, a pioneer, and an authoritative voice on forest practices and policy. Much of Laurie's work at Pacific Forest Trust (PFT) is working with private landowners on conserving forests. “We wanted to work with what I would call the enlightened self-interest of private landowners and make it financially competitive, or even more desirable, to keep their forests as forests, not just as plantations, but to manage them as forests with the full suite of functions.”Nathan is the leading research forester within the US Department of Defense (DoD). As lead of the Forest Ecosystem Dynamics Team at ERDC, his research primarily focuses on forest communities, their function, health, management, and sustainment, and ultimately the creation of “resilient forests.” Nathan's work addresses problems in forested lands on USACE and DoD installations. His on-the-ground research helps to inform a more comprehensive understanding of healthy forest ecosystems and how to improve their management.In their respective roles, both Laurie and Nathan speak for the forests. As Laurie describes it, “When people use the term forestry, what they're typically thinking about is the production of timber or fiber commodities. That phrase, ‘seeing the forest for the trees,' is all too apt because so many people think of forests just as a collection of trees.” She describes forest systems as beginning well below the ground and ending above the canopy with trees being the most visible piece of a storehouse of biodiversity that comprises the forest overall. Nathan agrees, noting, “While forests provide key habitats for a range of wildlife, including threatened endangered species, they also generate oxygen, filter water, provide soil stabilization, carbon sequestration, ecosystem biodiversity, natural disaster mitigation, and flood control.”Laurie has a strong call to action for listeners: “One of the most critical things I hope we can help people think about is forests are essential infrastructure, just as we think about roads or the internet as essential infrastructure. As you go about your daily life, be aware of, and grateful for, the grace and blessing of forests and return the favor. They don't exist without people caring and being involved.”Nathan agrees: “I'm a big advocate for that. I think it's important to highlight that it's critical that we understand the complexity of forests. We have a lot of challenges ahead of us, and I think it's really important that we continue to conduct research in this space. I'm really glad to be a part of the EWN Program that supports this.”For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/  •      Jeff King at LinkedIn•      Laurie Wayburn at LinkedIn•      Laurie Wayburn at Pacific Forest Trust•      Nathan Beane at LinkedIn 

It's six months until the 2024 presidential election. Today Michael asks you this daily poll question at Smerconish.com: Will either presidential candidate open a national lead larger than the margin of error in the final 6 months? Listen here, then vote!

Dr. Theresa Liao describes her approach to personal and professional life changes, the importance of self-compassion, and how she developed a national leadership role in Whole Health education. Dr. Theresa Liao is the National Lead for Whole Health field based education and a National Clinical Champion in the VHA Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation.  Dr. Liao is also an Associate Professor of Medicine at  Oregon Health & Science University. 

Rachel Lillis is the National Lead for the Restorative Justice and Victims Services Unit at the Probation Service. She talks to Oliver about some of the work she does not just with offenders but with victims also.

Stories can change lives, communities, and systems.  In this episode, we explore how telling and listening to stories can help to reimagine government. We'll hear about how one man's story of caring for his mother ignited a cultural shift in how stories are embedded in Scottish public services, and how a controversial fruit is helping to break down barriers between communities in Indonesia.  This special episode is part of the Digital Kick-off for the Creative Bureaucracy Festival 2024. #cbf2024 Featured in this episode: Adrian Brown (Host) - Executive Director, Centre for Public ImpactRosie McIntosh (Host) - Global Director, Storytelling and Communications, Centre for Public ImpactTommy Whitelaw, National Lead, Person Centred Voices, The Health and Social Care AllianceIma Abdulrahim, Co-Founder and Co-Director, Cerita Caravan

It's old home week and time to get the original EWN Podcast gang back together. In Season 7, Episode 4, host Sarah Thorne is joined by cohost Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature Program (EWN), and our friend, colleague, and inspiration behind the Engineering With Nature Program, Todd Bridges. Todd is now Professor of Practice in Resilient and Sustainable Systems in the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia (UGA). A lot has happened since February of 2023 when we celebrated Todd's 30-year career with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), where in addition to being Senior Research Scientist for Environmental Science, he founded and was the first National Lead of the EWN Program. Having taken only a month off after leaving USACE, Todd says that he “failed at retirement. I'm as busy now, if not more so, than I was before. But I think a ‘busy life' is a ‘happy life.'” For Todd, change is inevitable and keeps one energized: “I wouldn't trade the 30 years that I was blessed to have with the Corps of Engineers for anything. It was vastly fulfilling in so many ways, on so many levels. But change is necessary, and I've been enjoying embracing the change and continuing to do whatever I can to make a difference.”We discussed some of the highlights of Todd's busy first 11 months at UGA where he is teaching and advising engineering students about natural infrastructure, and has his first graduate student, Scott Blackstock, a Captain in the US Army who will focus his research on nature-based solutions. Todd is also podcasting at UGA, cohosting the Resilient Futures Podcast with Dr. Alicia Helmrich, an assistant professor in the College of Engineering. The Resilient Futures Podcast focuses on what it takes to create resilience in a variety of different contexts.In addition to his teaching and advising, Todd has continued to spread the word on EWN and nature-based solutions (NBS) in many forums, including: participating in two summits hosted by the White House—the Invest in Nature Summit and the Climate Resilience Summit as well as being selected as one of 11 lead authors on the United States' first National Nature Assessment to lead development of the chapter on “Nature and the Safety and Security of the United States.”Todd continues to be active in the Network for Engineering With Nature (N-EWN), which he cofounded with Brian Bledsoe in 2018. As Todd explains, “Progress runs on the rails of relationships. I'm very encouraged by what I'm seeing in the growth. Today we have more than 25 partners that are committing their own sweat equity to a wide range of N-EWN initiatives.” In February 2024, Todd and Jeff participated in the Policy Forum for Nature-Based Solutions in Washington DC, sponsored by N-EWN and the National Academies' Gulf Research Program. The Policy Forum brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, practitioners, academics, and others. It provided a platform for rich discussions on the transformative potential of nature-based solutions across various sectors.Jeff and Todd are both energized by the growing acceptance of nature-based solutions. As Jeff notes, “Five years ago, nature-based solutions were not ubiquitous. Today we're constantly talking about NBS, and more and more NBS projects are coming online.” Todd agrees: “There's been a convergence of thinking—an alignment of need and opportunity that we need to capitalize on now if we want to really make a difference for the country and for communities.”  He adds, “The future is very bright for Engineering With Nature.” For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/  •  Jeff King at LinkedIn•  Todd Bridges at LinkedIn

