30s Ad: $508 - $577
60s Ad: $600 - $669
CPM Category: Society & Culture
Different podcast categories command different CPM (cost per mille) rates based on advertiser demand and audience value.
A podcast about the people shaping the future of the American West—its land, communities, and culture.
•
Hosted by conservationist Ed Roberson, Mountain & Prairie features in-depth conversations with leaders, innovators, and changemakers—conservationists tackling environmental challenges, authors and historians preserving the West’s stories, artists capturing the region’s spirit, entrepreneurs building place-based businesses, outdoor athletes pushing human limits, and more. Through engaging, down-to-earth discussions, Ed explores their journeys, hard-earned wisdom, and lessons learned.
•
Each episode offers inspiration and insight—whether a story of resilience, a fresh take on conservation, or practical lessons in leadership, creativity, and problem-solving. It’s a space for meaningful conversations about the land, the people, and the ideas shaping the modern West.
A podcast about the people shaping the future of the American West—its land, communities, and culture.
•
Hosted by conservationist Ed Roberson, Mountain & Prairie features in-depth conversations with leaders, innovators, and changemakers—conservationists tackling environmental challenges, authors and historians preserving the West’s stories, artists capturing the region’s spirit, entrepreneurs building place-based businesses, outdoor athletes pushing human limits, and more. Through engaging, down-to-earth discussions, Ed explores their journeys, hard-earned wisdom, and lessons learned.
•
Each episode offers inspiration and insight—whether a story of resilience, a fresh take on conservation, or practical lessons in leadership, creativity, and problem-solving. It’s a space for meaningful conversations about the land, the people, and the ideas shaping the modern West.
Producers, Hosts, and Production Team
Searching
Searching for producer information... This may take a moment.
No producer information available yet. Click "Find producers" to search for the production team.
Emails, Phones, and Addresses
Contact Page Emails
Emails listed specifically on the website's official contact page.
No contact pages found.
General Website Emails
Emails found on general website pages (e.g., about, info), not the main contact page.
No website emails found.
Externally Sourced Emails
Emails discovered using automated web scraping across the internet.
ny***@cwukvqhzhrhweufqed.com
RSS Emails
Email addresses extracted directly from the website's or podcast's RSS feed(s).
Here's a quick summary of the last 5 episodes on Mountain & Prairie with Ed Roberson.
Hosts
Ed Roberson
Previous Guests
Cody Wellema
Cody Wellema is a master hatmaker and the founder of Wellema Hat Co., a custom hat business based in California. With over a decade of experience, he has established himself as one of the premier craftspeople in traditional hatmaking, known for creating heirloom-quality hats by hand using vintage tools and techniques. His work has been embraced by a diverse clientele, including artists, ranchers, and musicians. Following the devastating Eaton Canyon Fire in January 2025, which destroyed his storefront and workspace, Cody has navigated the challenges of loss and uncertainty with a sense of gratitude and optimism, viewing the experience as an opportunity to reimagine his creative future.
Cody Wellema is a master hatmaker and the founder of Wellema Hat Co., a custom hat business based in California. With over a decade of experience, he has established himself as one of the premier craftspeople in traditional hatmaking, known for creating heirloom-quality hats by hand using vintage tools and techniques. His work has been embraced by a diverse clientele, including artists, ranchers, and musicians. Following the devastating Eaton Canyon Fire in January 2025, which destroyed his storefront and workspace, Cody has navigated the challenges of loss and uncertainty with a sense of gratitude and optimism, viewing the experience as an opportunity to reimagine his creative future.
Cate Havstad-Casad
Cate Havstad-Casad is a designer, hatmaker, and regenerative rancher. She is the founder of Range Revolution, a company that transforms discarded cattle hides into high-end leather goods, emphasizing sustainability and regenerative practices in fashion.
Cate Havstad-Casad is a designer, hatmaker, and regenerative rancher. She is the founder of Range Revolution, a company that transforms discarded cattle hides into high-end leather goods, emphasizing sustainability and regenerative practices in fashion.
Daniel Mouw
Daniel Mouw is the president of Duckworth, a Montana-based wool company dedicated to rebuilding the American supply chain through sustainable practices. His work focuses on using natural fibers like wool to create high-quality apparel while supporting rural economies.
