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This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series!

Julie Thorstenson is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Nation and the Executive Director of the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society. Julie's deep connection to the land began in her youth, growing up on her family’s ranch in South Dakota, where she developed a love for nature that would shape her career. Now, she works tirelessly to ensure that Tribal Nations are included in wildlife conservation efforts and advocates for more equitable funding for tribal fish and wildlife programs.

Highlights:

• How traditional ecological knowledge complements Western science in wildlife management?
• A look at the challenges Tribal Nations face in conservation, particularly around funding inequities.
• What is the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act and why it is crucial for tribes, the environment, and biodiversity?

What You Can Do to Help:

• Sign petitions supporting the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) to ensure tribes receive equitable funding for conservation efforts.
• Contact your representatives and ask them to support the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act to boost conservation funding for Tribal Nations and other local wildlife programs.
• Educate yourself on the diversity of Tribal Nations and their unique roles in conservation. Every tribe is different, and understanding their individual needs is crucial to supporting their efforts.
• Build relationships: Don’t assume the answers; instead, ask questions and listen to understand the barriers tribes face in accessing resources for conservation.

Resources Mentioned:

• Native American Fish and Wildlife Society: An organization providing technical assistance and policy support to Tribal Nations engaged in fish and wildlife conservation. 
• Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA): A bipartisan bill that aims to allocate $1.4 billion to states and tribes for wildlife conservation.  
• America the Beautiful Challenge Grants: Collaborative grants supporting conservation projects that span large landscapes, including Tribal-led initiatives.  

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

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This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series!

We're never going to create the healthy and humane world we want to see if we continue to be so divided from one another. Manu Meel is working to bring us together. He is the founder of BridgeUSA, an organization that empowers young people to foster constructive dialogue across political and ideological divides. With the United States feeling more polarized than ever, Manu shares how BridgeUSA is building spaces where real conversations can happen—ones focused on listening, understanding, and collaborating to find common ground. Discover the power of vulnerability in bridging divides, learn how to establish ground rules for productive dialogue, and understand the crucial difference between attacking arguments and attacking individuals. 

 Whether you're feeling disheartened by today’s political climate or looking for practical steps to promote understanding, this episode will leave you feeling hopeful and empowered to take action.

Highlights

• With so much polarization today, what do you think is missing from our conversations, and how does BridgeUSA address this gap?
• What practical norms does BridgeUSA teach for fostering constructive conversations?
• What actionable steps can listeners take to help bridge divides in their own communities?

What YOU Can Do

• Be Vulnerable: Share your own experiences and reasons for your beliefs—it invites others to do the same.
• Set Ground Rules: Before diving into challenging topics, agree on norms like listening to understand (not just to respond), avoiding interruptions, and focusing on ideas, not people.
• Seek Out Diverse Perspectives: Challenge your own biases by actively seeking out viewpoints different from your own to foster a broader understanding.
• Vote in Primaries: Recognize that fewer people vote in primaries, meaning a small vocal minority often decides the candidates. Get involved early to support nuanced, solutions-oriented candidates.
• Reject Outrage Culture: Be mindful of the media you consume and share—avoid sensationalist content that drives division.

Resources

• Bridge USA  – Learn more about the organization and how to get involved.
• The Hopeful Majority Podcast – Manu’s work that encourages nuanced discussions on social issues.
• Benji Backer’s Book: "The Conservative Environmentalist – A fresh perspective on environmentalism from a conservative viewpoint.
• Media literacy resources - to help identify biased or inflammatory content.

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series!

Eleanor LeCain is the visionary behind the Solutions Summit, a groundbreaking event on Capital Hill that brings together bold thinkers and decision-makers to tackle some of today’s biggest challenges such as climate change, democracy, economic security, and health. 

During our conversation, Eleanor shares insights on how the Solutions Summit connects those with the best ideas—“solutionaries”—with the leaders who have the power to implement them. We dive into her focus on climate solutions and how she views the transition to a green economy not as a burden, but as a massive opportunity for job creation, innovation, and business growth.

Highlights

• How the Solutions Summit bridges the gap between innovators and decision-makers.
• Why climate change is the biggest economic and business opportunity of the 21st century.
• Practical steps individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint and support a green transition.

Resources

• Solutions Summit Recordings: Watch all four sessions on climate, democracy, economic security, and health on Eleanor’s YouTube channel.  
• Read Eleanor's Book, "Breakthrough Solutions" (with an introduction by the Dalai Lama).
• Rewiring America: Find out more about the incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act for making your home and life more energy-efficient. 
• Eleanor's website.
• The following is a list of sites where you can sign up to receive email petitions about all sorts of issues:
  • Lady Freethinker 
  • In Defense of Animals 
  • WildEarth Guardians  
  • Care2
• Get Early Bird Tickets to the EarthX Congress of Conferences in April 2025!  