Our guest is a scientist and innovator who brings new thinking and new applications of nature-based solutions (NBS) into her work every day. In Season 7, Episode 3, host Sarah Thorne is joined by cohost Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature Program (EWN), and Julie Beagle, Environmental Planning Section Chief for the USACE San Francisco District. Julie joined USACE three years ago desiring to make the biggest impact possible. Jeff notes that, since then, Julie's leadership on EWN has been absolutely outstanding and her passion for NBS to address a whole range of projects in the San Francisco Bay and throughout the district is inspiring. She's moving the needle when it comes to advancing the practice of integrating NBS into project decision-making. Julie began her career as a field scientist working in rivers all day, on a job that let her be outside doing science. As a geomorphologist, she studied how sediment and water shape the surface of the earth. In her early career, she focused on protecting salmonid species in northern California and assisted communities in restoring rivers and explored landscape management strategies to better protect and integrate habitats. Then she worked her way downstream into more engineered flood-control channels working on issues related to water quality and the interaction of land use and development. She notes that, “over the last 15 years, climate change became the driver. I became focused on how landscapes, people, species, and ecosystems are going to adapt to this changed reality.”As Julie describes it, the whole watershed connects. What happens in the upper watershed influences what happens down in the floodplains, tidal marshes, down to the bay and the outer ocean. “It really helped me understand this entire landscape that we have modified and are now having to adapt for all the benefits that we need from our ecosystems and lands. We have to take a landscape approach, and that's why Engineering With Nature really resonates for me.”One of the projects that Julie worked on right before coming to USACE was the San Francisco Bay Shoreline Adaptation Atlas: Working with Nature to Plan for Sea Level Rise Using Operational Landscape Units. This publication helps communities identify different adaptation strategies that take advantage of natural processes. Julie has translated her experience to what she is doing for USACE today with the opportunity to work in different areas and across jurisdictions. “I've been focused on San Francisco Bay for a long time, but I'm really excited about all these other estuaries starting to think about this Adaptation Atlas–type approach. We can help them develop these same types of toolkits and then make that connection to the dredge material that the Army Corps produces across the entire West Coast.”Jeff notes the importance of taking what is being demonstrated in the San Francisco District and replicating it across the country. “What Julie is doing in the San Francisco District has a lot of value. We want to capture that and share the learnings and experiences you're having as an EWN Proving Ground with the rest of the Corps enterprise.” Leveraging her role as the EWN Lead in San Francisco District, Julie's goal is “to make NBS just part of the fabric of the way we do business.” Jeff agrees, “I want this to be something that we use time and time again. NBS should become integrated into all our project decision-making. That is real culture change, and Julie's leadership is a great example.” For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/ • Jeff King at LinkedIn• Julie Beagle at LinkedIn

Welcome to a new season of the EWN Podcast! Our guest has a bold vision for natural, holistic land management. He's not just thinking about how water harvesting and land management can complement or even replace traditional water resources engineering, he's putting it into practice. In Season 7, Episode 1, host Sarah Thorne is joined by cohost Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature Program, and Ricardo Aguirre, Director of Land Management and Water Security for WEST Consultants (WEST) in Arizona and Executive Director of the Drylands Alliance for Addressing Water Needs (DAAWN). Ricardo is an engineer, rancher, consultant, and an accredited holistic management professional and educator. He has 25 years of experience working on hydrology, stormwater management, flood control, and groundwater recharge. Ricardo grew up on a cattle ranch and cotton farm in southern Arizona. The farm failed, and his family urged him to get away from agriculture, but his mother sensed that water was going to be the future in the Southwest and recommended he become a water attorney. Instead, he chose civil engineering with a focus on water resources. Following graduation from the University of Arizona, he worked at the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) while completing a master's degree at the University of Illinois. After working in land development, Ricardo's career brought him back to his family's lands but with new perspectives on land management and water use. He started his own firm, Holistic Engineering and Land Management, then joined WEST to pursue his vision for regenerative land management. Regenerative land management, Ricardo explains, “is understanding nature's patterns and working with nature to maintain landforms, specifically in this case, grasslands that do the yeoman's work in the carbon and water cycles.” One of the core principles in this system is the need for megafauna, large livestock such as sheep and cattle. Ricardo says that, “in temperate environments, megafauna prevent forests from moving in on grasslands; and in arid environments, megafauna prevent grasslands from becoming a desert.”To better understand these relationships, Ricardo and WEST have created a demonstration site on land purchased by WEST that used to be part of Ricardo's family's ranch. They are conducting a project to compare the impact of conventional grazing—a small number of animals in a very large area for long periods of time (months to years)—to high-density grazing—a larger number of animals in a very small area for very short periods of time (hours to days). As Ricardo explains, this high-density grazing concentrates and evenly distributes the beneficial animal wastes and the trampling of plants back into the soil to feed beneficial soil organisms. The animals then don't come back to this land until the space is ready to be grazed again.Also, in alignment with the principles of EWN, Ricardo is committed to advancing the practice of working with nature through training. He is an accredited professional with the Savory Institute and trains land managers in holistic management: holistic financial planning, holistic ecological monitoring, holistic land planning, and holistic planned grazing. In 2024, Ricardo will offer training courses through DAAWN, the nonprofit Savory Hub, one of a network of local learning centers affiliated with the Savory Institute that offer services to support local farming, ranching, or pastoralist communities, tailored to their specific needs.For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/ • Jeff King at LinkedIn• Ricardo Aguirre at LinkedIn

It's a new year and we're kicking off a new season of the Engineering With Nature® Podcast! Season 7 launches on January 24. Host Sarah Thorne recently caught up with Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature Program, to discuss highlights from Season 6 and give us a glimpse of what's ahead. The EWN Podcast launched in July 2020, and as Jeff notes, “One of the biggest highlights has certainly been the number of listeners that are coming to our space. For those out there, thank you so much for listening. He adds, “We really appreciate the interest and the support of our listeners from around the world. Everywhere I go—meetings, conferences, workshops—people are listening to our podcast, and they are truly engaged. They love what we're doing. It's incredibly exciting to get that kind of feedback.”Sarah and Jeff review highlights from Season 6—the theme was Expanding the EWN Lattice. The wide array of topics covered included the historic wildfire season in Canada that dramatically affected air quality across Canada and in many US states; the application of nature-based solutions (NBS) in the Boston area to address sea-level rise, reduce flooding, and build coastal resilience; new guidelines for the application of thin-layer placement of dredged materials; the importance of dunes in the coastal environment; preservation of historic, culturally significant St. Croix Island by using NBS; and the science behind the importance of nature to health and well-being. Season 6 featured a broad range of researchers, practitioners, and leaders—scientists, engineers, landscape architects, authors, and others—within the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) other US federal agencies, industry, nongovernmental organizations, First Nations, and others. All focused on innovative approaches to incorporating nature-based solutions into their work and encouraging others to do so. Sarah notes the synergy that continues to build among EWN practitioners, “All of these people are bringing their passion. I hope the work of all the people we've had on our podcast inspires the next generation to really dig in and learn these new techniques and advance the practices of EWN and NBS.” The theme for Season 7 is Continuing the EWN Journey. As Jeff explains, “We want to continue on this journey—keep sharing more of the wonderful topics that come our way and the interesting people we are blessed to get to know on this journey. ‘Continuing the EWN Journey' conveys that. Listeners can expect another impressive lineup of shows in Season 7, including episodes on innovative technologies; government policy related to nature-based solutions; discussions with international practitioners; conversations with leaders from not-for-profit organizations, agency partners, and Engineering With Nature USACE District Proving Grounds; along with coverage of important EWN events. As Sarah says, “So many people are really making a significant contribution to advancing NBS and EWN. We want to share their stories and their passion.” Mark your calendar for the launch of Season 7 on January 24! In Episode 1, we're speaking with Ricardo Aguirre, a rancher, practicing engineer, and educator who's doing groundbreaking work applying EWN-type approaches to land management. He talks about how traditional practices have negatively impacted landscape and soils, particularly with respect to climate change. He is thinking about things differently in terms of holistic water harvesting and land management practices that can be more effective. We hope you'll tune in. Jeff King at LinkedInSarah Thorne at LinkedInDave Trafford at LinkedIn

This episode starts with a story. In 1604, 79 members of an expedition from France, including Samuel de Champlain, came to Saint Croix Island off the shores of Maine and New Brunswick to set up a colony in the new land. They called it l'Acadie—Acadia. Over the severe winter of 1604 to 1605, 35 of the settlers died, likely of scurvy. In the spring, members of the Passamaquoddy Tribe befriended the French survivors and brought them food; and, ultimately, their health improved. In the summer of 1605, the survivors moved the Acadia settlement to Port Royal, Nova Scotia, and the rest is history. The Acadians went on to play an integral part in the histories of Canada, the United States, and France. Today, that 6.5-acre uninhabited island and its very significant history is threatened by high tides, shoreline erosion, powerful winter storms, and more—all exacerbated by climate change.In Season 6, Episode 6, host Sarah Thorne is joined by cohost Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature Program, US Army Corps of Engineers, and the USACE Project Lead for collaboration on the Saint Croix Island activities; Donald Soctomah, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Passamaquoddy Nation; Becky Cole-Will, Chief of Resource Management for Acadia and Saint Croix Island National Parks, US National Park Service; and Amy Hunt, Senior Project Manager at EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc. in New Hampshire. They are working together to figure out how to use nature-based solutions to protect and preserve Saint Croix Island and its unique historical significance. Each of the guests speaks to the unique nature of Saint Croix Island and their personal affinity to it. Donald notes that “Saint Croix has always been a special place, not just for the one winter that the Acadians spent on it but also for the last 15,000 years of Passamaquoddy history.” The guests also note the Island's importance as a symbol of the impacts of climate change. As Donald notes, “When I look at the Island I see a symbol of the change that's going on related to climate. Because right before your eyes, you can see the rising ocean, the erosion, the shrinking of the Island. Every time I look at that Island, I think about climate change and the importance of trying to make other people aware of it.”In June of 2023, the National Park Service hosted a workshop that brought together about 25 participants—biologists, geologists, engineers, planners, policymakers, and Tribal officers—to discuss the challenge and the opportunity and learn more about the history of the Island. The purpose, as Amy describes it, “was to ask the right questions and cast a really wide net then whittle it down to a few specific priorities.” Becky adds, “The first day we spent thinking about what could be done. Then people had an opportunity to get out there and see the Island and say, ‘I get it now.' There was a lot of reality checking and ground truthing that was fascinating to hear.”Jeff appreciated the guests sharing their insights and perspective. He noted that the work is ongoing: “We're just getting started. Brian Davis at the University of Virginia has been working collaboratively with the project partners to come up with designs and renderings that we want to discuss with Donald and the Passamaquoddy Tribe to ensure that we're integrating traditional ecological knowledge along the way. I'm excited about where we're headed and the opportunities this project will offer.” For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/ • Jeff King at LinkedIn• Amy Hunt at LinkedIn• Rebecca Cole-Will at LinkedIn• Donald Soctomah at LinkedInThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5872676/advertisement

As fall gets into full swing, we're kicking off the second half of Season 6 of the EWN Podcast by talking with members of the EWN leadership team about what they've been working on and what's ahead. In Episode 5, host Sarah Thorne is joined by cohost Jeff King, National Lead of the EWN; cohost Amanda Tritinger, Deputy Program Manager, EWN; and Courtney Chambers, Communications Lead, EWN.The summer of 2023 was an unprecedented summer in many ways. As Sarah notes, “Mother Nature certainly demonstrated that climate change is upon us.” Jeff agrees, revisiting the topic Canada's worst wildfire season ever, covered in Season 6, Episode 4, as well as the wildfires that devastated Lahaina, Hawaii. He also talks about the extreme rainfall and flooding in the southwest caused by Tropical Storm Hillary and the extraordinary flooding and devastation caused by Hurricane Idalia to the big bend area of Florida. As Jeff notes, “People in all parts of the US, Canada, and around the world are experiencing the effects of climate change firsthand.” This global wakeup call is challenging and motivating for the EWN Program. Jeff notes that there are 49 active research projects being led by personnel at the USACE Engineer Research and Development Center to address the climate change imperative by integrating nature-based solutions.As Communications Lead, Courtney Chambers is responsible for sharing the incredible work that is going on with EWN. In her discussion with Sarah, Courtney describes some of what she has been doing to support the development and promotion of publications critical to broadening the reach of EWN, including the next volume of the EWN Atlas series, which captures the essence of EWN and nature-based solutions through images. As Courtney notes, “If you've seen Atlas I or II, you know that these books really showcase the potential for EWN and the diversity they can include.” Sarah adds, “You're helping to share the stories of all of the brilliant scientists, engineers, landscape architects, and other collaborators—and the EWN projects that they're working on—to inspire others. It's important work.”Sarah also speaks with Amanda Tritinger. Amanda shares highlights from her recent trip to Taiwan, coordinated with the USACE Pacific Ocean Division (POD). She was invited to talk about opportunities to engineer with nature as part of the information and technology exchange with the Taiwan Water Resource Agency. “The TWRA has a lot of really cool projects. It was exciting to share what EWN has going on but also to learn a lot of what Taiwan has been doing.” Amanda notes that through the POD they have been involved with a lot of opportunities in Southeast Asia with colleagues in Japan and Vietnam. “It's really exciting that the world is a big place and what seems like a problem can be its own solution through the use of natural infrastructure and better understanding the environment around us.”In closing, Jeff notes, “The climate change that we've all been experiencing is really challenging and motivating our EWN colleagues and collaborators to be innovative—to conduct research and field work on a range of projects that can help mitigate the impacts of climate change and help communities adapt and become more resilient. I really look forward to sharing some of the truly groundbreaking work underway on future episodes of the EWN Podcast. I don't think we're going to run out of interesting things to share with our listeners!!”For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/ • Jeff King at LinkedIn• Amanda Tritinger at LinkedIn• Courtney Chambers at LinkedInThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5872676/advertisement

