Wolves and other apex predators play a critical role in their ecosystems,, but they are often feared and vilified by humans. Katie Stacey explores this tension in her book No Paradise with Wolves. The book follows the journey of Katie and her partner as they restore their farm in Northern Spain, while simultaneously learning about and advocating for protection of the local environment, specifically the Iberian wolf. Katie shares insights from years of conservation storytelling and her lived experiences. Her story is an inspiring example of how humans can coexist with other species, even the "big, bag wolf." Resources discussed in this episode:

No Paradise with Wolves book

Wild Finca

Wild Finca Instagram

The Wild Shift

How Wolves Change Rivers

Rebecca Hoskins

Wilding book

Braiding Sweetgrass book

The Wildlife Trusts

RSPB

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.

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When looking to protect land from development, mining and other harmful activities, Conservation Easement Agreements (CEAs) are perhaps one of the most effective methods for permanently protecting private land. Despite their effectiveness, many are not familiar with this method of land protection, so we've brought in Joel Enman from Ontario Farmland Trust to explain how CEAs work. He also discusses why private land conservation is important, and how his and other land trusts are helping landowners maintain ownership of their land while protecting it for future generations. Resources discussed in this episode:

Ontario Farmland Trust

Joel Enman Linkedin

Ontario Land Trust Alliance

Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts

Land Trust Alliance

Farmland Preservation book

A Garden for the Rusty Patched Bumblebee book

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.

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In this bonus episode we're joined by Kara Escajeda from Parrie Haynes Ranch, a park in Central Texas under threat of being closed. Kara discusses the challenges facing the park, and the current state of public land in Texas. She also explains the importance of parks in general for local communities and the environment, and offers tips for how to advocate for green spaces in your area. Resources discussed in this episode:

Save Parrie Haynes Ranch website

Parrie Haynes Ranch Facebook group

Environment Texas website

New state parks in Texas article

Urban Heat Islands article

Engagement with Parks report

EXPLORE Act

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.

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The negative environmental consequences of industrial food production are well known, but how does this system affect the people producing the food? Alex Woodard joins to discuss his book Ordinary Soil, a story that offers insight into the human impacts of "modern" farming methods. The book covers a broad spectrum of social and environmental issues including soil degradation, toxins, the opioid epidemic, chronic disease, and intergenerational trauma. Trigger warning: suicide and addication. Resources discussed in this episode:

Ordinary Soil book

Analog Sun book

Alex Woodard website

Dr. Zach Bush website

Farmer's Footprint website

Chemical Farming & The Loss of Human Health (Dr. Zach Bush) video

Previous Sustainably Geeky episodes about non-industrial farming methods:

Episode 31: Uncharted Terrane with the Local Terrane Podcast

Episode 42: Food for Thought with James Rebanks, Author

Episode 44: The Bare Necessities with Taelor Monroe, Austin Permaculture Guild

Episode 61: Food for the Soul with Clara AgborTabi, Soul Fire Farm

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.

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As the cost of renewable energy continues to fall, it has become an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. Solar energy is especially attractive, as it allows consumers to produce energy onsite. Owen Barrett from Shine joins us to discuss the basics of residential solar, and how his company is helping make solar available to multifamily housing units. He also shares his thoughts on the future of the industry, and why he's optimistic it will continue to grow despite continued opposition from the fossil fuel industry. Resources discussed in this episode:

Shine website

Owen's LinkedIn

Less Talk More Action podcast

Non-Consumer Advocate Facebook Group

Our previous episode about solar energy: Soak Up the Sun

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.

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There are many alternatives to fossil fuels, but how do we pick which one(s) to use? Rinaldo Brutoco, Founding President and CEO of the World Business Academy and H2 Clipper, Inc., joins us to discuss why he believes hydrogen is the best choice. Rinaldo explains how hydrogen works and how it's being used today. He also discusses common misconceptions about hydrogen, and why the transition away from fossil fuels could be much easier than we expect. Resources discussed in this episode:

World Business Academy

World Business Academy Books

H2 Clipper

ARCHES

Hydrogen Insight magazine

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.

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Our planet is home to millions of species, many of which have yet to be discovered. Human activity is threatening an alarming number of these species, resulting in a biodiversity crisis that is drastically impacting human and non-human life. Dr. Debbie Saunders of NatureHelm joins to discuss this crisis and possible solutions. She maintains a hopeful outlook while emphasizing the need for urgent action to protect all life on earth.

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.

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This month we're joined by Trevor and Kyle Ritland, authors of the new book The Golden Toad: An Ecological Mystery and the Search for a Lost Species. The book explores the mysterious disappearance of the golden toad from its home in Costa Rica, and how Trevor and Kyle's lifelong fascination with the species led them to investigate its disappearance. They discuss this experience and how it fits into the global amphibian crisis that has emerged in recent decades. We also grapple with the implications of species extinctions, and the ecological grief that accompanies it. Resources discussed in this episode:

The Golden Toad book

findthegoldentoad.com

The Golden Toad Goodreads

The Golden Toad on Bookshop.org

Trevor's Instagram

Kyle's Instagram

Adventure Term Instagram

Adventure Term Facebook

Adventure Term Twitter

Children's Eternal Rain Forest

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.

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Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz