The Isla Earth Team

Anthony Francis Michaels, Ph.D., Senior Science Advisor

A Professor of Biology at USC and Director of the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, Anthony Michaels' specializes in environmental science, biological oceanography and a range of topics at the interface between science and human decision-making. He was founding president of the Council of Environmental Deans and Directors.

Ann M. Muscat, Ph.D., Executive Producer and Science Advisor

A biologist, Ann Muscat specializes in marine ecology and invertebrate zoology. She has additional expertise in the areas of free-choice learning and the public understanding of science, and has developed several museum exhibits and educational programs on the environment.Muscat is President and CEO for the Catalina Island Conservancy.

Leslie C. Baer, M.A.O.M., Executive Producer

Co-author of “Earth Keepers: A Source Book for Environmental Issues and Actions” (Mercury House, 1995) with numerous published articles on science, technology and the Environment. Producer of the EarthWatch Radio Series (1992-1996) and FutureWatch Broadcast Series (1997-2001). Leslie Baer is Chief Communications Officer for the Catalina Island Conservancy.

Patricia Florez, M.B.A., Producer

Pat Florez loves the great outdoors and people. She is an accomplished writer, editor, and radio producer with a science emphasis. Prior to joining the Catalina Island Conservancy she led communications efforts for both the Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. When not producing the Isla Earth Radio Series, Pat Florez can fequently be found wearing her dusty gray hiking boots and floppy hat made out of recycled paper.

Erin O'Toole, Studio Producer

Erin O'Toole is an environmentally minded granola-loving tree hugger who doesn't wear Birkenstock shoes. She has produced segments for both KVCR-FM and KQED-FM on subjects of education, healthcare, and social issues. She is a radio professional with more than 10 years of experience. The Isla Earth Radio Series is recorded in the KVCR-FM radio station studio where Erin is the local anchor for Morning Edition and Senior Producer. It is her excellently tuned ear that brings the distinctive, quality sound, known as Isla Earth.

Rick Cass, Sound Engineer

After being discharged from the U.S. Navy Rick Cass began his media production career at Wichita State University. He worked in professional broadcasting for a while and then decided that Cal Poly Pomona in Southern California was the place to put down roots. He has been there for over 20 years creating, editing, and directing numerous productions for the university. These days he's busy passing on his knowledge to students. And as a native son of South Dakota, where the air is clean and the water is fresh, Rick is very much in tune with how vital and fragile our beautiful blue planet is and why we need to care for it. He's an invaluable member of the Isla Earth team, adding the final touches and sound effects to each show.

Mandy Bennett, Production Coordinator

Mandy Bennett, a Ph.D. student in history at the Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, California, is deeply involved in environmental issues as well environmental justice. She has her M.A. in history with an emphasis in environmental history and a particular focus on the U.S. Forest Service.She is the production coordinator for the Isla Earth radio program, ensuring that information is uploaded to the Isla Earth website and PRX, assists with idea generation, and with the production of the e-Digest.A long-time Sierra Club member, Mandy Bennett has been fascinated by the life and travels of John Muir, founder of that organization.

Jeanne McKay, Administrative Services Director

A career administrator, McKay fulfills delivery of Isla Earth hard media and manages databases associated with both archiving and user-station management. Program discs are mailed on the first of the month prior to air month. She may be reached at 562-437-8555 x221.

Voices of Isla Earth

Daily

Mara Holland

Mara Holland is delighted to give a voice to the many environmental issues facing us today. She is especially fond of successful animal conservation scripts. And as an artist says she would enjoy giving each animal a character voice. She has been the 'voice' for clients like HBO and Verizon. She is also an accomplished actress whose art has included community theater, film, commercial voiceover. Her work with costuming has included creations that span the playful (Disney attractions) to the sublime (“Flower Drum Song,” Mark Taper, Los Angeles). With a deep appreciation for nature, Mara counts Isla Earth among her most gratifying assignments.

Guest Hosts

June Lockhart

June Lockhart made her professional debut at age eight in a Metropolitan Opera production of "Peter Ibbetson." She appeared in a dozen or more movies before 1947, and made her Broadway debut in the comedy "For Love or Money." She may be best known for her roles as TV moms Ruth Martin "Lassie" (1954) and Maureen Robinson "Lost in Space" (1965).

Jere Laird

Jere Laird is a well recognized voice in Southern California with more than 40 years of radio and television experience. His first beat, while at KNX News Radio, included stories about education and the courts. He covered the Manson trials and Pentagon Papers trial. In 1973, Jere became the financial editor at CBS-TV, when the Dow was at 500 he reminded me, and gave financial reports from the floor of the Pacific Stock Exchange with mere seconds for preparation.