In late June, while preparing for this episode, there were over 500 wildfires burning across Canada. Smoke from the wildfires was affecting millions of Canadians and Americans across a wide swath of North America with air quality indexes reaching extreme levels. As of the posting of this episode (July 25, 2023), the number of wildfires burning across Canada had grown to over 1000 with 660 classified as “out of control”. Our timing to have a conversation about wildfires with a prominent Canadian scientist could not have been more relevant. In Season 6, Episode 4, host Sarah Thorne is joined by cohost Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature Program, US Army Corps of Engineers, and Anabela Bonada, Manager and Research Associate at the Intact Centre for Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. Among other things, Anabela is an expert in forest fires and has been actively involved developing a user-friendly guide for residents to simplify the recommendations in Canada's National Wildfire Guide. Canada's wildfire season started early this year. Anabela puts the current situation into context: “The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center reports that [as of July 5] over 85,000 square kilometers, or almost 33,000 square miles have been burned so far. This is equivalent to a little bit more than New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, in Canada, combined or a little bit bigger than South Carolina in the US. This is already the worst wildfire season on record for Canada.” She notes that with climate change, drier and warmer seasons are expected going forward in Canada and the US, particularly in an El Niño year. “For North America, it means that we're going to see drier, warmer climate in the West and Northwest, areas that are usually wildfire prone, and parts of Canada. The expectation is more wildfires—in size and intensity.”There's a lot of work underway in Canada to raise awareness about wildfires and to make communities more resilient. The Intact Centre, in collaboration with FireSmart Canada, has developed easy to follow guidance for homeowners and for communities to get ahead of wildfire risks. As Anabela notes, “There are things that you can do around your home, from simple, moving any combustible material 10 meters (about 33 feet) away from your home, to more complex, like considering a Class A roof that is resistant to wildfire.”Anabela goes on to note that a more nature-based solution is to focus on changing the natural drivers that lead to extreme wildfires rather than fighting the fires after they have started. “So, our focus needs to shift from suppression to prevention as we consider nature-based solutions to wildfire.” Anabela's call to action with regards to wildfires is, “We need to take action, now—all the way from policymakers right down to every individual.”Jeff agrees and adds: “I am thinking about collaboration and the fact that wildfires really don't respect borders. What can we be doing now and in the future? I want to think about what kind of collaborative research is needed and how we pursue that—including how natural infrastructure and nature-based solutions can be used in advance of a wildfire event but also following wildfire events.” For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/ • Jeff King at LinkedIn• Anabela Bonada at LinkedInThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5872676/advertisement

Chris Patterson is the Community Solutions Advisor for Hello for Good; a non-profit representing over one hundred businesses in the Spokane area, concerned about the impact the homeless problem is having on commerce, especially in the downtown core. A former foster child himself, Chris is also the National Lead for the Foster Youth to Independence Initiative and was a Former HUD 9 Regional Administrator. Chris shares about his life growing up in Foster care and reuniting with his biological family later in life. Join Chris and Frank for a remarkable conversation on episode 27 of the

✅ Request A Customized Workshop For Your Team And Company:  http://assertiveway.com/workshops Are you using speaking up stories effectively to shape a culture that encourages employees to voice their concerns and ideas? Join us in this episode as we dive into this intriguing question with our expert guest, Katherine Bradshaw. Katherine, the National Lead for Communications and Engagement at the National Guardian's Office and author of "Encouraging a Speak Up Culture and Communicating Ethical Values Internally," brings her extensive expertise to the conversation. We uncover the transformative impact of leaders' speaking up stories and the vital role guardians play in fostering an open and communicative culture. From recognizing and addressing the small gestures that impede individuals from speaking up, to the powerful concept of A Speaking Up Awareness Month, we explore the keys to creating a thriving culture that embraces open communication. Tune in to this episode to discover: ✔️ The motivational and empowering effect of sharing leaders' and team members' speaking up stories ✔️ The indispensable role guardians play in supporting and encouraging individuals to speak up ✔️ Strategies for overcoming barriers such as not being present when employees speak and establishing an environment that values open communication ✔️ Insights from research on the reasons employees hesitate to speak up ✔️ The profound impact of creating a speaking up awareness month Join us for this insightful episode and be inspired to empower a culture of speaking up within your organization. Remember to subscribe, share, and leave a review for the podcast, enabling us to continue delivering valuable content to listeners like you.   ✅ Follow Ivna Curi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/     ✅ Other Episodes You'll Like How To Normalize Speaking Up: What Individuals And Organizations Can Do (With Helen Afford): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-normalize-speaking-up-what-individuals-and-organizations-can-do-with-helen-afford How Boeing Created a Speaking Up Culture after Two Fatal Accidents: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-boeing-created-a-speaking-up-culture-after-two-fatal-accidents 20 Reasons Why Successful Leaders Have Assertive Teams: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/20-reasons-why-successful-leaders-have-assertive-teams 4 Reasons Why It Is Important For Leaders To Speak Up: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/4-reasons-why-it-is-important-for-leaders-to-speak-up Women's Great Resignation: How To Avoid Losing Talent: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/womens-great-resignation-how-to-avoid-losing-talent   ✅ Free Resources Podcast Summaries & More Email Newsletter: https://assertiveway.com/newsletter Our Linkedin Blog Articles:  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6863880009879306240/   Women in Tech Leaders Podcast Interviews: https://assertiveway.com/womenintechpodcastguests/ TEDx Talk How To Speak Up Safely When It's Psychologically Unsafe: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/safespeak 10 Day free Assertive And Liked Challenge: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/beassertiveandliked Assertiveness free training: https://assertiveway.aweb.page/getahead Other Free resources: https://assertiveway.com/free/ Podcast page: https://assertiveway.com/podcast-speak-your-mind-unapologetically/   ✅ Work With Us Workshops: http://assertiveway.com/workshops   Services: https://assertiveway.com/offerings Contact me: info@assertiveway.com or ivnacuri@assertiveway.com Contact me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2 Website: https://assertiveway.com   ✅ Support The Podcast Rate the podcast on apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-your-mind-unapologetically-podcast/id1623647915 Ask me your question for the next episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/speakyourmindquestion   ✅ Podcast Topic Compilations 8 Real Life Examples On How To Deal With Difficult Coworkers (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/8-examples-on-how-to-deal-with-difficult-coworkers Mastering Mentor & Sponsor Connections: Insider Advice from 5 Trailblazing Professionals (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/mastering-mentor-sponsor-connections-insider-advice-from-5-trailblazing-professionals How To Find Courage To Speak Up (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-find-courage-to-speak-up-4-examples 4 Examples On How To Get The Promotion You Want (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/4-examples-on-how-to-get-the-promotion-you-want 4 Tips On How To Successfully Share Your Ideas At Work (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/4-tips-on-how-to-successfully-share-your-ideas-at-work-compilation How To Cope With Stress At Work (Compilation): https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/how-to-cope-with-stress-at-work-compilation   #SpeakUpCulture #Leadership #Communication   

The theme for Season 6 of the EWN Podcast is “Expanding the EWN Lattice.” Host Sarah Thorne is joined by Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature Program, to discuss his new role as the EWN National Lead, his vision for EWN, and what's ahead for 2023. Jeff says he was thinking about the growth of crystal structures—like ice crystals—that grow in three-dimensional, symmetric patterns. It is a metaphor for how he sees the EWN Program growing, expanding in a structured way, interconnecting in a specific manner.“When I think about building out all the elements that support and enable expansion of nature-based solutions—really it's the people, it's the projects, it's the policies that determine what can and can't be done, and it's also the geography.” He adds, “So highlighting all these pieces and how they fit and intertwine so completely to form a lattice is the focus of this season of the Podcast. We'll highlight innovative EWN topics and nature-based solutions.” Sarah notes that, while the theme was intriguing, “it may be a bit geeky.” But it accurately reflects where EWN is going: “It's growing in a very holistic way. The projects are larger, more complex, with many more partners and collaborators, and working with people at the community level. It's a good picture and theme for Season 6.” Collaboration is key to Jeff's vision for EWN. The partners in the Network for Engineering With Nature (N-EWN) are making significant contributions to the advancement and integration of nature-based solutions (NBS) for resilience strategies. “We want to continue to build on, grow, and enhance those connections and the added value they bring, not just for the EWN Program, but for all who want to see NBS prioritized as an additional tool in the toolbox for resilience.”As Jeff notes, having a unified approach to NBS across federal agencies is a key priority of this Administration. And with increasing opportunities to incorporate EWN into future projects, communities are eager to be actively involved. “Communities and stakeholders want to see NBS as part of an overall strategy for creating resilience, while creating additional value for their communities, whether it is social benefits or environmental benefits.” Jeff adds that Season 6 will also feature some of the exciting work being done on the military side of the Corps's portfolio. “We're working with more than 17 different installations around the country to have NBS included as part of their resilience strategies. We're talking about the opportunity to create system-scale resilience inside and outside the fence line.” Jeff's vision for EWN revolves around a large team dedicated to advancing the principles of EWN. Currently the EWN portfolio comprises over 60 active R&D projects, marking the highest number in EWN history.Leading each of those projects is a principal investigator who is working with his or her team to deliver the products that advances practice and understanding of NBS. “Part of my vision is to open that aperture larger and bring those individuals into this Podcast to share their stories and offer highlights of what's been happening with their research.” He adds, “To accelerate the adoption of EWN, we need a much larger network and people that are all rowing in the same direction.That's where “Expanding the EWN Lattice” really comes into play. We want to harness that energy across the large, multidisciplinary team representing a broad range of organizations that are really moving the needle in this space. That to me is doable and we will accomplish it.” For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/ • Jeff King at LinkedIn• Sarah Thorne at LinkedInThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5872676/advertisement

Indra Sandal, National Lead of the VHA Uber Health Connect Initiative, Overs sees the rollout of this public-private program that will assist veterans to find transportation to the VA and also has proven to be a valuable resource in helping to get veterans to show up for an appointment, saving millions of dollars in lost medical time. Listen in to hear where it is rolling out and how to take advantage of it. Our library of shows can be found at www.veteranscornerradio.comJoin us on Facebook at the page Veterans Corner RadioYou can contact our host William (Bill) Hodges at bill@billhodges.com

Get ready for an exciting new season of the Engineering With Nature Podcast! Season 6 of the Engineering With Nature® Podcast launches on June 14. Host Sarah Thorne recently caught up with Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature Program, to discuss highlights from Season 5 and give us a glimpse of what's ahead. The EWN Podcast launched in July 2020. With over 35,000 downloads to date, there's a lot of interest in the topics discussed. As Jeff notes, “I just can't believe the success we've seen in Season 5. When we kicked off Season 5, we had just over 24,000 downloads; and now as we kick off Season 6, we are over 34,000 downloads.” He adds, “I receive so much positive feedback from our listeners. Everywhere I go, people want to talk about the podcast. So, I know the EWN Podcast is reaching a lot of people out there, and we want to continue to do that.” Season 5 featured a broad range of EWN practitioners and leaders—scientists, engineers, policymakers, and others—within USACE, other US federal agencies, academia, industry, and nongovernmental organizations. All focused on innovative approaches to incorporating nature-based solutions into their work and encouraging others to do so. Sarah and Jeff review highlights from Season 5 episodes, and note that it was a particular privilege to have Lt. Gen. Spellmon, 55th Chief of Engineers and the Commanding General of the US Army Corps of Engineers, as a guest on Episode 6. His leadership, vision, and insights on innovation and partnerships and thoughts for the future were truly inspirational. Sarah and Jeff also discuss the significant transition within the EWN Program with the retirement of Todd Bridges, the former National Lead for EWN. As Jeff describes, “We celebrated the retirement of a very close friend and colleague Dr. Todd Bridges, who retired at the end of February. We did a special episode, Episode 7, where we asked Todd to offer his thoughts on being in this role for such a long period of time. It was certainly inspirational, and he is definitely a visionary leader for Engineering With Nature.” Sarah concurs, adding, “It was my pleasure to work with Todd for the past 15 years, including on the initial development of EWN. Under Todd's leadership, Engineering With Nature was initiated in 2010 as a little project on the side of the desk, and now it's a global movement.” Season 6 continues discussions of EWN and the application of nature-based solutions under the theme of Expanding the EWN Lattice. As Jeff explains, “I really am excited about having a new season to tee up, where we can really explore a lot of diverse topics.” Drawing inspiration from the three-dimensional nature of a crystal, he aims to expand the lattice of Engineering With Nature, considering all the interconnected facets, such as people, policies, research, and landscapes. Together, these elements create a larger, more encompassing feature that is EWN. Expect an impressive lineup of guests in Season 6, including scientists, engineers, landscape architects, government leaders, industry professionals, and representatives from First Nations. Each guest will offer unique perspectives on what's happening in their respective fields, the opportunities they see, and what it all means for Engineering With Nature. The Season will kick off with Episode 1, featuring an in-depth discussion with Jeff about his passion and vision for Engineering With Nature as the new National Lead. Mark your calendar for the launch of Season 6 on June 14! We hope you'll tune in. For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/ Related Links • Jeff King at LinkedIn • Sarah Thorne at LinkedInThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5872676/advertisement

Climate change is increasing coastal hazards and putting people who live and work in coastal communities at risk. Host Sarah Thorne and Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature® Program, welcome back Mike Beck, Director of the new Center for Coastal Climate Resilience at the University of California in Santa Cruz. Mike was a guest on Season 1, Episode 6. Mike is actively working to understand the role that ecosystems play in providing natural defenses for both people and property. By combining innovative nature-based solutions with insurance incentives, he hopes to significantly increase coastal resilience.   The State of California recently invested $20 million into UC Santa Cruz to establish the Center for Coastal Climate Resilience. As Mike says, “Climate change is no longer a ‘future' problem. It's a ‘here and now' problem. So, the State Legislature is investing in actions toward solutions that we need to be able to adapt and build resilience to these changes.” Mike notes that the Center is committed to a diverse approach, focusing both on nature-based solutions and on underserved communities. “A couple of things that we hope will really set the Center apart are that, even though we are university based, we are very solutions oriented. We really need to think about ways to understand the risks that some of these underserved communities are facing.”   As Mike described in his previous appearance on the EWN Podcast, there is a positive symbiotic link between nature and insurance. Natural features can provide protection against insured property damages from storm surges, and incentives in insurance policies can encourage property owners to build and sustain such natural features. He expands on that concept in this episode by describing the larger roles of nature and insurance in helping to build more resilient communities, noting that reefs and wetlands reduce waves and storm surge, thereby reducing the amount of flooding and erosion.   The need to reduce risk was the impetus for the recent Coastal Climate Resilience Symposium, a collaboration between UC Santa Cruz, the California Ocean Science Trust, the California Department of Insurance, and the Engineering With Nature Program. Held at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at UC Santa Cruz, the symposium brought together coastal scientists, insurance industry experts, and representatives of state and federal agencies. As Mike describes it, “The purpose of the symposium was to get these diverse thinkers together to talk about how we reduce risks for these communities using both nature and insurance.” Jeff adds, “The idea of public-private partnerships figures into the equation for success. We can have government and the private sector working together to advance the development of infrastructure—in this case, having the insurance industry investing in natural infrastructure features that provide some degree of risk reduction.”   Mike and the Center have formally joined the Network for Engineering With Nature (N-EWN). As Jeff says, “This expands our long-time collaboration with Mike and gives him and his team, along with his students, the opportunity to collaborate with the other diverse member organizations. Having Mike there to offer his perspective, his knowledge, and be able to teach and inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists is just fantastic.”   For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/   Related Links •      Jeff King at LinkedIn •      Mike Beck at LinkedIn

