Podcasts about Biophilia

Time and again, we've examined how the challenges we face – poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and more – are deeply intertwined. Understandably, it can start to feel pretty overwhelming. But here's the encouraging part: the solutions are just as interconnected. In this episode of Biophilic Solutions, we speak with Helena Norberg-Hodge, founder and director of Local Futures, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring ecological and social well-being by revitalizing local communities and economies. Helena envisions a world where food is grown by nearby farmers, money circulates within communities, local businesses thrive, and meaningful work is accessible to all.She argues that many of today's crises stem from an overly globalized economic system and that the path forward lies in a broad shift toward localization. Helena advocates for a more informed and intentional public that values local economies and deeper connections with nature. In our conversation, we explore the power of local food systems, the importance of community and ecological bonds, and the role vulnerability plays in healing. Drawing on lessons from indigenous cultures, Helena makes a compelling case for localization as a path toward greater social cohesion and environmental resilience.Show NotesAbout HelenaPlanet Local Summit | September 3-7 | LadakhLocal FuturesAncient Futures: Learning From Ladakh by Helena Norberg HodgeLocal Is Our Future: Steps to an Economics of Happiness by Helena Norberg HodgeTo Heal the Planet We Must First Heal Ourselves (Urth Magazine)Key Words: local, localism, economy, economics, local economy, community, indigenous community, indigenous wisdom, Local Futures, farmers market, global economy, globalism, capitalism, nature, nature based solutions, biophilia, biophilic design, Helena Norberg-HodgeBiophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

Let's face it. Our waste habits are, well, pretty wasteful. Every single day, more than 27,000 trees are cut down just to make toilet paper. Meanwhile, the average disposable diaper takes over 500 years to decompose in a landfill, all while leaching harmful plastics and chemicals into the environment. And that's not even counting other single-use sanitary products like tampons, pads, and wipes. Put simply, our throwaway culture is a serious environmental problem.Enter today's guest: Miki Agrawal. A bold entrepreneur and creative disruptor, Miki has built a career out of challenging the status quo. She's the founder of groundbreaking companies like Thinx (revolutionary period underwear), TUSHY (modern bidets), and her latest venture, Hiro Diapers, a game-changing product designed to break down in landfills using fungi-powered decomposition technology. Hiro represents a major step forward in the battle against plastic waste, starting with a natural end-of-life solution for one of the most essential (and wasteful) products in parenting.In this conversation, we explore the hidden environmental costs of traditional diapers, the importance of slowing down to meet the moment, and why nature (hello, mushrooms!) holds the key to designing smarter, bolder everyday essentials.Show NotesHiro DiapersTUSHY BidetsAbout Miki AgrawalFour SigmaticPacha's Pajamas: A Story Written By NatureDo Cool Shit: Quit Your Day Job, Start Your Own Business, and Live Happily Ever After by Miki AgrawalDisrupt-Her: A Manifesto for the Modern Woman by Miki AgrawalBiophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

Scientist E.O. Wilson's book Biophilia hypothesized that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. He wrote, “To an extent still undervalued in philosophy and religion, our existence depends on this propensity, our spirit is woven from it, hope rises on its currents." I watched as the Wilson's Warbler bounced like popcorn through the narrow, willow-ish leaves of an unknown desert shrub. While this bird was named for a different Wilson, he certainly satisfied E.O. Wilson's Biophilia.

On today's episode, we're delving into the growing epidemic of loneliness, examining its root causes, far-reaching impacts, and what it will take to rebuild our social fabric. For this important and timely conversation, we were thrilled to be joined by Radha Agrawal, author of the bestselling book Belong: Find Your People, Create Community & Live a More Connected Life. Radha is also the Co-founder, CEO, and Chief Community Architect of Daybreaker, a global wellness movement that brings nearly half a million people together globally through early-morning, sober dance parties. In addition, Radha leads the Belong Institute and the Belong Center, two groundbreaking initiatives dedicated to addressing loneliness through community-building and laying the foundation for a wider culture of belonging.Throughout this conversation, we explore the essential human need for connection, the dangers of hyper-individualism, and how modern life, including our increasing disconnection from nature, has contributed to widespread feelings of alienation. Radha shares powerful insights on how rebuilding community and reestablishing our relationship with the natural world can help us reclaim joy, purpose, and a true sense of belonging. This is a conversation filled with practical tools and deep inspiration for anyone seeking to reconnect: with others, with nature, and with themselves.ShownotesBelong: Find Your People, Create Community & Live a More Connected Life by Radha AgrawalRadha Agrawal WebsiteDaybreaker | Wake Up & DanceBelong CenterBelong InstituteDr. Julianne Holt-LunstadThe Power of Belonging: How Ending Loneliness Will Save Our Planet (SXSW)Biophilic Solutions WebsiteBiophilic Solutions on InstagramKeywords: loneliness, loneliness epidemic, community, connection, community building, Radha Agrawal, nature, biophilia, biophilic, disconnection, climate, climate change, Daybreaker, belongingBiophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

