PODCAST · science
Safe Travels: A Nature Podcast
by Safe Travels Media
Safe Travels explores National Parks and wild places through in-depth conversations with the people who know them best - park rangers, scientists, biologists, geologists, archaeologists, and conservationists.Each episode goes beyond travel tips to uncover the science, history, wildlife, and conservation stories that bring these landscapes to life.Hosted by Joey Liberatore, Safe Travels Pod turns expert insight into engaging, accessible conversations - helping listeners experience public lands with deeper understanding and appreciation.
Episodes
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Green Sea Turtles: One of Conservation's Greatest Success Stories | Inside NOAA's Sea Turtle Research
What does it take to recover a species that was once on the brink of collapse? In this episode of Safe Travels, we travel to San Diego Bay with researchers from NOAA Fisheries' Southwest Fisheries Science Center for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most inspiring wildlife...
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The Big Rivers Project with NPS Program Manager Dusty Perkins
Recorded along the banks of the Green River inside Dinosaur National Monument, Joey sits down with Dusty Perkins to explore the science, beauty, and ecological complexity of the Green and Yampa Rivers. Dusty serves as Program Manager for the National Park Service’s Northern Colorado Plateau...
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Dinosaur National Monument: Geology & Dinosaurs with Paleontologist ReBecca Hunt-Foster
In this episode, I sit down with paleontologist Rebecca Hunt-Foster at Dinosaur National Monument to explore one of the most fascinating fossil landscapes in North America. We discuss the geology that shaped the monument, the incredible dinosaurs that once roamed the region, and what life looked...
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Big Bend National Park: The Border Wall Debate with Bob Krumenaker
Bob Krumenaker, a seasoned conservationist (over 41 years with the NPS) and former superintendent of Big Bend National Park, discusses the ecological, cultural, and political stakes involved with the proposed border wall construction in the remote, environmentally rich area of Big Bend National...
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John Day Fossil Beds National Monument: Fossil Preparation with Paleontologist Jennifer Cavin
In this episode of the Safe Travels Podcast, I sit down with Jennifer Cavin, Fossil Preparator and Lab Manager at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, to explore one of the most overlooked roles in paleontology: fossil preparation. When most people think about paleontology, they picture...
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John Day Fossil Beds National Monument: Geology & Paleontology with Paleontologist Nick Famoso
In this episode of Safe Travels, I’m joined by Dr. Nick Famoso, Paleontology Program Manager at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, for a fascinating deep dive into one of the richest fossil regions in North America. We explore the incredible geology of the John Day Basin, how millions of…
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Petrified Forest National Park: The Art & Science of Museum Curation with Curator Matt Smith
Have you ever wondered how a museum is built inside a national park—or what happens to the fossils once they’re discovered? In this episode of Safe Travels, we go behind the scenes at Petrified Forest National Park with Park Ranger and Museum Curator Matt Smith to explore the art, science, and...
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Petrified Forest National Park: Prairie Dogs & Park Biology with Biologist Dylan Schneider
Prairie Dogs, Bats, and Pronghorn: The Living Landscape of Petrified Forest National Park Prairie dogs make their debut on the Safe Travels Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Park Ranger and Biologist Dylan Schneider to explore the vital role prairie dogs play in shaping the ecosystem of...
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Petrified Forest National Park: Route 66 & Park History with Historian Bill Parker
In this episode of the Safe Travels Podcast, I’m joined by Bill Parker, Chief of Resources and Park Historian at Petrified Forest National Park, for a wide-ranging conversation that explores the historical and logistical forces that have shaped one of America’s most iconic desert landscapes. Bill...
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Petrified Forest National Park: Archeology & Human History with Archeologist Jon Hardes
Petrified Forest National Park is one of the most significant archeological landscapes in the United States, preserving evidence of human history that stretches back over 13,000 years. While the park is often associated with petrified wood and Triassic-era fossils, its cultural resources tell an...
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Petrified Forest National Park: Dinosaurs, Paleontology & Geology with Paleontologist Adam Marsh
In this episode, we explore the world of paleontology at Petrified Forest National Park with Park Ranger Adam Marsh, the park’s Lead Paleontologist. Known worldwide for its colorful petrified wood, Petrified Forest National Park is also one of the most important paleontological sites in the…
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Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Geology, Wildlife & Human History with Park Ranger Jake Denton
In this episode of the Safe Travels Podcast, we visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park in West Texas and sit down with Interpretive Park Ranger Jake Denton to explore the park’s geology, wildlife, and human history. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point…
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Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Geology, Bats and Park Information with Park Ranger Tiffany Rugger
We’re back! This episode takes us to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in beautiful New Mexico, where we sit down with Park Ranger Tiffany Rugger. Tiffany serves as a Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) Ranger, and she joins us for a wide-ranging conversation covering the park’s incredible…
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I quit my job for Safe Travels
I'm in Bend, Oregon, sitting underneath a starry night sky with a warm fire in front of me. It's been a month or so since i've shared an episode with you. So I wanted to let you all know what's been going on. Good news: there will be a lot more episodes to come. Thank you endlessly for supporting...
