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The Kindred Podcast explores the intricate and interdependent relationship that humans have with animals and nature. Every episode presents compelling interviews and thought-provoking discussions with leading experts from diverse fields of study including scientists, conservationists, authors, and educators. From the world of science to cultural traditions and beyond, Kindred examines how humans can inspire a new awareness in order to reconnect us to the natural world. Hosted by Kate Coffin and Jenn Asplundh.
Recent
Aug. 18, 2026
Encore: 20. Man's Other Best Friend | A Conversation with Dr. Kristyn Vitale, Assistant Professor of Animal Health and Behavior at Unity College
Originally released October 11, 2022. New Kindred episodes will drop starting in October 2026. In this week's episode from our archives, we speak with Dr. Kristyn Vitale, whose work focuses on companion animal behavior, specifically cat social cognition, cat behavior, and human-cat interaction. Kristyn walks us through why cats can be misunderstood and how we can understand them better, and busting myths that have persisted for far too long. Turns out Spot and Fido aren't the only ones who ca
July 28, 2026
Book Club | Forest Magic For Kids, with Author Susie Spikol
Welcome back to Book Club! We are so excited to introduce all of you to Susie Spikol, writer, naturalist, and educator. Susie has written two other books titled The Animal Adventurer’s Guide and The Book of Fairies, but in this episode we are going to be talking with Susie about her latest book Forest Magic for Kids: How to Find Fairies, Make a Secret Fort, and Cook Up an Elfin Picnic. This is such a lovely guide for kids and parents as well for HOW they can play outside no matter where they l
July 14, 2026
Coral Reefs | With Dr. Katie Barott, Associate Professor of Biology
In this episode, we are speaking with Dr. Katie Barott all about coral and coral reefs! Katie is an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania and head of the Barott Lab, where they study the ecology and physiology of coral symbiosis, researching the small-scale mechanisms in order to understand the ecosystem dynamics of coral. In other words, Katie and her lab are interested in understanding mechanisms on a cellular and microbial level that determine coral responses to climate chan
June 30, 2026
Blue Whales | With Dr. Dawn Barlow, Marine Megafauna Ecologist
In this episode, we are speaking with Dr. Dawn Barlow all about the biggest animal on the planet, the Blue Whale! Dawn is an assistant professor and senior researcher with the Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Laboratory at the Marine Mammal Institute of Oregon State University. Dawn’s research interests are in the ecology and conservation of pelagic predators, seabirds, and particularly cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises). She studies what drives when and where these animals can
June 16, 2026
Cowboy Cat Wrangler | With Bob Lynch, Community Cat Carer & Educator
In this episode, we are speaking with Bob Lynch, or as the world knows him, the Cowboy Cat Wrangler! Bob is a cat colony carer and TNR advocate for over 100 colony cats in the Philadelphia area. And what that means is ultimately he is rescuing, fostering, vetting, TNR advocating (trap/neuter/return) for every colony he takes care of. He is also a huge advocate and educator about and for cat colonies. Bob is dedicating his life and livelihood to keeping cats-living outside-safe, fed, and as hea
June 2, 2026
Boreal Forests | With Dr. Jennifer Baltzer, Forest Ecologist
In this episode, we are talking about one of the most important biomes, boreal forests! And to lead us in this conversation, we are speaking with forest ecologist, Dr. Jennifer Baltzer to introduce us to this amazing terrestrial biome! Jennifer is a professor of biology at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Canada. She is also the Canada Research Chair in Forests and Global Change at Wilfrid Laurier, which is a research program focusing on the impacts of climate change resulting in wildfir
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