The following is a press release written by RJ Pole for the Birds of a Feather Talk Together Podcast.
Indiana University alumnus RJ Pole is helping bring birdwatching and ornithology to a wider audience as producer and co-host of the rapidly growing podcast Birds of a Feather Talk Together, a show that blends world-class scientific expertise with approachable curiosity about the natural world.
The podcast features Pole alongside renowned Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett, as well as Pole’s wife and fellow co-host Amanda Pole. Together, the group explores bird behavior, conservation, migration, evolution, and birding culture through conversations designed for both longtime birders and newcomers alike.
Since launching, Birds of a Feather Talk Together has become one of the leading independent ornithology and birdwatching podcasts, attracting listeners from around the world and featuring notable guests from across science, conservation, and storytelling.
Recent guests have included Peter Kaestner, one of the first people to observe more than 10,000 bird species in the wild, and Kirk Wallace Johnson, bestselling author of The Feather Thief.
This year, the hosts of Birds of a Feather Talk Together will also appear as speakers at the Chicago Urban Birding Festival, where they will discuss birding, science communication, and how podcasts can make ornithology more accessible to broader audiences.
Pole, who studied at Indiana University Bloomington, has built a career in media production while continuing to explore ways to connect people with science, nature, and storytelling.
“Birds are one of the best entry points into understanding nature and conservation,” Pole said. “We wanted to create a show where experts and everyday people could learn together, and where curiosity is just as important as expertise.”
Episodes of Birds of a Feather Talk Together are available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
