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Artwork for The Natural Curiosity Project

The Natural Curiosity Project

Dr. Steven Shepard
Curiosity
Science
Education
Fordlandia
Biodiversity
Climate Change
Wind
Conservation
Artificial Intelligence
Language
Yakhchals
Sound Safaris
Serendipity
NOAA
STEM
Notable Scientists
Carl Sagan
Words
Crystal Radio
Essex Junction Water Treatment Facility

I photograph, record, and write about the natural world. I see, I listen, I write. I fundamentally believe that curiosity can save the world—so I publish stories to make people curious. Ultimately, curiosity leads to discovery, discovery leads to knowledge, knowledge leads to insight, and insight leads to understanding. Please enjoy!

PublishesDailyEpisodes356Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Education

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Artwork for The Natural Curiosity Project

Latest Episodes

When I was a commercial diver in California, I often found myself surrounded by great swarms of marine mammals--seals and sea lions, mostly. But every once in a while we were rewarded by a sea otter, the most iconic of all marine mammals. Hunted almo... more

It was an assignment to photograph the 50th anniversary of the San Francisco Bay Bridge from atop one of the towers. Who knew they didn't have an elevator?

Ever wonder why they call the company Starbucks?

Poet, fishing boat captain, publisher--what a great conversation!

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Recent Guests

Holly Hughes
Publisher at Empty Bowl Press; writer and poet; former fisherman
Empty Bowl Press
Episode: Episode 319-Holly Hughes, Publisher and Much More
Russ Willis
Accomplished academic, poet, ethicist, strategic advisor, ordained pastor
Author of AI and the Crisis of Control: How Leaders Can Reclaim Responsibility in the Age of AI
Episode: Episode 317-Russ Willis-AI Ethicist
Stephen Morris
Contributor to The Silverback Digest; author of Clixed-Up Miches
The Silverback Digest
Episode: Episode 315-Clixed-Up Miches with Stephen Morris
Stephen Shepard
Author of 'The Sound of Life,' a novel with a conservation message
Episode: Kyle Steele Interview
Shaun Borri
Founder of Borri Audio Laboratories, a manufacturer of wax cylinder recordings
Borri Audio Laboratories
Episode: Episode 303-Interview with Shaun Borri
Amorina Kingdon
Science writer and fiction writer, avid hiker and part-time figure skater.
Author of 'Sing Like Fish'
Episode: Episode 286-Conversation with Science Writer Amorina Kingdon
Bethany Ostrom
Wildlife biologist at the Crane Trust specializing in the ecology of cranes and related ecosystems
Crane Trust
Episode: Episode 285-Conversation with Wildlife Biologist Bethany Ostrom
Rob Dircks
Science fiction author and podcaster
Dircks Associates
Episode: Episode 282-The Multifaceted World of Rob Dircks
Jared Blake
Field recordist and passionate voice for the natural world.
Acoustic Nature
Episode: Episode 275-Jared Blake-The Life of a Field Recordist

Host

Steve Sheppard
Host of The Natural Curiosity Project; focuses on curiosity-driven exploration of science, nature, and culture.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 50 ratings
  • Insightful Knowledge Every Episode

    Applicable to business and life.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    alphred
    United States3 years ago
  • Best podcast series

    Can I give this six stars? I only recently discovered the Natural Curiosity Project podcast series. It’s a wonderful, entertaining and thought provoking series and I enjoy both the current and earlier episodes.

    Steven Shepherd’s insights and observations are fascinating as are his many guests. It’s well worth perusing the episode list. There’s something for everyone.

    Highly recommended!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NJ-listener
    United Kingdom3 years ago
  • The Best Storyteller I’ve Ever Been Around

    I had the pleasure of hearing Dr Shepard speak twice, and both times I was left in awe. I wondered how one person could seemingly live so many lives & know so much about a wide variety of topics.

    He said it was his curiosity, he asked questions and was sincere.

    When I saw this podcast on LinkedIn I went to iTunes and am hooked.

    Thank you Dr Shepard for sharing your curiosity with all of us!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ksteele85
    United States3 years ago
  • Growing my curiosity

    Curiosity is one of those funny things that can sometimes get hungrier after it is fed, and the Natural Curiosity Project has a way of simultaneously satisfying my curiosity and driving my desire to keep learning. What a delightful paradox!

    I love the varied topics and formats of each episode, always with Steve’s unique blend of playful insight and adventure at the helm. The radio-ready production quality and voice talent don’t hurt, either!

    This podcast is an absolute gem, with something he... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Golden State Naturalist
    United States3 years ago
  • Always Curious

    Enjoy the topics that I probably never would have been thinking about. Even the mention of Wichita, KS in the current one. I call it home.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Gutfeld Fan
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Audience finds episodes inspiring, informative, and suitable for both learning and leisure.
The host is praised for curiosity-led conversations and accessibility.
Guests and topics are varied, educational, and entertaining for a broad audience.
Listeners describe high production quality and immersive storytelling.
Many appreciate the blend of science, nature, and culture in a thoughtful format.

Top Education Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Kyle Steele Interview
Q: Where does The Sound of Life pick up?
It picks up the story five years later with characters coming to grips with their newfound wealth.
Kyle Steele Interview
Q: What drove you to write a sequel to Inca Gold, Spanish Blood?
Readers consistently asked for a sequel due to their attachment to the characters and relationships.
Kyle Steele Interview
Q: Do I have to read Inca Gold, Spanish Blood to appreciate what happens in The Sound of Life?
No, but it helps to appreciate and enjoy the story in The Sound of Life better.
A Tour of the Essex Junction Water Treatment Plant
Q: What do you want people to know about the wastewater treatment process?
People need to understand the critical role of wastewater treatment in protecting human health and the environment.
Episode 303-Interview with Shaun Borri
Q: What distinguishes your process from modern audio technologies?
Shaun elaborates on the unique mechanics of the acoustical recording process that captures sound on wax cylinders, including the specific components and methods used in this historical technique.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Natural Curiosity Project

What is The Natural Curiosity Project about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thought-provoking, curiosity-driven show that blends storytelling, science, history, and nature to illuminate how the world works. Episodes span engineering marvels, food history, AI ethics, ocean science, poetry, and mindfulness, all anchored by a narrator with a knack for accessible, radio-ready immersion and vivid storytelling. Listeners often praise the production quality, breadth of topics, and the host's ability to connect disparate ideas into a coherent sense of wonder. The show stands out for its wide topic range, practical takeaways, and an emphasis on personal responsibility and lifelong learning, making it appealing to curious professionals, educators, and general listeners who want ideas that travel beyond everyday media.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Natural Curiosity Project?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Natural Curiosity Project:

1. Freakonomics Radio
2. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

How many episodes of The Natural Curiosity Project are there?

The Natural Curiosity Project launched 8 years ago and published 356 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Natural Curiosity Project?

Recent guests on The Natural Curiosity Project include:

1. Holly Hughes
2. Russ Willis
3. Stephen Morris
4. Stephen Shepard
5. Shaun Borri
6. Amorina Kingdon
7. Bethany Ostrom
8. Rob Dircks

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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