This week, to celebrate Earth Day, Sylvia is joined by Shannon Switzer Swanson, a National Geographic Explorer, marine social ecologist, and surfer to probe the intersection of storytelling, research, art and science. They talk about modern-day "Exploration"and the role of women and the BIPOC community in redefining it. Shannon is not discouraged or dissuaded by the complexities in her work with conservation and she continues to ask difficult questions, such as: “Can coastal communities manage their resources in ways that both sustain prosperous livelihoods and a healthy environment.”  What is the win-win formula?

Fun fact: Shannon is grand daughter to one of the pioneering women pilots of the mid-1900s.

Topics Include:

• Photography, storytelling, and research
• How our perception of time affects choices around sustainability
• What it means to be a modern-day explorer
• Female role models
• Extensive field research in Central Sulawesi
• Building trust and participatory research methods
• National Geographic programs and getting your start
• Maintaining relationships while traveling
• Balancing work and family life
• Advice for women adventurers
• And other topics...

Resources Mentioned:An interactive website for folks interested in knowing where aquarium fish come from and how to keep an aquarium that doesn’t harm the world’s reefs, check it out at https://reeftoaquarium.com/.Book: Femininities in the Field: Tourism and Transdisciplinary ResearchConnect with Shannon:Instagram: @ShannonSwitzerSwansonTwitter: @S3OceansFacebook: @S3Oceans LinkedIn: @shannonswitzerswansonInterview with ShannonWant to connect with us? Visit us online!Website: https://www.whenwomenfly.com/IG: @whenwomenflyFB: @whenwomenflyTwitter: @whenwomenflyPinterest: @whenwomenfly