Best Native Plant Podcasts (2025)

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Grow Local: Native Plants w/ Nathan Gill of Ecologic Horticulture 41:18

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7d ago41:18

41:18

We're sitting down with our friend, Nathan Gill, of Ecologic Horticulture to talk native plants! We've been sitting on this episode for a while just due to baby and life over the summer so it's extra polished and full of all sorts of goodies. Dig in to learn about the benefits of native plants, how to incorporate them in your garden, and the variou…

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Addressing Fox conservation and cyber bullying with Dan Cole from SaveAFox 1:14:24

8d ago1:14:24

1:14:24

The death of Mikayla Raines was a shock to the conservation world and in today's show, John speaks with Dan Cole of SavAFox rescue about their work and the consequences of cyber bullying.By The Native Plant Podcast

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Listening To Your Guardian Angel & The Saints 56:52

8m ago56:52

56:52

The past few weeks have brought some meaningful feast days in the Catholic calendar... the archangels & guardian angels... Francis of Assisi... Cosmas & Damian... Vincent de Paul... Wenceslaus... Jerome... and, of course, Therese of Lisieux. But, instead of just going through these saints' biographies, Bishop Caggiano talks about specific lessons w…

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The Seedy Art Exhibit So Good, It Needs Traffic Control 11:32

1h ago11:32

11:32

Diving into one of the most uniquely Minnesota traditions: the incredible Crop Art Exhibit at the State Fair. If you've never seen it, imagine meticulous mosaics made entirely of seeds—and it's a huge deal! ---------------------- CONNECT WITH US Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscr…

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There's a New Tomato in Town... 11:47

2d ago11:47

11:47

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

3d ago51:01

51:01

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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90: Regen prize, the wool library, sustainable flowers and landowners supporting the right to roam 34:18

9d ago34:18

34:18

This month, we start with the Regen Food Systems Prize and a chance to win £20k to support your business. Next, we hear about an artist-founded wool business in the Lake District and speak with landowners backing the Right to Roam across England. We end with a look at the growing British sustainable flower movement, plus a special call-out about a …

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

10d ago56:35

56:35

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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Welcome Back 28:20

14d ago28:20

28:20

We're back! After a hiatus for family and rest, the gardeners are picking up their gloves and teasing some new episodes of the podcast this fall! *********************** CONNECT WITH US Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardenin…

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Catholic Convert & Apologist Suan Sonna on Defending Your Faith 54:37

14d ago54:37

54:37

Imagine your father brought your family to the US from India, so that he could study to become a Baptist minister. And then, as you grew older, you left the Baptists to become a Catholic. That's the story of Suan Sonna, the new Director of Apologetics for the Diocese of Bridgeport. What is apologetics? Why is it important? In a society where people…

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

17d ago53:41

53:41

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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A Crisis of Friendship in America & The Shock of Holiness 56:51

21d ago56:51

56:51

"Parochial and Practical Essays" is NOT a very compelling title for a book. Luckily, the publishers convinced Michael Pakaluk to instead title his latest book "The Shock of Holiness"... and he joins Bishop Caggiano to talk about: ...the simplest truths of the Catholic faith that show us that sanctity is closer and far more beautiful than we think,.…

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Ep. 543 - Cryptic Ghost Pipe Diversity 45:53

24d ago45:53

45:53

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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What Is The Difference Between Japanese Restaurants In Japan And The U.S.? 37:41

28d ago37:41

37:41

Our guests are Yusuke Fukuzaki and Ryo Yamazaki, co-owners of SSAW www.ssawbrooklyn.com/ in Brooklyn, New York. The duo opened SSAW in November 2024 to serve “a refined ‘New Japanese’ dining experience, where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary innovation,” according to its website. Yusuke has worked at top restaurants in Japan, including …

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Traveling with Biotropica Expeditions in Ecuador

28d ago

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John & his wife Susana have been traveling & visiting Ecuador for over thirty years and today they sit down with their good friends Norby & Susana Lopez of Biotropica Expeditions to review a trip they took together.By The Native Plant Podcast

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

1M ago1:04:41

1:04:41

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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Ask The 18th Generation Priest: What Is Zen And How Do You Practice It Daily? 51:09

1M ago51:09

51:09

Our guest is Reverend Dr. Masaki Matsubara who is an eighteenth-generation Zen priest in the Japanese Rinzai tradition. His career is unique and impressive. Following his Zen monastic training in Heirinji Monastery in Japan, he moved to the US in 1999 to study at Cornell University where he eventually earned a PhD in Asian religions. Since then, he…

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Artificial Intelligence and the Compatibility of Faith and Science 56:11

1M ago56:11

56:11

Heather Foucault-Camm, Program Director of the Science & Religion Initiative at the McGrath Institute for Church Life, speaks with Bishop Caggiano about: space ethics, the implications of artificial intelligence, the question: "What do you believe more: science or theology?", and more. Email List: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Other shows The Ta…

