NaturallyScott

Send us Fan MailAlong historic Route 66 in the Arizona desert sits the tiny town of Oatman—a former gold-mining community where the most famous residents have four legs.In this edition of Naturally Scott Adventures, Scott Harris visits the wild burros of Oatman, Arizona, descendants of the animals that once worked the region’s mines. When mining faded, the burros were left behind. They adapted to the brutal desert, survived, and generations later still roam the Black Mountains.But Oatman’s “town burros” have discovered an easier way to make a living.Each morning they wander into town, stroll down Main Street, climb onto sidewalks, poke their heads into shops, and happily accept treats from visitors. If a burro decides to lie down in the road, nobody moves it—locals simply put out traffic cones and everyone drives around.In this episode:🫏 How Oatman’s mining burros became wild desert animals⛏️ The gold-rush history behind this unusual Route 66 town🏜️ How burros survive extreme heat, scarce food, and limited water👑 Why Oatman’s town burros really do seem to run the place💪 The surprising strength and toughness of wild burros💧 How jacks protect their groups and defend precious water🐴 The challenge of managing America’s wild burro populations🍦 Scott’s childhood memories of Oatman and Thrifty Ice CreamScott also heads outside town to see the more independent desert burros and shares other places to find them, including Lake Mead, Death Valley, and Custer State Park.It’s a wildlife adventure, a Route 66 road trip, and a visit to one of the wonderfully strange places that could only exist in the American West.

Send us Fan MailAmy Tan is best known as the bestselling author of The Joy Luck Club. But in recent years, another passion has taken over much of her attention: the birds in her own backyard.In this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris sits down with Amy to talk about The Backyard Bird Chronicles, a deeply personal collection of observations, sketches, questions, and encounters that grew out of her return to nature during a difficult period in her life. What began as a private journal eventually became a book filled with Amy’s own artwork and the intimate stories of the birds she came to know just outside her window. In this episode:🐦 How birding helped Amy rediscover beauty and curiosity🎨 Returning to drawing and learning the art of nature journaling🏡 Discovering more than 70 bird species in her own yard🦉 Living alongside a mother Great Horned Owl and her young son💧 The daily ritual of feeders, hummingbird nectar, mealworms, and fresh water💔 The heartbreak of seeing sick birds—and why Amy sometimes takes her feeders down🧠 What birds reveal about intelligence, behavior, play, and even emotion✍️ Why nature journaling is less about making perfect art and more about asking better questionsAmy also explains why she has little interest in chasing only rare birds. For her, the real joy comes from watching familiar birds closely enough to notice how their behavior changes from day to day. It’s a conversation about birds, art, curiosity, attention—and the extraordinary things that can happen when we slow down and truly look at what’s right outside our door.

Send us Fan MailWith a wingspan approaching 10 feet, the California Condor is a bird you don't simply see—you experience.In this edition of Naturally Scott Adventures, Scott Harris travels to Navajo Bridge in Arizona, where the Colorado River cuts through Marble Canyon and one of the rarest birds in North America has found an extraordinary place to roost. Scott considers it the best place in the world to experience California Condors, with birds sometimes resting on the bridge girders almost directly beneath you. Scott follows the condors through their day: waking slowly as the canyon warms, spreading enormous wings in the morning sun, riding the developing thermals into the sky, traveling tremendous distances in search of carrion, and eventually soaring back into Marble Canyon to roost for the night. In this episode:🦅 What it's like to stand just feet away from a California Condor🌄 Seeing condors at Navajo Bridge and Marble Canyon📏 Just how enormous a nearly 10-foot wingspan looks in the wild☀️ How condors use thermals to travel incredible distances🏷️ Why wild condors carry numbered wing tags—and how those tags let you learn the story of an individual bird🥚 The extraordinary effort required to raise a young condor⚠️ How California Condors came terrifyingly close to extinction❤️ The captive-breeding program that brought them back🎯 Why lead ammunition remains one of the greatest threats to their survivalScott also shares other places to search for California Condors, including Pinnacles National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park, and explains why seeing one of these enormous birds soaring through a canyon is a wildlife experience that's difficult to forget. This is the story of an ancient bird that fell to fewer than two dozen individuals—and the extraordinary effort to give these giants of the sky another chance. 

Send us Fan MailSquirrels raid our bird feeders, bury thousands of nuts, leap between trees, and somehow seem to outsmart nearly every obstacle we put in their way. But just how remarkable are they?In this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris sits down with squirrel expert John Koprowski of the University of Wyoming to explore an animal nearly everyone knows—but few of us truly appreciate.John has spent much of his career studying squirrels, a family that includes more than 300 species spread across much of the world. Their extraordinary success comes from an impressive combination of intelligence, memory, athleticism, adaptability, and senses finely tuned to finding food and avoiding becoming somebody else's dinner. In this episode:🐿️ Why squirrels make such great gateways into the natural world🥜 How squirrels remember where they've buried thousands of nuts👃 The astonishing role smell plays in finding food—and other squirrels🌳 How squirrels can leap 20 feet between branches and survive enormous falls🦅 The constant battle to avoid hawks, foxes, coyotes, snakes, and other predators👶 How mother squirrels carry their babies—and John's unforgettable encounter with one protective mom🏡 Why squirrels have become so successful living alongside humansScott also confesses something that may get him thrown out of the birding community: he actually enjoys watching squirrels raid his feeders. And John explains why those seemingly impossible squirrel-proofing challenges reveal just how perfectly adapted these little mammals really are. Funny, fascinating, and filled with stories, this conversation might just convince you to stop fighting your backyard squirrels and start watching them.

Send us Fan MailOwls are usually creatures of forests, trees, and darkness. Burrowing Owls break just about every one of those rules.In this edition of Naturally Scott Adventures, Scott Harris heads to Cape Coral, Florida, a city that calls itself the “Burrowing Owl Capital of the World”—and makes a pretty convincing case. Unlike most owls, these tiny raptors live underground, spend much of their day out in the open, and have become remarkably comfortable sharing their neighborhoods with people. One of Scott’s favorite places to watch them is the Pelican Baseball Complex, where roughly 20 burrows sit just beyond the center-field fence. Around Cape Coral, their burrows are protected by simple PVC markers, allowing people to watch and photograph the owls while giving the birds space to go about their lives. In this episode:🦉 Why Burrowing Owls are unlike any other American owl⚾ Watching owls from the outfield of a baseball game🌴 Why Cape Coral may be the best place in America to see them🪲 How they hunt everything from beetles and grasshoppers to reptiles and rodents☀️ Why male Burrowing Owls can become bleached by the Florida sun🐣 The irresistible experience of watching an owl family outside its burrow🐍 How baby Burrowing Owls can produce a remarkably convincing rattlesnake-like soundScott also shares other places to find Burrowing Owls around the country and explains why Cape Coral offers such an unusual opportunity to spend time at eye level with one of America’s most charismatic little raptors. 

