Nature podcast recommendations for the curious
What can you expect from my recommendations? Firstly, a bit of bias because I recommend my own podcast, and I met a lot of these hosts after watching them record episodes live at Global Birdfair a few weeks ago!
But, sincerely, these recommendations have been a long time coming, because ever since I undertook my MA in Travel and Nature Writing at Bath Spa university (2017-2019) I have believed we need to democratise the voices talking about nature.
I’ve selected these podcasts precisely because they represent diverse voices, perspectives and styles. Collectively, they acknowledge that there is not one way to talk about the environment or to protect it. I’m genuinely excited to share these recommendations with you because these shows are celebratory and engaging, inviting people to join the conversation about the natural world by having playful premises, some facilitate immersion in soundscapes that allow space for reverie and reflection; all of them feature expert guests, fascinating facts and boundless enthusiasm for sharing knowledge.
If you’ve ever felt like nature writing, or the debate around the environment, has been exclusionary, boring, flat or repetitive, then these podcasts may just be the antidote to kickstart your involvement!
1. Planty Planty Zoo Zoo
Why Listen? I love the premise of this podcast! Co-hosts Connor and Steph are the curators of an imaginary zoo and botanical gardens, Planty Planty Zoo Zoo, in each episode they introduce a species of animal and plant to it, justifying their choices. Connor is the animal enthusiast and Steph is the botany enthusiast. The rapport is part of the appeal, their friendship adds a sense of ease to the entire show and it feels like wrapping yourself in a comfy, worn-in jumper.
Episodes delve into topics like the symbiotic partnerships and unique defensive mechanisms in plants, we get some history in episode 13, when Steph takes us on an adventure back to the Dutch Golden Age to unravel the story of tulip mania in the 17th century.
My personal favourite is episode 19, I was stupidly excited to learn about an endemic plant in my homelands, it grows in one tiny strip and nowhere else in the entire world!
Listen to Planty Planty Zoo Zoo on Spotify
2. Pangolin: The Conservation Podcast
Why Listen? Pangolin is dedicated to highlighting the plight and protection of pangolins and other endangered species. The podcast covers a wide range of global conservation efforts, and guests who have jobs with titles like “President of the Wolf Conservation Centre” and “Vice Chair of the IUCN section on small apes”. This is a vital listen for anyone interested in wildlife preservation, especially if you want to hear directly from people doing the work rather than theorising about it.
Highlight: Queer Nature for Pride Month This special round of episodes, celebrating Pride month, focuses on the intersection of LGBTQ+ identities and nature conservation. The acknowledgment of the LGBTQ+ community's contributions to conservation made my big bisexual heart happy.
These episodes are a beautiful blend of personal stories and professional insights. There’s a standout episode, Queer is Natural, with Christine Wilkinson (Carnivore Ecologist) that mentions law-changing lesbian seagulls! Read the Blog on Pangolin Pride
Listen to Pangolin: The Conservation Podcast on Spotify
3. The Plodcast
Why Listen? Part of the BBC Countryfile family, The Plodcast has high production values and an immersive audio experience. If, like me, you turn off anything that’s poorly produced, I assure you Plodcast is top quality . This podcast is a more traditional, straight-laced nature show that uses proper nouns and includes recordings of bird calls and rustling leaves. With shorter, bite-sized episodes, it's perfect for a quick nature fix during a break or commute.
Highlight Segment: Sound Escapes "Sound Escapes" transports listeners to various natural settings, providing a serene auditory experience. From the dawn chorus in an English woodland to the waves crashing on a remote beach, these episodes are perfect for a moment of tranquility.
Listen to The Plodcast on Spotify
4. How Many Geese?
Why Listen? This comedy podcast brings a fresh and humorous take on wildlife and has a perfect slogan, “a nature podcast that doesn’t take itself too seriously”. Hosts Jack and Roddy bounce off each other beautifully, they are quick-witted and have a deliciously dry sense of humour perfectly balanced with a slew of solid animal facts.
As for the name? That’s a reference to the closing segment of the show, where the question of “how many of X species is too many (to take in a fight)?” the lads take it seriously, laying out the parameters of a fair fight, considering whether ridiculous environments like the Las Vegas Strip or Rainbow Road (from Mario Kart) could be advantageous to them in their plight to survive, while also weighing up the strengths and weaknesses of each species.
Roddy and Jack graciously agreed to be my guests on episode 4 of Bird Brain, we recorded it live at Birdfair and I barely suppressed my fangirl status!
