{"podcast":{"title":"The Backyard Naturalists","slug":"the-backyard-naturalists-4262914","podcast_index_feed_id":4262914,"rss_url":"https://thebackyardnaturalists.libsyn.com/rss","website_url":"http://www.thebackyardnaturalists.com","image_url":"https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/1/5/2/d/152d5a4c8d405dd7bafc7308ab683e82/BYN_ARTWORK.png","author":"Downtown Podcasting","episode_count":100,"summary":"Embark on a magical adventure into the wonders of your backyard with 'The Backyard Naturalists' podcast. Whether you're a curious nature lover or a seasoned enthusiast, our show is your ticket to discovering the enchanting world of your own outdoor space. Join us on a journey of discovery as we celebrate the beauty of your backyard and explore a wide range of fascinating topics. Learn how to transform your little piece of nature into a haven for local wildlife, and discover the joy of citizen science by participating in events like the Great Backyard Bird Count. We'll guide you in creating a thriving ecosystem right at home by using native plants. Discover which fascinating creatures share your area, and learn how to attract specific bird species to your garden. We'll also delve into the world of raptors, both common and rare, that inhabit the Greater Charlotte region, and witness the mesmerizing spectacle of spring and fall bird migrations. But that's not all! We'll also introduce you to the magical world of plants that attract butterflies and so much more. Join us in unlocking the hidden treasures within your very own backyard and nurturing a deeper connection with the natural w…","last_synced_at":"2026-08-02T12:20:28.343915+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914"},"episode":{"title":"The Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 — What's Really on Your Produce?","slug":"the-dirty-dozen-clean-15-what-s-really-on-your-produce","published_at":"2025-12-20T11:30:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914/the-dirty-dozen-clean-15-what-s-really-on-your-produce","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914","url":"https://thebackyardnaturalists.libsyn.com/the-dirty-dozen-clean-15-whats-really-on-your-produce","audio_url":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thebackyardnaturalists/BYN_S5E12_Dirty_Dozen_Mixdown_1.mp3?dest-id=3015305","summary":"In this quick but eye-opening episode of The Backyard Naturalists , Debbie and Laurie take a closer look at the Environmental Working Group's annual Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists —two rankings that help consumers understand which fruits and vegetables carry the highest (and lowest) pesticide residues. Whether you shop for your family, your backyard wildlife, or even your parrots (as both Debbie and Laurie do!), this is essential information for keeping everyone safe and healthy. Debbie and Laurie walk through both lists, covering the worst offenders like potatoes, blueberries, blackberries, apples, and leafy greens , as well as the produce that consistently ranks safest, including pineapple, sweet corn, avocados, onions, mushrooms, and kiwi . They explain how the USDA tests produce, why washing and peeling matter, and how thin skins versus thick rinds influence pesticide absorption. The hosts also explore how choosing local, organic, and responsibly grown food can benefit not just our bodies, but also our soil, water, wildlife, and overall ecosystem health. Plus, they highlight ways the Matthews Community Farmers Market helps shoppers make informed, sustainable choices. This helpful, practical episode empowers listeners to shop smarter, understand the environmental impact of pesticide use, and make everyday decisions that support healthier people—and a healthier planet.","meta_description":"In this quick but eye-opening episode of The Backyard Naturalists , Debbie and Laurie take a closer look at the Environmental Working Group's annual Dirty…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":771,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914/episodes/the-dirty-dozen-clean-15-what-s-really-on-your-produce/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914/the-dirty-dozen-clean-15-what-s-really-on-your-produce.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}