Coastal ecosystems provide an essential part of the solution to global climate change, along with along with providing other benefits such as wildlife habitat and shoreline protection. Carbon that's stored in coastal and marine ecosystems, is called “blue carbon”. We're talking with leading scientists about their foundational research into how blue carbon is helping to address climate change. Hosts Sarah Thorne and Jeff King, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature® Program, are joined by Lisa Chambers, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Central Florida; Jenny Davis, Research Ecologist with the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), in the Beaufort Lab, Marine Spatial Ecology Division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); and Jacob Berkowitz, a Research Soil Scientist and Lead of the Wetland Team with the Engineer Research Development Center (ERDC), US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).   As Lisa explains, blue carbon refers to carbon stored in coastal marshes, mangroves, and seagrasses. The “blue” term differentiates it from carbon stored in other ecosystems such as terrestrial forests. Lisa notes that coastal ecosystems actually sequester significantly more carbon than most terrestrial forests. And importantly, they store it for long periods of time below the ground in the soils.   Restoring these ecosystems and protecting these old stores of carbon is critical. Jenny explains: “When we take core samples down in those deep marsh sediments, in some cases, it's 2,000 to 3,000 years ago. It's important to think about how long it took to build that store of rich carbon and if you lose it, how long it's going to take to replace it. It's really important to preserve it.”   There's increasing interest by the US Department of the Defense (DoD) and across US federal agencies in understanding carbon dynamics and identifying opportunities to increase the sequestration of carbon. As Jacob explains, he and Lisa were asked by the EWN Program to investigate blue carbon within the context of the Corps's ecosystem restoration and navigation programs, including beneficial use of dredge material to restore and create coastal habitats. “We've been looking at blue carbon within an applied research context to see where opportunities exist to maximize the storage of carbon within these coastal systems.”   This research is important, because as Jeff notes, it links to EWN's objective of creating environmental and social benefits, in addition to the Corps' navigation-related mission objectives. “On average, USACE produces about 200 million cubic yards of dredge sediment every year. The idea that we could use this dredge sediment to out-compete sea level rise and replenish salt marsh systems while increasing the potential to sequester carbon is a very good thing. I'm really excited about this work.”   “Whenever we can get USACE and NOAA collaborating on these kinds of topics, it really does accelerate our understanding of these complex systems and processes,” Jeff says. The goal is that this foundational research Jenny, Jacob, and Lisa are conducting will ultimately lead to actionable beneficial use of sediments guidance for practitioners in the field. Jeff adds, “Everybody's thinking about this, and we're seeing entities like Department of the Navy or Army including blue carbon or carbon sequestration in their climate-action strategies and plans.”   For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/     Related Links •      Jeff King at LinkedIn •      Lisa Chambers at UCF •      Jenny Davis at NCCOS •      Jacob Berkowitz at ResearchGate  

Over 40% of Americans—that's 130 million people—live along the coasts of the United States. That high concentration of people is putting a lot of pressure on sensitive coastal ecosystems. Host Sarah Thorne and Jeff King, the new National Lead of the Engineering With Nature® Program, are joined by Daniel Hayden, President and CEO of Restore America's Estuaries (RAE). RAE, a nongovernmental organization dedicated to protecting and restoring bays and estuaries along the coasts, has a bold vision for the future where EWN and nature-based solutions play a critical role.   RAE was founded in 1995, in part to bring together the coastal restoration conservation community. Starting with 10 members, the organization has grown significantly. In December 2022, RAE held its 11th Coastal and Estuarine Summit in New Orleans. With over 1300 attendees representing a broad spectrum of individuals and organizations that work in coastal restoration and protection, this shows the growing interest in protecting and restoring our coasts.   An estuary is a place where one body of water meets another, typically a river into a bay or ocean, or a river into a large lake. The East, West, and Gulf Coasts are all home to estuaries, as well as the Great Lakes region. As Daniel describes, “These areas play a critical role in flood and storm surge protection, as well as ecological functions, such as providing habitat for fish and wildlife.”   Daniel joined RAE in 2020, with a commitment to move the organization forward on its 2019 Strategic Plan while building support for increased funding for conservation and getting more people involved in protecting and restoring estuaries. Personally, he wanted to create a platform for thought leadership. “There's a lot of different benefits we can communicate about, and that's really exciting because we can bring many different communities together around something that's very important.”   Environmental justice, social equity, and community empowerment are at the forefront of RAE's work. Daniel discusses RAE's responsiblity to ensure that positive investments go into underrepresented and underserved communities. Jeff notes how RAE's focus aligns with EWN and the Biden Administration's Justice 40 Initiative: “The federal government has made it a goal that 40% of overall benefits of federal investments will flow towards disadvantaged, marginalized communities for things like clean energy and affordable housing, cleaning up areas that have been contaminated over the years, and of course, climate change.”   Looking to the future, the opportunities for RAE and EWN to work together are “tremendous.” “Thinking about the amount of infrastructure that the country needs to maintain, rebuild and expand over the coming decades,” Daniel says, “we really need to be very thoughtful about how we invest. It's not rebuilding what we had but making sure that infrastructure reflects the climate and the economy we want to have for the future.”   Jeff adds, “As we think about climate change and the uncertainty associated with a 10-year or 20-year time horizon, we need to offer communities, stakeholders and decision makers the best available information and tools to make informed decisions. This is an important role for EWN. And, coming back to the RAE Summit, we'll continue to support this incredible venue for sharing best practices and technologies. It is key to advancing nature-based solutions.”   For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/   Related Links •      Jeff King at LinkedIn •      Daniel Hayden at LinkedIn

