The Green Mind (Leander Lacy)

Join Leander as he discusses the North Carolina State University’s contribution to raising the next generation of conservationists through this conversation with Dean Myron Floyd of the College of Natural Resources. They discuss Dean Floyd’s background, state of research at his university today, and the future of conservation. 

Episode Highlights: 

9:31 - Being one of few in undergrad

15:39 - Transition to the Conservation Field 

20:08 - Being the Dean of the College of Natural Resources 

23:49 - Research at North Carolina State University

35:39 - Future Conservationists

Links Mentioned:
https://cnr.ncsu.edu/

Join Leander as he discusses the pathway to conservation with a Black conservationist named Diquan. Leander and Diquan share stories about navigating a conservation career and engaging with their own communities about the topic of conservation. 

Episode Highlights: 

3:33 - Finding your love for nature

9:43 - Introducing your family to Yellowstone 

16:43 - Leander’s switch into conservation  

23:34 - Working at The Triangle Land Conservancy

28:17 - Working with diverse communities

Links Mentioned:
https://www.triangleland.org/
www.lacyconsultingservices.com

Leander catches up with another friend from his old graduate program: Conservation Leadership Masters Program at Colorado State University. Leander finds out what Dr. Adam Calo has been doing since his graduate school days and explores the future of sustainable agriculture  and land ownership globally. 

Episode Highlights: 

6:33: Working outside of the United States

8:42: Transition from individual to community land ownership in Scotland

18:24: Is the current agricultural system flawed? 

24:18: Racism and reparations in the agricultural system

34:14: The power of land ownership

37:49: Evolution of Dr. Adam Calo’s conservation journey

Links Mentioned: 

Master of Conservation Leadership: https://warnercnr.colostate.edu/hdnr/conservation-leadership/

Lacy Consulting Services: www.lacyconsultingservices.com

Leander talks to local Commissioners Adam (Colorado Parks and Wildlife) and Nanjappa (Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission) as they explore what it means to be a commissioner and the importance of every citizen to engage in the decision being made about their natural resources. They also have deep conversations about justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion means in the world of Commissioners. 

Episode Highlights: 

5:05: Commissioner Gordon from Batman

14:12: Oil and Gas vs Parks and Wildlife

24:53: Women and race identity in the Commissioner role

44:27: If you could do it all over

Leander meets Grace Anderson for the first time and they unpack the conservation field and the various impacts the system has on all people. Grace is very interested in social justice, conservation principles, and healing through nature. Follow this interesting conversation as they both take a tour around the social construct we call conservation.

Episode Highlights: 

3:37 - Grace’s Conservation Career

09:37 - Identity Erasure in Conservation

15:21 - The Show Pose

19:25 - Finding Peace and Solitude in Nature

25:57 - Navigating the Conservation System

Links:
www.lacyconsultingservices.com 

Leander meets up with Blake Osborn to talk about a great program happening at Colorado State University attempting to get more voices into the water conservation world. Listen in as they tackle some difficult conversations. 

Episode Highlights: 

3:40 - Colorado State University Water Program

11:15 - Bringing diverse perspectives into water conservation

17:41 - Diversifying your Conference Attendees

19:48 - Water Rights in Colorado

28:19 - Benefits of the program

Links Mentioned: 

www.lacyconsultingservices.com 

https://watercenter.colostate.edu/studentfellows/

Leander connects with an old friend, Veronica Oakler, from his undergrad program in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida. Go Gators! They take a journey through their careers and tackle some very difficult conversations around environmental justice.

Episode Highlights: 

3:56: Wildlife Conservation and Law in Florida

7:51: Love of Florida Black Bears

18:39: Clean Water for North Carolina 

21:02: Environmental Justice

34:28: Getting Policies on the Agenda

40:24: Get Involved in North Carolina

Links: 

https://cwfnc.org/

www.lacyconsultingservices.com

https://wec.ifas.ufl.edu/

Professor Leander Lacy connects with Dr. Rickey Frierson to discuss the academic institutions that are producing the future leaders in natural resources. Dr. Frierson is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Colorado State University. They discuss navigating natural resources departments and integrating DEI for faculty and staff. 

