The Bird Joy Podcast

Color in the Outdoors: A Heartfelt Conversation with Christopher Kilgour Jul 18, 2025

In this powerful season finale of Bird Joy, Dexter and Jason sit down with their brother and longtime collaborator, Christopher Kilgour, a transformative leader in the outdoor community. Chris is the founder of Color in the Outdoors, steward of Piece of Mind Acres, and co-founder of the Underground Hiking Collective.

From growing up near Tenney Park with ducks and his mom to becoming a fierce advocate for equity and healing in nature, Chris shares his journey with vulnerability, wisdom, and joy. He discusses building outdoor programs that welcome everyone, launching CITO, mentoring the next generation, and being featured in Dudley Edmondson's "People the Planet Needs Now."

This episode is full of heart, laughter, and hard-earned insights about what it truly means to belong in the Outdoors.

Connect with Chris Kilgour:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cjkilgour

Connect with Color in the Outdoors:

🌈 Website: Color in the Outdoors

📸 Instagram: @colorintheoutdoors

Subscribe & Follow Us:

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Instagram: @thebirdjoypod

💬 Shout-outs

🐦 BIPOC Birding Club

🎨 In Color Birding Club

The World is Your Flyway: A Conversation with George Armistead Jul 11, 2025

In this globe-spanning episode, we sit down with legendary birder George Armistead. This man has guided trips on all seven continents and made it his mission to craft wild and meaningful birding adventures. We discuss the roots of his passion, the power of group travel, the behind-the-scenes magic of The Life List podcast, and how birding culture is evolving globally.

Whether you’re a backyard birder or a global chaser, this episode will leave you ready to pack your bins and hit the trail.

Guest Links

🐦 Hillstar Nature – Explore guided birding adventures across the globe
🎧 The Life List: A Birding Podcast – Smart, funny, and deeply birdy conversations
📚 Better Birding & ABA Field Guide to Birds of Pennsylvania – By George Armistead

Birding Club Shout-outs

BIPOC Birding Club

In Color Birding Club

Birds, Merlin, and the Future of Conservation with Dr. Miyoko Chu Jul 04, 2025

In this episode of the Bird Joy Podcast, hosts Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall sit down with Dr. Miyoko Chu, Senior Director of Communications at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Dr. Chu is a powerhouse at the intersection of science, storytelling, and technology, known for her pioneering work on the Merlin Bird ID app and her beautiful, bird-inspired books.

We explore her journey into ornithology, the global success of Merlin, and the exciting future of bird conservation—powered by data, digital tools, and deeper inclusion. From spark birds to AI innovations, this episode is packed with inspiration for birders of every level.

Links & Resources:

🔗 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

📲 Download Merlin Bird ID

📖 Songbird Journeys | Birdscapes | America’s Favorite Birds

In Color Birding Club
BIPOC Birding Club

👍 Follow, subscribe, and share the Bird Joy Podcast

🐦 Spread the joy—tag us in your favorite birding moments

📬 Email us your bird questions and shoutouts

Nature, Cemeteries, and Bird Joy: A Conversation with Danielle Belleny Jun 27, 2025

In this joyful and thought-provoking episode, Dexter and Jason sit down with Danielle Belleny, a wildlife biologist, birder, storyteller, and co-founder of Black Birders Week. Danielle is known for her ability to blend ecology, joy, and cultural reflection, and she encourages us to see nature in often-overlooked places, particularly cemeteries.

Her celebrated works include *This Is a Book for People Who Love Birds* and *A Junior Birder’s Handbook*, and she is also behind the growing #CemeteryBirdersClub movement. Danielle’s efforts are expanding how people connect with birds, life, and even death.