Send us Fan MailKiller whales—or orcas—are among the most recognizable animals on Earth. But beneath those black-and-white markings are remarkably complex societies, with different diets, dialects, traditions, and even cultures passed from one generation to the next.This week on Naturally Scott, Scott Harris sits down with renowned killer whale researcher John Ford, who has spent more than four decades studying these extraordinary animals, primarily along the coast of British Columbia. His fascination began as a child watching killer whales pass his family's fishing boat and eventually led to work as a whale trainer before he devoted his career to understanding them in the wild. John takes us inside the very different worlds of resident, Bigg's, and offshore killer whales. Some specialize in salmon, others hunt marine mammals, and still others target sharks—and those food preferences and hunting techniques are learned traditions that can persist across generations. Along the way, Scott and John explore some of the strangest and most fascinating killer whale behaviors ever documented: attacking great white sharks for their livers, breaking the rudders of sailboats, wearing salmon on their heads, rubbing against pebble beaches, and intentionally stranding themselves along Patagonia to capture young sea lions.  In this episode:🐋 The remarkable cultures of killer whales🐟 Why some populations eat salmon while others won't touch fish🦈 Orcas hunting sharks—and why great whites flee⛵ What's really happening with orcas and sailboats🐟 The wonderfully bizarre phenomenon of “salmon hats”👵 Why killer whale societies are led by older matriarchs🗣️ Dialects, family groups, and knowledge passed through generations🌊 John's unforgettable honeymoon watching orcas hunt sea lions in PatagoniaIt's a fascinating look at intelligence, culture, family, specialization, and one of the ocean's most extraordinary predators.

Send us Fan MailWhat could possibly draw someone to Texas in the middle of summer?Twenty million bats.In this edition of Naturally Scott Adventures, Scott Harris travels to Bracken Cave Preserve just outside San Antonio—home to the largest bat colony on Earth. Every summer evening, millions of Mexican free-tailed bats pour from a single cave in one of the greatest wildlife spectacles anywhere in the world. Scott shares what it's like to witness the breathtaking "batnado," explains why these tiny mammals are so important to agriculture, and explores the incredible adaptations that allow them to survive among predators, navigate by echolocation, and consume hundreds of tons of insects every night.In this episode:🦇 Witnessing the world's largest bat colony🌪️ The spectacular "batnado" and river of bats🐍 Snakes, owls, hawks, coyotes, and the predators waiting outside the cave🚜 Why farmers love bats🌎 Inside Bracken Cave Preserve near San Antonio📸 Tips for planning your own visit✨ One of the greatest wildlife spectacles in North AmericaWhether you're a bat enthusiast or simply love unforgettable wildlife experiences, Bracken Cave is a destination unlike any other.👉 Stay connected with Naturally Scott: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailWhat if everything you thought you knew about some of North America's most familiar animals was wrong?In this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris welcomes science writer and author Jason Bittel, whose new book Grizzled shines a spotlight on 50 of North America's most misunderstood animals. From grizzly bears and white-tailed deer to porcupines, daddy longlegs, yellow jackets, and ringtails, Jason shares the fascinating stories hiding in plain sight. Together, Scott and Jason explore the surprising biology, remarkable adaptations, and evolutionary history of creatures many of us see every day—but rarely truly understand.In this episode:🐻 Why grizzly bears and black bears require completely different survival strategies🦌 The incredible hidden biology of white-tailed deer🦔 Why porcupine quills are even more remarkable than you think🕷️ The truth about daddy longlegs🐝 Why yellow jackets deserve a second look📚 Behind the scenes of writing for National Geographic🦝 Meet the adorable ringtail—an animal most Americans have never even heard ofWhether you're a lifelong naturalist or simply curious about the wildlife around your own backyard, this conversation will leave you looking at familiar animals in an entirely new way.

Send us Fan MailThere may be no animal more closely tied to the spirit of the American West than the wild Mustang.In this edition of Naturally Scott Adventures, Scott Harris travels to Nevada in search of one of North America's most iconic animals—wild Mustangs. From the shores of Washoe Lake State Park to the open sagebrush country outside Reno, Scott explores the history, biology, and enduring romance of these remarkable horses.Along the way, he shares unforgettable encounters with bachelor bands racing across the desert, solitary stallions standing watch over their territory, playful colts discovering the world, and the ongoing conservation challenges surrounding America's free-roaming horse populations. In this episode:🐎 The remarkable history of America's wild Mustangs🏜️ Why Nevada is home to nearly half of the nation's free-roaming horses🌅 Exploring Washoe Lake State Park at sunrise⚔️ Bachelor bands, dominant stallions, and family life📸 The best places to photograph wild horses near Reno🌎 The ongoing balance between conservation and land management✨ Why few wildlife experiences capture the romance of the American West quite like wild horsesWhether you've dreamed of seeing Mustangs your entire life or are planning your first trip to Nevada, this episode celebrates one of America's most enduring wildlife icons.👉 Stay up to date and get bonus content: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailWhat if the most important life in the ocean is almost completely invisible?In this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris sits down with marine microbiologist Dr. Ginny Edgcomb of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for a fascinating journey into the hidden world beneath the waves.From hydrothermal vents and hypersaline lakes at the bottom of the Mediterranean to deep-sea drilling expeditions in the Indian Ocean, Ginny studies microscopic organisms that thrive where most life simply cannot. Along the way, she explains how these remarkable microbes recycle nutrients, fuel entire ocean ecosystems, and may even help scientists search for life beyond Earth.  The conversation explores:🔬 Why microbes are the foundation of nearly every marine food web🌋 Hydrothermal vents and the extraordinary life they support🧂 Mysterious hypersaline “lakes” hidden on the Mediterranean seafloor🌍 What Earth’s most extreme environments can teach us about alien life🚢 Life aboard research vessels—from flying fish and whales to pirate drills🌊 How climate change is reshaping the world’s oceansEqual parts adventure, exploration, and science, this episode reveals an unseen world that quietly supports nearly every living thing in the sea.👉 Stay up to date and get bonus content:https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailWelcome to another edition of Naturally Scott Adventures, where Scott Harris takes you into the field to experience some of North America's most remarkable wildlife and wild places.In this episode, Scott visits Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge on Florida's Gulf Coast to meet one of the state's most beloved residents—the Florida manatee. These gentle marine mammals, often called "sea cows," can weigh well over 1,000 pounds, yet they're among the most peaceful animals you'll ever encounter. Scott explores the biology, behavior, and conservation of Florida manatees, explaining why they gather each winter in Florida's warm springs, how boat strikes became their greatest threat, and why Crystal River has become one of the best places in the world to observe them responsibly. The episode also celebrates one of America's great wildlife success stories, as Florida's manatee population has rebounded dramatically thanks to conservation efforts, public awareness, and protected habitat. In this episode:🐋 Why manatees are called "sea cows"🌿 Exploring Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge💙 Swimming and kayaking with manatees (responsibly)👶 Mothers, calves, and manatee family life🚤 The dangers of boat strikes🌡️ Why warm springs are critical for survival📈 The remarkable recovery of Florida's manatee populationWhether you're planning a Florida adventure or simply love wildlife, this episode offers an unforgettable look at one of North America's gentlest giants.