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Laura and Nic interview Andrew Goldberg, head of government relations at the American Cultural Resources Association, to explore proposed changes to Section 106, permitting reform, and what they could mean for historic preservation and public participation. From balancing infrastructure development with cultural resource protection to ensuring communities and Tribal Nations retain a voice in the process, this episode examines why environmental professionals must stay informed, engaged, and ready to advocate.

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick!

Help us continue to create great content! If you’d like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form.

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This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Connect with Andrew Goldberg at andrew@agoragov.com and https://acra-crm.org/

Guest Bio:
Andrew Goldberg has spent more than three decades leading winning advocacy programs. After serving as a top legislative aide to key members of Congress, he led a press and lobbying program for a British healthcare association in London. Then, as managing director of government relations and advocacy for the American Institute of Architects, Andrew transformed its advocacy program and pushed several landmark bills to enactment. In 2018, Andrew formed Agora, a government relations consulting firm whose clients include the American Cultural Resources Association. Andrew has been quoted in Politico, Roll Call, the Hill, the Washington Post, and others.

Music Credits
Intro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace Mesa
Outro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs Muller

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Thanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

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Laura and Nic interview Dr. West Bishop, principal scientist of applied water management at SEPRO Scientific, to explore harmful algal blooms, golden mussels, and the science behind managing aquatic invasive species. From protecting freshwater supplies to developing targeted solutions for toxic algae and invasive weeds, this episode highlights how research and innovation can restore water resources and address real-world environmental challenges.

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick!

Help us continue to create great content! If you’d like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form.

Please be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review.

This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Connect with Dr. West Bishop at seproscientific.com.

Guest Bio:
Dr. West Bishop is a Principal Scientist, Applied Water Management at SEPRO Scientific, where he provides scientific and technical expertise for algae management, water quality improvement, and emerging invasive species challenges across the United States.

A Michigan native, Dr. Bishop earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Western Michigan University, Master of Science in Aquatic Toxicology from Clemson University, and Ph.D in Crop Science, specializing in algae management, from North Carolina State University.

With more than 20 years of experience in aquatic science and water management, Dr. Bishop is a recognized expert in algae management and water quality, helping water resource professionals apply science-based strategies to protect and restore aquatic environments. His work also includes the management of invasive mollusks, where he supports the development and application of strategies to address emerging threats to water resources and infrastructure.

Dr. Bishop has authored more than 35 peer-reviewed publications, co-authored four patents, and regularly presents at scientific conferences, regional meetings, and professional training events. He also regularly shares his expertise with media outlets and podcasts and hosts SEPRO’s Algae Corner, an educational video series that has garnered more than 255,000 views.

Throughout his career, Dr. Bishop has focused on translating complex water quality challenges into practical, science-based strategies for those responsible for managing and protecting aquatic resources.

Music Credits
Intro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace Mesa
Outro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs Muller

Support the show

Thanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

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What are today's hiring managers actually looking for?

Laura interviews Mike Mayer, Past President of NAEP and Principal Environmental Project Manager at HDR, about the skills needed to succeed in environmental consulting and how NAEP has shaped his career. Plus, Mike shares how he balances working full-time with being a published author.

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick!

Help us continue to create great content! If you’d like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form.

Please be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review.

This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Connect with Mike Mayer at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mstonemayer/ and michael.mayer@hdrinc.com.

Guest Bio:
Mike Mayer is currently a Director of the National Association of Environmental Professionals and its Immediate Past President. He is also a Senior Professional Associate and Principal Environmental Project Manager for HDR, Inc. Mike is a natural resource professional with over 30 years of experience. He has worked on complex and controversial resource management issues regionally, nationally, and internationally as both a federal employee and an environmental consultant. Trained as both a wildlife biologist and environmental lawyer, he focuses his work on power and transmission, water, and natural resource projects and their adherence to environmental laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. From endangered salmon issues in the Pacific Northwest to oil spill restoration in the Gulf of Mexico, to large river ecosystem restoration and wildlife management in National Parks, he has assisted federal agencies in navigating environmental laws to develop scientifically sound and legally defensible management plans, programs, and strategies. He also contributed to national endeavors such as the DOI initiative on adaptive management and internationally, with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection for the Republic of Georgia.

On the side Mike is an author of action thrillers, writing under the fairly obvious pen name M. Stone Mayer. He recently published his second book entitled "In the Crosshairs." It's a page-turning action thriller that takes place in the wilds of Oregon and Washington and the sequel to "Ashes to Ashes." Check out his website at www.mstonemayer.com.

Music Credits
Intro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace Mesa
Outro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs Muller

Support the show

Thanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

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Laura and Nic interview Christopher Tracey, director of conservation science applications at NatureServe, to explore how biodiversity data, GIS, and AI can support smarter conservation and land-use decisions. From discovering rare species in the field to transforming complex data into actionable tools, this episode highlights the value of curiosity, technology, and looking a little deeper at the natural world.

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick!

Help us continue to create great content! If you’d like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form.

Please be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review.

This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Connect with Christopher Tracey at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-tracey-210467a/

Guest Bio:
Christopher Tracey is the Director of Conservation Science Applications at NatureServe. At NatureServe, he leads a team of spatial analysts, data scientists, and software developers to create biodiversity information products and deliver those products to conservation practitioners, researchers, industry, and decision-makers across the United States and Canada. Prior to joining NatureServe, he worked for the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (a NatureServe Network member program), starting as a field ecologist and eventually managing conservation planning activities.

