Best Joshua Tallent Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 60: CoreSource & the Future of Book Distribution with Marit Vagstad 28:10

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32m ago28:10

28:10

Marit Vagstad has worked in the book publishing industry for more than 20 years in marketing, sales, and product management roles. She currently is the Director of CoreSource, Ingram Content Group’s digital distribution solution and manages teams responsible for Key Account Management and Product Success. She joined us on the Booksmarts Podcast to …

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Ep. 552 - Native Plant Seed Supply Chain 50:08

3m ago50:08

50:08

One of the biggest hurdles to native plant gardening is sourcing native plants. Whereas nurseries are starting to fill the demand, it is nevertheless difficult to keep up with demand. Sourcing seed from the wild is a major part of this process, but how do we do it ethically? Stripping native plant populations of their seeds isn't good for the habit…

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Ep. 551 - Sagebrush, Pitcher Plants, & Leaf Microbiomes 50:49

5d ago50:49

50:49

Microbes are everywhere and studying them isn't always easy, but microbial ecology is a vitally important field. Microbes influence the world around them in numerous ways and trying to understand how they do that with plants is where people like Dr. Leonora Bittleston come in. Join us as we explore the leaf microbiomes of sagebrush (Artemisia tride…

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

8d ago1:01:32

1:01:32

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

21d 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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Episode 59: AI, Discoverability & GEO: Transforming Book Marketing with Shimmr AI 27:07

21d ago27:07

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Brooke Dobson is Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Shimmr AI, a fully automated platform for publishers that creates automated advertising for discovery and sales of books. With expertise in economic forecasting, marketing analytics, and AI technologies, Brooke brings a unique view into AI applications in publishing. She joined us on the Book…

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

25d 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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Ep. 547 - Ancient Tree Stories 48:10

25d ago48:10

48:10

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

2M 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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Episode 58: Gavin Marcus & Jeremy Esekow on Storywise—AI, Development, and Publishing Innovation 27:21

2M ago27:21

27:21

Gavin Marcus is the CEO and co-founder of Storywise. He spent 10 years running an indie book publishing and distribution business before launching Storywise. Jeremy Esekow is Storywise's Chief Product Officer and co-founder. He has a Doctorate in Behavioral Psychology and an extensive background in business and finance. They joined us on the Booksm…

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

1M 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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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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Ep. 543 - Cryptic Ghost Pipe Diversity 45:53

2M 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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Ep. 542 - The Passion Flower Family Revisited 1:04:41

2M 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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Ep. 541 - Coexistence & Maintaining Species Boundaries 48:53

2M 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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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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Episode 57: Phil Madans on Book Publishing Next and the Importance of Metadata 27:00

3M ago27:00

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Phil Madans is a seasoned publishing executive with over 42 years of experience in trade publishing, including more than a decade as Executive Director of Digital Publishing Technology at Hachette Book Group. Throughout his career, Phil has championed the use of technology to enhance—not complicate—the publishing process, bringing deep expertise in…

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

3M 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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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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Ep. 536 - Tropical Forests & Loss of Seed Dispersers 49:28

4M 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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Episode 56: Ann Kjellberg on the Importance and Future of Book Reviewing 23:09

4M ago23:09

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Ann Kjellberg is the Founding Editor of the Book Post book review, an innovative newsletter-based book review service which delivers thoughtful, in-depth literary criticism from distinguished writers directly to subscribers' inboxes. With nearly 30 years of experience at the New York Review of Books, Kjellberg brings a wealth of expertise to the ev…

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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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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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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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Ep. 532 - Fireflies & Plants Revisited 54:27

5M 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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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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Episode 55: The Future of eReaders with Len Edgerly 26:10

5M ago26:10

26:10

Len Edgerly is the host of the Kindle Chronicles podcast, a long-running show dedicated to exploring digital reading technologies and publishing innovations. He joins the BookSmarts Podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of e-reader technology, sharing insights from his 15 years of covering Kindle and digital reading developments. Len offers a u…