👉 Subscribe for updates and bonus content: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailAward-winning author, ornithologist, and conservationist Scott Weidensaul returns to Naturally Scott to discuss his inspiring new book, The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save Ourselves. Rather than focusing solely on declining bird populations and environmental challenges, Scott shares something equally important: hope. podcast-scott-weidensaul.txtFrom the remarkable comeback of Bald Eagles and Canada Geese to the recovery of American Oystercatchers, Scott highlights conservation victories that prove people can make an extraordinary difference when science, persistence, and collaboration come together. podcast-scott-weidensaul.txtThe conversation also explores Indigenous-led conservation efforts protecting millions of acres of Canada's boreal forest, one of the world's most important breeding grounds for migratory birds. These stories demonstrate that successful conservation isn't just possible—it's happening today. podcast-scott-weidensaul.txtIn this episode:🦅 The incredible recovery of Bald Eagles 🪿 Why Canada Geese are one of conservation's greatest success stories 🐦 How American Oystercatchers reversed decades of decline 🌲 Indigenous communities protecting Canada's boreal forest 🌎 Why optimism matters in conservation 📖 The stories behind The Return of the OystercatcherIf you've ever wondered whether conservation success stories still exist, this episode is full of reasons to believe they do.👉 Subscribe for updates and bonus content: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailWelcome to another edition of Naturally Scott Adventures, where Scott Harris takes you into the field to experience some of North America's greatest wildlife spectacles, iconic species, and wild places.In this episode, Scott heads deep into Florida's Big Cypress National Preserve in search of one of America's most ancient and awe-inspiring predators: the American alligator. What follows is a journey into a landscape that feels frozen in time, where cypress swamps, sawgrass wetlands, and sun-soaked canals are home to hundreds of alligators and countless other wild creatures. Scott shares stories from years of encounters with alligators, including a heart-stopping close encounter with a massive 13-foot gator in South Carolina and why these reptiles inspire a uniquely primal reaction unlike almost any other animal in North America. Along the way, he explores why Big Cypress may be the best place in America to see alligators in the wild and what makes these prehistoric predators so successful after more than 100 million years. In this episode:🐊 Why alligators are nature's perfected predators 🌿 Exploring Big Cypress National Preserve 🚗 Driving the famous Loop Road 🦅 Red-shouldered hawks, wood storks, deer, and other wildlife 🐻 The surprising connection between gators, bears, and Florida panthers 📸 Tips for finding and photographing alligators 🦖 Why seeing a giant alligator feels like stepping back in timeFrom ancient reptiles to unforgettable wildlife encounters, this episode celebrates one of the most fascinating animals in North America.👉 Stay up to date and get bonus content here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailFew people have done more to save cranes than George Archibald.In this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris sits down with the co-founder of the International Crane Foundation for a remarkable conversation spanning decades of conservation, adventure, and hope. George shares the incredible story of helping rescue the Whooping Crane from the brink of extinction, including his famous partnership with a crane named Tex and the unexpected journey that led from a Wisconsin field to Johnny Carson's stage. The conversation also explores the migration of more than a million Sandhill Cranes through Nebraska's Platte River Valley, conservation work across Africa and Asia, and the challenge of protecting cranes while improving the lives of the people who share their landscapes. In this episode:🏗️ The story of Tex, the world's most famous Whooping Crane 🦩 How dancing helped save a species from extinction 🌎 The International Crane Foundation's work across the globe 🕊️ One million Sandhill Cranes on Nebraska's Platte River 🌍 Conservation projects in Africa, Korea, and beyond 👨‍🌾 Why successful conservation must benefit local communities ✨ Hope for some of the world's rarest birdsGeorge's life story is a reminder that one person truly can make a difference—and that saving wildlife often begins with relationships, persistence, and a willingness to think differently.👉 Stay up to date and get bonus content here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailWelcome to another edition of Naturally Scott Adventures, where Scott Harris takes you into the field to experience some of North America's greatest wildlife spectacles, iconic species, and wild places.In this episode, Scott heads to the remote beaches of Corolla in North Carolina's Outer Banks to spend time with one of the most fascinating populations of wild horses in America: the Colonial Spanish Mustangs. For more than 500 years, legend holds that these remarkable horses have survived along this isolated stretch of coastline after Spanish ships wrecked offshore. Whether every detail of the story is true or not, the horses themselves are very real—and absolutely unforgettable. Scott shares stories from multiple visits to the Outer Banks, including close encounters with stallions, mares, and foals, sunrise moments on empty beaches, and why these horses have become one of his favorite wildlife experiences anywhere in North America. In this episode:🐎 The legend of the Colonial Spanish Mustangs 🌊 Wild horses living along the beaches of the Outer Banks ☀️ Sunrise encounters in Corolla and Carova 📸 The best ways to experience the horses responsibly 🐻 Nearby wildlife opportunities at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge 🦅 Osprey, bald eagles, dolphins, and other coastal wildlife ✨ Why some wildlife experiences stay with us for a lifetimePart history, part adventure, and part wildlife story, this episode explores one of the most unique natural experiences on the East Coast.👉 Stay up to date and get bonus content here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailDragonflies are older than dinosaurs, can migrate across oceans, and spend most of their lives underwater.In this fascinating and surprisingly fun episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris sits down with entomologist and evolutionary biologist Jessica Ware of the American Museum of Natural History to explore the incredible world of dragonflies, damselflies, insect evolution, and why insects deserve far more attention than they get.Jessica explains how dragonflies were among the first animals ever to fly, how some species migrate over 11,000 kilometers across oceans, and why these ancient aerial predators are among the greatest hunters on Earth.Along the way, the conversation dives into:🪰 The difference between dragonflies and damselflies 🌎 Dragonfly migrations across oceans ❄️ Dragonfly nymphs freezing solid in Arctic winters 👀 Why dragonflies have some of the best vision in the insect world 🦟 How dragonflies help control mosquitoes and other pests 🦖 Giant prehistoric “dragonflies” from hundreds of millions of years ago 🐛 Why insects may be the most overlooked animals on EarthJessica also shares how childhood curiosity led her into science and why she believes insects deserve the same wonder and attention we often reserve for birds and mammals.👉 Stay up to date and get bonus content here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the very first edition of Naturally Scott Adventures — a new series where Scott Harris takes you directly into the field to experience some of nature’s greatest spectacles, species, and wild places.And for Episode 61, we begin with one of the most breathtaking wildlife gatherings on Earth: one million snow geese at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge.Each March, hundreds of thousands — and sometimes more than a million — snow geese converge on this Missouri refuge during migration. The sound is overwhelming. The sky turns white with birds. Bald eagles patrol the edges. Coyotes wait in the darkness. And for a few weeks, one corner of the Midwest becomes one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in North America.In this episode:🕊️ What it feels like to stand beside a million snow geese 🦅 Bald eagles hunting over massive flocks 🌨️ Watching snow geese land during a snowstorm 📸 Why sunrise and sunset matter most for wildlife viewing 🦢 Trumpeter swans, muskrats, coyotes & red-winged blackbirds 🚗 How to visit Loess Bluffs yourselfScott also reflects on why this experience became one of his personal “perfect moments” in nature — alongside music, memory, and the feeling of being completely immersed in the wild.Upcoming Naturally Scott Adventures episodes include:🐊 Alligators 🦉 Burrowing Owls 🦅 California Condors 🐎 Wild Horses of Nevada👉 Stay up to date and get bonus content here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailWhat does it feel like to sit beneath a sky filled with a million birds?In this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris is joined by naturalist, filmmaker, and Carolina Safari Co. founder Zach Steinhauser for a conversation about one of America’s most overlooked wildlife spectacles—the gathering of over a million Purple Martins at Bomb Island on South Carolina’s Lake Murray.Zach shares the remarkable story behind his documentary Purple Haze and explains how these tiny swallows became almost entirely dependent on humans for nesting sites. The conversation moves from South Carolina to the deserts of Arizona and even the Amazon rainforest, following Zach’s journey to uncover the hidden story of Purple Martins across the Americas.Along the way, they discuss:The surreal experience of watching a million birds spiral overhead Why Purple Martins rely on human-made housing The search for naturally nesting martins in giant saguaro cacti Filming in the Amazon rainforest South Carolina wildlife spectacles most people never experienceThis episode is a celebration of wonder, migration, storytelling, and the wild places still hiding in plain sight.This episode, like all Naturally Scott episodes, is dedicated to Scott’s mother — an incredible mind, an incredible woman, and a shatterer of many glass ceilings. She was a force, but never quiet.