Daniel Mouw is the president of Duckworth, a Montana-based wool company dedicated to rebuilding the American supply chain through sustainable practices. His work focuses on using natural fibers like wool to create high-quality apparel while supporting rural economies.
Elliot Ross
Elliot Ross is a photographer and writer known for his work that focuses on the intersection of landscape, identity, and justice in the American West. His images have been featured in prominent publications such as Time, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Elliot is recognized for his deeply researched, long-term projects that combine striking visual storytelling with journalistic rigor. Born in Taiwan and raised on the eastern plains of Colorado, he grew up between cultures and landscapes, which significantly influenced his worldview and creative path. He began his photography journey early, inspired by his grandmother's family albums, and later earned a full-ride scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design. After college, he gained experience in New York City, assisting high-profile portrait and fashion photographers while dreaming of building a career focused on storytelling and purpose. In this episode, Elliot discusses his artistic evolution, the demands of commercial and documentary work, and shares insights from his recent Time magazine cover story on water equity in the West.
Elliot Ross is a photographer and writer known for his work that focuses on the intersection of landscape, identity, and justice in the American West. His images have been featured in prominent publications such as Time, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Elliot is recognized for his deeply researched, long-term projects that combine striking visual storytelling with journalistic rigor. Born in Taiwan and raised on the eastern plains of Colorado, he grew up between cultures and landscapes, which significantly influenced his worldview and creative path. He began his photography journey early, inspired by his grandmother's family albums, and later earned a full-ride scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design. After college, he gained experience in New York City, assisting high-profile portrait and fashion photographers while dreaming of building a career focused on storytelling and purpose. In this episode, Elliot discusses his artistic evolution, the demands of commercial and documentary work, and shares insights from his recent Time magazine cover story on water equity in the West.
Aaron Citron
Aaron Citron is the Associate Director of External Affairs at The Nature Conservancy, where he leads state-level policy engagement across Colorado. His work spans a wide array of conservation priorities, including water management, healthy forests, renewable energy siting, and partnerships with private landowners and tribal nations. Aaron plays a key role in bridging on-the-ground conservation efforts with the legislative and regulatory frameworks that support them. He also helps shape TNC's strategy around climate and energy policy, working to ensure a rapid but responsible transition to renewable infrastructure. Aaron grew up in Tucson, Arizona, where early exposure to the desert landscape and its vital, limited water resources sparked a lifelong interest in the natural world. After studying history and political science at Emory University, he returned west for law school at the University of Arizona, focusing on water and land use law. His career has taken him from local land trusts to national NGOs like Environmental Defense Fund, always at the intersection of policy, place, and practical impact. Along the way, he's built a reputation for thoughtful, collaborative work that reflects both his legal background and his deep connection to the West.
Aaron Citron is the Associate Director of External Affairs at The Nature Conservancy, where he leads state-level policy engagement across Colorado. His work spans a wide array of conservation priorities, including water management, healthy forests, renewable energy siting, and partnerships with private landowners and tribal nations. Aaron plays a key role in bridging on-the-ground conservation efforts with the legislative and regulatory frameworks that support them. He also helps shape TNC's strategy around climate and energy policy, working to ensure a rapid but responsible transition to renewable infrastructure. Aaron grew up in Tucson, Arizona, where early exposure to the desert landscape and its vital, limited water resources sparked a lifelong interest in the natural world. After studying history and political science at Emory University, he returned west for law school at the University of Arizona, focusing on water and land use law. His career has taken him from local land trusts to national NGOs like Environmental Defense Fund, always at the intersection of policy, place, and practical impact. Along the way, he's built a reputation for thoughtful, collaborative work that reflects both his legal background and his deep connection to the West.
David Cronenwett
David Cronenwett is the owner of Helena Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a third-degree black belt under American Jiu-Jitsu legend Rafael Lovato Jr. He began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in Seattle in 1996 and has since refined his skills while sharing the art with hundreds of students in Montana since opening his academy in 2016. David's background includes growing up in New Jersey and studying classical guitar at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. His journey to Jiu-Jitsu was influenced by his love for the wilderness and a desire for a deeper purpose, which he found through conservation work and backcountry living. In his teachings, he emphasizes the philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on its lessons about patience, resilience, and adaptability, and the importance of community within the training environment.
