Episódios
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I'm putting myself and my thoughts out there.
Raw, unfiltered, bare.
Conservation needs to change, yes.
But also:
Our world needs to change.
Are you in?
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In today’s episode, Lynn and I talk about Conservation Nation, the environmental non-governmental organization (ENGO) she runs. They have three pillars to their mission:
Expand funding to role model conservationistsEducating and inspiring a more diverse generationConvening & bringing together people from all backgrounds so we can brainstorm larger solutions together.We also chat a LOT about money, capitalism, and how we can divert more funds to protecting our planet. Regardless of your background and experience in wildlife or environmental issues, this conversation is for you. It’s for all of us.
As Lynn says, “let’s break barriers to bring a more diverse, representative, and inclusive core of conservationists to the fight.”
**Also: I’m taking a slightly different approach with the podcast. I love talking about all things conservation and science, but I’m realizing my gifts and interests are better suited to emotionally nuanced discussions. Therefore, future episodes will focus on somewhat sensitive topics relating to mental health, addiction, depression, eco-guilt, eco-anxiety, and more.
Resources:
Conservation Nation: https://conservationnation.org/
The Ministry for the Future (book): https://www.amazon.com/Ministry-Future-Kim-Stanley-Robinson/dp/0316300136
Nova Conservation Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/novaconservation
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This is probably one of the best episodes yet of Nova Conversations. When I started this podcast, this is exactly the type of discussion I wanted to have: Informative & emotionally deep discussions where we look at global conservation issues from multiple frames of reference.
Even though Danielle’s research has focused on elephants, this episode applies to anyone hoping to make conservation a full time career. We openly discuss the pros and cons of white westerners conducting research in other countries (sometimes labeled as “parachute science”). More discussions need to be had to find solutions, but I hope this can open the door for future dialogue.
Danielle and I talk about everything that I’d hoped this podcast would be about. From trauma in elephants and conservation work, online shaming to posting on social media, underpaid work to toxic career cultures, we cover a lot in this conversation. No matter your background or culture, one thing stands out from our talk: collaborations are absolutely essential to global conservation success.
Resources:
Danielle’s blog The Call to Conserve: https://www.thecalltoconserve.com/
Join our growing Patreon Community: https://patreon.com/novaconservation
Connect with us! IG @nova_conservation, TikTok @novaconservation
Learn more about how we are using travel to give back at novaconservation.com
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Dillon Jones (@dillonthebiologist) is energetic, fun, and bursting with creative ideas for making conservation better, especially through technology. We talk about everything from using ziplines to survey turtles, decentralizing traditionally bureaucratic ways of doing science, using ecotourism and travel to benefit conservation, science misinformation and handling haters and trolls, the connection with geotagging and white supremacy (jk- there is none), and a whole host of other innovative topics. I’m not sure how he does it all – there’s so much packed in here and I hope you glean something fresh and revolutionary from it!
It’s a long one for sure but most podcast apps give you the option to speed it up, so listen to the whole thing, mmk? It’s worth it, trust me. :)
And at the very end I talk about my idea for a field biology reality show, so: Nat Geo, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, if you’re listening, hit me up. Seriously. ;)
Resources:
Come to Belize with us! http://learnadventurously.com/belize-trip/
Applied Biodiversity Conservation Scholar (thru Texas A&M): https://absconservationscholarsprogram.wordpress.com/
Research Experience for Undergrads: https://beta.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/research-experiences-undergraduates-reu
Join our growing Patreon Community: https://patreon.com/novaconservation
Connect with us! IG @nova_conservation, TikTok @novaconservation
Learn more about how we are using travel to give back at novaconservation.com
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Welcome back to a new season! We're diving right in the deep end, guys.
We know there are organizations that exploit young biologist hopefuls and take advantage of our passion. But there are also some really good ones out there that just legitimately don't have money. It's so easy to bash organizations and say "pay your interns/volunteers better" but not provide solutions about where that money is going to come from.
In this episode, I ask:
What defines an unpaid job (that *should* be paid) versus volunteering altruistically?
Will turning down unpaid work directly help diversity, equity and inclusion in conservation careers?
Is unpaid work necessary to get a job in conservation?
What are some other ways we can look at this problem and - most importantly - find sustainable solutions?!
I also talk about being “cancelled,” listening to other points of view, public shaming, generational differences (where I confuse Gen X and Gen Z, oops), the positives and negatives with nonprofits, and I realize I'm an eco-socialist! How fun!
