My Favorite Trees

In the final episode of this podcast, I take you through a medley of trees I wanted to make sure got some airtime before the very end. Some of these are topics that I at some point or another scheduled to have an episode, while others are requests from listeners. Enjoy this last installation, and continue to seek out the stories that connect us with our natural world. Thank you all for joining me on this journey through the woods over the last few years.Thank you to Earth Apples, The Tea Lady, George B, and Ritchie for sending in tree requests.Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lauriehilburn.com)

Before the podcast reaches its conclusion, I wanted to make sure listeners had a chance to be involved with what I end up talking about. Today, I answer questions from patrons, email, and social media about a variety of topics. Come hear about my creative process, my favorite extinct trees, what I've got next in store, and so much more.Huge thanks to Earth Apples, Laurie H, Tristan W, Eileen G, Nicholas, and CJ for submitting such awesome questions.Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lauriehilburn.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

For the final topic episode of My Favorite Trees, we take one last look at the Celtic Ogham Tree Calendar. All the way at the end is a large shrub lauded for its medicinal properties--the Elderberry. In culture, this plant represents a cycle of rebirth and the new beginnings that all endings bring. Let's explore the unique aspects of this small tree and look at the journey it has been on throughout time.Please send me questions for my upcoming Q&A episode! Less than two weeks to go!Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

For quite some time now, I've been wanting to go back and re-record my Sitka Spruce episode and add more stories I've learned since living in Alaska. Simultaneously, you may have wondered why I've only covered one of the most loved evergreen conifer groups around the world once. To be honest, I have some issues with the Picea genus, but I suppose now is as good a time as any to air out some dirty laundry. Today, I'll give the Spruce the credit it's due and share those Sitka stories I've been holding back. But rest assured, you'll find out how I really feel about these wintry northern giants.Please send me questions to answer for my upcoming Q&A! Email me at treeguythomas@gmail.com or check out my socials below.Check out some Tonkori sketches I mentioned in this episode (https://soundcloud.com/masahiro-bessho/sets/tonkori-sound-sketch)Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

I teased the idea of this episode a few months ago when I covered the Arborvitae, mentioning that the Japanese Arborvitae belonged to a group of species held sacred in a specific forest in Japan. Today, I'd like to highlight these species: two Arborvitae, two Cypresses, and an Umbrella Pine (which isn't really a Pine). We'll talk about what makes them biologically special as well as special to those who have lived in and around the Kiso Forest. This relationship teaches us much about Japan's historic relationship with the natural world and the human-forest connection in general.Tons of bonus content is available on my Patreon! (patreon.com/MyFavoriteTrees)Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast Send me an email with questions and suggestions at treeguythomas@gmail.com

Many children around the world grow up singing the nursery rhyme, "Here we go 'round the Mulberry bush." But what is a Mulberry bush? And have you ever even seen its tasty Mulberries in grocery stores? Turns out, this tree (not bush) is better known for something other than its fruit, and that fame has deeply pervaded world cultures whether you know it or not. Listen to find out how, but I'll give you a hint! The Mulberry is closely related to Fig Trees, so it may or may not have something to do with a particular insect.Tons of bonus content is available on my Patreon! (patreon.com/MyFavoriteTrees)Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

On this special field trip of an episode, I join arborist and host of the podcast, "This Old Tree," Doug Still on a hike through some Tupelo groves on Cape Cod. Together, we learn about the natural habitat of these trees, why they're so loved in Spring and Fall, how the folks on Martha's Vineyard came up with a unique nickname for them, and how modern humans have shaped the landscape of scenic Cape Cod.Want to hear more from Doug? Check out his podcast, This Old Tree on your podcast app of choice or at thisoldtree.showFollow him on social media @thisoldtreepodBehind the scenes footage of my trip to the Cape with Doug are available on Patreon, along with tons of other bonus content! (patreon.com/MyFavoriteTrees)Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

The Myrtle is a small Mediterranean tree with significance tied to just about every culture of that region--due in large part to how fragrant the plant is. It enlivens Jewish holidays, protects one from curses, and is a display of love and beauty so powerful that it can start wars. Help me ring in the Jewish Tree New Year by learning how this fragrant tree can be so significant and how it shows up in our lives today.Tons of bonus content is available on my Patreon! (patreon.com/MyFavoriteTrees)Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

Happy New Year, tree fans! For the first episode of 2024, I present to you another story of a historical figure that helped reshape our modern relationship with trees and forests. I'm sure you've come across a number of charitable organizations that raise money to plant trees all over the world, especially in countries within Africa and Latin America. But how did all these groups get their start? Today, we'll learn about Richard St. Barbe Baker, an Englishman who came to be known as the first global conservationist. Baker's creation of the Men of the Trees group in Kenya over a hundred years ago has grown to be something with monumental ambitions and inspired many others to campaign for altruistic goals in the world of forest restoration.Tons of bonus content is available on my Patreon! (patreon.com/MyFavoriteTrees)Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

While there are many holidays that coincide with the Winter season, there are few that involve traditions I love so much as the Christmas Tree. And while there are many options for what kind of evergreen conifer to bring into your home and decorate with lights and baubles, the champion of them all is the Fir. What is it about this tree that makes it so well-loved at this time of year? I'll explore this species' relationship with the holiday, dive into why Russia ties a holiday tree to New Years instead, and provide some truly cursed Fir facts that'll make you forget that this is a Christmas special. I warned you.Tons of bonus content is available on my Patreon! (patreon.com/MyFavoriteTrees)Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

Depending on where you live, you may know this tree better as Cedar. There's the Northern White-Cedar, the Western Redcedar, and a few others. But these species, more broadly known as Arborvitae or Thuja, are in a completely different plant family than "true Cedars." Today, I'll address this name confusion and dive way deep into why these incredible and unique trees don't need to bank off of someone else's success. From sacred forests in Japan, to swamps in the Upper Midwest, to the groves of giants in the Pacific Northwest, Arborvitaes are some of the most deserving individuals of the title "Tree of Life."Tons of bonus content is available on my Patreon! (patreon.com/MyFavoriteTrees)Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

On this rare trip to the African continent, we look at a keystone savanna species: the Marula. These trees reflect the movement of the great Bantu Migration, play a key role in certain fertility traditions, and allegedly get elephants drunk. The Marula will also teach us that apparently everything is a nut tree.Tons of bonus content is available on my Patreon! (patreon.com/MyFavoriteTrees)Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

Of the many Pine species in the world, only a few yield seeds that we know as Pine Nuts. That's right, we're not done with nuts quite yet. In the US, we call these nut-producing Pines Pinyons. The Pinyon Pine is found all over the American southwest and has played a vital role in the diet and culture of numerous indigenous nations in that region for thousands of years. Come explore this history and learn about how Pine Nuts are viewed around the world.Tons of Bonus Content is available on my Patreon! (patreon.com/MyFavoriteTrees)Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

For the conclusion of this second Nut Tree Miniseries, I present you with the Macadamia Nut. An exotic snack with an absurdly hard shell that many associate with the island state of Hawaii--but one whose origins actually bring us to the rainforests of northern Australia. Learn about the aboriginal human relationship with this nut tree, how it became so strongly associated with Hawaii, and why a 21st century scandal sent its popularity skyward in South Korea.Bonus content is available on my Patreon! (patreon.com/MyFavoriteTrees)Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

The Pistachio is considered the most successful plant introduction to the United States in the 20th century. Up until then, they were a staple part of a diet that didn't stray far from western Asia and the Mediterranean. Though they've been a part of human life for thousands of years, their presence in the global market is just a few decades old. And even if you're at all familiar with how the western world perceives Iran, you may be surprised as to how much of an impact those relationships have affected this little green nut.Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

Welcome to the start of my second Nut Trees miniseries! Last year, I covered in sequence the trees that give us Almonds, Walnuts, and Pecans--but I've returned to the snack bowl to dig into the history of Cashews, Pistachios, and Macadamia Nuts.I simply had to start with Cashews since they are my favorite nut, so come learn about a South American tree that took on a South Asian identity. These trees probably have the weirdest fruits that I've covered yet, excluding Figs obviously, and there is inevitably some weird stuff that humans have done with them.Bonus content is available on my Patreon! (patreon.com/MyFavoriteTrees)Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

The Pawpaw tree is a mysterious one, somehow being both my most requested topic and one many are likely to not have heard of. This tree species produces the largest native tree fruit in North America, but despite growing among temperate Oaks and Hickories, it has qualities seen only in otherwise tropical plants. Explore the Pawpaw with me, from its earliest impacts on human history to how it could find its way back into the spotlight today.    Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

This is the first of a new episode type I'll be sprinkling into the mix, where I dive into the life of notable individuals who helped shape the profession of forestry and revolutionize our relationship with forests. To kick things off, I'm shining a light on Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief Forester of the US Forest Service. We'll get into what motivated him to introduce the idea of resource conservation in America and how he came to expand the role the government played in land management. Then we'll go deeper to understand his relationship with preservationist John Muir and how they came to be on opposing sides in the battle to dam a scenic valley in Yosemite National Park.Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

Admittedly, I was drawn to this tree because I assumed it served as the inspiration for the Peruvian Puff Pepper that was mentioned in Season 3, Episode 2 of Nickelodeon's "Drake and Josh." I'm still not sure if it is or not, but that doesn't lessen this tree's right to get its own episode. The Peruvian Peppertree is the source of the pink peppercorns we see on grocery store shelves. And this pink pepper has found its way into pre-Incan civilizations, early California missions, and French food fads of the 1980s.Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

Hawaii's upcoming Statehood Day has historically been a controversial holiday for its people. With this in mind, I have chosen this occasion to take a closer look at Hawaiian culture through the lens of its state tree, the Candlenut. As the name suggests, this tree has been used as a candle, but also a clock, a bitter cold remedy, tattoo dye, and so much more. Today, we'll explore how this tree can also serve to enlighten us on the history of Hawaii and her people.Join my Patreon for bonus content and to help contribute to sustainable organizations (patreon.com/MyFavoriteTrees)Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

This close relative of the Aspen is not just recognizable by its white bark--the White Poplar is iconic for its multicolored leaves with rough, white undersides. Alongside this unique appearance, this tree's historic symbolism in Greek and Roman mythology bears multitudinous themes of beauty and death. Let's dive headfirst into the Underworld and learn about the forests that grow there.Get hours of bonus content by joining my Patreon at patreon.com/MyFavoriteTrees Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

Your eyes (and ears!) do not deceive you: Though we talked about the Sycamore last episode, we're now going to be looking at the Sycomore. What's the difference? Aside from being spelled just a single letter off, the Sycomore is unrelated to the Sycamore — and is also known as the Sycomore Fig! Learn all about how important this Tree of Life is to different African cultures as well as how the Sycomore Fig affects its surrounding ecosystem for the better. Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

The American Sycamore is one of the most iconic forest trees in the eastern United States and I frequently have friends and family showing me pictures of it asking for its name. But I've held off on covering it for so long because history mostly points to it just being loved as a fantastic shade tree. Turns out, there's a ton human history surrounding this tree exactly because it's such a good shade tree! Hear how we've immortalized this figure in fable, how it softened the rapport of multiple emperors, and why it's such a lonely member of the Plant Kingdom.Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

It's no coincidence that model planes, cars, and other scale replicas are often made from the same material: Balsa wood. The wood of the Balsa tree is incredibly lightweight and uniquely strong given the former characteristic. And on top of the incredible biology associated with this, the Balsa Tree has been involved in some incredible adventures--like the Kon-Tiki Expedition from South America to Polynesia. Learn why I've decided to attribute symbolism of discovery with this jungle giant.Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript editing and social media is managed by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

For the third and final entry in my second Fruit Tree Miniseries, I talk about the Peach Tree. While this popular fruit is often associated with the American South, the Peach Tree is also highly valued across East Asia. Learn just how deep the Peach is embedded in Chinese history, how Europe took a completely opposite view of the fruit from the Far East, and how the state of Georgia stole it for their own identity. Subscribe to my Patreon for my bonus video series, production updates, and more! (patreon.com/MyFavoriteTrees)Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramSocial Media and Script Editing is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.

In Part 2 of my second Fruit Tree Miniseries, I cover the Pear Tree. My reaction to this tree will certainly be varied, because despite its connection to untold cultures in the Caucuses and symbolism of longevity and generosity in China, I really just can't get into liking the fruit. I think Pears are gross! But today, listen as I open myself to new experiences and try to find love in what I believe to be the wrong places. This episode does not go in depth on the Bradford Pear, to kick that bee's nest please listen to Episode 17.Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramSocial Media and Script Editing is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.

This episode kicks off a new three-part fruit tree miniseries! Up first is the Mango Tree, a species hailing from India that inspires love in Hinduism, rest and introspection in Buddhism, and admiration in modern China. Learn more about its unique domestication history in southeast Asia, Florida, and beyond. Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript editing and social media by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast

In this episode, I sit down with Ethan Strange, the musical artist behind Academy Garden and my theme music. He recently announced that Academy Garden was finished indefinitely, so we discuss what the future holds for his creative passions as well as the research he's doing on Science Education for his PhD program. This episode features more of Ethan's music that I had yet to use, so let me know what you think of the new sounds! If you like them, some of them might just stick around.Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript editing and social media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolia.com)Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast!

