
Future Ecologies
Made for nature lovers and audiophiles alike, Future Ecologies explores our eco-social relationships through stories, science, music, and soundscapes. Every episode is an invitation to see the world in a new light — weaving together narrative and interviews with expert knowledge holders.
The format varies: from documentary storytelling to stream-of-consciousness sound collage, and beyond. Episodes are released only when they're ready, not on a fixed schedule (but approximately monthly).
This ad-free, independent podcast is supported by our listeners: https://www.futureecologies.net/join
Latest episodes

Jul 17, 2024 • 55min
Future Ecologies presents: The Right to Feel (Part 2 — Eulogies)
Dive into a world where emotions collide with climate realities. Students articulate fictional eulogies for vulnerable species, exploring the profound grief of ecological loss. From pteropods to wolves, the narratives reveal urgent truths about interconnected ecosystems. Discover the heartfelt stories of a farm's closure and the community's fight for sustainable practices. The power of collective action shines through, showcasing how artists, scientists, and activists unite against environmental challenges for a hopeful future.

7 snips
Jul 17, 2024 • 58min
Future Ecologies presents: The Right to Feel (Part 1 — Climate Feelings)
Naomi Klein, a renowned author and filmmaker focused on climate change and social justice, joins series producer Judee Burr to discuss the emotional realities of the climate crisis. They explore how Klein's graduate seminar transformed students' feelings about climate change into evocative narratives. The conversation reveals poignant student reflections on grief, resilience, and the personal connections that intertwine with academic pursuits. They emphasize the urgent need for deeper emotional understanding in the face of ecological challenges.

Jun 6, 2024 • 47min
FE5.10 - Everything Will Be Vine
Zoë Schlanger, author of 'The Light Eaters', explores plant intelligence, focusing on a mysterious vine in Chile that mimics other plants. The discussion challenges traditional views on plant cognition, highlighting microbial symbiosis and the complex nature of plant behavior. The episode delves into the interconnectedness of all living organisms, blurring boundaries and emphasizing our relationship with the botanical world.

Apr 29, 2024 • 1h 6min
FE5.9 - Home on the Rangelands: Where the Deer and the Antelope Play (Part 3)
In this conclusion to our trilogy, we're looking at a proposal to move beyond the concept of "rangelands" through the rewilding of the American west — meaning, the return of forgotten landscapes, species, and ecologies not commonly seen in generations (not to mention improved water and carbon storage). But at least one thing isn't compatible with this vision: grazing cattle on public lands.Catch up with Part 1 and Part 2And find citations, a transcript, and credits on our website— — —This ad-free podcast is supported by listeners just like you! Join our Patreon to get early episode releases, bonus content, merch, discord server access, and now toques! Head to futureecologies.net/join and choose whatever option works best for you.

Mar 18, 2024 • 1h 4min
FE5.8 - Home on the Rangelands: The Beef and the Butterflies (Part 2)
Exploring the impact of grazing on landscapes and rare species, balancing conservation with sustainable grazing; unique ecosystem of 'the plug' in California attracting rare plant species; intricate balance between endangered butterfly, native plant habitat, and threats posed by cattle grazing; challenges of managing cattle grazing to prevent negative impacts on ecosystems.

Feb 9, 2024 • 53min
FE5.7 - Home on the Rangelands: Welcome to Cowlifornia (Part 1)
The podcast dives into the contentious role of cattle in California's ecosystems. It challenges common beliefs that cattle are solely destructive, suggesting they may help biodiversity. Personal stories highlight the transition from urban to rural life and the bond through ranching. Key discussions include the ecological importance of rangelands and how managed grazing can mitigate wildfire risks. The series also examines the critical collaboration needed for sustainable ranching, and the ongoing challenges in California's public land management.

Feb 5, 2024 • 1min
Welcome to Future Ecologies
Future Ecologies is an independent podcast about the living world and its interrelations. The show varies in format, but this is a taste of what you can expect. New to the show? Find our whole back catalogue and subscribe for new episodes — right here in your podcast app, or at futureecologies.net Been with us for a while? Send this trailer with someone who shares the planet with you.— — —This ad-free podcast is supported by our listeners on Patreon. Join our community for as little as $1/month for early episode releases, bonus content, merch, discord server access, and more.

Dec 22, 2023 • 21min
FE presents: Women's Work
We’re slowing down for the holidays, and we hope you are too.But we didn’t want to leave you without something great to listen to, so we’re borrowing an episode from one of our favourite podcasters: Ashley Ahearn is the independent science and environmental journalist behind several series covering life in the rural American West. If you haven’t already listened to Grouse, on sage grouse, or Mustang (her latest), on wild horses, you’re missing out.The episode we picked for you today is kind of a teaser for our own next series. It’s a look at livestock, the regenerative ranching movement, and the women who are leading it.From Ashley Ahearn, Boise State Public Radio, and the Mountain West News Bureau, this is Women’s Work, Episode 5: Keep them Doggies Rollin’Go find the rest of Women’s Work wherever you get your podcasts. And while you’re at it, go find Grouse and Mustang too.You’ll be hearing from us soon. ‘Til next year — happy holidays, and take care.

Nov 27, 2023 • 1h 1min
FE5.6 - Making a Living
Adam Davis, from Ecosystem Investment Partners, discusses the intersection of environmentalism and capitalism in the restoration economy. The podcast explores topics such as the intrinsic value of nature, incentivizing recycling and waste reduction, measuring ecosystem services, restoration banking, and restoration efforts in various locations. It emphasizes the need for job creation, economic development, and growth in conservation while highlighting the success and potential economic benefits of restoration.

Oct 26, 2023 • 51min
FE5.5 - On Fire: Walking on Two Legs (Part 5)
Meet the Fire Watchers of Skeetchestn: the people keeping their community safe during nearby wildfires, and working to bring good fire back to the land. Join us for this conclusion to our visit to Secwépemc territories as we discuss a way to bring different knowledge systems together: a synthesis of western science and Indigenous understanding.This is the 5th instalment in our series of indeterminate length, "On Fire". While you don't need to listen to them in order, you may want to at least catch up Part 4 (Under Water) before diving into this one.– – –Links, citations, photos, episode transcript and more– – –🌱 Future Ecologies is supported by our community of listeners like you.Join for as little as $1/month to access early episode releases, bonus and behind the scenes content, our discord server, and more at futureecologies.net/join