Best Ecochat Podcasts (2024)

1
Whale Watching: The Good, The Bad, & How It Works [Ecochat] 48:16

7M ago48:16

48:16

Dolphin/whale watching is a popular tourist activity around the world. I invite WeWhale founder Janek Andre to learn about the whale watching industry, how it affects nearby marine animals, and how we can make it more ecofriendly. Resources mentioned: WeWhale: https://wewhale.co/ Recommended documentaries: The Cove, Blackfish, Seaspiracy Follow Eco…

1
How To Save A Species From Extinction [Ecochat] 1:13:58

8M ago1:13:58

1:13:58

There are over 44,000 species threatened with extinction, but only a few of them get most of the funding and conservation attention. I invite Scott Trageser, Executive Director and Board Chair of The Biodiversity Group, to discuss this imbalance, and learn what exactly it entails to save a species from extinction. Resources mentioned: The Biodivers…

1
Creating Sanctuaries For Captive Whales & Dolphins [Ecochat] 58:11

8M ago58:11

58:11

Keeping dolphins and whales in tanks is psychological torture and could lead to numerous chronic issues. But releasing them back into the wild is often not feasible. I invite Dr. Lori Marino, founder and president of the Whale Sanctuary Project, to learn about how we can offer a better life to dolphins and whales in captivity. Whale Sanctuary Proje…

1
How to Assess & Improve Welfare of Zoo Animals 58:56

10M ago58:56

58:56

How do we know that zoo animals are kept in adequate welfare conditions, and that their behavioral and psychological needs are actually met? I invite Dr. Isabella Clegg, founder of Animal Welfare Expertise, to discuss the science behind animal welfare in zoos, and how we can improve living conditions for these animals. Resources mentioned: Associat…

1
What’s It Like for Factory Farmed Animals? Shocking Truths You Need to Know [Ecochat] 1:11:14

1y ago1:11:14

1:11:14

We discuss what it's like for farmed animals behind the scenes. For most consumers, our only interaction with this industry is buying meat, eggs, or diary at the grocery store. But what happens before that? I invite Claire Hamlett, freelance writer on animal justice, animal agriculture, and the environment, to uncover this mystery. We focus on the …

1
The Truth Behind Animal Testing - Does it Work? What are the Alternatives? 1:25:25

1y ago1:25:25

1:25:25

What is animal testing? Is it necessary, and does it even work? Are there better alternatives? I invite Dr. Faraz Harsini, Founder and CEO of Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP), to learn all about animal testing and dispel myths surrounding this topic. We discuss ethics, effectiveness, and why animal testing actually hinders medical advan…

1
AI for Conservation - Assessing Rainforest Biodiversity in Gabon, Ecosystem Health in the Arctic, and More 1:28:03

1+ y ago1:28:03

1:28:03

How can we apply AI to conservation? How does it even work? I invite Jędrzej Świeżewski, Head of AI at Appsilon, to learn all about AI, machine learning, neural networks, image recognition. We dive into several case studies: Mbaza AI: A computer vision app for assessing biodiversity in Africa. It has recently been recognized by UNESCO as one of the…

1
Empowering Communities to Save Sulawesi’s Endangered Wildlife [Ecochat] 59:44

1+ y ago59:44

59:44

We explore the beauty and diversity of Sulawesi, a natural paradise home to many unique species found nowhere else in the world. I invite Sherazade, Co-Director of PROGRES, to discuss how her team is working to protect endangered wildlife and empower local communities. Resources: https://www.progressulawesi.id/ https://www.instagram.com/progresulaw…

1
Saving Frogs from the Chytrid Fungus [Ecochat] 1:05:23

1+ y ago1:05:23

1:05:23

Frogs & other amphibians are considered the most threatened land animals on Earth. We interview Dr. Nicholas Wu to discuss the global decline of frogs and the threats they're facing, including pollution and climate change. In particular, we focus on the Chytrid fungus, which is the world's most devastating pathogen on biodiversity, affecting over 5…

1
AI for Conservation - Using Machine Learning to Stop Poaching [Ecochat] 1:17:18

1+ y ago1:17:18

1:17:18

We interview Lily Xu, AI researcher at Harvard, who has built a machine learning system to reduce poaching efforts in protected areas around the world. We'll dig into how that works, and discuss the potential of AI for conservation. Resources: Protection Assistant for Wildlife Security (PAWS): https://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/feif/Publications/2017_…

1
From Puppy Mill to Pet Store - Where Do Dogs Come From? [Ecochat] 1:14:07

1+ y ago1:14:07

1:14:07

How/where are dogs produced and sold? I invite John Goodwin, Senior Director of the Stop Puppy Mills Campaign at The Humane Society of the United States, to learn about the supply chain of pet dogs. Resources: The Humane Society of the United States - Stop Puppy Mills Campaignhttps://www.facebook.com/HSUSPuppyMills/https://www.humanesociety.org/all…

1
Snakes in Asia - The Role of Religion & Culture in Conservation [Ecochat] 1:03:01

1+ y ago1:03:01

1:03:01

I chat with Dr. Felix Landry Yuan to discuss the interplay between religion, culture, and conservation, with a focus on snakes in Asia. We focus on serpent gods, snakebite, snake soup, and culturally protected areas across Asia. Resources: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=RyXW8qYAAAAJ https://www.instagram.com/yamroots/ Follow Ecochat: htt…

1
Discover Dog Meat - Interview with an Organic, Humane Dog Meat Farm 1:21:14

1+ y ago1:21:14

1:21:14

Dog meat - it tastes even better than bacon and steak! Don't worry, the farm we interviewed, Elwood's Organic Dog Meat, is organic certified, humanely raised, and free range. We learn all about dog meat, farm operations, getting certified, and of course, we'll cover the ethics and controversies involved as well. Elwood's Organic Dog Meat https://ww…

1
Coexisting with Mountain Lions - Dr. Alys Granados [Ecochat] 41:52

1+ y ago41:52

41:52

We learn about mountain lions with Dr. Alys Granados, an ecologist at the Felidae Fund. We discuss mountain lion ecology, common misconceptions, and how we can live in harmony with these charismatic creatures. Resources: Felidae Conservation Fund http://felidaefund.org/ Bay Area Puma Project https://bapp.org/ Mongabay - Conservation & Environmental…

1
Saving Pangolins - The World’s Most Trafficked Mammal - Elisa Panjang [Ecochat] 53:24

1+ y ago53:24

53:24

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammal in the world. We invite pangolin conservationist Elisa Panjang, who has helped elevate the status of the Sunda Pangolin to critically endangered. We discuss her work in education, policy change, and research, and how we can save pangolins from being poached to extinction. Resources: IUCN Pangolin Specialist …

1
Confronting Dilemmas: Ethical Edges of Humancentrism 1:00:00

14y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

In this broadcast we'll be looking at the ethical dilemmas that emerge when we consider the human-non-human relationships. We'll be examining the challenges they place on moving forward toward a more ecocentric and environmentally healthy society and also how we might apply ethical problem-solving strategies to work through these situations.…

1
Ecological Mysticism 59:00

14y ago59:00

59:00

Building upon a framework of mysticism described by many mystical traditions in several religions, we'll examine what an ecocentric mystical experience may look like.By Kate MacDowell

1
Nature Narratives: Telling Stories 1:00:00

14y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

In this broadcast we will explore Nature Narratives: biographical stories that depict the self-in-relation-to the wider community of life. We'll also discuss how each of us may begin to craft our own expanded biographies.By Kate MacDowell

1
Ecologizing Buddhism 1:00:00

14y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

In this broadcast we'll be examining the Four Nobel Truths and the Eight-Fold Path of Buddhism and their implications and wisdom may enhance our relatedness to other creatures and facilitate a spiritual and compassionate understanding of the planet.By Kate MacDowell

