What happens beneath Yellowstone is vast and varied. One of the most interesting geological phenomena found here is hydrothermal explosions. While they may not have a timetable like some of the iconic geysers, or the breathtaking colors of some pools, 2024’s sky-high event at Biscuit Basin put hydrothermal explosions on the map.

Reading about this unpredictable encounter got me thinking: what are the underlying forces behind hydrothermal explosions? Is the caldera waking up? How are they studied? Luckily, our guest will explain all that and more!

Joining us is Dr. Mike Poland, a research geophysicist and the current Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory with the United States Geological Survey. His area of expertise is volcano geodesy, which emphasizes the surface deformation and gravity fields associated with volcanic activity, but he also knows a heck of a lot about hydrothermal explosions and other exciting geological activities in Yellowstone.

He’ll also share a few of his favorite spots in the park to check out rock formations, thermal features, and beyond.

Let’s dive in and learn more about why Yellowstone is a blast!

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Join our Online Community and Receive Two FREE Stickers!

> Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition

> Caldera Chronicles

> Black Diamond Pool Explosion Video

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

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Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Thumbnail Photo > USGS/Joshua Sells

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What would Greater Yellowstone be like without the grizzly bear? Once upon a time, we were close to answering that question. Today, these grizzly bears represent one of the greatest conservation success stories. Going forward, we want to make sure that grizzlies can continue to thrive on the landscape long into the future.

In Greater Yellowstone, figuring out the next steps in grizzly bear conservation and management is a complex issue. There isn’t consensus on how best to manage grizzlies, and in this conversation you’ll have a better understanding of why it’s so complicated. On this podcast episode, we’ll dive in the history of grizzly bear conservation in Greater Yellowstone and chat about what’s happening in the grizzly bear space today.

Joining us on the podcast is GYC's wildlife program manager Brooke Shifrin, who you may recognize from episode 2 on grizzly bears. Brooke focuses her work on grizzly bear policy and conservation strategies to ensure grizzlies are successful in the ecosystem while also keeping people safe and livelihoods intact.

As of January 8, 2025 - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces Northern Rockies grizzly bears to remain protected by Endangered Species Act

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Join our Online Community and Receive Two FREE Stickers!

> Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition

> The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

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Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

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Bats elicit many emotions from us – fear, intrigue, aversion, adoration. These pint-sized flyers often go unnoticed, yet they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

From their incredibly unique adaptations to their contributions to pest control, bats are truly nature’s unsung heroes.

In Part 2, we’re joined again by Dr. Riley Bernard, an applied wildlife ecologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming. Dr. Bernard’s research focuses on the ecology and behavior of cryptic species, including bats, on topics such as foraging, competition, invasive species interactions, the effects of disease on community structure, species susceptibility, and survival.

We’ll talk about the threats like white-nose syndrome and wind farms that spell out trouble for our beloved bats, some myths Dr. Bernard dispels for us, where to view bats in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and what people can do to support bat populations.

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Join our Online Community and Receive Two FREE Stickers!

> Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition

> Dr. Bernard's Lab

> Bat Houses

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

Music >
Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Thumbnail Photo > Dr. Riley Bernard

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Bats elicit many emotions from us – fear, intrigue, aversion, adoration. These pint-sized flyers often go unnoticed, yet they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

From their incredibly unique adaptations to their contributions to pest control, bats are truly nature’s unsung heroes.

We’re joined by Dr. Riley Bernard, an applied wildlife ecologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming.

Dr. Bernard’s research focuses on the ecology and behavior of cryptic species, including bats, on topics such as foraging, competition, invasive species interactions, the effects of disease on community structure, species susceptibility, and survival. When it comes to Greater Yellowstone bat ecology, she’s definitely an expert.

This episode, Part 1, will explore what bat species are found in Greater Yellowstone, how their flying abilities stack up next to birds, their use of echolocation and how their prey adapts to combat it, and how bats are literally mini super moms. Also, prepare to be surprised by how fast some bats can fly!

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Become a Podcast Insider

> Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

Music >
Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Thumbnail Photo > Bat Conservation International and Minden Pictures

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Yellowstone National Park holds the distinction of being the United States' first national park. What does it mean to be the first? What was a national park in the 19th century, and does it hold the same definition today? We’ll answer those questions and more as we dive into how Yellowstone became the park we know and love today.

This episode is the second part of our History of Yellowstone National Park series, so we recommend listening to Part 1 first. If you’ve already tuned in to Part 1, thanks for joining us again!

In Part 1, we learned about Yellowstone’s early history and establishment as a national park. This episode will dive more into what early tourism looked like, the romanticization of Teddy Roosevelt and Yellowstone National Park, and how Yellowstone National Park influenced conservation in the West and beyond. We’re joined again by Alicia Murphy, Yellowstone National Park historian.

The Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Learn more about the Greater Yellowstone Coalition

> Become a Podcast Insider

> Empire of Shadows: The Epic Story of Yellowstone National Park

> Yellowstone: A Wilderness Besieged

> Do (Not) Feed the Bears: The Fitful History of Wildlife and Tourists in Yellowstone National Park

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

Music >
Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Photo > William H. Jackson

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Yellowstone National Park holds the distinction of being the United States' first national park. What does it mean to be the first? What was a national park in the 19th Century, and does it hold the same definition today? We’ll answer those questions and more as we dive into how Yellowstone became the park we know and love today.

On this episode, we sit down with Alicia Murphy who is the park historian for the National Park Service in Yellowstone National Park. Basically, it’s her job to preserve and explore the history of Yellowstone, communicate the park’s rich history to the public, and try not to spend too much time going down research rabbit holes.

This is our very first two-part episode series on the podcast. This episode, Part 1, will explore the early history of the area that became Yellowstone National Park up to its creation in 1872.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition

> Become a Podcast Insider

> Check out Thomas Moran's Iconic Art Work

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

Music >
Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Photo > William H. Jackson

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It’s no secret that Greater Yellowstone contains some of the most beautiful wildflower landscapes in the world. In late spring and early summer, fields explode with yellow, purple, pink, and many more vibrant hues found in our native blooming plants. We can thank our native pollinators for providing such a show.

However, Greater Yellowstone’s pollinators are responsible for more than just a wildflower symphony of colors. They are key players in the health of the ecosystem, ensuring native plants flourish and provide nourishment for wildlife, from our smallest birds to our largest grizzly bears. Without native pollinators, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem would be a very different place.

On this episode we chat with Clay Bolt, who is both a Manager of Pollinator Conservation and a Manager of Communications for the World Wildlife Fund. Clay, based out of Livingston, Montana just north of Yellowstone National Park, works to protect Greater Yellowstone pollinators through habitat restoration, pesticide reduction, and pro-pollinator policy. He’s also a photographer and has featured his work in National Geographic Magazine, The New York Times, and National Wildlife Magazine.

We’ll learn about some surprising native pollinators in Greater Yellowstone, what studying and tracking these tiny residents looks like, and what people can do to support native pollinators in Greater Yellowstone and wherever they may live. Clay also divulges where bumblebees originated from, and you’re definitely going to be surprised by the answer!

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition

> Become a Podcast Insider

> Xerces Society - Citizen Science Bumble Bee Monitoring

> Montana Moth Project

> Clay's Photography Website

> Bumblebees with Backpacks!!!!

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

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Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
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Wolves in Greater Yellowstone represent one of the greatest conservation success stories. Once absent from the ecosystem, a reintroduction nearly 30 years ago brought back this keystone species to the landscape. Today, Yellowstone wolves are renowned across the world and represent a significant economic driver through wildlife-watching and tourism, generating an estimate $82 million annually. Their presence in Yellowstone National Park has also allowed researchers to conduct a multi-year study on their biology and effect on the landscape and wildlife around them.

On the podcast, we’ll get to chat with one of those researchers, Kira Cassidy. Kira is a research associate for the Yellowstone Wolf Project—the group that works within Yellowstone National Park to study these iconic wolves. Her research projects include wolf territoriality, sociality, and behavior. She also develops science communication strategies about wildlife research using art, writing, and public speaking.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition

> Become a Podcast Insider

> Yellowstone Wolf Project Annual Reports

> Video: Mollie's Pack Bringing Home Treasures and Toys

> Kira's Instagram

> Kira's TEDx Talk "Aging in the wild: lessons from animals about the value of growing old"

> Kira's Scientific Publications

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

Music >
Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Photo > NPS/Jim Peaco

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