Best Calming Wildlife Podcast Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 24 - 9: Community, Dung Beetles, and a Good Steady Rain with Dr. Elizabeth Heilman of Wichita State University Part II 18:48

1h ago18:48

18:48

Have you ever been on a walk and observed a dung beetle or two rolling a bit of dung down the path? Have you wondered what conditions make a good steady rain? While many things are out of our control, we can control some things if we are willing to learn and work together as a community. Dr. Elizabeth Heilman, Professor of Education at Wichita Stat…

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A Simple Life 45:01

9d ago45:01

45:01

Embark on an adventure to Shimokawa, in the heart of Japan's Hokkaido region, where this small town is breaking new ground in the world of sustainable living. Phoebe Smith will take you through the streets and forests of this pioneering community, uncovering how they've transformed from a lumber-dependent economy to a beacon of environmental harmon…

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Episode 24 - 8: Calm Your Lizard Down with Dr. Elizabeth Heilman of Wichita State University Part I 18:53

10d ago18:53

18:53

Are you resistant to change or risk averse? You may need to calm your lizard down and understand how important safety and security are to change, risk aversion, and the adoption of new behaviors. Dr. Elizabeth Heilman, Professor of Education at Wichita State University, talks with Mary Sketch Bryant, Jeff Ishee, and Eric Bendfeldt about how our "li…

1
Episode 24 - 7: A Passion for Gardening with Bill "Pops" Patterson of Virginia USDA-NRCS Part II 16:38

24d ago16:38

16:38

A passion for gardening and tasty, flavorful tomatoes, cucumbers, and hot peppers continues to drive Bill Patterson's experimentation with crop rotations, mulching, composting, and winter and summer cover crops in his home garden. Mary Sketch Bryant and Eric Bendfeldt talked previously with Bill about his conservation work with soil health and graz…

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Episode 24 - 6: For the Love of Soil with Bill "Pops" Patterson of Virginia USDA-NRCS Part I 16:59

1M ago16:59

16:59

A love and curiosity for soil sparked a fifty-year career in soil and natural resources conservation. Mary Sketch Bryant and Eric Bendfeldt talk with Bill Patterson, retired district conservationist and present grazing specialist with Virginia USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, about his career and to hear his insights on soil health and …

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Making Waves 52:12

1M ago52:12

52:12

Strap on your eco-friendly gear and prepare to be immersed in tales of transformation, recovery, and the relentless pursuit of a better world. Join adventurer Phoebe Smith in Egypt's Red Sea (literally) where she meets the resort cleaning up its act - and the ocean. Red Sea Safaris in Marsa Alam (one of the first PADI eco-dive centres in the world)…

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Episode 24 - 5: The Unintended Consequences of Deep Tillage with Dale Strickler of Regenerative Wisdom Part II 18:54

2M ago18:54

18:54

Are we there yet? Have we arrived at the intended destination? Have we reached the goal we set out for improving soil health and how soil functions? Have our good intentions of attempting to loosen the soil resulted in negative unintended consequences? In part one of our conversation with Dale Stricker of Regenerative Wisdoms, Dale stated that till…

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Episode 24 - 4: Drought Resilience: Does Subsoiling Pay? with Dale Strickler of Regenerative Wisdom Part I 19:19

2M ago19:19

19:19

How functional and drought-resilient is your soil? Is your soil a week away from a drought and an hour away from a flood? Dale Strickler of Regenerative Wisdom talks with Jeff Ishee and Eric Bendfeldt about ways to increase drought resilience moving forward. Dale draws on his experience and expertise as a farmer, cattle rancher, college soil scienc…

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In Search of Unicorns 39:43

2M ago39:43

39:43

Unicorns. Not usually the kind of mythical thing you'd think a travel writer would be on assignment to find. Yet in the Canadian Arctic of the territory of Nunavut, on Baffin Island, a sea creature who inspired these fabled creatures lingers beneath the waves. We're talking the narwhal - a small whale that sports a twisted ivory tusk that to this d…

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Episode 24 - 3: A Purposeful Soil Health Mindset with Rebekah Slabach of Virginia Tech Part II 18:03

3M ago18:03

18:03

How does a purposeful mindset contribute to soil health and rebuilding soil fertility? What can we learn from culture, history, and mindset in storing our farm landscapes? Rebekah Slabach recently became the associate director for the Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture within Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Form…

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Wander Woman Extra: Would the real Brigid please stand up? 17:34

3M ago17:34

17:34

Celtic goddess? Catholic Saint? Or master beer brewer? February 1st marks St Brigid's Day – as well as the pagan festival of Imbolc, which elebrates the coming of spring, which the Irish Government have declared to be a public holiday. But who was the Brigid behind Ireland's female patron saint? The stories are many - from the igniter of an eternal…

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Episode 24 - 2: Fueling Agricultural and Community Change with Rebekah Slabach of Virginia Cooperative Extension Part I 19:48

3M ago19:48

19:48

What are the ingredients of change? How can you fuel and be an agent of change in your community? Rebekah Slabach serves as an extension agent of agriculture and natural resources with Virginia Cooperative Extension in Halifax County. Rebekah shares her early involvement with 4-H and Youth Conservation Camp as two educational opportunities growing …

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Calm in the Chaos 49:43

3M ago49:43

49:43

Think Thailand and you usually think two things. The first is the vibrancy and hedonism of the capital city of Bangkok. The second is The Beach - the book-turned-film featuring Leonardo DiCaprio that sent scores of backpackers to a tiny island off the coast of Phuket. I pay the Land of Smiles a visit (in association with the Tourism Authority of Th…

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Episode 24 - 1: The Power of Observation and A Receptive Mind with Dr. Stuart Grandy of UNH Part II 18:43

4M ago18:43

18:43

The power of observation and a receptive mind are critical to farming, soil health, research, and all discoveries. Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt start the New Year and third season of the 4 The Soil podcast with another conversation with Dr. Stuart Grandy, Professor of Natural Resources and the Environment, at the University of…

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Episode 23 - 26: What's Happening in the Soil Food Web with Dr. Stuart Grandy of UNH Part I 18:55

4M ago18:55

18:55

How does one measure and monitor what's happening below the ground in the soil food web? Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt caught up with Dr. Stuart Grandy, Professor of Natural Resources and the Environment, at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) to discuss the diversity of soil life and emerging sensor technologies to probe soi…

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I, Pilgrim 45:07

5M ago45:07

45:07

Want to escape the chaos of the festive season? Join Phoebe Smith as she undertakes a micro-pilgrimage in Sussex, England, on the recently discovered Old Way. But here's the twist - although she's joined by 15 others they walk in complete and total silence... As a non-religious soul, Phoebe wonders what brings people to complete a pilgrimage and le…

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Episode 23 - 25: A Healthy, Fertile Celebration of World Soils Day 2023 19:32

5M ago19:32

19:32

Since October 2021, Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt have had sixty conversations about the health and fertility of soil as part of the podcast. To celebrate World Soils Day 2023, we are sharing three recaps of conversations that were quite memorable with Dr. David R. Montgomery and Anne Bikle authors of What Your Food Ate and Gro…

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Episode 23 - 24: Balancing Community and Natural Resource Needs with Nelson Muiru of KENVO Part II 19:26

5M ago19:26

19:26

How do we identify community and natural resource needs? What are people doing to thrive as well as survive? Executive Director Nelson Muiru of Kijabe Environment Volunteers (KENVO) talks with Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt for a second episode on how they seek to balance the everyday social and financial needs of people and com…

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Episode 23 - 23: Maximizing Biodiversity and Food Security with Nelson Muiru of KENVO Part I 19:26

6M ago19:26

19:26

How do you work with communities and individual farmers to build trust and achieve multiple social, financial, and ecological goals? Executive Director Nelson Muiru of Kijabe Environment Volunteers (KENVO) talks with Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt about how their organization seeks to maximize biodiversity, ecosystem services, a…

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Tales from the Riverbank: An Ireland Special 51:17

