This week on Road Gang Radio, hosts Jimmy Mac and Lindsay Lawler welcome birder, author, and inclusivity advocate Dexter Patterson — co-founder of Wisconsin’s BIPOC Birding Club and host of the Bird Joy podcast.

Dexter joins us to talk about his new book, Birds of the Great Lakes (Timber Press / Hachette, out October 7, 2025), a fun and accessible guide to identifying over 100 bird species that make the Great Lakes region such a rich and vibrant ecosystem. With a passion for conservation and community, Dexter shares how birding can connect us not only to nature but to one another.

From stories about his early birding adventures to his mission to make the outdoors more inclusive, this conversation is full of inspiration and heart. Whether you’re a lifelong birder or just looking for a peaceful new hobby, Dexter’s joy is contagio ...