For the Love of Nature
121 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 12 ratingsA podcast that tells you everything you need to know about nature, and probably more than you wanted to know.
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Episodes
The Science of Fall
October 11, 2022 10:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBReds, oranges, yellows, and even purples, the forest is ablaze with color during autumn. The true beauty of leaves are revealed as they begin to die. What causes this incredible change? Are there factors that affect the color? Where can you experience the best fall foliage? All these questions and more are answered by Laura and Katy in this week’s episode. Support the Show.
Living Things: Mosses and Ferns
October 04, 2022 10:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MBHave you ever been enchanted by a lush, green patch of moss? What about a magical fern-filled forest? In today’s episode, Laura and Katy discover what makes these “primitive plants” anything but boring. Support the Show.
Could You Imagine?
September 27, 2022 10:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBHave you ever imagined what the world would be like if humans had a neck like a giraffe? What about a pouch like a kangaroo? Or regenerating limbs like a starfish? Laura and Katy are kicking off Season 6 by answering questions just like these. I mean, really, could you imagine if humans had a blowhole like a dolphin? Support the Show.
Nature Near You: Spiders
September 21, 2022 01:00 - 9 minutes - 6.38 MBBecause they’re considered one of the most feared animals by humans, spiders tend to get a bad rap. And Kim’s relationship with them has also been…tumultuous. In today’s mini episode, Kim shares how a life-changing volunteer opportunity AND our favorite bug guy, Josh, helped her overcome her fears and learn to love these many-legged friends. And don’t forget—Katy and Laura will be back next week with a brand new season of For the Love of Nature! Support the Show.
Nature Near You: Trees
September 13, 2022 10:00 - 8 minutes - 5.97 MBStrong, sturdy, and sometimes bearing delicious food, trees are an underrated part of any ecosystem. In this week’s mini episode, Kim takes a closer look at her favorite tree, the maple, and the many gifts it’s given her over the years. Support the Show.
Nature Near You: Wildflowers
September 06, 2022 10:00 - 5 minutes - 4.11 MBAnother mini episode with Kim! Kim has a storied past with outdoor plants. And it took practically chasing her boss through a field of wildflowers for her to see these brilliant blooms in a new light. In this mini episode, Kim talks about how her interest in native plants, specifically coneflowers, took root. Support the Show.
Nature Near You: Birds
August 30, 2022 10:00 - 7 minutes - 5.38 MBWhile Laura and Katy take some time off to prepare for season 6, Kim is taking over the podcast with some mini episodes! For the next four weeks, she’ll cover topics that fit into a larger theme—affectionately called “Nature Near You”. This week is for the birds…and how Kim learned to appreciate the feathered, flighted creatures in her backyard. Support the Show.
Right in the Funnies!
August 23, 2022 09:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MBFor the season 5 finale (can you believe it?), we’ve put together a highlight reel of the FTLON team’s favorite belly laugh moments. From Katy mispronouncing all the Latin words to Laura’s T-shirt worthy “slow motion hoes,” this episode is sure to have you rolling. Did your top clip make the list? Support us on Patreon! Support the Show.
Toxic Nature
August 16, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 41.7 MBSometimes, relationships with plants and animals can be toxic. Literally. In this episode, Katy and Laura share the difference between venoms and poisons as well as some amazing examples of those toxic traits in our natural world. Support the Show.
Talking Trails
August 09, 2022 10:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBHave you ever wondered how a space goes from empty public land to a hiking and biking trail-filled outdoor adventure? Or maybe why it seems like more people are spending time recreating outside? Join Laura and Kim—along with special guest Leah Beck, Recreational Use Manager for a global nonprofit—as they discover what it really takes to build a trail, along with human impacts to natural places and how we all can help minimize them. Support the Show.
Field Trip: Spelunking
August 02, 2022 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBGet ready for an auditory experience from the underground! In this week’s episode, not only are Laura and Katy hanging out in person for the first time in a long time, they’re exploring the largest cave system in Pennsylvania–the Laurel Caverns. Join them in this 52-degree sandstone palace as they get their fix of stalactites, stalagmites, and other cool cave features. Support the Show.
Small Worlds: Tidal Pools
July 26, 2022 10:00 - 42 minutes - 28.9 MBAs the tide rises and falls each day, it leaves behind salty pools of ocean water in rock depressions near the shore. Though these tidal pools are quite small—and can be harsh habitats—they contain amazing, varied ecosystems. Join Katy Laura as they explore the four tidal zones and the incredible species that live there in this week’s episode. Support the Show.
