Podcast · Tech & Science

YourForest

by Matthew Kristoff · English · Tech & Science

This podcast exists to challenge our ideas of sustainability. Why do we do the things that we do? And how can we make sure that what we are doing is right? This show is an exercise in developing new perspective and context around land management in order to help us make the best decisions possible.

New episodes: Monthly
Latest: 17 Dec 2025
Language: English

Latest episode

17 Dec 2025

The Final Chapter: Lessons Learned from YourForest

In this episode of YourForest, Matthew Kristoff reflects on his nearly decade-long journey of podcasting and shares key takeaways from the most memorable conversations that have shaped his understanding of forest management, sustainability, and the relationship between humans and nature. This final episode dives into the lessons learned from past episodes, touching on critical topics like decolonization, reconciliation, and how we view and interact with the natural world.

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E167 · 19 Nov 2025
167 - Building Canadian Wildfire Culture with Kelsey Winter, Shelagh Pyper and Garnet Mierau
In this episode of Your Forest, Matthew Kristoff sits down with three leaders to discuss the launch and vision of the Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada (WRCC). This critical conversation tackles the urgent need for Canada to move past a "tipping point" in wildfire management by shifting from a siloed approach to a unified, "whole of society" effort. The episode explores the WRCC's mandate to bridge the gap between knowledge producers (like researchers and INDIGENOUS firekeepers) and knowledge users (practitioners and policymakers) to build a more robust, context-specific, and…
E166 · 22 Oct 2025
166 - Decolonizing Land Stewardship with Dr. Jennifer Grenz
Dr. Jennifer Grenz, a Nlaka'pamux woman and ecology expert, joins the YourForest podcast to discuss decolonizing land stewardship. She stresses the need to be "rooted in truth" by acknowledging colonialism's impact on ecosystem management. Grenz advocates for Two-Eyed Seeing - merging Indigenous knowledge and Western science - to create a more effective, human-centric approach to stewarding landscapes amid climate change.
E165 · 17 Sep 2025
165 - Forest Finance: How Private Capital Can Transform Sustainable Forestry with Shauna Matkovich
In this episode of YourForest, Matthew Kristoff and guest Shauna Matcovich explore the world of forest finance and the critical role of private capital in funding sustainable forestry. Shauna, a forester and founding director of The ForestLink, discusses the need to link the intrinsic values of a forest - such as its biodiversity and ecosystem health - to a monetary economy in order to drive conservation. The conversation highlights how private investment can be a powerful lever for change and a way to create a more resilient and sustainable forest industry.
E164 · 20 Aug 2025
164 - Rethinking Forestry: Bold Ideas for a Sustainable Future with Gary Bull
In this thought-provoking episode of YourForest, host Matthew Kristoff sits down with Dr. Gary Bull, Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia and a leading voice in forestry economics and policy. Together, they explore the future of forestry and how shifting priorities are redefining the value of our forests. Dr. Bull shares insights from his decades-long career, discussing the integration of non-timber values - like biodiversity, carbon storage, and ecosystem health - into forest management. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how innovative approaches and bold…
E163 · 16 Jul 2025
163-Breaking the Silence: Workplace Culture Challenges and Change in Forestry with Kelly Cooper & Greg Herringer
In this episode of YourForest Podcast, host Matthew Kristoff is joined by Kelly Cooper, founder of the Free to Grow in Forestry initiative, and Greg Herringer, chair of the Canadian Institute of Forestry’s DEI leadership team. Through honest and eye-opening conversation, they unpack why change is so difficult, highlighting deep-rooted resistance, fear of change, and power dynamics that hold progress back. Kelly shares her personal experience of being excluded from the very DEI work she was leading, while Greg reflects on how bias shows up in both personal and professional spaces.
E162 · 19 Jun 2025
162-Intentional Fire-Shifting Society’s Relationship with Wildfire w/ Marissa Christansen & Chris Anthony
In this compelling episode of YourForest Podcast, host Matthew Kristoff explores the transformative power of intentional fire and the necessary paradigm shift in approach to wildfire. He is joined by two leaders in wildfire policy and management: Marissa Christansen, Executive Director of the Climate and Wildfire Institute (CWI), and Chris Anthony, former Chief Deputy Director of Cal Fire and Strategic Wildfire Advisor.
E161 · 21 May 2025
161-Mastering Conflict-The Role of Dialogue in Landscape Management with Robin Freeman and James Whitehead
Welcome to the second part of "Disagreeing Collaboratively”. In this episode of the YourForest Podcast, Matthew Kristoff welcomes back James Whitehead and is joined by Robin Freeman to discuss the essential role of dialogue in environmental management, particularly in wildfire mitigation. They explore how communication, empathy, and understanding different perspectives are key to addressing complex landscape issues and mitigating conflicts.
E160 · 16 Apr 2025
160-Understanding Conflict-The Role of Dialogue in Landscape Management with James Whitehead
Join us today on this exciting episode of the YourForest Podcast, hosted by Matthew Kristoff where we explore with James Whitehead the crucial role of dialogue in managing environmental challenges, particularly wildfire mitigation. This episode not only highlights the importance of understanding and engaging in effective dialogue but also emphasizes the need for diverse stakeholders to come together and tackle environmental issues collaboratively. Explore how structured conversations can lead to actionable insights and stronger, more inclusive solutions for landscape management. Don’t miss…
E159 · 5 Mar 2025
159 - Understanding Monarch Conservation with Mike Leahy and Rebeca Quiñonez-Piñón
Join us today on this exciting episode of the YourForest Podcast, hosted by Matthew Kristoff where we engage in a deep dive with Mike Leahy and Rebecca Quiñonez-Piñón about the enchanting world of the Monarch butterfly and the concerted efforts required for their conservation. The episode features Mike Leahy, the Senior Director for Wildlife Hunting and Fishing Policy at the National Wildlife Federation, and Rebecca Quiñonez-Piñón who serves as the Senior Scientist at the National Wildlife Federation. Both guests share their deep insights on the challenges facing Monarch butterflies and…
E158 · 19 Feb 2025
158 - Guardian Movements and Indigenous Leadership with Amy Cardinal Christianson
Join us today on this exciting episode of the YourForest Podcast, hosted by Matthew Kristoff features an engaging discussion with Dr. Amy Cardinal Christianson who serves as the Senior Fire Advisor at the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, where she spearheads efforts to support Indigenous fire stewardship. Don't miss out.
E157 · 15 Jan 2025
157 - Can Tree Planting Help Solve The Climate Crisis with Lauren Oakes
Join host Matthew Kristoff on YourForest Podcast for an inspiring conversation with Lauren Oakes, scientist, storyteller, and author of Tree Keepers: The Race for a Forested Future. This thought-provoking episode explores the creation and maintenance of healthy forest ecosystems as a vital solution to climate change and biodiversity loss. Lauren delves into the complexities of tree planting versus forest restoration, emphasizing thoughtful stewardship, community engagement, and sustainability. Drawing from extensive research and personal experiences, she highlights how forests contribute to…
E156 · 18 Dec 2024
156 - How Salmon Shape Ecosystems–Impacts from Forestry w/ Dr. Jonathan Moore and Christian Carson
Welcome to YourForest Podcast, where we explore the intricate connections between environmental science, sustainability, and the essential role of forests in our world. In this episode, host Matthew Kristoff is joined by Dr. Jonathan Moore, head of the Salmon Watersheds Lab (SWL) and professor at Simon Fraser University, and Christian Carson, a passionate environmental researcher, and Dr.Moore’s graduate student, to discuss the profound relationship between forestry, fish, and watersheds. Together, they examine the interconnected impacts of forest management on salmon habitats, biodiversity,…
E155 · 20 Nov 2024
155 - Monetizing Ecosystem Services for Improved Forest Management with Mark Anielski
Welcome to YourForest Podcast, where we dive into conversations on environmental science, sustainability, and the intrinsic values of forests. In this episode, host Matthew Kristoff speaks with Mark Anielski, a forest economist and well-being expert, to explore the economic principles of nature and how forest ecosystems offer a sustainable model for an economy in harmony with natural values. Together, they delve into the challenges and benefits of valuing forests beyond traditional timber revenue, considering biodiversity, water resources, and the “wealth” that forests provide.
E154 · 16 Oct 2024
154 - Two-Eyed Seeing with Dr. Cristina Eisenberg
In this episode of YourForest Podcast , host Matthew Kristoff engages with Dr. Cristina Eisenberg to explore the powerful concept of "Two-Eyed Seeing." This approach braids Indigenous knowledge with Western science to create more resilient, climate-adapted forests. Dr. Eisenberg shares her experiences and insights from the report "Braiding Indigenous and Western Knowledge for Climate Adapted Forests," which she co-authored. The discussion delves into climate change, forest stewardship, and how Indigenous ecological practices can help create the future of sustainable forest stewardship. Here…
E153 · 18 Sep 2024
