In this episode of AART, host Chris Stafford sits down with National Geographic Explorer photographer Mackenzie Calle to discuss the powerful intersection of art and storytelling. Through her lens, Mackenzie captures extraordinary images that not only reveal the beauty of the natural world but also help raise awareness about critical conservation challenges facing our ecosystems.
Mackenzie shares her journey into photography, the experiences that shaped her career, and how visual storytelling can influence public understanding of our world.
Throughout the conversation, Chris and Mackenzie explore the responsibility of photographers working in fragile environments, the importance of authentic storytelling, and the role artists play in connecting audiences to subjects they may never encounter firsthand. They also discuss the evolving world of photography, the challenges of fieldwork, and the moments behind some of Mackenzie's most memorable images.
The discussion also explores Mackenzie's creation and plans for The Gay Space Agency, a project that imagines a diverse, inclusive American space program to confront the historical exclusion of openly LGBTQI+ individuals from NASA. Through this groundbreaking initiative, artists, scientists, activists, and thinkers collaborate to challenge traditional narratives about exploration, identity, and who gets to envision humanity's future beyond Earth.
Chris and Mackenzie discuss how creativity, art, and imagination can help shape conversations about belonging, representation, and possibility. Together they explore the surprising connections between conservation, exploration, storytelling, and the human desire to discover new worlds—whether here on Earth or among the stars.
This episode is an inspiring exploration of how artists can bridge disciplines, challenge assumptions, and create work that expands both our understanding of the present and our vision of the future.
Subscribe to AART and Women Unscripted Podcast Network for more conversations with remarkable creatives, storytellers, and innovators.
Some of Mackenzie’s favorite women artists:
Lee Miller
Keisha Scarville
Amie Siegel
Sara Cwynars
Kay Sage
Penelope Umbrico
Esmay Wagemans
Mackenzie’s dinner party guests:
Sally Ride
Lee Miller
David Attenborough
Felix Gonzalez-Torres
DB Cooper
Phil Lisman
Website: mackenziecalle.com instagram.com/mackenzie.calleCoffee with an Explorer Thursday, July 16, 2026 10-11am National Geographic Museum of Exploration 1600 M Street NW Washington, D.C. 20036
https://moe.nationalgeographic.org/en/whats-on/coffee-with-an-explorer-mackenzie-calleTalks with an Explorer Friday, July 17, 2026 12:30-1:30pm National Geographic Museum of Exploration 1600 M Street NW Washington, D.C. 20036
https://moe.nationalgeographic.org/en/whats-on/pop-up-talks-with-an-explorer-mackenzie-calleKeywords National Geographic Explorer, Mackenzie Calle, Mackenzie Calle photographer, National Geographic photography, wildlife photography, conservation photography, environmental photography, visual storytelling, documentary photography, nature photographer, conservationist, wildlife conservation, photography podcast, photography interview, Chris Stafford, AART podcast, Women Unscripted Podcast Network, environmental storytelling, National Geographic Explorer...
