PODCAST · society
Our Public Lands
by Adam Bronstein
A podcast about our beloved and treasured public lands where I interview subject matter experts and activists from across the country who are working to protect and advocate for our public lands and their wildlife, wilderness, and cultural values. ourpubliclandspodcast.substack.com
Episodes
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#88 - “Vote No on Colorado Prop 137” & the Greenwashed Push for Expanding Public Lands Logging w/ Josh Schlossberg
In this episode, I interview Josh Schlossberg, representing Protect Colorado’s Land, Communities and Tax Dollars in opposition to Colorado Prop 137. Josh argues Colorado has become a proving ground for “wildfire pretense logging,” enabled by fear-based messaging, supportive media coverage, and...
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#87 - On Hunting & Conservation w/ Ryan “Cal” Callaghan
In this episode, I interview Ryan Callaghan, former hunting and fly-fishing guide who worked in PR & media at First Lite, led conservation efforts across MeatEater brands, and is now six months in as president and CEO of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA), a 501(c)(3) advocating for public...
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My Trip to a Roadless Forest
Roadless Areas contain some of my favorite places on our National Forest lands. Some of your favorites spots are probably in Roadless Areas as well. Unlike wilderness areas, there are no wooden signs you pass or lines crossed on the map. These invisible boundaries are often traversed without us...
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#86 - The Livestock-Cheatgrass Nexus w/ Erik Molvar
In this episode, I interview Erik Molvar, executive director of Western Watersheds Project to talk about cheatgrass, an annual invasive grass taking over large areas of the America West. Cheatgrass is an invasive Eurasian annual that arrived in contaminated crop seed and spread through the West…
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#85 - Reflecting on Thirty Years Defending Wilderness w/ George Nickas
In this episode, I interview George Nickas, the outgoing executive director of Wilderness Watch. George discusses ending his 30-year tenure at Wilderness Watch as the group transitions to new executive leadership under Dana Johnson. George recounts Wilderness Watch’s origins in 1989 in response…
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#84 - Reimagining Wildland Firefighing w/ Tim Ingalsbee
In this episode, I interview Tim Ingalsbee, co-founder and executive director of Firefighters United for Safety, Ethics, and Ecology (FUSEE). Tim and I discuss his critiques of the new U.S. Wildland Fire Service, arguing consolidation is framed as efficiency but functions as defunding, job...
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#83 - Introducing the Wildlife Corridors Act w/ Christian Hunt & Kelly Cox
In this episode, I speak with Defenders of Wildlife’s Kelly Cox and Christian Hunt about the Wildlife Corridors Act and why it’s needed to counter habitat fragmentation and improve wildlife movement across landscapes that don’t match jurisdictional boundaries. They explain the bill’s goal of...
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#82 - What Grizzlies & Wilderness Can Teach Us w/ Dave Stalling
I this episode, I interview Dave Stalling, writer and wildlife advocate based in Missoula, Montana. Dave recounts his time serving in Marine Corps Force Recon, struggling for years with self-acceptance, and finding his footing by spending long periods alone in remote Montana wildlands, influenced...
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#81 - Western Colorado Public Lands and Politics w/ Alex Kelloff
In this episode, I interview Alex Kelloff, a first-time candidate running in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District. Alex launched his campaign after Donald Trump’s 2024 reelection, citing concerns about January 6, public-lands selloffs and leasing for oil and gas, federal land-agency staffing…
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#80 - Fungi, Forests, and the Tiger Mill Logging Project in Walla Walla’s Municipal Watershed
In this episode, I interview Paul Lynn, a Walla Walla, Washington-based mycology educator, business owner and public-lands advocate, about fungal ecology, mycelium networks, and how logging disrupts soils’ “sponge” function that stores and releases water. Paul links fungi to forest hydrology,...
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#79 - Smokejumper to Montana Congressman? w/ Sam Forstag
In this episode, I interview Sam Forstag, a former Missoula-based Forest Service smokejumper and union local vice president now running for Congress in Montana’s 1st District, motivated by DOGE-related cuts that fired many of his co-workers and by frustration with Rep. Ryan Zinke’s lack of...
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#78 - Evicting Bison from the Public Lands w/ Alison Fox
In this episode, I interview Alison Fox, executive director of American Prairie, about the organization’s 25-year effort to build a 3.2-million-acre grassland reserve anchored by the 1.1-million-acre Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. Ali describes on-the-ground restoration including a...
