Best CROP Organization Podcasts (2025)

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COP30: The world's climate future hinges on this meeting 31:30

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1d ago31:30

31:30

Episode 330 COP30 is nearly upon us - and this climate conference may be the most crucial so far. In a year where we’ve seen the first major global tipping point reached, destructive wildfires raging in Los Angeles and much more, joint action has never been more urgent. But as hope starts to wane and climate goals continue to be missed, many are qu…

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Fenceless Goat Grazing at Does Leap Farm: EP35 1:33:23

3d ago1:33:23

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Text me a message! Today’s episode comes to you from Bakersfield Vermont where we visit with George van Vlaanderen of Does’ Leap Farm (https://doesleap.com/). He shares how they developed the farm from raw wooded land while raising children, goats and living in a yurt all at the same time over twenty years ago. He shares now how his grazing system …

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Ep. 550 - For the Love of Flowers (feat. Sam Tallent) 1:01:32

4d ago1:01:32

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People are drawn to plants for various reasons and that is why I wanted to talk with stand up comic and author Sam Tallent. From his early days hauling rocks out of his mom's garden to his desire to bring beauty into his neighborhood, Sam is diving head first into the world of plants. Join us as we explore his love for flowers and learn why their p…

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The collapse of America’s health data system; How sleep affects your focus; Life on Mars in liquid veins? 23:51

8d ago23:51

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Episode 329 America’s health data system is in crisis. The US government has been bleeding public health experts – many of whom run crucial public health surveys and databases which help identify, monitor and respond to health threats across the country. From drug use to food security and birth data, discover the 5 surveys most critically hit by th…

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Ep. 549 - Advocating for Fallen Leaves 1:02:17

11d ago1:02:17

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Fallen leaves provide habitat to countless organisms and maintain crucial ecosystem processes. At the same time, convincing people to keep leaf litter on the landscape is a serious challenge. Leaving the leaves needs effective advocacy more than ever and that is where people like National Wildlife Federation Naturalist David Mizejewski come in. Wit…

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How mRNA vaccines teach your body to kill cancer; Grim state of climate action; Why birds sing the dawn chorus 29:20

15d ago29:20

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Episode 328 Not only has the mRNA covid vaccine saved 14 million lives, it may also help our bodies fight off cancer. A study of cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy treatment showed those who received an mRNA vaccine lived nearly twice as long - and this effect was discovered by accident. In a trial of cancer vaccines, Elias Sayour’s team at t…

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Neuroscience of reality; Quest for dark matter; Folklore of geoscience (New Scientist Live Special) 28:29

19d ago28:29

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Episode 327 A special episode recorded on October 18 at New Scientist Live in London, featuring experts in geoscience, dark matter and neuroscience. Anjana Khatwa is an Earth scientist and TV presenter. In her new book, The Whispers of Rock, she brings together Western scientific knowledge about the evolution of our Earth and indigenous knowledge a…

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Ep. 548 - Gall Wasps & Their Host Plants 1:02:21

18d ago1:02:21

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Galls are among the most remarkable biological structures on our planet. The organisms that produce them are also extreme diverse and contribute a bewildering amount of biomass to their habitats. Some of the most fascinating gall makers are the gall wasps. This group of organisms is still woefully understudied but people like Dr. Louis Nastasi are …

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First climate tipping point triggered; Man controls another person's body by brain implant; health worries over sumo wrestlers 34:00

22d ago34:00

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Episode 326 The world’s first major climate tipping point has been triggered. The decimation of warm water coral populations caused by rising temperatures is now irreversible - passing the point of no return. The global consequences of widescale coral dieback could be catastrophic, so experts are sounding the alarm. But is anyone listening? A man w…

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Long Island Landscaper to 20 Acres of Vegetables with Jon & Karin of Bear Roots Farm: EP34 1:29:59

24d ago1:29:59

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Text me a message! Today’s episode comes to you from Williamstown Vermont where we visit with Jon Waner and Karin Bellemare of Bear Roots Farm and The Roots Farm Market. Together they’ve built up a 20 acre vegetable farm and local goods store in Central Vermont. Jon starts off by sharing how they got started in Long Island, and how they ramped up t…