6M ago51:17

51:17

Many of us have been to Ireland before – bought a pint of Guinness in Dublin, gazed at the Atlantic from Galway and maybe kissed the Blarney stone in Cork, but few of us - Phoebe included – have taken the time to explore the central valleys and hills of the Hidden Heartlands, which are home to the River Shannon – the longest river in the country. D…

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Episode 23 - 22: The Give and Take of Lawn and Soil Health with Dr. Mike Goatley of Virginia Tech Part II 19:03

6M ago19:03

19:03

How do we improve lawn soil health by adjusting mower deck height? Can adjusting your lawnmower deck from three inches to four or more inches save you time and energy? Is genetically modified turfgrass in the future of your lawn? Extension Turfgrass Specialist Dr. Mike Goatley of Virginia Tech (Dr. Turf) talks with Jeff Ishee and Eric Bendfeldt abo…

1
051- Gecko 10:21

7M ago10:21

10:21

Geckos are some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. They can stick to smooth surfaces and even regenerate their tails. In this episode, we'll learn all about geckos, from their biology and behavior to their habitat and diet. We'll also discuss some of the most interesting facts about these amazing reptiles. For show notes and images of…

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Episode 23 - 21: Every Blade of Grass is a Study with Dr. Mike Goatley of Virginia Tech Part I 19:45

7M ago19:45

19:45

President Abraham Lincoln stated in 1858 that "Every blade of grass is a study; and to produce two, where there was but one, is both a profit and a pleasure." The profit and pleasure of turfgrass still require observation, care, and ongoing research. Extension Turfgrass Specialist Dr. Mike Goatley of Virginia Tech (Dr. Turf) talks with Jeff Ishee a…

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050- American White Pelican 13:28

7M ago13:28

13:28

The white pelican is one of the largest and most majestic birds in the world. With its wingspan of up to 10 feet and its graceful flight, it is a sight to behold. In this episode of Wildlife Around You, we take a closer look at the white pelican, including its identification, habitat, behavior, diet, predators, and fun facts. Learn about the white …

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The More the Merrier? 53:27

7M ago53:27

53:27

The invite came in bright red letters from Intrepid Travel: Sabah Adventure – climb Mt Kinabalu and head into the jungle to find Borneo’s iconic wildlife. It promised to be a trip to rival all other trips. The catch? It was a group trip. That would mean Phoebe – an avid solo traveller – would have to share her experience (not to mention bedroom) wi…

1
049- Oppossum 13:47

7M ago13:47

13:47

Looking for a unique animal to learn about? Check out the Virginia opossum, North America's only marsupial! In this episode, we'll explore everything you need to know about the opossum, from its diet and behavior to its predators and fun facts. Tune in to learn more about this fascinating creature! For show notes and images of the animals discussed…

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Episode 23 - 20: Knowing Your Why for Farming and Soil Health with Daniel Austin of Green Sprig Ag Part II 18:19

7M ago18:19

18:19

Like author Simon Sinek, Daniel Austin of Green Sprig Ag and Little Hen Farm encourages people to start with their “why.” Doing so will help people understand their motivation and refine their purpose in life and work. Knowing both the “why” and the “how” of farming and building soil health is critically important to economic viability, community w…

1
048- Spiny Lizard 11:15

7M ago11:15

11:15

Join us as we learn all about the spiny lizard, a fascinating little creature that is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. We'll discuss how to identify them, where to look for them, their behavior, fun facts, and more. Spiny lizards are known for their prickly scales and their camouflage. They are also very shy and ner…

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047- Bison 15:07

7M ago15:07

15:07

The great American bison has a lot of lore and significance around it. In this episode, we dig into some particulars about it, and some of our disbelief in human behaviors towards them. Let us know what you think! For show notes and images of the animals discussed on the podcast, visit: aporterexplorer.com/podcast Follow Us on Social: Instagram: A …

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Episode 23 - 19: From Picking Rocks to Marketing Local Grains with Daniel Austin of Green Sprig Ag 18:44