Highlight: The episode about Orcas, dubbed as "Monochrome murderers" had me snort laughing, and I have been repeating the incredible story of how Orcas used to help humans hunt ever since, Jack and Roddy told it with such gusto, hilarity, and attention to detail, that it’s stuck with me, and that’s what I love so much about How Many Geese! It doesn’t feel like a passive listen, I”m totally engaged every episode and retain the knowledge because of the expert storytelling.
5. Wilder Skies
Why Listen? Wilder Skies is hosted by Nick Patel, he runs Somerset wildlife tours (company of the same name) taking people on a nature-filled safari right here on our doorstep! He’s into all things nature nerdy having recently gone to a Dung Beetle Conference, he raises awareness about how ponds can sustain an entire ecosystem and he’s even challenging toxic masculinity in the great outdoors! My kind of guy, yes, I talked his ear off at Birdfair.
Nick is a person of color, and while it seems crass to point that out, it does, unfortunately, need to be mentioned. When I studied the MA, it was surprising how few writers of colour featured and, when they did, it was for contributions that were shaped by personal narratives; it is frequently still the privileged domain of white, male, straight, middle-aged and middle-class men to explore their passions without the added requirement of reflecting upon their personal identity (the assumption being, this type of person has natural authority on the subject and can be trusted to just follow their interest).
Nick does have an academic background in ecology, but it’s his down to earth belief that being out in the field is more important than official training that makes him so easy to listen to, and his choice of guests brings much-needed diversity to the genre. Wilder Skies explores birdwatching and wildlife from the unique cultural and personal viewpoints of his guests, incorporating Right to Roam arguments in one episode, and consistently challenging the superficial focus on protecting popular species.
Listen to Wilder Skies on Spotify
Highlight: Episode 11 - Joe Montes de Oca This episode features a guest from Miami talking about the Glades, such a treat to hear their mutual appreciation of what they have on their own doorsteps.
6. The Casual Birder
Why Listen? Perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts of all levels, this podcast offers insights into bird behavior, identification tips, and personal birding stories. This podcast is perfect if you’re looking for practical advice as a novice birder. Recent episodes include "Passion and Innovation in Bird Feeder Design”.
Join host Suzy Buttress as she takes you on casual birder walks, sharing her observations and tips. This segment is perfect for those who enjoy a gentle listen. She shares her love of birding with her husband and the two of them make you believe in love again!
Highlight: Focus on Birders, these episodes put the spotlight on individual birders and their experiences, like “Chiara Talia” who tells Suzy how a walk in the park, and a chance encounter with a European Robin, led to a passion for bird photography and a pathway to healing at a time when she was struggling with her mental health. They also discuss using a floating bird hide in Slovenia, and Chiara’s search for the Southern Cassowary in Australia.
7. Bird Brain
Why Listen? Ok, I know I’m plugging my own podcast here, but I’m so proud of Bird Brain and the amazing guests I’ve had on it! Hosted by me, Kelly Keegan, Bird Brain takes a bird character from pop culture and compares it to the real-life species it's based on. It's a fun way to blend entertainment with education, and it gives me the freedom to simultaneously dive into research, folklore and history while watching a lot of animated films.
In my debut episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with the renowned naturalist and author Stephen Moss. We dove into the character of Hedwig from Harry Potter, comparing the fictional portrayal with the fascinating real-life traits of Snowy Owls. We set the bar high!
Highlight Episode: Adélie penguins and The Penguins of Madagascar I recorded this with artist Carly Sharp, and we laughed so hard I had to stop recording multiple times just to regain my composure! We veer around the topics of giant penguins, the Terra Nova expedition and consistency errors in the Madagascar film.
Each of these podcasts offers a unique perspective on the natural world, backed by knowledgeable hosts and fascinating guests. They combine rigorous scientific discussion with a passion for their subjects, making them ideal for anyone eager to learn more about nature. These podcasts represent a diverse array of voices and perspectives, making nature accessible and engaging for all. So, whether you're commuting, hiking, or simply relaxing at home, tune in and let them enrich your understanding of the natural world.
Remember, most of these people do these podcast in their spare time, so many support you can offer them by saving the shows, rating them and sharing with others would be a huge help in keeping them going.
Please do let me know if you enjoy any of these or have recommendations of your own, I’d love to know your thoughts.
Keep an eye out for part 2 of my recommendations next week, happy listening in the meantime, you’re in for a treat!
