In this globe-spanning episode, we sit down with legendary birder George Armistead. This man has guided trips on all seven continents and made it his mission to craft wild and meaningful birding adventures. We discuss the roots of his passion, the power of group travel, the behind-the-scenes magic of The Life List podcast, and how birding culture is evolving globally.

Whether you’re a backyard birder or a global chaser, this episode will leave you ready to pack your bins and hit the trail.

Guest Links

• 🐦 Hillstar Nature – Explore guided birding adventures across the globe
• 🎧 The Life List: A Birding Podcast – Smart, funny, and deeply birdy conversations
• 📚 Better Birding & ABA Field Guide to Birds of Pennsylvania – By George Armistead

BIPOC Birding Club

In Color Birding Club

In this episode of the Bird Joy Podcast, hosts Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall sit down with Dr. Miyoko Chu, Senior Director of Communications at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Dr. Chu is a powerhouse at the intersection of science, storytelling, and technology, known for her pioneering work on the Merlin Bird ID app and her beautiful, bird-inspired books.

We explore her journey into ornithology, the global success of Merlin, and the exciting future of bird conservation—powered by data, digital tools, and deeper inclusion. From spark birds to AI innovations, this episode is packed with inspiration for birders of every level.

🔗 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

📲 Download Merlin Bird ID

📖 Songbird Journeys | Birdscapes | America’s Favorite Birds

In Color Birding Club

BIPOC Birding Club

👍 Follow, subscribe, and share the Bird Joy Podcast

🐦 Spread the joy—tag us in your favorite birding moments

📬 Email us your bird questions and shoutouts

In this joyful and thought-provoking episode, Dexter and Jason sit down with Danielle Belleny, a wildlife biologist, birder, storyteller, and co-founder of Black Birders Week. Danielle is known for her ability to blend ecology, joy, and cultural reflection, and she encourages us to see nature in often-overlooked places, particularly cemeteries.

Her celebrated works include *This Is a Book for People Who Love Birds* and *A Junior Birder’s Handbook*, and she is also behind the growing #CemeteryBirdersClub movement. Danielle’s efforts are expanding how people connect with birds, life, and even death.

Episode Resources:

• This Is a Book for People Who Love Birds
• A Junior Birder’s Handbook: A Kid’s Guide to Birdwatching

Connect with Danielle:

Stay connected with Danielle’s latest projects, writing, and birding adventures:

Instagram: @bellzisbirding
#CemeteryBirdersClub

Website: https://dbelleny.carrd.co/

The Bird Joy Podcast is hosted by Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall

Connect with the Pod:

Instagram: Bird Joy Podcast

Birding Club Websites:

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin

In Color Birding Club

In this episode, Dexter and Jason are joined by Nicole Jackson, environmental educator, urban birder, nature photographer, and co-organizer of Black Birders Week. Nicole shares her journey into environmental education, the healing power of nature, and her passion for making outdoor spaces more inclusive. From grassroots work in Ohio to national initiatives like Let’s Go Outside! with Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Nicole’s story is a powerful reminder that nature belongs to everyone.

The conversation explores her community-based projects, creative work on an upcoming documentary, and wraps with a fun rapid-fire round that offers a glimpse into what brings her Bird Joy.

Highlights:

• How Nicole’s love of nature began in Cleveland
• Healing from trauma through nature
• The evolution of Black Birders Week and Black in National Parks Week
• Making environmental education accessible through Let’s Go Outside!
• Her upcoming youth-focused birding documentary
• Favorite birds, memories, and books from the rapid-fire Q&A

Resources & Links:

• Nicole Jackson – Instagram
• Let’s Go Outside! – Cornell Lab of Ornithology
• Black Birders Week – BlackAFinSTEM
• Black in National Parks Week – #BlackInNationalParksWeek
• BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin
• In Color Birding Club

Thank you for listening!
Subscribe, rate, and review the Bird Joy Podcast. Follow us on social media for new episodes and bonus content.

In this special on-the-road episode, Dexter and Jason visit the Soaring Eagles of Chase STEMM Academy in Toledo, Ohio, for an inspiring conversation with 6th and 7th-grade student ambassadors. Just steps from Manhattan Marsh, these young scholars are exploring nature, STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine), and their big dreams. Shout-out to Vonda Hogle for helping bring this recording to life! Another big shoutout to the folks at The Biggest Week in Birding for connecting us with this incredible school.

Episode Highlights

1. Welcome – Dexter & Jason share their journeys in science, birding, and the power of outdoor learning.
2. Birding at the Marsh – Students reflect on nature sightings and the magic of having a marsh next to their school.
3. STEMM Spotlights – Student ambassadors talk favorite subjects, proud projects, and future careers in STEMM fields.
4. Flip the Mic – Students ask the hosts about birding, STEMM careers, and staying curious.
5. Final Takeaways – A call to keep exploring—in the classroom, in nature, and beyond.

Key Themes

• Nature as a living classroom
• Birding as a gateway to science
• Empowering the next generation of STEMM leaders
• Joy, curiosity, and connection in education

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget: keep asking questions, keep exploring, and keep spreading that Bird Joy. Let’s go!

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin

In Color Birding

Resources & Mentions:

• 📚 Black & Brown Faces in America's Wild Places by Dudley Edmondson
• 📖 People the Planet Needs Now
• 🎥 PBS: America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston
• 🖼️ Minnesota Marine Art Museum – Northern Waters

Connect with Dudley Edmondson:

• Website: www.dudleyedmondson.com
• Instagram: @dudleyedmondson

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin: bipocbirdingclub.org
In Color Birding Club: incolorbirding.org

We’re celebrating Black Birders Week with a very special guest: Corina Newsome — wildlife biologist, conservation scientist, and one of the original co-organizers of the first Black Birders Week in 2020. In this inspiring episode, Corina joins Dexter and Jason to talk about her journey from zookeeper to passionate advocate for environmental justice, and how she’s helping reshape who feels welcome in the outdoors.

Corina reflects on the moment she fell in love with wildlife, the movement-building behind Black Birders Week (founded by Black AF in STEM), and how becoming a mother is deepening her connection to nature. This episode is full of heart, humor, and real talk—from favorite birding snacks and awe-filled moments to the ongoing work of creating inclusive spaces in science and nature. It’s a celebration of joy, justice, and unapologetic presence in wild places.

Instagram: @hood_naturalist
LinkedIn: Corina Newsome
Website: www.corinanewsome.com

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin: bipocbirdingclub.org
In Color Birding Club: incolorbirding.org

🎧 Subscribe to Bird Joy wherever you listen to podcasts and follow @thebirdjoypod for more episodes celebrating birds, community, and belonging.

In this episode, Dexter and Jason sit down with Kojo Baidoo — a 23-year-old birder, Princeton graduate, and self-proclaimed vulture enthusiast — to explore how one young conservationist is flipping the script on one of the most misunderstood birds in the skies.

Kojo shares how his birding journey began in Maryland and took flight during his time studying Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Princeton. He opens up about his experiences navigating the birding world as a young Black birder, the mentors who shaped him, and how he’s using social media to educate and inspire. From viral reels to fieldwork with The Nature Conservancy, Kojo’s mission is clear: even the “ugly” birds deserve joy.

The conversation also touches on Kojo’s recent trip to witness the Sandhill Crane migration, his current work as a Hubbard Fellow, and advice for aspiring birders who feel like outsiders in the outdoor space. Kojo’s blend of humor, heart, and scientific insight makes this episode a powerful reminder that birding can be a tool for joy, community, and change.

Instagram: @kojobirder
Learn more about Black Vultures here

Subscribe, rate, and review Bird Joy wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on social @thebirdjoypod for more feathered joy and behind-the-scenes content!

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin

In Color Birding