Conservation Conversations with Sean O'Brien

Conservation Conversations with Sean O'Brien

Join Sean O’Brien, President and CEO of NatureServe, as he discusses emerging technologies, regional and global trends in biodiversity, and the future for life on Earth with some of the world’s leading experts in conservation. Each episode, released on a monthly basis, will feature an exclusive interview with scientists that’s accessible for listeners of any background. For nearly 50 years, NatureServe has been the authoritative source for biodiversity data throughout the Western Hemisphere. NatureServe works with 100+ network organizations and 1,000+ conservation scientists to collect, analyze, and deliver biodiversity information, providing comprehensive spatial data to meet both regulatory and conservation needs.

Episodes

S4 Ep9: Closing Conversations: Reflections from Biodiversity Without Boundaries

April 30, 2024 • 14 mins
In this final episode of Conservation Conversations, recorded live from the Biodiversity Without Boundaries conference, we hear from passionate individuals within the NatureServe Network about what inspired them at the event. From discussions on leveraging technology for efficient biodiversity data collection to the importance of engaging new audiences in conservation efforts, our guests share their insights and hopes for the ...
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S4 Ep8: Unveiling NatureServe Explorer Pro with Anne Bowser & Lori Scott

March 27, 2024 • 20 mins
In this special episode of Conservation Conversations, NatureServe introduces its latest breakthrough: NatureServe Explorer Pro, a powerful tool designed to enhance accessibility to vital biodiversity data. Join us as Anne Bowser, Interim President and Executive VP for Programs, and Lori Scott, Interim CEO and Chief Information Officer, delve into the functionalities of this innovative application. Discover how NatureServe Exp...
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S4 Ep7: Collin Spriggs and Brandon Gibson: Cultivating Native Wisdom

February 19, 2024 • 38 mins
Join Sean O'Brien on Conservation Conversations as he sits down with Collin Spriggs and Brandon Gibson from the Euchee Butterfly Farm and Tribal Alliance for Pollinators. Learn how they're cultivating pollinator-friendly plants native to Oklahoma, preserving cultural traditions, and bridging traditional knowledge with modern science. Plus, discover the hidden beauty and biodiversity of their so-called 'flyover' home state of O...
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S4 Ep6: James Hung: The Buzz on Native Pollinators

January 23, 2024 • 39 mins
Join Sean O'Brien in this month's Conservation Conversations episode featuring Dr. James Hung, a biologist with the Oklahoma Biological Survey and Assistant Professor at the University of Oklahoma. Delve into the fascinating and diverse world of pollinating insects and learn about some of the challenges facing our native pollinators. Plus, learn about the impact of community science and how it feeds into the NatureServe Networ...
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S4 Ep5: Highlights from 2023

December 18, 2023 • 22 mins
In the year-end special episode of Conservation Conversations, host Sean O’Brien reflects on the impactful discussions with scientists and conservationists dedicated to preserving biodiversity. The episode highlights key themes such as the interconnectedness of all species, the importance of inclusivity in conservation efforts, the role of legislation in supporting biodiversity, and the significance of biodiversity data. With ...
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S4 Ep4: Rachael Tancock: Bridging the Natural and Digital Worlds

November 21, 2023 • 40 mins
In the latest episode of Conservation Conversations, join host Sean O'Brien as he speaks with Rachael Tancock, a naturalist, nature communicator, and the face behind 'The Nature Educator.' Growing up on Vancouver Island, Rachael was fascinated by the natural world around her. Find out how she turned her curious mind and love of nature into a social platform that inspires thousands around the globe to learn about the world arou...
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S4 Ep3: Winifred Frick: Illuminating the Secrets of Bats

October 23, 2023 • 45 mins
In this episode of Conservation Conversations, join host Sean O'Brien and guest Dr. Winifred Frick, Chief Scientist at Bat Conservation International, as they unveil the fascinating world of bats. Dr. Frick dispels common myths about these often misunderstood creatures, delves into their diverse adaptations and ecological importance, and highlights the urgent need for bat conservation efforts, as revealed in BCI's recent repor...
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S4 Ep2: Caroline Van Hemert: Art, Science, and Adventure

September 25, 2023 • 37 mins
In the latest episode of Conservation Conversations with Sean O'Brien, Caroline Van Hemert takes us on a captivating journey. Her recent book, "The Sun is a Compass," recounts her extraordinary 4,000-mile human-powered expedition from the Pacific Rainforest to the Arctic Coast. As an ornithologist by training and lifelong Alaskan resident, Caroline draws inspiration from the migratory wildlife she meets along the way. Caroline...
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S4 Ep1: Lowell Baier: Codex of the Endangered Species Act

