PODCAST

Heartwood

Thomas Rashad Easley, the Assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies (FES), hosts the Heartwood podcast recorded on the FES campus in New Haven, Connecticut. Thomas meets with guests spanning the environmental spectrum, in pursuit of one goal: understanding how the heart impacts the woods, and the woods impact the heart.

science earth sciences

All Episodes

1:09:25

Exploring Ethnoecology from Hawaii to Nigeria and...

Heartwood ·

2024/10/04

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

en-US

BONUS: Pt 2 Bianca. Gearing up for success

Heartwood ·

2023/06/29

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

en-US

Meeting the Hosts. A Conversation with Bennett Olupo...

Heartwood ·

2023/06/22

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

en-US

Navigating Conflict with Pat Gonzales-Rogers

Heartwood ·

2023/06/15

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

en-US

Discussing the Future of Environmental Justice Dr....

Heartwood ·

2023/06/08

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

en-US

The Importance of HBCUs for Environmental Progress...

Heartwood ·

2023/06/01

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.

en-US

Finding a place at Yale: Thokozile Changufu, Grace...

Heartwood ·

2023/05/25

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

en-US

Finding Your Groove with stic from dead prez

Heartwood ·

2023/05/18

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

en-US

A Balancing Act: Learning to Grow with and Empower...

Heartwood ·

2023/05/11

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

en-US

Being a Conduit for Change with Dr. Justin Kunkle

Heartwood ·

2023/05/04

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

en-US

Building Community Through Leadership with Ms. Bianca...

Heartwood ·

2023/04/27

On this episode of the Heartwood Podcast, Dr. Easley is joined by Ms. Bianca Myrick. She is the founder and executive director of Pretty Purposed, non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring communities to empower young women and girls. With environmentalism underlying the conversation, the two discuss the importance of leadership and education within the Black community.

en-US

Plugging Into the Source with Dr. Nyeema Harris

Heartwood ·

2023/04/27

On this episode of the Heartwood Podcast, Dr. Easley and Bennett Olupo are joined by the illustrious Dr. Nyeema Harris (Associate Professor of Wildlife and Land Conservation at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE). Easley and Harris are colleagues whose careers crossed paths at NC State University. We are fortunate to discuss how Dr. … Read More Read More

en-US