In this episode of the YourForest Podcast, Matthew Kristof explores the essential role of dialogue in effective landscape and wildfire management. Joined by Robin Freeman, Project Manager for the Wildfire Networks at the SFU Centre for Dialogue, and James Whitehead, Special Projects Manager for the Mitigating Wildfires Project, they dive into how o…

Good Fire Podcast by Amy Cardinal Christianson and Matthew Kristoff Stories of Indigenous fire stewardship, cultural and social empowerment, and environmental integrity Fire In Our DNA with Elizabeth Azzuz and Margo Robbins Episode highlight In this episode, Elizabeth Azzuz and Margo Robbins talk about restoring cultural fire in their tribal territ…

The Power of Fire and Memory with Lisa Shepherd and Paul Courtoreille Episode highlight In this episode, Lisa Shepherd and Paul Courtoreille share personal memories and cultural insights into fire’s role within Métis traditions. From childhood experiences to modern applications, they discuss fire's ability to connect communities, heal the land, and…

Good Fire Podcast by Amy Cardinal Christianson and Matthew Kristoff Stories of Indigenous fire stewardship, cultural and social empowerment and environmental integrity Survivorship into Thrivorship with Ryan Reed Episode highlight In this episode, Ryan Reed talks about how the younger generations are leading the way into the future with a move away…

Welcome to YourForest Podcast, where Matthew Kristoff and James Whitehead navigate the crucial role of dialogue in managing environmental challenges, particularly wildfire mitigation. This episode not only highlights the importance of understanding and engaging in effective dialogue but also emphasizes the need for diverse stakeholders to come toge…

Good Fire Podcast by Amy Cardinal Christianson and Matthew Kristoff Stories of Indigenous fire stewardship, cultural and social empowerment and environmental integrity Indigenous Wisdom in Climate Care with Rachael Cavanagh and Melinda Adams Episode highlight In this episode, Rachael Cavanagh and Melinda Adams talk about the role of Indigenous fire…

Accomplices: Special Episode with Alex Zahara Episode highlight In this episode, Alex Zahara talks about how a non-Indigenous person can be a good ally and accomplice to Indigenous peoples in Canada. Resources Alex Zahara UR Pride Center Case Accomplices Not Allies: Abolishing the Ally Industrial Complex Pollution is Colonialism Mohawk Interruptus …

Good Fire Podcast by Amy Cardinal Christianson and Matthew Kristoff Stories of Indigenous fire stewardship, cultural and social empowerment and environmental integrity Existence Is Resistance with Tiffany Joseph Episode highlight In this episode, Tiffany Joseph talks about native Indigenous plants and their ability to heal the ecosystem. Resources …

Good Fire Podcast by Amy Cardinal Christianson and Matthew Kristoff Stories of Indigenous fire stewardship, cultural and social empowerment and environmental integrity The Social Dynamics of Fire Management with Vanessa Luna-Celino Episode highlight In this episode, Vanessa Luna-Celino talks about how community-based fire management is the way to s…

Good Fire Podcast by Amy Cardinal Christianson and Matthew Kristoff Stories of Indigenous fire stewardship, cultural and social empowerment and environmental integrity We Are Fire People with Jessica Angel Episode highlight In this podcast, Jessica Angel talks to Amy Cardinal Christianson and Vikki Preston about being an Indigenous trans woman brin…

Good Fire Podcast by Amy Cardinal Christianson and Matthew Kristoff Stories of Indigenous fire stewardship, cultural and social empowerment and environmental integrity Healing Trauma Through Burning with Vikki Preston and Monique Wynecoop Episode highlight In this podcast, Vikki and Monique talk about the role of Indigenous women in fire and the pa…

Welcome to YourForest Podcast, where we explore the interconnections between environmental science, sustainability, and the human connection to nature. In this captivating episode, hosted by Matthew Kristoff, we engage in a deep dive with Mike Leahy and Rebecca Quiñonez-Piñón about the enchanting world of the Monarch butterfly and the concerted eff…

Welcome to YourForest Podcast, where we explore the vital connections between environmental science, sustainability, and the essential role of forests. This enlightening episode of the YourForest Podcast, hosted by Matthew Kristoff features an engaging discussion with Dr. Amy Cardinal Christianson who serves as the Senior Fire Advisor at the Indige…

Welcome to YourForest Podcast, where we explore the vital connections between environmental science, sustainability, and the essential role of forests. In today’s episode join host Matthew Kristoff on YourForest Podcast for an inspiring conversation with Lauren Oakes, scientist, storyteller, and author of Tree Keepers: The Race for a Forested Futur…

We’re Back! Good Fire Season 3 is officially coming your way! This is a short teaser episode to let you all now we have finally finished recording. Charity Battise is a young Indigenous Fire Steward learning their craft. Amy and Charity met at the Indigenous Peoples Burning Network Event and they talked about Charity’s work with her Nation. Charity…

Welcome to the YourForest Podcast, where host Matthew Kristoff explores the vital connections between environmental science, sustainability, and the role of forests. In this episode, Matthew is joined by Dr. Jonathan Moore, head of the Salmon Watersheds Lab at Simon Fraser University, and his graduate student, Christian Carson, to discuss the intri…

Welcome to YourForest Podcast, where we dive into conversations on environmental science, sustainability, and the intrinsic values of forests. In this episode, host Matthew Kristoff speaks with Mark Anielski, a forest economist and well-being expert, to explore the economic principles of nature and how forest ecosystems offer a sustainable model fo…

In this episode of YourForest Podcast, host Matthew Kristoff engages with Dr. Cristina Eisenberg to explore the powerful concept of "Two-Eyed Seeing." This approach braids Indigenous knowledge with Western science to create more resilient, climate-adapted forests. Dr. Eisenberg shares her experiences and insights from the report "Braiding Indigenou…

In this episode of the Your Forest podcast, host Matthew Kristoff speaks with Dr. Jason Brown, an environmental ethicist, and lecturer in religious studies, about "contemplative forestry". They explore how blending mindfulness with ecological understanding can foster a deeper connection to forests. Jason shares his journey into this unique field, e…

In this episode of the YourForest podcast, host Matthew Kristoff sits down with Caroline Whitehouse, a forest health specialist with the Government of Alberta. They dive into the world of forest pests, focusing on the ecological importance of insects and how they contribute to forest resilience. Caroline shares her unique journey into entomology, e…

Do you want to support healthy ecosystems, and create a legacy that can last? Me too. Start with your lawn, then your community, then see how you feel. Basil Camu is an expert in local rewilding and today he is here to share his passion for natural ecosystems and how you can create a bounding oasis of local biodiversity literally in your back yard!…

If you are looking for inspiration, look no further than the story Percy Guichon was willing to share with us. Through hardship and discrimination, pain and suffering, a few First Nations were able to create thriving communities out of hard work and ingenuity. Percy came on the show to share his personal story, but also that of his Nation and the s…

Resources Max Nova Sponsors West Fraser GreenLink Forestry Inc. Quotes 06.17 - 06.22: “Forests are valuable for more than just what you can cut down and roll out of the forest.” Takeaways “Private landowners are where the climate economy and land management happen” (05.31) Max is the co-founder and COO of NCX, which began 14 years ago with his unde…

Wildfire has always been here, and humans have always had a relationship with it. These days, we have recognized that our relationship to fire has been less than ideal. Wildfire smoke has consumed our summers, wildfire threat has persisted in our minds, and there seems to be no end in sight. So, how do we begin to change our relationship to fire? H…

Nature knows best…right? So, our forest management strategies should try to emulate nature? That’s what we used to think. Unfortunately, our ideas on how to emulate natural disturbance rarely result in something that acts like a natural disturbance. Bottom line, we are not fire, and we want different things from fire, so we need to not act like fir…

Image curtesy of National Geographic and Eye of Science through Sue Grayston In forest management, we spend a lot of time on the things we can see; charismatic megafauna, trees, pests and plants. But what about the things we can’t see? What if I told you there was an entirely unexplored ecosystem below our feet? One that has more biodiversity than …

Good Fire Podcast by Amy Cardinal Christianson and Matthew Kristoff Stories of Indigenous fire stewardship, cultural and social empowerment and environmental integrity Episode highlight Join Amy Cardinal Christianson and Matthew Kristoff as they give a sneak peek at what to expect in Good Fire’s third season. Resources Canada’s record-breaking wild…

What stands in the way of the future of sustainable forest management? There are many answers to this question, but the deepest answer may be colonialism. The very structure of our governing bodies and institutions have made it very difficult to try new things. It is possible that our colonial system of organization and decision making now stands i…

As modern culture expands, wilderness dwindles in its wake. It has become more challenging to create empathy for land through real experience. Luckily, there are people like Jim Lane. Jim teaches an Ecology and Conservation course for High School students. His approach gets students out in the bush to experience nature first hand. They learn about …

The Boreal Forest is the worlds LARGEST forested biome! Understanding the inner workings of such a callosal giant can be overwhelming. Now add climate change to the mix. What does the future hold? Luckily, an enormous team of researchers have banded together to create this incredible book that details what we need to do to keep the Boreal Forest he…

Why is tree equity important? They are just trees, right? So what? They don’t impact health, wealth, quality of life? They just look good! Well, in fact trees do ALL of these things. They drastically reduce deadly heatwaves, reduce breathing problems, shelter your home from the elements, reduce drainage costs, increase your mood, and save you money…

How we value forests is changing, and our management strategy is often playing catch up. As a result, forest management in British Columbia is undergoing a paradigm shift. It is a values shift. A more holistic approach to managing forests that accounts for more than just the sustainability of trees. Old Growth was the lighting rod, ecosystem health…

What better way to learn about Old Growth and Big Trees then to talk to a guy who thinks about nothing else!? Greg Herringer spends his work time finding big trees, talking about big trees and creating programs to protect big trees. He also spends his free time going on expeditions to find more big trees. This guy is THE Big Tree Guy! We try to ans…

