Golden State Naturalist

154
Nature #47

Golden State Naturalist is a love letter to California's ecological past, present, and future. Come with Michelle Fullner as she climbs to the top of a beaver dam, descends into a tar pit, peers into the canopy of a giant sequoia, and basks in the glow of the Milky Way under the eerie silhouettes of Joshua trees. Each episode, Michelle interviews captivating experts in their natural habitats across California to find out how the unique plants, animals, geology, and hydrology of this biodiversity hotspot make this state Golden.

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Recent Reviews
  • Janetplanet20
    My favorite podcast!
    This is hands down my favorite podcast! I’ve learned so much from Michelle and her guests. I love California and I love learning about our state’s history, especially including the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the land, and the beautiful biodiversity of the state!
  • KTGleam
    Perfect for a budding naturalist
    I really love how Michelle makes learning about our local ecologies human, joyful, and informative. The info shared is relationship building and hopeful, tools for the repair needed today!
  • Bookmaven033
    Great podcast
    I’m really enjoying this podcast and the variety of speakers and topics. Definitely recommend.
  • Juliahong95
    New fan!
    A popular mountain lion in my region (Orange County) named UNO was recently hit by a car and tragically passed away. Prior to this, I've never been one to actively spend my time learning about the creatures that inhabit the parks and mountains in my area. I was devastated to see a helpless, beautiful creature suffering and did some research. I had no idea the negative impacts we are currently leaving on our precious mountain lions and many other species. This led me to learn about LA's mountain lion, P-22, and eventually the incredible Miguel Ordeñana. As a podcast lover, I wanted to see if there were any shows that focused on this area of interest and this was one of the first I found. Absolutely loved and learned a wealth of information after listening to the urban ecology episode with Miguel! Will continue checking out the other episodes... thank you for giving these people and animals a spotlight in a world that often drowns their voices!
  • rcklvr
    Great Podcast
    If you are interested in California nature, this podcast is the one!!
  • Tedbeemer
    Reflections on Being a Naturalist review
    This podcast with Justin Garwood reaffirmed my belief in walking slowly along the trail and letting Nature reveal itself; sometimes slowly, sometimes in the blink of an eye, sometimes like a smack in the face, but always awe-inspiring! Being a naturalist is having a deep and profound understanding that all things are connected, including ourselves . Thank you Michelle, for opening the amazing natural world of California to your listeners and introducing us to some passionate and compassionate people in the pursuit of knowledge sharing and conservation of California’s natural treasures.
  • Jordanhatesthis
    Cool rocks
    Informative! You can totally feel the intentional heart and love in each episode. Recommended for anyone that picks up cool rocks.
  • Miranda Goshawk
    Perfect for nature nerds & the science curious
    Highly recommend for anyone who likes nature, the outdoors, science, or needs a dose of joy and optimism. You can tell Michelle has a background as an educator, and trained as a naturalist. She’s curious, infectiously enthusiastic, and sensitive to both social justice issues and human impact/climate change. Love that she pops in during the interviews with clarifications/explanations; hope more interviewers follow her lead!
  • Shabid00
    I enjoy the environmental realism balanced with hope
    This podcast is a tonic for environmental despair. While comunicating the urgency of the many environmental crises that we face in California, Michelle gives us space to mourn what we’ve lost but also consistently presents ways we can promote positive change and shares with us her causes for hope. The interviews are well done with fascinating subjects. I was sad to get caught up on all the episodes. Now I have to wait for more.
  • Chotibunder
    Great guests!
    The guests on this podcast are great! They are interesting people with interesting jobs. I love how the host will inject extra information throughout the interview. It’s the perfect podcast for people who want to learn more about the nature right outside our homes.
  • jdhwvb
    Just the content I was looking for
    Quality content, engaging delivery. Got wind of GSN via california native plant facebook group. As a Ca native plant nerd and advocate, a podcast about Ca ecology was just what I was looking for. Michelle Fullner has an Alie Ward like quality, which, I mean as a sincere compliment because Ologies is suuper rad. The Urban Ecology episode w/ Miguel Ordenana has inspired me to do what I can for our bats.
  • LiMM89
    So enlightening!
    Just listened to the episode with Jane Kim and my heart is full. It was such a joy hear this conversation with these two intelligent, authentic, and caring women. Childcraft encyclopedias! A huge part of my childhood reading time too.
