Interview with Kelly Brenner: Writer and Naturalist

Episode Timestamps

• Introductions and how Kelly got involved in writing about nature [0:22]
• Documenting nature when travelling [4:15]
• Kelly’s work as a photographer [5:00]
• Writing online content and books [6:40]
• Talking about family life [8:06]
• What are slime molds? [8:56]
• What does a slime mold look like? [9:53]
• Are slime molds related to mushrooms? [10:51]
• Difference between a naturalist, and a scientist [11:08]
• Early explorers were naturalists [12:18]
• Designing for the “big picture” [13:16]
• How to pronounce “nudibranch” [13:57]
• What is a nudibranch? [14:26]
• Why nudibranchs are so unique [15:46]
• An interesting fact about nudibranchs [16:57]
• Nudibranch Appreciation Society [18:06]
• Nudibranchs are all sea slugs [18:42]
• How Kelly does research on creatures [19:17]
• Collaborations with other experts [20:00]
• Kelly talks about dragonflies [20:39]
• Julie reads excerpt from Kelly’s book [21:50]
• More facts about dragonflies [22:19]
• Dragonflies: what happens when it rains? [23:24]
• Intro to Kelly’s book “Nature Obscura” [23:52]
• Shout-out to illustrator for the book [24:11]
• Kelly’s favorite season [24:52]
• The transitions that happen through the changing of seasons [25:35]
• The fear of spiders [27:10]
• Creatures that feed on rotting wood [28:48]
• Creatures and plants that inhabit urban environments [30:03]
• What Kelly looks at under microscopes [31:25]
• Building a backyard pond for invertebrates [32:06]
• Pond life [33:15]
• Pond maintenance [34:22]
• Winters in Seattle [34:50]
• Hummingbirds in the wintertime [35:08]
• Climate change in Seattle [35:47]
• Tools to bring on a hike [37:11]
• Life during a pandemic [39:40]
• Leaving the city [40:43]
• Kelly’s other interests: anime [41:52]
• Learning the art of Kendo [42:16]
• Yelling and exertion [43:39]
• Kelly’s future plans [44:41]
• #Invertefest [44:59]
• Observing creatures at night [47:00]
• Folklore of nature [48:42]
• Kelly’s future books [49:46]
• What country does Kelly want to explore next? [50:22]
• Kelly’s fiction and parting remarks [52:35]