David Cronenwett is the owner of Helena Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a third-degree black belt under American Jiu-Jitsu legend Rafael Lovato Jr. He began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in Seattle in 1996 and has since refined his skills while sharing the art with hundreds of students in Montana since opening his academy in 2016. David's background includes growing up in New Jersey and studying classical guitar at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. His journey to Jiu-Jitsu was influenced by his love for the wilderness and a desire for a deeper purpose, which he found through conservation work and backcountry living. In his teachings, he emphasizes the philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on its lessons about patience, resilience, and adaptability, and the importance of community within the training environment.
Topics Discussed
hatmaking
Cody Wellema
Wellema Hat Co.
Eaton Canyon Fire
resilience
community
craftsmanship
entrepreneurship
optimism
Farmer-Founded Brands
American Fashion
Range Revolution
Duckworth
supply chain
natural fibers
regenerative fashion
rural economies
textiles
sustainability
landscape
identity
justice
photography
water access
Navajo Nation
Glen Canyon
storytelling
creative endurance
photography and empathy
conservation policy
The Nature Conservancy
water management
healthy forests
renewable energy
climate policy
stakeholder relationships
Clean Water Act
Yampa River
Jiu-Jitsu
David Cronenwett
martial arts
self-improvement
conservation
patience
adaptability
Here's the recent few episodes on Mountain & Prairie with Ed Roberson.
0:001:22:46
Cody Wellema After the Fire, Before Whats Next
Hosts
Hosts of this podcast episode
Ed Roberson
Guests
Guests of this podcast episode
Cody Wellema
Keywords
Keywords of this podcast episode
hatmakingCody WellemaWellema Hat Co.Eaton Canyon Fireresiliencecommunitycraftsmanshipentrepreneurshipoptimism
Cody Wellema is a master hatmaker and the founder of Wellema Hat Co., a highly regarded, California-based custom hat business. For over a decade, Cody built a reputation as one of the countrys premier craftspeople in the art of traditional hatmaking, creating heirloom-quality hats by hand, using vintage tools and techniques that harken back to a slower, more intentional era. His work has been worn by artists, ranchers, musicians, and everyday folks alike, and his shop became not only a destination for finely made hats, but a gathering place rooted in community and craft.
On January 8th of this year, Cody and his family lost their Altadena storefront and workspace in the Eaton Canyon Fire, one of the many devastating fires that destroyed a large part of the greater Los Angeles area in early 2025. In the aftermath, he has navigated an overwhelming combination of grief, logistics, and uncertaintyyet throughout it all, he has maintained a sense of gratitude, humility, and forward-looking optimism that is as rare as it is inspiring. As he puts it, the fire forced a kind of resetone that, while painful, has given him a blank page and the opportunity to reimagine the next chapter of his creative life.
In this conversation, we talk about Codys early entrepreneurial spirit, his deep appreciation for vintage craftsmanship, and how he taught himself the trade by deconstructing old hats and learning from the past. We also explore the role of presence in parenting, the importance of community, and the creative possibilities that can emerge when the old path is unexpectedly cleared. Codys story is one of resilience, creativity, and deep care for people, for his craft, and for doing things the right way.
I was so inspired by Codys optimism and gratitude, and I know you will be too. Be sure to check out the episode notes for links to everything we discussed, including a GoFundMe page that was set up to support Cody and his family during this unexpected time of chaos.
Cody Wellema is a master hatmaker and the founder of Wellema Hat Co., a highly regarded, California-based custom hat business. For over a decade, Cody built a reputation as one of the countrys premier craftspeople in the art of traditional hatmaking, creating heirloom-quality hats by hand, using vintage tools and techniques that harken back to a slower, more intentional era. His work has been worn by artists, ranchers, musicians, and everyday folks alike, and his shop became not only a destination for finely made hats, but a gathering place rooted in community and craft.
On January 8th of this year, Cody and his family lost their Altadena storefront and workspace in the Eaton Canyon Fire, one of the many devastating fires that destroyed a large part of the greater Los Angeles area in early 2025. In the aftermath, he has navigated an overwhelming combination of grief, logistics, and uncertaintyyet throughout it all, he has maintained a sense of gratitude, humility, and forward-looking optimism that is as rare as it is inspiring. As he puts it, the fire forced a kind of resetone that, while painful, has given him a blank page and the opportunity to reimagine the next chapter of his creative life.