In the concrete jungle of modern urban living, we've lost something fundamental: our connection to the natural world. But Biophilic Design is offering a lifeline, promising to transform our cities from sterile, energy-hungry environments into vibrant, living ecosystems that nurture both human health and planetary well-being.We speak with Luke Engleback, who has over 40 years' experience as a designer at all scales. We talk about biophilic design, ecourbanism, biodiversity, climate change adaptation and health. Luke is a board member and former chair of the Landscape Foundation. He also sits on the Landscape Institute Policy and Public Affairs Committee, and the Midlands Design Panel, the Cambridge Quality Panel and the South Downs National Park. For Luke Biophilic Design isn't just another architectural trend. It's a radical reimagining of how we live, work, and interact with our surroundings. At its heart lies a simple yet profound understanding: we are not separate from nature, but intrinsically part of it.Recent groundbreaking research provides compelling evidence of nature's transformative power. In Finland, a remarkable study revealed the profound impact of natural environments on children's health. Two daycare centres became an unexpected laboratory of discovery. One centre introduced forest soil and leaf litter into its play area, allowing children to get delightfully messy. The results were astonishing. Children in this natural setting developed more diverse microbiomes and, crucially, had fewer harmful pathogens compared to their peers in clinically clean environments.Similar research in Barcelona uncovered another revelation. Medical researchers discovered that children raised in greener urban spaces demonstrated significantly better cognitive performance. This wasn't about wealth or privilege, but about the fundamental human need to connect with living systems.These aren't isolated examples, but part of a growing understanding that our built environments dramatically impact our physical and mental well-being. Climate change has accelerated this recognition. Cities are becoming unbearable heat islands, with temperatures rising dramatically. But biophilic design offers a sophisticated, multi-layered solution. Eco-urbanism emerges as the critical framework for this transformative approach. It's not just design, but a holistic systems thinking methodology that challenges traditional urban planning. Where conventional approaches work in rigid, isolated silos – treating transportation, water management, energy, and green spaces as separate challenges – eco-urbanism sees the city as a living, interconnected organism.Luke Engelback describes this approach as "elastic thinking" – the ability to zoom in and out, understanding how individual interventions connect to broader ecological systems. It's about breaking down artificial boundaries between disciplines, recognizing that a rain garden isn't just about managing water, but about hydrating urban soils, supporting biodiversity, sequestering carbon, and creating cooling microclimates.This systems approach means reimagining every urban element. A street becomes more than a transportation corridor – it's a potential site for water management, carbon capture, biodiversity support, and community well-being. A building's facade isn't just a structural element, but an opportunity for vertical gardens, air purification, and thermal regulation.Innovative urban planners are reimagining cityscapes as living, breathing entities. In Florence, architects designed a revolutionary urban cooling system using natural wind patterns, channelling sea breezes over water features to reduce the need for energy-intensive air conditioning. In the UK, a visionary project Luke worked on in Ashford proposed transforming large agricultural fields into interconnected woodland patches, simultaneously addressing flooding risks, carbon sequestration, and landscape restoration.But biophilic design isn't just about grand architectural gestures. It's accessible to everyone. As landscape architect Luke passionately argues, even small actions matter. A pot plant on a windowsill, a patch of wildflowers instead of a concrete driveway – these seemingly minor interventions create a cumulative positive impact.The potential is extraordinary. Imagine cities where every surface becomes an opportunity for life – green roofs, living walls, urban forests, and integrated water management systems. Where buildings don't just shelter us but actively contribute to ecological regeneration.This isn't wishful thinking. Luke reminds us that leading scientists like Edward O. Wilson have long advocated for a radical reimagining of our relationship with the natural world. His vision of dedicating half the Earth to nature isn't about creating vast, untouchable reserves, but about understanding our fundamental interdependence.Biophilic design represents a paradigm shift from the destructive, linear "take-make-waste" economic model to a circular, regenerative approach. It challenges the siloed thinking that has dominated urban planning, replacing it with systems thinking that recognizes the intricate connections between human health, ecological systems, and urban infrastructure.Luke also says that the benefits extend far beyond environmental sustainability. Research consistently shows that exposure to natural environments reduces stress, improves cognitive function, and supports overall well-being. This is true, in an age of increasing mental health challenges, this isn't just design – it's a form of collective therapy.As our cities continue to grow and climate change intensifies, biophilic design isn't a luxury. It's a necessity. It offers a hopeful, practical pathway to creating urban environments that don't just sustain us but help us thrive.The revolution starts small, as Luke suggests, even a plant on a windowsill, a community garden, a green roof. But its potential is limitless. We are at the pivot point to the future of urban living, where every design choice is an opportunity to reconnect, regenerate, and reimagine our relationship with the living world. Luke has written a brilliant article in our Journal “Biophilic Design and Ecourbanism – an example at Cannock Mill Co-housing, Colchester Winner of the 2024 SALUS Healthy City Design Award for Healthy homes & neighbourhoods”, The Journal of Biophilic Design, Issue 14, Third Age, pp. 82 -87www.studioengleback.com If you like this, please subscribe!Have you got a copy of the Journal? You can now subscribe to the digital edition or purchase a copy directly from us at the journalofbiophilicdesign.com or Amazon. If you like our podcast and would like to support us in some way, you can buy us a coffee if you'd like to, thank you xWatch the Biophilic Design Conference on demand herewww.biophilicdesignconference.comCredits: with thanks to George Harvey Audio Production for the calming biophilic soundscape that backs all our podcasts. Did you know our podcast is also on Audible, Amazon Music, Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, Stitcher, vurbl, podbay, podtail, and most if not all the RSS feeds?Facebook https://www.facebook.com/journalofbiophilicdesign/Twitter https://twitter.com/JofBiophilicDsnLinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign

Host: Jason Rigby   Guest: Pam Montgomery   Guest Website: wakeuptonature.com   Podcast Mission: Higher and Saint Living (HDL) aims to explore profound topics that elevate consciousness and foster a deeper connection to the world around us. In this episode, we dive into humanity's relationship with nature and the transformative power of plants with Pam Montgomery.   About Our Guest: Pam Montgomery   Pam Montgomery is an author, teacher, international speaker, and self-described Earth Elder who has dedicated over three decades to exploring the intelligent and spiritual nature of plants and trees. She is the author of two acclaimed books: Plant Spirit Healing: A Guide to Working with Plant Consciousness and Partner Earth: A Spiritual Ecology. Her latest work, Co-Creating with Nature: Healing the Wound of Separation, serves as the foundation for this episode's discussion. Pam operates the Partner Earth Education Center at Sweetwater Sanctuary in Danby, Vermont, a space dedicated to co-creative research and sustainable living with nature. She teaches globally on plant spirit healing, spiritual ecology, and the concept of humans as "Nature Evolutionaries." Pam is a founding member of United Plant Savers and the Organization of Nature Evolutionaries (O.N.E.), and her current passion lies in facilitating plant initiations to guide humanity back to its symbiotic roots.   About Sweetwater Sanctuary   Located in Danby, Vermont, Sweetwater Sanctuary is a sacred space where Pam and her team honor the land, water, and all beings through prayer, ceremony, and offerings. It's a haven for optimal learning and deep healing, encouraging visitors to awaken to natural rhythms and engage in loving kindness. The sanctuary fosters a profound connection with nature, enhancing the sense of sanctuary for all who visit.   Episode Overview   In this episode of the HDL Podcast, host Jason Rigby sits down with Pam Montgomery to explore her book Co-Creating with Nature: Healing the Wound of Separation. Recorded on March 29, 2025, this conversation dives into the consciousness of plants, their role as our elders and partners, and how reconnecting with nature can heal both ourselves and the planet. Pam blends scientific insights, personal anecdotes, and spiritual wisdom to offer a practical yet profound roadmap for living in harmony with "sweet Lady Gaia."   Key Discussion Points 1. Plants as Conscious Partners (03:12 - 06:46) Pam argues that plants are not just alive but conscious beings capable of communicating with us through vibratory resonance (light and sound). She emphasizes their essential role in sustaining life—providing oxygen, food, and medicine—and warns that our disconnect from them is dangerous. Jason references scientific studies showing plants responding to music and words, sparking a discussion on how everything vibrates, including humans and plants.   2. How to Communicate with Plants (06:46 - 13:14) Pam explains that plants fine-tune their resonance to us more effectively than we do to them because they are simply themselves, undistributed by human distractions. Practical tip: Be present with a plant, let it choose you (via attraction, movement, or intuition), and notice the sensations it evokes in your body (e.g., tingling, softness). She introduces biophotons—particles of light at the nucleus of our cells—that create a "laser" of coherence for two-way communication with plants, even across time and space.   3. Plant Initiations and Healing (13:14 - 18:06) Pam contrasts chasing external spiritual practices (e.g., gurus, crystals) with the power of "backyard weeds" like mugwort, which can heal us deeply through symbiotic connection. She shares a story of poke root appearing in her Vermont garden in 2020, a potent immune-supporting plant, as an example of nature responding to human needs. Plants show up where they're needed, offering gifts we often overlook due to our lack of attention.   4. The Wound of Separation (19:11 - 22:22) Pam traces humanity's separation from nature back 12,000 years to agriculture and empire-building, which led to an "amnesia" of our interdependence with the land. This original wound has cascading effects: separation from self, others, and the planet, resulting in widespread illness and disconnection. Biophilia—our innate love of nature—underscores how we're designed to live closely with plants.   