In this episode, we explore the world of paleontology at Petrified Forest National Park with Park Ranger Adam Marsh, the park’s Lead Paleontologist. Known worldwide for its colorful petrified wood, Petrified Forest National Park is also one of the most important paleontological sites in the United States, preserving exceptionally well-preserved Triassic-era fossils dating back more than 200 million years.

Ranger Adam Marsh breaks down what paleontology is, why fossil preservation at Petrified Forest is so unique, and how the park plays a leading role in modern paleontological research. We discuss major fossil discoveries at Petrified Forest National Park, including ancient reptiles such as phytosaurs and rauisuchians, and how these finds help scientists better understand prehistoric ecosystems, mass extinctions, and the evolution of life on Earth.

Adam also shares his personal path to becoming a National Park Service paleontologist and what it’s like to study fossils in one of the most scientifically significant national parks in the world. This conversation highlights why Petrified Forest National Park paleontology is critical to understanding the Triassic Period and the early history of dinosaurs and their relatives.

Topics Covered:

• Paleontology at Petrified Forest National Park
• Geology of the region
• Triassic fossils and prehistoric life
• Phytosaurs, rauisuchians, and ancient reptiles
• Why Petrified Forest is a global paleontology hotspot
• Fossil preservation and scientific research in national parks
• Life as a National Park Service paleontologist

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In this episode of the Safe Travels Podcast, we visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park in West Texas and sit down with Interpretive Park Ranger Jake Denton to explore the park’s geology, wildlife, and human history.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet, and protects the world’s most complete example of a fossilized Permian-era reef—one of the most significant geologic features in North America. Ranger Jake breaks down how this ancient reef formed, what wildlife thrives in the park today, and why the Guadalupe Mountains are so important to conservation and scientific research.

This conversation offers a deeper look into one of Texas’s most underrated national parks and highlights the rugged beauty and rich natural history of the Guadalupe Mountains.

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We’re back! This episode takes us to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in beautiful New Mexico, where we sit down with Park Ranger Tiffany Rugger.

Tiffany serves as a Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) Ranger, and she joins us for a wide-ranging conversation covering the park’s incredible geology, its world-famous bat colony, surprising creatures like horsehair worms, essential park insights, and much more.

It was an honor to speak with Tiffany—her depth of knowledge and passion for Carlsbad Caverns added so much to this episode. I’m grateful for her work at one of the world’s premier cave systems.
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I'm in Bend, Oregon, sitting underneath a starry night sky with a warm fire in front of me.

It's been a month or so since i've shared an episode with you. So I wanted to let you all know what's been going on. Good news: there will be a lot more episodes to come.

Thank you endlessly for supporting this podcast.
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Sandy Steers is the Executive Director of Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), a non-profit in Big Bear Lake, California, dedicated to protecting and preserving wildlife habitat across the 15-mile Big Bear Valley in the San Bernardino National Forest.

At the heart of the valley is an active bald eagle nest—home to Jackie and Shadow. Through FOBBV’s 24/7 livestream camera, millions of viewers around the world have been able to witness the pair’s lives up close, finding joy, education, and even comfort in the process.

In this episode, Sandy and I explore the incredible story of Jackie and Shadow, their eaglets Sunny and Gizmo, the challenges bald eagles face in the valley, and Sandy’s own inspiring journey to the mountains that brought her peace.

Learn more about Friends of Big Bear Valley and watch the eagle livestream at friendsofbigbearvalley.org

It was an honor to sit down with Sandy! I am beyond grateful for her time, and am thrilled that so many people get to connect with nature on a daily basis thanks to Jackie and Shadow.
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Dr. Morgan Cable is a research scientist at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. Her mission is to help answer one of humanity’s biggest questions: are we alone in the universe?

In this episode, we explore how NASA uses national parks as analog sites to study the landscapes of other worlds. Dr. Cable explains how these environments provide testing grounds for new technologies designed to operate on different terrains and in alien atmospheres.

Named to the American Chemical Society’s “Talented 12” in 2018, Dr. Cable has contributed to some of NASA’s most exciting missions, including Cassini-Huygens, the Mars Perseverance Rover, Europa Clipper, and the Dragonfly mission to Titan.

Our conversation also dives into the mysteries of the ocean worlds Europa and Enceladus—their habitability, potential for life, and why they captivate planetary scientists. And beyond her work, we talk about Morgan’s adventurous hobbies, from surfing to mountain unicycling.

It was an honor to host Dr. Morgan Cable on the podcast. Her passion, expertise, and energy are truly inspiring, and her contributions to planetary science are nothing short of remarkable.

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Will Deacy is the Large Mammal Ecologist at Rocky Mountain National Park, where he plays a key role in managing some of the park’s most iconic wildlife. With a background that includes grizzly bear research on Kodiak Island in Alaska, Will brings a wealth of experience to his work with Rocky’s booming elk and moose populations—species that have flourished in the absence of natural predators.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of large mammals at Rocky Mountain National Park. Will shares insights into the ecological challenges of managing these populations and what it takes to maintain a balanced and healthy ecosystem in one of America's most beloved parks. We also chat through the importance of wetlands and riparian areas and the negative effects that large moose and elk have on these fragile ecosystems.

Will is an incredible human who has accomplished so much in his role as a large mammal ecologist. I am grateful for his work and thankful for his time on this podcast.
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In this episode, we sit down with Mike Lukens, who has dedicated over 15 years to Rocky Mountain National Park and currently serves as the Climbing and Wilderness Program Supervisor. Mike oversees critical aspects of the park's operations, including Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts, ensuring visitor safety across its vast wilderness.

Beyond his administrative role, Mike is an accomplished climber. In 2016, alongside Quinn Brett and Max Barlerin, he completed the first ascent of the "Colorado Route" on the south face of Fitz Roy in Patagonia—a challenging 500-meter climb rated at 5.11c .

What You'll Learn:

• The diverse recreational opportunities within Rocky Mountain National Park, from technical climbs to serene backcountry adventures.
• Insights into the park's SAR operations and the importance of preventative measures for visitor safety.
• Mike's personal experiences and stories from his climbing expeditions and rescue missions.

Why Listen:

Gain a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty and challenges of Rocky Mountain National Park through the eyes of a seasoned ranger and climber. Whether you're an avid adventurer or a casual park visitor, Mike's insights offer valuable perspectives on safety, exploration, and the spirit of the wilderness.
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