What YOU Can Do

• Shift to Clean Energy
• Use public transportation, bike, or walk whenever possible. If you drive, switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle.
• Use Energy-Efficient Appliances like refrigerators and light bulbs. 
• Support candidates who back policies that promote renewable energy and green job creation.
• Embrace a mindset of opportunity rather than crisis. View the shift to sustainability as a chance for innovation, job creation, and economic growth.

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series!

Theo E.J. Wilson is a TEDx speaker, social activist, and leader in fostering dialogue across cultural and ideological divides. While Theo may not come from a traditional environmental background, his work on social justice, understanding others' perspectives, and the interconnectedness of humanity makes him an ideal person to explore the link between social and climate justice. Theo shares his journey, the connections he sees between pollution, racism, and how we treat the planet, as well as the critical need for holistic thinking in solving these global issues.

One of the most moving moments? Theo’s beautiful spoken word poem, "I Am Humanity," which will leave you contemplating your role in shaping the future of our planet and our society. This is a can't-miss.

Highlights

• The importance of holistic thinking in solving the climate crisis.
• How understanding others' perspectives, even those who oppose you, can lead to meaningful dialogue and change.
• Again, the reading of his poem, I am Humanity.

Resources

• EarthX Leadership Circle: A platform fostering collaboration across ideological lines to work together on climate solutions.
• Get Early Bird Tickets to the EarthX Congress of Conferences in April 2025!
• TEDx Talk by Theo E.J. Wilson: His viral speech on his undercover experience in a white supremacist online community.

What YOU Can Do

• Buy from Ethical Companies: Support brands that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility.
• Spread Positive News: Use your social media to spotlight companies and individuals making positive strides toward environmental justice.
• Get Involved Locally: Engage with groups in your community working on environmental and social justice initiatives.

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series!

Brooke Carter is not your average teenager. At the young age of 13, she's already making waves in the world of wildlife education and conservation. Growing up in the Bahamas and traveling to exotic locations across the globe with her family, Brooke has had the incredible opportunity to experience a wide range of animals and ecosystems firsthand. Now, through her show, Wild Wonders with Brooke, she shares her passion for nature with the world, inspiring viewers of all ages to appreciate and protect our planet's biodiversity.

In this episode, she shares her most memorable wildlife encounters, including her top three adventures in Costa Rica, Madagascar, and the Kalahari. She also talks about some of her scariest experiences, like filming with alligators in Florida, and the valuable lessons she's learned about animals along the way. With her infectious enthusiasm and vast knowledge, Brooke will capture your heart and leave you feeling inspired to protect our natural world.

Resources

• Brooke's Show: Wild Wonders with Brooke (EarthX TV, FuboTV, DirecTV) 

What YOU Can Do

• Spend time outside and observe nature in your own backyard.
• Learn about local wildlife and ecosystems, and how they contribute to the environment.
• Take small steps toward conservation by reducing waste, recycling, and supporting wildlife-friendly initiatives.
• Share your love for animals and nature with others to inspire change in your community.
• Encourage young people to get involved with environmental education and action, as they are the future stewards of our planet.

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

In this special episode recorded live at the EarthX Conference, Crystal sits down with Chance and Sarah Katheryn Ruder from the Conservation Connection Podcast. They discuss the power of collaboration in conservation, the importance of bringing diverse perspectives together to address sustainability challenges, and share insights from their on-the-ground experiences in nature education and science communication. You get to hear about some of the exciting guests they interviewed while at EarthX - including oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle- and Crystal teases an exciting new development coming soon for the show. Tune in for this behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like at the bustling EarthX Conference!

We're now on YouTube! If you want to watch this episode, head on over to the Forces for Nature YouTube Channel!

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

This new season of the Forces for Nature podcast is a special one! All interviews were done on location at the EarthX Congress of Conferences, an event dedicated to fostering sustainability and environmental action. Initially, though, I was hesitant about attending due to its surprising mix of sponsors and speakers, many of whom you would never expect to see at a conference about protecting the Earth. However, I chose to go with an open mind, ready to challenge greenwashing if I saw it and explore genuine intentions when present. 

 To my delight, EarthX was a melting pot of ideas and collaborations, uniting individuals from various backgrounds, including energy companies, environmental activists, and political figures, all driven by a shared passion for conservation.

The experience was eye-opening and underscored the importance of including all stakeholders in our environmental discussions to create lasting solutions. This episode marks the beginning of a season filled with enlightening conversations and my personal reflections on navigating this complex but crucial path toward sustainability. Tune in to hear about my most vulnerable and educational journey yet, and let's discuss how we can all contribute to a healthier planet.

