American Conversation Experience Podcast

Our national parks, forests, and public lands are more than just iconic American landscapes—they’re part of our country’s legacy and require care and attention for future generations. Across the country, hard-working young adults are stepping up to lend a hand.

In this podcast, hosts Dave Bastian and Elyse Cogburn take you into the field with American Conservation Experience (ACE), a leading nonprofit conservation corps where emerging professionals tackle real-world projects that improve trails, restore public lands, and create resilient habitats benefiting our shared outdoor spaces.

Tune in to hear inspiring stories of how ACE empowers the next generation, building crucial hands-on skills, strengthening communities, and ensuring our shared outdoor spaces thrive for all to enjoy.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode.
Episode One drops on September 4th.

To learn more about ACE, visit usaconservation.org

Creators and Guests

Host
Dave Bastian
Dave Bastian has spent the past sixteen years working in the world of youth conservation corps programs. Before his time in the Corps world, Dave was Director of Operations at Save Our Canyons and the Membership and Outreach Coordinator at the Utah Rivers Council. Dave was a founding member of the Utah Youth Corps Collaborative and has served on numerous steering committees, including the Western Collaborative Conservation Network and the Utah Trails Forum. He studied graphic design at the University of Utah. In his spare time, he rows rafts, skies, rides bikes, plays guitar, and chases his young daughter around the Public Lands of the Four Corners region.
Host
Elyse Cogburn
Elyse Cogburn is a passionate outdoor professional with over 15 years of experience bringing people and the planet together. She’s currently helping lead outreach and partnership development at American Conservation Experience. When she’s not connecting and building partnerships or empowering the next generation of changemakers, you’ll probably find her outdoors, chasing sunshine and good stories with her 4 legged sidekick, Doug Fur.
Producer
Leanne Fisher
Leanne Fisher is a seasoned marketing professional with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as the Marketing Director at American Conservation Experience (ACE). She has successfully blended her passion for conservation with her background in leading marketing efforts for nonprofit organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs (Kansas City) and the YWCA (Boulder County), as well as for-profit organizations. At ACE, Leanne is dedicated to elevating the organization’s mission, inspiring engagement, and connecting people to purpose through compelling storytelling and strategic communications.

What is American Conversation Experience Podcast?

Dive into the heart of conservation with The American Conservation Experience podcast!

Our Hosts, Elyse Cogburn, ACE’s Partnership Development Manager, and Dave Bastian, an ACE Division Director take you behind the scenes with one of the nation's leading conservation corps. Discover the impactful work and inspiring stories of the individuals involved in preserving our national and state parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and local outdoor spaces.

Gain insights into the essential conservation projects supported by thousands of young adults every year who gain hands-on experience and professional development along the way.

Tune in to hear their stories and learn how ACE is making a tangible difference. Find us on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts!