Shows / Random Nature
Random Nature
I'm Christy Hyman and I am a geographer who loves birds and the outdoors. I talk to thinkers & educators about how they view nature and how much or how little they embrace it into their lives. I also reflect on how nature and conservation has positively impacted my life as a grieving parent. Views are my own and not reflective of my university/scholarly affiliations.
Episodes
Random NatureThe Blue Wave is a Green Wave?- 2026 Midterm Victories
A simple breakdown of key races and ballot measures that shifted power toward climate action, from flipped House committees to state-level conservation bonds…
Random NatureCelebrate Native American Heritage Month
I reflect on the importance of Native American Heritage Month and Indigenous people of the world. https://haskell.edu/ https://indigenousjournalists.org/team/#…
Random NatureIn Memoriam- My Dear Friend and Supporter Eric "Mubita" Sheppard
No words. We were like brothers. Truly. We would be on the phone for hours plotting, planning, and strategizing. My Brother, My Friend, We will not forget you…
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Night of the Capercaillie, Arrival to the Forestry Conference
Welcome back to Random Nature. This week's episode continues " The Night of the Capercaillie," but first—as promised— I'm sharing another bird I miss: the…
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Night of the Capercaillie, Yet AGAIN
There is an ornithological gaffe in this installment :)
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Night of the Capercaillie, AGAIN
What happens when two graduate students on a simple drive through the glen for a forest ecology conference in Scotland, UK turns into a primal standoff? Also…
Random NatureBonus: Night of the Capercaillie! (Spooky Season Special)
Just in time for spooky season, a special bonus episode inspired by true events. When two American graduate students take a wrong turn on a remote Scottish…
Random NatureTHE WATERFALL HUNTER
I sit down with the one and only Waterfall Hunter. He tells me about alligators that watch his cousins play basketball on the court. I hear all about his…
Random NatureMisdirected fury at the Lab of Ornithology: Cornell's Reckoning
A fraternity on campus was involved in a major gender-based violence incident. The university administration? Total radio silence. Then, instead of going after…
Random NatureCelebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Step into the treetops and discover the extraordinary life of Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927), the brilliant American ornithologist and illustrator who…
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Miracles never cease in the garden!
In this episode, we hear how a litter box lid, some leftover charcoal, and a total refusal to do any research somehow produced a thriving romano bean plant…
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Tech Needs Limits: The Great Dismal Swamp Needs You!
Bonus episode that discusses a massive, power hungry data center that will destroy critical wildlife habitat and public health combined in the Great Dismal…
Random NatureThe New Year- August 2026- Season 5
In this Bonus Episode Christy shares about yet another New Year that begins Season 5 on the podcast. She discusses the part August plays in her grief journey…
Random NatureKathryn Benjamin Golden, Phd on The Great Dismal Swamp
On this episode of Random Nature, Dr. Kathryn Benjamin Golden talks to us about growing up in the Bay Area of California, her new book, This Insurgent Ground…
Random NatureBONUS: Next guest plus Canada Wildfires!
Discusses: Air quality advisories in western New York and the Finger Lakes. Wildfire smoke originating in Canada. The particular risks for children, older…
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Sunflower Showdown: HOA vs. Hummingbirds
Today’s bonus episode dives into a surprising HOA vs. sunflowers showdown. We hear how one homeowner’s pollinator‐friendly blooms were slashed by the HOA…
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Maia Butler, PhD
In this episode of Random Nature, host Christy Hyman welcomes writer and scholar Maia Butler to trace the landscapes that shaped her life and her work. Maia…
Random NatureA Pedestrian Birder's Close Call- THE CAR TOOK FLIGHT
In this bonus episode, Christy is on her usual 45-minute walk to her favorite village coffee house when a car goes airborne right in front of her and…
Random NatureGenX, Church, and Academia (and two pollinators) with Professor Ed J. Blum
What does it mean to grow up saved—and then spend your career studying how race, religion, and power have always been tangled together in the west? Christy…
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Gardening in the Fingerlakes Region
In this episode, Christy checks in with a spring update from the Finger Lakes region of New York, where she'll be based full-time after permanently wrapping up…
Random NatureMy son's 20th Birthday in Heaven- Some raw truths on Grief
March 11, 2026. My son's 20th Birthday. A turning that took place in Heaven.
Random NatureCommon Grackle Operated a Soda Dispenser inside Howard University Cafeteria
Common Grackle Operated a Soda Dispenser in Howard University Cafeteria. You read that right. In this episode of Random Nature, Christy challenges conventional…
Random NatureMLK and Climate Resilience
On this special MLK Day episode, I explore how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s fight for justice connects directly to today’s climate crisis. From his support of…
Random NatureBONUS- My Trade Book is Out Today (sample reading)
In this bonus episode of Random Nature, Christy shares heartfelt reflections on the significance of the day, not only as a time for gratitude but also as a…
Random NatureQuick Update in the midst of PURE CHAOS
Hey everyone! It’s been a minute, and I just wanted to check in with you all. I’m still hanging in there, staying prayed up and meditated up amidst the tough…
Random NatureMidwest to East Coast- Random Nature Special Guest, Eric K!