Episode Highlights: 

4:35 - Recruiting diverse students/talent

17:12 - When you are not the DEI expert

23:57 - Dr. Frierson’s journey into natural resources 

31:12 - Leander’s journey into natural resources

36:15 - Success for DEI in academics

40:10 - Dr. Frierson’s vision

Leander wraps up Season 3 and talks about the future of The Green Mind Podcast. Support his journey in bringing this podcast to listeners into the future. 

Episode Highlights: 

1:15: Date of Season 4

1:50: Helping The Green Mind

3:20: Dr. Paul Zeitz

4:45: Utilizing Funds for The Green Mind

5:25: Other ways to help

Links: 

Support: https://www.thegreenmindpodcast.com/support

Join Leander as he reconnects with Parker McMullen-Bushman, discussing the
challenges of managing a multi-generational household, the importance of community building in social justice work, and the ongoing efforts to create more inclusive spaces in conservation and outdoor recreation.

Episode Highlights:
[00:02:00] - Parker discusses the challenges of managing a nine-person household
[00:04:00] - Conversation about ADHD and its impact on daily tasks
[00:09:00] - Parker introduces herself and her various roles in inclusivity and conservation
[00:12:00] - Discussion on the importance of intersectionality in identity and work
[00:14:00] - Reflection on the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts
[00:20:00] - Examining trauma in the conservation movement
[00:25:00] - The role of young generations in pushing for social change
[00:27:00] - The impact of social media and constant news consumption on mental health

Links Mentioned:
- Eco-inclusive Strategies: https://www.ecoinclusive.org/about.html
- Bat Conservation International: https://www.batcon.org/
- Protect Our Winters: https://protectourwinters.org/
- Summit for Action: https://www.summitforaction.org/

Join Leander as he talks with Dr. Paul Zeitz, a physician, epidemiologist, and
author, about his journey from medical professional to global advocate. They explore the interconnectedness of human wellbeing and environmental outcomes, discussing Paul's work on global health crises, climate change, and sustainable development goals.

Episode Highlights:
[00:01:00] - Introduction to Dr. Paul Zeitz and his background
[00:02:00] - Paul's memory of experiencing nature with his family in Zambia
[00:05:00] - Discussion on Paul's journey from physician to global advocate
[00:08:00] - Exploration of the AIDS crisis and its social determinants
[00:10:00] - Paul's transition to working on climate emergency issues
[00:12:00] - The concept of SIPO (Self-Imposed Persistent Optimism)
[00:20:00] - Paul's books: "Waging Justice" and "Waging Optimism"
[00:25:00] - The importance of servant leadership in addressing global issues
[00:38:50] – The Brave Movement – Fighting sexual violence through healing

Links Mentioned:
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - https://sdgs.un.org/goals
- Waging Justice (Paul's memoir): https://www.amazon.com/Waging-Justice-Doctors-Journey-
Speak/dp/1982205423
- Waging Optimism (Paul's upcoming book): https://drpaulzeitz.org/waging-optimism/

Join Leander as he talks with Dani Reyes-Acosta, an athlete, visual storyteller,
and strategic advisor. They explore themes of ancestry, identity, and the complexities of the conservation movement, discussing how to reconnect with one's roots and address trauma in environmental spaces.

Episode Highlights:
[00:01:00] - Introduction to Dani Reyes-Acosta and her background
[00:04:00] - Discussion on ancestral travel and reconnecting with heritage
[00:09:00] - Leander shares his experience with Panamanian roots
[00:15:00] - The power of connecting with ancestral lands through senses
[00:20:00] - Examining trauma in the conservation movement
[00:24:00] - The importance of acknowledging past traumas in conservation
[00:27:00] - Personal experiences with trauma in conservation work
[00:44:20] – Winter Sports and Climate Change

Links Mentioned:
- Trust for Public Land – www.tpl.org
- Sierra Club – www.sierraclub.com
- Scarpa Athlete Mentorship Initiative - https://us.scarpa.com/community/index.php/athlete-
mentorship-program
Outlier Film Series: https://outlierfilmseries.com/

Join Leander as he catches up with Nikki Cox, discussing her evolving role in
inclusivity within the U.S. Forest Service, the challenges of returning to work after time away, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces in conservation. They explore the complexities of equity in public lands management and the need for holistic approaches to community engagement.