153 - Learn Contemplative Forestry with Jason Brown
In this episode of the Your Forest podcast, host Matthew Kristoff speaks with Dr. Jason Brown , an environmental ethicist, and lecturer in religious studies, about "contemplative forestry". They explore how blending mindfulness with ecological understanding can foster a deeper connection to forests. Jason shares his journey into this unique field, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural dimensions of forestry. Dr. Jason Brown is a lecturer at Simon Fraser University, specializing in the intersection of religion, ethics, and ecology. With a background in anthropology, forestry, and ecological…
E152 · 21 Aug 2024
152 - Why Insects Matter–Forest Health | Insights From Caroline Whitehouse
In this episode of the YourForest podcast, host Matthew Kristoff sits down with Caroline Whitehouse , a forest health specialist with the Government of Alberta. They dive into the world of forest pests, focusing on the ecological importance of insects and how they contribute to forest resilience. Caroline shares her unique journey into entomology, emphasizing the need to appreciate insects not just as pests but as vital components of our ecosystems. Caroline Whitehouse is a forest health specialist with the Government of Alberta, where she monitors and manages forest health, particularly in…
E151 · 17 Jul 2024
151-Local Sustainability with Basil Camu
Do you want to support healthy ecosystems, and create a legacy that can last? Me too. Start with your lawn, then your community, then see how you feel. Basil Camu is an expert in local rewilding and today he is here to share his passion for natural ecosystems and how you can create a bounding oasis of local biodiversity literally in your back yard! Think native! Flowers, grasses, forbs, shrubs, trees, everything helps! I often get so wound up in forests and how we manage them that I forget that my yard, and community, can be a place for nature as well. I am now officially growing trees in my…
E150 · 19 Jun 2024
150-Reconciliation in Forestry with Percy Guichon
If you are looking for inspiration, look no further than the story Percy Guichon was willing to share with us. Through hardship and discrimination, pain and suffering, a few First Nations were able to create thriving communities out of hard work and ingenuity. Percy came on the show to share his personal story, but also that of his Nation and the success they have had building forestry enterprises that look out for land and give back to community. Reconciliation takes lots of forms, Percy’s story is about collaboration and thinking outside the box. Resources Percy Guichon The residential…
E149 · 15 May 2024
149-Valuing Nature with Max Nova
Private landowners are often forgotten during our discussions on sustainable landscapes. These lands are often overshadowed by huge swaths of forest that are managed by government or large corporations. The legislation and tools available to private landowners are sparse and confusing. So, how do we give small private landowners the tools they need to contribute to a sustainable future? We pay them to do the right thing.
E148 · 17 Apr 2024
148-Wildfire Coexistence with Lori Daniels
Wildfire has always been here, and humans have always had a relationship with it. These days, we have recognized that our relationship to fire has been less than ideal. Wildfire smoke has consumed our summers, wildfire threat has persisted in our minds, and there seems to be no end in sight. So, how do we begin to change our relationship to fire? How do we go from surviving it, to thriving with it? The knowledge exists, the solutions are there, how do we make it happen? Transformational change is hard. Resources Lori Daniels Sponsors West Fraser GreenLink Forestry Inc. Quotes 23.23 - 23.34:…
E147 · 20 Mar 2024
147-Emulating Natural Disturbance with Ellen Macdonald
Nature knows best…right? So, our forest management strategies should try to emulate nature? That’s what we used to think. Unfortunately, our ideas on how to emulate natural disturbance rarely result in something that acts like a natural disturbance. Bottom line, we are not fire, and we want different things from fire, so we need to not act like fire. We have had some good ideas, and our minds were in the right place, but it is now time to shake things up. Let’s put that big head of ours to use and come up with something that would make mother nature proud. Resources Ellen Macdonald Sponsors…
E146 · 21 Feb 2024
146-The Life Beneath Our Feet with Cindy Prescott and Sue Grayston
Image curtesy of National Geographic and Eye of Science through Sue Grayston In forest management, we spend a lot of time on the things we can see; charismatic megafauna, trees, pests and plants. But what about the things we can’t see? What if I told you there was an entirely unexplored ecosystem below our feet? One that has more biodiversity than we can imagine. This community is responsible for half of the carbon sequestration of the forest, and the maintenance of ecosystem function for above ground species. This life beneath our feet is as much responsible for the forests we love as the…
