Welcome
The Kindred Podcast explores the intricate and interdependent relationship that humans have with animals and nature. Every episode presents compelling interviews and thought-provoking discussions with leading experts from diverse fields of study including scientists, conservationists, authors, and educators. From the world of science to cultural traditions and beyond, Kindred examines how humans can inspire a new awareness in order to reconnect us to the natural world. Hosted by Kate Coffin and Jenn Asplundh.
Recent
June 16, 2026
Cowboy Cat Wrangler | With Bob Lynch, Community Cat Carer & Educator
In this episode, we are speaking with Bob Lynch, or as the world knows him, the Cowboy Cat Wrangler! Bob is a cat colony carer and TNR advocate for over 100 colony cats in the Philadelphia area. And what that means is ultimately he is rescuing, fostering, vetting, TNR advocating (trap/neuter/return) for every colony he takes care of. He is also a huge advocate and educator about and for cat colonies. Bob is dedicating his life and livelihood to keeping cats-living outside-safe, fed, and as healt
June 2, 2026
Boreal Forests | With Dr. Jennifer Baltzer, Forest Ecologist
In this episode, we are talking about one of the most important biomes, boreal forests! And to lead us in this conversation, we are speaking with forest ecologist, Dr. Jennifer Baltzer to introduce us to this amazing terrestrial biome! Jennifer is a professor of biology at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Canada. She is also the Canada Research Chair in Forests and Global Change at Wilfrid Laurier, which is a research program focusing on the impacts of climate change resulting in wildfir
May 26, 2026
Plants As Portals | Inside Botany of Nations Exhibit
In this episode, Jenn and I have the distinct pleasure of covering the exhibit Botany of Nations, at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, running from March 28th, 2026 through February 14th of 2027! The exhibit offers a culturally layered view of specific North American plants once collected during the famous expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. More importantly, it beautifully centers the voices and perspectives of the Native Nations they came in contact with
May 19, 2026
The Philadelphia Zoo | With Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman, President & CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo
In this episode, we are speaking with Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman, 15th President and CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo in its 164th year. Dr. Mogerman is deeply committed to conservation, Philadelphia at large, and connecting our communities to animals in a meaningful and inspiring way. She may be a Chicago gal at heart, but we welcome her here to the City of Brotherly Love and are so excited to learn about what she has been initiating and leading for the past 3 years right here in our very own backyard. An
May 5, 2026
The Story of the Buffalo | With Zintkala Rivera, Range Ecologist
In this episode, we are speaking with range ecologist and Buffalo conservationist, Zintkala Rivera from the organisation, Tanka Fund. Zintkala is a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation and through Tanka Fund, is working to reintroduce buffalo back to native lands, lives, and economies with Native ranchers. Zintkala has a unique combination of skills bringing policy, law, and ecology to buffalo conservation and ranching working with Tanka Fund. And as you’ll hear her explain, bringing back buffal
April 21, 2026
The Donkey Sanctuary | With Dr. Cara Clancy, Senior Researcher
In this week’s episode, we are speaking with Dr. Cara Clancy, senior researcher and social scientist for the Donkey Sanctuary located in Sidmouth, England. In 1973, Dr. Elisabeth Svendsen, after buying a donkey named ‘Naughty Face’, and going on to take in many donkeys after seeing the state of them at a local market, officially started The Donkey Sanctuary. Fast forward to today, and you’ll see the Sanctuary present around the world, fulfilling Dr. Svendsen's dream of helping donkeys across the
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