The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast

What does it mean to truly notice the world around us? For naturalist, educator, and nature journaler John Muir Laws—known to many simply as Jack—careful observation is more than a skill. It's a way of building curiosity, deepening understanding, and strengthening our connection to the natural world. In this episode of The World We Want , host Gerry Ellis explores Jack's commitment to he...

A lot of conversations about the environment focus on distant places—forests, oceans, and wildlife. But for many people, the environment is much closer: the neighborhood around them, the vacant lot down the street, the air they breathe, and the spaces where children grow up and play. In this episode of NAAEE’s The World We Want , host GLOBIO ’s Gerry Ellis speaks with Quilen Blackwell, founder of...

What does it mean to really notice the world around us? In this episode of The World We Want , host Gerry Ellis speaks with poet and nature writer Aimee Nezhukumatathil about curiosity, attention, and the role that observation plays in environmental education and our relationship with the natural world. Aimee’s work explores the connections between poetry, science, nature, and memory, and how nami...

What does it mean to fall in love with nature—and why does that love matter for the future of our planet?  In this episode of The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast, host Gerry Ellis sits down with Sean Southey, CEO of the Canadian Wildlife Federation and longtime champion of nature-based education, to explore how love and connection form the foundation of lasting change.  Sean shares powerful stori...

How can environmental education (EE) serve as a bridge in our increasingly fractured society? Filmmakers James Parker and Juliet Grable are exploring a powerful question through their upcoming documentary, In Our Nature.  Drawing on their previous work documenting rural Oregon communities adapting to a changing climate, James and Juliet have discovered that assumptions about populations different...

In this special Earth Day episode of The World We Want , host Gerry Ellis is joined by Judy Braus, Executive Director of NAAEE and longtime leader in the environmental education field, to talk about how education fuels action, connection, and a sense of possibility in the face of our biggest challenges. Access the resources, webinars, and podcasts referenced by Judy and Gerry by visiting https://e...

For many teens, finding a place where they truly belong can be life-changing. CJ Greco knows this firsthand. Having grown up in zoo education programs and after a voyage of self-discovery halfway around the world, CJ has found a safe space to explore, learn, and be herself. Now, as a teen program manager at Lincoln Park Zoo, CJ is creating that same sense of place for young people stepping into th...

Turning universal challenges into local solutions through environmental education, two young African leaders, Harrison Ashangwa and Ritchie Tusabe, are keeping EE relevant and thriving through youth-led initiatives. Harrison and Ritchie both grew up in African countries where environmental education is part of daily life—as knowledge passed down from elders and incorporated into everyday care for...

How can a student’s future be impacted when a scientist passionate about education steps into the classroom? Stefan Moss, an environmental scientist and educator, joins host Gerry Ellis to discuss how he transforms complex science principles into engaging, hands-on learning experiences, fostering both hope and awe in young learners. From his early days growing up in the Bahamas to working with mid...

Delve into how environmental education programs have evolved from lessons of awareness to calls to action.  Join host Gerry Ellis in this thought-provoking conversation with Kathy McGlauflin and Gus Medina, examining how these shifts, along with the changes in methods and technology, have shaped the field and what it means for connecting people to nature in a modern world.  Find resources and teac...

How can humor break down barriers and ignite hope in the face of climate change? Join comedian and climate educator Esteban Gast as he reveals how comedy can inspire climate awareness and action. From navigating diverse audiences to building bridges through laughter and shared experiences, Esteban and his cohort of comedians bring fresh perspectives on hope and creativity in times of real challeng...

How can we rethink the role of nonformal education and conservation spaces to build deeper connections with the world around us? In this episode of The World We Want , Dr. Kathayoon Khalil shares how breaking barriers, building connections, and fostering empathy can create a brighter future for people and the planet. She also discusses the value of conservation educators embracing their full ident...

Effective education doesn't happen accidentally. Fred Rogers, beloved educator, television personality, and friend to millions through the TV screen, knew this. His thoughtful approach to Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was grounded in science, pedagogy, and a deep understanding of children’s emotional and intellectual needs. In this episode of The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast , Gregg Be...

Dr. Vik Mohan speaks of his lifelong journey of stewardship, healing, listening, and community building in this episode of The World We Want: the NAAEE Podcast. Find out more about Vik's work in Madagascar, across Africa, and within, as he and host Gerry Ellis discuss what it takes for meaningful partnerships and on a personal level, the well-being that supercharges the work he and other cons...

A key component of effective environmental education is working with the communities you're helping, even letting them lead. Joy Munthali, founder of Green Girls Platform, speaks to the process that has led to meaningful and longlasting partnerships both with communities and funders. "We need education that works for young people, education that works for children, and education that wor...

Explore the urban wilderness with conservation educator Jaime González as he talks about the evolution of the conservation field as well as his own growth as an educator. Having grown up in Houston, Texas, Jaime shares about the impact a "nature-deprived" community has on our perception of where beauty, wonder, and yes, conservation can take place.  As Jaime explains, urban forests, prai...