Episode Resources:

Connect with Danielle:

Stay connected with Danielle’s latest projects, writing, and birding adventures:

Instagram: @bellzisbirding
#CemeteryBirdersClub

Website: https://dbelleny.carrd.co/

The Bird Joy Podcast is hosted by Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall

Connect with the Pod:

Instagram: Bird Joy Podcast

Birding Club Websites:

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin

In Color Birding Club

Nature, Healing, and Finding Joy Through Community and Education with Nicole Jackson Jun 20, 2025

In this episode, Dexter and Jason are joined by Nicole Jackson, environmental educator, urban birder, nature photographer, and co-organizer of Black Birders Week. Nicole shares her journey into environmental education, the healing power of nature, and her passion for making outdoor spaces more inclusive. From grassroots work in Ohio to national initiatives like Let’s Go Outside! with Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Nicole’s story is a powerful reminder that nature belongs to everyone.

The conversation explores her community-based projects, creative work on an upcoming documentary, and wraps with a fun rapid-fire round that offers a glimpse into what brings her Bird Joy.

Highlights:

How Nicole’s love of nature began in Cleveland
Healing from trauma through nature
The evolution of Black Birders Week and Black in National Parks Week
Making environmental education accessible through Let’s Go Outside!
Her upcoming youth-focused birding documentary
Favorite birds, memories, and books from the rapid-fire Q&A

Resources & Links:

Nicole Jackson – Instagram
Let’s Go Outside! – Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Black Birders Week – BlackAFinSTEM
Black in National Parks Week – #BlackInNationalParksWeek
BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin
In Color Birding Club

Thank you for listening!
Subscribe, rate, and review the Bird Joy Podcast. Follow us on social media for new episodes and bonus content.

On-Site with the Soaring Eagles: STEMM, Marshes & Bird Joy in Toledo Jun 13, 2025

In this special on-the-road episode, Dexter and Jason visit the Soaring Eagles of Chase STEMM Academy in Toledo, Ohio, for an inspiring conversation with 6th and 7th-grade student ambassadors. Just steps from Manhattan Marsh, these young scholars are exploring nature, STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine), and their big dreams. Shout-out to Vonda Hogle for helping bring this recording to life! Another big shoutout to the folks at The Biggest Week in Birding for connecting us with this incredible school.

Episode Highlights

Welcome – Dexter & Jason share their journeys in science, birding, and the power of outdoor learning.
Birding at the Marsh – Students reflect on nature sightings and the magic of having a marsh next to their school.
STEMM Spotlights – Student ambassadors talk favorite subjects, proud projects, and future careers in STEMM fields.
Flip the Mic – Students ask the hosts about birding, STEMM careers, and staying curious.
Final Takeaways – A call to keep exploring—in the classroom, in nature, and beyond.

Key Themes

Nature as a living classroom
Birding as a gateway to science
Empowering the next generation of STEMM leaders
Joy, curiosity, and connection in education

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget: keep asking questions, keep exploring, and keep spreading that Bird Joy. Let’s go!

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin

In Color Birding

Nature, Healing, and Representation with Dudley Edmondson Jun 06, 2025

In this inspiring episode of the Bird Joy Podcast, hosts Dexter and Jason sit down with renowned photographer, author, filmmaker, and speaker Dudley Edmondson. With a career spanning over 30 years, Dudley has captured nature's wild beauty and redefined who belongs in those wild spaces. From the Arctic Circle to inner-city green spaces, Dudley's work weaves together storytelling, healing, and representation in the outdoors.

He shares insights from his groundbreaking book Black & Brown Faces in America's Wild Places and his latest project, People the Planet Needs Now, which features 25 BIPOC scientists and activists shaping the future of climate justice. Tune in for a moving conversation on legacy, leadership, and the joy of birds and wild places.

Resources & Mentions:

Connect with Dudley Edmondson:

Website: www.dudleyedmondson.com
Instagram: @dudleyedmondson

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin: bipocbirdingclub.org
In Color Birding Club: incolorbirding.org

Joy, Justice & Birding with Corina Newsome May 30, 2025

We’re celebrating Black Birders Week with a very special guest: Corina Newsome — wildlife biologist, conservation scientist, and one of the original co-organizers of the first Black Birders Week in 2020. In this inspiring episode, Corina joins Dexter and Jason to talk about her journey from zookeeper to passionate advocate for environmental justice, and how she’s helping reshape who feels welcome in the outdoors.