  • trounds
    What a great pod!
    Love Michelle's enthusiasm and breadth of topics.
  • DanielNatureLover
    Attention nature lovers
    I have only listened to the first few episodes so far, but I’m hooked! As a nature lover, and a born and raised Californian, this podcast speaks to my soul. There’s so much diversity here in California, from plants to animals to geology to ecosystems- there is enough material to fill decades of episodes!
  • FlyByKite
    Niche in the Best Way
    Easiest five stars I could give a podcast! Well produced, interesting, local, and engaging. Just listened to the first salmon episode, and as a Sacramentan, it was so wonderful to learn more about our beautiful river and it’s residents.
  • Jessicarew
    Excellent for anyone curious about California’s ecology
    This is a gem of a podcast. Michelle, the host is incredibly lively and engaging no matter what topic she has chosen to take on she will make you curious, and then provide enticing, answers to pressing questions about ecology after listening to these I feel so much more informed and ready to interpret what I see on the trail.
  • Charly Blu
    Inspiring!
    I happened upon this podcast in search of info on native gardening in California. I have since devoured every episode! Michelle is a wonderful speaker, and her excitement and interest in every topic shines through each episode. Everyone she speaks to is so so passionate and eager to share their knowledge, it’s hard not to be intrigued with every topic. I have since joined the local chapter of California Native Plant Society, foraged stinging nettle, and am in search of a nature-journaling group.
  • Steven Shepard
    Another Winner
    Just finished the episode about northern California’s wetlands and the Delta country. Super informative and tremendously interesting. Again—thank you!
  • tbaumbay
    Interesting and engaging
    Not even a tiny bit boring! My attention span can be short, conditioned by the comedy podcasts I mostly listen to. But this podcast lines up with my interest in California, in native plants & nature in general. Love it!
  • disco___very
    Great work!
    Naomi Fraga brought me here and I’m now binging episodes. Learning a TON! Michelle’s work on this podcast is hugely appreciated. Format, editing, production, audio quality, interviewees, relevant educational content — all top flight! A+++
  • ctorg
    Been recommending this podcast to everyone!
    I have been listening to this series as I drive over to volunteer at Elkhorn Slough off of Monterey Bay. Michelle’s research and interviews both inform and inspire, and I often find myself inserting tidbits I learn into my conversations with visitors, staff and other volunteers in the area. I can’t count the number of times I’ve said, “Oh, you’d like this most recent episode!” to someone who shares an interest in the wonders of California’s ecology in all its many forms. I particularly appreciate how Michelle brings attention to both the micro and the macro, past and present, inner city and distant mountains. She speaks directly to the climate challenges while highlighting the positive steps people and organizations are doing to honor and protect our state’s creatures, lands and waterways. Listeners are bound to come away feeling ready to learn more and get involved.
  • LorenM
    Consistently Excellent
    I also went through UCANR’s California Naturalist certification program which was a life defining and trajectory setting experience for me. Michelle represents the best of that program, and most importantly, the best of what happens when people care enough about their world to learn about it, love it deeply, and share it with others. I have learned so much from this and am blown away by the caliber of these interviews. The science alone is fascinating, but it is always presented in a way that preserves the sense of awe and humility that is present in the very best nature writers. This blend of science and the experiential is in my view, the essence of what it is to be a naturalist. Golden State Naturalist is a love letter to California and is a powerful counter narrative to our state’s extensive legacy of environmental degradation and the horrific treatment of its indigenous peoples (who are still here and still carry traditional knowledge of the land).
  • wildflowerwatching
    Perfect for aspiring naturalists!
    such a great podcast for all curious nature-lovers!
  • kisa1515
    Love it!
    I have listened to different podcasts for several years, and I just discovered this one. I love it! She goes in depth and explains everything. I am learning so much! Keep it up!
  • yoshi El Patron
    One of my favorite podcasts!
    Michelle does an excellent job and truly has a passion for the natural world, great interviews with awesome people, I really like her focus on native plants!
  • desparately seeking cali
    Like a letter from home
    I grew up in Sonoma county and have lived all over the world over the past 8 years, stuck in New England for the past 6. I’ve still never found the connection I have to California’s magical ecology despite my efforts to root wherever I find myself. I think that’s something that only comes from being a baby on Sonoma’s coast, in the redwoods and inland black oak forests. Despite my efforts I still havent been able to relocate back to Northern California (somehow I’ve found myself in just the right nook of academia that makes that hard!), and this podcast has been like curling up with the most nurturing blanket from home. It assuages my homesickness and brings me closer to that deep connection to California ecology in a way that nothing else has, and taught me about a million things I didn’t know before. Would give 10 stars if I could- this pod is a treasure.
  • Paulini Kopitar
    Wonderful
    Michelle’s podcasts are informative and charming. Anyone living in California should absolutely *not* sleep on this opportunity to learn more about this place we call home. For me though, even more than the details of the specific learning in each pod—which I am here for!—each episode expresses desire for intimacy with the natural word: the stars, the butterflies, the trees, the living earth we stand on. I share this desire and curiosity, and this podcast helps me feel connected to a part of our shared humanity that is often suppressed by the daily grind. I quit my Audible subscription so I could contribute to her Patreon. It’s that good!
  • kellikatty
    CA Naturalist is fun!
    Super fun and entertaining! But above all, informative in the best way possible. A must listen for anyone interested in native plants, botany, or the environment.
  • robinleecarlson
    A wise and generous exploration of California natural history
    I love learning new things about the natural world, and Michelle’s interviews deliver this in spades, but even more, I love being invited into another person’s learning process. The best thing about the structure of each podcast is the way Michelle takes you along with her on her investigation. She selects fascinating topics and dives into them with gusto, interviewing engaging guests and then adding the results of her own investigations. She is open-minded and always questioning her assumptions, doubling back to add new insights and new avenues of exploration. Michelle is also deeply respectful and clearly puts a lot of thought and energy into the topics she chooses and the people whose voices are represented on the show. I can’t wait for all of the new discussions ahead!
  • Slim2812
    My vote for the podcast of the year 2022!
    The Golden State Naturalist wins my vote for podcast of the year, 2022. It is the podcast California needs and deserves. Michelle Fullner's compelling exploration of California's natural world is adventurous, invested, and respectful and her vibe is as unique as it is refreshing. In the 18 well-produced and entertaining episodes of the podcast's first year, the throughline of the story being told is indicative of a California-in-the-making that is hopeful, curious, and compassionate. With style and science, equitable representation, and a kind of joyous ease, the Golden State Naturalist is poised to only get bigger as the word spreads and I, for one, can't wait to tune in for what is next.
  • Badger the Hobo
    Awesome podcast
    Michelle has very well researched, clearly explained, and entertaining interviews with various scientists, educators, and enthusiasts who are experts in the natural sciences and resources of our beautiful state! My only gripe is that she didn’t start it 2 years ago so I could find it last week and binge it for the next 6 months. 🤣🤣it’s basically everything I wanted in a podcast about California. And Michelle does such a great job with it. I’m in the truck like 4 hours a day so I listen to a lot of podcasts, and there’s a lot that are great for information, and a lot that are entertaining, and a lot that are easy to follow, but she hits that sweet spot for all of it! Go check it out, give her a listen, maybe you’ll learn something! I know I am.
  • a den b
    😁
    I love it
  • DylanWinkler
    A look into how we connect with CA Nature!
    Simply wonderful, each episode dives into interesting topics on what makes California unique, what the cool interviewee is doing to promote them, and how we all can learn to connect to our homes by understanding them more!
  • Janet2552
    Glad I Found You
    Can’t say enough to encourage others with an interest in the natural history of CA to listen. The interviews, the editorial asides, the show notes, the subjects, Michelle’s optimistic tone all contribute to what make this show both a real pleasure and a source of excellent information. Please keep it going!
  • Jman you know
    My favorite nature podcast
    This podcast is a gem! It’s so amazing to finally have a great podcast that talks about ecology and nature. Thank you for making this podcast 💚
  • ladyreikos
    (Full)filled by the wanderlust Michelle Fullner
    She takes you on a fulfilled adventure though the state of California with knowledge you can’t pass up knowing. Highly recommend taking a listen.
  • fjnkkgirxcg
    Recover your wonder and curiosity!
    Michelle’s voice is brimming with genuine curiosity and wonder! If you thought you knew a lot about California, wait till you find out how much more there is to discover in every one of these episodes.