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

5M ago44:44

44:44

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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Ep. 529 - Native Plants, Habitat, & Infectious Diseases 56:37

6M ago56:37

56:37

Whether you realize it or not, our lives depend on the native plant communities that comprise and support regional biodiversity. As we lose habitat, we lose species, and we lose the checks and balances that keep the living world functional. Scientists are increasingly uncovering the links between human health issues like infectious diseases and bio…

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Ep. 528 - Flower Color is Complex 1:02:18

6M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

On face value, flower colors would seem to have everything to do with pollination, but it is far more complex than that. The pigments that give flowers the colors we can see can have many different functions and how they evolve is a fascinating realm of research. Join me and Dr. Andrea Berardi as we explore floral coloration in two genera - Silene …

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Ep. 527 - A Deep Dive on Medinilla 57:04

6M ago57:04

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Understanding the relationships among plants can reveal so much about the history of our planet and the mechanisms of evolution. This is why Dr. Peter Quakenbush has spent so much time trying to understand the genus Medinilla. You might be most familiar with Medinilla magnifica as a popular houseplant, this it is only the tip of the iceberg when it…

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Episode 54: Booktrovert - a Brand New Consumer Marketing Platform 21:01

6M ago21:01

21:01

Kristina Radke is the Senior Vice President of Business Growth and Engagement at NetGalley. She joins the BookSmarts Podcast to launch of Booktrovert, a new consumer marketing platform for publishers and authors. Booktrovert allows for easy creation of marketing campaigns with digital giveaways and interactive tools for readers, designed to complem…

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Ep. 526 - Biodiversity & Ecosystem Function 1:00:45

6M ago1:00:45

1:00:45

Changes in biodiversity are happening all over the globe. From losses to homogenization, understanding the affects of biodiversity change are paramount to understanding how ecosystems function. Nowhere is this more apparent than with plants. Join me and ecologist Dr. Jake Grossman as we explore the links between tree diversity and ecosystem functio…

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Ep. 525 - Lessons from Ancient Grasslands 1:04:11

6M ago1:04:11

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Say "old growth" and we all too often picture ancient forests with large, gnarly trees. However, forests aren't the only habitat types that can reach old growth status. Prairies, savannas, and woodlands can be old growth too and it is vital that we both protect and learn from them as they are one of the rarest habitat types on Earth. Join me and ec…

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Ep. 524 - Tackling the Oval Sedges 59:04

7M ago59:04

59:04

Sedges (genus Carex) can be an intimidating group of plants to get your head wrapped around, but it doesn't have to be that way. One key element to understanding them is knowing what to look for, which is why I am so excited to talk about a new book/key to the oval sedges - “Carex of Illinois and Surrounding States”. Join me and authors Michael Mur…

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Ep. 523 - Prickly Pear Cacti Are Wonderfully Complex 1:01:14

7M ago1:01:14

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The odds of encountering a prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.) in your lifetime is high no matter where you live. That is how abundant, diverse, and charismatic these cacti truly are. For all of their intrigue, so much about these spiny succulents remains a mystery. Trying to understand their diversity is fraught with challenges, both physical and a…

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Episode 53: Advertising Strategies for Publishers and Authors 28:50

7M ago28:50

28:50

Daniel Berkowitz is the Ad Sales Director for Bookshop.org, an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. He is also the founder of AuthorPop, a one-stop shop for every author's digital needs. He joins the BookSmarts Podcast to discuss the importance of book advertising for both publishers and authors. He …

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Ep. 522 - Shocking Relationships Between Trees & Lightning 57:22

7M ago57:22

57:22

Getting struck by lightning is always thought of as a bad thing, but what if it wasn't? Trees can't get up and escape when storms roll in and the chances of one getting struck by lightning increases as they grow taller. For at least one species of tropical tree, getting struck could actually be beneficial not only to individuals but also population…

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Ep. 521 - Plant Conservation from the Sky 58:33

7M ago58:33

58:33

Go looking for information on rare plant population health and it can be surprisingly hard to come by. Plant monitoring, especially over the long term, is a challenge and data have not always kept up with the need. Dr. Michelle DePrenger-Levin and her colleagues at the Denver Botanic Gardens are doing their part to fix this and using some cool tech…