👉 Stay up to date and get bonus content here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailButterflies are beautiful. They are also disappearing.In this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris sits down with University of Nevada, Reno biology professor Matt Forister for a fascinating and surprisingly urgent conversation about butterflies, insect declines, climate change, pesticides, and why these tiny creatures may tell us more about the health of our planet than almost anything else.Matt explains how a decades-long butterfly monitoring project in California revealed dramatic declines in both butterfly abundance and species diversity, and why modern pesticide use may be playing a major role. But this conversation is not all doom and gloom. It is also about wonder.From tiny butterflies no larger than a fingernail to massive monarch migrations stretching across North America, Matt shares why butterflies captivate so many people and how anyone can begin exploring the incredible diversity of the insect world.Topics include:🦋 Why butterflies are declining across North America 🌎 Climate change and shifting migration patterns ☠️ The hidden dangers of modern pesticides 🐛 Why caterpillars and moths matter more than most people realize 📚 The surprising book that led Matt into science 🔬 How 53 years of butterfly data became one of the longest-running insect studies in AmericaThis episode is dedicated to Scott’s mother — an incredible mind, an incredible woman, and a shatterer of many glass ceilings. She was a force, but never quiet.👉 Stay up to date and get bonus content here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris sits down with Wade Crowfoot, Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, for a wide-ranging conversation about conservation, climate challenges, and the future of one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.Wade shares how a childhood spent outdoors in the Midwest shaped his path into public service, and how his work now spans everything from wildfire prevention and water management to protecting California’s vast natural landscapes. Together, Scott and Wade explore the realities of managing natural resources in a state of 40 million people—where conservation, development, and climate pressures all collide.The conversation dives into:How California is tackling wildfire through forest management and prescribed burns The future of water in the West, including drought, desalination, and the Colorado River The surprising resilience of nature—from salmon returning to restored rivers to rewilding efforts The role of technology and innovation in conservation Why protecting nature ultimately means protecting ourselvesFrom redwood forests to Monterey Bay, this episode offers a fascinating look at the challenges—and hope—facing conservation in the modern world.👉 Stay up to date and get access to bonus content by joining us here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailThis episode is a first for Naturally Scott — a panel conversation.Scott Harris brings together three remarkable voices — Sy Montgomery, Debi Shearwater, and Lynn Scarlett — for an honest, thoughtful discussion about the history of women in birding, how the experience has evolved, and where things stand today.Each brings a different perspective: science and storytelling, business and field leadership, and public policy and conservation. Together, they reflect on what it was like entering male-dominated spaces decades ago, the challenges they faced, the progress that’s been made, and the work still left to do.🐦 What birding and science looked like for women decades ago ⚖️ Moments of exclusion, resistance, and unexpected opportunity 🌎 How perspectives in science and conservation have evolved 🤝 The importance of mentorship, inclusion, and community ✨ Why diverse voices make both birding — and conservation — strongerThis is a conversation about more than birding — it’s about access, perspective, and the people who help shape how we see the natural world.This episode is also dedicated to Scott’s mother — an incredible mind, an extraordinary woman, and a quiet force who shattered glass ceilings long before it was expected. Her influence lives on in conversations like this.📬 Stay curious & get bonus content: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailEvery spring, billions of birds move across North America — and for a brief moment, one place becomes the center of it all.In this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott sits down with Kimberly Kaufman, Executive Director of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, to explore The Biggest Week in American Birding — one of the most important and accessible birding events in the world.Held along the shores of Lake Erie in northwest Ohio, this 10-day festival brings together tens of thousands of birders to experience peak spring migration at places like the legendary Magee Marsh.In this focused conversation, they explore:🐦 Why northwest Ohio is a global hotspot for migration 🌎 How a festival grew from zero to 80,000+ visitors 🤝 The unique culture of birding — welcoming, generous, and shared 🌿 How bird tourism directly supports conservation ✨ Why moments at the Biggest Week become lifelong memoriesThis is a conversation about more than a festival — it’s about community, conservation, and what happens when people come together around something they love.📬 Stay curious & get bonus content: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailFew people understand owls like Denver Holt. As the founder of the Owl Research Institute, Denver has spent nearly four decades studying owls in the wild — from long-eared owls in Montana to snowy owls on the Arctic tundra.In this episode, Denver joins Scott Harris to explore what it really means to be a “boots on the ground” field biologist. From cross-country skiing into remote nesting territories to enduring Arctic summers in Utqiaġvik (Barrow), Alaska, his work is a testament to patience, persistence, and deep observation.The conversation dives into the power of long-term research, revealing how decades of data can challenge assumptions about owl populations, lemming cycles, and environmental change. Denver also reflects on the early influences that shaped his path — including a chance encounter that set him on a lifetime journey with birds of prey.They also discuss:🦉 Why long-term studies reveal truths short-term research misses ❄️ Snowy owls, lemmings, and the mysteries of Arctic ecosystems 🌙 The difference between field research and computer-based inference 📊 What 35 years of data can (and can’t) tell us about population trends 🌍 How owls can serve as powerful ambassadors for conservationThis is a conversation about curiosity, discipline, and the value of truly knowing a species — not just studying it, but living alongside it.📬 Stay curious — and get bonus content & updates: 👉 https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott sits down with Debi Shearwater — one of the most iconic figures in seabirding and pelagic birding anywhere in the world.Often called the “Queen of the Seas,” Debi has spent more than four decades leading pelagic trips off the California coast and across the globe, introducing thousands of people to the magic of seabirds, marine mammals, and life on the open ocean.From her early days as an Army wife to launching a life-changing pelagic career in 1976 out of Monterey Bay, Debi’s story is anything but ordinary. Along the way, she’s been featured in The Big Year (portrayed by Anjelica Huston), built a global reputation as a fearless leader at sea, and inspired generations of birders to step off land and into a completely different world.In this wide-ranging and fun conversation, Scott and Debi explore:🌊 The origins of pelagic birding and how it changed her life 🐦 What makes seabirds so unique — and so addictive 🎬 Her role in The Big Year and birding’s place in popular culture 🦅 Stories from Antarctica, Iceland, and beyond 🍸 A few unexpected detours — including bartending and life off the water 🌍 A new birding festival launching in 2027Debi’s life is a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary journeys begin with simply saying yes — and stepping onto a boat.