7M ago18:44

18:44

What are the resource concerns and aspirations for your farm and land? Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt catch up by phone with farmer, entrepreneur, and soil health champion Daniel Austin of Little Red Hen Farm and Green Sprig Ag. Daniel is a fifth-generation farmer in Franklin County and shares the history of how his interest and…

1
046- Crocodile 15:45

8M ago15:45

15:45

In this episode we discuss the largest reptile, a closer relative to dinosaurs with a massive bite force. Give a listen to learn more about the incredible crocodile. For show notes and images of the animals discussed on the podcast, visit: aporterexplorer.com/podcast Follow Us on Social: Instagram: A Porter Explorer Instagram: GetOutsideDaily Faceb…

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045- Monarch Butterfly 11:07

8M ago11:07

11:07

In this episode of Wildlife Around You, we embark on a captivating journey into the world of Monarch Butterflies. From their distinctive orange wings to their incredible migrations, these butterflies are truly nature's wonders. Discover their habitat, migrations, and unique behaviors, from nomadic lifestyles to their fascinating life cycle. Learn h…

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Episode 23 - 18: Hope from the Garden with Kate Bracken and Craig Fracker of Goochland-Powhatan Master Gardener Association 19:50

8M ago19:50

19:50

What is your passion? Where do you experience a sense of wonder and hope? Jeff Ishee and Mary Sketch Bryant talk with Kate Bracken and Craig Fracker of the Goochland-Powhatan Master Gardener Association about how they empower communities with research-based garden education from the soil up, and specifically about their HOPE (Helping Our Planet End…

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044- Black Vulture 14:07

8M ago14:07

14:07

In this episode of Wildlife Around You, we're diving into the world of Black Vultures, the silent scavengers with a vital ecological role. From their distinctive appearance to their unique nesting habits and scavenging strategies, we'll explore the intriguing life of these remarkable birds. Join us to discover how Black Vultures help keep our envir…

1
043- Pillbug 13:50

8M ago13:50

13:50

Today, we're rolling into the wondrous world of pill bugs, those tiny but tough armored bugs you've probably encountered while wandering through your backyard or exploring the local park. Our special guest is back to share details about this land crustacean. They are the ultimate clean-up crew of the insect world. We're talking recycling experts he…

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Episode 23-17: Sowing the Next Generation of Stewards with Kathy Yoder of Vine & Fig, Part II 20:20

8M ago20:20

20:20

How do we encourage stewardship of the land and our communities in the next generation? In this episode, Jeff Ishee, Eric Bendfeldt, and Sarah Koth continue their conversation with Kathy Yoder, the Education Outreach Program Director at Vine and Fig in Harrisonburg, Virginia, about the organization’s work to get youth outdoors and experience nature…

1
042- Gila Woodpecker 7:43

9M ago7:43

7:43

Do you live in the Southwest United States? If so, you've probably seen saguaros with holes in them. One of the animals that contributes to these is the Gila Woodpecker. These charismatic birds have evolved remarkable adaptations to thrive in the arid deserts and rocky canyons they call home. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious nature ent…

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041- Elk 9:33

9M ago9:33

9:33

These animals are massive and fairly common in the Western United States. There's more to these amazing animals than just hunting them, and being frustrated by what they eat from your garden. Give a listen to learn more. For show notes and images of the animals discussed on the podcast, visit: aporterexplorer.com/podcast Follow Us on Social: Instag…

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Episode 23-16: Seeds of Change: Enhancing Food Access, Local Food Systems, and Childhood Education with Kathy Yoder of Vine and Fig 20:06

9M ago20:06

20:06

Healthy soil means healthy plants which means healthy people and a healthy planet. In this episode, Jeff Ishee, Eric Bendfeldt, and Sarah Koth speak with Kathy Yoder, the Education Outreach Program Director at Vine and Fig in Harrisonburg, Virginia, about the nonprofit’s local programs to strengthen local food systems, ensure access to wholesome nu…