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Space 2075: How Humanity Will Live, Work and Make Drugs off-planet | Live Recording at the Royal Society 53:35

26d ago53:35

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A special episode all about the future of space exploration, recorded in front of a live audience at the Royal Society in London. Earlier this year, the Royal Society published ‘The Space: 2075 report’, which recognises the huge changes we’re seeing in space exploration, and urges for action to be taken to make sure the next 50 years of activity in…

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Ep. 547 - Ancient Tree Stories 48:10

25d ago48:10

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Have you ever looked at an old tree and wondered what stories it could tell? If so, this is a conversation for you! Dr. Valerie Trouet returns to the podcast to talk about her wonderful collaborative book "In the Circle of Ancient Trees" in which she and 11 other authors talk about the ancient trees they study as dendrochronologists and how they ha…

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How Jane Goodall changed the world; How the universe ends; How “selfish sperm” affect male fertility 43:27

29d ago43:27

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Episode 324 The legendary primatologist Jane Goodall died last week aged 91, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Her work studying tool use in chimpanzees completely reshaped the way we view animal intelligence. Fiercely protective of the natural world, she was also responsible for a huge amount of advocacy during her life. Primatologist Alejandra …

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Ep. 546 -Botanical Art Connects People to Plants 51:01

1M ago51:01

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Botanical art and science truly feed off of one another. A good botanical artist must understand their subjects to do them justice which fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the plants, their habitats, and their role in ecosystems around the world. Join me and botanical artist Carol Woodin as we explore her love of botanical art and …

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Emergency in Antarctica; How movement changes the brain; Why women live longer than men 30:56

1M ago30:56

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Episode 323 Temperatures in Antarctica have soared by over 35°C. Scientists are concerned about how quickly things are changing on the continent as these warmer temperatures impact the polar vortex. Coupled with record lows in sea ice cover over the last decade, this could be a sign that Antarctic weather patterns have shifted permanently. What’s d…

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Ep. 545 - The Dynamics of Kelp Forest Ecology 56:35

1M ago56:35

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Kelp forests are among the most important marine habitats on our planet. They impact our lives in countless ways whether we realize it or not. To protect and restore kelp forests, we must first understand their complex dynamics and that is exactly what people like Dr. Aaron Galloway are trying to do. Listen in as we learn how he and his colleagues …

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Skull rewrites story of human evolution; Autism and Tylenol; discovery of wind coming from black hole 33:57

1M ago33:57

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Episode 322 An ancient skull discovered in China may have just rewritten the story of human evolution. It’s widely accepted that the common ancestor of Homo sapiens, Denisovans and Neanderthals came out of Africa. But this skull upends that assumption - potentially showing human evolution began in Asia. Discover how a new reconstruction of the Yunx…

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Ep. 544 - Helping Move the Needle on Sagebrush Restoration 53:41

2M ago53:41

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Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) is a foundational species in the ecology and economy of much of western North America. It also faces numerous threats. From invasive grasses and mega wildfires, it is important that we learn how to better restore sagebrush and the habitat it provides. That is where people like Dr. Trevor Caughlin come in. Join u…

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The evolutionary price we pay for longer lives; the asteroid coming VERY close to Earth; how dinosaurs shaped the ecosystem 32:59

2M ago32:59

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Episode 321 Humans live a lot longer than other primates - and much of that is down to our immune system. But there’s a price we pay for the capacity to fight off infections: inflammation. Chronic inflammation is to blame for a range of health issues, especially those related to older age. And now research has revealed exactly why inflammation is g…

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Mushrooms, Veggies, Meat and More! From Farmers Market to on Farm Cider House at 1000 Stone Farm: EP33 1:34:24

2M ago1:34:24

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Text me a message! Today’s Episode comes to you from Brookfield Vermont where we visit with Kyle Dodda and Betsy Simpson of 1000 Stone Farm. They’ve got many balls in the air with a wide range of crops from veggies to perennial fruit, eggs and meat, hard cider and a restaurant. They sell retail out of a farmstore, wholesale, CSA & go to a farmers m…