5. Uncomfortable Truths and Nature Evolutionaries (22:58 - 26:17) The biggest lie we tell ourselves: Humans are the "crown of creation" and more intelligent than nature. Pam challenges this, citing Darwin's coerced narrative and nature's model of cooperation over competition. On her website, wakeuptonature.com, Pam calls us to become "Nature Evolutionaries," partnering with nature rather than relying solely on technology to "save" the planet.   6. Nature's Communication Networks (26:17 - 33:11) Pam shares a powerful story of a Puyo—an underground waterway portal in Vermont—where she and her husband, guided by Ecuadorian curandera Rocio Alarcon, heard forest spirits sing after a ritual with ayahuasca. She compares nature's mycelium network to the internet, highlighting its efficiency and biomimicry potential.   7. Signs of a Consciousness Shift (33:11 - 37:53) Pam sees plants leading humanity's spiritual evolution, citing the 1960s explosion of consciousness-expanding plants (cannabis, peyote, mushrooms) and modern practices like flower essences and plant initiations. Skeptics miss this hidden sign: Plants have always preceded their animal counterparts in evolution, and they're now guiding us toward unity consciousness.   8. Diving Deeper into Nature (37:53 - 43:23) Unlike spiritual paths that reject the material world, Pam's approach embraces nature as divine, present in everything—not a distant deity. She describes daily "wow moments" (e.g., sunrise walks in Belize) that release oxytocin, the bonding hormone, fostering restoration and connection over stress (cortisol). 9. Healing Through Plants (46:52 - 50:19) Pam cites biophysicist Fritz Popp's discovery that plant biophotons can repattern unhealthy cells' light toward health, offering a cellular-level explanation for plant healing. Beyond science, plants uplift us emotionally and spiritually—e.g., the awe of a redwood forest or the scent of roses—because healing is one of their primary gifts.   10. Mugwort as a Teacher and Soulmate (50:49 - 54:57) Mugwort (Artemisia spp.), known as "Oona, the first herb," moves stagnant energy, aids dream recall (nighttime and shamanic), and reconnects us to our wild, undomesticated selves. Associated with Artemis and the moon, it supports women through life transitions and is a key ally in spiritual healing.   11. Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Projects (56:11 - 58:06) Jason praises Co-Creating with Nature as a timely wake-up call with a heartbeat, inviting listeners to heal themselves and the planet through reverence for nature. Pam previews her work: Plant Initiations: Ceremonies where plants act as elders, guiding us to be "truly human." Offered at Sweetwater Sanctuary and worldwide. Year-Long Course (September 2025): With Emma Fitchett, training facilitators for plant initiations. Online Course: "Co-Creative Partnership with Nature" (8 months). Visit wakeuptonature.com for details.   How to Get the Book Title: Co-Creating with Nature: Healing the Wound of Separation Cost: $27.00 (includes shipping) Order by Mail: Send a check to Pam Montgomery, 1525 Danby Mtn. Rd., Danby, VT 05739 Order Online: Click here Buy it from Amazon     Quotes from the Episode "Plants completely, on all levels—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—provide us our life." – Pam Montgomery "The plant can fine-tune its resonance to us... They draw you to them." – Pam Montgomery "We are not the crown of creation. It's about cooperation, not competition." – Pam Montgomery "Plants have always preceded their animal counterparts in evolution... They're guiding us into a quantum leap in consciousness." – Pam Montgomery "Nature is sentient, just like we are. We're equal in this co-creative partnership." – Pam Montgomery     Connect with Pam Montgomery   Website: wakeuptonature.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natureevolutionaries IG: https://www.instagram.com/natureevolutionaries/ Upcoming Event: Stay tuned for a follow-up episode on plant initiations before the September 2025 course launch!     Listener Call-to-Action   Subscribe to the HDL Podcast for more conversations on consciousness and living sustainably. Purchase Co-Creating with Nature to dive deeper into Pam's teachings. Share this episode with someone who loves plants or needs a nature-inspired wake-up call. Leave a review and let us know your favorite takeaway!   Thank you for joining us on this journey to reconnect with nature's wisdom. As Pam says, "We're on the threshold of a tipping point"—let's step into unity together. See you next time on HDL!  