📬 Stay curious & get bonus content: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott sits down with Keith Hackland, owner of the Alamo Inn B&B, Gear and Tours, and one of the best-known hosts in American birding. From the heart of the lower Rio Grande Valley, Keith shares what makes this corner of Texas one of the richest birding regions in the country — and why so many birders come once and then spend a lifetime coming back.Keith reflects on his path from South Africa to South Texas, the restoration of the historic Alamo Inn, and how a building that might have been lost became a home base for birders from around the world. Along the way, he talks about the valley’s remarkable mix of resident species, migrants, rarities, and vagrants, and why birds like Green Jays, Bat Falcons, Muscovy Ducks, Clay-colored Thrushes, and parrots tell a much larger story about habitat, geography, and adaptation.Scott and Keith also explore the culture of the valley itself — the food, the people, the influence of Mexico, the draw of South Padre Island and the ranch country farther west — and how birding here is about more than a list. It is about community, hospitality, and learning to see how birds and people shape one another’s worlds.This is a conversation about place, migration, friendship, and why some birding destinations become part of you.Learn more about the Alamo Inn and birding in the valley at the Alamo Inn B&B, Gear and Tours.For updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes notes from Naturally Scott, subscribe here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott sits down with raptor biologist Bryan Bedrosian, Conservation Director at the Teton Raptor Center, for a wide-ranging conversation about birds of prey, applied science, and what conservation looks like when research is paired with action.Bryan shares his journey into raptor biology and describes the work of the Teton Raptor Center across research, rehabilitation, and education. The conversation explores cutting-edge projects ranging from bioacoustic monitoring of forest owls to long-term studies of great gray owls, including how changing snow conditions may influence their survival and reproduction.A major focus of the episode is golden eagles. Bryan explains emerging evidence of population declines in parts of the West, the complex causes behind those losses, and the practical solutions being developed — from reducing lead exposure through hunter-led initiatives to creating innovative artificial nesting structures that restore lost breeding territories.Scott and Bryan also discuss migration mapping, habitat prioritization tools, ferruginous hawk conservation, and the expanding presence of barred owls in new regions. Throughout the conversation, Bryan emphasizes a central philosophy: conservation science should not only document change but help shape better outcomes for wildlife.This is a conversation about raptors, resilience, and the people working to ensure these powerful birds remain part of our skies.Learn more about the Teton Raptor Center and Bryan’s work at tetonraptorcenter.orgFor updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes notes from Naturally Scott, subscribe here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott sits down with John Adams, Deputy Director and COO of Biosphere 2, for a conversation about one of the most ambitious environmental experiments ever attempted.Often remembered for its early human habitation experiment, Biosphere 2 is far more than a historical curiosity. John explains how the facility continues to operate today as a living laboratory designed to help scientists better understand Biosphere 1 — Earth itself. The discussion explores how large-scale, closed ecological systems allow researchers to study climate processes, water cycles, ecosystem interactions, and the challenges of sustaining life in controlled environments.Scott and John walk through the origins of Biosphere 2, the lessons learned from its early years, and how its mission has evolved into cutting-edge research that informs conservation, climate science, and even future space exploration. Along the way, John shares insights from his nearly three decades at the facility, reflecting on its growth, its enduring relevance, and why curiosity about complex systems remains central to scientific discovery.This is a conversation about experimentation, learning from bold ideas, and the continuing effort to better understand the planet we already inhabit.Learn more about Biosphere 2 and ongoing research at biosphere2.orgFor updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes notes from Naturally Scott, subscribe here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn this 50th episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris sits down with Chad Nelson, CEO of the Surfrider Foundation, to talk about a coastal conservation organization that doesn’t just educate and inspire — it organizes, advocates, and fights for practical outcomes.Surfrider’s work spans five core fronts: plastic reduction, ocean protection, beach access, coasts and climate, and clean water. Chad explains how a movement that began with surfers trying to protect beloved breaks has grown into a national network of volunteers running hundreds of campaigns — from cutting single-use plastics and improving water quality testing, to defending public access along shorelines, to building real solutions for coastal erosion and sea level rise.A major focus of the conversation is offshore drilling. Scott and Chad walk through why Surfrider opposes new offshore drilling across U.S. waters, how the federal leasing process works, what’s being proposed, and what’s at stake for wildlife, fisheries, tourism economies, and coastal communities.This is an episode about the places we love — and what it takes to protect them.Learn more about Surfrider and their campaigns at surfrider.orgFor updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes notes from Naturally Scott, subscribe here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott sits down with Elizabeth Gray, CEO of the National Audubon Society, for a wide-ranging conversation about birds, climate, hope, and what it really takes to turn conservation losses around.Elizabeth shares the personal experiences that shaped her life in conservation — from childhood curiosity sparked by books, to studying endangered Hawaiian honeycreepers, to witnessing firsthand how climate change affects species that live nowhere else on Earth. The conversation moves through stories of loss, resilience, and recovery, including the return of bald eagles to the Potomac River and what those birds reveal about the health of entire ecosystems.Scott and Elizabeth explore Audubon’s ambitious vision to “bend the bird curve” after the loss of three billion birds in North America, what that goal means across the Americas, and how habitat conservation, climate action, policy, and community science all fit together. They also discuss why birds act as sentinels for the planet, how everyday people can play a role, and why optimism — grounded in real success stories — matters more than ever.This is a conversation about birds, yes, but also about clean water, healthy landscapes, and the belief that restoration is possible when people choose to act.Learn more about Audubon’s work, programs, and how to get involved at audubon.orgFor updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes notes from Naturally Scott, subscribe here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott sits down with ecohydrologist Emily Fairfax of the University of Minnesota to talk about an animal that quietly reshapes entire landscapes: the beaver.What begins as a conversation about hydrology and water quickly becomes a deep look at how beavers function as true ecosystem engineers. Emily explains how their dams slow water, restore wetlands, create wildlife habitat, and even build natural resilience to wildfire.Scott and Emily also explore common misconceptions about beavers, why they are often misunderstood, and how their impact can be seen everywhere from deserts to places like Yellowstone National Park. The discussion reveals how a single species can influence forests, rivers, wildlife, and entire communities in ways most of us never notice.This is an episode about water, wilderness, and why one of North America’s largest rodents may be one of its most important conservation partners.Learn more about Emily’s work at the University of Minnesota.For updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes notes from Naturally Scott, subscribe here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott sits down with Peter Stangel of the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities to talk about forests in a way most people never hear them discussed.Not as scenery. Not as hiking destinations. And not even primarily as ecosystems.But as working systems that support both people and wildlife at the same time.Following recent conversations about saving the American chestnut and protecting the redwoods, this episode steps back to look at the forest as a whole. Peter explains what “forest health” really means, why preservation alone is not enough, and how active forest management can be essential to keeping forests healthy, productive, and resilient.Scott and Peter also explore how large nonprofits, foundations, and private philanthropy become involved in forest work, and why investing in forests often means investing in rural communities, clean water, wildlife habitat, and long-term economic stability all at once.This conversation reframes the way we think about forests — not as places we visit, but as systems we depend on every single day.Learn more about the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities at https://www.usendowment.orgFor updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes notes from Naturally Scott, subscribe here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott sits down with author David Gessner, a writer who never wanted to be called a nature writer — and yet became one of the most important voices helping us understand why wild places and birds matter.David is the author of Return of the Osprey, Soaring with Fidel, Leave It As It Is, and The Book of Flaco, among many others. His work explores raptors, wilderness, obsession, humor, grief, and the deep human pull toward the natural world. Scott first encountered David’s writing early in his own birding journey and found in it a model for how storytelling can make wildlife feel personal, immediate, and essential.The conversation moves through David’s career, his resistance to labels, his love of Theodore Roosevelt’s wilderness, the strange and powerful story of Flaco the Eurasian Eagle Owl in New York City, and a phrase Scott openly admits to borrowing from David: “vacation with a purpose.”This is a conversation about how paying attention to birds, landscapes, and wild stories changes the way we move through the world.Learn more about David and his work at https://davidgessner.comFor updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes notes from Naturally Scott, subscribe here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott sits down with John Goodell, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Archives of Falconry, to explore one of humanity’s oldest and most misunderstood relationships with wildlife.Falconry is often imagined as domination or display. In reality, it is a hunting tradition built on trust, restraint, and a deep respect for wild raptors. John explains what falconry actually is, how it has been practiced for more than two thousand years across cultures, and why the birds at the center of it remain fully wild — free to leave at any moment.The conversation moves through the history of falconry, the demanding licensing process, the ethics of flying wild birds, and the intimate knowledge falconers develop of predator and prey alike. Along the way, John shares what it means to care for a raptor day after day, why many falconers eventually release their birds back into the wild, and how falconry has shaped modern raptor conservation.This is a conversation about humility, discipline, and what it looks like to work with nature instead of trying to master it.Learn more about the Archives of Falconry at https://www.falconry.orgFor updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes notes from Naturally Scott, subscribe here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott sits down with Scott Black, Executive Director of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, to explore the small creatures doing the biggest work in nature: insects and other invertebrates.Scott Black breaks down what “invertebrates” really are, why pollinators matter far beyond gardens, and how conservation shifts when you start paying attention to the species without backbones. Along the way, he explains a surprising truth about honey bees — that they’re not native wildlife, but closer to livestock — and why native pollinators deserve far more of the spotlight.This is a conversation about habitat, pesticides, endangered species, and the practical steps that can help reverse declines — from what we plant to how we manage land.Learn more about the Xerces Society at https://www.xerces.orgFor updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes notes from Naturally Scott, subscribe here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailNew York Harbor is one of the most storied waterways in the world, but for generations it was also one of the most damaged. Long before skyscrapers defined the skyline, oysters shaped the ecology, economy, and culture of the region—until they were pushed to the brink of disappearance. Today, something remarkable is happening beneath the surface.In this episode, Scott Harris sits down with Pete Malinowski, co-founder of the Billion Oyster Project, to explore one of the most ambitious urban restoration efforts in the world. Pete explains why oysters matter so much—to water quality, marine life, and shoreline resilience—and how restoring them means rebuilding entire ecosystems, not just a single species.The conversation traces the history of New York Harbor’s decline, the science behind oyster reef restoration, and the hands-on work happening right now with students, volunteers, and community partners. From recycling millions of pounds of oyster shells to engaging thousands of young people in marine science, the project shows how conservation, education, and civic pride can move together. It’s a reminder that environmental recovery doesn’t always start in remote wilderness—it can begin in the heart of a city.Naturally Scott updates, bonus content, and field notes: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailRewilding isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about scale.In this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott sits down with Dr. Jodi Hilty, President and Chief Scientist of the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y), to explore one of the most ambitious conservation visions on Earth: reconnecting 2,000 miles of wild landscape from Yellowstone National Park to the Yukon.Dr. Hilty explains why isolated parks are no longer enough, how wildlife corridors, overpasses, and private lands keep ecosystems functioning, and why large carnivores like wolves, wolverines, and grizzly bears are essential to biodiversity, climate resilience, and even carbon storage. Along the way, she shares stories of wolves crossing international borders, pronghorn migrations shaped by predators, and the real, practical work of helping ranchers coexist with carnivores.This is a conversation about conservation that works with people instead of against them — grounded in science, cooperation, and long-term thinking.Learn more about Yellowstone to Yukon at https://www.y2y.netFor updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes notes from Naturally Scott, subscribe here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott sits down with John Calambokidis, one of the world’s leading cetacean researchers and the co-founder of Cascadia Research Collective. For more than four decades, John has studied whales across the Pacific, combining long-term fieldwork, cutting-edge technology, and an unwavering commitment to scientific integrity.The conversation opens with a candid look at whale rescue efforts, including the heartbreak of failed rescues and what those moments reveal about both human limits and motivation. From there, Scott and John explore the story behind The Loneliest Whale: The Search for 52, unpacking how a mysterious 52-hertz call captured the public imagination — and what science can and cannot say about “loneliness” in whales.John walks listeners through Cascadia’s work on ship strikes, underwater noise, entanglements, and the hidden dangers whales face at night in busy shipping corridors like the Santa Barbara Channel. He explains how tagging data, photo-identification, and citizen science platforms like Happy Whale are reshaping how we understand whale movements and risk.The episode also dives into Cascadia’s research on false killer whales in Hawaiʻi, the growing challenges facing marine science funding, and how political pressures increasingly collide with objective research. John reflects on what it means to stay scientifically honest when results don’t align with expectations — and why credibility matters more than advocacy alone.John closes by recommending Abundance by Ezra Klein, a book he believes speaks directly to the gap between knowledge, intention, and action.As always, Scott ends with a simple invitation: get outside, stay curious, and keep paying attention to the natural world we’re still trying to understand.Guest Recommendation Abundance — Ezra KleinLinks & Resources Cascadia Research Collective: https://www.cascadiaresearch.org Support Naturally Scott & get updates: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris is joined by Lisa T. Ballance, Director of the Marine Mammal Institute, for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from personal history to some of the most consequential marine science of the past half-century.Ballance explains how her career in ecology and conservation biology led her into the heart of the tuna–dolphin controversy in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, where massive purse-seine fisheries once killed millions of dolphins and reshaped global seafood policy. Scott and Lisa discover that their lives briefly intersected during the late 1980s, when public pressure, undercover documentation, and consumer action helped force the creation of the dolphin-safe tuna label.From there, the conversation turns toward the edge of scientific knowledge. Ballance describes her work searching for cryptic cetaceans — species so elusive they were known only from stranded remains — including the first confirmed sightings of ginkgo-toothed beaked whales alive in the wild. She also shares the extraordinary effort to locate and genetically sample the rare Type D killer whale in the Southern Ocean, a population so distinct it may represent an entirely new species.Along the way, Ballance reflects on how science advances at the limits of uncertainty, the unintended consequences of well-intentioned conservation, and why humility and persistence matter when studying animals that live far beyond human reach.Lisa’s book recommendation: Merchants of Doubt.For updates and bonus content from Naturally Scott, visit https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailWhat would it take to truly rewild North America?In this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris sits down with Jack Humphrey of the Rewilding Institute to explore one of the most ambitious and consequential ideas in modern conservation: reconnecting large landscapes so nature can function the way it once did.Jack shares decades of firsthand experience working on wilderness cores, wildlife corridors, and large carnivore conservation—from restoring illegal roads in the Southwest, to building wolf acclimation pens on Ted Turner’s Ladder Ranch, to helping shape the continental rewilding movement itself.Together, Scott and Jack unpack:What rewilding really means (and what it doesn’t)Why wolves, jaguars, and other apex predators matter far beyond their own survivalThe concept of cores, corridors, carnivores, and coexistenceHow wolf reintroduction reshapes entire ecosystemsWhy conservation may depend on protecting half the planetThe tension between scientific urgency and public messagingWhether nature can recover if humans simply get out of the wayThis is a wide-ranging, thoughtful conversation about biodiversity, land use, human responsibility, and the future of wild places—grounded in science, history, and lived experience.Jack also recommends the book Borderland Jaguars, a powerful primer on the return of jaguars to the U.S.–Mexico borderlands.If you care about wolves, wilderness, national parks, or what a livable planet actually requires, this episode is for you.Updates and bonus content: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailFrom growing up in Hawai‘i and Washington, D.C. to spending decades on the Farallon Islands, Peter Pyle has lived at the intersection of birds, science, and curiosity. A founding figure in modern bird banding and the author of the definitive guides to bird molt and plumage, Peter joins Scott Harris for a wide-ranging conversation about how feathers shape everything we think we know about birds.Together, they explore what molt really is, why it matters, how birds replace their feathers without losing the ability to fly, and how studying “scruffy” birds has unlocked entirely new ways of aging and understanding species. Along the way, Peter shares stories from a lifetime in ornithology—from white shark research and seabird colonies to Christmas Bird Counts, citizen science, and the quiet beauty of careful observation.This episode is a deep dive into the unseen mechanics of birds—and a reminder that the most important details are often the ones we overlook.Guest: Peter Pyle — Ornithologist, bander, and author of the Identification Guide to North American Birds Host: Scott Harris | Naturally ScottBonus content, updates, and behind-the-scenes notes: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Scott sits down with one of the most influential naturalists of our time: Kenn Kaufman. From hitchhiking across North America as a teenager to becoming a celebrated author, artist, field guide creator, and voice for nature, Kenn’s life is a masterclass in what can happen when curiosity is allowed to lead.We talk about his early years chasing rare birds with nothing but a backpack and a thumb on the highway, the origins of Kingbird Highway, and the moment he realized he wanted to spend his life helping others see the natural world more clearly. Kenn shares how painting reshaped the way he sees birds, why migration along Lake Erie still gives him chills, and how a single moth outside his window can derail his entire train of thought in the best possible way.We also explore his field guide work, from advanced identification to making nature accessible for beginners, the joy and humility of contributing to Birds in Art, and his belief that the everyday—house sparrows, garter snakes, skunks, late-season vireos—is every bit as worthy of wonder as the rare and extraordinary.This is an episode about birds, yes—but more than that, it's about attention, gratitude, and a lifetime of choosing to stay fascinated.Bonus content and updates: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailToday, I’m joined by Dr. John van Wyhe, historian of science at the National University of Singapore and one of the world’s leading experts on Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. We break open the myths, misunderstandings, and surprising truths behind Darwin’s life, the Voyage of the Beagle, the long road to the theory of evolution, and why the Galápagos were not the eureka moment you've always heard about.John walks us through how scientists in the 1830s actually understood geology, extinction, and the age of the Earth — and why nearly everything we think about that era is wrong. We explore Darwin’s five evolving theories, Wallace’s unexpected role, the tension between science and religion (or lack of it), and the moment the modern idea of natural selection finally clicked.He also highlights his upcoming book with Oxford University Press, Darwin’s Geological Diary and Field Notes from the Voyage of the Beagle, and recommends a surprising Darwin book about earthworms that became a Victorian bestseller.This conversation was extraordinary — and just the beginning. We’ll be bringing John back to dive into the global impact Darwin’s theory had after publication.Book mentioned: The Formation of Vegetable Mould Through the Action of Worms Darwin Online: https://darwin-online.org.uk John’s recommended reading: Dispelling the DarknessStay safe and stay curious. Sign up for updates and Bonus Content. https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris sits down with primatologist and author Dr. Christine Webb to explore the ideas behind her powerful new book, The Arrogant Ape. Christine’s work blends primatology, psychology, philosophy, Indigenous knowledge, and lived experience to challenge one of the most deeply ingrained beliefs in Western culture: that humans sit above the rest of nature.Christine shares the roots of her fascination with animal minds, her academic path from Emory to Harvard to NYU, and the pivotal field encounters — including a surprising moment with a young baboon named Bear — that reshaped her understanding of what other species know, feel, and perceive.Together, Scott and Christine dig into:Why Western science has long insisted on human superiorityHow captivity creates “bizarre” models of animal behaviorWhat Indigenous worldviews understood long before modern researchHow animals communicate, think, and even empathizeWhat shifting away from human exceptionalism might mean for our futureWhy moments of connection with wild animals matter more than we realizeScott also shares his extraordinary encounter with a Northern Hawk Owl — a moment that brushed against the boundary of species and self — and Christine responds with insight into how animals may be perceiving us in ways we’re only beginning to understand.This conversation is thought-provoking, personal, and full of wonder. If you’ve ever questioned where humans truly fit into the living world, this episode will stay with you.Christine’s Book: The Arrogant Ape NaturallyScott Kit (updates & bonus content): https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn E34, Scott sits down with Michael Goergen, President & CEO of the American Chestnut Foundation, for a powerful and deeply hopeful conversation about restoring one of America’s most important lost trees — the American Chestnut.The American Chestnut once made up 25% of the Appalachian forest, feeding wildlife, sustaining communities, and anchoring entire ecosystems. Then a blight brought from overseas wiped out nearly every adult tree within a single human lifetime. Today, only root sprouts remain — alive, but unable to reach the canopy.Michael walks us through:🌰 The rise and fall of the American Chestnut — from canopy monarch to functional extinction 🌱 Why the roots never died — and how this miracle of endurance makes restoration possible🧬 Cutting-edge genetics & breeding programs: • Recombinant genomic selection • Cross-breeding resistant trees • Exploring CRISPR and biotech tools • Why restoring a long-lived tree requires decades of patience🔥 Battling multiple threats: • Chestnut blight • Phytophthora root rot • Site conditions that determine survival or failure🏔 Chestnut groves that still exist today — and where to find wild sprouts and active restoration orchards along the East Coast🤝 Why this work is powered mostly by volunteers and private donors, not the government — and why that makes it one of America’s great conservation stories🌲 Forests, ecosystems, water, wildlife, and people — how restoring a single keystone species strengthens entire landscapes and communities🐻 Unexpected connections: • Chestnuts and black bears • Chestnuts and passenger pigeons • Chestnuts and early Indigenous cultures💡 Why hope — not fear — drives conservation, and why Michael believes a restored, self-sustaining American Chestnut forest is achievable within our lifetimes.📚 Michael’s Book Recommendation: Nature’s Metropolis: Chicago and the Great West — William Cronon👇 Bonus content & updates: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn E33, Scott sits down with Chris Parish, President & CEO of The Peregrine Fund, for one of the most wide-ranging and compelling conversations we've ever featured. From California Condors to global vulture crises, from the San Joaquin Valley to India and the African savannas, Chris brings decades of experience, candor, humor, and unmatched field knowledge.Born and raised in California’s San Joaquin Valley as a hunter, angler, and football player, Chris’s life took turns he never expected — from NFL Europe to prairie dog trapping, to running Arizona’s California Condor Recovery Program, and now leading one of the most respected raptor organizations in the world.This episode dives deep into:🦅 The fight to save California Condors from extinction — including how lead poisoning became the #1 threat, and how science + hunters created the most successful voluntary non-lead program in America.🎯 Why hunters resist changing ammunition — and what truly changes minds (hint: tradition, trust, and generational hand-offs).🌾 How grasslands collapsed — and how Opalmatto Falcons reveal the whole ecological story of brush encroachment, drought, predators, and rancher partnerships.💊 The diclofenac tragedy in India, which wiped out entire vulture colonies and unleashed a massive public-health crisis.🌍 Retaliatory poisoning in East Africa, electrified bomas, and how Maasai communities are protecting both wildlife and their cattle.🔥 Why science alone is NOT conservation — and why change must be earned, not imposed.🦉 Are vultures really “raptors”? Chris and Scott dive into classification, history, culture, and why humans have always been obsessed with birds of prey.Chris’s approach is simple but rare: “We’re not here to tell you what to think — just to give you more to think about.”📚 Chris’s Book Recommendation: My Side of the Mountain — Jean Craighead George👇 Bonus content & updates: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Scott sits down with Steve Mietz, President & CEO of Save the Redwoods League, for an extraordinary conversation about Redwoods, Sequoias, wildfire, tribal stewardship, and the future of America’s greatest forests.Steve traces his journey from Eagle Scout in New Jersey to environmental economist at Cornell, to a lifelong career across the National Park Service — including Grand Canyon, Great Basin, Point Reyes, Pearl Harbor, and Redwood National & State Parks. His path ultimately led him to one of the most ambitious restoration efforts in the United States: saving and rebuilding the Redwoods and Sequoias.Together, Scott and Steve explore:🌲 Why only 5% of old-growth Redwoods remain — and how we can create the next 5% 🔥 How fire suppression created a crisis, and how tribes & scientists are fixing it 🌊 Restoring buried creeks and watching salmon return within months 🤝 Partnerships with tribes to restore land, culture, and ecological balance 🏞️ Why Redwoods are Earth’s greatest carbon sink — even more than the Amazon 💡 Why hope, not despair, is the key to conservation 🌍 How protecting forests in California benefits people everywhereSteve also shares inspiring stories about working with the Yurok Tribe to restore ancestral lands, the emotional return of elders to sites they hadn’t seen in 150 years, and how Redwoods “save us” as much as we save them. This is one of the most powerful conversations we’ve ever had on Naturally Scott — a deep, hopeful look at what’s possible when science, tribes, communities, and passion all work together.📚 Steve’s Book Recommendation: A Sand County Almanac — Aldo Leopold👇 Bonus content & updates live here: https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailFrom the Inside Passage of Alaska to the gray-whale nurseries of Baja and the volcanic shores of the Galápagos, expedition leader Taylor Butz has lived a life most nature lovers only dream about. In this episode of Naturally Scott, Taylor joins Scott from Neah Bay after a morning surf session—Starlink on the beach and gray whales cruising just offshore.Together they dive into: • Growing up on Washington’s Vashon Island 🌲 • His early years as a cabin steward & deckhand aboard Lindblad/Nat Geo ships • How bubble-net feeding humpbacks actually coordinate their hunt 🐋 • Why gray-whale behavior is rapidly changing—and what it means • Secret dolphin super-pods of the Gulf of California • The magic of Galápagos wildlife that doesn’t fear humans • The challenge of protecting Antarctica as tourism expands • And how surfing culture has become an unexpected conservation force 🌊If you love whales, wild places, or just great storytelling, this one will pull you straight into the water.Stay up to date & get bonus content: 👉 https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752Subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoy these conversations — it truly helps us bring more incredible guests to the show.

Send us Fan MailFor more than three decades, Dr. Jerry Lorenz has been a voice for the Everglades — a scientist, teacher, and lifelong birder who helped lead Florida Audubon’s fight to restore one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems.In this conversation with Scott Harris, Jerry takes us deep into the story of the Everglades, its estuaries, and the pink-winged residents that symbolize both fragility and resilience — the flamingos. From his front yard in Islamorada to the farthest reaches of Florida Bay, Jerry shares what it means to dedicate a lifetime to restoration, research, and reverence for the wild.🦩 In this episode: 🌊 The hidden life of estuaries — where fresh and salt water meet 🌴 How the Everglades are being brought back to life 🐦 The mystery and return of flamingos to Florida 📖 The true story behind Guy Bradley and the deadly plume trade 💧 Why South Florida’s future depends on saving its wetlandsA remarkable journey through the science, struggle, and soul of Florida’s wild heart — and the people fighting to keep it alive.📬 Stay curious & get bonus content: 👉 https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailSophie Osborn never expected to spend her life saving birds. With degrees in French literature and international relations, she seemed destined for diplomacy — not a tent in grizzly country, hand-raising peregrine falcons on the edge of extinction.In this powerful and moving conversation with Scott Harris, Sophie shares her extraordinary path from the University of Pennsylvania to the wilds of Wyoming, Kenya, Hawaii, and the Grand Canyon — all chronicled in her acclaimed book Feather Trails: A Journey of Discovery Among Endangered Birds.🦅 In this episode: 🌍 How peregrine falcons came back from the brink after DDT 🐦 The heartbreak and hope of working with Hawaiian crows and California condors 📚 Why individuality — not just populations — matters in conservation 💫 What it means to fall in love with the wild and dedicate your life to its defense ✍️ Behind the scenes of her next book, Wild Work: Adventures of Women Field BiologistsFrom condors and crows to childhood spark birds, Sophie’s story is one of resilience — a testament to how much one person’s wonder and persistence can change the world for the wild things that still remain.📬 Stay curious & get bonus content: 👉 https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752

Send us Fan MailSusie Spikol is an author, naturalist, and lifelong believer in wonder — a woman who bridges the world of science and story with grace and joy.In this charming and heartfelt conversation with Scott Harris, Susie explores how imagination and curiosity can reconnect us — and our children — to the natural world. From her beloved books The Book of Fairies and Forest Magic for Kids to her decades of work at the Harris Center for Conservation Education, Susie reminds us that nature’s greatest lessons often begin with play.🧚‍♀️ In this episode: 📖 The childhood magic behind The Book of Fairies 🌲 Blending storytelling with science 🦉 Life at the Harris Center in Hancock, New Hampshire 🧪 The joy of “potion-making” and unstructured outdoor play 💫 Why wonder is a form of wisdom — and why we must protect itSusie’s world is one where fairies meet field guides, where curiosity leads to conservation, and where every child (and adult) is invited to rediscover the wild imagination that still lives within us.📬 Stay curious & get bonus content: 👉 https://naturallyscott.kit.com/5fd12c6752