This week, I'm revisiting the Celtic Ogham Tree Calendar--but completely out of season. The Scots Pine represents the day after the Winter Solstice in Celtic Faith and symbolizes a guidepost of what is ahead. I figured this symbolism and the stories associated with this tree are also appropriate for the Spring, as days are finally longer than nights and people are starting to get a bit more active with the warmer weather. What could looking into this evergreen's past reveal to us about our own future?Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on InstagramScript editing and Social Media by Laurie Hilburn (https://lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.

As Florida and South Carolina celebrate their respective statehood and independence days this month, we will celebrate their shared state tree! Sometimes called the Palmetto or the Cabbage Palm, there's a lot of debate regarding whether or not this plant should be considered a tree. I'll try and clear up that confusion and look into the legendary and controversial history these states share with their natural icon.Support the show directly by becoming at patron at patreon.com/myfavoritetrees! Get episodes early, production updates, shoutouts on episodes, and bonus videos where I take you on tree walks!Music is by Academy Garden || academygarden.bandcamp.comCover art is by Boomerang Brit || instagram.com/boomerangbritScript editing and social media is handled by Laurie Hilburn || https://lhilburn.journoportfolio.com/Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees or on Instagram @treepodcast

Sandalwood is most widely known as a fragrance--whether in the form of incense, essential oils, or as soaps and sprays. How common it is today is in thanks to how important this tree has been to Hindu faith and Indian culture for thousands of years. I cover why it's called Sandal, how it shows up in Hindu legends, how it caused a population decline in Hawaii, and more.Subscribe to my Patreon at patreon.com/myfavoritetrees! Coming soon to the Treehuggers Tier is a series of videos (or maybe additional podcasts, but hopefully videos) called Tree Walks with Thomas!Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com).Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram.Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.

The Beech is iconic for its smooth, thin, grey bark. Carving one's initials into these trees is so recognizable a practice that it inspired the cover art for my podcast. But what are the downsides of this artform and what other significant aspects in history has it given rise to? The Beech's skin bears the scars of Nordic books, Daniel Boone, and Japanese conservation. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast. Subscribe to my Patreon for more content, now at a reduced cost! patreon.com/myfavoritetreesmftpodcast.comacademygarden.bandcamp.com

Today I sit down with John Perlin, author of the book A Forest Journey: The Role of Trees in the Fate of Civilization. This book was originally published in 1989, but is gearing up for a new edition set to release later this month. We talk in depth on what has changed since the last publication, and (spoilers) it's a lot. Hear some history on how much our world is shaped by our destruction of woodlands, what we needed all that material for, and what this pattern spells for our future. The new edition of A Forest Journey can be found at patagonia.com/shop/books, or wherever you buy your books.This episode contains a condensed version of my conversation with John Perlin. To hear the full, hour-plus-long unedited discussion, subscribe to my Patreon at patreon.com/MyFavoriteTrees.Music is by Academy Garden. Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.

In the beginning of February, the Jewish world will be celebrating Tu B'Shevat, a New Years holiday for trees! I celebrate alongside them every year by covering the biology and history of the Seven Species of Israel, the plants Moses' spies brought back to him proving that they had found the fertile Promised Land. This year, I'll be talking about the Common Fig Tree--exploring the depth of its connection in Abrahamic faith, comparing and contrasting it to other Figs I've covered, and diving deep into the wasps that give us these sweet, weird fruits. And as always, I'll be having my own seder with some Fig spread and give my review of the flavor that so many have integrated into their religion. Subscribe to my Patreon! patreon.com/MyFavoriteTrees. Once I hit 20 subscribers, I will release an edit of all the times I've said that a tree has protection symbolism mashed together. Shoutout to Tony K for being one of the patrons that is helping me reach that goal, join him!Music is by Academy Garden. Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Script editing and Social Media managed by top-notch writer Laurie Hilburn. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.

The roasted seed of the Coffee Tree helps me, and a billion other people, wake up and be productive every day. This alone gives it significance in our lives, but our relationship with this drink and the plant it comes from has left footprints throughout human history in the Common Era. Learn about where coffee came from, how it fueled modern capitalism, how it reflects our diverse cultures, and more. The music is by Academy Garden. Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast. Share this episode and see if you can get the attention of Folgers or Starbucks!

To cap off 2022, we are returning to the Celtic Ogham Tree Calendar to look at the representative of the Winter Solstice: the Yew. This evergreen's toxicity has led it to carry heavy death symbolism and thus is used to mark the longest night and the end of the solar year. But its importance to humans is extensive beyond this time of year, with ancient evidence of tool use and modern application in medicine. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast. Join my brand new Patreon at patreon.com/myfavoritetrees! 

