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Hosted by Zoo Idaho Superintendent Peter Pruett and Idaho Museum of Natural History Director Dr. Leif Tapanila, The Nature of Idaho explores how the Gem State’s wild landscapes shape its past, present, and future. Each half-hour episode dives into nature stories from across Idaho, featuring local news from the natural world, fascinating fun facts, and lively conversations that celebrate life outdoors.Since its launch in February 2018, The Nature of Idaho has produced more than 150 original episodes and earned multiple awards for excellence in science and environmental programming.“Idaho has so much to offer—its landscapes, habitats, geology, and people are endlessly inspiring,” says Pruett. “The Nature of Idaho is about sharing our excitement for everything that makes wild Idaho special—the places and the faces.”“We hope our listeners join us to reconnect with nature,” adds Dr. Tapanila. “Whether we’re talking about digging up dinosaurs or listening to crickets in the backyard, there’s always something extraordinary happening outside.”Email: [email protected] a list of past show topics/titles hereThe Nature of Idaho Season 1The Nature of Idaho Season 2The Nature of Idaho Season 3The Nature of Idaho Season 4The Nature of Idaho Season 5The Nature of Idaho Season 6The Nature of Idaho Season 7

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Check latest episodes from The Nature of Idaho podcast

The Nature of Idaho: Roadless Rule

2026/10/06

In this episode of The Nature of Idaho, hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett speak with John Robison, Public Lands and Wildlife Director at the Idaho Conservation League, about the vital role of public lands and the Roadless Rule.

The Nature Of Idaho: Idaho Museum of Natural History

2026/08/27

This episode of The Nature of Idaho brings together hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila of the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett of Zoo Idaho. Today’s guest is Dr. Tapanila himself, director of the museum. Leif and Peter discuss the latest developments at the Idaho Museum of Natural History, including what’s new, where the museum is headed, and what visitors and supporters can look forward to.

The Nature Of Idaho: Zoo Idaho

2026/08/13

This episode of The Nature of Idaho features Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett of Zoo Idaho. They talk about Zoo Idaho in Pocatello and some of the new things happening at the zoo.

The Nature of Idaho: Crickets

2026/07/30

This episode of The Nature of Idaho brings together hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila (Idaho Museum of Natural History) and Peter Pruett (Zoo Idaho) with guest Kristopher Watson, a program manager at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), to unpack the science and management of Mormon crickets.

The Nature Of Idaho: Earthquake!

2026/07/15

This episode of The Nature of Idaho explores the science and impacts of earthquakes. Hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila (Idaho Museum of Natural History) and Peter Pruett (Zoo Idaho) are joined by Christopher DuRoss, a research geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earthquake Hazards Program based in Colorado.

The Nature Of Idaho: Buddy Levy

2026/07/02

This episode of The Nature of Idaho takes listeners on a thrilling journey to the top of the world. Hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila of the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett of Zoo Idaho welcome bestselling nonfiction author and Washington State University professor Buddy Levy. He shares insights from his latest book, Realm of Ice and Sky, which recounts a daring and perilous zeppelin expedition to the North Pole. Blending history, adventure, and exploration, this conversation brings to life one of the most remarkable polar journeys ever attempted.

The Nature Of Idaho: Artemis II

2026/06/18

This episode of The Nature of Idaho features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila of the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett of Zoo Idaho. They are joined by guest Angela Garcia, an exploration geologist and Science Officer for Artemis II at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Together, they discuss the Artemis II mission to the Moon.

The Nature Of Idaho: Ski Patrol

2026/06/09

This episode of The Nature of Idaho features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila of the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett of Zoo Idaho. They are joined by guests Michelle Havens and Waylon Wade, both members of the Ski Patrol at Pebble Creek Ski Area in Southeast Idaho. Together, they discuss the essential practices and responsibilities that help ensure a safe day on the slopes.

The Nature Of Idaho: Fire Ecology

2026/05/22

This episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila from the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett from Zoo Idaho. Their guest is Dr. Alistair Smith, Chair of the Earth and Spatial Sciences Department at the University of Idaho, and together they talk about forest fires, specifically how fire plays a role in forest ecology.

The Nature Of Idaho: Sheep vs Cheatgrass

2026/04/09

This episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila from the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett from Zoo Idaho. Their guest is Dr. Kelly Hopping, an Associate Professor at Boise State University who specializes in Human-Environment Systems, who talks about how sheep grazing might be helpful in controlling cheatgrass in the West.

The Nature Of Idaho: Sagebrush Sea Project

2026/03/25

This episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila from the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett from Zoo Idaho. Their guest is Matt Cahill, Program Director at the Nature Conservancy, and together they talk about the Sagebrush Sea.

The Nature Of Idaho: Western Junipers

2026/03/12

This episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila from the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett from Zoo Idaho. Their guest is Gena Goodman-Campbell from the Oregon Natural Desert Association, and together they talk about Juniper trees in the West.

The Nature of Idaho: The High Divide

2026/02/26

This episode of "The Nature of Idaho" features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila from the Idaho Museum of Natural History and Peter Pruett from Zoo Idaho. Their guest is Louise Bruce, the Idaho High Divide Senior Specialist for The Wilderness Society, who talks about the High Divide in Idaho; that’s the high elevation lands in the eastern part of the state that bridges between the Yellowstone ecosystem in the East with the central Idaho wilderness to the West.

The Nature Of Idaho: Idaho Water Resources Research Institute

2026/02/12

This episode of “The Nature of Idaho” features hydrologist Kendra Kaiser, director of the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute, discussing how Idaho studies and manages its water in the face of changing climate, snowpack, and demand. She outlines IWRRI’s role in coordinating statewide and regional research with irrigators, agencies, tribes, and universities, including projects on recycled water, aquifer recharge, and a statewide hydrometeorological monitoring network. Kaiser explains Idaho’s water “bank account” of soil moisture, aquifers, and mountain snowpack, and notes that winter 2026 has average high‑elevation snow but unusually poor low‑elevation snow, raising concerns about low streamflows if late‑season storms don’t materialize. She also describes how land‑use change and conservation influence water budgets, highlights real‑world recycled water projects like Nampa’s irrigation‑supply system, and answers the trivia question that the western U.S. “water year” begins October 1, a date some “water nerds” celebrate with informal gatherings.

The Nature Of Idaho: Idaho's Big Smile

2026/01/29

This episode of The Nature of Idaho features hosts Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett talking with hazards geologist Zach Lifton from the Idaho Geological Survey about why the Snake River Plain shows up as a giant “smile” across southern Idaho.