This very special episode of the EWN Podcast features Todd Bridges, Founder and National Lead of the Engineering With Nature Program. We're celebrating his 30-year career and retirement from the US Army Corps of Engineers (on February 28, 2023), and discussing his visionary leadership of EWN and what's up next for him. Host Sarah Thorne is joined by Dave Trafford, Producer of the EWN Podcast, and Chief Executive Producer, Story Studio Network.   Sarah opens by sharing about her long collaboration with Todd: “Todd, I've had the opportunity to work with you the past 15 years—literally half of your career. It's been a tremendous opportunity for me both personally and professionally; and for that, I truly thank you. I've sure learned a lot. It's been really inspirational, watching you follow your passion and seeing the tremendous accomplishments that you've had with EWN and on so many other fronts.”   Reflecting on his 30-year journey with the Corps, Todd says: “What resonates most with me are my reflections of and gratitude for the people that I've had an opportunity to meet, develop relationships and work with, on meaningful topics. It's a personal hobby of mine to collect people's stories, and I have a rich treasure box of stories about people that I've met and interacted with and enjoyed over the last 30 years.”   Todd began his career in, as he says, “a very pragmatic way”. While completing his doctoral work at North Carolina State University and needing a job to support his family and expectant wife, he received a hand addressed envelope with a job announcement from the Waterways Experiment Station (the predecessor of the today's Engineer Research and Development Center [ERDC]). “I frankly admit that I had no idea what the Army Corps of Engineers was. I read through this job announcement, and I had a passing thought that somebody was playing a practical joke on me because the description of what they were looking for was exactly in alignment with what I had been doing my doctoral research on. I called them. I applied for a job, and the rest is history.”   Todd is recognized for his passion for his work. As he says, “It's so important to be invested in what you're doing, and you can't manufacture it. There's no artificial source for it. What you're good at, and where you can make a difference, is very strongly associated with what moves you personally. For me, this area of work—humanity's relationship with nature—is motivating for me on so many levels.”   Looking to the future of EWN, Todd is optimistic and confident that EWN is in good hands. “As I've said before, the future for Engineering With Nature is bright. The reason is a combination of many things, but one of the fundamental reasons is that the team is strong, within the Corps and with our partners and stakeholders. They are well positioned to move forward and make great progress. I look forward to observing and contributing to that as I can. I'm just so impressed by the team members across our organization, including Jeff King who takes over as Lead of the EWN Program. I've sometimes said he's my right hand, but that's quite inadequate. I could say he's my right side. I'm looking forward to watching him take EWN to the next level.”   After taking what he calls a “breather month”, Todd will become a professor in the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia. “I'm very much looking forward to having the opportunity to work with people and organizations across the country and around the world that want to move forward and to make progress in this area of work. And I'm really looking forward to spending time and effort investing in the next generation.”   For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/   Related Links •      Todd Bridges at LinkedIn •      Sarah Thorne at LinkedIn •      Dave Trafford at LinkedIn

Part three continues our investigation into perioperative anemia, following on from our exclusive reaction and analysis to the Centre For Perioperative Care (CPOC) publication “Guideline for the Management of Anaemia in the Perioperative Pathway” from Scarlett McNally, Deputy Director for CPOC and honoree, Clinical Professor at Brighton and Sussex medical school and consultant orthopedic surgeon in East Sussex this piece covers the first part of the panel discussion which followed. PART 1 https://traffic.libsyn.com/topmedtalk/PERIOPERATIVE_ANEMIA.mp3 PART 2 https://traffic.libsyn.com/topmedtalk/ANEM_2.mp3  Taken from the EBPOM London session on the subject of perioperative anemia, chaired by Mike Grocott, Professor of Anaesthesia and critical care at the University of Southampton, and Rachel Barlow, National Lead, Enhanced Recovery, Prehabilitation and Optimisation, at Cardiff and Vale health board, Wales. The Center for Perioperative Care (CPOC) is ‘a cross-specialty collaboration dedicated to the promotion, advancement and development of perioperative care for the benefit of patients at all stages of their surgical journey'. The Prevent Study is here: https://preventdementia.co.uk/ At the time of this presentation the CPOC guidelines had just been published, now you can find them online here: https://www.cpoc.org.uk/sites/cpoc/files/documents/2022-09/1. CPOC_GuidelinefortheManagementofAnaemia_September2022.pdf This piece was made in collaboration with both Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) http://www.ebpom.org and The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society (ERAS UK): https://www.erasuk.net/

In this episode, Lieutenant General Scott Spellmon joins Todd Bridges, Senior Research Scientist for Environmental Science and National Lead for the Engineering With Nature (EWN) Program, and host, Sarah Thorne, as their special guest. Lt. Gen. Spellmon is the 55th Chief of Engineers and the Commanding General of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). We're discussing the role of EWN, the importance of innovation, partnerships, and the General's perspective on priorities for the future.   Lt. Gen. Spellmon opened the conversation by emphasizing the importance of EWN and thanking Todd for his leadership: “It's important to all of us, not just us within the Army Corps of Engineers but certainly with our many partners, our elected leaders, and, frankly, the American people who live, work, and recreate on the water. They all want to see us succeed as we continue to endeavor to engineer more with nature in everything that we do across our great country. I have committed to this in congressional testimony, and I'll just say it upfront—we've got to do more of this in our projects and in our programs. A personal thank you, Todd, for your great leadership in working to help us advance EWN across the Corps.” As the top leader of USACE, Spellmon notes the challenges USACE faces due to increased demand and explosive growth—USACE has gone from being a $20 billion program historically to now over a $90 billion program. “That massive program, that massive workload, is our number one challenge but also our number one opportunity. We really have to be innovative in taking the team that we have today that was structured for that $20 billion program and transforming it into one that can deliver on a $90-plus billion program. And innovation is key, thinking about things differently and executing them differently out in the field. There are so many opportunities with EWN that are going to help us get after this challenge.” A challenge that both Spellmon and Bridges have encountered is the perception that EWN is an alternative to traditional engineering approaches. As Spellmon notes, “One of the challenges that we have within the Corps is that too many folks have the mindset that we're advocating for EWN as a substitute for [traditional] engineering solutions, and that's not what we're saying. EWN compliments our engineered solutions. We have to find those cases where we can really get some complimentary effects—multiple benefits to our engineering designs.” Todd adds, “We need to get past the nature or engineering paradigm. It's a false choice—either this or that. It's finding the balance and the combination and for us to be more explicit about how nature contributes to the value of our overall system in terms of the benefits to engineering and economics, but also the social resilience that our communities need, as well as the environmental resilience.”   As we wrap up the episode, Spellmon talks about building the US Army Corps of Engineers of the future. He focuses in on diversity of thought: “We have so many projects across this country and project delivery teams working where we don't look like the communities in which we work. Now we have the data to support our workforce demographics, so we are actively working to increase the diversity of thought within the organization because I think diversity of thought is going to bring this organization into the future.”   For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/   Related Links •      Todd Bridges at EWN •      Todd Bridges at LinkedIn •      LTG Spellmon at LinkedIn •      LTG Spellmon at USACE  

