Episodes

In this episode, we are speaking with Dr. Katie Barott all about coral and coral reefs! Katie is an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania and head of the Barott Lab, where they study the ecology and physiology of coral symbiosis, researching the small-scale mechanisms in order to understand the ecosystem dynamics of coral. In other words, Katie and her lab are interested in understanding mechanisms on a cellular and microbial level that determine coral responses to climate chan...

In this episode, we are speaking with Dr. Dawn Barlow all about the biggest animal on the planet, the Blue Whale! Dawn is an assistant professor and senior researcher with the Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Laboratory at the Marine Mammal Institute of Oregon State University. Dawn’s research interests are in the ecology and conservation of pelagic predators, seabirds, and particularly cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises). She studies what drives when and where these animals can ...

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 hea...

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...

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 ...

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. ...

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 buffalo...

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 th...

In this week’s episode, we are speaking with Ben Blom of the organization Save The Redwoods League to speak with us all about these wise and wonderful trees. Ben Blom serves as the League’s director of stewardship and restoration and has more than 15 years of restoration and forest management experience. One of Blom’s priorities, and an initiative I was really excited to hear about, is the work he is doing with the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition, which is a multi-partner collaboration dedicated...

Originally released November 22, 2022. New Kindred episodes will drop starting in April 2026. In this week's episode from our archives, we speak with Itsaso Velez del Burgo about her work at the Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center in the Democratic Republic of Congo rescuing and rehabilitating chimps and other vulnerable species. She talks to us about how the devastating effects of extreme poverty and hunger lead to poaching and the trauma that echoes through the chimpanzees and their families...

Originally released January 9, 2024. New Kindred episodes will drop starting in April 2026. In this week’s episode from our archives, we speak with psychologist Jill Suttie, staff writer and contributing editor for the Greater Good Science Center, at University of California, Berkeley. Jill connects us to how being in nature helps us on a deep psychological, neurological, and overall physical level. We wanted to know what was actually happening in our brains and bodies when we spend time in na...

Originally released June 25, 2024. New Kindred episodes will drop starting in April 2026. In this week’s episode, we are speaking with Jen Davis, the education and learning manager for The Wildlife Trusts based around the UK. Jen focuses specifically on the role nature plays in childhood and how through educational programs implemented by The Wildlife Trusts, children can access empathy to nature, and a deeper connection to themselves and others. And, we dig deep into the critical role time s...

In this week’s episode, we are speaking with Eriel Dernager, president of the organization Indigenous Climate Action, the only Indigenous led climate justice organisation in Canada. Eriel is from the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation located in Treaty 8 Territory, otherwise known as the Northern Alberta area, and currently resides in Treaty 6 territory also known as Edmonton, Canada. Deranger’s work focuses on Indigenous rights and building an intersectional dialogue between Indigenous rights, ...

In this week’s episode we are speaking with Dr. Carlo Siracusa, a professor of small animal behavior and welfare at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Siracusa specializes in animal behavior, stress evaluation, and canine aggression. In a nutshell, Dr. Siracusa’s research focuses on canine and feline behavioral issues-why they develop, how humans influence those issues, and best approaches to working with dogs facing these challenges. There are many factors at p...

In this week’s episode we are speaking with Dr. Winifred Frick. Dr. Frick is a research biologist and chief scientist at Bat Conservation International, and is an adjunct professor in ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. At BCI, generally her research focuses on conservation biology and ecology of bats, but she is primarily focused on the impacts of the deadly fungal disease called White-nose syndrome to bat populations in North America. This is the 5th a...

Welcome to our End Of Year episode, where Jenn & Kate wrap up the year with what impacted us, what was challenging for us, and what inspired us. We are sharing our rose, thorn, and seed with you all in reflection of an amazing year at The Kindred Podcast. We wish you all the best and thank you so much for your years of support. We wouldn't be here without you, and we are eternally grateful for the opportunity to create this podcast for you, and for the incredible flora and fauna we live among th...

In this week’s episode we are speaking with Kojo Baidoo, a naturalist and ecologist, all about the incredible vulture. Kojo received his degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from Princeton University where he did his senior thesis on black vultures. He is currently working with the Nature Conservancy in Nebraska on the Platte River Prairies learning about land management and conservation on about 4000 acres of protected prairie land. Kojo is just starting out in his formal career, but he’...

In this week’s episode we are speaking with Dr. Catherine Macdonald, marine conservation biologist and shark ecologist. Catherine is a scientist and Research Assistant Professor at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science at the University of Miami. She is the Director of the Shark Research and Conservation Program (SRC), which focuses on shark research and public science engagement and education. And she is a co-founder of the Field School, a marine field science training...

In this week’s episode, we are speaking with Chris Strub, a wildlife rehabilitator who has worked in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation for over 10 years. Chris started out as a volunteer at the Wild Bird Fund in New York City. He then moved to The Schuylkill Center in Philadelphia as the director of their wildlife clinic, and finally to Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center on Long Island. One of Chris’ favorite animals, and one he has worked a lot with, is the possum. And one of our goals h...

In this week’s episode, we are diving into all things hyenas! Yep, we’re that excited. And to take us on this deep dive we have asked hyena expert and behavioral ecologist Dr. Kay Holekamp to educate us all about this amazing animal and talk to us about the 30 + years of research and data her team has been collecting. Dr. Holekamp is head of the Department of Integrative Biology and is director of the Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior Program at Michigan State University. Dr. Holekamp...

As She Rises is back for its fourth season, hosted by Leah Thomas, founder of The Intersectional Environmentalist. This season, As She Rises is exploring rewilding—the practice of restoring ecosystems to their natural state. We’ll hear how communities are letting the land lead, and reimagining what it means to truly coexist with the natural world. Follow wherever you're listening to this so you never miss an episode! Show Notes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-she-rises/id1585244876 🔎...

In this week’s episode, we are speaking with Deborah Blum, environmental journalist, Pulitzer-prize winning science writer and science columnist. Let me explain why we have asked Deborah to join us. In 1962, American marine biologist, science writer, and conservationist Rachel Carson writes a pivotal book in our history, titled Silent Spring, which skillfully lays out the very real life scenario of how and where poisonous chemicals and controls, like DDT, were created and distributed by the US...

Kindred is back, hosted by Kate Coffin and Jenn Asplundh. This season, we’re flipping the script on creatures everyone loves to hate — from hyenas and vultures to bats and possums — and showing why they’re fascinating, essential, and surprisingly lovable. Join us as we explore the hidden connections between humans, animals, and nature, and discover stories that will make you see the world in a whole new way. Follow Kindred wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode! Learn mor...

Originally released July 23, 2024. New Kindred episodes will drop starting in October 2025. In this week’s episode, we travel to Denmark and speak with author and long time marine biologist Hanne Strager about the incredible and dynamic predator the killer whale, or orca if you prefer. Hanne specializes in marine wildlife, specifically killer whales, and has recently published her new book titled, The Killer Whale Journals: Our Love and Fear of Orcas. We wanted to speak with Hanne because we a...