People. Nature. Big Ideas.

Ronda Lee Chapman, Trust for Public Land
  • 4.7 (15)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED DAILY

Trust for Public Land Equity and Belonging Director Ronda Lee Chapman invites you to listen in on thought-provoking conversations that explore our human connection with the natural environment—and how those connections influence culture, the arts, joy, and healing, all while building resilient and vibrant communities. People. Nature. Big Ideas. is produced in collaboration with Pretty Good Productions. 

  1. FEB 18

    Episode 24 - Sweet Auburn’s Enduring Legacy

    Brought to you from the first, Black-owned radio station in the country, WERD Studios, this month’s PNBI recording is a very special one.  Host Ronda Lee traveled to the Sweet Auburn neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia— birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—to celebrate the grand opening of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, where Dr. King, and many other Black leaders, catalyzed the early Civil Rights Movement. On the third floor, WERD Studios was the movement’s first communications base. In the newly refurbished space, Ronda sits down with an elite panel of guests instrumental in bringing the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge to life. They talk about the origin of the project, the role of the Masons, the history of the Sweet Auburn neighborhood and its future, and what’s next for this important Black historic site. Trust for Public Land Connecting everyone to the outdoors™ tpl.org | Instagram | Facebook ...

    55 min

  2. 12/08/2025

    Episode 23 - Common Ground, Sacred Ground, and Unity for our Shared Public Lands 

    As the year draws to a close, People. Nature. Big Ideas. revisits three remarkable efforts—and one defining issue—that embody our mission at Trust for Public Land to connect everyone to the outdoors and reveal the deeper ties between land, community, and purpose.  Trust for Public Land Connecting everyone to the outdoors™ tpl.org | Instagram | Facebook ...

    47 min

  3. 09/16/2025

    Episode 22 - Trail Ahead: The New Backbone of America’s Economy

    We’re living in what some call the golden era of outdoor recreation. Participation is high and outdoor spaces are being recognized; not just as places to visit and play, but as critical infrastructure for our health, our economy, and our democracy. But this golden era is under threat. There are real efforts underway to sell off public lands, gut conservation funding, and roll back programs that center equity and climate resilience. If we care about the outdoors—who it belongs to, who it serves—this may be one of the most pivotal moments in our history. This episode is about that moment. We’ll explore how outdoor recreation is powering jobs, especially in rural communities, shaping identity, and why protecting public access to the outdoors is a national priority. Trust for Public Land Connecting everyone to the outdoors™ tpl.org | Instagram | Facebook ...

    54 min

  4. 05/29/2025

    Episode 21 - Park Crush Confessions and ParkScore 2025!

    Are you crushing hard on a neighborhood park? Maybe one with rolling hills and super tall trees that sway gently in the summer breeze? Or maybe you’ve got a second crush, too—another park with waterfalls and vistas that just won’t quit? Well, you're not alone!  On this month’s episode, Ronda takes to the Denver parks to discover the secret (and not-so-secret) “park crushes” local residents have on their favorite outdoor spaces. And then, Bianca Clarke—Associate Vice President of TPL’s 10-Minute Walk Program & Parks Initiative—shares some takeaways from ParkScore 2025. Trust for Public Land Connecting everyone to the outdoors™ tpl.org | Instagram | Facebook ...

    47 min

  5. 04/25/2025

    Episode 20 - A Podcast Gets Outside, Feels Good, & Spreads Joy

    On April's People. Nature. Big Ideas., you'll learn what makes folks Happiest Outside when a mother/son duo, a delirious birder, and a wellbeing advocate share their stories of joy and connection in the outdoors. Trust for Public Land Connecting everyone to the outdoors™ tpl.org | Instagram | Facebook ...

    36 min

  6. 03/19/2025

    Episode 19 - Breaking Barriers: Opening Outdoors for All

    In this episode, host Ronda Lee Chapman is at SXSW! Discover how outdoor programs transform the lives of young people of color through experiences in nature, understand historical exclusion from outdoor spaces and ongoing self-exclusion in communities of color, and learn how these programs cultivate strong, resilient, mentally healthy leaders. Trust for Public Land Connecting everyone to the outdoors™ tpl.org | Instagram | Facebook ...

    46 min

  7. 02/19/2025

    Episode 18 - Impressive People: Personal Reflections for Black History Month

    Ronda celebrates Black History Month by opening her box of family photos, reflecting on family members and others—past and present—who have uplifted their communities and who, amidst the threat of erasure, persist with rigor, joy, and love.   Trust for Public Land Connecting everyone to the outdoors™ tpl.org | Instagram | Facebook ...

    25 min

  8. 01/15/2025

    Episode 17 - Dispatches from the Outdoors

    This month, we’ve got five audio essays from some of our TPL team members’ favorite outdoor places. Join us in Mexico, California, Texas, and New York City, for this heart-felt audio journey. And check out the video version as well on our YouTube channel.    https://youtu.be/8HgUecr-nMo Trust for Public Land Connecting everyone to the outdoors™ tpl.org | Instagram | Facebook ...

    20 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Trust for Public Land Equity and Belonging Director Ronda Lee Chapman invites you to listen in on thought-provoking conversations that explore our human connection with the natural environment—and how those connections influence culture, the arts, joy, and healing, all while building resilient and vibrant communities. People. Nature. Big Ideas. is produced in collaboration with Pretty Good Productions. 

Information

  • Creator
    Ronda Lee Chapman, Trust for Public Land
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 People. Nature. Big Ideas.
  • Show Website
    People. Nature. Big Ideas.