After the worldwide response to the episode From the Lab to the Amazon Jungle: A Journey of Purpose and Resilience, originally released on our sister podcast Latina In America, listeners wanted to know what happened next. In this new episode we reconnect with wildlife biologist Xiomara Palmezzano, who shares her journey from a life-changing jungle experience to becoming a field naturalist and outdoor educator. She teaches students about wildlife, plants, pollinators, and environmental connections. This episode also provides practical advice for career transitions into environmental science, conservation, and education, including researching opportunities, volunteering, internships, and using local and college resources.
After the worldwide response to the episode From the Lab to the Amazon Jungle: A Journey of Purpose and Resilience, originally released on our sister podcast Latina In America, listeners wanted to know what happened next.
In this episode, Choosing Nature: From Jungle Experience to Wildlife Educator, we reconnect with wildlife biologist Xiomara Palmezzano, who shares her journey from a life-changing jungle experience to becoming a field naturalist and outdoor educator. She teaches students about wildlife, plants, pollinators, and environmental connections, inspiring the next generation to explore and care for nature.
This episode also provides practical advice for career transitions into environmental science, conservation, and education, including researching opportunities, volunteering, internships, and using local and college resources.
We talk about:
This episode is perfect for anyone interested in careers in wildlife, environmental education, conservation, or outdoor learning.
About Xiomara:
Instagram: @xiommara_
Email: xpalmez@gmail.com
Other Links:
Orange County Department of Education – Nature & Outdoor Programs
Latina In America Podcast Episode - From the Lab to the Jungle with Xiomara Palmezzano
Choosing Nature: From Jungle Experience to Wildlife Educator with Xiomara Palmezzano
Episode Summary:
This highly requested follow-up continues the story From the Lab to the Amazon Jungle: A Journey of Purpose and Resilience, an episode that reached listeners around the world. In this conversation, we hear what happened next and how a life-changing experience in the jungle led to a new career path rooted in nature, education, and purpose.
Xiomara shares her transition from working in a laboratory to becoming a field naturalist and outdoor educator. Now working with the Orange County Department of Education, she teaches young students through hands-on outdoor programs focused on wildlife, plants, pollinators, and the connection between humans and the environment. Each day is an outdoor classroom filled with curiosity, learning, and joy.
We talk about falling in love with wildlife at a young age, recognizing when it was time for a change, and reframing “starting over” as continuing along the same path—just growing a new branch from the same root. She opens up about the mindset it took to make the shift, how research and local opportunities played a key role, and what it feels like to see your passion turn into meaningful work.
This episode is full of practical advice for anyone interested in environmental careers, education, or making a values-based career change. From college resources and volunteering to internships and community action, the message is clear: one class, one experience, or one risk can change everything. The conversation closes with a gentle reminder to treat Mother Earth with care and awareness, one small action at a time.