Resources (there are lots, sry)
Frustrated Conservationists IG: @frustratedconservationists
Animal welfare accounts: @danielle4wildlife @connie.needham @larotravels
Review conservation nonprofits & research orgs here: https://app.novaconservation.com/entity/28815b6b-d569-46dc-b8ce-fc8ba638b8f2
Conservation Nation: https://conservationnation.org/
Vercammen et al paper: https://www.jstor.org/stable/26937306?seq=5
Hidden Brain | Red Brain, Blue Brain https://www.podbean.com/ea/dir-7tjxe-6198c73
In the Grey: Public Shaming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4l-tJtVzpA
Cozy Robot Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cozy-robot-show-formerly-ask-science-mike/id956995247
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If you’ve ever wondered how and why diversity is so important in wildlife, nature, and conservation careers, you’ll love this discussion with Corina Newsome (@hood__naturalist). Corina is an awesome social and environmental justice activist who JUST YESTERDAY announced her new position as Associate Conservation Scientist at the National Wildlife Federation!! Woohoo!
In this episode you’ll learn:
Why representation for all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds is invaluable in conservationHow to overcome barriers and dream BIGHow nonprofits like Georgia Audubon (which she used to work for) are engaging with the community to overcome racial and historical prejudices (like government land grabs in the name of “conservation”)The effectiveness of taking action locallyWhat #ShutDownSTEM isThe importance of having a mentor who understands your needsThe perspective of a black woman doing fieldwork in Southern Georgia in the era of George Floyd and Ahmaud ArberyWe even get into some church-y and political talk, like how the evangelical movement needs to get on board with issues like climate change and biodiversity loss. If that’s not your thing, that’s cool, but it’s my podcast and I can talk about whatever the hell I want! (hah)
But seriously, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. It’s another deep, amazing conversation and I am SO excited to share it with you all. Enjoy!
Resources:
Corina’s website: https://corinanewsome.wixsite.com/hoodnaturalist/bio
Young Evangelicals for Climate Action: https://yecaction.org/
Brené with Ibram X. Kendion How to Be an Antiracist:https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-ibram-x-kendi-on-how-to-be-an-antiracist/
Nova Conservation website: http://novaconservation.com
Support us on Patreon! http://patreon.com/novaconservation
Laura's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nqip9NcV2qQ
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In our very first crossover episode, creator and host of the Rewildology podcast Brooke Mitchell-Norman sits down with us at Nova Conversations! Laura and Brooke chat about conservation-focused travel, solutions to ending exploitation, and so much more. We talk about her current role as a Conservation Director of the Wild Source, how her persistent paid off, disruptive empowerment and other models to give back to local communities, how nonprofits need to be run more like businesses, and our thoughts on exploitation and lack of diversity in the sector. It’s a long episode– but such an amazing conversation. Tune in and let’s solve these problems together!
Follow the Rewildology podcast: @rewildology or linktr.ee/Rewildology
The Wild Source: https://thewildsource.com/
Join our growing Patreon Community: https://patreon.com/novaconservation
Connect with us! IG @nova_conservation or @novaconservationtravel
Learn more about how we are using travel to give back at novaconservation.com
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Jessie Panazzolo (@ecolojesst) author and founder of Lonely Conservationists (@lonelyconservationists), sits down with Laura, and things get deep. We talk about everything from trauma and PTSD during life-threatening field conditions (trigger warning here), being valued for your work, knowledge, and experience, and solutions to making conservation work better for all! We talk a lot about ethical ecotourism-- specifically solutions to providing funds to conservation projects. We also dive into what it means to be “inspiring”, advocating for yourself, unhealthy gatekeeping within conservation, mental health, handling haters, parachute science, and so much more.
Jessie is incredibly vulnerable as she shares her stories, and this has opened the door for so many of us to find community and know we are not alone! Let’s take back what it means to be resilient, and instead acknowledge that it’s ok to not be ok.
Resources:
Lonely Conservationists Blog and Community: https://lonelyconservationists.com/
Buy Jessie's books! https://www.booktopia.com.au/how-to-conserve-conservationists-jessie-panazzolo/book/9780645240221.html
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Hi folks! We covered so much in this episode that I feel my titles keep getting longer and longer. The original title was “Turtles & Tainted Tables: Being Unapologetically You [Despite the Challenges in Conservation]” but a) that was way too long and b) at this point now I think it’s a given that you’ll face challenges in conservation work, amiright?
If you’re interested in working as a biologist, especially at a federal or governmental agency, Al’s story and experiences are for you. We touch on a variety of topics, such as:
The unique and subtle struggles that come with being underpaid seasonal workers (like not getting seniority access & pay raises the same way a full time employee might) Underrepresentation and microaggressions in the sciences Pros and cons of working for the US government vs. nonprofits Grants and scholarships for marginalized scientists, specifically women and students of color– in fact I’d eventually love to have a page of resources on novaconservation.com that highlights these scholarship and grant opportunities!Al encourages us all to be unapologetically ourselves, which is a beautiful thing. Let’s destroy the “tainted table” that only allows a limited number of seats, backgrounds, and beliefs, and instead rebuild a new table where all perspectives are welcomed and elevated.