August 28, 2023 • 36 mins
In the first episode of Season 4 of Conservation Conversations, Sean sits down with Lowell Baier, conservationist, historian, attorney, and author of the new book "The Codex of the Endangered Species Act." They delve into the 50-year journey of the Endangered Species Act, its origins, challenges, and its role in countering the ongoing mass extinction crisis. Lowell's deep insights and anecdotes offer a rich exploration of the ...
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S3 Ep12: Catherine Febria: Connecting Land, Water, and People

July 26, 2023 • 37 mins
In this enlightening episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean O'Brien speaks with Dr. Catherine Febria, Canada Research Chair and Assistant Professor in Freshwater Restoration and Ecology at the University of Windsor. Dr. Febria demonstrates through her own research experience the value of conducting ethical and inclusive science to achieve collective societal benefits. Plus, find out what it means to decolonize science and...
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S3 Ep11: Dudley Edmondson: Finding Freedom in Wilderness

June 27, 2023 • 34 mins
In this month's episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean is joined by wildlife photographer, filmmaker, and author Dudley Edmondson, whose most recent release is The Black & Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places. In this deeply moving conversation, they explore the freedom that nature provides for people and how we can make our public spaces accommodate different cultural values. Plus, Dudley shares his hopes for the fut...
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S3 Ep10: Priya Nanjappa: Bringing People & Parks Together

May 29, 2023 • 36 mins
Join Sean O'Brien in this thought-provoking Conservation Conversations episode as he is joined by Priya Nanjappa, Vice President for Conservation Programs at the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). The conversation explores the impacts of colonialism on public spaces and the movement to make people feel safe in outdoor environments once again. They also discuss the collaborative work between the NPCA and NatureServ...
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S3 Ep9: Paul Ehrlich: A Journey Through Science and Politics

April 24, 2023 • 29 mins
On this month's episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean was joined by the legendary author and scientist Paul Ehrlich, known for his work in biology and population dynamics. In their discussion, Ehrlich reflects on changes in science and conservation over the last half-century, the vital importance of science communication, and society's ability to rapidly change at pivotal moments. Plus, hear how butterflies captured Ehrl...
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S3 Ep8: Kirk Johnson: What Natural History Tells Us About Our Future

March 28, 2023 • 43 mins
Natural history museums tell the story of our planet and provide lessons for the future. No one knows this better than Kirk Johnson, Sant Director of the National Museum of Natural History, who joined Sean for this month's episode of Conservation Conversations to talk about the science happening at museums.
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S3 Ep7: Regan Smyth: Behind the making of the Biodiversity in Focus report

February 28, 2023 • 26 mins
In February of 2023, NatureServe released a brand new analysis finding that over one-third of biodiversity is at risk of extinction. Regan Smyth, NatureServe's Vice President for Data and Methods, joined Sean on the podcast this month to talk about what the results of the new Biodiversity in Focus: United States Edition report mean for the future of conservation. Plus, Sean and Regan get into why data is so important to making...
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S3 Ep6: 2022 Highlights: Inspiration and Inclusion in Conservation

January 31, 2023 • 30 mins
With 2022 wrapped up, we’re bringing you a special episode of Conservation Conversations this month—a compilation of some of the most thought-provoking moments from our episodes last year. Listen as scientists and leaders in conservation share what inspires them, the importance of their work, and what the future of biodiversity looks like. We hope this episode inspires you the same way these individuals have inspired us.
...
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S3 Ep5: Mike Gill: NatureServe at COP 15

December 28, 2022 • 30 mins
In December 2022, the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP) reached a historic agreement to protect a third of the planet by 2030 to safeguard biodiversity.

In this episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean speaks with NatureServe's Biodiversity Indicators Program Director Mike Gill about the conference: what was discussed, what agreement was made, and what rol...
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S3 Ep4: James Evans: We All Belong in Nature

November 29, 2022 • 40 mins
In this compelling episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean sits down with James Evans, Executive Director of Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), a BIPOC-led organization that addresses animal welfare through the well-being of both animals and humans. James, also a professional wildlife photographer, shares the philosophy behind his new book showcasing his work, Among the Birds, I am Human. Learn how organi...
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S3 Ep3: Margaret O'Gorman: Insights on Corporate Conservation

October 26, 2022 • 33 mins
In this episode of Conservation Conversations, Sean sits down with Margaret O'Gorman, President of the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC), which supports companies in developing and achieving goals around protecting biodiversity. During the conversation, Sean and Margaret discuss the recent framing shift from environmental health and safety to the environmental, social, and governance, tackle the issue of 'greenwashing,' and share...
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S3 Ep2: Greg Mueller: The Fantastic World of Fungi

September 20, 2022 • 31 mins
In this episode of Conservation Conversations with Sean O'Brien, Sean is joined by Dr. Greg Mueller, Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science for the Chicago Botanic Garden. Greg studies the ecology and conservation of mushrooms and other macrofungi. Today, he focuses on raising awareness about the importance of fungi in our natural communities. Listen to learn why we need fungi, how trees use an underground netw...
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