Corina reflects on the moment she fell in love with wildlife, the movement-building behind Black Birders Week (founded by Black AF in STEM), and how becoming a mother is deepening her connection to nature. This episode is full of heart, humor, and real talk—from favorite birding snacks and awe-filled moments to the ongoing work of creating inclusive spaces in science and nature. It’s a celebration of joy, justice, and unapologetic presence in wild places.

💚 Follow Corina Newsome

Instagram: @hood_naturalist
LinkedIn: Corina Newsome
Website: www.corinanewsome.com

🌍 Learn More & Get Involved

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin: bipocbirdingclub.org
In Color Birding Club: incolorbirding.org

🎧 Subscribe to Bird Joy wherever you listen to podcasts and follow @thebirdjoypod for more episodes celebrating birds, community, and belonging.

The Joy of Vultures with Kojo Baidoo May 23, 2025

In this episode, Dexter and Jason sit down with Kojo Baidoo — a 23-year-old birder, Princeton graduate, and self-proclaimed vulture enthusiast — to explore how one young conservationist is flipping the script on one of the most misunderstood birds in the skies.

Kojo shares how his birding journey began in Maryland and took flight during his time studying Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Princeton. He opens up about his experiences navigating the birding world as a young Black birder, the mentors who shaped him, and how he’s using social media to educate and inspire. From viral reels to fieldwork with The Nature Conservancy, Kojo’s mission is clear: even the “ugly” birds deserve joy.

The conversation also touches on Kojo’s recent trip to witness the Sandhill Crane migration, his current work as a Hubbard Fellow, and advice for aspiring birders who feel like outsiders in the outdoor space. Kojo’s blend of humor, heart, and scientific insight makes this episode a powerful reminder that birding can be a tool for joy, community, and change.

📲 Follow Kojo

Instagram: @kojobirder
Learn more about Black Vultures here

💬 Stay Connected

Subscribe, rate, and review Bird Joy wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on social @thebirdjoypod for more feathered joy and behind-the-scenes content!

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin

In Color Birding

The Art of Nature with Shane Alden May 16, 2025

In this inspiring episode of The Bird Joy Podcast, Jason and Dexter sit down with Shane Alden Edwards, better known online as The Wild Dryad. A self-taught illustrator and botanist, Shane has captured the hearts of over half a million nature lovers through his vibrant educational content centered on plants, ecology, and outdoor learning.

From early creative roots in aquaponics and drawing, to leading community workshops in partnership with The Conservation Foundation and The Field Museum of Natural History, Shane shares how art and education can work together to nurture a deeper relationship with the natural world.

We talk about the joy of native plants, the importance of experiential learning, and how community and creativity can foster healing for both people and the planet.

Topics Covered:

Shane’s journey into botany through art and aquaponics
How acting and improv shape his unique teaching style
Building inclusive, community-centered environmental education
The importance of native plants for birds, biodiversity, and ecosystems
Memorable experiences studying ecology in North America and Southeast Asia
What it’s like to grow an online community of over 500,000 nature lovers
Tips for beginners who want to start exploring plants and botany
Hopes for the future of conservation, education, and environmental justice
Finding joy through connection with plants and nature

bipocbirdingclub.org

incolorbirding.org

Riding on the Wings of Joy with Dr. J. Drew Lanham May 09, 2025

The second episode of The Bird Joy Podcast features hosts Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall in conversation with their "dream guest," Dr. J. Drew Lanham, a distinguished wildlife ecologist, professor, poet, and author. The episode delves into Dr. Lanham's deep connections to nature, starting with his childhood on The Home Place and the influence of his grandmother.

The discussion explores themes of land, identity, and belonging for Black individuals in landscapes with a history of slavery, referencing Dr. Lanham's book The Home Place. It also discusses the realities of "Birding While Black," including the experience of being watched and the question of safety, while also touching on the progress and necessary changes brought about by initiatives like Black Birders Week.