Follow Al!
Twitter: @n8ture_al
Instagram: @n8ture_al
Support us on Patreon!
patreon.com/novaconservation
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Is working in wildlife really accessible for everyone? The answer, currently and sadly, is no. Most of the time only those with privilege (i.e. those that can afford to work for free, are able-bodied, and have financial & emotional support) are able to gain access to the coveted jobs in wildlife conservation.
My discussion with the amazing and super-positive Danaé Mouton (@dancingdanae18 on IG) is a breath of fresh air. We discuss her background which laid the groundwork for her to find a job she loves. We brainstorm solutions to making conservation work truly more inclusive and accessible. Plus, we discuss some of our favorite stories of working in the field and our encounters with animals. I know you’ll walk away feeling inspired and ready to make a difference in conservation!
If you like these types of discussions, please consider supporting our podcast on Patreon (www.patreon.com/novaconservation). We are taking steps to create a nonprofit that addresses some of these inequities in wildlife work. No money to support us? I hear you. Just share this episode with a friend or two. Your support means the WORLD to us as we continue to make conservation work better for all.
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Guys. Rose Santana (@scie.co on IG) is such a boss! She’s super smart and knows more about marine pollution that I would ever care to know. This interview is fairly science heavy, but stick with us - it is a discussion worth having!
We get into some great topics such as:
Why collaboration is key in both science and ecotourismTips for grad schoolThe importance of mentorshipsHow to get more funding for conservationWhy diversity is invaluable in scienceWhy climate change IS a social justice issueAnd so much more!Bottom line: Conservation needs funds! It doesn’t matter how you get it! (Well, I mean, yes I know there are ways to get funds that are pretty unethical…so it does matter…but just listen to the episode, ok?!)
Resources:
Find Rose on Twitter: @scie.corose and Instagram: @scie.co
Rose’s Website: scieco.net
Seaworthy Collective: https://www.seaworthycollective.com/
Nova Conservation Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/novaconservation
Want to be a co-host or know of a good guest for the podcast? Reach out to us [email protected]
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Whew it's a busy episode! I wanted to get this out as soon as possible to make sure everyone can contribute to Brittany's research before the survey (conservationtrauma.com) closes at the end of January 2022.
Part One: What is Pay to Play?
Is PTP interchangeable with PTW (Pay to Work)? When is it acceptable to pay for an experience, and when is it exploitation? We break it down for you. Like, 20 minutes of breaking it down because there's so much to cover.
I approached this question from both viewpoints: from a financially struggling organization and a struggling conservation worker. It's not an easy answer, and to ignore the complexities can mean we are hurting those who are trying to help. I offer tips and advice whether you are trying to recruit volunteers for your project, or you are seeking to pay to volunteer. It's a must listen for everyone in conservation. And apologies for my kids screaming in the background.
Part Two: ConservationTrauma.com (starts at 16:30)
We talked to Brittany Sawrey who is getting her second master’s - her first one was in conservation science, and now she’s getting one in counseling. Despite her background in zookeeping, she realized her passion was hearing and listening to the stories of others.
You can help with her research! Go to conservationtrauma.com
Part Three: Year End Recap (starts at 39:34)
Well if you made it this far, you're truly a hero. It's a recap of our year: a panel that I made some major mistakes in, and the growth, forgiveness, and lessons that came from that.
Ready to grow with us in 2022? Support us at patreon.com/novaconservation.
Email me your stories if you want to be on the pod! [email protected]
Other resources: ConservationTrauma.com
Whitley Fund for Nature - https://whitleyaward.org/
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This one is for all you young conservationists out there: You want to help animals. You want to make a difference. You want to travel to a cool place. But be forewarned that many of these companies do not have your - or the animals - best interests in mind.
Sophie Bell knows this firsthand, which is why she wrote a blog about red flags to look out for. We talk about all this and more, with the goal of ending these exploitative practices.
Also, it’s our last episode for the year! We will see you in 2022!
Resources:
Instagram: @adayinthewildlifesoph
Link to her blog with WildlifeTek
https://www.wildlifetek.com/blog/volunteering-pitfalls?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wildlifetek.com%2Fa%2F2147489476%2FyUoNio2f
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This conversation with Sebastian Moreno is pretty awesome, not gonna lie. Sebastian is getting his PhD in Environmental Conservation, so let’s just say he knows a thing or two. We jump right in and cover everything from the mysterious bird deaths in the eastern U.S., the debate about terminology concerning “citizen science,” getting kids connected to nature, and ways we can literally shake up the current model of conservation to make it more inclusive-- and maybe even generate more revenue. You truly won’t want to miss this amazing conversation.
One thing is clear: The current model of conservation is not working. Let’s pull an etch-a-sketch on it and rebuild. It’s about time.