Could You Nom That?
July 19, 2022 10:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MBYou may have heard about people who snack on crickets or pill-ify placenta, but have you ever had a Sourtoe Cocktail? Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like. And no, we didn’t think so either. In this week’s episode, Katy and Laura explore the world of extreme food and drink—from their perspective as two goofy Americans. Which items would they try, and which are a hard pass? *This episode contains sexual content and human remains* Support the Show.
Extreme Habitats
July 12, 2022 10:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBFrom the boiling geysers of Yellowstone, to the frigid valleys of Antarctica, the earth is full of inhospitable habitats. Yet despite these harsh conditions, life manages to find a way to survive. Join Laura and Katy as they virtually travel to a few of these places to better understand how plants, animals, and other living things managed to thrive in these desolate environments. Support the Show.
Sustainable Living
July 05, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 47.5 MBSustainability. We hear that (very important) buzzword all the time, but when it comes to making earth-friendly choices, it can be hard to know where to start. Join Laura and Katy as they talk about what they do and what they wish they could do on their quest to live a more sustainable life. Support the Show.
A Pirate's Life for Me
June 28, 2022 10:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBYo ho, yo ho! This week, Laura is joined by guest host Paul Csomo to delve into pirates’ unique connection with nature. From using wind and currents to navigate ships to knowing which animals and plants held nutritional or medicinal value, pirates had to be familiar with nature in order to survive as a seafarer. Check out this episode wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to check out Paul’s new podcast, Avast!, which explores the golden age of piracy and can be found on all maj...
Animals I Could Do Without
June 21, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 55.8 MBIn this week’s episode, Laura and Katy spar on the worst of the worst, the creatures they love to hate—the animals they could do without. Some of these you definitely have heard before (*cough* pandas *cough*), but others may come as a surprise. Find out which host condemned a dog breed on her top five list, along with all the other creatures they’d like to forget exist, wherever you get your podcasts. Support the Show.
Living Things: Protists
June 14, 2022 10:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBPeople are pretty well-versed in charismatic megafauna–lions and tigers and bears (and others) oh my! But have you thought about protists recently? We didn’t think so. These single-celled organisms, though tiny, are essential to life on Earth. Find out more about their characteristics, purpose, and why they’re so important in today’s episode! Support the Show.
If I Had a Hammer...
June 07, 2022 10:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MBWelcome back, Nature Nerds! Let’s kick off season five with some real tools—or tool users, rather. Tool use is considered a sign of high intelligence, but did you know that more than just humans and apes can use them? Join Katy, Laura, and Kim as they discuss some of their favorite (and unexpected) tool users in today’s episode. Support the Show.
Cryptozoology
April 26, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 50.6 MBDo you spend your free time wondering about life on other planets? Or is your ideal vacation scouring the shores of the Scottish Highlands for a glimpse of Nessie? If so, you’re in luck! This week, Katy and Laura are taking a look at cryptozoology—the study of and search for legendary creatures that may or may not exist. Give it a listen, hear the history and evidence, and let us know what you think! Do these creatures really exist? Support the Show.
Bacteria Overlords
April 19, 2022 10:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MBAre you fond of a good crisis…well we have an episode for you! This week, Laura and Katy tackle the taxon of bacteria, making them question everything they ever knew about reality. Learn more about these microorganisms, their awesome jobs, and the big impact they have on our world! Support the Show.
Wild Child
April 12, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 54.6 MBKaty and Laura welcome fellow podcaster, dog trainer, author and mom to one of our biggest fans, Melissa McCue-McGrath to todays episode! Each shares a bit about how nature shaped who they are today and how they hope to be good nature mamas. Embrace your inner wild child and discover why the natural world is critical in the lives of all children. Be sure to catch Melissa's podcast BewilderBeasts: https://bewilderbeastspod.podcastpage.io/ Support the Show.
Anti-Bucket List
April 05, 2022 10:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MBLaura and Katy put a new spin on the Bucket List in today's episode. Instead of taking us through the nature-themed goals they want to accomplish in their lifetime, they've compiled a list of situations they absolutely do not want to encounter and will avoid at all costs. Some make logical sense. Others involve knife fights with flightless birds. Find out more about their deepest--or most ridiculous--fears wherever you get your podcasts. Support the Show.