1
Ecological Grief & Despair 1:00:00

14y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

In recent weeks, the oil catastrophe in the Gulf has begun to bring home to many individuals the intimate and fragile connection we have with the non-encultured natural environment. And with this increasing psychological despair and grief at the level of disaster, willful carelesness of corporations to act in good faith with their customers,& the g…

1
Cultivating Silence Part 2 5:00

14+ y ago5:00

5:00

This is the second part to our show on Monday, May 31st that was cut-off due to BTR connection loss.By Kate MacDowell

1
Cultivating Silence: A Memorial Day Special 1:00:00

14+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

In this broadcast, Dr. MacDowell will be exploring the role of sound in human culture and its marked opposition to sound in the non-human world. The discussion will explore ways to build in greater silence in our lives to maximise our physical, psychological, and spiritual health. We'll also have a moment of silence in honor of the memory of men an…

1
Exploring Creature Theology 1:00:00

14+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

In this broadcast, Dr. MacDowell will examine the Creature Theology movement--how theologians are examining other species and our relatedness to them. Also explored is how individuals may apply the lens of Creature Theology into their own life.By Kate MacDowell

1
Ecological Self: Realizing One's Potential 1:00:00

14+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

In this discussion, we'll be looking at the concept of the ecological self as philosopher Arne Naess has proposed within his examination of how human-beings may realize their potential. We'll look at the concept of potentials also within how we come to understand the ecological selves of other species.…

1
Nature Films: Examining the Role of Film & Conservation 1:00:00

14+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

As Dr. MacDowell returns from her April break, she begins her May with a discussion of the newly published book "Shooting in the Wild" and the role of Media in shaping our relationship to the Natural world.By Kate MacDowell

1
Liberation & Social Justice: Freeing the Self & Caring for Others 1:00:00

14+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Dr. MacDowell turns her focus toward the spirituality of social justice and examines the wider dimensions of our care for the planet and of others.By Kate MacDowell

1
The Web of Life: Looking at Complexity & Interconnection 1:00:00

14+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

In this episode, join Dr. MacDowell as she examines the complex connections that create intact biological systems and how we can also become more accepting of our own interconnections and complexities in our own life.By Kate MacDowell

1
The Love of Place 1:00:00

14+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

In this episode we explore our personal relationship to the places we inhabit, including natural landcapes. We'll look at topics such as solastalgia, terrapsychology, and terraphilia.By Kate MacDowell

1
Natural Storytelling: Nature as Character 1:00:00

14+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

For the storyteller in all of us, this broadcast will explore how Nature becomes character in our creative narratives of self and culture.By Kate MacDowell

1
Humor and Life, Nature, & Health 1:00:00

14+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

In this broadcast, Dr. MacDowell will explore the benefits of humor for spiritual, psychological, ecological, and physical health and well-being. Join us for the fun!By Kate MacDowell

1
Sacred Texts: The Dhammapada 1:00:00

14+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

In this broadcast, Dr. MacDowell will explore elements of the Dhammapada and the wisdom it yeilds to guide our relationship to ourselves and to the world around us.By Kate MacDowell

1
Cosmic Perspectives: Macro and Micro Worldviews 1:00:00

14+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

In this segment of EcoChat, Dr. MacDowell explores scientific research from geology, physics, and biology to examine how we can develop a complete understanding of our lives, both as biological and spiritual beings, through developing a micro and macro worldview--the small and the large, the part and the whole.…

1
The Axis Mundi: The World Tree & Psychological Wholeness 1:00:00

14+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Dr. MacDowell will explore the Western shamanistic concept of the World Tree as a pathway for conceptualizing psychological wholeness. In this discussion we'll look at how the metaphor's for the Upper, Middle, and Lower worlds reflect psychological states of being and development, while the concept of the tree provides us a means of creating a self…

1
Survival & Sacred Dances 1:00:00

14+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Author Bill Plotkin in his text SOULCRAFT briefly quotes a medicine man who notes that all individuals have two dances in their lives: a survival and a sacred dance. Join Dr. MacDowell as she elaborates on these ideas and how they might apply to your own life satisfaction.By Kate MacDowell