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

1M ago48:53

48:53

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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Why Jesus Was Removed from the Cross, How the Church Settled in Rome, and more Listener Questions! 54:02

1M ago54:02

54:02

This week on Let Me Be Frank, Bishop Caggiano and Steve go through the mailbag and answer more listener questions! Email List: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Other shows The Tangent: https://thetangent.podbean.com/ Daily Gospel Reflections: https://dailycatholicreflection.podbean.com/ The Frontline With Joe & Joe: https://thefrontlinewithjoeandjo…

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‘Read The Room’ Mindset: What Makes Japanese Culture Unique? 48:31

1M ago48:31

48:31

Our guest is Joshua Walker who is the President and CEO of Japan Society https://japansociety.org/ in New York. Joshua has a very intriguing background. He was raised in Japan and spent his formative years in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Since Joshua left Japan at the age of 18, he has been working in global affairs and is known as a perpetual bridge-…

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Ep. 540 - Orchids for Peace 40:01

1M ago40:01

40:01

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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Waltz: Japanese Cocktail Culture Expressed in Seasonality 44:29

2M ago44:29

44:29

Our guest is Gento Torigata https://gentotorigata.com/ who is the owner and mixologist of Waltz https://waltzbar.uk/ in East London. After diverse culinary and bartending experiences in Japan, Australia and Singapore, Gento moved to London and opened Waltz in April 2024. Waltz is truly a unique place. With his traditional Japanese mindset of apprec…

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The Council of Nicea: Why It Matters More Than Ever! 57:15

2M ago57:15

57:15

In the 300s, "the whole world groaned and was astonished to find itself Arian", as St Jerome put it. And the brilliant and courageous Athanasius replied, "Is the world against Athanasius? Then Athansius is against the world." Athanasius contra mundum! It's a remarkable story... the secular ruler of the world convening the Church's bishops... a char…

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Ep. 539 - Exploring the Seed Microbiome 58:48

2M ago58:48

58:48

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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The Shroud of Turin, Women Deacons, the Immaculate Conception... and More of Your Questions 53:44

2M ago53:44

53:44

Bishop Frank sits down with Steve Lee to answer some of your listener questions. Included in this episode. Why can't women be ordained to the diaconate? How should someone deal with anger and annoyance? Do you believe the Shroud of Turin is authentic? How about the St airs of the Sisters of Loreto? Where is the Immaculate Conception in the Bible? a…

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

2M ago42:48

42:48

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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Maximillian Kolbe: One of the Greatest Saints of Our Time (w/ Anthony D'Ambrosio) 56:41

2M ago56:41

56:41

Every night at Auschwitz, after a draining and exhausting day, Fr Maximilian Kolbe would go quietly from bunk to bunk to care for the other prisoners, whispering: "I am a Catholic priest. Is there anything I can do for you?" His witness, courage, and faith at the notorious prison camp were the culmination of a lifetime of heroic and groundbreaking …

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Pioneering Sustainable Plant-Based Protein With Koji 43:06

2M ago43:06

43:06

My guest today is Tim Fronzek who is a co-founder of Nosh.bio https://www.nosh.bio/ based in Berlin, Germany. Plant-based protein has been gaining attention, particularly since the 2010s for our growing health and environmental concerns. However, various products in the market may not be as ideal as it was thought to be. Some are not so environment…

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Ep. 537 - From Seeds to Climate 51:23

2M ago51:23

51:23

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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Rome During the Time of Early Christianity & St. Francis of Assisi 57:31

2M ago57:31

57:31

"All roads lead to Rome," they say. The Diocese of Bridgeport's 34 seminarians, Bishop Caggiano, and some special guests recently went to Italy for a pilgrimage to Rome & Assisi. Today, Bishop Frank takes us on a tour of both cities - the history, the major sites, the life of St Francis, and... the museum of pasta! It's an audio summer getaway on L…

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

2M ago49:28

49:28

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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The Life of SAINT (soon.) Carlo Acutis 54:25

3M ago54:25

54:25

Sophia Institute Press has recently published God's Influencer, a book about Carlo Acutis written from interviews with his parents! Mary Beth Bracy joined us from Sophia Institute Press to tell us about Carlo's short but holy life, the miracles attributed to him on the road to canonization, how we can begin following his extraordinary example, and …

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Inspiring The World With Japanese Fermentation Culture And Traditions 32:55

3M ago32:55

32:55

Our guest is Takashi Sato who is the 8th generation family member of Sanjirushi Jozo in Mie Prefecture and the president of San-J International https://san-j.com/ in the state of Virginia. Sanjirushi Jozo has been making soy sauce and miso since 1804, and in 1978, the company decided to expand its business to the U.S. Now, San-J is one of the most …

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Ep. 535 - Quillworts Revisited 59:30

3M ago59:30

59:30

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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The Ethics of Immigration, IVF, Euthanasia and AI 59:51