Birding 101
March 29, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 58.6 MBDo you want to get into birding but aren’t sure where to start? Or maybe you want to learn which birds are snacking at the feeders in your backyard? We have you covered! This week, Katy and Laura talk with special guest–and professional bird nerd–Allison Black about the ins and outs of birding. So grab your binocs, start your life list, and get ready for this year’s spring migration! Support the Show.
Rocks Rock
March 22, 2022 10:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MBThis week, Katy and Laura are digging into the topic of geology and how it shapes our world. From the formation of Earth, to rocks vs minerals, this episode will introduce you to what amazing nature lies right under your feet! Support the Show.
Symbiotic Relationships
March 15, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 45.7 MBYou may have heard that certain animals have symbiotic relationships with each other, but did you know this also happens outside of the animal kingdom? In this week’s episode, Laura and Katy explain why they’ve taken a “lichen” to symbiosis and explore four pairs of non-animal species who help each other out (or not—some are real takers) in these close relationships. Support the Show.
Animal Jobs
March 08, 2022 11:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MBWe can’t stress this enough: Animals are so smart! And they’ve worked side by side with humans to perform all sorts of jobs. Hang out with Katy and Laura during this week’s podcast and learn more about the human/animal working relationship throughout history. Support the Show.
Domestication
March 02, 2022 02:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MBHave you ever wondered how or why humans domesticated certain animals? We did too! And as it turns out, it’s not just because they were cute and needed love and attention. Throughout history, humans have domesticated a variety of species to suit their needs. Find out more about some of these helpful creatures wherever you get your podcasts! Support the Show.
Military Animals
February 22, 2022 17:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MBGet ready to see pigeons in a new light. Not only do they love a city stroll, they have been instrumental in key military operations throughout history. Find out more about how they—and some other animals—flew under the radar to ensure military success in this week’s episode! Support the Show.
Badass Women in Science
February 15, 2022 11:00 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MBHappy belated International Day of Women and Girls in Science! We know, we know. We’re a little late, but we think this episode will more than make up for it. Hang out with Laura, Katy, and manager Kim (woo special guest) as they share some incredible stories of three badass science women! Support the Show.
Free Love
February 08, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MBLaura and Katy are back and better than ever in Season 4! It's that time of year again when "love" is professed through greeting cards, and what better way to celebrate than by discussing wacky ways that animals reproduce? From prehensile penises to sex as a bargaining tool, you won't believe the "funny business" going on in the animal kingdom. Support the Show.
Madder Scientists
December 07, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 46.6 MBBe prepared to have you mind blown with Season 3's final episode! Katy and Laura have decided to revisit and introduce more "mad" scientists. These scientists, although pioneers, took part in some bizarre and somewhat disturbing research. *Be Advised* This episode contains adult content such as drug use, overdosing, animal death and sex. Support the Show.
Specialty Battle
November 30, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 55 MBWe are so excited to share this week’s episode with you! Join herpetologist Steve Allain and entomologist Josh Byrne (and hosts Laura and Kim) for our first ever specialty battle. These experts (though they may disagree on the title) duke it out to determine which grouping of animals ranks supreme. What do you think? Let us know below on our social media @FTLONpodcast Support the Show.
Plant Defenses
November 23, 2021 11:00 - 58 minutes - 40.5 MBYou know what they say about sports and plants: The best offense is a good defense. Well, maybe they don’t say that about plants, but they should! In today’s episode, Katy and Laura take a look at amazing plant defenses--from devastating idioblasts to the madness that is the gympie-gympie plant. Support the Show.
Ugly Animal Babies
November 16, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 44.8 MBWhile many baby animals come into this world cute as a button, some definitely do not. Today’s featured creatures have one unique trait in common: They have faces only a mother could love. Join Laura and Katy as they rank which animals have the ugliest baby mugs and discuss how looks aren't everything. Because beauty is in the eye of the beholder...right? Support the Show.
Vanishing Species
November 09, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 43.3 MBNot to be a bummer, but the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List has documented more than 38,500 species threatened with extinction. In today’s episode, Katy and Laura highlight some of the vanishing species in North America, why they’re disappearing, and how humans are trying to help. Support the Show.
Amazing Migrations
November 02, 2021 10:00 - 58 minutes - 40.4 MBFall migration is in full swing! And all this bird traffic got Katy and Laura thinking: What ARE the most extreme migrations? From the skies to the seas, the animals featured in this episode make a marathon look like a walk in the park. Support the Show.
World Lemur Day!!
