It’s in Our Nature: A Podcast Celebrating the Connection Between People and Nature

We’re sharing inspiring stories and lifting up the people and partners making a difference in conservation in Missouri and beyond.

Last updated December 09, 2024

It’s in Our Nature is a podcast that shares inspiring stories and highlights Missourians who are making a difference in our communities and conservation at large.

“I feel fortunate that on a regular basis, I get to be deeply involved in conversations with partners, organizations and colleagues celebrating the large and small wins of our work,” said Adam McLane, Missouri state director—and host of the podcast. “We hope you enjoy this dive into some of those conversations.”

Check back for new episodes or subscribe with one of our podcast hosts to be notified when a new episode is added.

It's in Our Nature - Episode List

Nature’s (Career) Path with Sara Parker Pauley

Sara Parker Pauley’s path to becoming the first woman to lead the Missouri Department of Conservation didn’t start where you might expect. Listen as she joins Adam McLane to talk about careers in conservation and her journey to MDC. Start Streaming
Behind the Lens: Finding Beauty with Photographer Randy Hudson

Curiosity about people and nature has taken Kansas City-based photographer Randy Hudson around the world. He offers practical tips for getting started and describes the methods and philosophy behind his award-winning images. Start Streaming
Keith Bennett: The Seed Whisperer

Keith Bennett, our candidate for the World's Most Interesting Man, chats with Missouri State Director Adam McLane about the origins of his nickname, mushroom hunting and how he learned all those Latin plant names. Start Streaming
2023 Year in Review

Wow, what a year! Missouri State Director Adam McLane recaps seven highlights from a packed twelve months. If you want to catch up on what TNC is doing in Missouri, from new Habitat Strike Teams to hosting tarantula research, have a listen. Start Streaming
Are There Penguins in Tanzania?

Adam McLane sits down with TNC Tanzania staff, Lucy Magembe, Alphonce Mallya and Lucy Mlagala to talk about the budding connection between the Missouri and Tanzania programs, the poster of nature and why everyone should visit Tanzania. Start Streaming
Shifting Generations: The Bison Whisperer's Son

Brett Perkins is part of a younger generation of TNC staffers in Missouri, but his history runs deep. His dad, Dennis Perkins, helped introduce bison at TNC's Dunn Ranch Prairie more than a decade ago. Join us for a chat with Dennis and Brett. Start Streaming
2022 Year in Review

In this episode, Missouri State Director Adam McLane recaps seven highlights of 2022. It's far from everything that happened, but it's a great reminder of how your support helps people and nature thrive. Start Streaming
Growing Power: Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture

CCUA co-founder, Adam Saunders and board member, Robbie Price join the podcast to talk about the power of gardening. Learn how a composting program started by University of MO students grew into a multimillion-dollar force. Start Streaming
A Journey to Well-Being

We all know nature has a unique ability to improve our health, both mentally and physically. In this episode, we're talking with Jeanne Carbone, supervisor of therapeutic horticulture at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Start Streaming
A Paddler's Paradise in Our Own Backyard

Roo Yawitz, owner of Big Muddy Adventures, talks Missouri rivers, paddling and....sandwiches. Hear the story of the canoe trip that opened Roo's eyes to the wonders of the Mississippi River and his thoughts on outdoor recreation in St. Louis. Start Streaming
The Legend of Ted and Pat Jones

From his Missouri farm, Ted Jones built Edward Jones Investments into a business empire, but he and his wife Pat were also crusading conservationists whose legacy includes willing the country's longest recreational trail into existence. Start Streaming
Lighting the Way

Two female trailblazers in the fire world crossed paths at a prescribed fire training in Missouri. We talk with Kelly Martin and Kylie Paul about their journeys in this typically male-dominated field and how they are lighting the way for others. Start Streaming
Meet Joel Pugh

Joel Pugh is a self-described continuous learner with an obsession for Wikipedia. In this episode, he sits down with Adam McLane to talk about growing up in rural Pennsylvania and what drew him to The Nature Conservancy. Start Streaming
Cave Talk with Mike Slay

Caves are some of the last great places on the globe left to explore. That, coupled with the desire to ensure these rare places are protected for future generations, motivates Mike Slay to continue squeezing his way into amazing Ozark caves. Start Streaming
Collaboration for Water Quality

Missouri has some of the most beautiful rivers, streams and creeks running throughout the state. In this episode, you'll hear from partners and landowners about projects, practices and people who are dedicated to improving our water resources. Start Streaming
Moving a Levee on the Missouri River

The flood of 2019 devastated communities along the Missouri River, including the farming town of Rock Port, MO. In this episode, we talk with partners about the complex process of moving a levee and the people who came together to make it happen. Start Streaming
Fight for Survival: Saving Missouri's Endangered Species

The hellbender, American burying beetle, greater prairie-chicken and Topeka shiner are on the brink of extinction in Missouri. But what's being done to save them? Hear from TNC's former director of conservation, Doug Ladd about efforts underway. Start Streaming
Growing an Oasis in North St. Louis

What was once a vacant lot in the heart of North St. Louis is now a flourishing urban farm, providing so much more than just fresh produce to the community. Hear the story of Project Oasis at Jubilee Community Church. Start Streaming