Planet B612
So. Many. Questions.
3 years ago

Ep.1 – Exploring nature, slime molds and sea slugs with Kelly Brenner (Naturalist)

Learn about nudibranchs, slime molds, and more!

Welcome to Planet B612! In this episode, Julie speaks with Kelly Brenner (Naturalist) about invertebrates and why they’re so cool. We also talk about Kelly’s book, “Nature Obscura: A City’s Hidden Natural World”. Join Julie’s World for additional content! Go to https://www.patreon.com/juliesworld

Timestamps:

  • Introductions and how Kelly got involved in writing about nature [0:22]
  • Documenting nature when travelling [4:15]
  • Kelly’s work as a photographer [5:00]
  • Writing online content and books [6:40]
  • Talking about family life [8:06]
  • What are slime molds? [8:56]
  • What does a slime mold look like? [9:53]
  • Are slime molds related to mushrooms? [10:51]
  • Difference between a naturalist, and a scientist [11:08]
  • Early explorers were naturalists [12:18]
  • Designing for the “big picture” [13:16]
  • How to pronounce “nudibranch” [13:57]
  • What is a nudibranch? [14:26]
  • Why nudibranchs are so unique [15:46]
  • An interesting fact about nudibranchs [16:57]
  • Nudibranch Appreciation Society [18:06]
  • Nudibranchs are all sea slugs [18:42]
  • How Kelly does research on creatures [19:17]
  • Collaborations with other experts [20:00]
  • Kelly talks about dragonflies [20:39]
  • Julie reads excerpt from Kelly’s book [21:50]
  • More facts about dragonflies [22:19]
  • Dragonflies: what happens when it rains? [23:24]
  • Intro to Kelly’s book “Nature Obscura” [23:52]
  • Shout-out to illustrator for the book [24:11]
  • Kelly’s favorite season [24:52]
  • The transitions that happen through the changing of seasons [25:35]
  • The fear of spiders [27:10]
  • Creatures that feed on rotting wood [28:48]
  • Creatures and plants that inhabit urban environments [30:03]
  • What Kelly looks at under microscopes [31:25]
  • Building a backyard pond for invertebrates [32:06]
  • Pond life [33:15]
  • Pond maintenance [34:22]
  • Winters in Seattle [34:50]
  • Hummingbirds in the wintertime [35:08]
  • Climate change in Seattle [35:47]
  • Tools to bring on a hike [37:11]
  • Life during a pandemic [39:40]
  • Leaving the city [40:43]
  • Kelly’s other interests: anime [41:52]
  • Learning the art of Kendo [42:16]
  • Yelling and exertion [43:39]
  • Kelly’s future plans [44:41]
  • Hashtag Invertefest [44:59]
  • Observing creatures at night [47:00]
  • Folklore of nature [48:42]
  • Kelly’s future books [49:46]
  • What country does Kelly want to explore next? [50:22]
  • Kelly’s fiction and parting remarks [52:35]

Learn more about Kelly Brenner: http://www.metrofieldguide.com/ Buy Kelly’s book, “Nature Obscura”: https://www.mountaineers.org/books/books/nature-obscura-a-citys-hidden-natural-world Follow Kelly on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KellyBrenner

Follow Planet B612 on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlanetB612fm Support the podcast on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/juliesworld Visit the website: http://planetb612.fm/