Best Lessons Of The Wild The Begin Podcasts (2025)

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

Play Pause

9m 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…

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

7d 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…

1
Ep. 541 - Coexistence & Maintaining Species Boundaries 48:53

9d 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…

1
Episode 31: Seasons of Change: Building, Moving, and Coming Back to the Body 15:48

17d ago15:48

15:48

Send us a text Hello Friend, This summer flew by. Much of it was spent stationary — helping my mother-in-law sell her home, pack it up, and move to Phoenix. Now we’re in Montana, taking care of our annual doctor visits and giving our RV a little reset before heading south for the winter. What surprised me most about this season is how much I’ve pou…

1
Episode 30 - Saying Goodbye to Bailey: A Lesson in Trusting Timing 21:53

14d ago21:53

21:53

Send us a text Hello Friend, This episode is tender. I recorded it the day after we said goodbye to our sweet Bailey. From her diagnosis to her final breath, it was a whirlwind of emotions, decisions, and surrender. I wasn’t sure I would ever release this episode. It took me a month just to listen back and edit out the long pauses. But I promised y…

1
Ep. 540 - Orchids for Peace 40:01

16d 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…

1
Ep. 539 - Exploring the Seed Microbiome 58:48

23d 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…

1
Ep. 538 - Coastal Wetlands, Rising Seas, & Ghost Forests 42:48

30d 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…

1
Ep. 537 - From Seeds to Climate 51:23

1M 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…

1
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…

1
Ep. 535 - Quillworts Revisited 59:30

2M 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…

1
Ep. 534 - Self-Incompatibility in Phlox 55:16

2M 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…

1
Ep. 533 - Native Plants & Biodiversity on the High Line 50:12

2M 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…

1
Episode 29 - Creative Highs, Emotional Lows, and Finding My Pace: Living My Human Design in Real Time 12:11

2M ago12:11

12:11

Send us a text I’m riding the waves between creative fire and the quiet aftermath. After a year in the making — and an intense few months of focus — my Rapid Chart Assessment Tool has officially launched, and I couldn’t be more lit up about it. But now comes the crash: the part where my mind screams, “What’s next?!” In this episode, I share the rea…

1
Episode 28 - Introducing the tool I wish I had in the beginning! 12:30

3M ago12:30

12:30

Send us a text In this episode, I’m sharing something I’ve been working on quietly behind the scenes… and it’s finally ready. The Rapid Chart Assessment Tool (RCAT) is here—and it’s the tool I wish I had when I first started doing Human Design readings for clients. RCAT is a dynamic, downloadable report designed for guides, coaches, and business ow…

1
Ep. 532 - Fireflies & Plants Revisited 54:27

2M 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…

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

3M 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…

1
Ep. 530 - Our Relationship with the Joshua Tree 44:44

3M 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…

1
Ep. 529 - Native Plants, Habitat, & Infectious Diseases 56:37

3M 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…

1
Episode 27 - How I Built My Business (the MG Way) 32:56

3M ago32:56

32:56

Send us a text This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how my business came to life—not from a strategy plan or a course, but by following my response, trusting my emotional wave, and allowing things to unfold in their own time. I share how Human Design found me in 2021, how I wrestled with fear around being seen, and how I tried to force mysel…

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

4M 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 …

1
Ep. 527 - A Deep Dive on Medinilla 57:04

4M ago57:04

57:04

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…

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

4M 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…

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

4M ago1:04:11

1:04:11

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…

1
Episode 26 - Slow Down and Climb: Lessons from the Mountains and My Business 20:42

4M ago20:42

20:42

Send us a text Hi Friend, In this episode of Living My Human Design, I share from the trail—literally and figuratively. We’ve made it back to Montana, and being near the mountains again feels like wrapping myself in a warm security blanket. There’s something about this land that calms my nervous system and reminds me who I am. I also open up about …

1
Ep. 524 - Tackling the Oval Sedges 59:04

5M 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…

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

5M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

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…

1
Episode 25 - Off the Cuff, Another MG Pivot 19:38

5M ago19:38

19:38

Send us a text In this episode, I talk about how I am taking yet another Manifesting Generator Shift in the direction of the podcast. It is going to be more off the cuff, voice notes from the road style sharing. This is about taking imperfect action, and being authentically me, mistakes and all. I talk about some lessons I learned as I experiment w…

1
Ep. 522 - Shocking Relationships Between Trees & Lightning 57:22

5M 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…

1
Ep. 521 - Plant Conservation from the Sky 58:33

5M 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…

1
The Superintendent Shuffle- Part 2: The Nevada Education Power Play 16:53

5M ago16:53

16:53

After Jhone Ebert was tapped to lead CCSD, the Nevada Governor quietly filled her old State Superintendent seat — triggering controversy, questions, and a whole lot of political maneuvering. In Part 2 of The Superintendent Shuffle, I investigate the power play behind Nevada’s education leadership, including: -Why I filed an Open Meeting Law complai…

1
The Superintendent Shuffle- Part 1: Inside CCSD’s Wild Superintendent Search 17:12

5M ago17:12

17:12

In Part 1 of The Superintendent Shuffle, I break down the chaos behind Clark County School District’s (CCSD) superintendent hiring process — and why it has educators, families, and policy-watchers in Southern Nevada raising red flags. 🔎 You’ll learn: -Why the public erupted (again) over CCSD’s opaque hiring process -How Chiefs for Change reappeared…

1
Ep. 520 - Saving Orchids! 53:40

5M 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…

1
Ep. 519 - Sonoran Desert, Past & Future 53:53

6M 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 …

1
Ep. 518 - The Complexities of Plant Reproduction 57:43

6M 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…

1
Ep. 517 - Demystifying the Woolly Devil 55:11

6M 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…

1
Ep. 516 - Plants in the Afterlife 47:54

6M 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…

1
The Pandemic Begins: Fear, Chaos & The School Shutdown That Changed Everything 1:22:36

6M ago1:22:36

1:22:36

March 2020: The moment everything started unraveling 🧵 This is the real, unfiltered story of how the COVID-19 pandemic hit the education system—and how power, politics, and profit shaped the decisions that changed millions of lives. • What really happened behind closed doors? • Why did school leaders refuse to shut down—until they had no choice? •W…

1
Episode 24: Unveiling the Head Center 28:40

7M ago28:40

28:40

Send us a text Dive into your Head Center! We unravel the differences between defined and undefined, revealing how you experience mental pressure and inspiration. Learn to navigate overthinking, external influences, and understand your mind's role as a creative advisor, not a decision-maker. Discover practical tips for mental clarity, insightful jo…

1
Ep. 515 - Phenology is Important 50:17

7M 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…

1
Ep. 514 - Parent/Offspring Conflicts in Moss 56:37

7M 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…

1
Ep. 513 - The Enigma of the Galax Genome 45:08

7M 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…

1
Ep. 512 - The Complexity of Mangrove Ecosystems 48:11

7M ago48:11

48:11

Mangrove forests are dynamic places and so too are the people that study them. From carbon capture and peat formation, to restoration and hydrology, these coastal habitats offer curious minds plenty to ponder. Join me and Dr. Luke Lamb-Wotton as we explore the wonderfully complex world of these coastal ecosystems. This episode was produced in part …

1
Ep. 511 - Paw Paw Randomness 55:42

8M ago55:42

55:42

Paw paw (Asimina triloba) is a charismatic and special species. It is the most northerly growing member of a mostly tropical family. It also has considerable influence on its herbaceous neighbors. Join me and PhD student Anna Wassel as we explore the random world of pawpaw and understory herb community assembly. This episode was produced in part by…

1
Ep. 510 - Epiphytes & Phorophytes 58:42

8M ago58:42

58:42

Mosses, liverworts, and lichens live in a world of their own. Not unlike the trees they grow on, these tiny organisms must play out the dramas of obtaining the water, nutrients, and light they need to survive, they are just doing so on a much smaller scale. At the same time, they are supporting their own food webs that scale far bigger than their o…

1
Ep. 509 - The Power of Biotic Resistance 51:48

8M ago51:48

51:48

Invasive species reduce native biodiversity and hinder an ecosystem's ability to support life, including our own. Managing invasive species can be very challenging, but that doesn't intimidate people like Dr. Mike Schuster. Learn how he and his colleagues are using the ecological principal of biotic resistance to study how some native plants such a…

1
Ep. 508 - The Cashew Family Revisited 50:04

8M ago50:04

50:04

What do cashews (Anacardium spp.), mangoes (Mangifera spp.), pistachios (Pistacia spp.), and poison ivy (Toxicodendron spp.) have in common? They are all members of the family Anacardiaceae! Revisit this conversation with Executive Director at the United States Botanic Garden, Dr. Susan Pell, who has devoted her career to understanding this incredi…

1
Ep. 507 - The Beginning Revisited 14:26

9M ago14:26

14:26

January 2025 marks the 10 year anniversary (!!!) of the In Defense of Plants Podcast. To celebrate, I thought it would be fun to revisit the first episode of the podcast. Travel back a decade to a tiny, old Buffalo NY apartment where a young and naive Matt waxes poetic about his love for jewel orchids (Ludisia discolor) as a blizzard rages outside.…

1
Ep. 506 - The Digital Future of Herbaria

9M ago

—

The herbarium world is a fascinating one. These botanical repositories are goldmines of data and help us understand the present by looking at the past. But what kind of future questions can herbaria help solve? Experts say the opportunities are endless, but we will need new technologies to take full advantage. Join me and Curator and Director of th…

1
Ep. 505 - Leave the Dang Leaves! 48:56

9M ago48:56

48:56

Leave the leaves! It is a phrase you hear a lot these days, but why is it so important to keep leaves and other plant debris on your landscape? These are the questions that drive Dr. Max Ferlato. Leaf litter and other plant debris provides vitally important habitat for myriad organisms including species important for pollination and pest control. M…