Episode Highlights:
[00:01:00] - Nikki's new role as regional inclusivity social scientist
[00:04:00] - Discussion on the importance of inclusivity in internal processes
[00:09:00] - Challenges of creating inclusive programming in conservation
[00:15:00] - The impact of cultural history on conservation efforts
[00:20:00] - Examining trauma in the conservation movement
[00:33:00] – Diversification of the Conservation Field
[00:37:50] – Ethics on social issues and conservation

Links Mentioned:
• U.S. Forest Service – https://www.fs.usda.gov/
• Sierra Club – www.sierraclub.org
• Nature Conservancy - www.nature.org

Join Leander as he introduces Season 4 of The Green Mind Podcast, reflecting
on the past two years, the current state of conservation, and the themes that emerged during this season's interviews. He discusses the importance of addressing trauma, healing, and the need for systemic change in the environmental field.

Episode Highlights:
[00:02:56] - Introduction to Season 4 and Leander's background
[00:01:24] - Leander's commitment to uplift communities and make conservation more
equitable
[00:02:35] - Discussion on the evergreen nature of equity issues in conservation
[00:03:26] - Reflection on trauma as a recurring theme in the season's episodes
[00:04:50] - Addressing the reality of conservation work versus idealized perceptions
[00:06:07] - The connection between societal issues and environmental problems
[00:08:50] - Call to action for healing and taking responsibility in conservation
[00:11:06] - The importance of reconnecting with natural roots and indigenous knowledge
[00:13:24] - Reflection on the current state of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work
[00:15:17] - The need for healing both people and the planet

Links Mentioned:
- Lacy Consulting Services – www.lacyconsultingservices.com
Email: leander@lacyconsultingservices.com

Crystal Egli and Parker McMullen-Bushman are the co-founders of Inclusive Journeys. Their organization is helping marginalized communities find their voice and space in nature through a variety of projects such as The Digital Green Book. The Digital Green Book provides a platform for individuals to rate their experiences with businesses and public spaces to help others in their community plan out their next safe and fun experience. We talk about creating safe spaces, triggering moments of 2020, friendships, and how you can play a part in supporting their amazing work.

Visit http://www.thegreenmindpodcast.com for the full transcript.

Episode Highlights:

7:28 - The need for The Digital Green Book

12:37 - The Digital Green Book and the outdoors

17:00 - Perpetuation of unsafe spaces and systemic racism

28:40 - Triggering the host on summer of 2020

34:00 - Life for Parker and Crystal if Inclusive Journeys existed before

Links Mentioned:

http://www.inclusivejourneys.com/;

https://www.facebook.com/InclusiveJourneys; 

Instagram:

@inclusiveguides

@crystalegli

@kweenwerk;

www.lacyconsultingservices.com 

Elizabeth Schuster is the founder and CEO of Sustainable Economies Consulting and good friend of podcast host Leander Lacy. Elizabeth is a credible and nationally-known environmental economists. We talk about the difference between environmental economics and social science, projects we have worked on together, and current projects that Elizabeth is taking on to transform her local county. We also discuss the importance of building trust and relationships with communities and the people that we engage. In order to truly understand your stakeholders, hiring an economist or social scientist will give you the data you need to have clarity in your approach to educate and gain buy-in.

Visit http://www.thegreenmindpodcast.com for the full transcript.

Episode Highlights:

2:30 - Environmental Social Scientist vs. Environmental Economist

8:55 - Outcomes from gathering people together for a conference

14:50 - Social science and social skills

19:27 - Working local projects vs regional projects

28:30 - Staying motivated as an Environmental Economist

Links Mentioned:

www.lacyconsultingservices.com 

https://sustainableeconomiesconsulting.com/

Co-Founder Jason Swann speaks to us about Rising Routes. Born out of a traumatic experience, Rising Routes seeks to heal individuals and bridge the social divide in the country by providing outdoor experiences that address mental health and systems of oppression that hold the United States back from reaching its full potential. We start the first 12 minutes of our session, as we do in real life, with a model of sharing called Mind, Heart, and Body. 

Visit http://www.thegreenmindpodcast.com for the full transcript.

Episode Highlights:

12:10 – Begin talking about Rising Routes

13:36 - Traumatic experience that led to Rising Routes

17:39 – Using the outdoors to build community 

20:00 – White-led conservation groups not addressing social wellbeing and mental health

23:00 – Addressing discrimination, social injustice, climate change through the outdoors

Links Mentioned:

https://www.facebook.com/risingroutes/
https://www.outdoorjournaltour.com/about-us
https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/CommissionMembers.aspx
http://www.carinhuebner.com

Becky Migas talks about how to be more environmentally conscious when hosting a variety of events and also the role women and allies play in sustainability. We talk about the process of behavior change and policy creation in an effort to improve sustainability everywhere.