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Friends of Big Bear Valley: The Story of Jackie & Shadow with Sandy Steers
Sandy Steers is the Executive Director of Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), a non-profit in Big Bear Lake, California, dedicated to protecting and preserving wildlife habitat across the 15-mile Big Bear Valley in the San Bernardino National Forest. At the heart of the valley is an active bald...
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NASA JPL: Utilizing National Parks for Space Exploration with Dr. Morgan Cable
Dr. Morgan Cable is a research scientist at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. Her mission is to help answer one of humanity’s biggest questions: are we alone in the universe? In this episode, we explore how NASA uses national parks as analog sites to study the…
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Rocky Mountain National Park: Large Mammal Ecology with Park Ranger Will Deacy
Will Deacy is the Large Mammal Ecologist at Rocky Mountain National Park, where he plays a key role in managing some of the park’s most iconic wildlife. With a background that includes grizzly bear research on Kodiak Island in Alaska, Will brings a wealth of experience to his work with Rocky’s...
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Rocky Mountain National Park: Climbing, Wilderness & SAR with Park Ranger Mike Lukens
In this episode, we sit down with Mike Lukens, who has dedicated over 15 years to Rocky Mountain National Park and currently serves as the Climbing and Wilderness Program Supervisor. Mike oversees critical aspects of the park's operations, including Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts, ensuring…
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Rocky Mountain National Park: Park History & General Information with Park Ranger Kyle Patterson
Kyle Patterson is the Public Affairs Officer at Rocky Mountain National Park. For the past 23 years, she’s served as a Park Ranger, dedicating her career to community engagement and media relations. In this episode, Kyle and I dive into what makes Rocky Mountain one of America’s most iconic...
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Mesa Verde National Park: Archeology & Human History with Archeologists Carole Graham & Laura Brumbaugh
In this episode, I’m joined by Carole Graham and Laura Brumbaugh, two archaeologists from Mesa Verde National Park. We explore their roles within the park, what makes the Mesa Verde region such a culturally rich and significant place, and the deep, continuous human history that has unfolded here...
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Mesa Verde National Park: Ancestral History & Significance with Indigenous Ranger Satchel Martin
Satchel Martin is an Indigenous Ranger Intern at Mesa Verde National Park. Satchel is a part of the Hopi Tribe of Arizona and shares with us his special and personal perspective of the ancestral history and significance of Mesa Verde. I am so thankful for this conversation with Satchel. His...
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Mesa Verde National Park: Park History & General Information with Park Ranger Dalton Dorrell
Dalton Dorrell is a Supervisory Park Ranger that focuses on Education, Community Outreach, and Interpretation at Mesa Verde National Park. In our conversation together, Ranger Dalton and I chatted through Mesa Verde's incredible history, tips and tricks for visitors, important safety rules and a...
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Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Natural & Cultural Resources with Park Ranger Brinnen Carter
Brinnen Carter is the Chief of Resources at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. In this episode, Ranger Brinnen and I chat all about the incredible natural and cultural resources of the Black Canyon. From traditional hunting grounds for ancient tribes to learning all about the individuals...
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Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Geology, Wildlife & Park Information with Park Ranger Lori Rome
Lori Rome is the Chief of Interpretation at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. She's had an incredible career with the National Park Service, working at some of the premier parks in the United States. In this episode, Lori and I chat all about the Black Canyon - from Geology to wildlife...
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Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve: Archeology & Human History with Park Ranger Ree Rodgers
Ree Rodgers is the first and only archeologist at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. She is deeply passionate about her work and the human stories that make up our history. In this episode, Ree and I chat all about archeology, it's purpose, and the human stories that tell the story of the...
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Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve: Natural & Cultural Resources with Park Ranger Fred Bunch
Fred Bunch is the Chief of Resources at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Fred is a native of Alamosa, Colorado, and has been working at Great Sand Dunes for nearly 40 years. Fred has a very important role in the park, tasked with protecting and preserving the park's natural and cultural...
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Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve: Park Information with Park Ranger Sierra Willoughby
Sierra Willoughby is the Chief of Interpretation at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Sierra has served at 11 different National Park Service sites and is the definition of a park steward. In this podcast, Sierra and I discuss Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, from park rules to...
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Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve: Fish Restoration & Wildlife with Park Ranger Dewane Mosher
Dewane Mosher is a Park Ranger and Wildlife Biologist at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Dewane has had an interesting, and special, journey to the park service after spending two decades in the Army as a mechanic. In this episode, Dewane and I chatted about the incredible fish...
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Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve: Geology & Hydrology with Park Ranger Andrew Valdez
Andrew Valdez is a Physical Scientist and is the first, and only, geologist at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. He is a native of Alamosa, Colorado - which is the gateway city to the Great Sand Dunes. Valdez was hired full-time with the NPS in 1994 and his work as a geologist helped...
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Preparing for the Pacific Crest Trail with Ultrarunner Mak Regan
Mak Regan is an ultrarunner based out of Colorado. Mak has an amazing running resume, including competing in multiple 100-mile races. In addition to running, Mak is a chemical engineer and has a passion for thru-hiking and the great outdoors. Soon, she will be taking off to thru-hike the Pacific...
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Glacier National Park: Bears & Carnivores with Wildlife Biologist John Waller
John Waller is a Park Ranger and Wildlife Biologist at Glacier National Park. He has spent over 20-years at the park and has accomplished many incredible feats during his tenure with the National Park Service. In this conversation, John and I go in-depth on grizzly bears and the carnivores that...
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Glacier National Park: Geology, Park History & General Info with Park Ranger Diane Sine
Park Ranger Diane Sine is a fixture at Glacier National Park. She's been recreating and working at the park for 45 summers and is currently the Lead Interpreter at Many Glacier. In this podcast, Diane and I chatted about her journey with the National Park Service, the geology of Glacier National...
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Captain, Champion & Conservationist with Hockey Hall of Famer Scott Niedermayer
Scott Niedermayer is a four-time NHL Stanley Cup Champion, two-time Olympic Hockey Gold Medalist as the captain for team Canada and is a Hockey Hall of Famer. Scott is widely considered to be one of the best defensemen in NHL history and the greatest winner of his generation. In addition to his...
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Protect our Parks with Former Park Ranger Kenan Chan
Kenan Chan is one of the 1,000 NPS Park Rangers that were recently wrongfully terminated. Kenan was a Biological Science Technician at Channel Islands National Park that focused on long term monitoring of kelp forests and intertidal ecosystems. Kenan's work with the NPS was incredibly impactful…
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Death Valley Dark Sky Festival: Galaxy Evolution with Dr. Cameron Hummels
Dr. Cameron Hummels is an astrophysicist and research scientist at Caltech focused on the formation and evolution of galaxies. Cameron and I recorded this episode at Death Valley National Park during their Dark Sky Festival. In this podcast, Dr. Hummels discussed the formation and evolution of...
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Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation: Cultural Significance of the Redwood Tree with Chairperson Jeri Lynn Thompson
We're back among the redwoods! This time, we're at the mouth of the Smith River at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in Northern California. We were very lucky to be joined by the Chairperson of Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, Jeri Lynn Thompson. Jeri and I chatted about Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation and their...
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Saguaro National Park: Geology, Biology & Ecology of the Saguaro Cactus with Biologist Lucas Hetherington
We've arrived at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona! In episode one from Saguaro, we're joined by Lucas Hetherington who is a biologist at the park. In our conversation, Lucas and I chatted about the geology of the Rincon and Tucson mountains, the biology of the Saguaro Cactus and the many...
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Redwood National & State Parks: A Comeback Story with Superintendent Steve Mietz
There's an incredible story unfolding at Redwood National & State Parks. Redwood National Park Superintendent, Steve Mietz, joined the podcast to discuss the amazing restoration efforts that are happening with the redwood forests in Northern California. The parks are focused on restoration as...
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Redwood National & State Parks: Biology and Ecology of the Redwood Tree with Forest Ecologist Lathrop Leonard
In our second episode from Redwood National & State Parks we sat down with the Burn Boss and Forest Ecologist, Lathrop Leonard. Lathrop has been studying and restoring the redwood forest for nearly 20 years, his passion and love for these trees shone through in this episode as we chatted about…
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Redwood National & State Parks: Redwoods, Wildlife & Park Info with Patrick Taylor & Karla Jovel
We've arrived at beautiful Redwood National & State Parks in Northern California! In episode one from the redwoods, we are joined by Redwood National Park Ranger Patrick Taylor and California State Parks Interpretive Ranger Karla Jovel. In this episode, we explore a high-level overview of the...
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Capitol Reef National Park: Historic Orchards with Park Ranger and Horticulturist Fritz Maslan
We're back with another episode from Capitol Reef National Park in Utah! This time, our focus is on the historic orchards that are in the Fruita District at the park. Park Ranger and Horticulturist Fritz Maslan joined us to talk about how he maintains the orchards, the history of the area, how...
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Capitol Reef National Park: Geology, Human History & Wildlife with Park Ranger Shauna Cotrell
We're at beautiful Capitol Reef National Park in south-central Utah! Visitor Services Program Manager and Park Ranger Shauna Cotrell joined the podcast to chat about geology, human history and wildlife at Capitol Reef. Near the end of the podcast, we also quiz Shauna with some national park…
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Zion National Park: Botany, Endemic and Invasive Plants with Darrin Gobble
Darrin Gobble is a Park Ranger and Vegetation Program Manager at Zion National Park. He is the 'voice' for the plants when the park makes critical decisions that could impact the vegetation in the national park. In this episode, we chat about botany, the special endemic plants that live at Zion…
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Zion National Park: Geology, Wildlife & Astronomy with Park Ranger Charlie Reed
I had a blast getting to chat with Park Ranger Charlie Reed! Zion National Park is one of my favorite places on earth, it's always a joy getting to explore and chat about this gem in southwestern Utah. In this episode we chat about the parks geology, specifically the sandstone cliffs and the…
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Canyonlands & Arches National Parks: Physical Science & Park Health with Physical Scientist Armin Howell
In our final episode from Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, we are joined by Physical Scientist and Park Ranger Armin Howell. Armin joined the NPS in 2024 and is primarily focused on research around water flow, water quality and air quality within the four parks associated with the Southeast...
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Arches National Park: Geology & Environmental Factors with Park Ranger Karen Henker
Arches and Canyonlands park ranger, Karen Henker, joined the podcast to chat about the geology and formation of Arches and different environmental factors that are at play at Arches National Park. Karen has been a park ranger for nearly 20 years and has spent most of her time in Utah at…
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Canyonlands & Arches National Parks: Search & Rescue with SAR Coordinator Brian Hays
Search and Rescue (SAR) Coordinator and Park Ranger Brian Hays joined us to chat about the search and rescue team at Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Brian shares the day-to-day experience working on the SAR team, different types of rescue missions and includes some potentially life saving...
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Canyonlands National Park: Geology, Human History & Wildlife with Park Ranger Karen Henker
Canyonlands and Arches park ranger, Karen Henker, joined the podcast to chat about Canyonlands geology, human history and wildlife. Karen has been a park ranger for nearly 20 years and has spent most of her time in Utah at Canyonlands and Arches. Her knowledge and passion for these parks is...
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Olympic National Park: Human History, Cultural Resources & Archeology with Archeologist & Curator Matt Dubeau
Matt Dubeau is an archeologist and curator at Olympic National Park. He joined the podcast to discuss how humans have used the olympic peninsula for thousands of years. Matt also shared insight on archeological digs, how the parks preserve artifacts and how visitors can minimize their impact on...
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Olympic National Park: Climate Ecology & Physical Science with Climate Ecologist Bill Baccus
Bill Baccus is a climate ecologist at Olympic National Park, his role is described as 'a doctor checking the vitals of the park'. In this episode we explore the health of Olympic National Park, climate change and the role that physical scientist play in each of these national parks. Bill is an...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Safe Travels explores National Parks and wild places through in-depth conversations with the people who know them best - park rangers, scientists, biologists, geologists, archaeologists, and conservationists.Each episode goes beyond travel tips to uncover the science, history, wildlife, and conservation stories that bring these landscapes to life.Hosted by Joey Liberatore, Safe Travels Pod turns expert insight into engaging, accessible conversations - helping listeners experience public lands with deeper understanding and appreciation.
HOSTED BY
Safe Travels Media
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Safe Travels: A Nature Podcast have?
Safe Travels: A Nature Podcast currently has 59 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Safe Travels: A Nature Podcast about?
Safe Travels explores National Parks and wild places through in-depth conversations with the people who know them best - park rangers, scientists, biologists, geologists, archaeologists, and conservationists.Each episode goes beyond travel tips to uncover the science, history, wildlife, and...
How often does Safe Travels: A Nature Podcast release new episodes?
Safe Travels: A Nature Podcast has 59 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Safe Travels: A Nature Podcast?
You can listen to Safe Travels: A Nature Podcast 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 Safe Travels: A Nature Podcast?
Safe Travels: A Nature Podcast is created and hosted by Safe Travels Media.
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