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Ep. 543 - Cryptic Ghost Pipe Diversity 45:53

2M ago45:53

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Ghost pipe (Monotropa uniflora) has captured the imaginations of many a hiker and can you blame them? What is not to love about a parasitic plant that bucks all the traditional plant trends? For as charismatic as this ghost pipe is, we still have a lot to learn about it. For instance, what has largely been considered a widespread single species tur…

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Why we can't announce life on Mars (yet); The Romans' impact on the British economy; Link between exercise and your microbiome 29:59

2M ago29:59

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Episode 320 Was Mars once home to alien life? The evidence is stronger than ever, since NASA’s discovery of rocks marked by patterns similar to those made by microbes on Earth. Found in an area now named Bright Angel, these rocks give us a tantalising insight into Mars’ ancient past - but just how definitive is this finding? It’s long been thought …

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Ep. 542 - The Passion Flower Family Revisited 1:04:41

2M ago1:04:41

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It is time to revisit this episode is all about the passion flower family - Passifloraceae. Joining us is long time friend of the podcast, the one and only Rebecca Hilgenhof. Rebecca is extremely passionate about this group and I can't think of a better person to dish out an eloquent introduction to these wonderful plants. This episode was produced…

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First complete map of brain activity; Queen ant lays eggs of another species; The perils of scrolling while on the toilet 31:10

2M ago31:10

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Episode 319 Scientists have created the first complete activity map of a mouse’s brain. Combining brain images from multiple mice, researchers recorded more than 650,000 neurons while these mice manipulated little Lego steering wheels in a driving game. This complex behaviour has allowed scientists to examine the interplay between various parts of …

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Ep. 541 - Coexistence & Maintaining Species Boundaries 48:53

2M ago48:53

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How are species boundaries maintained when groups of related plant species live near each other? Considering all the things that need to go right for a plant to survive and reproduce, this is not an easy question to answer. Luckily, the genus Lobelia offers multiple opportunities to explore concepts related to plant coexistence and evolution and th…

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Scientists discovered a 100,000-year-old organism; Breakthrough brain implant uses AI to treat pain; How climate change leads to revolutions 25:50

2M ago25:50

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Episode 318 An ancient organism has been discovered that has been alive for at least 100,000 years. Found in the Siberian permafrost, this lifeform doesn’t appear to have just remained dormant - but instead has actually been growing extremely slowly. Our understanding of life is already quite fuzzy, and this finding adds to the idea that life itsel…

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Ep. 540 - Orchids for Peace 40:01

3M ago40:01

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Orchids for Peace believes orchids are symbols for both peace and biodiversity. By empowering communities to conserve these plants, this wonderful organization encourages environmental stewardship and fosters a future where nature and humanity thrive together. Join me and founder Dr. Tatiana Arias as we explore why she started Orchids for Peace and…

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Could we end winter illness?; Cold fusion’s comeback; The delicious microbiome of chocolate 20:41

3M ago20:41

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Episode 317 Winter bugs are notoriously hard to vaccinate against. But as cold, flu and covid season is about to descend on us once more, one group researchers are working on an entirely new solution to the misery. A team out of Columbia University has been testing an mRNA-based treatment that could prime our immune systems to fight against any kin…

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Ep. 539 - Exploring the Seed Microbiome 58:48

3M ago58:48

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Microbes are everywhere, even in seeds! Indeed, seeds from various plants can host a community of different microbes. Despite how cool this sounds, we still have a lot to learn about seed microbiomes. Join me and Dr. Gilliam Burgmann as we explore questions like what kinds of microbes are present in seeds? How do these communities differ? Are micro…

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Climate special: How to fix the climate crisis with Tim Lenton and Kate Marvel 44:25

3M ago44:25

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Episode 316 “All of the other planets out there are just complete garbage. The Earth is the only good place.” – Kate Marvel The climate crisis can leave many of us feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. But, as climate scientists Kate Marvel and Tim Lenton say, there are many reasons to be optimistic.Both have new books out that hope to reframe the way …

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Ep. 538 - Coastal Wetlands, Rising Seas, & Ghost Forests 42:48

3M ago42:48

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Coastal wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on our planet. They are a boon for plants, animals, and people alike. However, sea level rise is changing these ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. Join me and Dr. Keryn Gedan as we explore the links between sea level rise, wetland migration, and ghost forests and learn how com…

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80 years since Hiroshima: Forgotten victims of the atomic bomb 34:06

3M ago34:06

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Episode 315 It’s been 80 years since the first and only use of nuclear weapons in war - events that altered the course of history. The consequences of the widespread destruction, deaths and nuclear fallout are still being dealt with today. On 6th August 1945, a bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in Japan, and three days later Nagasaki was also bombed. T…

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Enjoying Retirement While Still Living on the Farm with Dave Pierson of Pierson Farm: EP32 1:08:10

3M ago1:08:10

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Text me a message! Today’s Episode comes to you from Bradford Vermont where we visit with David Pierson of Pierson Farm. After 42 years of running a mixed vegetable farm to supply a roadside farm stand, with 3 acres of strawberries being one of the big draws, he was able to retire, leasing the farm to a long time employee Dan. We start off the epis…

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Ep. 537 - From Seeds to Climate 51:23

3M ago51:23

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Large seed dispersers are disproportionately affected by human disturbances like habitat loss and poaching. At the same time, a disproportionate number of tropical tree species rely on animals for seed dispersal. What happens when these animals disappear from an area? Do forests suffer and how might this impact things like carbon cycling and climat…

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Ozempic and Wegovy slow down biological ageing; creation of synthetic bacterium; geology of the Russian earthquake 28:24

3M ago28:24

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Episode 314 Weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy have been shown to slow down - or even reverse - the ageing process. In a trial of 84 people taking semaglutide, their biological age dropped by 3.1 years on average, with some organs becoming almost 5 years younger. Based on this new research, this finding could make these some of the most impactful…

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Ep. 536 - Tropical Forests & Loss of Seed Dispersers 49:28

3M ago49:28

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Seed dispersal is a vital ecological process no matter what scale you look at. From the genetic diversity of plant populations to the impact of forests on climate, how plants move around the landscape and regenerate is one of the most important processes on Earth. So, what happens when plants lose seed their seed dispersers? How do things like poac…

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AI wins first gold at maths Olympic games; How mitochondria are linked to sleep; Famous psychology trick works on octopuses too 28:48

4M ago28:48

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Episode 313 AI has won gold at the world’s hardest maths event. For the first time, AI programs that use entirely natural language like ChatGPT, have used general reasoning to solve incredibly difficult tests at the International Maths Olympiad in Australia. Humans are still in the lead…for now. But could this be a big leap forward in the quest for…

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Ep. 535 - Quillworts Revisited 59:30

4M ago59:30

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Their ancestors once dominated the coal swamps of the Carboniferous Period, growing into massive trees that could reach upwards of 160 feet (50 m) into the canopy. Today, the quillworts (Isoetes spp.) are all that remains of this lineage. Though cosmopolitan in their distribution, quillworts can be hard to find unless you know where to look. Luckil…

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Scientists test engineered microbes to fight disease; Has 1.5 degrees failed?; New theory why we’ve not found aliens 30:23

4M ago30:23

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Episode 312 People have been given genetically engineered microbes to prevent a common health condition - and it worked. The gut microbiome is now known to be associated with many health conditions - and in this case, the team managed to treat 9 people who get recurring kidney stones. With the gut’s links to mental health, cancer and more, could en…

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Ep. 534 - Self-Incompatibility in Phlox 55:16

4M ago55:16

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Self-Incompatibility is a means by which some plants prevent self-fertilization and promotes outcrossing. It has evolved independently in many different groups and plays a very important role in the ecology, evolution, and conservation of different species. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Grace Burgin to explore the multitude of ways she is tr…

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How geoengineering could save us from climate disaster; Have we broken mathematics?; Why exercise reduces cancer risk 33:02

