Sonia Altizer

Original broadcast date: April 30, 2021. Migration is a part of everyone's history. This hour, TED speakers explore ideas about places we call home — and how these experiences continue to reshape our culture, countries and species. Guests include bioarchaeologist Carolyn Freiwald, journalist Isabel Wilkerson, comedian Maeve Higgins and ecologist Sonia Altizer. TED Radio Hour+ subscribers now get access to bonus episodes, with more ideas from TED speakers and a behind the scenes look with our producers. A Plus subscription also lets you listen to regular episodes (like this one!) without sponsors. Sign-up at: plus.npr.org/ted Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Carolyn Freiwald, a bioarchaeologist, uncovers migration stories through skeletal analysis, revealing rich histories. Isabel Wilkerson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, shares powerful narratives of the Great Migration, highlighting resilience amidst adversity. Ecologist Sonia Altizer discusses the alarming decline of monarch butterflies, linking their struggles to human impact while emphasizing conservation. Together, they explore how migration shapes identity, belonging, and ecosystems, reminding us that these journeys are integral to the human story.

Sonia Altizer, an ecologist at the University of Georgia, specializes in the fascinating world of monarch butterfly migration. She shares insights into the butterflies' astonishing 3,000-mile journey each year and the critical role of milkweed in their lifecycle. Altizer discusses the environmental challenges they face, including the impact of agriculture on their habitats. Highlighting the urgent need for conservation, she emphasizes how planting native plants can help support these remarkable travelers. Tune in for a captivating exploration of nature's resilience!