  • Christopolis123456789
    Fun and informative!
    Michelle’s experience in education, combined with her contagious energy and curiosity, is the perfect backdrop for this fun and informative podcast. Each episode is a unique, expert-guided adventure that makes you fall more in love with the golden state, and our home planet for that matter. Highly recommend for west coasters as well as those from out of state looking to learn more about the region.
  • Foguinho67
    Such an incredible podcast
    Every episode is incredible and full of info. Follow, listen and learn. 💛💙💚❤️
  • TG_bio
    Love it!
    If you love Nature, this show is for you! Everyone who calls themselves a Californian should listen to this show!
  • Bigdawgmoe
    This podcast kinda changed my life!
    Michelle is such a great host, enthusiastic listener and fabulous teacher this podcast has helped me refocus my interests and really get back to nature. I have recommended this podcast to many and shall continue to do so! Such great work. Thanks!
  • SquirrelGirl42
    Mind food for laundry folding time
    If you are anything like me, it’s important to feed your brain while doing the mundane tasks regular life is filled with. Michelle has built a rad podcast for just that! She interviews interesting people and asks insightful questions about the bountiful diversity of California’s natural world. Even better, she has a great podcasting voice and her pure joy and infectious curiosity come across loud and clear. I can’t wait to hear what interviews she has cooked up for season 2.
  • SF discount lover
    Excellent information
    We just listened to the episode about the Sutter Butte’s. It was informative and respectful and very well done. The quality of this podcast is outstanding!
  • Sam_with_binoculars
    Excellent show for lovers of natural history!
    After listening to several episodes of this show, I’ve learned so much about California’s creatures and ecosystems. Michelle’s measured but enthusiastic tone is perfect for taking us through the nuances of the world around us, and placing us firmly in the mountains, wetlands, deserts and forests where each episode takes place. Add in the excellent roster of knowledgeable guests, and the show is like a field guide for your ears!
  • Rikki03
    Just all around informative and fun!
    I just love this podcast! I listened to the Beaver one tonight. My favorite moment was when Michelle outed herself about having no idea where Ellesmere Island was and saying “wow” anyway during a conversation. It was a very relatable human moment. The podcast itself is great! I appreciate her humor and love how she asks and/or answers the really basic questions so that naturalist neophytes can follow along. The ability to make learning about nature and science approachable is a great skill. Awesome!!
  • BozieOzzie
    Great!
    I am a certified California naturalist, and I heard about this podcast from someone on Facebook. I’m so glad I found it. Michelle does a great job. I really enjoyed the salmon and beaver episodes. And the one about Sutter Buttes! It’s all great! Looking forward to future episodes.
  • Jimbo50!
    Golden Gate Naturalist
    Have been listening since I heard about this podcast from my friend Briagha. As a docent with the Solano Land Trust with a special interest in lichen and oaks, I especially enjoyed the 4/28 Oaks episode. Besides learning so much from the interviews, I really enjoy Michelle’s interrupting them with google searches, etc. to further expound on the topic, as well as her personal asides!
  • BeofMe
    The journey begins
    I heard about you on FB in a Calif. native plant group, in addition to all of the spot on info from that group, THIS was so very needed! After watching a 45 minute video from Doug Tallamy, I’m sold on how even me with my tiny little patio and courtyard, I could make a difference. I’ve managed to witness 3 monarch butterflies emerge from the milkweed I have on my patio (I currently have 3 more in chrysalis), I have seen native TINY wasps, big bumble bees, birds foraging in my courtyard garden and I’m hooked! Anyways…this podcasts makes me happy, so very helpful, and affirming that I’m on the right track! Thank you!
  • Cdrewns
    Fun and educational
    I LOVE this podcast so far! It’s like the “Ologies” for California ecology. I’ve learned so much and love hearing from experts from my own state. There is so much knowledge to glean about our natural world and I’m so grateful for Michelle for helping me learn!
  • Colonel Dudeness
    Nature lovers rejoice!
    If you are interested in nature in the state of California, or anywhere for that matter, then you are going to love this podcast. The qenuine curiosity and enthusiasm of the host is truly infectious, and you will be delighted as she takes us all along on her quest to teach us about the many aspects of nature in the biologically, geologically, and geographically diverse state of California.
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