Dr. Easley has been on a six season-long journey with the Heartwood podcast, having now recorded over fifty episodes with a highly diverse group of guests. He joins Bennett to reflect on the podcast’s roots, how it has grown over time, how he has grown with it, and what the future holds for the next … Read More Read More

On this episode, Isaac interviews RaShad Eas, aka Dr. Easley as a hip-hop artist, about his latest project titled D.E.I. RaShad Eas talks about the themes behind each track on the album, and the roles of family, friends, and faith in his personal journey. Join us for a glimpse into the creative mind of our … Read More Read More

On this episode, Dr. Easley, Bennett and Isaac are joined by a returning guest from season one, Dr. Darin Latimore, Deputy Dean of Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Latimore discusses the continued need for diversity and inclusion in today’s climate, where the field needs to go in … Read More Read More

Esaac, Pwint, and Bennett, each with their unique perspectives, join Dr. Easley to discuss their experiences at Yale School of the Environment. Their roles as leaders on campus, promoting a just and equitable learning environment, are deeply influenced by their upbringing and background. These factors are intricately linked to their research areas of focus, such … Read More Read More

Listen to Andie Creel, a Ph.D. student at Yale School of the Environment, and Dr. Easley discuss their roots in conservation and how they engage with the natural world. Andie Creel details her experience growing up in Big Sky Country and how that influenced her studies in Natural Resource Economics and co-founding the Backcountry Squatters … Read More Read More

Mr. Tom Ficklin makes his return to the Heartwood podcast in this episode, where he discusses his education and upbringing, becoming a New Haven native, and the role of spirituality and morals in life. This episode takes you on a journey!

Hoa’āina Dr. Katie Kamelamela, Dr. Easley, Isaac, and Bennett discuss ethnoecology related to their respective cultures. Dr. Kamelamela draws from her experiences in Hawaii. She leans to what she has learned from her community to describe her work with ethnoecology and the role of land autonomy in having an empowered community. She also shares stories … Read More Read More

Samantha Armacost, Dr. Easley, and Bennett discuss their experiences and connections to being outdoors. In extension, Sam gives a masterclass related to inclusive practices in the workplace and how organizations can grow from incorporating these practices. Her experiences serve as a beacon of inspiration for those seeking adventure while ensuring the value of community members. … Read More Read More

In this episode, Gwen Trice and Dr. Easley explore their families’ extensive history with forestry in the United States. Ms. Trice, in particular, details the work she has done as the founder of the Maxville Project to daylight Black history in Wallowa County, Oregon. She recounts cherished memories of her time pursuing the project, as … Read More Read More

In this episode, Danna Smith, Dr. Easley, and Bennett Olupo delve into the crucial role of community involvement in protecting and restoring Southern forests. Danna Smith, the founder of The Dogwood Alliance, shares her inspiring journey and the mission to ensure everyone has access to a healthy environment. Her impactful work and the culture of … Read More Read More

On this episode, Dr. Easley and Bennett Olupo speak with Reverend Robert Jemonde Taylor as he discusses the deep history of Environmental Justice and resilience surrounding Saint Ambrose Episcopal Church’s predominantly Black community in Raleigh, North Carolina. He also explains how he draws from a broad range of influences to steward the congregation and land … Read More Read More

Easley and Olupo had to bring Ms. Myrick back because as a leader, she does not just work in environmental education, but she also is an entrepreneur that is making her own lane by leading multiple organizations. In this episode she shares her evolution throughout her career and her insight exploring a different field of … Read More Read More

On this episode, Easley interviews Bennett. It’s always important to make sure that our listeners know who the engineer and editor is that keeps Heartwood moving forward. Olupo shares his background as an educator, as well as his cultural background that informs how he works in forestry and how he engages as a student in … Read More Read More

On this episode, Dr. Easley and Bennett Olupo share the stage with Professor Gonzalez as he smoothly shares his views on environmental justice and education. He brings a lens of truth, art and R&B that keeps him grounded and motivated to support his students. Gonzalez shows us how being a humble and working to be … Read More Read More

On this episode, Dr. Easley and Bennett Olupo speak with Professor Gerald Torres as they explore his interest in Environmental Justice as well as his career in Law. This episode is rich because they all share their understandings of the injustices communities of color face, while Prof. Torres gives wisdom and scholarship that breaks down … Read More Read More

On this episode, Dr. Easley interviews two scientists and leaders in the forest industry. Amazingly, they are also his classmates from Alabama A&M University. They discuss their journeys to the profession and the importance of getting an education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

On this episode, Dr. Easley and Bennett Olupo are joined by Thoko, Grace, and Ato. The vivacious and keen trio are pursuing their masters at Yale School of the Environment. We discuss what it is like to be from The Continent and pursue an environmentally focused education and career. The episode has a special emphasis … Read More Read More

On this episode, Dr. Easley and Bennett Olupo are joined by world-renowned rapper and author Khnum “Stic” Ibomu (One half of the Legendary Hip Hop Band, Dead Prez), who has developed a strong fan base thanks to wellness oriented and conscious lyrics. We discuss why the growth mentality present in fit-hop, the hip-hop subgenre he … Read More Read More

On this episode, Dr. Easley speaks with Dean Toddi Steelman of the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. She shares her experience in leadership and shares how she works to support students, faculty and staff. This episode is so rich because they both used to work together, and you will enjoy listening to … Read More Read More

On this episode, Dr. Easley is joined by Dr. Justin Kunkle, the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies and Academic Advisor in the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University. We discuss how Dr. Kunkle supports students in the community beyond just giving lip service. He expounds that it is a constant learning process, but we … Read More Read More