Heartwood artwork

Heartwood

51 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratings

Thomas Rashad Easley, the Assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies (FES), hosts the Heartwood podcast recorded on the FES campus in New Haven, Connecticut. Thomas meets with guests spanning the environmental spectrum, in pursuit of one goal: understanding how the heart impacts the woods, and the woods impact the heart.

Earth Sciences Science
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Episodes

BONUS: Pt 2 Bianca. Gearing up for success

June 29, 2023 05:32 - 81.1 MB

Easley and Olupo had to bring Ms. Myrick back because as a leader, she does not just work in environmental education, but she also is an entrepreneur that is making her own lane by leading multiple organizations. In this episode she shares her evolution throughout her career and her insight exploring a different field of … Read More Read More

Meeting the Hosts. A Conversation with Bennett Olupo and Dr. Easley

June 22, 2023 05:30 - 98 MB

On this episode, Easley interviews Bennett. It’s always important to make sure that our listeners know who the engineer and editor is that keeps Heartwood moving forward. Olupo shares his background as an educator, as well as his cultural background that informs how he works in forestry and how he engages as a student in … Read More Read More

Navigating Conflict with Pat Gonzales-Rogers

June 15, 2023 05:26 - 82.6 MB

On this episode, Dr. Easley and Bennett Olupo share the stage with Professor Gonzalez as he smoothly shares his views on environmental justice and education. He brings a lens of truth, art and R&B that keeps him grounded and motivated to support his students. Gonzalez shows us how being a humble and working to be … Read More Read More

Discussing the Future of Environmental Justice Dr. Gerald Torres

June 08, 2023 08:23 - 107 MB

On this episode, Dr. Easley and Bennett Olupo speak with Professor Gerald Torres as they explore his interest in Environmental Justice as well as his career in Law. This episode is rich because they all share their understandings of the injustices communities of color face, while Prof. Torres gives wisdom and scholarship that breaks down … Read More Read More

The Importance of HBCUs for Environmental Progress with Dr. Iris Montague and Ms. Stephanie Love

June 01, 2023 08:19 - 112 MB

On this episode, Dr. Easley interviews two scientists and leaders in the forest industry. Amazingly, they are also his classmates from Alabama A&M University. They discuss their journeys to the profession and the importance of getting an education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Finding a place at Yale: Thokozile Changufu, Grace (Chikaodi) Dominic, Jeffrey (Ato) Blay

May 25, 2023 05:15 - 123 MB

On this episode, Dr. Easley and Bennett Olupo are joined by Thoko, Grace, and Ato. The vivacious and keen trio are pursuing their masters at Yale School of the Environment. We discuss what it is like to be from The Continent and pursue an environmentally focused education and career. The episode has a special emphasis … Read More Read More

Finding Your Groove with stic from dead prez

May 18, 2023 08:28 - 98.8 MB

On this episode, Dr. Easley and Bennett Olupo are joined by world-renowned rapper and author Khnum “Stic” Ibomu (One half of the Legendary Hip Hop Band, Dead Prez), who has developed a strong fan base thanks to wellness oriented and conscious lyrics. We discuss why the growth mentality present in fit-hop, the hip-hop subgenre he … Read More Read More

A Balancing Act: Learning to Grow with and Empower Students with Dean Toddi Steelman

May 11, 2023 08:26 - 93.7 MB

On this episode, Dr. Easley speaks with Dean Toddi Steelman of the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. She shares her experience in leadership and shares how she works to support students, faculty and staff. This episode is so rich because they both used to work together, and you will enjoy listening to … Read More Read More

Being a Conduit for Change with Dr. Justin Kunkle

May 04, 2023 08:24 - 79.4 MB

On this episode, Dr. Easley is joined by Dr. Justin Kunkle, the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies and Academic Advisor in the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University. We discuss how Dr. Kunkle supports students in the community beyond just giving lip service. He expounds that it is a constant learning process, but we … Read More Read More

Building Community Through Leadership with Ms. Bianca Myrick (pt. 1)

April 27, 2023 08:11 - 106 MB

On this episode of the Heartwood Podcast, Dr. Easley is joined by Ms. Bianca Myrick. She is the founder and executive director of Pretty Purposed, non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring communities to empower young women and girls. With environmentalism underlying the conversation, the two discuss the importance of leadership and education within the Black community.

Plugging Into the Source with Dr. Nyeema Harris

April 27, 2023 08:00 - 78.4 MB

On this episode of the Heartwood Podcast, Dr. Easley and Bennett Olupo are joined by the illustrious Dr. Nyeema Harris (Associate Professor of Wildlife and Land Conservation at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE). Easley and Harris are colleagues whose careers crossed paths at NC State University. We are fortunate to discuss how Dr. … Read More Read More

A Reflection on Season 4 of the Heartwood Podcast: A Conversation with Nadeem Demian and Thibault Vermeulen

August 29, 2022 09:00 - 44 minutes - 60.5 MB

On this episode, Dr. Easley is joined by Nadeem Demian and Thibault Vermeulen, both Masters Students at the Yale School of the Environment and Producers of the Heartwood Podcast. The three reflect on their personal trajectories, values, as well as their thoughts on this season’s episodes of the podcast

Personal Identity, Botany, and Environmentalism: A Conversation with Mae Lin Plummer

August 24, 2022 14:49 - 1 hour - 85.1 MB

On this episode, Dr. Easley is joined by Mae Lin Plummer, Director of the IDEA Center for Public Gardens. The two discuss the importance of personal identity in shaping their environmental ethics and career paths.

Community and Emotional Support and DEI in the Conservation Movement: A Conversation with Marcelo Bonta and David Lamfrom

August 17, 2022 13:15 - 44 minutes - 60.6 MB

On this episode, Dr. Easley is joined by Marcelo Bonta, President of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion(J.E.D.I.) consultancy Marcelo Bonta LLC; as well as David Lamfrom, Vice President of the Regional Programs at the National Parks Conservation Association. The three discuss the importance of community and emotional support in helping address DEI issues in the … Read More Read More

Addressing Global Inequality through Sustainable Development: A Conversation with Jeffrey Sachs

August 02, 2022 13:39 - 27 minutes - 37.8 MB

On this episode, Dr. Easley is joined by world-renowned economist Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, who is an expert on sustainable development and poverty economics. The two discuss the parallels between Diversity, Equity and Inclusion issues in the US and historical inequities on a global scale.

The Forests Dialogue: Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement -Part 2: A Conversation with Liz Felker

July 18, 2022 14:00 - 37 minutes - 31.6 MB

On the second part this conversation, Dr. Easley is joined by Liz Felker, Associate Director of the Forests Dialogue (TFD) based at the Yale School of the Environment. They discuss the importance of the TFD process and the importance of social safeguards as they relate to DEI.

The Forests Dialogue: Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement -Part 1: A Conversation with Gary Dunning

July 18, 2022 13:58 - 42 minutes - 58.3 MB

On the first part this conversation, Dr. Easley is joined by Gary Dunning, Executive Director of the Forests Dialogue (TFD) based at the Yale School of the Environment. They discuss the history of TFD and the importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement in the forestry sector globally.

Hip Hop, Positivity, and the Environment: a Conversation withLilB

June 15, 2022 19:12 - 41 minutes - 31.8 MB

On this episode, Dr. Easley is joined by world-renowned rapper LilB, who has developed a strong fanbase thanks to his promotion of positivity and tolerance. The two discuss how LilB’s upbringing and career has taught importance of love and compassion in his relationship with people and the environment.

Conservation and Community Development in Botswana: A Conversation with Kaggie Orrick, Lauren Sadowski and Dikatholo Kedikilwe

June 09, 2022 14:04 - 46 minutes - 39.4 MB

On this episode, Dr. Easley is joined by Kaggie Orrick, a PhD Student at Yale as well as Lauren Sadowski, a recent master’s graduate of the school. They discuss their experience working on elephant conservation inBotswana. The episode also includes voice recordings of Dikatholo (Dix) Kedikilwe who works for Round River Conservation Studies inBotswana.

Kaggie Orrick, Lauren Sadowski

June 09, 2022 14:04 - 46 minutes - 39.4 MB

On this episode, Dr. Easley is joined by Kaggie Orrick, a PhD Student at Yale as well as Lauren Sadowski, a recent master’s graduate of the school. They discuss their experience working on elephant conservation inBotswana. The episode also includes voice recordings of Dikatholo (Dix) Kedikilwe who works for Round River Conservation Studies inBotswana.

A Conversation on Diversity, Equity and Inclusionwith Enrico Manalo

May 11, 2022 12:54 - 1 hour - 67.4 MB

On this episode of the Heartwood Podcast, Dr. Easley is joined by Enrico Manalo, Creator and Lead Host of Intentionally Act Live. The two discuss the issue identity in helping address Diversity, Equity and Inclusion within the workplace, our personal lives, and our relationship to the environment.