Join Dr. Odell as he explores the fascinating science behind nature's remarkable healing powers. Beyond just "fresh air," discover how phytoncides from trees boost your immune system, how the Earth's natural frequency (the Schumann Resonance) might align with your brainwaves, and why negative air ions near waterfalls can elevate your mood. From forest bathing to ocean swimming, learn about research-backed practices that reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and enhance mental clarity. We'll break down surprising studies showing how just 10-50 minutes in green spaces can significantly lower stress hormones and improve focus. Plus, get practical tips for incorporating nature therapy into your busy life—even in urban environments. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, sleep issues, or simply seeking natural ways to optimize your health, this episode reveals why stepping outside might be the most powerful (and free) medicine available.

We're living in an era largely defined by consumerism, social media addiction, climate change, and political unrest. Given all of that, it's really no surprise that many of us feel overwhelmed, burned out, and disconnected.That's why, today, we're thrilled to welcome Douglas Rushkoff, an award-winning author and documentarian, who was named one of the world's ten most influential intellectuals by MIT. Douglas's work tackles some of the most pressing issues of our time like technology, capitalism, consumerism, and human nature. He argues that modern technology isolates us instead of bringing us together, with social media algorithms and corporate interests chipping away at the traits that make us most human. To push back, he calls for greater focus on building strong local communities, mutual aid, and pushing back against a digital landscape that feels like it just takes and takes and takesIn this conversation, we delve into themes of power, agency, and community, discussing why awe may be the pinnacle of human experience, the importance of embracing mortality, and how localism can cultivate deeper connections and more resilient societies.Show NotesTeam Human PodcastTeam Human by Douglas RushkoffSurvival of the Richest: Escape Fantasies of the Tech Billionaires by Douglas RushkoffAbout Douglas RushkoffDouglas Rushkoff SubstackKeywords: Douglas Rushkoff, biophilia, technology, capitalism, nature, collaboration, competition, human connection, social media, power, agency, awe, community, local, localism, built environment, mortality, nature social constructionBiophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

The rhetoric of “hopium” is failing as ecological overshoot deepens. “Hopium”, a colloquial term that is a blend of the words “hope” and “opium” (as though it were a drug), represents a faith in technological and market-based solutions to address our multiple reinforcing crises, despite evidence to the contrary. We're living in the long defeat and we must own and confront it with courage. Award-winning essayist, Pamela Swanigan, joins us. Highlights include: How children's literature is full of reverence for nature but children's literature analysis done in the academy is dominated by the perspective of human exceptionalism; The role that Judeo-Christianity has played in promoting the worldview of human exceptionalism while destroying the millennia-old biophilic and animistic belief systems; Why Pamela was astonished that she won the Berggruen Prize Essay Competition given the magical thinking of human exceptionalism and techno-solutionism embodied by the attendees; Social reformer and US Commissioner for the Bureau of Indian Affairs John Collier's concept of the 'long hope'- that indigenous cultures and their nature-sacralizing beliefs could help humanity survive after the collapse of techno-industrial civilization; Why the delusional and pervasive rhetoric of hope among social change advocates (such as Jane Goodall and David Suzuki) defies evidence, and why we must embrace JRR Tolkien's concept of the 'long defeat' in order to courageously fight against ecological destruction and social injustice. See episode website for show notes, links, and transcript:  https://www.populationbalance.org/podcast/pamela-swanigan   OVERSHOOT | Shrink Toward Abundance OVERSHOOT tackles today's interlocked social and ecological crises driven by humanity's excessive population and consumption. The podcast explores needed narrative, behavioral, and system shifts for recreating human life in balance with all life on Earth. With expert guests from wide-ranging disciplines, we examine the forces underlying overshoot: from patriarchal pronatalism that is fueling overpopulation, to growth-biased economic systems that lead to consumerism and social injustice, to the dominant worldview of human supremacy that subjugates animals and nature. Our vision of shrinking toward abundance inspires us to seek pathways of transformation that go beyond technological fixes toward a new humanity that honors our interconnectedness with all beings.  Hosted by Nandita Bajaj and Alan Ware. Brought to you by Population Balance. Learn more at populationbalance.org Copyright 2025 Population Balance

