CheloniaCast

Studying and Conserving Northeastern Turtles

CheloniaCast is joined by Michela Coury, Freshwater Turtle Biologist for the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game and all-around turtle biologist and researcher. Michela did her master’s thesis on Spotted Turtle ecology and movement and has vast field experience with various other North American turtle species. In her current position with the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game she is tasked with protecting the state’s turtle populations through habitat management, fieldwork, data collection/analysis, and outreach. The conversation dives into Michela’s upbringing into turtles, experiences in the field and the many rewarding aspects of the world of turtle conservation. There is also much discussion about Spotted Turtle home range, the use of R in spatial analysis, and some wild fieldwork stories.
Check out the podcast that Michela co-hosts, the Field Stories Podcast, here: https://www.youtube.com/@FieldStories.podcast
Be sure to follow Michela’s Instagram to follow along with her adventures saving turtles and biodiversity: https://www.instagram.com/michiganbiologist/?hl=en
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

Making Turtle Science Accessible

CheloniaCast is joined by Devin Welch, herpetologist, conservationist, educator and content creator. Devin makes very unique short form content on social media. With vast field experience from Hellbenders to Alligator Snapping Turtles, Devin has seen a wide variety of North American herpetological diversity. The conversation covers much of Devin’s experiences in the field, including discovering a new Frosted Flatwoods Salamander population. There is discussion on really interesting field techniques Devin implements like snorkeling, diving, hiking, and trapping. The utility of social media to platform science and its importance is discussed as well.
Be sure to check out Devin’s social media accounts at:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCExeC-VzXjM0na8WE-YvTsw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d_outback_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devin.welch.739/reels/
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

Turtle Physiology, Population Biology, and Research

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Paul Stone, Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Central Oklahoma. Dr. Stone has extensive experience in the study of turtles. His studies address many phenomena in turtles, notably comparative analysis of aquatic respiration amongst various freshwater chelonians and long-term population monitoring. The conversation dives into Dr. Stone's many experiences in the field as well as his insights into different areas of turtle ecology and research.
 
To learn more about Dr. Stone and his work visit: https://www3.uco.edu/centraldirectory/profiles/2240
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

Turtle Sex Determination, Ecology, and Genomics

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Nicole Valenzuela, Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology at Iowa State University and principal investigator in the Laboratory of Evolutionary and Ecological Genomics at Iowa State University. Dr. Valenzuela is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and researches a variety of areas of evolutionary ecology and biology, using turtles as model systems primarily. She has published over 100 peer reviewed papers and co-edited the book “Temperature Dependent Sex Determination in Vertebrates.” The conversation dives deeper into her experiences both in the field and lab pertaining to her study of sex determination of turtles, turtle genomics, and evolutionary ecology. There is also valuable discussion on the challenges turtles can pose in developmental studies due to their slow growth and natural history. 
 
To learn more about Iowa State University’s Laboratory of Evolutionary and Ecological Genomics visit: https://faculty.sites.iastate.edu/nvalenzu/
 
To view “Temperature Dependent Sex Determination in Vertebrates” visit: https://smithsonian.figshare.com/articles/book/Temperature-Dependent_Sex_Determination_in_Vertebrates/9761783
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

Turtles, Philosophy, and Time

CheloniaCast is joined by both Sy Montgomery and Matt Patterson. Sy, a naturalist and writer, has authored 38 books to date. Sy has been on the New York Times Bestseller list five times and has recieved numerous other awards and distinctions for her work including the 2024 Cook Prize. Sy utilizes narrative on animals to convey various messages surrounding issues of human nature, compassion, and philosophy. Matt is a turtle fanatic, artist, and explorer. His primary focus is on turtles and his award-winning illustrations have been featured in fine art galleries, museums, and numerous publications. The conversation centers around Sy and Matt’s collaboration in the creation of “Of Time and Turtles” as well as diving into both of their unique upbringings into the world of turtles and wildlife. There is discussion on the value of the philosophy turtles emulate as well as further detail on the creative journeys of both respected artists, be it the writing or art process.
 
Purchase “Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell” here: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/of-time-and-turtles-sy-montgomery?variant=41323553062946
 
Purchase "The Book of Turtles" here: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-book-of-turtles-sy-montgomery?variant=40695888609314
 
Learn more about Sy Montgomery's work here: https://symontgomery.com/
 
Check out Matt Patterson’s page here: https://www.mpattersonart.com/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

Adventures, Tortoises, and a Series of Leaking Boats

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Fred Caporaso, Professor of Food Science at Chapman University, and turtle man extraordinaire. Fred has decades of experience working with turtles, both in the field and in captivity. He has traveled the globe in pursuit of turtles, and spent many hours with Dr. Peter Pritchard in the Galapagos and elsewhere. Join us for this fun discussion focused on Fred’s trips in pursuit of turtles, and what he has learned along the way.
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

SEE Turtles and Ecotourism

CheloniaCast is joined by Brad Nahill, cofounder and president of SEE Turtles, a unique conservation group pairing ecotourism with turtle conservation and focusing on the legacy of J Nichols. Brad has authored book chapters, blog posts, scientific abstracts, and case studies all with a focus on sea turtles and their plight. The conversation covers Brad’s experience founding SEE Turtles, and all the early chalenges involved in forming an ecotourism project that supports wildlife. The interesting component of this episode is the uniqueness of the conservation approach SEE Turtles champions. Uniting profit and conservation rather than the typical negative dynamic of profit and vulnerable fauna, and serving as a way to unite communities with their local sea turtle populations. There is also heavy emphasis on the legacy and impact of the late J Nichols, and his integral role in developing SEE Turtles and the Billion Baby Turtles initiative.
 
For more information about SEE Turtles and their initiatives conserving turtles as well as aiding coastal communities, visit: https://www.seeturtles.org/
 
Contact Brad here: Brad@seeturtles.org
 
Learn more about J Nichols here: https://www.seeturtles.org/jnichols
 
Book a sea turtle conservation tour with SEE Turtles here: https://www.seeturtles.org/upcoming-tours
 
Visit Brad Nahill’s website here: http://www.bradnahill.com/
 
Find SEE Turtles on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/see_turtles/?hl=en
 
Find SEE Turtles on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SEEturtles/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

Ecological Theory, Fieldwork, and Asking Turtle Questions

CheloniaCast sits down with renowned turtle ecologist Dr. Justin Congdon, Professor Emeritus at University of Georgia. From a comparison of life history between the shortest lived and long-lived turtles, to analysis of the ‘bigger is better’ hypothesis in reference to snapping turtles, Dr. Congdon has done intimate, long-term work with fascinating aspects of chelonian ecology. It is difficult to study long-term shifts in turtle ecology due to long lifespans of individuals, however Dr. Congdon boasts vast data sets spanning multiple decades. The conversation sheds light on some of the deeper findings in prolonged study of the life history of turtles, as well as interesting discussion about turtle lifespans, reproductive strategy, and many other topics.
 
To see some of Dr. Congdon’s research, visit https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin-Congdon-2
 
To learn more about Dr. Congdon's long-term, ongoing, turtle ecology project at the E.S. George Reserve visit: https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/esgr/research-projects/turtles-of-the-esgr/
 
To learn more about the Congdon-Dickson Research Fund named in his honor visit: https://chelonian.org/cdrf/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

Pursuing and Protecting Turtles and Primates

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Craig Stanford, professor of Biological Sciences and Anthropology at the University of Southern California and Chair of the IUCN-SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. Dr. Stanford is renowned for study of the behavior, ecology, and conservation biology of great apes. He has published over 140 scientific papers and over 17 books. Dr. Stanford also specializes in turtles and tortoises. The conversation blends Dr. Stanford’s vast knowledge of both behavioral and social ecology with conservation biology in relation to Testudines. There is exchange of views on the greater implications of conserving turtles in relation to the strategy behind IUCN listing. There is also dialogue on the intelligence of chelonians from an empirical perspective.
To purchase one or multiple of Dr. Stanford’s books, click here: https://craigstanford.wordpress.com/other-books/
To learn more about Dr. Stanford check out his website at: https://craigstanford.wordpress.com/
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

Sea Turtle Stories

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Jeff Seminoff, Program Lead of Marine Turtle Ecology and Assessment in the Marine Mammal and Turtle Division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Southwest Fisheries Science Center. The conversation focuses on Dr. Seminoff’s upbringing into the world of turtles and thesis work focused on prolonged study of Green Sea Turtles. Whether it’s satellite tracking, trans-oceanic movement of individual turtles, or trophic ecology of eastern Pacific Green Sea Turtles, Dr. Seminoff has unique experiences and perspectives in every aspect of these turtles. There is also valuable discussion of the culture surrounding the harvest of sea turtles and the evolution of their public perspective.
To view some of Dr. Seminoff’s publications, check out: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=CaOhZJAAAAAJ&hl=en
To purchase Dr. Seminoff's book "Sea Turtles of the Eastern Pacific: Advances in Research and Conservation" visit: https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Turtles-Eastern-Pacific-Arizona-Sonora/dp/0816511586
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e