 This week, I have my first ever guest on My Favorite Trees. Tim Ifill is the director of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Tree Tenders program. We talk about what the planning process is like for urban tree planting events, why they're important, and how you can get involved in planting trees in your neighborhood.For more information about the Tree Tenders, check out https://phsonline.org/programs/tree-programsAnd to sign up for the Tree Tenders' winter class, visit https://phsonline.org/events/tree-tenders-2022-winterMusic is by Academy Garden. Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast. Visit my website mftpodcast.com to see what sources I use on my episodes and how you can donate to organizations that help grow our world's forests. 

 As winter begins to take hold of the land, we often look to conifers that stay green all year round for comfort. Except, there's one conifer that actually drops its needles in the fall! Learn about why the Larch breaks the mold and the importance far northern humans give this tree despite not being an evergreen. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast. 

 Elms are some of the best trees to plant in our neighborhoods, thanks to their wide, shady crowns. For this alone, they are loved by many. But their significance extends throughout American history, from setting the stage of revolution to inspiring victims of tragedy in the modern day. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast. 

 Did you know that half of all rubber on the market comes from trees? And that chewing gum used to also be made from this same natural latex? The Para Rubber Tree and the Chicle Tree bring us stories of wealth corruption, World War II embargos, and the desperation of an exiled Mexican president. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast. 

With Halloween less than two weeks away, we're getting in the holiday spirit with a spooky topic. Why are we so afraid of the deep dark woods? Learn about the harmful trees we should certainly fear, the reason humans separated themselves from the wilderness, and what forests are the most haunted today. Content warning for self-harm and suicide; listener discretion is advised. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.

Dates are among the earliest tree crops cultivated by humans and retain cultural significance throughout the Middle East and the surrounding Arabic world. Date Palm trees are especially important in Jewish faith and see prominence in multiple holidays, like the upcoming Sukkot. Hear about the long  history of these trees, the variety of uses and symbols associated with them, as well as why America turned its back on the fruit in the last century. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees or on Instagram @treepodcast.

The Douglas-Fir is one of the most iconic of the big trees that define the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Its wood is premier for lumber use across the western United States and its extensive human influence is surrounded by culture and story. This episode dives into those stories as well as exploring why this tree is not actually a Fir as well as the backgrounds of the Scottish botanists that contributed to its modern name. Music is by Academy Garden--cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees or on Instagram @treepodcast.

Nothing says Fall in Texas quite like a slice of pecan pie. This final nut of our miniseries is truly a staple of the American South as it does not grow anywhere else in the world! Learn about how this rich delight was almost overlooked as a crop, some controversy in its historic production, and how to actually pronounce the dang word itself. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow my on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees or on Instagram @treepodcast.

The walnut is considered by some to be the "King of Nuts." Part two of this three-part miniseries will explore why this food has historically been regarded as godly as well as some other unique features of various walnut species. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees or on Instagram @treepodcast.

This is the first part of a new miniseries focused on nut trees! Almonds are considered the largest nut crop in the world, but are they actually even nuts? Find out how this popular food traveled from Persia to California and learn the legends that have lead the almond to be found in our snack mixes, milks, and flours. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees or on Instagram @treepodcast.

 Have you ever wondered where the cork in your wine bottle comes from? Or the cork in corkboard where you hang cheesy photos from high school and college? All cork products come from a single tree species known as the Cork Oak. Learn about how and why these oaks produce this versatile material as well as how human use actually helps their ecosystem. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees or on Instagram @treepodcast. 

What many understand to be the age of the dinosaurs is, in the plant world, the age of the Cycad. These are weird plants that look like palms or ferns and made up most of the world's plant composition in the Jurassic Era. But some species are still around today--and in some unexpected places. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.

Mangroves are incredible plants that survive the salty waters of tropical coastal areas. Learn about the fascinating ecosystems they create, the ways they help us mitigate Climate Change, and why their forests are shrinking. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.

This is an episode where I cover a broad forestry topic. What exactly does it mean to manage a forest? I explain what being a forester and land manager is like from the perspective of various objectives like wood products and conservation. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.

As Kentucky celebrates its 230th birthday as a state, we will celebrate one of the strangest legal disputes in American history. For decades, Kentuckians fought over what should be their state tree between the Tulip-Poplar and the Kentucky Coffeetree. Find out why residents of this state became so divided over the matter and hear about how I side on the matter. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.