Advertise on podcast: Laws of Notion

This whole series started with a vote.   That vote not only revealed the ongoing debate about reintroducing the gray wolf to Colorado, but also who gets to make decisions and what the best way to do that is. In this interview with direct democracy expert Dr. John Matsusaka, we break down how this system of government functions more broadly, when it is most effective, and the philosophy behind it. The discussion illuminated that what happened in Colorado in 2020 wasn't just a wildlife story; it was a democracy story too. Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/gray-territory and lawsofnotion.org.  Sign up for the Institute for Science & Policy's mailing list.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube.  If you like our work, consider making a tax-deductible donation.   The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions on society's greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.   Credits:  Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock Editing, production, marketing: Tricia Waddell  Editing, fact-checking, production: Jordan Marks  Sound design: Seth Samuel  Original music: Composed and performed by Brett Kretzer. Fiddle played by Andy Reiner. Banjo and backing vocals by Dr. Joy Adams.  Additional music: Epidemic Sound

David Mech has been researching wolves since 1958 and has authored hundreds of articles and 13 books on wolf behavior and ecology. From his decades of studying wolves across the globe, including Isle Royale, Minnesota, Canada, Italy, Alaska, Yellowstone, Ellesmere Island, and elsewhere, to modern wolf management and conservation, David has witnessed and helped shape decades of evolving scientific understanding. In our deep dive interview with David, hear some of his key learnings, from the now-debunked "alpha wolf" concept to the nuanced realities of predator-prey dynamics and trophic cascades, along with his views on the complexities of managing wolves in human-dominated landscapes.   Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/gray-territory and lawsofnotion.org.  Sign up for the Institute for Science & Policy's mailing list.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube.  If you like our work, consider making a tax-deductible donation.   The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions for society's greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.   Credits:  Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock  Editing, production, marketing: Tricia Waddell  Editing, fact-checking, production: Jordan Marks Additional research: Kate Long  Sound design: Seth Samuel  Original music: Composed and performed by Brett Kretzer. Fiddle played by Andy Reiner. Banjo and backing vocals by Dr. Joy Adams.  Additional music: Epidemic Sound

In our final episode, we examine what the future might hold for wolves, ranchers, advocates, and the people working every day to move us beyond conflict and simplified narratives. From museum specimens that document our shared history to voices on the ground navigating life with the gray wolf, we explore whether Colorado can move beyond the mistrust and pendulum swings toward something sustainable. Because the wolf story is just beginning, and coexistence isn't a destination, but an ongoing practice of adaptation, humility, and seeing the humanity in those with whom we disagree. Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/gray-territory and lawsofnotion.org.  Sign up for the Institute for Science & Policy's mailing list.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube.  If you like our work, consider making a tax-deductible donation.  The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions on society's greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.    Credits:  Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock  Editing, production, marketing: Tricia Waddell  Editing, fact-checking, production: Jordan Marks  Sound design: Seth Samuel  Original music: Composed and performed by Brett Kretzer. Fiddle played by Andy Reiner. Banjo and backing vocals by Dr. Joy Adams.  Additional research: Kate Long and Max Neumeyer  Additional music: Epidemic Sound  Recording Studio: Denver Community Media

There are many tools being tested and deployed to help make coexistence with wolves a reality. Range riders provide a human presence on the landscape night after night to keep wolves at bay. Ongoing conversations between wolf advocates and ranchers to build understanding. Raising money across the state to support non-lethal deterrents for the people who need them most. Testing modern-day technologies like AI alongside traditional ones out in the field to give ranchers a toolbox of options to protect their livestock. In this episode, we learn about the range of solutions being used on the ground to reduce conflict with wolves -- and each other.     Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/gray-territory and lawsofnotion.org.  Sign-up for the Institute for Science & Policy's mailing list.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube.  If you like our work, consider making a tax-deductible donation.  The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions on society's greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.   Credits:  Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock  Editing, production, marketing: Tricia Waddell  Editing, fact-checking, production: Jordan Marks  Sound design: Seth Samuel  Original music: Composed and performed by Brett Kretzer. Fiddle played by Andy Reiner. Banjo and backing vocals by Dr. Joy Adams.  Additional music: Epidemic Sound  Recording Studio: Denver Community Media

The reintroduction of wolves has created a new reality for many ranchers. While many expected challenges when reintroducing a large predator, the experience on the ground has proven to be both more complex and emotional than they anticipated. The story of the Copper Creek wolf pack brought this to the forefront and has dominated Colorado news headlines. Not only were they some of the first wolves born from the reintroduction effort, but also because of their threat to livestock. In this episode, we grapple with the early years of wolf reintroduction. What's working and what's not? And how do we balance what we owe nature with what we owe each other?  Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/gray-territory and lawsofnotion.org.  Sign-up for the Institute for Science & Policy's mailing list.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube.  If you like our work, consider making a tax-deductible donation.   The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions on society's greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.   Credits:  Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock  Editing, production, marketing: Tricia Waddell  Editing, fact-checking, production: Jordan Marks  Sound design: Seth Samuel  Original music: Composed and performed by Brett Kretzer. Fiddle played by Andy Reiner. Banjo and backing vocals by Dr. Joy Adams.  Additional music: Epidemic Sound  Recording Studio: Denver Community Media

How does the diversity of society's values and perspectives get incorporated into wildlife decisions? In this episode, we explore the gap between democratic ideals and messy reality, how a vote becomes policy and then becomes lived experience, and who gets heard along the way. We examine how the vote for wolf reintroduction became politicized along partisan lines and whether ballot initiatives undermine scientific expertise in wildlife management. And as the vote evolved into a reintroduction plan, hear both the excitement for the first reintroduced wolves on the ground and the frustration of not having all the pieces in place to support frontline communities.  Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/gray-territory and lawsofnotion.org.  Sign-up for the Institute for Science & Policy's mailing list.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube.  If you like our work, consider making a tax-deductible donation.  The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions on society's greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.   Credits:  Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock  Editing, production, marketing: Tricia Waddell  Editing, fact-checking, production: Jordan Marks  Sound design: Seth Samuel  Original music: Composed and performed by Brett Kretzer. Fiddle played by Andy Reiner. Banjo and backing vocals by Dr. Joy Adams.  Additional music: Epidemic Sound  Recording Studio: Denver Community Media

By a razor-thin margin in 2020, Colorado voters decided to bring gray wolves back to the landscape. Now, paws are on the ground, and real work is just beginning. For some, wolves returning to the landscape feels like tightening the vice on the already challenging profession of ranching. Yet for others, wolves mean the restoration of an ecosystem that humans deliberately interfered with. What is really behind the tension over wolf reintroduction? Why did it get on the ballot in the first place, and how did this become such a polarizing issue?   Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/gray-territory and lawsofnotion.org.  Sign-up for the Institute for Science & Policy's mailing list.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube.  If you like our work, consider making a tax-deductible donation.    The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions on society's greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.   Credits:  Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock  Editing, production, marketing: Tricia Waddell  Editing, fact-checking, production: Jordan Marks  Sound design: Seth Samuel  Original music: Composed and performed by Brett Kretzer. Fiddle played by Andy Reiner. Banjo and backing vocals by Dr. Joy Adams.  Additional music: Epidemic Sound  Studio recording: Postmodern Company

Colorado is the first state to intentionally bring back wolves by popular vote. But voting was just the beginning. From the ballot box to paws on the ground, join us for Gray Territory: The Return of Wolves to Colorado, a new limited series that takes a deeper look at wolf reintroduction and explores the complicated reality of coexistence. Season five of the award-winning podcast Laws of Notion starts Oct. 29.   Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/gray-territory and lawsofnotion.org.  Sign-up for the Institute for Science & Policy's mailing list.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube.  If you like our work, consider making a tax-deductible donation.   The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions on society's greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.   Credits:  Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock  Editing, production, marketing: Tricia Waddell  Editing, fact-checking, production: Jordan Marks  Sound design: Seth Samuel  Additional support: Kate Long & Max Neumeyer  Original music: Composed and performed by Brett Kretzer. Fiddle played by Andy Reiner. Banjo and backing vocals by Dr. Joy Adams.  Additional music: Epidemic Sound  Studio recording: Denver Community Media

With wildfires intensifying, every dollar spent on mitigation and resilience matters more than ever. This episode explores the tough choices and bold solutions shaping Colorado's future: training a new generation of workers, leveraging new technology, and balancing suppression with prevention. With resources stretched thin, how do we decide what will make the most impact?  Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/united-by-fire and lawsofnotion.org.  Sign up for the Institute for Science & Policy's mailing list.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube.  If you like our work, consider making a tax-deductible donation.   The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions to society's greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.   Episode Credits:  Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock  Reporting, writing, editing: Carson Frame  Editing, marketing: Tricia Waddell  Production support: Nicole Delaney and Jordan Marks Fact-checking: Kate Long  Sound design: Seth Samuel  Original music: Ryan Flores  Additional music: Epidemic Sound  Studio recording: Side 3 Studios