Learn more about Sebastian and his work -
Instagram: @urbanbirdeco
Twitter: @urbanbirdeco
Our Nova Conservation blog called "Are citizen and community science the same?
https://www.novaconservation.com/are-citizen-community-science-the-same/
Our Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/novaconservation
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I'm baaack from Perú! And boy, I have lots of thoughts and stories for you. So this episode is a brain dump of, well, everything.
If you don’t want to listen to me blah blah blah for 45 minutes, I don’t blame you. Skip ahead to 45:37 to hear the content (and some commentary) of my TEDx talk.
I'm hoping this talk will bring to light some of the not so great aspects of working in conservation, and ways we can work together to make effective change.
Also: We are looking for a co-host! Interested? Listen to what we’re looking for at 43:07.
Plugs for some of the orgs my friends work for:
Fauna Forever https://www.faunaforever.org/
Inkaterra Asociacion: https://www.inkaterra.com/inkaterra-asociacion-org/en/
Un Poco del Chocó: https://www.unpocodelchoco.com/biologicalstationwelcome
Check out more stories from other Lonely Conservationists at https://lonelyconservationists.com/
Consider supporting our work at patreon.com/novaconservation.
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When you live, work, and spend every waking second with someone for 3 months, you either grow to hate them...or form a tight bond. With Miranda, it was 100% the latter (not sure if she would say the same thing about me though!). Miranda and I reminisce about our time working on cuckoos together, including The Oak Experience (aka our future band name), the prothonotary warbler nestling incident of 2019, and Williams Island hell. Additionally, as part of the LGBTQ community, Miranda discusses the emotional burden of deciding how and when to tell potential employers about her sexuality. We talk about the things we would like changed in conservation work, including fair work hours, suggestions for employers to not take advantage of their workers (especially seasonal ones!), and more.
Resources:
Find Miranda IG: @mmwilkz , Twitter @mirandainnature
Support our work and these stories at patreon.com/novaconservation.
Nova Review Database: https://app.novaconservation.com/entity/28815b6b-d569-46dc-b8ce-fc8ba638b8f2
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María (with an accent!) Dabrowski is a science communicator and turtle lover. We cover a wide-range of topics, from mental health to parachute science, and even how to determine worthwhile conservation efforts -- think local, and look at the motivations of those doing the work. She emphasizes that conservation communication is key, whether it involves governmental legislation or understanding why people poach. María also gives advice for those that want to travel abroad and emphasizes to enjoy what you do in life.
Resources:
María’s Instagram: @gogreenfortheocean
Go Green Wilmette link: https://gogreenwilmette.org/
Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/novaconservation
Nova Review Database: https://app.novaconservation.com/entity/28815b6b-d569-46dc-b8ce-fc8ba638b8f2
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Meredith Heather is a skilled biologist who has worked and volunteered across the globe, from Namibia to Peru to California. However, she had to pay to get many of the experiences that furthered her career. Join us as we talk about the pitfalls of “pay to play,” what constitutes exploitation, and how to diversify conservation. We have a back and forth dialogue, fluctuating between the unfairness of low pay, yet empathizing with amazing animal conservation groups that are struggling for funds to merely stay afloat. This is just the tip of the iceberg of these discussions, but a great introduction to think about the nuanced challenges with paying to volunteer.
Join the conversation on IG @nova_conservation
Share your stories! We’d love to hear from you. DM us or email [email protected] Follow Meredith on IG @merekatmanor
Other Resources:
Archbold Bio Station link: https://www.archbold-station.org/html/aboutus/about.html
Point Blue Conservation Science: https://www.pointblue.org/
Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/novaconservation
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Today’s guest is Mario Shimbov (@shimboviswild), a true conservationist with many interests and talents in herpetology, photography, and science communication. Mario and I talk about a couple of organizations he’s a part of, and I learn the term work parties --which sound crazy fun, tbh. We also discuss how conservation has changed during the pandemic, and he gives optimistic, awesome advice. It is possible to make a positive impact-- no matter where you are! Mario’s blog link: https:/novaconservation.com/mario-blog/ SEPARC link: http://separc.org/ Nova Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/novaconservation Operation Wallacea: https://www.opwall.com/ Mario’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/shimboviswild/
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This week we talked to Emily Davis! Emily is not a biologist by training, but wanted to gain field experience before starting her master’s in environmental science. So she signed up for a trip to the Amazon with a large company, paid for her travels and “conservation experience” and-- was completely let down. This is her story. (Also, Laura talks way too much about Invisalign).
By the way, if you’re wondering why we keep it vague and don’t mention the name of the organization Emily traveled with, it’s intentional. We didn’t want to call out or bash organizations-- instead, we work to find solutions. You can research organizations for yourself on our review website (http://www.novaconservation.com)
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