Mental Health and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: A Conversation with Andres Fernandez, Mia Wilson, and Raffa Sindoni

April 19, 2022 18:35 - 33 minutes - 15.2 MB

On this episode of the Heartwood Podcast, Dr. Easley is joined by Andres Fernandes (Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at the Yale School of the Environment), Mia Wilson (Mental Health Counselor at Yale), and Raffa Sindoni (master’s student at Yale). The panel discusses mental health initiatives within the Yale School of the Environment as well … Read More Read More

The Dean Speaks: A Conversation with Indy Burke

April 23, 2021 09:00 - 28 minutes - 39.3 MB

In our final episode of Season 3 of the Heartwood Podcast, Dr. Easley sits down with his colleague, and Dean of the Yale School of the Environment, Dr. Indy Burke. In this candid conversation, Indy reflects on how far the School of the Environment has come in terms of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategic … Read More Read More

An Exchange of Wisdom with Omavi Minder

April 16, 2021 14:15 - 1 hour - 86.1 MB

This week, we have the pleasure of welcoming on to the show Omavi Minder, more widely known as “Mavi” — the 22 year old rap artist from Charlotte, North Carolina. Mavi, a Neuroscience major at Howard University, joins Dr. Easley in a deep discussion on what growing up in the United States south as a … Read More Read More

Merging the Personal with the Professional: A Conversation with Mark Bradford

April 12, 2021 13:01 - 44 minutes - 61.7 MB

On this episode of the Heartwood Podcast, Dr. Easley sits down with Professor Mark Bradford, a fellow scholar at the Yale School of the Environment. Mark discusses how he, as a white male from Britain specializing in soil and ecosystem sciences, is able to bring issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion into the classroom. Join … Read More Read More

Bringing the Farm to the Classroom: A Conversation with Tessa Desmond

April 02, 2021 08:00 - 54 minutes - 75.1 MB

This week on the Heartwood Podcast, Dr. Thomas RaShad Easley engages in an enriching conversation with Tessa Desmond, an Associate Research Scholar with Princeton University’s Program in American Studies. Join us as Dr. Desmond charts out her path through academia, and explains how her life experiences, such as growing up in a single-parent household in … Read More Read More

Why We Need Accountability with Andrés Jimenez

March 29, 2021 13:37 - 42 minutes - 58.7 MB

This week, we are joined by Andrés Jimenez, the executive director “Green 2.0.” Green 2.0 is an independent advocacy campaign aimed at increasing racial diversity among environmental organizations. In this conversation, Dr. Easley and Andrés discuss the power of racial diversity and how environmental leaders can learn from Green 2.0 to make their communities more … Read More Read More

Exploring Universal Consciousness with Marlon Davila

March 26, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutes - 58.4 MB

The Heartwood Podcast takes a spiritual journey this week with our guest Marlon Davila, a Guatemalan-born, New Jersey-based visual artist and muralist. Listen in as Marlon explains his path through the art-world and how he derives deep inspiration from nature and his spiritual connection to his surrounding environments.

The Ecology of Washington Square Park with Georgia Silvera Seamans

March 12, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 106 MB

On this episode, we sit down with Yale School of the Environment alumna Georgia Silver Seamans who tells us stories of connecting with nature in the concrete jungle of New York City. Georgia is a trained urban forester and proud co-founder of Washington Square Eco Projects, an initiative that monitors biodiversity, designs environmental education programs, … Read More Read More

What’s in Your Survival Kit?: A conversation with Goodie Mob

March 05, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 102 MB

Welcome to the Third Season of the Heartwood Podcast! In this season premier, host Dr. Thomas RaShad Easley and guest-host Michelle Lanier of Duke University’s Center of Documentary Studies sit down with the acclaimed Atlanta-based hip-hop group “Goodie Mob.” Founding members Cee-Lo, T-Mo, Khujo, and Big Gipp reflect on how they seek to promote a … Read More Read More

“Playing by the Rules” (or not) as a Black Man in Academia and Society: Dr. Robert K. Perkins, PhD in Sociology at Norfolk State University

August 21, 2020 15:13 - 59 minutes - 82.3 MB

Dr. Robert K. Perkins holds a PhD in Sociology at Norfolk State University. His areas of specialization include Urban Studies, Inequality, Social Organizations, and Socio-Cybersecurity. On this episode, Dr. Perkins and Dr. Easley draw links with one another about being Black in Academia, about navigating a society dominated by capitalistic principles and inequitable resource allocation, … Read More Read More

Chris Webby: Connecticut’s homegrown star isn’t afraid to lean into environmental activism

July 13, 2020 08:00 - 44 minutes - 61.3 MB

Chris Webby is an American rapper from Norwalk, Connecticut. Chris Webby has released many mixtapes such as the DJ Drama-hosted Bars On Me (2012) and his EP There Goes the Neighborhood (2011), which peaked at number 101 on the Billboard 200. He has worked with various artists such as Freeway, Mac Miller, Joell Ortiz, Big … Read More Read More

Dr. John Francis, “The Planetwalker,” on how we treat one another is how we treat the environment:

July 06, 2020 08:00 - 42 minutes - 58.7 MB

John Francis was in his twenties when a 1971 oil spill in San Francisco Bay jarred his comfortable life. Even as he joined the volunteers who scrubbed the beaches and fought to save birds and sea creatures poisoned by petroleum, he felt the need to make a deeper, more personal commitment. As an affirmation of … Read More Read More

Return of Dr. Verdolin: An Animal Biologist on how Animal Behaviors and Social Distancing are Interconnected

June 29, 2020 19:29 - 52 minutes - 72.8 MB

On this episode, Dr. Jennifer L. Verdolin returns to Heartwood, this time in the era of COVID-19. Dr. Verdolin is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona and an expert in animal behavior. The author of two books, including Wild Connection: What Animal Courtship and Mating Tell Us About Human Relationships and Raised by … Read More Read More

The Convergence of the Built Environment, Racial Equity, and Public Health: A Conservation with Dr. Allison Mathews

June 24, 2020 08:00 - 41 minutes - 56.9 MB

Allison Mathews is Associate Director of Integrating Special Populations at Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity. Her research interests include community engagement, the sociology of race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, religion, HIV/AIDS, and social psychology. Her current research examines the use of crowdsourcing theory to implement community engagement activities aimed at facilitating discussion about … Read More Read More

“We can’t protect the environment until we get DEI right.” – Marcelo Banta of J.E.D.I. Heart

June 22, 2020 08:00 - 57 minutes - 78.6 MB

Marcelo Banta was originally trained as a conservation biologist, and ended up shifting his career focus from biodiversity to people diversity after finding himself as the sole programmatic person of color at a national conservation organization. That experience was so bad that he didn’t want anything to do with the environmental movement ever again. However, … Continue reading “We can’t protect the environment until we get DEI right.” – Marcelo Banta of J.E.D.I. Heart →

“We can’t protect the environment until we get DEI right.” – Marcelo Bonta of J.E.D.I. Heart

June 22, 2020 08:00 - 57 minutes - 78.6 MB

Marcelo Bonta was originally trained as a conservation biologist, and ended up shifting his career focus from biodiversity to people diversity after finding himself as the sole programmatic person of color at a national conservation organization. That experience was so bad that he didn’t want anything to do with the environmental movement ever again. However, … Read More Read More

When Black Folks live in, persist through, and thrive in nature— Outdoor Afro Founder Rue Mapp

June 08, 2020 09:00 - 47 minutes - 65.3 MB

Rue Mapp is the Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, a national not-for-profit organization with offices in Oakland, CA, and Washington, D.C. Rue oversees a carefully selected and trained national volunteer leadership team of nearly 90 men and women who represent 30 states around the US, and shares opportunities to build a broader community and … Read More Read More

5. Hip Hop Kings and Environmental Professionals: Miles Braxton on Entrepreneurship and Sustainability

February 03, 2020 09:00 - 407 MB

First there was one hip hop professional on the Heartwood podcast, then there were two. Miles Braxton is a Business Development Analyst for Sol Customer Solutions, an energy solutions firm in Washington DC. In his work, Miles helps to investigate and engage potential clients in emerging solar markets, in addition to creating preliminary solar array … Read More Read More

4. Live at Yale-Myers: Finding the Heart in Forestry with Rachel Reyna

January 27, 2020 09:00 - 444 MB

Recorded live on site at Yale-Myers Forest in northeastern Connecticut, Thomas Easley sits down with Rachel Reyna, chief of Rural and Community Forestry at the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry, and recent recipient of the Mira Lloyd Dock Outstanding Woman Conservationist Award. Rachel discusses adaptive management and the necessity for … Read More Read More

3. Breaking Open Our Seeds of Growth: CJ Goulding on the Necessity of Discomfort

January 20, 2020 09:00 - 1.34 GB

CJ Goulding, Partner at the Avarna Group and JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) professional, joins Heartwood to share reflections on his work spent fostering discomfort for personal and community growth in both traditional and outdoor-oriented communities. In his work with the Children & Nature Network and Fresh Tracks, CJ trains, mentors and supports a national … Read More Read More

2. Seeing the Foresters for the Trees: Terry Baker and new pathways at the Society of American Foresters

January 13, 2020 09:00 - 542 MB

Thomas Easley sits down with Terry Baker, CEO of the Society of American Foresters, and an alumnus of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Terry lives by a mantra–give people the ability to see the foresters for the trees. By that, he means, help folks recognize how much around them is made possible … Read More Read More

1. The Kids are Alright: Building an Environmental Ethic in New Haven’s Young People

January 10, 2020 09:00 - 54 minutes - 100 MB

The second season of Heartwood kicks off with a conversation that reminds us that everything starts with the next generation. Dr. Thomas Easley sits with participants and leadership at Solar Youth, a local nonprofit that engages young people in New Haven to explore their neighborhoods and local environments with an emphasis on leadership. First, you’ll … Read More Read More

8. (LIVE) Real Talk with Yale’s Diversity and Inclusion Professionals: Representatives from across the campus share lessons, frustrations, and opportunities

August 29, 2019 09:00 - 1 hour - 150 MB

Taryn Wolf is the Director of Academic Administration at the Yale School of Art. Taryn joined the Yale School of Art in February, coming from the New School where she was senior director of recruitment and outreach. Before that she held positions at MICA, CalArts, and the School of Visual Arts. Taryn also holds a … Read More Read More

7. Raised By Animals: Dr. Jennifer Verdolin outlines the interconnectedness of the human ecosystem and the animal kingdom

August 26, 2019 09:00 - 45 minutes - 82.8 MB

JENNIFER L. VERDOLIN is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona and an expert in animal behavior. The author of two books, including Wild Connection: What Animal Courtship and Mating Tell Us About Human Relationships and Raised by Animals: The Surprising New Science of Animal Family Dynamics, she draws on animal behavior to reveal … Read More Read More

6. You Actually Work Together?: Hosts of the “Political Climate” Podcast on what it’s like to spend every day working across the aisle

August 22, 2019 09:00 - 25 minutes - 45.9 MB

Political Climate is a bipartisan podcast on energy and environmental politics in America, presented by the USC Schwarzenegger Institute and the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. Political Climate goes beyond the echo chambers to bring you civil conversations, fierce debates and insider perspectives, with hosts and guests from across the political spectrum. Join Democrat and Republican energy … Read More Read More

5. When Jay-Z Meets Green Trees: Heartwood Producer Chris Perkins talks about the role of music in defining an environmental ethic

August 19, 2019 09:00 - 39 minutes - 72.9 MB

Chris Perkins is a joint-degree M.E.M. and M.B.A. candidate at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and Yale School of Management from Seattle, WA. His professional interests include standards for stewardship of natural resources, supply chain management, green finance, public-private community conservation partnerships, and next-generation environmental leadership. Most recently, he lived in Jackson, … Read More Read More

4. Young, Black, and Sustainable: Jarami Bond tells us why carpet is a hidden secret of environmental solutions

August 15, 2019 09:00 - 31 minutes - 57.9 MB

Featured as a 2017 GreenBiz 30 Under 30 emerging leader in sustainable business, Jarami Bond develops strategy, crafts communications, and leverages the power of storytelling to help mission-driven brands unlock business growth opportunities, build brand awareness, cultivate healthy company culture, and maximize positive impact. In his free time, he uses his voice, keyboard, and cameras … Read More Read More

3. A Leader of Forestry: Sam Cook talks about his non-traditional path to success in forestry

August 12, 2019 09:00 - 44 minutes - 81.3 MB

Sam Cook is the Executive Director of Forest Asset for the NC State College of Natural Resources and VP for the Natural Resources Foundation Board. He is the former Director of Forestry for the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation in the Lowcountry (Charleston) of South Carolina and has maintained a Consulting Forestry business since 2007 … Read More Read More

2. The Challenges of Leadership: Dean Indy Burke connects her story to the challenges of leading one of the best environmental schools in the country

August 08, 2019 09:00 - 31 minutes - 57.6 MB

Ingrid C. “Indy” Burke is the Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. Dean at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. She is an ecosystem ecologist whose work has focused on carbon and nitrogen cycling in semi-arid rangeland ecosystems and the effects of land management and climate variability on these systems. A respected educator and intellectual … Read More Read More