Music Credits
Intro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace Mesa
Outro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs Muller

Support the show

Thanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

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Laura interviews Dr. Tim Gallaudet, retired U.S. Navy rear admiral, former acting NOAA administrator, and author of "Holding Fast in Heavy Seas," to explore servant leadership, scientific integrity, and leading through turbulent times. From navigating career setbacks and empowering others to scuba diving with sharks, this episode examines how humility, empathy, and an ethic of service can help anyone become a stronger leader.

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick!

Help us continue to create great content! If you’d like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form.

Please be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review.

This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Connect with Tim Gallaudet at www.timgallaudet.com.

Guest Bio:
The Honorable Tim Gallaudet, PhD, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (ret) is a former acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Prior to NOAA, Gallaudet served for 32 years in the US Navy, completing his career in the Pentagon as the Navy’s chief oceanographer, meteorologist, and hydrographer. He has a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Naval Academy, and master and doctoral degrees from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, all in oceanography. His book about leading NOAA during President Trump’s first term, "Holding Fast in Heavy Seas: Leadership For Turbulent Times," is available at https://www.timgallaudet.com/ or any major bookseller.

Music Credits
Intro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace Mesa
Outro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs Muller

Support the show

Thanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

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Laura and Nic interview Dr. Troy Hartley, executive director of the Renewable Energy Wildlife Institute, to explore how collaboration and science can advance renewable energy while protecting wildlife and ecosystems. From building genuine professional relationships to navigating a dynamic career across sectors, this episode highlights the power of curiosity, connection, and creative problem-solving.

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick!

Please be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review.

This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Connect with Troy Hartley at twhartley@rewi.org.

Guest Bio:
Troy Hartley is the Executive Director of the Renewable Energy Wildlife Institute (REWI), with over 25 years of experience in collaborative research, stakeholder and community engagement, science-to-management processes, and innovation on a wide range of natural resources and environmental issues. Prior to joining REWI in 2025, he was the director of Virginia Sea Grant, a national federal-state, university-based partnership program funding and conducting collaborative research, extension, and workforce development activities. He has a PhD in environmental and natural resource policy from the University of Michigan, a master’s in environmental policy from George Mason University, and a BS in zoology from the University of Vermont.

Music Credits
Intro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace Mesa
Outro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs Muller

Support the show

Thanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

Share your Field Stories!

Laura and Nic interview Ryan Hathaway, Director of Climate and Environmental Justice at Lawyers for Good Government, to discuss his time at the White House, efforts to protect federal grants, and the power of community-driven environmental action. From recovering billions of dollars for communities to lessons inspired by Mr. Rogers, this episode explores how decency, optimism, and meaningful support can drive lasting change.

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick!

This episode is sponsored by Lawyers for Good Government. Learn more at https://www.lawyersforgoodgovernment.org/.

Please be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review.

This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Connect with Ryan Hathaway at ryan@l4gg.org.

Guest Bio:
Ryan serves as Director of Climate and Environmental Justice at Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), and previously served as the Director for Environmental Justice and Director of The White House Environmental Justice Interagency Council at the White House Council on Environmental Quality in the Executive Office of the President. Prior, he served as the U.S. Department of the Interior Environmental Justice Coordinator, and also led the Department's Major Infrastructure, Permitting, NEPA, and FAST-41 Programs. Ryan has served in several government leadership roles, including as Branch Chief for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Land Use Planning at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). He has over 15 years of experience in federal civil service from local fieldwork and administration to program management, policy, and leadership of multi-billion dollar national and international permitting and environmental policy programs.

Ryan has his Bachelor's in Wildlife Conservation from the University of Delaware, and his Master’s in Natural Resource Management and Master’s Certificate in Sustainable Development from Virginia Tech University. Ryan serves on the advisory boards for the youth led non-profits Climate Cardinals and Future Incubators, is on the Harvard Sustainability Program Advisory Board, the board of District Coyote Project, and has served as adjunct faculty at several universities, as a board member on many organizations focused on improving the world we live in, and addresses audiences around the world as a speaker and panelist on leadership, environmental policy, and building a better future. His most important and enjoyable role is as a dad to his son Charlie, and husband to his wife, Jackie, a tremendously dedicated shelter veterinarian. If you want him to talk too much, bring up blues guitar, star wars, or smoking barbecue.

Music Credits
Intro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace Mesa
Outro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs Muller

Support the show

Thanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

Share your Field Stories!

Laura interviews Deepti Chatti, assistant professor at the University of California, San Diego, to explore energy access, clean cooking transitions, and how social, cultural, and environmental factors shape climate solutions around the world. From interdisciplinary research and teaching climate justice to finding hope in the next generation of environmental leaders, this episode examines how people navigate complex environmental challenges while working toward a more equitable and sustainable future.

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick!

Help us continue to create great content! If you’d like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form

Please be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review.

This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Connect with Deepti Chatti at https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepti-chatti-b20b864/

Guest Bio:
Dr. Deepti Chatti is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, San Diego. An engineer turned ethnographer, Deepti draws on her interdisciplinary training to critically analyze sustainable development efforts in India and the United States. Her current research is on energy access and air pollution exposures in historically marginalized communities.

Deepti received her PhD at Yale University. Prior to her current work in academia, Deepti worked for several years in public policy research in India, and as an engineer in California helping cities and counties plan for and design public environmental infrastructure.

Music Credits
Intro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace Mesa
Outro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs Muller

Support the show

Thanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.