
America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston
Follow Baratunde Thurston, bestselling author and podcaster, as he explores the country’s diverse landscapes to see how they shape the way we work, play and interact with the outdoors. From coal miners turned beekeepers in Appalachia to Black surfers catching waves in L.A., uncover a deeper understanding of our passionate and complex relationship with the natural world.
- Created By
- First Aired on
Jul 05, 2022
- Popularity: 7.9937
- 0 votes
- Networks
- (US)
- Production
Part2 Pictures (US)Twin Cities PBS
- Status: Returning Series
In Production
2 seaons till Oct 11, 2023
Last episode: Maine: Embrace the Cold
Seasons & episodes
Total 2 seasons, 12 episodes

Specials
Aired
Episode 1Understory | The Scientist Surfing to Fight Climate Change min
Baratunde Thurston meets Cliff Kapono, a Native Hawaiian who is using both science and surfing - or rather, his surfer’s understanding of the ocean - to protect coral reefs around the world. Cliff also discusses how surfing, coral reef restoration, and science are all intertwined and woven into his identity as a Native Hawaiian.
Episode 2Understory | Meet the Suburban Deer Hunters of Long Island min
Baratunde Thurston meets Jacqueline Molina, a member of a new group of hunters embracing the sport. Her weapon of choice is a bow & arrow, and while some of the reasons why she hunts are rooted in tradition, others are related to conservation. Deer overpopulation is a big problem in Long Island, NY, and hunting is the primary - but also the most controversial - method of managing deer populations.
Episode 3Understory | The Fossil Hunter Uncovering Florida’s Past min
Baratunde Thurston meets Jonathan Valentine who dives, digs, and searches for fossils all over Florida. Some of his discoveries include Megalodon Shark teeth, American Mastodon molars, and even an extinct Rhino tooth. But fossil hunting in Florida is more than just a hobby. It’s also a way citizens can uncover the state’s prehistoric past and contribute to the field of paleontology.
Episode 4Understory | How the Houseplant Boom Fueled Plant Poaching min
Baratunde Thurston meets Stephen Camp, an all-around plant lover, who became a plant parent during the Pandemic. Houseplants have brought him much joy and allowed him to remain connected to nature even within the confines of his home. It’s also exposed him to the illegal plant trade. With more people becoming plant parents, Stephen hopes to educate and raise awareness about this issue.
Episode 5Understory | Rock Climbing's Troubled Route Naming Tradition min
Baratunde Thurston meets Favia Dubyk, an avid rock climber who has been bouldering for over a decade. However, as a black woman, climbing hasn’t been easy. Favia discusses the problematic route names and other aspects of the sport that have created unwelcoming environments for people like her, as well as, how the climbing community is working to make the sport more inclusive for all.