Your favorite babyface giant slayer is behind the mic today! Nate Dube is dynamic, forward-thinking conservationist and pro wrestler based in Hawaiʻi. He has blended his two passions into one scrappy, value-driven character in the ring: "The Naturalist" Natron Richards aka THE Natural I.S.T." Nate is a self proclaimed 'āina advocate and feral beast wrestling to spread environmental awareness and inspire action. In Lion King-esque fashion, he is known to enter the ring with a native Hawaiian plant raised above his head as a nod to his love for planet Earth. In his day-to-day job, he manages the Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) which protects Hawaiʻi's native forests from encroaching invasive species which threaten Hawaiʻiʻs food security, freshwater reserves and the aesthetic beauty of our islands. In his free time, he dons the black leotard, letʻs his hair loose and can be found among other athletes who have found a home in the bruiser lifestyle. Follow Nate at @thenatural_ist. Enjoy! Episode Highlights 0:58 Introducing "The Naturalist" Natron Richards aka THE Natural I.S.T." 2:20 Always had dream of becoming a professional wrestler (and saving the planet) 3:50 Childhood memories with his grandfather and uncle watching WWF (World Wrestling Federation) 6:54 What does it feel like to be in the wrestling ring? 8:07 Professional wrestling in a vehicle for storytelling about conservation 10:27 Dedicated to conservation and invasive species management 11:28 Native Hawaiian land management 12:50 Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee 13:50 Hawaiʻi manages 4 of the 100 worst invasive species in the world 15:12 Mālama Maunalua 15:55 Conservation happens in the mountains, oceans and wetlands 16:20 What are the benefits of protecting our native forests? 18:40 The importance of native ʻōhiʻa trees for our water aquifers 20:18 How residents can protect native forests 21:57 Why do you care so much about the environment? 24:51 Wrestling can be a career path 25:56 The wrestling gimmick 27:18 "I'm meant to be doing this." 29:46 The greatest loss 32:38 Physical toll on the body 36:09 Come cheer on @thenatural_ist! Show Art Photo Credit: @mattsuzakiphoto
Your favorite babyface giant slayer is behind the mic today! Nate Dube is dynamic, forward-thinking conservationist and pro wrestler based in Hawaiʻi. He has blended his two passions into one scrappy, value-driven character in the ring: "The Naturalist" Natron Richards aka THE Natural I.S.T." Nate is a self proclaimed 'āina advocate and feral beast wrestling to spread environmental awareness and inspire action. In Lion King-esque fashion, he is known to enter the ring with a native Hawaiian plant raised above his head as a nod to his love for planet Earth. In his day-to-day job, he manages the Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) which protects Hawaiʻi's native forests from encroaching invasive species which threaten Hawaiʻiʻs food security, freshwater reserves and the aesthetic beauty of our islands. In his free time, he dons the black leotard, letʻs his hair loose and can be found among other athletes who have found a home in the bruiser lifestyle. Follow Nate at @thenatural_ist. Enjoy!
Episode Highlights
0:58 Introducing "The Naturalist" Natron Richards aka THE Natural I.S.T."
2:20 Always had dream of becoming a professional wrestler (and saving the planet)
3:50 Childhood memories with his grandfather and uncle watching WWF (World Wrestling Federation)
6:54 What does it feel like to be in the wrestling ring?
8:07 Professional wrestling in a vehicle for storytelling about conservation
10:27 Dedicated to conservation and invasive species management
11:28 Native Hawaiian land management
12:50 Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee
13:50 Hawaiʻi manages 4 of the 100 worst invasive species in the world
15:12 Mālama Maunalua
15:55 Conservation happens in the mountains, oceans and wetlands
16:20 What are the benefits of protecting our native forests?
18:40 The importance of native ʻōhiʻa trees for our water aquifers
20:18 How residents can protect native forests
21:57 Why do you care so much about the environment?
24:51 Wrestling can be a career path
25:56 The wrestling gimmick
27:18 "I'm meant to be doing this."
29:46 The greatest loss
32:38 Physical toll on the body
36:09 Come cheer on @thenatural_ist!
Show Art Photo Credit: @mattsuzakiphoto