Join us as we head Into the Bush
As women in conservation, we are starkly aware of the immense challenges society faces from climate change and biodiversity loss. And it’s no surprise that women are the most impacted by these interconnected threats, AND also leading the action to restore and conserve our ecosystems and ultimately heal the planet.The history of conservation is steeped in exploitation and harm. While the field is learning to do better, the majority of leadership still resembles a shameful past. This podcast is meant to shift the discussion about what effective conservation is and spark change that so desperately calls for a new outlook. By centering fresh, regenerative leaders and equity – we have a better chance at tending to our planet and generating impact. Into the Bush podcast provides a welcoming and safe space to let women and gender expansive conservation practitioners share their stories, challenges, and triumphs. We hope these conversations empower a future generation of leaders to use their voices to spark change and to not be afraid.Join us as we head Into the Bush (yes, that bush), to hear fresh, fun, and fascinating stories from women as they share the good, bad, wild, tame, and everything in between.
The Podcast
Into the Bush: Voices of Wild Women is a podcast featuring real conversations with women & gender expansive people in conservation 🌱
Hosted by Dr. Nikki Roach and Cat Kutz.
Season 2 is now streaming!
The voices behind Into the Bush
Cat Kutz
Dr. Nikki Roach
Into the Bush materialized in 2024, after calls between Cat and Nikki yearning for a welcoming and safe space to let women in conservation share their stories, challenges, and triumphs. Cat and Nikki hope these conversations empower a future generation of leaders to use their voices to spark change and to not be afraid.
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Cat (she/her) is a science communicator who has spent a decade working with NGOs, governments, field researchers, academics, and activists to tell stories about conservation and the people working to protect biodiversity around the world. Cat studied science communication and media production at George Mason University, where she also continued her graduate education in biodiversity conservation with a focus on conservation technology. She had the opportunity to support George Mason's future conservation communicators by mentoring students at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation during her recent tenure as the Director of Communications and Marketing for the Smithsonian’s Conservation Commons. At the Smithsonian, she led the popular Earth Optimism campaign – a movement focused on conservation and climate solutions and the inspiration of people leading change for our planet. Cat lives in Northern Virginia and most recently worked as the biodiversity communications and marketing lead for an NGO driving solutions for global challenges.
Nikki (she/her) is a conservation scientist who has worked at the interface of science, policy, and communication. Nikki’s work has brought her across the America’s - from wetlands in South Carolina to tropical forests in Colombia - where she has worked with local communities, government agencies, and International organizations. She earned her PhD from Texas A&M University in 2020 and is the Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for Women in Nature Network (WiNN), a member of three IUCN Species Survival Commission specialist groups (Climate Change, Amphibians, and Small Mammals), a member of the Center for Nature & Leadership, and an Associate Scientist at Re:wild. She is based in Berkeley, California (unceded Ohlone lands), where she works to build sustainable partnerships that protect ecosystems, wildlife, and communities by promoting equitable nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change.
Contact Us
This project was born out of our own need for a safe space to speak freely about the challenges and triumphs of conservation work — especially in an industry still shaped by patriarchal and colonial systems. We believe that by sharing these stories, we can help inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers.
If you’re open to learning more or have any questions/suggestions we’d love to connect!
We also welcome monetary support of any size! If you are able to contribute to our mission, please head over to our fundraiser to support our mission and keep Into the Bush running!