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Ep. 520 - Saving Orchids! 53:40

8M ago53:40

53:40

What does it take to save orchids from extinction? Saving Orchids by Dr's Philip Seaton and Larry Zettler showcase the dedicated folks who are making it happen across the world. From why orchids need our help to cultivating in the lab and returning them to the wild, Saving Orchids is an inspirational read for anyone with even the slightest interest…

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Ep. 519 - Sonoran Desert, Past & Future 53:53

8M ago53:53

53:53

Visit the Sonoran Desert and you too will fall in love with its beauty and diversity. It is truly one of the most incredible places on earth. Dr. Ben Wilder agrees which is why he has dedicated his life to understanding the history of the Sonoran flora and using that knowledge to help ensure it has a future. Join us for a celebration of all things …

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Ep. 518 - The Complexities of Plant Reproduction 57:43

8M ago57:43

57:43

What does it mean to be a successful plant? Reproduction? Population growth? What factors influence these important events and which contribute more to a population through time? The answers to these questions are very complex and climate change is only making things harder to understand. Dr. Amy Iler and her colleagues are not afraid to try and ta…

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Episode 52: Bryan Heathman on How AI Is Shaping the Audiobook Industry 28:50

8M ago28:50

28:50

Bryan Heathman is the CEO of Made for Success Publishing, a book publishing company that specializes in selling audiobooks. . He joins the BookSmarts Podcast to discuss how AI technology is transforming the audiobook industry, specifically regarding AI narration for audiobooks. We discuss the future of audiobooks and the benefits of using AI narrat…

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Ep. 517 - Demystifying the Woolly Devil 55:11

8M ago55:11

55:11

The woolly devil (Ovicula biradiata) is a fascinating and unique member of the daisy family (Asteraceae) that was only recently described to science. It was first found in Big Bend National Park in Texas and serves as an important reminder of not only the need for protecting wild places but also how little we still know about the natural world. Joi…

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Ep. 516 - Plants in the Afterlife 47:54

9M ago47:54

47:54

Plants ARE habitat and that doesn't stop when they die. Countless species of microbes, fungi, arthropods, and more not only take up residence in dead plant material but also require it to complete their lifecycle. My guest today is Dr. Amy Zanne and she spends a lot of time thinking about the things that live in dead wood and their impacts on the w…

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Ep. 515 - Phenology is Important 50:17

9M ago50:17

50:17

The emergence of leaves, the blooming of flowers, the arrival of pollinators... these are all biological events that are closely tied to the changing seasons. The study of this linkage is called Phenology and my guest today wants to share her passion for this wonderful world of inquiry. Join me and Dr. Theresa Crimmins as we discuss the USA Nationa…

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Ep. 514 - Parent/Offspring Conflicts in Moss 56:37

9M ago56:37

56:37

Parents and children don't always get along. Sometimes they can even be competitors. Conflicts often lead to interesting evolutionary adaptations and mosses are no stranger to this. Join me and Dr. Jessica Budke as we explore a familial tug of war going on all around us. This episode was produced in part by Rich, Shad, Maddie, Owen, Linda, Alana, S…

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Episode 51: Margaux Weisman on The Value of Foreign Rights for Publishers 21:35

9M ago21:35

21:35

Margaux Weisman is the former Director of Business Development at DropCap Inc., a tech-enabled rights agency and a global rights marketplace used by rights agents and acquisitions around the world to find great books. She joins the BookSmarts Podcast to discuss the importance & process of foreign rights for independent authors and small publishers.…

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Ep. 513 - The Enigma of the Galax Genome 45:08

9M ago45:08

45:08

Spend any time in the southern Appalachian Mountains and you are bound to cross paths with Galax urceolata. This wonderful little evergreen herb seems to be at home in a variety of habitats from forest streams to granite outcrops and everywhere in between. It is also culturally significant and even suffers from poaching in some areas. Despite its p…