Welcome back to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! Today, we're joined by Dr. Wenfei Tong, a conservationist, wildlife biologist, writer, nature photographer, artist, and educator. Wenfei holds a PhD in evolutionary biology from Harvard University and serves as the science editor at Cornell University. In this conversation, she shares her journey through birding, nature, and science communication—including her work at Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Conservation Media unit, where she helps create impactful conservation stories.

We dive into Wenfei’s passion for birds, the inspiration behind her books like "Bird Love" and "Understanding Bird Behavior," and how observing bird behavior offers insights into nature, human relationships, and personal growth. Dr. Tong discusses how birds and their songs connect her to places all over the world, from Singapore to upstate New York, and how simple acts of slowing down, listening, and appreciating birdlife can create meaningful moments for everyone.

Along the way, you’ll hear stories about her travels, the role of creativity and family in her life, and the power of technology—like apps Merlin and eBird—to foster greater stewardship and appreciation of the outdoors.

DISCUSSION

00:00 "Bird Love with Dr. Tong"

04:59 Snowfall, Silence, and Cardinals

09:45 "Birds Root Me Everywhere"

19:11 "Understanding Behavior Through Evolution"

23:04 "Perspective Through Bird Love"

25:54 "Connecting Through Bird Behavior."

29:34 "Merlin: Democratizing Bird Appreciation."

31:24 eBird: Giving Back to Birds

36:02 "Bird Watching Over Photography."

43:44 Birds as Memory Placeholders

46:10 Ephemeral Beauty in Nature

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Wenfei and her work, visit her portfolio site at https://www.wenfeitong.com/ and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/wenfei.tong/

Merlin Bird ID: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

NEXT STEPS

Visit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.

KEYWORDS

Wenfei Tong, Bird Love, Understanding Bird Behavior, Merlin Bird ID, Red Cliffs Audubon, Howard Fox, Outdoor Adventure Series

#WenfeiTong #BirdLove #UnderstandingBirdBehavior #MerlinBirdID #RedCliffsAudubon #HowardFox #OutdoorAdventureSeries #PodcastInterview

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Route 66 Centennial: Inside the Magic of the Bagdad Café - Interview with Karla Claus, Jackie McKay, and Mark Bradley.

In this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! We're back at the iconic Bagdad Café in Newberry Springs, California, right off the historic Route 66—also known as the Mother Road—celebrating its 100th anniversary. We're joined by Karla Claus (aka "Mrs. Princess Route 66"), Jackie McKay, a new Mojave National Preserve resident, and Mark Bradley, one of the driving forces behind the cafe.

You'll hear heartwarming stories about the magic and serendipity that bring people to the Bagdad Café, the vibrant local community, and the special role the cafe plays for both locals and travelers from around the world. You’ll hear about the friendships that have formed, the famous Wonderhussey’s impact, Andrea Pruett’s legacy, and how Route 66 continues to inspire visitors with its unique spirit, and the mysterious connections that bring the right people together at the right time, and why so many European travelers have a special place in their hearts for the Bagdad Café.

LEARN MORE

To learn about Newberry Springs, CA, the Route 66 Big Birthday Bash, the Pistachio Festival, and much more, visit the Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce at https://newberryspringschamber.com/ or on these social sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewberrySpringsChamber
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nbsp_chamberofcommerce/

The Mother Road e-Newsletter: https://motherroadnewsletter.com/newsletter/

The World Famous Historical Bagdad Café: https://bagdad-cafe-usa.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/30749046041

IMDB | Bagdad Café: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095801/

Wonderhussy YouTube Episdes:

Spring 2025 Meetup and Party at the Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs on Old Route 66: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ag6-sncdyU

Return to the Bagdad Cafe: Visiting With Miss Andrea Pruett and Her Iconic Route 66 Roadside Diner: https://youtu.be/f1mrnH6rCdY?si=tL5Ibt_cWXL-k3pT

NEXT STEPS

Visit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.

KEYWORDS

Bagdad Café, Newberry Springs, Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce, Route 66 Centennial, Wonderhussy, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast Interview

#BagdadCafé #NewberrySprings #NewberrySpringsChamberofCommerce #Route66Centennial #Wonderhussy #OutdoorAdventureSeries #PodcastInterview

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Visit Lake Tahoe: Four-Season Playground, Outdoor Adventures, Events, and Sustainability Initiatives.

Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, where we dive into the people, places, and organizations committed to making the outdoors accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable. In this episode, we're joined by Ryn Muat, Communications and PR Manager for Visit Lake Tahoe. Together, we unpack what makes Lake Tahoe a truly unique, bi-state destination nestled between California and Nevada—a place that seamlessly blends stunning natural beauty, vibrant outdoor activities, and a spirit of collaboration across counties and organizations.

Ryn shares everything from the revamped Caesars Republic resort to hidden gems like Zephyr Cove’s rustic cabins, and discusses thoughtful stewardship initiatives that keep Lake Tahoe pristine and accessible. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer, a foodie seeking great coffee, someone planning a wedding, or simply looking for your next weekend getaway, this episode offers an insider’s perspective on how to experience Lake Tahoe’s magic.

Plus, Ryn reveals tips for career seekers interested in destination marketing, shares favorite outdoor activities, and introduces listeners to Visit Lake Tahoe’s smart AI travel assistant and accessibility resources. Tune in and discover why Lake Tahoe is not just a four-season destination, but a place where awe, connection, and conservation go hand-in-hand.

00:00 Lake Tahoe Bi-State Tourism

08:06 Lodging and Experiences for Travelers

10:52 "Downtown Fun for All Ages"

13:27 "Outdoor Activities for Relaxation"

18:54 Accessibility and Community Improvement Initiatives

21:31 Lake Tahoe Conservation Efforts

25:07 Hot Air Balloon & Lodging Tips

30:16 Tahoe Events & Activities Calendar

33:09 Mobility & Accessibility Highlights

36:31 Community Ambassadors and Insights

38:58 "Nature-Driven Coaching and Wellness."

40:34 "Awe-Inspired Docuseries Launching Soon."

LEARN MORE

To learn more about the Visit Lake Tahoe, visit their website at https://visitlaketahoe.com/ or on these social sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitLakeTahoeOfficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitlaketahoe_official/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/visitlaketahoe

NEXT STEPS

Visit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.

KEYWORDS

Ryn Muat, Visit Lake Tahoe, Travel Nevada, Nevada Territories,
Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast Interview

#RynMuat #VisitLakeTahoe, #TravelNevada #NevadaTerritories #OutdoorAdventureSeries #PodcastInterview

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6. Banner Customization by Nano Banana & Canva