In this conversation, we talk about Codys early entrepreneurial spirit, his deep appreciation for vintage craftsmanship, and how he taught himself the trade by deconstructing old hats and learning from the past. We also explore the role of presence in parenting, the importance of community, and the creative possibilities that can emerge when the old path is unexpectedly cleared. Codys story is one of resilience, creativity, and deep care for people, for his craft, and for doing things the right way.
I was so inspired by Codys optimism and gratitude, and I know you will be too. Be sure to check out the episode notes for links to everything we discussed, including a GoFundMe page that was set up to support Cody and his family during this unexpected time of chaos.
This is a special live episode recorded this past March at SXSW in Austin, Texas, and it features a conversation I had the honor of moderating with two powerhouse guests: Cate Havstad-Casad of Range Revolution and Daniel Mouw of Duckworth.
The title of the panel was Farmer-Founded Brands Will Save American Fashion. At first glance, that might sound like a bold claim, but these two are actually doing the work to make it real. Cate is a designer, hatmaker, and regenerative rancher whose company, Range Revolution, is turning discarded cattle hides into regenerative high-end leather goods. Daniel is the president of Duckworth, a Montana-based wool company that’s rebuilding the American supply chain– one sheep, sweater, and ranch at a time.
Together, we dug into some big questions: What happened to American-made textiles? Why are most of us walking around wearing plastic? And what would it look like to rebuild rural economies from the ground up, using natural fibers like leather and wool, raised and processed responsibly, here in the United States? It might sound like we’re talking fashion and manufacturing trends—but this is really a conversation about values, ecosystems, and the future of rural America.
Cate and Daniel are funny, deeply thoughtful, and grounded in the realities of both agriculture and business. They bring hard-earned optimism to a conversation that too often gets bogged down in doom and gloom. And they make a compelling case for why fashion can be a vehicle for stewardship, beauty, and connection to the land. We also had a sharp, engaged audience that asked some truly insightful questions– you’ll hear a few of those toward the end.
Thanks to Cate and Daniel for the amazing conversation, thanks to SXSW for inviting us, and thank you for listening.
This is a special live episode recorded this past March at SXSW in Austin, Texas, and it features a conversation I had the honor of moderating with two powerhouse guests: Cate Havstad-Casad of Range Revolution and Daniel Mouw of Duckworth.
The title of the panel was Farmer-Founded Brands Will Save American Fashion. At first glance, that might sound like a bold claim, but these two are actually doing the work to make it real. Cate is a designer, hatmaker, and regenerative rancher whose company, Range Revolution, is turning discarded cattle hides into regenerative high-end leather goods. Daniel is the president of Duckworth, a Montana-based wool company that’s rebuilding the American supply chain– one sheep, sweater, and ranch at a time.
Together, we dug into some big questions: What happened to American-made textiles? Why are most of us walking around wearing plastic? And what would it look like to rebuild rural economies from the ground up, using natural fibers like leather and wool, raised and processed responsibly, here in the United States? It might sound like we’re talking fashion and manufacturing trends—but this is really a conversation about values, ecosystems, and the future of rural America.
Cate and Daniel are funny, deeply thoughtful, and grounded in the realities of both agriculture and business. They bring hard-earned optimism to a conversation that too often gets bogged down in doom and gloom. And they make a compelling case for why fashion can be a vehicle for stewardship, beauty, and connection to the land. We also had a sharp, engaged audience that asked some truly insightful questions– you’ll hear a few of those toward the end.
Thanks to Cate and Daniel for the amazing conversation, thanks to SXSW for inviting us, and thank you for listening.
Elliot Ross: Where Landscape, Justice, and Storytelling Meet
Hosts
Hosts of this podcast episode
Ed Roberson
Guests
Guests of this podcast episode
Elliot Ross
Keywords
Keywords of this podcast episode
landscapeidentityjusticephotographywater accessNavajo NationGlen Canyonstorytellingcreative endurancephotography and empathy
Elliot Ross is a photographer and writer whose work focuses on the intersection of landscape, identity, and justice in the American West. His images have appeared in Time, National Geographic, and The New York Times, and he’s known for deeply researched, long-term projects that combine striking visual storytelling with a journalist’s rigor. Whether he's documenting water access on the Navajo Nation or tracing the contours of Glen Canyon as it reemerges, Elliot brings a rare mix of artistry, empathy, and precision to every assignment.
