Plant Ecology podcasts

Evolutionary biologist Toby Kiers joins Steven Strogatz to explore how mycorrhizal fungi exchange nutrients with plants and influence soil carbon storage. The conversation examines decentralized resource allocation, partnerships between fungi and roots, and experiments using fluorescent tracers and imaging robots to observe underground networks. Kiers also describes efforts to map fungal biodiversity and protect these ecosystems.

Hosted by Steven Strogatz, Janna Levin

The Science Show examines mineral nodules formed around fossil shark teeth on the deep-sea floor and the ecological risks of exploiting them. The programme also considers plant responses to climate change, debates over introduced species, and the contributions and limitations of three influential scientists.

Hosted by Robyn Williams, Belinda Smith

Sarah Crespi and Katie Langin examine assisted migration: replanting forests after wildfire with trees suited to the warmer conditions expected in coming decades. Susana Monsó, associate professor in logic, history and philosophy of science at Spain’s National University of Distance Education, then discusses how philosophical analysis contributes to scientific work, from defining concepts to formulating research questions. Produced with help from Podigy; published 17 September 2026, with a running time of 37 minutes and 28 seconds.

Hosted by Sarah Crespi

David George Haskell discusses the evolution and ecological importance of flowering plants. The conversation follows the innovations that enabled their diversification and their relationships with animals and ecosystems.

Hosted by Clayton Glasgow

Diego Vázquez explores networks of plant-pollinator interactions and what determines which species interact. The conversation contrasts coevolutionary explanations with neutral models driven by abundance, examines the limits of prediction, and considers long-term bee monitoring and the challenges of maintaining ecological research in Argentina.

Hosted by Marty Martin, John Drake