Explore Colorado's changing relationship with wildfire as we follow the people working to manage its risks and tap into its ecological benefits. Through prescribed burns, forest thinning and community partnerships, land managers, scientists and residents are rethinking fire as a tool to keep both forests and communities strong.  Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/united-by-fire and lawsofnotion.org.  Sign-up for the Institute for Science & Policy's mailing list.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube.  If you like our work, consider making a tax-deductible donation.   The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions to society's greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.   Episode Credits:  Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock  Reporting, writing, editing: Carson Frame  Editing, marketing: Tricia Waddell  Production support: Nicole Delaney  Fact-checking: Kate Long  Sound design: Seth Samuel  Original music: Ryan Flores  Additional music: Epidemic Sound  Studio recording: Denver Community Media

This episode explores how the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires of 2020 created a far-reaching crisis in Colorado's watersheds, impacting both mountain communities and those downstream along the Front Range. Discover the intersection of fire, water, and policy - and the surprising ways wildfire continues to shape the state's landscapes long after the flames go out.   Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/united-by-fire and lawsofnotion.org.  Sign-up for the Institute for Science & Policy's mailing list.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube.    If you like our work, consider making a tax-deductible donation.  The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions for society's greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.   Episode Credits:  Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock  Reporting, writing, editing: Carson Frame  Editing, marketing: Tricia Waddell  Production support: Nicole Delaney  Fact-checking: Kate Long  Sound design: Seth Samuel  Original music: Ryan Flores  Additional music: Epidemic Sound  Studio recording: Denver Community Media

Four years after the East Troublesome Fire, many Grand County residents are still grappling with the aftermath, from insurance disputes to the emotional toll of loss. We explore the long-term impact of the fire on individuals and the broader community as they strive to recover and rebuild.  Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/united-by-fire and lawsofnotion.org.  Sign-up for the Institute for Science & Policy's mailing list.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube.  If you like our work, consider making a tax-deductible donation.   The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions on society's greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.   Episode Credits:  Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock  Reporting, writing, editing: Carson Frame  Editing, marketing: Tricia Waddell  Production support: Nicole Delaney  Fact-checking: Kate Long  Sound design: Seth Samuel  Original music: Ryan Flores  Additional music: Epidemic Sound  Studio recording: Denver Community Media

In October 2020, the East Troublesome Fire exploded, forcing a mass evacuation of Estes Park as ash rained from the sky. In this episode, we explore how the town responded to the dual threats of a wildfire and a pandemic, and the hard choices they faced in order to protect their community.    Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/united-by-fire and lawsofnotion.org.  Sign-up for the Institute for Science & Policy's mailing list.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube.  If you like our work, consider making a tax-deductible donation.  The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions on society's greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.   Episode Credits:   Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock  Reporting, writing, editing: Carson Frame  Editing, marketing: Tricia Waddell  Production support: Nicole Delaney  Fact-checking: Kate Long  Sound design: Seth Samuel  Original music: Ryan Flores  Additional music: Epidemic Sound  Studio recording: Denver Community Media

The summer of 2020 was one of Colorado's hottest and driest on record, setting the stage for a devastating series of megafires. The Cameron Peak Fire ignited in the Roosevelt National Forest and burned for nearly four months, consuming almost 209,000 acres.   In this episode, we'll hear from people who stared into the Cameron Peak fire and the difficult choices they faced. What should we try to protect? And what risks are we willing to accept?  Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/united-by-fire and lawsofnotion.org.  Sign-up for the Institute for Science & Policy's mailing list.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube.  If you like our work, consider making a tax-deductible donation.   The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions to society's greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.   Episode Credits:  Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock  Reporting, writing, editing: Carson Frame  Editing, marketing: Tricia Waddell  Production support: Nicole Delaney  Fact-checking: Kate Long  Sound design: Seth Samuel  Original music: Ryan Flores  Additional music: Epidemic Sound  Studio recording: Denver Community Media

Today's megafires raise questions about how we manage our forests and where we choose to live. In 2020, Colorado experienced the two largest wildfires in the state's history: Cameron Peak and East Troublesome. Together, these high-intensity blazes ripped through communities and challenged what we thought we knew about how wildfires behave.    Fire has devastating power, but it's also a necessary part of our ecosystems. Can we learn to live with it?   In this episode, we begin to explore that question through the eyes of wildfire survivors, researchers, and policymakers navigating this uncertain future.   Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/united-by-fire and lawsofnotion.org.  Sign-up for the Institute for Science & Policy's mailing list.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube If you like our work, consider making a tax-deductible donation.   The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions to society's greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.   Episode Credits:  Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock  Reporting, writing, editing: Carson Frame  Editing, marketing: Tricia Waddell  Production support: Nicole Delaney  Fact-checking: Kate Long  Sound design: Seth Samuel  Original music: Ryan Flores  Additional music: Epidemic Sound  Audio recording: Denver Community Media