Jumpstart Nature

Jumpstart Nature
  • 5.0 (82)
  • NATURE

Prepare to challenge assumptions and uncover the hidden wonders of nature and climate. Through expert insights, compelling stories, and engaging commentary, Jumpstart Nature takes you on a journey with your host, Griff Griffith, to explore the surprising truths behind the headlines and rethink what you thought you knew about our planet. With immersive storytelling and thought-provoking discussions, this podcast will leave you inspired to see the world differently—and motivated to make a difference.

  1. 10/23/2025

    #11 - Critical Mast: The Hidden Cycle of Oak Abundance

    Have you ever noticed that oak trees sometimes have bumper crops of acorns, and sometimes hardly produce a thing? What causes this? And why? Join host Griff Griffith and producer Michael Hawk on an exploration of acorn masting (bumper crops), with a special deep dive into one species that profoundly benefits - the charismatic Acorn Woodpecker.  Along with our special guests, Dr. Walter Koenig (both a masting and Acorn Woodpecker researcher), and Dr. Doug Tallamy (author of The Nature of Oaks), we guide you through the interesting tale of acorn masting, and oaks in general. This episode is part of a playful exercise in community podcasting, with 6 different shows each producing their own stories about or inspired by the mystery of masting, and releasing them at (approximately) the same time.  For other masting stories, check out: Future EcologiesGolden State NaturalistLearning from Nature: The Biomimicry PodcastNature's ArchiveOutside/InWe’ll populate this Spotify playlist with all our stories as they come out! Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation. Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore more and show your support at jumpstartnature.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, BlueSky and YouTube.  FULL SHOW NOTES Links to Topics Discussed and Supporting Resources  Calscape - find hyper-local native plants in California  NWF Native Plant Finder Homegrown National Park and their Map The Nature of Oaks Send us a text Support the show

    22 min

  2. 07/16/2025

    Angry Activist, Rural Landowner: Finding Common Ground for Nature

    Have you ever found it tough to talk about big issues, especially when people already have strong ideas? In the world of nature and climate, we often see communication that feels more like telling people what to do, or how to think. It's easy for us all to dig in our heels, even if we're wrong, and shut down new ideas. Today, we're exploring a different path. -- Griff: I was very radical and  had really bad ecological depression because was from the Bay Area and watched all my favorite places get destroyed. So I was, you know, really felt like the only thing left to do was to fight. And that's where I was at at 18, 19, 20. Pretty much all the way until 23, I was in a very radical mind state. Mostly angry and depressed. -- That's Griff Griffith, someone many of you know as a passionate environmental communicator and a key collaborator with Jumpstart Nature. Like many, Griff once felt that fighting and lecturing were the only ways to defend the places he loved. But a surprising encounter on a work site with a farmer named Pops changed everything. Griff realized that truly saving biodiversity needed a different approach. Today, Griff shares his remarkable personal transformation, revealing the power of nuance in communication and how embracing a different approach can yield incredible results for nature. It's a candid and thought-provoking conversation we can all learn from. We also dive into how even dandelions can have a surprising place in conservation—another vivid example of how our perspectives can evolve. Because this conversation embodies the spirit of both our shows, I'm excited to release it on both the Nature's Archive and Jumpstart Nature feeds! If you're listening on Nature's Archive, know that Jumpstart Nature usually takes you on an immersive journey into thought-provoking topics that help you save biodiversity.  And if you're on the Jumpstart Nature feed, Nature's Archive brings you deep-dive interviews with top minds in ecology, biodiversity, and nature more broadly. Get ready, because this summer we're gearing up for many new episodes across both feeds! Our new team of volunteers is hard at work, and we already have several amazing interviews recorded that I can't wait to share with you.  For now, let’s lean in for Griff's truly inspirational story of personal transformation. FULL SHOW NOTES Links Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Bringing Nature Home – by Doug Tallamy Homegrown National Park Nature’s Best Hope – by Doug Tallamy, Dr. Tallamy’s 2020 release Send us a text Support the show

    49 min

  3. 02/03/2025

    #10 - Can We Save Cats and Wildlife? The Outdoor Cat Dilemma.

    Cats are independent, lovable, and endlessly entertaining—but with nearly 100 million outdoor cats in the USA alone, they become one of the most devastating forces against wildlife, killing billions of animals each year. At the same time, outdoor cats face harsh, short lives filled with disease, injury, and danger. So how do we balance our love for cats with our responsibility to protect biodiversity? Join host Griff Griffith as we explore the complex reality of outdoor cats with veterinarian Dr. Mike Armer, TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release) advocate Allison Fluty, and biologist Sophie Osborn. They’ll tackle tough questions, debunk myths, and reveal how cat lovers and wildlife advocates can find common ground. Whether you adore cats, cherish wildlife, or both, this episode will challenge your perspective—and offer real solutions. FULL SHOW NOTES with extra resources, including impacts of outdoor cats, ways to enrich your indoor cat's life, and studies on TNR efficacy. Also check out our full interview with Sophie Osborn to hear more about her efforts to reintroduce endangered birds, and how cats are hindering efforts. Additional Credits Filmmusic.io Compositions - License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Cinematic Suspense Series Episode 009 by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/8224-cinematic-suspense-series-episode-009 Imagefilm 018 by Sascha Ende https://filmmusic.io/en/song/315-imagefilm-018  Lockdown by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/7658-lockdown Miles Ewell Compositions: Principal Dean - Clic [C670 Records] Principal Dean - ANX Send us a text Support the show

    34 min

  4. 01/13/2025

    #9: Invaders in Your Yard: The Hidden Dangers of Invasive Species

    There’s an invasion happening right under our noses—one that’s likely reached your own backyard. You may have even unknowingly played a part in it. This is the spread of invasive plants, animals, and fungi. Once removed from their native habitats, these species reproduce rapidly, disrupting ecosystems, threatening biodiversity, and even endangering our food, health, and recreation. Invasive species are wreaking havoc in every corner of the world, often with our unwitting help. But with knowledge, care, and action, we can turn the tide. Griff Griffith guides you on a journey explaining how invasive species pose a threat, how they got here, and what you can do. Griff is joined by Dr. Sara Kuebbing (from the Yale School of the Environment), Emelie Swackhamer (Penn State University Extension), and Carl Klarner (Redwood Invasive Plant Eradicators).  Thanks to Associate Producer Kat Hill and Sound Designer Miles Ewell for their assistance in production of this episode. FULL SHOW NOTES LINKS and Additional Information for Topics Discussed Foreign Seed Scam - did you know there is a scam where people send foreign seeds? Sounds crazy, but it happens. Learn what to do here. How to Build a Spotted Lanternfly Circle Trap iNaturalist - you can use iNaturalist to identify plants, fungi, insects, and more, with the help of machine learning and a dedicated community of experts. iNaturalist also flags many invasive species, so take a backyard safari and see what you can find and remove from your yard! RIPE - Redwood Invasive Plant Eradicators - is Carl Klarner's organization in Northern California. They remove English Ivy from private properties. They have a new instagram account, too. USDA Invasive Species Database, and their maps serve as a good starting point Related Podcast Episodes Jumpstart Nature The Yard of the Future Additional Credits The following music was used for this media project: Music: The Question Is (Quizpackage) by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/228-the-question-is-quizpackage License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Silent Movie 19 by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/12433-silent-movie-19 License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Cinematic Suspense Series Episode 008 by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/7669-cinematic-suspense-series-episode-008 License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Bahnstreik by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/en/song/404-bahnstreik License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Additional Music: Cleanse by Principal Dean Sound Effects from Soundly: getsoundly.com  Send us a text Support the show

    32 min

  5. 09/24/2024

    #8 - Saving A Valley: How Coyote Valley Inspires Conservation

    On a 1983 morning, Steve Jobs scouted Coyote Valley for Apple's new headquarters. Despite his plans, Coyote Valley remains one of the most important undeveloped landscapes near Silicon Valley.  This episode tells the story of its conservation through unexpected alliances, resilience, and the invaluable ecosystem services it provides. From critical wildlife connectivity to indigenous cultural significance, discover how perseverance and community action can protect cherished landscapes.  Join host Griff Griffith and our guests, Andrea Mackenzie, Amah Mutsun Chairman Valentin Lopez, Megan Fluke, Nick Perry, and Dr. Stuart Weiss as they provide unique and inspiring perspectives as they explore how to protect and steward unique lands like Coyote Valley, whether near Silicon Valley or your own backyard. Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation. Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore more and show your support at jumpstartnature.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. For even deeper nature insights, delve into our companion podcast, Nature's Archive. Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and learn what YOU can do to help nature. FULL SHOW NOTES with Photos LINKS Amah Mutsun Land Trust Amah Mutsun Tribal Band Cars, Cows, Checkerspot Butterflies - Dr. Stuart Weiss's paper Creekside Science Green Foothills Obi Kaufmann P-22, The Mountain Lion of Hollywood Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing Podcasts Referenced The Age of Connectivity - Jumpstart Nature Episode 3 Full Interview with Dr. Stuart Weiss on Cars, Cows, and Checkerspots Send us a text Support the show

    32 min

  6. 09/10/2024

    Jumpstart Bonus: Top 10 Favorite Species with Griff Griffith, Michelle Fullner, and Michael Hawk

