Conservation Episodes

Protecting Midwest Flyways and Local Habitats with the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance - Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we’re joined by Matt Reetz, Executive Director of the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance. Sponsored by Destination Madison—host of the 2026 Outdoor Writers Association of America annual conference—we’re shining a spotlight on why Madison, Wisconsin, and the surrounding Dane County communities are such exceptional destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, family getaways, and nature lovers alike.

Sam Teicher, co-founder and Chief Reef Officer of Coral Vita, a pioneering U.S.-based company on a mission to restore our planet’s degraded coral reefs, joins us on the Outdoor Adventure Series today. Coral Vita employs scalable, land-based coral farming and climate-resilient techniques to rebuild vital ecosystems that sustain marine life, coastal economies, and local cultures. Sam shares his journey from nature enthusiast to global leader in coral restoration, and the science and technology behind modern coral farming.

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this episode, Howard Fox sits down with Emily Louina Cook—author, artist, and environmental educator—to celebrate the launch of her new illustrated children’s book, "Is That an Åga?" Emily shares her passion for environmental education, her unique journey from growing up on a conservation tree farm in Maine to fieldwork in the Mariana Islands, and the story behind the critically endangered Mariana Crow (Åga). Whether you’re an aspiring naturalist, a lover of wildlife, or a fan of children’s literature, you won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation!

Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! Today, we're chatting with Dr. Trish O'Kane, an environmental educator, action researcher, and author of the inspiring memoir, Birding to Change the World. Trish shares her remarkable journey—from investigative journalism and human rights work in Central America and Alabama, to finding a new path in environmental education after Hurricane Katrina, and discovering the healing power of birds and nature. You'll hear how Trish connects b...

Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series. We're continuing on our journey through the Newberry Springs area of California—specifically, right into the heart of a thriving pistachio grove. Our guest is Dr. Keller Horton, a certified permaculture designer and passionate advocate for sustainable land management. Keller is also a Director for the Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce. Keller shares his journey: from purchasing his first 40 acres through a serendipitous maga...

Welcome back to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! Today, we're joined by Dr. Wenfei Tong, a conservationist, wildlife biologist, writer, nature photographer, artist, and educator. Wenfei holds a PhD in evolutionary biology from Harvard University and serves as the science editor at Cornell University. In this conversation, she shares her journey through birding, nature, and science communication—including her work at Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Conservation Media unit, where s...

Impact Destinations: Philanthropic Travel Adventures with Christopher Hill. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In today’s episode, we welcome Christopher Hill, the founder of Impact Destinations and Hands Up Holidays. Christopher’s lifelong passion for travel led him to create unique adventures that go far beyond sightseeing—they combine exploration with giving back to communities and supporting wildlife conservation worldwide. Join us for an inspiring conversation ab...

Man’s Search for Sustainability: What Bees and Locusts Teach Us About a Sustainable Future. Welcome back to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we sit down with David Auge, a sustainability expert and author of "Man's Search for Sustainability," a first-place winner in the Reader's Favorite Book Award contest for 2025 in the Non-Fiction, Environment category. With over 35 years of experience in environmental management—and a passion for transforming our perspe...

Off-Grid Adventures: Solve Waste Challenges with CompoCloset Composting Toilets Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series, the podcast that shines a spotlight on the explorers, nature lovers, and innovative entrepreneurs who make it easier for us all to access and enjoy the great outdoors. In this episode, host Howard Fox sits down with Richard Peter and Erica Pugh, the dynamic co-founders of CompoCloset—a company on a mission to revolutionize off-grid sanitation. Richard and Erica share t...

Building Ethical Brands: Joshua Onysko’s Approach to Travel, Sustainability, and Giving Back. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we chat with Joshua Onysko, a dynamic entrepreneur, world traveler, and advocate for sustainability in the beauty industry. As the founder of Pangea Organics and Alpine Provisions, Joshua has spent over 25 years reshaping what it means to create products that are not just good for people but also for the planet. From humble begin...

Connecting Audiences to Ocean Conservation: Andrew Lewin’s Science Communication Mission

Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series—Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to Marat Omarov, the visionary founder behind The ARK, a regenerative village nestled in the stunning landscape of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Marat unpacks his extraordinary journey: from growing up in Kazakhstan under strict Soviet influence, to breaking free from programming, and ultimately discovering his calling to design a new kind of community rooted in authenticity, human connection, and ha...

Regenerative Gardening for Biodiversity and Wellness in Your Backyard. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this episode, we're chatting with Matthieu Mehuys, an author, landscape architect, and host of the Regenerative Design podcast. Matthieu, originally from Belgium and now living in the Azores, shares his passion for making the world greener and healthier, starting right in our backyards. During the conversation, Matthieu takes us through his journey from growing up on a famil...

Birdfest 2025: Exploring Southern Utah's Birding Gems With Red Cliffs Audubon Welcome to another exciting episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! Today, we're joined by Phil Ertel, a dedicated board member of the Red Cliffs Audubon and chair of the planning committee for the upcoming 2025 Bird Fest in Southern Utah. Phil and Howard Fox explore the unique experiences awaiting attendees at this vibrant three-day St. George, Utah event. From expert-led birding trips and keynote speeches by leadi...

Tommy Serafinski is our guest on the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast today. Tommy is a seasoned outdoor enthusiast and the host of Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Podcast. Tommy is originally from Poland but now calls the beautiful County Kerry in Ireland his home. His journey has led him to a profound appreciation for nature and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of conservation, including the natural environment, biodiversity, conservation, hunting and fishing, rewildin...

Dr. Brian Joseph from Gig Harbor, WA, is our guest on the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast today! Dr. Joseph's remarkable career spans various roles in zoos and aquariums globally, significantly impacting conservation, education, and veterinary medicine. Recognized as one of the top 50 influencers in aquariums and zoos, Brian is also an avid traveler, public servant, educator, and author. His work addresses global issues such as climate change and promotes sustainable practices. Brian's contrib...

Today, we are pleased to introduce you to Patricia Newman, a renowned children's book author and environmentalist. Patricia has captivated young minds with her books, such as Plastic Ahoy, Sea Otter Heroes, and the just-released Giant Rays of Hope. Her storytelling seamlessly blends education with environmental responsibility, inspiring collective action and hope. In this episode, we delve into Patricia's journey—how a pivotal article about scientists studying plastic in the North Pacific Gyre ...

This is the 8th episode of our collaboration with Visit El Paso to promote El Paso, Southwest Texas, New Mexico, and the State of Chihuahua MX, as they host the OWAA's 2024 annual conference this year. Scott Cutler is our guest today. Scott is a board member of the El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society. In this episode, we’ll explore a rich array of birding opportunities, discuss the essential work of the Audubon Society in conservation and public outreach, and get a sneak peek into the birding o...

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series, the podcast that celebrates the thrill of outdoor activities and the beauty of our natural world. This is the 7th episode of our collaboration with Visit El Paso to promote El Paso, Southwest Texas, New Mexico, and the State of Chihuahua MX, as they host the OWAA's 2024 annual conference this year. Today, we have a remarkable journey to share with you as we explore the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park. John Sproul, this incredible natural oasis's dedicated...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series. This is the 2nd episode of our collaboration with Visit El Paso to promote El Paso, Southwest Texas, New Mexico, and the State of Chihuahua MX, as they host the OWAA's 2024 annual conference this year. In today's episode, we have a fascinating conversation with Cesar Mendez, the Park Superintendent of Franklin Mountains State Park. Cesar shares insights from his upbringing, love of nature and the outdoors, educational jo...

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In today's special episode, Discover Gems in Northeast Tennessee: Reflections from the OWAA Inaugural Field Fest 2024, we're diving into the recent OWAA Field Fest—a groundbreaking event that brings outdoor enthusiasts, writers, and journalists to lesser-known, rural destinations. We're joined by attendees and hosts who made this event a stellar success. We'll hear firsthand experiences from a dynamic mix of guests who explored northeast T...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series. This is the first episode of our collaboration with Visit El Paso to promote El Paso, Southwest Texas, New Mexico, and the State of Chihuahua MX, as they host the OWAA's 2024 annual conference this year. Today's episode with the Frontera Land Alliance is a real treat. We dive into the heart of conservation in the Chihuahuan Desert with our special guests, Janae' Reneaud Field, Executive Director, and Rocio Ronquillo, Ope...

Transforming Urban Landscapes: Creating Circular Systems Through Regenerative Farming, With The Urban Farm. Welcome to another exciting episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today's episode, we sit down with Greg Peterson, a food system educator, urban farmer, and host of The Urban Farm podcast. We'll delve into the crucial principles of regenerative farming, the importance of healthy soil, and the environmental impacts of our food system. Greg discusses how he seeks to inspire others to...

Collecting Critical Field Data for Conservation with Adventure Scientists Welcome to another exciting episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today's episode, we sit down with Alison Ormsby, a distinguished forest specialist at Adventure Scientists. With a rich background in environmental studies and over 20 years of experience as a professor, Alison brings unparalleled expertise to our discussion. Adventure Scientists is on a mission to collect critical field data that drives conservation...