October 26, 2021 09:00 - 57 minutes - 39.3 MBWe’re celebrating World Lemur Day with a special guest in this week’s episode! Sara Clark, Director of Communications at the Duke Lemur Center, joins us to talk all things lemur. Find out what makes these creatures equally cute and fascinating, why they’re the most endangered group of mammals on Earth, and how you can help conserve them! Support the Show.
Animals of the Occult
October 19, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 45 MBIt’s spooky season! Laura and manager Kim get in the Halloween spirit by taking a look at a few creatures of the occult. These furry, scaly, and feathered friends each have their own valuable place in witchcraft or other mystical practices. Which one is your favorite? Support the Show.
Could You Fight That?
October 12, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 45.3 MBIt's back! Another "Could You...?" episode. This season Laura and Katy ask each other "Could You Fight That?" They're not looking to pick a fight, but could they survive one if the fight comes to them? Listen to find out! *No animals were harmed in the research done for this episode.* Support the Show.
How We Influence Waterways
October 05, 2021 09:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MBEvery day our lives depend on waterways whether we realize it or not. Today Laura & Katy talk about two important waterways found in the United States, their role in society, how humans have negatively impacted them and what they are now trying to do to help. Support the Show.
Brains!
September 28, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 60.1 MBIn today’s episode, we take a look at how brains work, what they do, and how they work with or against us. Laura and Katy then get personal and do a deep dive into their own mental health and their journey with OCD and ADHD respectively. For the song Katy mentioned how she felt pre & post ADHD medication: Colony House- Why Even Try Support the Show.
Mating Rituals
September 21, 2021 11:00 - 47 minutes - 33 MBLaura and Katy start season 3 with a ‘bang’ by delving into some of the unique mating rituals of the animal kingdom. Some creatures dance, some build bedazzled love shacks, and some...stab each other with love darts? This took a turn. Learn more about these elaborate courtships (and laugh at the rituals we couldn’t tease on social media) wherever you like to get your podcasts! Support the Show.
Mimicry- Season Break Episode!
September 07, 2021 09:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBWhile FTLON may be on a season break, we wanted to give our listeners a bonus episode as a thank you for the support as we wrap up season 2 and head in to our THIRD season!!! Seems crazy that it's already season 3, but we've loved this journey and excited for more things ahead. Support the Show.
International Orangutan Day
August 17, 2021 09:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBCelebrate International Orangutan Day with Laura & Katy, and their special guest Catherine Tidwell! Being in the zoo world for more than 20 years, Catherine has turned her passion into a lifelong journey of caring for and studying great apes. Having a special place in her heart for orangs, Laura & Katy talk to Catherine about everything from orangutan husbandry to intelligence, to the struggles they face in the wild. Visit us on Social Media: Instagram Twitter Youtube Patreon Support the ...
They’re Called WHAT?!
August 10, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 54.9 MBThere are pleeeenty of animals found throughout the world which have been poorly named for various reasons. Join Laura & Katy as they discuss some funny animal names, what they think it should be renamed as, and have a more serious discussion to renaming some species that truly do need to be renamed. Visit us on Social Media: Instagram Twitter Youtube Patreon Support the Show.
Old School Nature
August 03, 2021 11:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MBThroughout history, scientists thought they had figured out how nature worked, only to find out they were incredibly wrong later. In today's episode, Laura & Katy talk about some insane past theories and debunk maybe even some you still believe! Visit us on Social Media: Instagram Twitter Youtube Patreon Support the show
Could You Be That?
July 27, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 52.9 MBContinuing from our first season our "Could You...." series makes a comeback! This week Laura and Katy examine various biomes and fight for justifying what animals they each could be. Some are ones they want to be, some animals they are. Katy also finally finds her spirit animal! Visit us on Social Media: Instagram Twitter Youtube Patreon Support the Show.
Natural Remedies
July 20, 2021 11:00 - 58 minutes - 40.5 MBNature seems to provide us with everything we could possibly need! Join Laura and Katy this week as they discuss medicinal properties of a few plant species. Whether physical or mental healing is needed, nature has us covered! Visit us on Social Media: Instagram Twitter Youtube Patreon Support the Show.
Folklore of Plants
July 13, 2021 09:00 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBPeople have always given certain attributes or characteristics to plants, beyond that of just food or medicine. In this episode, Laura & Katy dig into a handful of examples of plant symbolism and folklore of the past. Where did the phrase "knock on wood" start? Is dowsing a real thing? Dive into these and many others in this episode of For the Love of Nature. Visit us on Social Media: Instagram Twitter Youtube Patreon Support the Show.