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the concept of "Joy as Justice," the title of Dr. Lanham's latest poetry collection. They explore why joy is central to his work and its meaning as a form of resistance. They also discuss navigating grief alongside the wonder of nature.

The hosts and Dr. Lanham touch upon the power of storytelling in conservation, blending science with poetry, and the impact of his writing, referencing his BirdNote episode "For Lindsay." The episode concludes with a discussion on legacy, advice for young Black and Brown nature enthusiasts, and Dr. Lanham's hopes for the future of birding and the outdoors.

The hosts thanked Dr. Lanham and provided information on where listeners can find his work before signing off. They also shouted out relevant organizations and called listeners to action.

bipocbirdingclub.org

incolorbirding.org

Welcome Back! May 02, 2025

We're back! In the Season 3 premiere of Bird Joy, your favorite birding buddies reunite to catch up, share what’s new, and get pumped for the peak of spring migration. From exciting bird sightings to major personal milestones—including Dexter’s new book and In Color Birding Club’s website launch—this episode sets the tone for an inspiring and vibrant new season.

In This Episode:

A warm welcome back to the Bird Joy community
Early spring sightings and birding energy
Community-driven birding updates and new collaborations
Behind-the-scenes of Dexter’s book journey
Launch of a new inclusive birding platform
What’s ahead this season—special guests, stories, and inspiration

Subscribe, share, and follow us on socials to stay in the loop this season. Got a cool spring birding moment? Tag us—we’d love to see it!

Let’s go! Season 3 is officially in flight.

Season 2 Recap Jan 17, 2025

Season 2 of the Bird Joy Podcast was an unforgettable journey! This season, we celebrated diverse voices and explored themes like birding, mentorship, science communication, healing, community, and breaking barriers in STEAM fields. From pioneers like Emmy-award winner and best-selling author Christian Cooper to next-generation leaders like Isaiah Scott, our guests inspired us with their passion and wisdom.

Dexter reflects on the personal growth and healing sparked by powerful conversations with guests like Tammah Watts and Melissa Hafting. At the same time, Jason hilariously compares a male Northern Cardinal to Adele (yes, that happened!).

As we gear up for Season 3, we invite YOU, our listeners, to join the show by sharing your Bird Joy stories. Plus, get a sneak peek at exciting future guests and how we’re working to grow the podcast, reach more people, and fairly compensate our amazing guests.

Connect With Us and Our Guests

Follow us on Instagram @thebirdjoypod and check out our incredible Season 2 guests:

Christian Cooper – @christiancooperbirder
Isaiah Scott – @ikesbirdinghikes
Jordan Rowley – @brighteyedbirding
Mariah Hryniewich – @mariaheve13
Luis Eduardo Gles – @phonescoper
Amar Ayyash
Lauren Pharr – @ldpharr
Dr. Murry Burges – @murryloub
Field Inclusive – @fieldinclusive
Indigo Goodson-Fields – @indigoindaflow
Tammah Watts – @tammahwatts
Calvin Feagans – @biotainframe
Alex Troutman – @n8ture_al
Melissa Hafting – @bcbirdergirl

Looking Ahead to Season 3

Audience Involvement: We want to hear from you! Record a short voice memo sharing your favorite birding moments, reflections on the podcast, or what Bird Joy means to you. Please email us at birdjoypodcast@gmail.com

Shoutouts:

A big shoutout to Field Inclusive (it’s Field Inclusive Week!)
Jasmine Banks of Operation Fresh Start, Christopher Kilgour of Color in the Outdoors, Outdoor Auntie.
Support the Podcast: Help us grow by subscribing, sharing, and leaving a review. Interested in partnering with us? Reach out to support or sponsor the podcast and help us scale while fairly compensating our guests.