Born in Taiwan and raised on the eastern plains of Colorado, Elliot grew up between cultures and landscapes—an experience that shaped both his worldview and his creative path. He picked up a camera early, inspired by his grandmother’s family albums, and later earned a full-ride to the Savannah College of Art and Design. After college, he cut his teeth in New York City, assisting some of the most high-profile portrait and fashion photographers in the industry. All the while, he was quietly dreaming about building a career on his own terms—one rooted in storytelling, purpose, and the landscapes he still called home.
In this episode, we talk about the early experiences that shaped his artistic voice, the evolution of his career, and how he’s learned to navigate the demands of both commercial and documentary work. Elliot shares the backstory of his recent Time magazine cover story on water equity in the West, a project that involved years of reporting, deep community ties, and even a return to the classroom. We also discuss his thoughts on creative endurance, working across political divides, and the role of photography in fostering empathy and connection.
I’d encourage you to visit Elliot’s website and dig deeper into all of his work, especially his project A Question of Balance, which became the Time magazine feature. You can find links to everything in the episode notes. Thanks to Elliot for the inspiring and timely conversation, and thank you for listening.
To whom much is given, much is expected. This value guides the philosophy behind the Mighty Arrow Family Foundation today.
Committed to its cause and infused with an entrepreneurial spirit, Mighty Arrow aims to invest in solutions that take action on climate change to build a more vibrant future, repair relationships from farm to market to table, heal our connection to the lands and waters we call home, and demand a more just and equitable society.
To learn more about Mighty Arrow’s forward-thinking, optimistic, and visionary work here in the American West and beyond, please visit www.mightyarrow.org.
---
TOPICS DISCUSSED:
3:05 – Elliot growing up in Taipei and how his parents met
6:00 – Few but vivid memories of Taipei
7:09 – The culture shock of moving to eastern Colorado
8:25 – How photography came into Elliot’s life
10:29 – Reading influences
13:16 – Travel bug
16:22 – Savannah College of Art and Design
18:07 – Parental pressure
19:49 – Credit to high school art teachers
20:54 – Figuring out photography
27:47 – No wavering
29:54 – Moving into independent business
33:29 – Pitching Carhartt
37:03 – Nat Geo ups and downs
42:10 – Near-death experiences
45:44 – Approaching long-term projects
49:35 – Pulling on threads
51:45 – Humans and landscapes
56:35 – Curiosity as the most authentic de-escalator
Elliot Ross is a photographer and writer whose work focuses on the intersection of landscape, identity, and justice in the American West. His images have appeared in Time, National Geographic, and The New York Times, and he’s known for deeply researched, long-term projects that combine striking visual storytelling with a journalist’s rigor. Whether he's documenting water access on the Navajo Nation or tracing the contours of Glen Canyon as it reemerges, Elliot brings a rare mix of artistry, empathy, and precision to every assignment.
Born in Taiwan and raised on the eastern plains of Colorado, Elliot grew up between cultures and landscapes—an experience that shaped both his worldview and his creative path. He picked up a camera early, inspired by his grandmother’s family albums, and later earned a full-ride to the Savannah College of Art and Design. After college, he cut his teeth in New York City, assisting some of the most high-profile portrait and fashion photographers in the industry. All the while, he was quietly dreaming about building a career on his own terms—one rooted in storytelling, purpose, and the landscapes he still called home.
In this episode, we talk about the early experiences that shaped his artistic voice, the evolution of his career, and how he’s learned to navigate the demands of both commercial and documentary work. Elliot shares the backstory of his recent Time magazine cover story on water equity in the West, a project that involved years of reporting, deep community ties, and even a return to the classroom. We also discuss his thoughts on creative endurance, working across political divides, and the role of photography in fostering empathy and connection.
I’d encourage you to visit Elliot’s website and dig deeper into all of his work, especially his project A Question of Balance, which became the Time magazine feature. You can find links to everything in the episode notes. Thanks to Elliot for the inspiring and timely conversation, and thank you for listening.
To whom much is given, much is expected. This value guides the philosophy behind the Mighty Arrow Family Foundation today.
