The Green Mind

Join Leander as he catches up with Elizabeth Schuster, discussing her journey as an environmental economist, the evolution of her consulting work, and the changing landscape of environmental economics. They explore the importance of relationship-building in conservation, the challenges of implementing equity in environmental work, and the need for sharing lessons learned in the field. Episode High...

Join Leander as he catches up with Jason Swann, discussing personal growth, conservation work, and the challenges facing outdoor education and recreation providers. They explore the importance of reconnecting with nature, addressing inequities in access to green spaces, and the role of advocacy in creating change. Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] - Jason's current roles and work in conservation...

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]...

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] - Discussio...

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 Zeit...

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] -...

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 ba...

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

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 studen...

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...

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 Attendee...

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 C...

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 Commissio...

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 individua...

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...

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 - Tran...

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 Cu...

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.  Episod...

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 -...

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...

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 ar...

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 sci...

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 elimina...

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 - Pr...

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 sust...