1
Exploring Creation-Story Wisdom: Genesis 1:00:00

14+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Throughout the year, we'll be exploring diverse creation stories from around the world and the wisdom they hold for us to achieve a spiritually and ecologically healthy life. In this chat, Dr. MacDowell re-examines the creation story in Genesis and what it might hold for us today as we face the ecological crisis.…

1
Affirming the New Year 1:00:00

14+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Join Dr. MacDowell as we welcome in the New Year and explore ways to set and affirm personal and planetary goals in the New Year. We'll be exploring themes of being the change we wish to see and how to merge our spiritual and ecological selves with our everyday, encultured self! Have a year that is spiritually and persoally rewarding!…

1
Meditations on Compassion-ing 1:00:00

14+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

In this broadcast, Dr. MacDowell will explore the diverse perspectives on compassion and how to transform compassion into a part of one's daily life--how to "compassionate."By Kate MacDowell

1
Encountering the Science of Ecology: The Study of Relationships 1:00:00

14+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

This broadcast marks the first in a series of broadcasts exploring the science of Ecology. In this broadcast, listeners will gain accessible knowledge in what ecology is, why it's important, and how it can be applied by each of us to better understand our world and to also ground our spiritual and religious frameworks. Deftly challenging the notion…

1
Ursula Goodenough: A Model of Ecospirituality 1:00:00

14+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

In this broadcast, Dr. MacDowell, will explore Ursual Goodenough's text "The Sacred Depths of Nature" to help promote a richer and more complete personal ecospiritual framework.By Kate MacDowell

1
The Art of Relationship-ing 1:00:00

15y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Taking insights gained from relationship behaviors seen in other species, Dr. MacDowell, discusses how these can be applied to human relationships for improved fulfillment and health. From identifying healthy relationships to deciphering unhealthy relationships, listeners will gain valuable and practical insight!…

1
Exploring Ecopsychology 1:30:00

15y ago1:30:00

1:30:00

Psychologist and researcher Dr. Mark Schroll joins Dr. MacDowell for a rich discussion on the history and current direction of the field of ecopsychology (which may be roughly defined as a psychological framework that enables deep exploration of our relatedness to the nonhuman world and each other in the hopes of fostering a healthier tomorrow). Wi…

1
St. Francis of Assisi: A Model of Ecospirituality 1:00:00

15y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

This week's episode of EcoChat invites all individuals to explore the life, myths, and prayers of St. Francis as models for living a mystical and inspired ecospirituality that can be applied to all faiths.By Kate MacDowell

1
What Is Nature?: Language & Society 1:00:00

15y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Join Dr. MacDowell for a rich discussion on how our language and cultural representations shape our understanding of "What Is Nature" and how these impact our own behaviors.By Kate MacDowell

1
Attending & Tending to the Sacred 1:00:00

15y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Join EcoChat's host Dr. MacDowell as she explores methods of contemplating and fostering our sense of the Sacred in our everyday lives, our faiths, and our relationship to the natural world.By Kate MacDowell

1
Sacred Texts Episode 1: Tao Te Ching chapter 3 15:00

15y ago15:00

15:00

In the debut episode of this new podcast series, Dr. MacDowell explores the personal, spiritual, ecological and social insights that may be gleaned from an in-depth exploration of chapter 3 of the Tao Te Ching.By Kate MacDowell

1
Sacred Connections: A Poetic Elaboration 15:00

15y ago15:00

15:00

Join Dr. MacDowell for a deeper exploration of our radio broadcast on October 19th. In this companion episode, Dr. MacDowell explores the deeper meaning culture and nature for our lives through Emily Dickinson's poetry.By Kate MacDowell

1
Sacred Connections: Becoming in the World 1:00:00

15y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

In our debut show, EcoChat host Dr. MacDowell will be talking about the importance of our unique beingness and how our own uniqueness enables a rich array of vital connections with both our fellow human beings and our nonhuman brethren. Join us as we honor the vast diversity and possibility of Life.By Kate MacDowell

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