Committed to its cause and infused with an entrepreneurial spirit, Mighty Arrow aims to invest in solutions that take action on climate change to build a more vibrant future, repair relationships from farm to market to table, heal our connection to the lands and waters we call home, and demand a more just and equitable society.
To learn more about Mighty Arrow’s forward-thinking, optimistic, and visionary work here in the American West and beyond, please visit www.mightyarrow.org.
---
TOPICS DISCUSSED:
3:05 – Elliot growing up in Taipei and how his parents met
6:00 – Few but vivid memories of Taipei
7:09 – The culture shock of moving to eastern Colorado
8:25 – How photography came into Elliot’s life
10:29 – Reading influences
13:16 – Travel bug
16:22 – Savannah College of Art and Design
18:07 – Parental pressure
19:49 – Credit to high school art teachers
20:54 – Figuring out photography
27:47 – No wavering
29:54 – Moving into independent business
33:29 – Pitching Carhartt
37:03 – Nat Geo ups and downs
42:10 – Near-death experiences
45:44 – Approaching long-term projects
49:35 – Pulling on threads
51:45 – Humans and landscapes
56:35 – Curiosity as the most authentic de-escalator
Aaron Citron: Crafting Conservation Policy in a Changing West
Hosts
Hosts of this podcast episode
Ed Roberson
Guests
Guests of this podcast episode
Aaron Citron
Keywords
Keywords of this podcast episode
conservation policyThe Nature Conservancywater managementhealthy forestsrenewable energyclimate policystakeholder relationshipsClean Water ActYampa River
Aaron Citron is the Associate Director of External Affairs at The Nature Conservancy, where he leads state-level policy engagement across Colorado. His work spans a wide array of conservation priorities, including water management, healthy forests, renewable energy siting, and partnerships with private landowners and tribal nations. Aaron plays a key role in bridging on-the-ground conservation efforts with the legislative and regulatory frameworks that support them. He also helps shape TNC’s strategy around climate and energy policy, working to ensure a rapid but responsible transition to renewable infrastructure.
Aaron grew up in Tucson, Arizona, where early exposure to the desert landscape—and its vital, limited water resources—sparked a lifelong interest in the natural world. After studying history and political science at Emory University, he returned west for law school at the University of Arizona, focusing on water and land use law. His career has taken him from local land trusts to national NGOs like Environmental Defense Fund, always at the intersection of policy, place, and practical impact. Along the way, he’s built a reputation for thoughtful, collaborative work that reflects both his legal background and his deep connection to the West.
In our conversation, Aaron shares a detailed look at how conservation policy gets made—from coalition-building and legislative drafting to navigating complex stakeholder relationships. We discuss examples like Colorado’s response to Clean Water Act rollbacks and new tools to support in-stream flows on the Yampa River. He talks about the balance between urgency and patience, the importance of trust in long-term conservation, and how calm, clearheaded engagement can shape better outcomes. It’s a compelling look at the behind-the-scenes work that makes public-facing conservation efforts possible.
Be sure the check out the episode notes for a full list of everything we discussed and links to everything. Thanks to Aaron for this conversation and thank you for listening. Enjoy!
This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive.
During the last week of every month throughout 2025, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy’s leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond.
To learn more about The Nature Conservancy’s impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org
---
TOPICS DISCUSSED:
3:15 – Starting at the beginning, growing up in Tucson
7:42 – Underrated Arizona
11:23 – From environmental history to law school
15:22 – After law school, including a TNC internship
18:11 – Landing at the Arizona Land and Water Trust
Aaron Citron is the Associate Director of External Affairs at The Nature Conservancy, where he leads state-level policy engagement across Colorado. His work spans a wide array of conservation priorities, including water management, healthy forests, renewable energy siting, and partnerships with private landowners and tribal nations. Aaron plays a key role in bridging on-the-ground conservation efforts with the legislative and regulatory frameworks that support them. He also helps shape TNC’s strategy around climate and energy policy, working to ensure a rapid but responsible transition to renewable infrastructure.
Aaron grew up in Tucson, Arizona, where early exposure to the desert landscape—and its vital, limited water resources—sparked a lifelong interest in the natural world. After studying history and political science at Emory University, he returned west for law school at the University of Arizona, focusing on water and land use law. His career has taken him from local land trusts to national NGOs like Environmental Defense Fund, always at the intersection of policy, place, and practical impact. Along the way, he’s built a reputation for thoughtful, collaborative work that reflects both his legal background and his deep connection to the West.