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#77 - Land Less Film: Old Growth Clearcutting in the Tongass w/ Joshua Wright & Wanda Culp
Do you value this program? I am a one-man operation and could use your support! Thank you In this episode, I am joined by Wanda Culp and Joshua Wright to discuss their new film, Land Less, and the “Landless Bill” (S.2554 / H.R.41), that would transfer 115,000 acres of Southeast Alaska public…
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#76 - Clearwater Country, Wilderness Values, and Forest Service Restructuring w/ Gary Macfarlane
In this episode, I speak with long-time wilderness advocate Gary MacFarlane. Gary discusses moving from Idaho to France, still active with Wilderness Watch and Friends of the Clearwater, he explains his long connection to the Northern Rockies and why the Clearwater Basin is so special to him…
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#75 - Our Next Public Lands Champion in Congress? w/ Ryan Busse
In this episode, I speak with Ryan Busse, Democratic congressional candidate running in MT-01. He is currently projected to win the upcoming primary election in early June. On public lands issues in Congress, Ryan argues calls and letters aren’t enough without electoral change, citing the example...
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#74 - What's Next for the Boundary Waters? w/ Ingrid Lyons
Please consider “upgrading” your subscription to support my work U.S. Senate passed H.J. Res. 140 (50–49) to overturn a 20-year mineral withdrawal protecting 225,504 acres in the Boundary Waters’ Rainy River headwaters, sending the resolution to President Trump. Ingrid explains the…
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#73 - A Woman Among Wolves w/ Diane Boyd
In this episode, I interview Diane Boyd, wolf biologist and author. Diane describes learning wolf trapping and collaring during her early years in Minnesota, then moving to Montana in 1979 during early natural wolf recolonization before the 1995–96 Yellowstone/Idaho introductions. She explains…
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#72 - Halting the Big Bend Border Wall w/ Bob Krumenaker
In this episode, I interview Bob Krumenaker, retired Big Bend National Park superintendent, about the recently proposed Big Bend border wall and its implications. Bob describes Big Bend’s desert, Chisos Mountains, and the Rio Grande riparian corridor, emphasizing biodiversity, cross-border…
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#71 - The Life, Legacy and Cancellation of John Muir w/ Harold Wood
In this episode, I interview Harold Wood, writer and historian, who specializes in the life and work of John Muir, one of the nation’s most influential and now, controversial, wilderness advocates. Harold discusses his lifelong interest in Muir and explains why his blend of scientific observation...
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#70 - Fighting to Keep Wilderness Untrammeled w/ Kevin Proescholdt
In this episode, I welcome back Kevin Proescholdt of Wilderness Watch to discuss wilderness policy debates, focusing on large prescribed-burning proposals like the Forest Service plan to burn all 289,000 acres of Illinois’s Shawnee National Forest, including about 40,000 acres of designated...
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#69 - Defending Alaska’s Brooks Range w/ John Gaedeke
In this episode, I interview John Gaedeke, who was raised around a remote wilderness lodge near Inuk Lake in the Brooks Range, Alaska, and now helps lead Defend the Brooks Range. Our conversation centers on threats from proposed infrastructure and expanded mineral development, including the…
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#68 - Resisting the Whitewashing of National Park History w/ Gerry James
In this episode, I interview Gerry James, deputy director of the Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All Campaign. Gerry describes his upbringing as a military brat that fostered a love of the outdoors and environmental protection, and discusses challenges he has faced as a Black man recreating outdoors.…
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#67 - The Great Big Giant Sequoia Scam Film Discussion + Live Q&A w/ Dr. Chad Hanson
A live conversation with Dr. Chad Hanson about the deceptively named "Save Our Sequoias Act," wildfire, our new film, and public lands logging Get full access to Our Public Lands Podcast at ourpubliclandspodcast.substack.com/subscribe
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#66 - Wilderness and the American Mind w/ Roderick Frazier Nash
In this episode, I interview Roderick Frazier Nash, author of Wilderness and the American Mind, retired UC Santa Barbara professor and founder of its interdisciplinary Environmental Studies program, who discusses his background as a historian, longtime Grand Canyon commercial river guide, and...
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#65 - The Water Remembers: The Story Behind Historic Dam Removal on the Klamath River w/ Amy Cordalis
In this episode, I interview Amy Cordalis, Yurok Tribal member, attorney and environmental activist about the historic decommissioning and removal of the four lower Klamath dams — the largest U.S. dam removal project in history. Amy shares the Yurok creation story about living in balance with a...
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#64 - Exposing the Alaska Native Landless Equity Act w/ Wanda Culp
In this episode of the podcast, I speak with Wanda Culp, a Tlingit elder living in the Tongass Rainforest in Southeast Alaska, about how clearcut logging and other extraction have impacted Southeast Alaska communities and subsistence resources. She argues the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act,...
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#63 - Livestock Industry Meddling in Sage Grouse Science
In this episode, I interview Boone Kauffman, retired professor from Oregon State University and lead scientist of Illahee Sciences International, and Erik Molvar, Executive Director of the Western Watersheds Project to discuss the decline of the greater sage grouse and their habitat. Boone and…
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#62 - The Gray Wolf: Myths, Misconceptions & Culture w/ Amaroq Weiss & Samantha Miller
In this episode, I speak with Amaroq Weiss, Senior Wolf Advocate, and Samantha Miller, Senior Carnivore Campaigner, with the Center for Biological Diversity, where we explore the ongoing challenges of wolf recovery and conservation across the United States, while dispelling myths along the way.…
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#61 - Save the Boundary Waters w/ Ingrid Lyons
Right now, the Boundary Waters is facing one of its most serious conservation threats in decades as efforts are underway to reverse a longstanding federal mining ban and open up lands in the Superior National Forest to copper-nickel sulfide mining. In January 2026, the U.S. House of…
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#60 - The Overlooked Ecological Costs of Pinyon-Juniper “Restoration” Treatments w/ Allison Jones
In this episode, I interview Allison Jones, a seasoned conservation biologist with extensive experience in arid ecosystems—specifically the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin. We discuss a range of topics including juniper treatments, sage-grouse, pygmy rabbits, and the unique ecology of the Great...
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#59 - Bernard and Avis DeVoto: The Forgotten Fight to Save the Wild w/ Nate Schweber
In this episode of the podcast, I speak with author Nate Schweber about the life and activism of Bernard and Avis DeVoto. Nate is the author of ‘This America of Ours.’ He shares insights into DeVoto’s work as a journalist, historian, and public lands advocate. Our conversation delves into…
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#58 - The Marbled Murrelet: An Old-Growth Forest Obligate Sea Bird
In this episode, I share a presentation by avian ecologist Lindsay Adrian of the American Bird Conservancy from the 2025 Bird Alliance of Oregon Marbled Murrelet Survey event. Lindsay discusses the unique biology and conservation challenges of the marbled murrelet, a federally listed seabird that...
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#57 - Wilderness, Inc: How Corporate & Libertarian Values Came to Dominate Public Lands Recreation w/ Scott Silver
In this episode, I interview Scott Silver, about the transformation of outdoor recreation and its impact on wilderness preservation and “little w” wilderness values. The discussion explores the formation and mission of Wild Wilderness, an organization committed to protecting undeveloped…
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#56 - Billionaire Ranchers, Political Interference, and Public Lands: An Investigative Series w/ Jimmy Tobias & Mark Olalde
In this episode, I interview Jimmy Tobias and Mark Olalde about their investigative series on public lands grazing featured in High Country News and ProPublica. They discuss their research methods, findings on political influence, economic implications, subsidies, and environmental impacts of...
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#55 - The Biggest Logging Project in Colorado History w/ Josh Schlossberg
In this episode, I speak with Josh Schlossberg of the Eco Integrity Alliance about what he calls the largest logging project in Colorado’s history—roughly half a million acres of planned industrial logging. The proposal is divided into four contiguous projects along the Front Range, with the...
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#54 - Early Adirondack History w/ Thomas Welch
In this episode, I speak with Thomas Welch, retired pediatrician, Adirondack guide and amateur historian about early Adirondack history. Thomas discusses key historical events like the 1837 ascent of Mount Marcy led by meteorologist William Redfield and notable figures such as Verplanck Colvin…
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#53 - The Gallatin Forest Partnership Debacle w/ George Wuerthner
In this episode of the podcast, I interview George Wuerthner, ecologist, author and president of the Gallatin Yellowstone Wilderness Alliance. An organization dedicated to restoring and protecting the Northern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem with a particular focus on the Gallatin Range north of...
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#52 - From Pinedale to Bozeman: A Life in the Mountain West w/ Kyle Lavin
In this episode, I speak with Kyle Lavin, a conservationist and wilderness and wildlife advocate from Bozeman, Montana. We talk about Kyle’s experiences growing up in Pinedale Wyoming and his strong ties to the wilderness areas of Montana and Wyoming. We discuss the significant changes in…
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#51 - Trouble Brewing in Our National Parks w/ Gloria Liu
In this episode, I speak with journalist Gloria Liu about her recent article on National Parks in RE:PUBLIC and Outside Magazine, her career trajectory, and the significance of long-form journalism. We delve into the condition of national parks, the impact of staffing shortages, and the Trump...
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#50 - The "Fix" Our Forests Act Scam w/ Jennifer Mamola & Josh Osher
In this episode, I speak with Jennifer Mamola of the John Muir Project and Josh Osher of Western Watersheds Project about the Fix Our Forests Act (FOFA), its implications, and the actions needed to prevent its passage. Our conversation delves deeply into various aspects of the bill, including its...
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#49 - Corner Crossing Legal Victory: A Game Changer for Public Land Access w/ Ryan Semerad
In this episode, I speak with Ryan Semerad—attorney with Fuller & Semerad Law Firm—who represented the four hunters who were charged with trespass after corner crossing over a private ranch onto public lands in Wyoming. The Supreme Court issued an order on Monday declining to hear the case,...
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#48 - A Montana Conservation Legend w/ Joe Gutkoski & Pat Simmons
In this episode, I interview Joe Gutkoski, a conservation legend and hero to many in Southwest Montana. Joe passed away in 2021. In the introduction, I am joined by former friend and colleague Pat Simmons who shares personal stories and background about Joe. Joe was born and raised in northeast...
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#47 - Public Land Warriors w/ Ryan Busse
In this episode, I interview Ryan Busse, 2024 Democratic candidate for Montana Governor and former executive with Kimber Firearms. We discuss crucial issues surrounding public lands, conservation, and hunting advocacy. Ryan highlights his concern for the declining state of democracy and its…
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#46 - RE:PUBLIC: A New Voice in Public Lands Journalism w/ Christopher Keyes
In this episode, I interview Christopher Keyes, former editor-in-chief of Outside Magazine about his new venture RE:PUBLIC, a journalism outlet dedicated to covering public lands issues. We discuss his journalism career and 15 years working at Outside Magazine. Our conversation covers the...
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#45 - The Enduring Wild: A Journey Through California BLM Lands w/ Josh Jackson
In this episode, I interview Josh Jackson, author and public lands advocate. Our discussion centers around Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands and the imperative of connecting people to these vast stretches of public lands. We discuss Josh’s new book, The Enduring Wild, which focuses on...
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#44 - Unmasking Active Forest Management w/ Josh Schlossberg
In this episode, I interview Josh Schlossberg, a forest advocate, coordinator of the Eco-Integrity Alliance, and eco-horror writer. Josh discusses the complexities of forest management and the profound challenges that come with advocating for public lands. We critically examine the role of...
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#43 - Protecting Whistleblowers and Public Employees w/ Tim Whitehouse
In this episode, I interview Tim Whitehouse, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). Tim discusses PEER's unique mission in representing public employees, particularly whistleblowers. Our conversation touches on the challenges faced by public employees, the...
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#42 - Love Battles for the Wild w/ Brock Evans
In this episode, I sit down with Brock Evans, a legend in the conservation movement. Brock is now 88 years old and lives in La Grande, Oregon with his wife Linda. He discusses his decades-long journey of conservation efforts ranging from protecting the North Cascades National Park, to the Hells...
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#41 - Protecting America's Roadless Forests w/ Len Montgomery
In this episode, I interview Len Montgomery — the Great Outdoors Campaign Director for Environment America, about her background in environmental activism and her work to protect public lands and forests. Len shares insights from her early days collecting public comments for the Roadless Rule and...
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#40 - Reversing the Most Unprecedented Assault on Public Lands in Modern History w/ Jim Pattiz
In this episode, I interview Jim Pattiz of More Than Just Parks, to talk about the unprecedented damages to public lands that we can soon expect from the recent enactment of the Big Beautiful Bill. First, we discuss his latest film about the Ocmulgee Mounds, an ancient indigenous gathering site…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A podcast about our beloved and treasured public lands where I interview subject matter experts and activists from across the country who are working to protect and advocate for our public lands and their wildlife, wilderness, and cultural values.
ourpubliclandspodcast.substack.com
HOSTED BY
Adam Bronstein
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Our Public Lands have?
Our Public Lands currently has 89 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Our Public Lands about?
A podcast about our beloved and treasured public lands where I interview subject matter experts and activists from across the country who are working to protect and advocate for our public lands and their wildlife, wilderness, and cultural values. ourpubliclandspodcast.substack.com
How often does Our Public Lands release new episodes?
Our Public Lands has 89 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Our Public Lands?
You can listen to Our Public Lands on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Our Public Lands?
Our Public Lands is created and hosted by Adam Bronstein.
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