The Center for Perioperative Care (CPOC) is ‘a cross-specialty collaboration dedicated to the promotion, advancement and development of perioperative care for the benefit of patients at all stages of their surgical journey'. Following on from our exclusive reaction and analysis to the CPOC publication “Guideline for the Management of Anaemia in the Perioperative Pathway” from Scarlett McNally, Deputy Director for CPOC and honoree, Clinical Professor at Brighton and Sussex medical school and consultant orthopedic surgeon in East Sussex ( https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/25808664 ) this piece covers the first part of the panel discussion which followed. Taken from the EBPOM London session on the subject of perioperative anemia, chaired by Mike Grocott, Professor of Anaesthesia and critical care at the University of Southampton, and Rachel Barlow, National Lead, Enhanced Recovery, Prehabilitation and Optimisation, at Cardiff and Vale health board, Wales. The Prevent Study is here: https://preventdementia.co.uk/ At the time of this presentation the CPOC guidelines had just been published, now you can find them online here: https://www.cpoc.org.uk/sites/cpoc/files/documents/2022-09/1. CPOC_GuidelinefortheManagementofAnaemia_September2022.pdf This piece was made in collaboration with both Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) http://www.ebpom.org and The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society (ERAS UK): https://www.erasuk.net/

The Center for Perioperative Care (CPOC) is ‘a cross-specialty collaboration dedicated to the promotion, advancement and development of perioperative care for the benefit of patients at all stages of their surgical journey'. Here we have exclusive reaction and analysis to their publication “Guideline for the Management of Anaemia in the Perioperative Pathway” from Scarlett McNally, Deputy Director for CPOC and honoree, Clinical Professor at Brighton and Sussex medical school and consultant orthopedic surgeon in East Sussex. This is the first piece of an EBPOM London session on the subject of perioperative anemia which was chaired by Mike Grocott, Professor of Anaesthesia and critical care at the University of Southampton, and Rachel Barlow, National Lead, Enhanced Recovery, Prehabilitation and Optimisation, at Cardiff and Vale health board, Wales. At the time of this presentation the guidelines had just been published, now you can find them online here: https://www.cpoc.org.uk/sites/cpoc/files/documents/2022-09/1. CPOC_GuidelinefortheManagementofAnaemia_September2022.pdf This piece was made in collaboration with both Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) www.ebpom.org and The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society (ERAS UK): https://www.erasuk.net/

 The Network for Engineering With Nature (N-EWN), introduced in Season 1, Episode 10, is a community of researchers, practitioners, and educators who are working together to advance the practice of Engineering With Nature (EWN). In this episode we're talking with N-EWN's visionary leadership about what's been accomplished and what lies ahead. Host Sarah Thorne and Todd Bridges, National Lead of the EWN Program, welcome back Brian Bledsoe, Director of the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS) at the University of Georgia, and our guests, Ellen Herbert, Senior Scientist, Sustainability and Nature-Based Solutions with Ducks Unlimited, and Chris Mack, Principal, Coastal Engineering Lead and Regional Coastal Solutions Director with Stantec.    There has been a significant amount of progress with N-EWN since it was initiated in October of 2020. N-EWN currently has 30 researchers involved in its initiatives; dozens of projects underway; and many new partners, including Ducks Unlimited and Stantec. Bringing academia, government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector into the Network has been critical to N-EWN's success. These public-private relationships and partnerships are decreasing the lag time from R&D to practice for nature-based solutions. As Todd notes, “It's great to see the Network expanding. It's very encouraging and inspiring when you look at the organizations, their depth of experience, and what they bring to the game. When you combine all that with EWN, we can really make progress.”   When N-EWN was first introduced in S1 E10, Todd suggested that the objective was nothing short of a revolution, “The revolution is going quite well. We've expanded our communications very significantly, sharing, networking across the Corps through our EWN Practice Leads and our EWN Cadre practitioners across the country. N-EWN plays an important role in this advancement.”    Brian highlights the significant progress being made in the academic sector. “We've got academic partners in all the major biomes across the US. We've made some good progress setting up a long-term network of test beds. We hosted a National Academies workshop on infrastructure that was really inspiring. There's a lot of synergy among the academic partners and the private-sector partners in terms of developing training and upskilling opportunities.”    Ellen adds that “Multisectoral collaboration has allowed us to have a common vocabulary across federal, state, and NGO partnerships. My grandest hope for is that we can get to a place with lots of discussion and plenty of robust science so we can really put nature-based features and natural infrastructure on the same level playing field as traditional gray infrastructure.”   Chris notes how things have changed since his early career when he was working for the Corps. “What you've historically studied is brick, steel—hard, rigid structures that can resist a particular force. But with the blending of the network of biologists, ecologists, and other disciplines, we're asking, ‘Hey, did you know we can solve the same challenge using natural and nature-based solutions?'”    Todd feels that there is a growing acceptance that change is needed. “Combining the collective experience of a diverse network of committed organizations is the way we accomplish that acceleration and practice—that's the value of N-EWN.”   For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/    Related Links Todd Bridges at LinkedIn Brian Bledsoe at LinkedIn Ellen Herbert at LinkedIn Chris Mack at LinkedIn

How do we measure what's most important to us? And how do we translate those values into decisions about infrastructure projects so that they can deliver a diverse set of economic, environmental, and social benefits? That's the focus of our discussion in Season 5, Episode 4, of the Engineering With Nature® Podcast. Host Sarah Thorne and Todd Bridges, National Lead of the Engineering With Nature (EWN) Program, are pleased to welcome back to the podcast Justin Ehrenwerth, President and CEO of The Water Institute. In this episode, we're talking about how to measure what matters with respect to natural infrastructure.   This episode is the third in a three-part series covering what Todd characterizes as the three-legged stool that supports the advancement of NBS. The first leg—identifying opportunities for making progress with NBS—was the subject of Season 5, Episode 2. The second leg—understanding the benefits and value of nature—was the subject of Season 5, Episode 3. The third leg—determining how to measure the value of NBS in infrastructure projects—is the focus of Episode 4.   This episode was recorded shortly after the national summit “Measuring What Matters” hosted by the Resilient America Program at the National Academies in Washington, DC, on November 30, 2022, in collaboration with the EWN Program and The Water Institute. Participants from a broad range of organizations came together to share their perspectives on the process and benefit of valuing nature.   Measuring and promoting nature-based solutions is a challenge. As Todd says, “How do we identify the full suite of benefits that nature-based solutions can bring to an infrastructure project? Getting nature up front in the process of planning and design involves elevating the benefits of nature, moving consideration of those benefits forward in the project development process. It's critical to bring this understanding into the process of project design, accepting nature as a part of the solution.”   Addressing the challenge of measuring these benefits includes new policy research, including exploring the implications of policy alternatives that focus on what and how measurement of benefits is being incorporated into the planning process. Justin summarizes the desired outcome: “The bottom line is to make very clear in the evaluation process that a holistic appreciation of a series of benefits and costs—over and above economics—really has the opportunity to transform. And we've got great science to support that transformation, and momentum. If we harness all this interest and enthusiasm, we will see some big changes in the next 18–24 months.”   Todd adds, “How you define what is a relevant value or benefit when you are developing a project informs very substantively what constitutes a solution within that project. So, what you recognize as a ‘benefit' basically determines the outcome. That's the reason why we're doing all this. To produce better projects that last and that produce the array of benefits that our communities need and deserve. I am excited about what we can produce together.”   For more information and resource links, please visit the EWN Podcast page on the EWN website at https://www.engineeringwithnature.org/     Related Links Todd Bridges at LinkedIn Justin Ehrenwerth at LinkedIn