Advertise on podcast: The Nature of Nantucket

In this episode of the Maria Mitchell Association’s podcast, Joanna Roche sits down with Jo Slavitz, a Nantucket native and middle school science teacher in Dover, New Hampshire, to talk about her island roots, her work in science education, and an extraordinary recent adventure aboard the NOAA research vessel Oscar Dyson. Jo shares stories from her 23 days at sea in the Bering Sea, where she experienced life aboard a working research ship and took part in studying Alaska pollock, an important commercial fishery. The conversation explores the science behind understanding fish populations and marine ecosystems, the challenges and discoveries of working at sea, and how this remarkable voyage connects classroom learning with real-world marine research. To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about how the Perseverance Rover has set a new record by traveling 28 miles on Mars.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association sits down with Heather Packard from Mass Audubon for an important conversation about the growing movement to ban anticoagulant rodenticides across Massachusetts. They discuss the devastating impact these poisons have on wildlife and ecosystems, why immediate action is needed, and how local voices can help create statewide change. Heather encourages listeners to TAKE ACTION by May 19 and call their Massachusetts state representative to ask Chair Aaron Michlewitz and the House Ways & Means Committee to strengthen Sections 74 and 75 of the Mass Ready Act by including language from H5217, which would phase out the use of anticoagulant rodenticides statewide. The goal is for each of the 160 state representatives to receive at least 10 calls from constituents because, together, communities have the power to advocate for wildlife and be the voice for the voiceless. Learn more and take action at bit.ly/CallYourMAReps. To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about radio waves from an alien planet and the Nobel Prize for Physics.

This week, host Joanna Roche sits down with Kimbery Schulam, the Stranding Coordinator for Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket. Kimberly takes us on her journey to Nantucket, sharing her passion for marine mammals and the unique path that led her to her current role. She discusses her work with the Marine Mammal Alliance, offering insights into the organization's efforts to protect and care for stranded marine animals. Tune in to hear how Kimberly and her dedicated team make a difference in the lives of these incredible creatures. If you spot an injured seal or marine mammal, please call 833-667-6626.  To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about how spacecraft save rocket fuel by using the momentum of the Earth to fly to the outer planets.

In this episode of the Nature of Nantucket, Executive Director of the Maria Mitchell Association, Joanna Roche speaks with Jan Turnquist, Executive Director of the Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House in Concord, Massachusetts, the historic home and museum where author Louisa May Alcott wrote much of Little Women. Joanna and Jan explore the history of Orchard House, Alcott’s life and work, and the enduring legacy of one of America’s most beloved authors. They also discuss the fascinating connection between Orchard House and the Maria Mitchell House on Nantucket, including the historical ties between Louisa May Alcott and Maria Mitchell and the ways these two remarkable women, their homes, and their legacies intersect.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about The Autumnal Equinox which marks the beginning of Fall.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about Rogue Planets which are planets that are on their own flying around the Milky Way Galaxy but are not orbiting a star.

In this episode of the Maria Mitchell Association podcast, Joanna Roche sits down with longtime Nantucket summer resident Ben Barnes to discuss his new memoir, Get It Done: Seven Decades of Lessons from a Political Legend. Barnes talks about his Nantucket connection, his remarkable political career, and the people and experiences that shaped his seven decades in public life. Joanna and Ben also explore the lessons he’s learned along the way and what inspired him to share his story. Learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche welcomes Anya Freeman, founder and CEO of Kind Designs, a groundbreaking company using 3D printing to create living seawalls. Anya shares the inspiring journey that led her to this innovative work, from discovering her passion for environmental solutions to launching a mission-driven company. She dives into the exciting projects Kind Designs is currently developing and gives a sneak peek at what’s on the horizon. It’s a conversation about creativity, climate resilience, and how tech can help heal the planet. Learn more at https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the Sextant which was used by the Nantucket whale ships to calculate their position while at sea. NASA is thinking of equipping their astronauts with Sextants just in case.

Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association talks with longtime political journalist and Nantucket summer resident Lois Romano about her Nantucket origin story, her remarkable career covering seven presidential campaigns, and her new book, An Inconvenient Widow: The Torment, Trial, and Triumph of Mary Todd Lincoln. Romano shares what drew her to the complicated life of Mary Todd Lincoln and how her decades of reporting on politics, presidents, and first ladies shaped the way she approached this fascinating chapter of American history. Learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the new Roman Space Telescope which was launched on Sunday and its namesake Dr. Nancy Roman.

In this episode, Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association sits down with Sam Hale to explore the history and legacy of Mount Wilson Observatory in California. Sam shares stories about the observatory, its groundbreaking reflecting and solar telescopes. They also discuss his grandfather, George Ellery Hale, the observatory’s founder and a pioneering astronomer and telescope builder whose work helped transform our understanding of the universe. Learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.