Are Humans Part of Nature, or Have We Forgotten That We Are?

Chris explores why humans are not separate from nature, but animals embedded within (and entirely dependent on) Earth’s living systems. Inspired by ecologist Dr. Amy McEwan, he examines cities as modified ecosystems, why adaptable species thrive while specialists struggle, and how disrupted relationships can unravel whole habitats. From monarchs and milkweed to sea otters and kelp forests, this episode is a call to notice, protect, and reconnect with the nature we never left. Timeline 00:00 Welcome and Big Question 01:00 Humans Are Animals 02:46 The Imaginary Divide 03:46 Nested Systems Insight 07:10 How We Got Disconnected 11:14 Cities as Ecosystems 14:25 Urban Adapters Spotlight 22:35 Specialists and Fragmentation 28:12 What Ecosystems Are We Making 31:36 Relationships Not Species 32:10 Sea Otters and Cascades 39:55 Designing for Coexistence 41:46 What You Can Do 46:10 Remember We Never Left == Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices