Outside the Box 12/21/21: “New IgNoble Prizes”

Producer/Host: Larry Dansinger

About the host:
Larry Dansinger (no pronouns) of Bangor came to Maine in 1974 and has been here ever since. Some of Larry’s activities since then: Done community organizing on numerous issues through INVERT and then Resources for Organizing and Social Change (ROSC), committed civil disobedience several times, grown a garden yearly since 1977, joined various food cooperatives and two men’s groups, refused to pay federal income taxes for war, lived on a community land trust for 23 years, and met a wonderful partner whom Larry has loved for over 40 years. Larry has produced Outside the Box features on WERU since 2007 and continues to look for unique ways of seeing almost any problem or situation.

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The Essential Rhythm 12/26/21: Limpets and their frenemies

Producer/Host: Sarah O’Malley

This episode discusses the local (to Maine) limpet Tectura testudinalis and its important ecological relationship with encrusting coralline algae.

About the host:
Sarah O’Malley is an ecologist, naturalist and science communicator passionate about deepening her listeners’ experiences with the natural world. She teaches biology and sustainability at Maine Maritime Academy and is currently collaborating on a guide book to the intertidal zone in the Gulf of Maine.

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Pet Sounds 12/26/21: Pet Proofing Your House During The Holidays

Producer/Host: Dr. John Hunt

About the host:

My Sunday morning short has been running for about 11 years. I’ve cover a wide range of animal related topics from COVID to porcupines.

After graduating from Michigan State University Veterinary School in 1982 I practiced at three different veterinary hospitals in the Hartford, Conn area for 5 years. Then I bought a small part time clinic in Bucksport and turned it into a full time small animal surgery and medicine hospital. From 1987 to 2014 I enjoyed serving the Bucksport-Orland area pet owners. My kids grew up in Bucksport. I was a Boy Scoutmaster for a few years, and coached cross country and track in the Bucksport school system for 20 years. I’ve written three books working on a fourth.

I sold my practice and retired from practicing medicine in 2014. Since “retiring” I’ve continued Pet Sounds and my monthly Lets Talk Animals show on WERU. I’ve been teaching at local community colleges, officiating at high school track meets, writing and started a blog on line.

I enjoy hiking, reading, writing and anticipate spending more time with my first grandchild.

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The Nature of Phenology 12/25/21: Evergreens

Producers: Hazel Stark & Joe Horn
Host: Hazel Stark

Bringing evergreens indoors this time of year, in whole or in part, is a tradition that not only pre-dates Christianity, but also has existed in many cultures around the world for centuries, if not millennia, on the winter solstice. Why be an evergreen?

Photos, a full transcript, references, contact information, and more available at thenatureofphenology.wordpress.com

About the host/writers:

Joe Horn lives in Gouldsboro, is Co-Founder of Maine Outdoor School, L3C, and is a Registered Maine Guide and Carpenter. He is passionate about fishing, cooking, and making things with his hands. He has both an MBA in Sustainability and an MS focused in Environmental Education. Joe can be reached by emailing [email protected]

Hazel Stark lives in Gouldsboro, is Co-Founder and Naturalist Educator at Maine Outdoor School, L3C, and is a Registered Maine Guide. She loves taking a closer look at nature through the lens of her camera, napping in beds of moss, and taking hikes to high points to see what being tall is all about. She has an MS in Resource Management and Conservation and is a lifelong Maine outdoorswoman. Hazel can be reached by emailing [email protected]

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The Cosmic Curator 12/25/21: Venus Retrograde

This is your Cosmic Curator, Tom Yaroschuk, with an astrology update for today, December 25th and the week ahead.
Well folks, we start the day with a spending Leo Moon opposite Jupiter in Aquarius. That will expand your emotions and open your heart. What a perfect time to open presents under the tree and enjoy the memories you are about to create.

And the energy is shifting, to a new cycle? Can you feel it?…

About the Host:
Tom Yaroschuk is a Vedic Astrologer. His intention is to help people understand their karma and the issues they may confront to cultivate more fulfilling lives. Tom is writing a memoir of the spiritual lessons derived from his work in a Homeless Day Center in between a career as an award winning television and documentary producer.

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Coastal Conversations 12/24/21: From the Sea Up, Episode 2: Kelp and American Eel

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel

It’s the holidays season here in Maine, where we like to celebrate with stories about sustainable seafood!

On this week’s coastal conversations, we are once again teaming up with The First Coast and the Island Institute to feature stories about innovative people in Maine who are sustainably harvesting and growing products from the sea.

First up, we are talking about sea vegetables, specifically that fast-growing, nutrient-dense sea vegetable kelp, and the people behind getting this powerhouse to the market while offering economic opportunity and environmental sustainability. Second up, we dive headfirst into the world of the mysterious and mythical American eel, a species that drives our legendary elver fishery and, more recently, an aquaculture start-up for a Maine grown fish.

These stories were produced by Galen Koch of The First Coast as part of an Island Institute podcast called “From the Sea Up.” The podcast is made possible by the Fund for Maine Islands and a partnership between the Island Institute, College of the Atlantic, Luke’s Lobster, Maine Sea Grant and the First Coast. We are grateful to all of them for sharing their stories with Coastal Conversations on WERU Community Radio at 89.9 FM in Blue Hill and streaming online at WERU.org.

Guests:

“Thanks for listening to From the Sea Up, presented by the Island Institute and produced by me, Galen Koch. Special thanks to Bri Warner, Thew Suskiewicz, Jesse Baines, Justin Papkee and his crew, Sara Rademake, Glen Melvin, and Pat Bryant for their participation on these episodes.”

From the Sea Up is made possible by the Fund for Maine Islands and a partnership between the Island Institute, College of the Atlantic, Luke’s Lobster, Maine Sea Grant, and The First Coast. For more information visit www.islandinstitute.org/podcast

For more information about Luke’s Lobster and the online market where you can purchase Atlantic Sea Farms products visit www.lukeslobster.com.

For more information about American Unagi and their online market, visit www.americanunagi.com.

About the host:
Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation’s since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland’s Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio.

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