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040- Crested Caracara 11:35

9M ago11:35

11:35

If you live in the southern U. S. on down through Mexico, Central, and South America, you may have come across this bird. It's one of the more unique-looking raptors and is an amazing falcon. Listen to learn not only how to recognize the caracara, but also some other interesting tidbits about it. For show notes and images of the animals discussed o…

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039- Lady Beetle 12:00

9M ago12:00

12:00

We have a special guest and expert on lady beetles on the podcast today. You probably are familiar with lady beetles, but hopefully there are some new tidbits you might not have known before. For show notes and images of the animals discussed on the podcast, visit: aporterexplorer.com/podcast Follow Us on Social: Instagram: A Porter Explorer Instag…

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Episode 23-15: Soil as Infrastructure and Learning by Doing with Carl Stafford of VCE Culpeper County 19:10

9M ago19:10

19:10

Soil is important infrastructure on our landscapes and in our communities. Jeff Ishee, Eric Bendfeldt, and Mary Sketch Bryant talk with Carl Stafford of Virginia Cooperative Extension in Culpeper County about the George Washington Carver Center, a food and business incubator and agricultural service center serving communities in and around Culpeper…

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038- Gulf Coast Toad 9:51

10M ago9:51

9:51

Toads and frogs are both beneficial to our environments and for keeping pest populations under control. We love that we have a couple of these gulf coast toads around our house. We didn't know what kind of toad they were at first, but give this episode a listen and we bet you can identify them easily afterward. For show notes and images of the anim…

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037- Mountain Bluebird 11:22

10M ago11:22

11:22

If you live along mountains and have open spaces, then you probably have seen this bluebird. They are beautiful to look at and lovely to listen to. It's also likely you have seen them depicted in artwork of songbirds. Listen to learn some more details about the mountain bluebird. For show notes and images of the animals discussed on the podcast, vi…

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Episode 23-14: Grazing with Intent with Carl Stafford of VCE Culpeper County 19:24

10M ago19:24

19:24

What does the health of plants and animals have to tell us about life underground? In this episode, Jeff Ishee, Eric Bendfeldt, and Mary Sketch Bryant talk with Carl Stafford of Virginia Cooperative Extension in Culpeper County about the importance of grazing with intent for the benefit of plants, animals, and the soil. Carl is the Agricultural and…

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036- Cougar 12:59

10M ago12:59

12:59

They are known by many names, depending on where you are in the world. That is just one of the interesting tidbits about the cougar. Listen to this episode to find out more about them and the videos/images of them you see on social media. For show notes and images of the animals discussed on the podcast, visit: aporterexplorer.com/podcast Follow Us…

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035- Nutria 8:18

10M ago8:18

8:18

Nutrias are fiesty and territorial. You might think you're dealing with a beaver until you see how many there are, or what their tail looks like. Give a listen to learn how they came to be around you! For show notes and images of the animals discussed on the podcast, visit: aporterexplorer.com/podcast Follow Us on Social: Instagram: A Porter Explor…

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Episode 23 - 13: A Soil Your Undies Challenge with Elizabeth Baldwin and Meagan Dyer of VCE Page County 20:04

10M ago20:04

20:04

How can you really know your soil is alive, biologically active, and not sterile? Well, the answer is brief. Yes, really! Soil your undies, that is, bury a pair of your 100% cotton undies in an area of your garden or cropland where you are curious about its biological activity and wait about 60 days to see what happens and if the undies decompose t…

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034- Cicada 9:31

10M ago9:31

9:31

For us, it is one of the sounds of summer, but it can be overwhelming to those that aren't used to it. Especially if it is a year of one of the great generations. Listen to learn more about these insects that are crucial as a food supply to many animals around the world. For show notes and images of the animals discussed on the podcast, visit: apor…

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033- Northern Cardinal 9:37

11M ago9:37

9:37

You've probably seen one fly by, maybe they have visited your backyard feeders, or it's just a streak of red as it zips by. The Northern Cardinal is not just a mascot for many sports teams and schools, but is also a fun backyard bird. Listen to find out more about this bright red bird. For show notes and images of the animals discussed on the podca…

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Calming Wildlife Podcast

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