EPISODES
Rue Mapp and Outdoor Afro: Building a Bridge to Nature
In less than a decade, Rue Mapp grew her passion for nature from a blog to a national network of over 45,000 trained volunteers that comprise the organization Outdoor Afro. Rue and her organization seek to connect historically underserved communities with nature while advocating for inclusivity and accessibility within these spaces. Whether through hiking or birdwatching, art or history, cookouts or tailgates, find out how Outdoor Afro is meeting people where they are to inspire greater appreciation for the natural world. Don’t miss this engaging, illuminating discussion and the Season One finale of Biophilia: The Love Nature Podcast.
Dueling Dinosaurs: Dr. Lindsay Zanno connects the past to the present
Dinosaurs are alive in our imaginations and outside our windows. These magnificent animals give us a glimpse into the Cretaceous period and the biodiversity that existed. Join us as Dr. Lindsay Zanno, Head Paleontology, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, shares her passion for this area of study and how the Dueling Dinosaurs project will take science engagement to a new level bringing the world on a journey of discovery not experienced ever before. This is a do not miss episode as Lindsay and our hosts discuss the connections between dinosaurs, birds, the world today and what it may tell us about what’s next.
Urban Nature
Deja Perkins is an urban ecologist, an advocate for nature exploration and one of the co-organizers of Black Birders Week. As a Chicago native, Deja understands it is important for city residents to have access to nature and green spaces, but far too often communities of color encounter unique challenges when trying to interact with the natural world. Tune in to find out how Deja is breaking down these barriers as a champion for environmental justice.
Cold Nose, Warm Heart
What do you do with a sick pet goldfish or iguana? What about a turtle or snake who has encountered trouble on the road? Dr. Greg Lewbart has seen it all caring for a range of creatures as a professor of aquatic animal medicine and veterinarian at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine. Join us for this delightful, insightful conversation that illuminates how humans can share a bond with even the most unconventional creatures.
Lights, Camera…Ants!
Did you know the Museum has our own “Ant-Man”? Meet Dr. Adrian Smith, Head of the Museum’s Evolutionary Biology & Behavior Research Lab. On social media, his exciting videos inspire curiosity and fascination as he provides unique, observable views of insects and their behavior. Join us for this illuminating conversation.
The World’s Largest Natural Habitat Zoo
Meet Pat Simmons, Director & CEO of the North Carolina Zoological Park. “One of the things zoos do best,” she notes, “is reach out to large masses of people and give them that up-close personal experience with nature. A safe place where you can rely on experts to dispel fears and bring in joy. It’s incredibly important to the human soul.”
Studying the Species in Peoples’ Lives
Join us as we chat with Dr. Rob Dunn, Professor of Applied Ecology at NC State University and author of five popular science books, including “Every Living Thing” and “The Wild Life of our Bodies.” From bellybutton microbes to fabulous face mites, listen and learn all about the species that are on us, in us and around us.
Part II: E.O. Wilson and the Half-Earth Project
Part II of our conversation with Dr. E.O. Wilson explores his concept of Half-Earth, a call to protect half the Earth’s land and sea in order to manage sufficient habitat to reverse the species extinction crisis and ensure species have the space they need to thrive. Hear how the Half-Earth Project is bringing this vision to life.
Meet legendary biologist E.O. Wilson
The inaugural episode of the Love Nature podcast explores humans’ innate desire to connect with nature, a desire legendary biologist and author Dr. E.O. Wilson termed “biophilia.” Join us to meet the hosts and to hear from E.O. Wilson as they all share their personal attraction to, and journeys through, nature.
Behind the mic
Dr. Eric Dorfman
Director and CEO, NCMNS
Dr. Eric Dorfman is Director and CEO of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Eric is also the author of several popular books and scholarly publications. His most recent book is The Future of Natural History Museums (Routledge 2018).
Dr. Dan Dombrowski
Chief Veterinarian, NCMNS
Dan is Chief Veterinarian at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences and Adjunct Faculty at the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine.
Eban Crawford
Engineer
Eban is the composer and soundscape designer on the NC Museum of Natural Sciences digital media team.
Micah Beasley
Producer
Micah is the P.R. & Marketing Coordinator for the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences.
Ben Norton
Producer
Ben is Head of Technology at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences.