New Laws of Notion Release!

The Institute for Science & Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is launching the latest season of its award-winning podcast Laws of Notion. The new season, titled “United by Fire,” takes listeners inside the unprecedented 2020 wildfire season, when Colorado faced its three largest fires, resulting in widespread devastation, poor air quality and a prolonged fire season that pushed emergency responders to the breaking point. In this limited podcast series, listeners will hear from residents and firefighters who found themselves in the path of the flames, as well as ecologists, land managers, community planners and entrepreneurs who are working to build a more wildfire-resilient future. 

“Tackling the complex topic that is wildfires allows us to examine the intersections of science, decision making and our human nature and try to define what success looks like for our communities,” says Institute Executive Director Kristan Uhlenbrock. “We've reached a critical moment of rethinking about what we know when it comes to wildfires in the West.”  

One of the central themes of the series is the fraught relationship that modern society has with fire—a relationship rooted in the belief that fires are harmful and should be suppressed at any cost. 

“United by Fire” not only educates listeners but also empowers them to take part in the conversation about how we can coexist with fire in a way that promotes ecological health and community resilience,” says Uhlenbrock. 

The series, launching on Oct. 9, will explore ways of living with wildfire and new approaches to land management in the face of a changing climate. 

While news coverage often centers on the immediate destruction caused by wildfires, “United by Fire” delves deeper, examining the historical, cultural and ecological contexts that have led to the current wildfire crisis. The podcast series encourages listeners to rethink fire—not just as a destructive force, but as a natural and essential part of our ecosystem. 

Past seasons of “Laws of Notion” have showcased other complex issues facing communities across Colorado, when there were no easy answers. The inaugural season told the story of a small town hit hard as the state transitions away from coal power. More recent seasons have focused on the pressure that water resources are under and the borderless problem of air pollution.  

The Institute’s Story and Work

The Institute for Science & Policy is a pillar of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s commitment to deepening public understanding of some of society’s biggest challenges with scientific thinking and empathy. Established in 2018 by Museum CEO George Sparks, it combines scientific information with public education and thoughtful dialogue to help solve our most complex science-related policy issues in Colorado and beyond. 

As a non-partisan and policy neutral organization, the Institute serves as both a convener and an honest broker of information, hosting programs on topics like climate change, the energy transition, public health, technology and natural resources. The Institute is committed to promoting civic discourse, scientific engagement and enriching policy discussions at local, state and regional levels. 

For more information and to listen to the podcast, visit the Institute for Science & Policy’s webpage.