We're now on YouTube! If you want to watch this episode, head on over to the Forces for Nature YouTube Channel!

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

Did you ever travel somewhere that left a deep impression on you? Join Crystal DiMiceli as she reflects on her recent adventure to Rwanda, where she fulfilled her dream of seeing gorillas. Turns out, they weren't the only things that left her speechless.

Highlights

• The incredible influence of Dian Fossey.
• Recovering wildlife populations in the country's national parks.
• The country's resilient community spirit after a turbulent past.

If you're looking for a story that combines travel, wildlife, and a touch of inspiration, this one's for you.

If you can't get enough of gorillas, listen to this past episode (episode 25) about gorillas in Uganda with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka: https://chtbl.com/track/DEB9GF/www.buzzsprout.com/774236/7861105-ep25-protecting-gorillas-through-human-health-with-dr-gladys-kalema-zikusoka.mp3?download=true

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

Get to know the host of Forces for Nature, Crystal DiMiceli, better! In this show swap, she joins Stephanie Manka on The Fancy Scientist podcast. Stephanie has a great show that helps wildlife conservationists navigate their careers and she also provides coaching and mentoring for those struggling and feeling stuck as to what to do next. 

Highlights

• How did Forces for Nature come to be?
• What was Crystal's conservation career path (and how it brought her to various countries)?
• What's next for Crystal and Forces for Nature?

What YOU Can Do

• Sign up to receive show notes, practical tips, and eco-inspiration from Crystal (don't worry, we won't spam you!)!

Resources

• Go to Fancyscientist.com for informative blog posts, free tools, masterclasses, and mentoring opportunities.
• The Fancy Scientist podcast 
• Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook group  

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

It often feels like there's only bad news being reported these days. It's easy to feel that way but, if you dig a little deeper, you can find reports of hopeful things that are happening. Laura Sitterly is a climate reporter that you can trust to find the silver lining in her stories. We talk about three recent articles she's written- one about a youth climate summit in Upstate New York, another about the downfalls (yet easy solutions) of our evolution towards a clean energy future, and, lastly, about a novel new way to help bees. Dive into some good news today!

Highlights

• How are schools "filling in the gap" in terms of climate change education when they don't have it integrated into their curriculum?
• How can we evolve into a clean energy future without putting biodiversity at risk?
• How can you help bees with your cell phone?

What YOU Can Do

• Encourage your local BOCES, community college, or school district to host a Youth Climate Summit. You can find a toolkit here.
• Download the iNaturalist app to be able to become a citizen scientist with the snap of a picture.
• If there are wind turbines in your area, petition the town to mandate blade speed reductions during peak migration times. 

Resources

Links to Laura's Articles:

• Addressing the gap, the demand for climate education in New York K-12 schools 
• Coping with the green-green dilemma: how can we pursue renewable development without wreaking further havoc on the ecological landscape and wildlife habitats?
• No More No Mow May: how smartphones are helping a region in Upstate NY save the bees

Laura is a Climate Reporter who covers midcoastal Maine and, previously, a Breaking News Reporter for the USA Today New York State team. Her lifelong love of the outdoors was sparked by a childhood spent paddling the lakes and rivers of New York State’s Adirondack Mountains. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Auburn University and a graduate degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She spends most of her free time cross-country skiing or swimming in the sea, depending on the season. 

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

Conserving land doesn't have to be all or nothing. We don't have to choose between setting aside whole tracks of forests to protect them or cutting them all down for economic development. Laurie Wayburn, the co-founder and president of Pacific Forest Trust, has found a middle ground. Since 1993, Pacific Forest Trust has transformed over 350,000 acres of privately owned forests in California and Oregon into carbon-sequestering and climate-fighting assets. Through the use of conservation easements, she works with landowners to find the best ways for them to keep the ecosystem intact, yet, still gain economic benefit from what they own. With nearly 60% of U.S. forests under private ownership, this "middle ground" could be key in protecting our natural treasures.

 Highlights

• How hass her international experience with conservation influenced her work today?
• How can conservation and economic development go hand in hand?
• How can we avoid the terrible wildlife seasons we have been seeing?

 
What YOU Can Do

• Plant native trees, bushes, and plants within your community as part of your parks and natural areas or as borders around play fields, etc. This can be very powerful in supporting the ecosystem. 
• Urge whether it's your city council, your county, the commissioners and supervisors, your state legislature, your federal, representatives, etc to support forest conservation as a critical climate change policy, and that means putting some real money behind it and really guiding how that forest conservation is done for the future.
• Provide financial support to Pacific Forest Trust so they can do the work that you want to have done.

 
Resources 

• Conservation Easements 101
• 1757 EAC Recommendations
• Pacific Forest Trust

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?