Closing Note

We’re so proud to showcase the diversity and beauty of the birding community. To all our Bird Nerd homies, thank you for making Season 2 unforgettable. We’ll see you in Season 3—we outside all 2025!

Birding, Grief, and Legacy with Melissa Hafting Jan 10, 2025

In the final guest appearance of Season 2, Dexter and Jason sit down with British Columbia's own Melissa Hafting to explore how birding can provide profound healing and hope. Melissa reflects on her experiences as a Black woman birding in British Columbia and discusses her remarkable new book, Dare to Bird: Exploring the Joy and Healing Power of Birds. She shares how her parents nurtured her love for birds early on and how that foundational support motivates her to mentor the next generation of birders in her community and beyond through the BC Young Birders Program she founded in 2014.

Melissa is a trailblazer in the birding community, breaking barriers, championing diversity, and leading with grace and determination.

The conversation also touches on Melissa's favorite birding spots in BC, including the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary and Boundary Bay. She talks about her role as an eBird reviewer and showcases her breathtaking bird photography.

Melissa Hafting is a shining example of how Black women significantly contribute to birding and beyond.

Connect with Melissa:

📸 Follow Melissa: @bcbirdergirl

🌐 Visit her website: Dare to Bird

We also want to thank the Special Bird Service, another Canadian organization dedicated to making nature more accessible. Through birding, they aim to remove barriers and challenge stereotypes about the outdoors.

Connect with Us:

🐦 Dexter: @WiscoBirder

🐦 Jason: @TheBirdingBeardsman

🌐 More episodes & resources: Bird Joy Podcast

🎙️ Are you ready for some Bird Joy? Let's Go!

Finding Joy Outdoors with Alex Troutman Jan 03, 2025

In this uplifting episode, Dexter and Jason are joined by Alex Troutman, known as the “Best Smile in Birding,” to explore the many ways to find joy in the great outdoors. Whether it’s birding, fishing, hunting, or camping, Alex inspires us to live life with a wildlife mirror, reflecting the beauty of the natural world.

Alex shares his incredible research journey highlights, including studying Karner Blue Butterflies in Wisconsin, sea turtles in Texas, and bats in Malaysia.

The conversation includes Bird Joy Podcast shoutouts to Hunters of Color, Black Duck Revival, and the homie Mahdi Woodard, the Atlanta Birdman.

Don’t miss Alex’s thoughts on his upcoming merch and the hosts’ shared dream of birding in South America to spot the iconic Harpy Eagle. Want to help them get there? Holler at your bird-loving crew!

Connect with Us:

Follow Alex Troutman: @N8ture_Al

Dexter: @WiscoBirder

Jason: @TheBirdingBeardsman

🌐 More episodes & resources: Bird Joy Podcast

🎙️ Are you ready for some Bird Joy? Let’s Go!

Mapping Nature's Stories with Calvin Feagans Dec 27, 2024

Dexter and Jason welcome Calvin Feagans, an environmental scientist, educator, and talented nature photographer, to the Bird Joy Podcast this week! Calvin shares how his passion for urban ecology and biodiversity drives his creative work, from the educational EnviroBytes to urban ecology report cards. He also discusses the challenges and joys of turning data into storytelling tools, mapping bird migration patterns, and reclaiming old industrial spaces for conservation efforts.

Throughout the conversation, the homies touch on themes like environmental stewardship, advocating for nature in urban spaces, and navigating the highs and lows of social media advocacy (including a few words on those inevitable trolls). They even reflect nostalgically (and humorously) on their shared love-hate relationship with R programming!

Get ready for an inspiring, educational, and joy-filled conversation that will leave you seeing urban green spaces—and the role you can play in preserving them—in a new light.

Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

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Connect with Color in the Outdoors:

💬 Shout-outs

Birding Club Shout-outs

Links & Resources:

💚 Follow Corina Newsome

🌍 Learn More & Get Involved

📲 Follow Kojo

💬 Stay Connected

Connect With Us and Our Guests

Looking Ahead to Season 3

Closing Note

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