In this Women's History Month episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with Sara Balderi and Deidre Hoguet of Designtex for an inspiring conversation on the growing field of neuroaesthetics. They explore how neuroscience, biophilia, and the psychology of space are reshaping commercial design—from healthcare to hospitality—with a focus on emotional wellness, sensory comfort, and inclusive experiences. Sara and Deidre share their research on color, texture, and pattern, explain how “positive distractions” reduce stress in high-pressure environments, and discuss how natural materials can promote well-being on a subconscious level. They also highlight the role of evidence-based design and emerging technologies in creating spaces that adapt to users' emotional and cognitive needs. Tune in to learn how thoughtful design choices can uplift, inspire, and truly make a difference in the places where we live, work, and heal.   Show Notes Designing with Emotion story Resources on Biophilia, Neuroaesthetics, and Designing for Wellbeing

 This week we chat with Kailas, a seasoned architect with a passion for designing spaces that promote well being.We discussed the process of renovating his own mid terrace Victorian house, focusing on the integration of wellness design principles.  Kailas shares insights on the difference between wellness and well being, the benefits of biophilia in architecture, and the challenges of being both an architect and a client.You can find Kailas and his project at @kailas_moorthy.well Sponsored by Plykea;Web: https://www.plykea.com/Insta: @plykeakitchensBrought to you by HomeNotes;Web: https://homenotes.coInsta: @wearehomenotes Home renovator WebinarsFrom Bathrooms to Underfloor Heating and much more...Check out our FREE monthly webinars here >>

#69 - How can plants guide us through global transitions and help us remember our relationship with the natural world? Join us for a wonderful conversation with herbalist, author, and international teacher Pam Montgomery as we explore the profound wisdom of co-creative partnership with Nature and discover how plants are actively helping us heal our separation from the natural world. In this episode, you'll discover:Biophilia and the meaning of co-creative partnership with Nature How plants are evolutionary pioneers, leading the way in spiritual evolution and raising consciousness Stories of how plants appear as guides and helpers when we need them most How to understand the ancient language of plant communication through light, sound, and vibratory resonance Pam Montgomery is an herbalist, author, international teacher, Earth elder and new-paradigm thinker who has passionately embraced her role as a spokesperson for the green beings and has been investigating plants and their intelligent spiritual nature for more than three decades. She is the author of two books one of which is the highly acclaimed Plant Spirit Healing; A Guide to Working with Plant Consciousness, and her latest book, Co-Creating with Nature. Pam teaches internationally and virtually on plant initiations, spiritual ecology, and co-creative partnership with Nature. She is the founder of the Organization of Nature Evolutionaries or ONE and was a founding board member of United Plant Savers.You can find Pam at: https://wakeuptonature.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/pam.montgomery.589/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pam.montgomery.589Books: https://wakeuptonature.com/learning/books/For more info visit Sara's website at: https://www.multidimensionalnature.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/multidimensional.nature/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saraartemisia.ms/Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/plantspiritherbalismYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@saraartemisiaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@multidimensional.naturePinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/multidimensionalnature/Learn how to communicate with plant consciousness in the free workshop on How to Learn Plant Language: https://www.learnplantlanguage.com/