Visit http://www.thegreenmindpodcast.com for the full transcript. 

Episode Highlights:

2:55 - Impact of events on the environment

13:00 - Beginning of Women in Sustainability 

18:14 - Benefits of getting women and allies together

24:15 - Diversity of women

28:22 - Leander's trip to Seattle

Links Mentioned: 

Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/bgreenco/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebgreenco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/B.GreenCo

Kite and Dart Group: http://kiteanddartgroup.com/

Lacy Consulting Services: https://www.lacyconsultingservices.com/

Melissa Krug is a linguistic anthropologists with a focus on people, food systems, organizational culture, and nature. Dr. Krug is the owner and founder of Forest and Trees Research Consulting. She is curious about social systems, communication, and the ways in which messages impact organizational structures.

Visit http://www.thegreenmindpodcast.com for the full transcript.

Episode Highlights:

6:20: Melissa explains what an athropologist does

12:00: Indigenous work and Fair Trade

18:13: Forest and Trees Research Consulting

22:00: Comedy skit on The Office

25:40: Conservation and JEDI discourse

Links Mentioned:

www.forestandtreesresearcher.com

www.lacyconsultingservices.com

Leander catches up with his graduate school friend Britt Basel and discusses Britt's work elevating human and ecological wellbeing around the world. Britt is a videographer, water specialist, conservationist, world traveler, and amazing human being. You won't want to miss this one. 

Links Mentioned: 

https://ecothropic.com/

Leander invites a fantastic entrepreneur, David Dabah, that has been with Leander since he started Lacy Consulting Services. David and Leander spend hours collaborating and trying to elevate each other. In this podcast, we talk star power and talent as David describes what it is like to work with talents such as Eve, Nick Jonas, Chainsmokers, and Lewis Hamilton.

Episode Highlights: 

3:00 - Working with talent

10:20 - How to not be starstruck

14:18 - Leveraging talent to improve conservation outcomes

22:40 - Lived experience versus perceived experience in nature

30:20 - Why bring celebrities to conservation

Links Mentioned:

https://dstudiomedia.com/services

https://www.ifaw.org/au

https://eco-age.com/agency/events/green-carpet-fashion-awards/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddabah/

Summary: Leander meets up with a new friend, Jim Cummings. They discuss how faith, youth, and conservation all intersect. Listen as these two share personal and powerful stories that provide context for how conservation impact is occurring in one of the most impoverished and high-crime cities in the United States. And how this model is being adopted around the world. 

Episode Highlights: 

3:00 - Nature in Camden, New Jersey

9:50 - Jim's story 

11:35 - Urban Promise around the world

21:00 - Faith-based Organization

24:30 - White, straight, male working with Black and Latino Youth

Links Mentioned:

http://urbanpromiseusa.org/

http://www.urbantrekkers.org/

https://urbanpromiseinternational.org/

Summary:

Leander catches up with his friend Juan Perez. They talk about what it means to be Panamanian, how young Juan got into conservation, the impacts of U.S. politics, and how to exemplify sustainable conservation. Juan shares personal stories to help expand the link between people and nature. Enjoy!

Episode Highlights:

6:52 - Getting youth into conservation

14:50 - Juan's journey to sustainable conservation

20:29 - Dominant culture on the global stage

27:10 - Impacts of U.S. politics to individuals outside the U.S.

31:00 - Explaining conservation to family members

Links Mentioned:

www.wilderness.org

www.peoplesland.org

It is our season finale and Leander is talking directly to you. He discusses projects he is working on around the world and hopes to get you excited about the world of combining social and environmental justice. Get out in nature, relax, and listen.

Episode Highlights:

2:50 - Intersection of urban poverty and environmental action

8:50 - Incorporating JEDI into the Conservation Standards

13:35 - Projects at Lacy Consulting Services

22:40 - Research on the social science of trust

31:00 - Transforming the conservation field

Links Mentioned:

JEDI in Conservation Standards

Video of JEDI in Conservation Standards

Bat Conservation International

NA Agriculture and The Nature Conservancy

Next 100 Coalition

The Nature Conservancy - The Bahamas

Protect our Winters

Leander interviews another podcaster Sapna. Sapna is the host of the Breaking Green Ceilings podcast. They discuss experiences of being BIPOC podcasters with a focus on environmental and social challenges and the importance of providing a platform for unheard voices. Leander wants to forgive his audience for making the statement "falling on deaf ears". He actively, daily works to eliminate unnecessary vocabulary that isn't accurate and utilizes a group of people to describe something which further stigmatizes and highlights societal ignorance. 

Episode Highlights:

4:20 - Starting a new podcast

9:55 - Conservation as a segregated movement

16:00 - Learnings from guests

20:24 - Experiences of "people of difference" in conservation 

26:17 - Immigrant experience and conservation 

32:28 - Getting BIPOC people into conservation 

Links Mentioned:

Breaking Green Ceilings: https://breakinggreenceilings.com/

Lacy Consulting Services: https://www.lacyconsultingservices.com/

Leander catches up with Inclusivity Social Scientist, Nikki Cox, to discuss the importance of recognizing privilege on a path to a more inclusive conservation movement. Nikki currently works for the U.S. Forest Service and has dedicated her career towards the betterment and empowerment of ALL people. Nikki is a shining example of a person doing their best to recognize privilege, elevate social science, and support others in viewing the possibilities of building collaborations with new and innovative allies. This podcast should motivate you to step up your game!

Episode Highlights:

5:45 - What is an Inclusivity Social Scientist? 

11:08 - Why would a white person focus on JEDI in conservation?

19:00 - How do you get your voice heard? 

28:55 - What is the future of public lands?

36:01 - Finding representation 

Links Mentioned:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-story-but/id1504725503

Leander catches up with Vance Russell to discuss environmental social science, working in the environmental field, engaging in multiple types of projects. 

Episode Highlights:

6:50 - How do you end up in Environmental Social Science?

24:20 - What type of work will get Vance excited? 

29:02 - How did Vance end up in the UK? 

32:36 - How to create relationship goals in conservation? 

37:10 - What are the next steps for Vance and his consulting? 

Links Mentioned:

https://www.vrconservationcollective.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vance-russell-ab596810/

Leander meets for the first time the amazing Estephanie. A wonderful recommendation from Crystal Egli. Listen in on this budding friendship as they tackle the intersection of environmental and social justice. Estephanie is a powerful communicator and has a way of helping to connection your mind, heart, and soul to the work we are doing in the environmental space. You may want to be in a meditative state when you listen to this podcast. Enjoy! 

Episode Highlights:

12:55: True Systems Change Conservation

20:18: Distribution of Power in Conservation 

25:12: People of Color Hunting 

31:00: State of Maine

Links Mentioned:

www.mycorrising.com

Leander Lacy catches up with his old colleague and friend Cristina Lasch to talk about the powerful Conservation Coaches Network. They discuss the history of the network and the powerful benefit it has to conservation groups around the world. They also discuss how an infusion of JEDI principles would create a global impact for communities where conservation groups work. 

Episode Highlights:

2:30 - What is CCNET?

9:33 - Why engage with the CCNET listserv?

12:39 - Evolution of the Conservation Coaches Network

18:29 - Incorporating JEDI into the Conservation Standards

29:00 - Future of CCNET

Links Mentioned:

https://conservationstandards.org/about/

https://www.ccnetglobal.com/

https://www.conservationtraining.org/

Leander meets the amazing storyteller Regina Lopez Whiteskunk from the mountain Ute tribe. They talk about the rollercoaster of identity empowerment and how being Ute plays a strong role in Regina's current life working with a conservancy land trust. Regina played a role in the governmental designation of Bears Ears and we discuss the rollercoaster of fighting for what you believe in. 

Episode Highlights:

6:00 - Bears Ears Intertribal Coalition

12:45 - Asking for grace

17:25 - Taking back power

21:54 - Deb Holland

30:50 - Why the past matters now

36:35 - Preparing the next generation

Join Leander as he talks with his employees about the future of conservation’s organizational culture. Leander is creating the future of conservation and he invites you to the healing space that is possible in conservation.

Episode Highlights:
2:30 - Introducing Staff

20:14 - Discussing Mental Health

39:12 - Discussing Social Justice at Work

40:39 - Transparency in Salary

53:16 - Strength-Based Culture

Links Mentioned:
www.lacyconsultingservices.com
www.kiteanddartgroup.com