The Natural Curiosity Project - podcast cover

The Natural Curiosity Project

Dr. Steven Shepard•www.steven-shepard.com
Education
I photograph, record, and write about the natural world. I see, I listen, I write. I fundamentally believe that curiosity can save the world—so I publish stories to make people curious. Ultimately, curiosity leads to discovery, discovery leads to knowledge, knowledge leads to insight, and insight leads to understanding. Please enjoy!
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Episodes

Episode 27 - Leaps Of Language

Ever wonder where terms like ten-gallon hat, hoosegow, Key West, and lariat come from? Listen and learn--this one is fascinating!

Jul 19, 2017•11 min

Episode 2 - The Disappearing Spoon

Sam Keane's Disappearing Spoon recounts extraordinary tales from the world of science--chemistry, mostly--that fundamentally changed what we know about the world. But we take it to the next level in this episode, adding a few other interesting (and amazing) stories.

Jul 17, 2017•15 min

Episode 3 - The Elephant's Child 'Satiable Curtiosity

All children's books are about leadership--and none are more illustrative of this that Kipling's "The Elephant's Child." Join us on a journey of discovery as we listen to the narration of parts of the story.

Jul 17, 2017•10 min

Episode 4 - Fens, Mires and Bogs

There's something magical about the language used to describe the natural world. It's also a bit infuriating--as you'll see as we explore a local wetland.

Jul 17, 2017•6 min

Episode 6 - The Wave Venture

A few years ago, I was working on a project in Singapore. Thanks to a series of serendipitous events, I found myself with the enviable opportunity to spend a few days aboard the Wave Venture, a cable-laying ship. For a technologist, or just about anyone else, really, it was the opportunity of a lifetime. Here's the story.

Jul 17, 2017•8 min

Episode 7 - How I Learned To Love Fungus

Interesting thing, the slime mold--especially one called 'dog vomit slime mold.' Here's the best part: they move. As in, they can crawl arounds. And, they're good to eat. Really. Have a listen.

Jul 17, 2017•4 min

Episode 8 - I Am Haunted By Waters

Sometimes, you just have to escape from the dry world of work and immerse yourself into the sounds, and smells, and energy of the natural world. I do it regularly, and always come out energized. Join me.

Jul 17, 2017•6 min

Episode 9 - Thoughts On Life And Form

We've all heard of 3D printers being used to create toys and novelty items. But what happens when we start printing living tissue?

Jul 17, 2017•12 min

Episode 11 - The Age Of Wonder

In Richard Holmes' "The Age of Wonder" (one of the best books I have ever read), we meet the remarkable people who lived on the edge of scientific discovery--and who ultimately changed the world--during the Romantic Age. Every scientist he profiles had a best friend, and in most cases, those friends were artists, poets, authors, and dreamers. Who said the arts and sciences don't need each other?

Jul 17, 2017•7 min

Episode 12 - Likin' Lichens

Perhaps I'm channeling Sheldon Cooper a bit too much, but I am fascinated by lichens--those crusty organisms that form colorful mosaics on rock faces, cemetery stones, trees, and old fence lines. But here's what's interesting: thy are actually two organisms living as a single symbiotic creature, and they can survive under the harshest conditions imaginable--including in outer space.

Jul 17, 2017•8 min

Episode 14 - Lost Frogs

We are watching a natural tragedy unfold across the globe: the deaths of millions of amphibians, frogs, mostly, because of an insidious fungus called chytrid. It burrows under the skin of frogs and destroys their ability to produce keratin--a critical component of their skin. But the loss of frogs is only part of the story--please listen, this is important.

Jul 17, 2017•5 min

Episode 17 - On Leadership And Vision

Some thoughts about technology, vision, and leadership--all while hiking in the high country of New Mexico. Sorry for being breathless!

Jul 17, 2017•14 min

Episode 19 - Insect Architects And Engineers

They may drive you more than little crazy in the summertime, but the little critters that surround us are pretty smart--and they're remarkable engineers, to boot.

Jul 17, 2017•11 min
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