As we launch Season 5, we're taking a moment to reflect on the vital role of nature in uncertain times. Our connection to the natural world isn't just about aesthetics – it profoundly shapes our mental health, strengthens community bonds, and influences our cultural identities. In this episode, we explore how technology can either distract us or serve as a tool for deeper engagement and examine how our consumption habits affect our relationship with nature and each other. In a world of constant change, how can we foster a future where both nature and human connection flourish? Join Monica and Jennifer for this essential conversation.Questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at contact@biophilicsolutions.comShow NotesJoin Monica & Jennifer  at the The Biophilic Leadership Summit, March 30 - April 1 in SerenbeBiophilia Discovers Its Missing Father (The Hybrid Intelligencer)‘'This is garbage' – Step aside influencers, we're now in the era of de-influencing (NPR)Keywords: biophilia, nature, community, technology, overconsumption, mental health, hope, spirituality, design, environmental awareness, empathy, DEI, nature, cycles, consciousness, indigenous wisdom, anti-influencer, biophilia, human connection, audience engagementThe Biophilic Leadership Summit is the only multi-day conference entirely focused on biophilic projects, research & principles, bringing together top industry thought-leaders in an intimate natural setting to network, build partnerships and learn from each other. Join us in Serenbe for the 7th Annual Summit on March 30 - April 1, 2025. Register today!Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

Season 5 of Biophilic Solutions premieres on Tuesday, March 4th! This season, we're taking a broader approach to biophilia—going beyond architecture and design to examine nature's role in culture, politics, and spirituality. We'll tackle pressing issues like the rise of AI, the influence of social media, and the current political climate, all through the lens of nature and balance. With a focus on hope and possibility, we'll paint a vision of a biophilic future—one that fosters connection, trust, and harmony.Join us as we seek answers and reimagine a world where nature guides the way forward!Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

For thousands of years, humans have built with wood. Today, mass timber is changing the way we design, build, and experience our spaces. It's strong, fire-resistant, and capable of storing carbon, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. And beyond its structural benefits, wood also connects us to nature, improving well-being through biophilic design. Andre Lema, Business Development Manager at Western Archrib, breaks down the benefits of biophilic design, how mass timber is reducing carbon emissions, and why architects and developers are embracing wood for everything from rec centers to high-rises.Join the Building Good community today:https://www.buildinggood.caLinkedIn

Biophilia was coined from a theory of the biologist, E. O. Wilson, who stated that human beings have an innate and even genetically determined affinity to nature. In other words, it is important that this connection is kept to facilitate wellness. In this episode, Dr. Vanessa Champion, editor and founder of The Journal of Biophilic Design, joins Lori to review initiatives which can be taken in senior living environments in response to this very human need... and why these interventions are necessary. For links to resources related to this episode - there are a lot this month! - please visit us at thirdage.design/s5e02 - and while you're there, hit the Join Us button! We'll show our thanks for your interest by sending you our periodic, exclusive - and free! - TAD Extra.

Vögel zwitschern, ein Bach rauscht, es riecht nach Moos und beim Einatmen füllen sich die Lungen mit satter frischer Luft: Die Natur ist für unseren Körper und den Geist gesund. Studien zeigen, wie die Stadt krank machen kann, sagt der Psychiater und Stressforscher Mazda Adli. Nils genießt deshalb regelmäßig Waldbaden – um sich glücklich zu machen.**********Ihr hört: Gesprächspartner*innen: Zwei Umfragen über Euer Verhältnis zur Natur Experte: Markus Müller, leitet die Forschungsgruppe Psychosomatik am Klinikum Nürnberg Experte: Mazda Adli, Psychiater und Stressforscher, Leiter des Forschungsbereiches Affektive Störungen an der Berliner Charité Gesprächspartner: Nils Weichert, betreibt den Instagram-Account Waldbaden.Berlin Autor und Host: Przemek Żuk Redaktion: Friederike Seeger, Betti Brecke, Celine Wegert, Jana Niehof Produktion: Cornelia Preißel**********Quellen:Müller, M. M., Zieris, P., Krebs-Fehrmann, M., et al. (2025). A mindfulness- and relaxation-based nature intervention improves mood in depressed patients in psychosomatic rehabilitation: Results from the GREENCARE non-randomized controlled clinical trial. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 101, Artikel 102493. Vorzeitige Online-Publikation.Gaekwad, J. S., Sal Moslehian, A., Roös, P. B. (2023). A meta-analysis of physiological stress responses to natural environments: Biophilia and Stress Recovery Theory perspectives. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 90,Yao, W., Xiaofeng Z., Gong, Q. (2021). The effect of exposure to the natural environment on stress reduction: A meta-analysis. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 57,**********Mehr zum Thema bei Deutschlandfunk Nova:Gartenarbeit: Draußen im Grünen sein ist AchtsamkeitTipps vom Outdoor-Profi: Richtig in der Natur aufs Klo gehen**********Den Artikel zum Stück findet ihr hier.**********Ihr könnt uns auch auf diesen Kanälen folgen: TikTok auf&ab , TikTok wie_geht und Instagram .**********Meldet euch!Ihr könnt das Team von Facts & Feelings über WhatsApp erreichen.Uns interessiert: Was beschäftigt euch? Habt ihr ein Thema, über das wir unbedingt in der Sendung und im Podcast sprechen sollen?Schickt uns eine Sprachnachricht oder schreibt uns per 0160-91360852 oder an factsundfeelings@deutschlandradio.de.Wichtig: Wenn ihr diese Nummer speichert und uns eine Nachricht schickt, akzeptiert ihr unsere Regeln zum Datenschutz und bei WhatsApp die Datenschutzrichtlinien von WhatsApp.