In our conversation, Aaron shares a detailed look at how conservation policy gets made—from coalition-building and legislative drafting to navigating complex stakeholder relationships. We discuss examples like Colorado’s response to Clean Water Act rollbacks and new tools to support in-stream flows on the Yampa River. He talks about the balance between urgency and patience, the importance of trust in long-term conservation, and how calm, clearheaded engagement can shape better outcomes. It’s a compelling look at the behind-the-scenes work that makes public-facing conservation efforts possible.
Be sure the check out the episode notes for a full list of everything we discussed and links to everything. Thanks to Aaron for this conversation and thank you for listening. Enjoy!
This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive.
During the last week of every month throughout 2025, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy’s leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond.
To learn more about The Nature Conservancy’s impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org
---
TOPICS DISCUSSED:
3:15 – Starting at the beginning, growing up in Tucson
7:42 – Underrated Arizona
11:23 – From environmental history to law school
15:22 – After law school, including a TNC internship
18:11 – Landing at the Arizona Land and Water Trust
David Cronenwett is the owner of Helena Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a third-degree black belt under American Jiu-Jitsu legend Rafael Lovato Jr. David started his Jiu-Jitsu journey in Seattle in 1996, back when finding a place to train was like stumbling upon a secret society. Over the years, he’s not only refined his own game but has shared this art with hundreds of students in Montana’s capital city since opening his academy in 2016.
But David’s path to Jiu-Jitsu wasn’t exactly a straight shot. He grew up in New Jersey, made his way west to study classical guitar at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle right as the grunge scene was taking over, and eventually found himself in Montana, drawn by the wilderness and a deep-rooted need for something more. That “something more” turned out to be a mix of conservation work, backcountry living, and, of course, Jiu-Jitsu—an art that would come to define much of his life.
In this conversation, we go deep into the philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu: why it grabs certain people and won’t let go, how it humbles you, how it teaches you to remain calm under pressure, and how it can serve as a vehicle for self-improvement. But beyond that, we explore how Jiu-Jitsu teaches lessons that stretch far beyond the mats—lessons about patience, resilience, adaptability, and how to wisely face challenges in life. We also talk about the importance of culture in an academy, how a good training environment can shape people beyond the gym, and how the shared purpose and community of Jiu-Jitsu has a way of bringing together folks from all walks of life.
And for those of you who might be on the fence about trying Jiu-Jitsu, David has plenty to say about why it’s never too late to start and how it can change not just how you move, but how you see the world.
So whether you’re a seasoned grappler or just curious about what makes this martial art so addictive, there’s a lot to learn from this conversation. Enjoy!
David Cronenwett is the owner of Helena Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a third-degree black belt under American Jiu-Jitsu legend Rafael Lovato Jr. David started his Jiu-Jitsu journey in Seattle in 1996, back when finding a place to train was like stumbling upon a secret society. Over the years, he’s not only refined his own game but has shared this art with hundreds of students in Montana’s capital city since opening his academy in 2016.
But David’s path to Jiu-Jitsu wasn’t exactly a straight shot. He grew up in New Jersey, made his way west to study classical guitar at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle right as the grunge scene was taking over, and eventually found himself in Montana, drawn by the wilderness and a deep-rooted need for something more. That “something more” turned out to be a mix of conservation work, backcountry living, and, of course, Jiu-Jitsu—an art that would come to define much of his life.
In this conversation, we go deep into the philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu: why it grabs certain people and won’t let go, how it humbles you, how it teaches you to remain calm under pressure, and how it can serve as a vehicle for self-improvement. But beyond that, we explore how Jiu-Jitsu teaches lessons that stretch far beyond the mats—lessons about patience, resilience, adaptability, and how to wisely face challenges in life. We also talk about the importance of culture in an academy, how a good training environment can shape people beyond the gym, and how the shared purpose and community of Jiu-Jitsu has a way of bringing together folks from all walks of life.
And for those of you who might be on the fence about trying Jiu-Jitsu, David has plenty to say about why it’s never too late to start and how it can change not just how you move, but how you see the world.
So whether you’re a seasoned grappler or just curious about what makes this martial art so addictive, there’s a lot to learn from this conversation. Enjoy!