    What do parasitic plants, 600 year old oak trees, salmon, and hoverflies have in common? Well, they are some of Griff's, Michelle Fullner’s and my favorite wild organisms! Today’s episode is a fun conversation with Michelle Fullner, Griff Griffith, and myself, Michael Hawk, where we advocate for our 10 favorite animals and plants. We each bring three species to the conversation…well, not physically. And we had a bit of a game to decide who got to pick the 10th one. All I’m saying is that I still think that aphids would be good at soccer, but you’ll have to listen to hear what that’s about. This idea was all Michelle’s - and if you don’t know Michelle, she’s the host and producer of the Golden State Naturalist podcast, which is a fun and entertaining California-centric nature podcast. Her fourth season is about to launch, and she plans to cover topics that I know you’ll love - wildlife crossings, coastal wetlands, red-legged frogs, and much more. Be sure to check out her podcast and follow her social media, too. And looking ahead, Jumpstart Nature is in the late stages of three new episodes for this fall, covering invasive species, outdoor cats, and an inspiring land conservation story that succeeded against all odds. And if you’re listening to this on the Nature’s Archive feed, well, we have plenty of fun episodes coming too - covering topics ranging from wildlife forensics to ants! FULL SHOW NOTES (be sure to check it for some great photos!) LINKS Snakes with Emily Taylor - Nature's Archive Newt Patrol Send us a text Support the show

    1h 10m

  7. 05/20/2024

    #7: Don't Be a Birdnapper! (Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Help Wildlife)

    Many well meaning people, seeking to help wildlife, mistakenly become a birdnapper. Or a turtlenapper. Or even a bunnynapper. And it's all too easy to mistakenly harm an animal that you might think is distressed or in trouble.  Do you know what to do if you see a bird on the ground? Or a turtle in the road? Or newborn bunnies in your yard? Spurred by a personal story from a follower, Griff and Michael discuss all of these scenarios and more, and wildlife coexistence in general. With a little knowledge of the animals, and a few resources at your disposal (looking at you Animal Help Now), you'll be prepared to be the hero that your neighborhood animals need! Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation. Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore more and show your support at jumpstartnature.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn. Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and recommendations of things YOU can do to help nature.  FULL SHOW NOTES LINKS Animal Help Now [Apple App | Android App | quick link to emergency flow charts] All About Birds - easy to use resource to learn about birds, where they nest, what they eat, and more. California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators Merlin Bird ID - wonderful app that helps identify birds Touching Wings, Touching Wild: True Stories of Rescue and Return to the Wild by Ronnie James [Note: this is an Amazon link] Send us a text Support the show

    32 min

  8. 04/29/2024

    #6: Cicadas: Unexpected Ambassadors of Biodiversity

    Periodical cicadas are amazing animals - they spend nearly 13 or 17 years underground, and all decide, together, to come out and party in your trees at the same time. They are loud, and perhaps you think they are annoying. But they are one of the most accessible demonstrations of nature's abundance that still occurs. But cicadas are super important to our ecosystems and the food webs that support life. Their story is full of history, drama, and even optimism. And right now, as this is being released in 2024, a rare "double emergence" is occurring. So now is the time to give cicadas a second look, and see just how magical the "magicicada" genus is. Host Griff Griffith, with the help of renowned cicada researchers Dr. Chris Simon, Dr. Gene Kritsky, and Dr. Matt Kasson, as well as All Bugs Go to Kevin founder Kevin Wiener, takes a fun, and sometimes disturbing look at cicadas, why they matter, and how they reflect biodiversity in general. See the Full Show Notes and photos on Jumpstart Nature's web page. Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation. Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore more and show your support at jumpstartnature.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. For even deeper nature insights, delve into our companion podcast, Nature's Archive. Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and recommendations of things YOU can do to help nature. Links to Topics Discussed All Bugs Go to Kevin: Facebook Group | YouTube Channel Cicada Safari App cicadas.uconn.edu - perhaps the best, most authoritative resource on periodical cicadas The full length interview with Dr. Chris Simon is available on Nature's Archive podcast feed. CREDITS This podcast episode was written, edited, and produced by Michael Hawk. Our host and co-writer is Griff Griffith. Kat Hill provided editing assistance. Thanks to the team at cicadas.uconn.edu for allowing us to use some of their recordings of periodical cicadas, as well as Kevin Weiner for use of his photos and audio. The following music was used for this media project: Music: Lofi Prairie  by Brian Holtz Music Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9247-lofi-prairie License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Send us a text Support the show

    30 min
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About

Prepare to challenge assumptions and uncover the hidden wonders of nature and climate. Through expert insights, compelling stories, and engaging commentary, Jumpstart Nature takes you on a journey with your host, Griff Griffith, to explore the surprising truths behind the headlines and rethink what you thought you knew about our planet. With immersive storytelling and thought-provoking discussions, this podcast will leave you inspired to see the world differently—and motivated to make a difference.

Information

  • Creator
    Jumpstart Nature
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Jumpstart Nature
  • Show Website
    Jumpstart Nature

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