People & Nature Podcast Series
We’re excited to introduce the People & Nature podcast series — a collection of conversations exploring the relationships between people, science, and the environment. Produced by faculty and graduate students from the University of Florida’s Department of Agricultural Education and Communication (UF AEC), this series grew out of the inaugural People and Nature Symposium, hosted by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP).
Each episode brings listeners into conversation with scientists, community leaders, and conservationists who are working at the intersection of human behavior and environmental stewardship. From urban lake restoration to climate resilience and conservation social science, these stories highlight the essential role that people play in caring for the natural world.
About the People & Nature Symposium
The People and Nature Symposium is an event hosted by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program that brings together researchers, practitioners, and community members to explore the human dimensions of conservation and environmental science. The symposium highlights how social science, storytelling, and community engagement can deepen our understanding of environmental challenges and inspire meaningful action.
UF AEC faculty and graduate students attended the inaugural symposium and were inspired to create a podcast series that extended those conversations to broader audiences — bringing the voices of symposium participants directly to listeners everywhere.
Meet the Team
The People & Nature series was produced through UF AEC’s Scientist Online course, taught each spring by Dr. Jamie Loizzo. Graduate students served as hosts and producers, conducting interviews and developing episodes that connect science with community.
- Dr. Jamie Loizzo — Associate Professor, UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication; series host and faculty lead
- Emma Lauren Poole — UF AEC graduate student; host of the Dr. Blake Simmons episode
- Adeyinka Ayodele — UF AEC graduate student; host of the Dr. Rebecca Zarger episode
Listen to the Episodes
All four episodes are available now on the Streaming Science Podcast, and wherever you listen to podcasts including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
Episode 1 — People & Nature: Introduction and Behind the Scenes
Released: May 1, 2026 | Duration: 19:48
Meet the team behind the Streaming Science: People and Nature podcast series. In this introductory episode, Dr. Jamie Loizzo and UF AEC graduate students share their journeys into science communication, conservation, and storytelling. They reflect on their experiences at the inaugural People and Nature Symposium and explore how connecting people, science, and the environment can inspire meaningful change.
Episode 2 — People & Nature with Dr. Blake Simmons
Released: May 8, 2026 | Duration: 26:12 | Host: Emma Lauren Poole
In this episode, UF AEC graduate student Emma Lauren Poole speaks with Dr. Blake Simmons of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program about the purpose and impact of the People in Nature Symposium and the growing field of conservation social science. Learn how human behavior, community action, and collaboration play a critical role in addressing environmental challenges — and how individuals can get involved in making a difference.
🎧 Listen on Buzzsprout | Learn more about Dr. Simmons
Episode 3 — People & Nature with Dr. Rebecca Zarger
Released: May 15, 2026 | Duration: 16:34 | Host: Adeyinka Ayodele
UF AEC graduate student Adeyinka Ayodele speaks with Dr. Rebecca Zarger about how communities in Tampa Bay can strengthen climate resilience through urban forestry, storytelling, and community-driven solutions like the Blue-Green Action Platform (Blue Gap Project). This episode explores how connecting scientific data with lived experiences can inspire meaningful environmental action and help bridge the relationship between people and nature.
🎧 Listen on Buzzsprout | Learn more about Dr. Zarger
Episode 4 — People & Nature with James Bays
Released: May 22, 2026 | Duration: 22:03 | Host: Dr. Jamie Loizzo
Dr. Jamie Loizzo speaks with Jim Bays, a retired ecologist and leader of Stewards of Our Urban Lakes (SOUL), about the power of community-driven conservation and the role of co-production in environmental stewardship. Drawing on nearly five decades of experience in wetland and lake ecology, Jim shares how his work has evolved from technical science to engaging communities in hands-on restoration, education, and long-term stewardship of urban lakes.
The conversation explores how building relationships, fostering a sense of agency, and “reading the room” are essential to successful conservation efforts — and how small, local actions can create meaningful environmental impact.
🎧 Listen on Buzzsprout | Learn more about SOUL
Where to Listen
The Streaming Science: People & Nature series is available on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
The Streaming Science podcast has been bringing science to life since 2016 with over 189 episodes.
Browse episodes and learn more at https://streamingscience.buzzsprout.com/.