E145 · 17 Jan 2024
145- The Landscape Ecology of Institutions with Ira Sutherland
What stands in the way of the future of sustainable forest management? There are many answers to this question, but the deepest answer may be colonialism. The very structure of our governing bodies and institutions have made it very difficult to try new things. It is possible that our colonial system of organization and decision making now stands in the way of progress. Organizations have to fight against the system to make new decisions, and move in new directions. The first thing we have to do is recognize the problem. Resources Ira Sutherland Dynamics in the landscape ecology of…
E144 · 18 Dec 2023
144-Empathy For Land with Jim Lane
As modern culture expands, wilderness dwindles in its wake. It has become more challenging to create empathy for land through real experience. Luckily, there are people like Jim Lane. Jim teaches an Ecology and Conservation course for High School students. His approach gets students out in the bush to experience nature first hand. They learn about scientific observation, interconnectedness, ecology, history and colonialism all through observing nature. All this without leaving school property. Resources Jim Lane Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic Sponsors West Fraser GreenLink Forestry Inc. Quotes…
E143 · 17 Nov 2023
143-Climate Change and The Boreal Forest with Miguel Montoro Girona, Sylvie Gauthier, Guillaume Grosbois
The Boreal Forest is the worlds LARGEST forested biome! Understanding the inner workings of such a callosal giant can be overwhelming. Now add climate change to the mix. What does the future hold? Luckily, an enormous team of researchers have banded together to create this incredible book that details what we need to do to keep the Boreal Forest healthy, and thriving, for the foreseeable future. Did I mention this incredible resource is completely FREE? See show notes for that link. Resources Boreal Forests in the Face of Climate Change: Sustainable Management (Volume 74) Sponsors West…
E142 · 18 Oct 2023
142- Achieving Tree Equity with American Forests
Why is tree equity important? They are just trees, right? So what? They don’t impact health, wealth, quality of life? They just look good! Well, in fact trees do ALL of these things. They drastically reduce deadly heatwaves, reduce breathing problems, shelter your home from the elements, reduce drainage costs, increase your mood, and save you money in all kinds of other ways. Now a new tool shows us which communities are receiving these benefits and which are not. Urban communities in particular are dangerously low on tree cover. We can help deliver basic human rights to those that need it…
E141 · 20 Sep 2023
141-The Paradigm Shift with Garry Merkel
How we value forests is changing, and our management strategy is often playing catch up. As a result, forest management in British Columbia is undergoing a paradigm shift. It is a values shift. A more holistic approach to managing forests that accounts for more than just the sustainability of trees. Old Growth was the lighting rod, ecosystem health is the goal. Garry Merkel came on to give us the run down how things area changing and why. Resources A New Future For Old Forests:…
E140 · 16 Aug 2023
140-Protecting Old Growth Trees with Greg Herringer
What better way to learn about Old Growth and Big Trees then to talk to a guy who thinks about nothing else!? Greg Herringer spends his work time finding big trees, talking about big trees and creating programs to protect big trees. He also spends his free time going on expeditions to find more big trees. This guy is THE Big Tree Guy! We try to answer the question, how do we protect big trees in a world that need wood fiber? Greg sees a path forward. Resources Greg Herringer Old Growth Deferrals Special Tree Protection Regulation Big Tree Registry Quotes 33.20 - 33.25: “Too many people…
E139 · 20 Jul 2023
139-Big Ol' Trees with Amanda Lewis
Who doesn’t love Big Old Trees!? “You would have to be some kind of monster!” That pretty much sums up the episode. Author Amanda Lewis shares her journey around her book Tracking Giants-Big Trees, Tiny Triumphs, and Misadventures in the Forest . Amanda brought a breath of fresh air into the way I think about big trees. Her fun nature and transparent writing style make for a great dialogue and an even better read! Resources Tracking Giants by Amanda Lewis Sponsors West Fraser GreenLink Forestry Inc. Quotes 48.03 - 48.07: “That’s the thing about trees - once you stop looking for them, they…

About YourForest

YourForest is a English tech & science podcast from Matthew Kristoff. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Matthew Kristoff
Language: English
Category: Tech & Science
New episodes: Monthly
Latest episode: 17 Dec 2025
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1262529914

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