4M ago33:02

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Episode 311 Geoengineering could be the best way to avoid catastrophic climate disaster - but there’s a big catch. In the recent Global Tipping Points Conference in the UK, scientists discussed growing concerns that the AMOC may be on the verge of collapsing. This is a system of ocean currents that plays a crucial role in regulating global climate.…

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Increasing Acreage & Narrowing the Crop Mix with John Hirsch at Clearfield Farm: EP31 1:47:50

4M ago1:47:50

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Text me a message! Today’s episode comes from Granville Vermont where we visit with John Hirsch of Clearfield Farm. With over 10 years under his belt he’s refined his farm business to be lean on labor and focused in scope as his primary crops are wholesale carrots and potatoes. He’s also excited to be getting into grain and doing more intensive rot…

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Ep. 533 - Native Plants & Biodiversity on the High Line 50:12

4M ago50:12

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The High Line was once a major railway. Today, it is one of the best gardens in the United States. By focusing on and encouraging native plants, horticulturists at horticulture at the High Line is supporting biodiversity in one of the busiest cities on the planet. Join me and senior director of horticulture Richard Hayden as we explore what makes t…

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First full genome of Ancient Egyptian sequenced; Wild killer whales offer gifts to humans; First demonstration of interstellar navigation 29:31

4M ago29:31

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Episode 310 An ancient Egyptian's complete genome has been read for the first time. The DNA of a man who lived in Egypt over 4500 years ago offers a new window into the ancient society and hints at surprising genetic connections with Mesopotamia. Based on forensic analysis of the man's skeleton and preserved images of different Egyptian occupations…

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Ep. 532 - Fireflies & Plants Revisited 54:27

4M ago54:27

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Fireflies are among the most celebrated organisms on Earth. What is not to love about their incredible light displays? However, fireflies can't exist without habitat and plants are that habitat. Revisit a conversation between Dr. Sara Lewis and me as we discuss some of the intriguing connections between fireflies and plants. This episode was produc…

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Mice with two dads; perfect your sleep with science; how lizards survived dinosaur-killing asteroid 30:17

4M ago30:17

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Ep 309 A groundbreaking experiment in reproductive biology has resulted in mice being born from two biological fathers. By fusing sperm and putting them into an emptied egg cell, researchers in China have produced healthy and fertile offspring from two male mice. While it’s early days and the technique requires hundreds of embryos to get results, i…

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Ep. 531 - Native Plants Feed Ecosystems 1:05:39

5M ago1:05:39

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This episode explores the nuances of why it is so important to plant native plants. Native plants are the cornerstone of nearly every ecosystem on Earth because they are both food and habitat wrapped into one. Join me and Dr. Desirée Narango as we explore how native plants feed ecosystems. This episode was produced in part by Dana, Sarah, Lauren, S…

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First skull of mysterious human ancestor; Decoding whale language; Heatwaves 20x more likely to happen 36:18

5M ago36:18

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Episode 308 An ancient skull discovered in China has been confirmed to belong to a Denisovan. It’s been tough to study this mysterious human ancestor, as we’ve only ever found a finger and jaw bone - so this new discovery could reshape our understanding of them. After being kept secret for decades, the “dragon man” skull is opening up a new window …

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Ep. 530 - Our Relationship with the Joshua Tree 44:44

5M ago44:44

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The Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) has attained celebrity status in recent times, but that hasn't always been the case. For over a century, the Joshua tree was viewed as a useless and repulsive plant that bucked all attempts to tame it. How our relationship with Yucca brevifolia went from hatred to worship is the topic of "Yuck", in which author Ba…

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Is this the first step to cyborg brains? How drones are reshaping warfare forever; New Vera Rubin observatory goes live 31:23

5M ago31:23

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Episode 307 Using new “ultrasoft” electronics, researchers at Harvard have effectively created tadpole cyborgs. A soft bioelectronic device has been implanted into their brains - one which grows with them as they develop into frogs. This neural implant is a first step in helping us better understand the inner workings of the brain. But could this w…