3M ago59:51

59:51

Join Bishop Frank Caggiano and Steve Lee as they delve into pressing societal issues, from the Educational Choice for Children's Act to the ethical implications of genetic engineering, IVF, and artificial intelligence. Explore the intersection of faith and modern challenges, and discover how the Church can guide us through these complex times. Also…

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The Spirit of Japan: Passing Down The Tradition Of Shochu In The Modern Era 46:53

3M ago46:53

46:53

https://yamatozakura.com/　 https://www.thespiritofjapan.com/ Our guests are Stephen Lyman and Joseph Overbey who have produced the documentary The Spirit of Japan. It is the story of the Wakamatsu family, who have been making the traditional Japanese distilled spirit, shochu, at their Yamatozakura Distillery in Kagoshima Prefecture since the 1850s.…

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

3M ago55:16

55:16

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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SingleThread: Weaving Japanese And Californian Ethos Together 50:55

3M ago50:55

50:55

Our guest is Kyle Connaughton, who is the chef/owner of SingleThread https://singlethreadfarms.com/ in California. SingleThread is a very unique farm, restaurant, and inn, which has earned numerous accolades since its opening in 2016, including three Michelin stars, three Michelin keys and a Michelin Green Star, which recognizes the outstanding sus…

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

3M ago50:12

50:12

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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From Masa To Nami Nori: A Culinary Journey of Chef Taka Sakaeda 33:05

3M ago33:05

33:05

Our guest is Takahiro Sakaeda who is the chef/partner of Nami Nori https://www.naminori.us/. Nami Nori is a unique concept of temaki sushi bar that serves open-style hand rolls on a U-shaped stand. Since its opening in 2019 in New York, Taka has created many fans of his beautifully made, casual and high-quality sushi. Now he operates four locations…

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Secularism, Explaining the Trinity, & Pope Leo XIV (Listener Q's w/ Bishop Frank Caggiano) 56:16

3M ago56:16

56:16

How did the Mass come to be, as we know it today? How do you explain who the Holy Spirit is? What is behind the movement to rename "BC/AD" to "BCE/CE"? Those are some of the fantastic questions Bishop Caggiano answers on this week's mailbag episode. Also... Have you ever been in a helicopter? Tune in to Let Me Be Frank for these and many more liste…

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Dr. Tjite deVries former head of Biology at La Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. 55:55

3M ago55:55

55:55

We're joined today by Dr. Tjite deVries former head of Biology at La Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. A long time friend of John & Susana's and one of the first scientists to be stationed in the Galapagos Islands studying birds. Listen in as he tells us of his history in Ecuador and biology.…

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Ep. 532 - Fireflies & Plants Revisited 54:27

3M ago54:27

54:27

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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A Japanese Toji Dedicated to Making Sake In America For Over 20 Years 39:19

3M ago39:19

39:19

Our guest is Takumi Kuwabara who is the toji or brewmaster at SakéOne in Forest Grove, Oregon. SakéOne (https://www.sakeone.com/) is a unique sake brewery. It was founded in 1992 by Momokawa Brewing in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, which was founded in 1889. SakéOne started sake-brewing in 1997 and since then, its sake has won multiple awards at presti…

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Exodus 90, Freedom, and Salvation with Jamie Baxter, CEO of Exodus 90 56:48

3M ago56:48

56:48

"Salvation is of the entire person, not just the soul. If we involve the body in the spiritual life, we are completing that which the Lord wants." Bishop Frank made that observation during his conversation with Jamie Baxter, founder of Exodus 90. Exodus 90 is an outstanding program for men to lean on prayer, asceticism, and fraternity as a means to…

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

4M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

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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Explore Canada's Natural Parks for FREE? 24:35

4M ago24:35

24:35

The Canada Strong Pass is available now until September 2! The Canada Strong Pass is breaking down barriers for Summer 2026 to encourage more visits to some of Canadas most iconic places. There is so much diversity in the foral found around Alberta and the rest of the country from trees to grasses, and especially wildflowers. What can see out your …

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After Two Michelin Stars In London, A Chef Returns To Japan To Reimagine Kaiseki 54:52

4M ago54:52

54:52

Our guest is Yoshinori Ishi who is the executive chef and producer of Auberge TOKITO https://www.aubergetokito.com/en/ in Tachikawa, Tokyo. Chef Ishii’s background is unique and spectacular. He worked at one of the top Kaiseki restaurants in Kyoto called Arashiyama Kiccho as a sous chef and moved abroad to cook at the United Nations Ambassador's Re…

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From Fires to Flowers 31:25

4M ago31:25

31:25

"It's part of a cycle of nature" Today, we're exploring the increase in wildfire activity in our community and how it impacts our gardens. We're talking the life cycle of forests, the causes of wildfires, and the effects of smoke on plants. We even dive into the nutritional implications of smoke on vegetables! Let's better understand the environmen…