Who doesn’t love Big Old Trees!? “You would have to be some kind of monster!” That pretty much sums up the episode. Author Amanda Lewis shares her journey around her book Tracking Giants-Big Trees, Tiny Triumphs, and Misadventures in the Forest. Amanda brought a breath of fresh air into the way I think about big trees. Her fun nature and transparen…

I never thought I would have to talk about war as a forest disturbance. I was not prepared, nor did I have the experience or knowledge to provide any relevant feedback. This discussion really opened my eyes to the complexity and devastating nature of war as a disturbance. How even when the war is over the consequences will last generations. The eco…

Do we have a moral obligation to Nature? Most people extend moral standing to their family, friends, town, country, maybe as far as human species. What about beyond that? Animals? Sure, they have a nervous system and they can be cute. What about things that are nothing like us? Trees? Fungi?… Rocks? What universal force obliges us to act respectful…

How important are forests? How important is the wood we harvest from forests? The answer to both questions is - crucially important! We can imagine the role forests play in ecological function of the globe, but have you ever really considered where we would be without wood? The truth is we are dependent on both, and that is not going to change. In …

Trees communicating? Protecting their offspring? Sending warning signals? Even helping “competing” species? These are some of the incredible things we have heard about the “Wood Wide Web”. But, is it true? Or has the story got ahead of the science? A team of mycorrhizal researchers has discovered some painful truths about these fungal connections w…

Against all odds, one species is making a comeback! Whitebark Pine! At the top of the mountain, where few other trees even try to survive, this species thrives. It is a keystone species that has developed a particularly peculiar way of spreading its young about the mountain side. Co-evolution anyone? If you like old trees, cool birds, species killi…

Imagine a forest full of hardwoods (leafy trees). Then imagine towering sentinel Pines standing a full tree length above the rest. Now imagine a full forest of these Pines. That is what the North woods of eastern North America use to look like. Today, the Eastern White Pine is scarcely a remnant of what it use to be. The reason? It built America. A…

Fire is many things; wild, controlled, rejuvenating, destructive, cultural, ecological, and most obviously, dangerous. Science writer Jacob Margolis lives in California where fire has become a constant worry. As a result, he plunged headfirst into the world of fire and came out with one of the best podcast series on fire that is available today. Th…

The old ways are changing. Technology moves fast, and with it our methods and strategies for managing the landscape. Artificial Intelligence, or machine learning, presents an incredible opportunity in forest management. Better and faster data means more time spent on other values. Values like biodiversity, clean water, carbon storage and recreation…

Public forests hold a lot of value for people. Clean water, fresh air, organic food, rich ecosystems, recreation opportunities, and timber for our homes. Now, it is forest professionals job to manage the public resource for these values. Only, how do we know what the public values? Have we asked? This episode is about social license, and the idea o…

Good Fire podcast is back! This is a bonus episode where we get to listen to the very knowledgeable, very passionate, and very engaged Bhiamie Williamson. We talk about cultural fire in Australia and the difference between western and Indigenous perspectives on fire, and our relationship to it. Episode highlight In this podcast, Bhiamie Williamson …

Many of us have heard of invasive species. We may even know a few species that are wreaking havoc in your local area. You have heard the doom and gloom of extinct species and ecosystem collapse. However, have your heard the success stories? How people have successfully managed to reclaim native landscapes and return species from the brink of extinc…

In Honour of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada I am re-releasing one of my favourite episodes. Assistant Professor Matthew Wildcat breaks down the history and meaning of Canadian Treaties with Indigenous people. He explains that we are all treaty people and that everyone has a role to play in upholding the rights and freedoms t…

Good Fire Podcast by Amy Cardinal Christianson and Matthew Kristoff Stories of Indigenous fire stewardship, cultural empowerment and environmental integrity The Abundance Will Be Forever with Victor Steffensen and Ado Webster Episode highlight In this podcast, Victor Steffensen and Ado Webster reflect on their experiences as Indigenous fire-keepers…

Episode highlight In this podcast, Victor Steffenson and Ado Webster talk about cultural burning in Australia and the work Firesticks is doing to promote it. Resources Fire Country: How Indigenous Fire Management Could Help Save Australia by Victor Steffensen Looking After Country with Fire: Aboriginal Burning Knowledge With Uncle Kuu by Victor and…

Cultural Fire is something we have discussed quite a lot on this podcast. Today, we get to hear from some folks in Parks Canada about how they will be opening up the door to cultural fire. Some really open minded and thoughtful people at Parks have made it possible for Indigenous voices to be heard and for real change to be made. Getting Good Fire …

Good Fire Podcast by Amy Cardinal Christianson and Matthew Kristoff Stories of Indigenous fire stewardship, cultural and social empowerment, and environmental integrity Good Fire In Guyana with Kayla de Freitas and Nicholas Cyril Episode highlight In this episode, Kayla and Nicholas talk about the cultural burning practices in Guyana. Resources SRD…