Trust Matters: In Journalism, Communities, and Nature | Craig Newmark & Sally Lehrman | Birds & Nerds

What do trustworthy journalism, resilient communities, and the birds outside our windows have in common? They all depend on attention, reliable signals, and relationships built over time. In this episode of Birds & Nerds, host Ramona Schindelheim talks with Sally Lehrman, CEO of The Trust Project, and Craig Newmark, founder of craig newmark philanthropies, about how we can recognize credible information, strengthen local news, and rebuild trust in one another.

They explore The Trust Project's trust indicators, the growing challenge of AI-generated misinformation, Craig's "Take Nine" approach to pausing before you click or share, and why trustworthy reporting is essential to healthy civic life.

Then the conversation takes flight: from fake bird images and trusted bird-identification tools to neighborhood pigeons, crows, ravens, owls, and a great blue heron named Brian. The guests reveal how noticing birds can draw people outdoors, spark conversations, create informal local knowledge networks, and deepen a sense of community.

Listen for a thoughtful, hopeful discussion about checking sources, staying curious and building trust—whether you're reading the news, talking with a neighbor, or identifying the bird in your backyard.

🔗 Learn more about The Trust Project: https://thetrustproject.org/
🔗 Follow Sally Lehrman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallylehrman/

🔗 Learn more about Take 9: https://pausetake9.org/
🔗 Follow Craig Newmark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craignewmark/

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🤷🏻‍♀️ Who am I? I am an award-winning journalist and storyteller curious about everything!
🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramonaschindelheim/

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