Welcome back to Random Nature, the podcast where Christy the birder/academic explores the enchanting and often surprising connections between humanity and the…
Random NatureThe Griever's New Year- and some Gospel music
In this poignant episode, Christy reflects on the heavy emotions surrounding her new year, a time that marks not just a fresh start but also deep sorrow for…
Random NatureThings Keep Breaking!!! Part 2! plus COSTA RICA
Welcome back to another episode of the Random Nature Podcast! In this bonus episode titled "Things Keep Breaking, Part Two," host Christy Hyman shares a…
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Did a Crow Fly Off with my Car Keys????????
In this whimsical episode, we follow Christy on a light-hearted adventure at her local birdwatching hotspot. Amidst the serene sounds of nature, Christy…
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THINGS KEEP BREAKING!!! plus birdturf
In this bonus episode, Christy shares her recent experiences with a malfunctioning car battery and the impact it had on her birding adventures. She discusses…
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Destination Birding. Backyard Birding, Black Birders Week
In this episode of Random Nature we explore the captivating worlds of destination birding and backyard birding. I shout out several other cool podcasts…
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That time the birds helped me find my car
In this episode, we dive into a strange journey. One where birds help humans find their cars in a city packed with parking decks.
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My Book Comes out in October 2025
In this episode I discuss updates about birds and travel as well as provide details on my upcoming book, The Cultural Heritage Resilience of the Great Dismal…
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My Heaven Child's Birthday.
On a Heaven child’s birthday, we know that the object is to celebrate that they were born. This is a very coherent form of commemoration. I love my son as much…
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Fred Beaudry, PhD
Today we explore the fascinating world of ecology and conservation! We have a special guest who has dedicated their life to studying bird ecology. With a…
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Jim Anderson, PhD
This episode introduces us to my friend and collaborator Jim Anderson, PhD. Anderson recounts his experiences growing up on a dairy farm in rural Wisconsin…
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Cape May actually sucked
How to bird on the conservative Jersey Shore without losing your mind.
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Oscar de la Torre, PhD
In today's episode, we talk to historian of the African Diaspora, Oscar de la Torre! Our conversation spans the globe!
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Random Nature is BACK! Updates!
In this episode, I give you updates on what I have been up to and provide a few random nature moments I experienced, with bonus tidbits on a few of my friends'…
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American Kestrel Raids the Birdfeeding Station!
In this podcast, I discuss my gardening approach, birdseed, yard birds, and American Kestrel Raids!
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BONUS: SUMMER TIME; ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Bonus! Christy tells us where she is headed next in her academic career. And of course BIRDS!Birds mentioned: Pileated WoodpeckerPeople mentioned: Ed Baptist…
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Anna Bartel, PhD
Part activist, part administrator, and part academic,” Anna Sims Bartel earned her Ph.D. in Comparative Literature at Cornell University. She runs her own…
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BONUS: A CONFUSING FALL BIRD MIGRATION
Here I give a glimpse into what is coming up next. I talk about my confusing fall birding migration in a new region and FUNGI. My next guest will be Dr. Anna…
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Bonus: Farewell Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
In this episode I share a precious moment with the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak and my emotional farewell.
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BONUS: The Elusive Ruddy Turnstone!
Ruddy Turnstones, Gulls, Brown Pelicans. Also grief.
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Minisode: Drs. Malaia, Jimenez, Cohen!
In today's minisode we hear from three of my friends in this order: Dr. Kate Malaia, Dr. Claire Jimenez, Dr. Matt Cohen. They share their most…
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Dr. Randal Jelks
I talk with Dr. Randal Jelks, PhD and he gives us a glimpse of many travels he has had from Louisiana to the Dakotas and beyond. Letters to Martin, Dr. Jelks…
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Ed Baptist, PhD
I talk to Ed Baptist, PhD. We speak on Durham, NC, small scale farming, and hawks! I also discuss some challenges with grief. To that end consider this a…
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Minisode: Dr. Ed E. Baptist (like John The) plus Highlights and Happenings
In this episode, I provide highlights of my visit to Wesleyan University in Middletown Connecticut as well as my more recent visit to the Nelson Institute for…
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Madeleine Fritz Hooper, PhD
Madeleine gives us a glimpse of her interactions with Nature through recalling her time as a child loving horses, taking adventures as a college student, and…
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Minisode: Prelude to the Next!
In this minisode I introduce the upcoming podcast guest, José Ignacio Carvajal Regidor, PhD. I also share two Random Nature moments of my very own!
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Random Nature Launch Party!
Christy gathers: Elizabeth Sobel, Phd Dorothy Kim, PhD John Handel, PhD Karin Dalziel, M.A., and artist Raquel Bryant, Phd Mary Shelly, attorney and law…
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Ravynn Stringfield
Episode 2 debuts today and we are in the studio with writer, artist, and university professor, Ravynn Stringfield! Get into it. Learn about her time growing up…
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Noreen Masud
Random Nature checks in with writer and university professor Noreen Masud who shares how the outdoors and wildlife inform her day to day. From the city of…