ABOUT LOUISA WHITMORE:TIK TOK: LOUISA'S BIO:Louisa Whitmore is an architecture content creator on TikTok with over 350K followers, as well as the host of the cable television documentary series “The Nature of Design.” A former commentator for the USModernist podcast, Whitmore has also worked as a live radio host and PSA producer at CHMA 106.9FM, the local radio station at Mount Allison University, where she's currently an honors student studying international relations and French. She enjoys telling stories, and is passionate about sustainable design.SHOW INTRO:Welcome to the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast.EPISODE 75… and my conversation with Louisa Whitmore. On the podacast our dynamic dialogues based on our acronym DATA - design, architecture, technology, and the arts crosses over disciplines but maintains a common thread of people who are passionate about the world we live in and human's influence on it, the ways we craft the built environment to maximize human experience, increasing our understanding of human behavior and searching for the New Possible.    he NXTLVL Experience Design podcast is presented by VMSD Magazine part of the Smartwork Media family of brands.VMSD brings us, in the brand experience world, the International Retail Design Conference. The IRDC is one of the best retail design conferences that there is bringing together the world of retailers, brands and experience place makers every year for two days of engaging conversations and pushing the discourse forward on what makes retailing relevant. You will find the archive of the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast on VMSD.com.Thanks also goes to Shop Association the only global retail trade association dedicated to elevating the in-store experience. SHOP Association represents companies and affiliates from 25 countries and brings value to their members through research, networking, education, events and awards. Check then out on SHOPAssociation.orgLouisa Whitmore is a TikTok creator phenom whose content is about architecture. With almost 400 thousand followers her no holds-barred, straight from the heart and to the point commentary about the buildings she loves and loves to hate, brings a user experience point of view and accessible critique into the mainstream.We'll get to all of that in a moment but first though, a few thoughts…                  *                                  *                                  *The great thing about doing this podcast is it gives me an opportunity to rethink some of the assertions that have held to be true and cross check whether in fact they are immutable or whether there is room for challenging myself and maybe digging into some subtleties and nuances… and seeing things a different way.Like for example the idea of criticism – who does it and its value…I have to admit I haven't been particularly fond of the idea of critics for a very long time. This would be generally true of the kind who dole out the negative kind of commentary.Years ago when commenting on something, I think it was some art piece, and my son said to me “…dad why is it that you never really say you hate anything…”which I sort of thought was kind of funny then. I think I responded “…well because I don't really hate anything… I try to always view things from the other side - a different point of view. I try to get beyond the visceral reaction and look to design principles and comment from a place of applying principles to the work and see how they line up…and then make a comment that is based yes on whether I simply like it, the colors, shapes, energy, feeling , may be a message it is trying to impart AND  whether I can see the value in it based on principles determined to be generally accepted by experts in the domain…” so yeah I don't really hate things…If I apply the idea of casting judgement on art, music, architecture… it got me thinking… again…What is the value of judgement? Is it to determine the appropriateness of something to a particular context or challenge?I have my favorite architects and artists and musical performers, I like different styles and periods. But I don't listen to heavy metal (though my sons love it). I don't know that I can say that I hate it. Perhaps I just don't understand it and maybe if I did, it still wouldn't jibe with me.It just doesn't go in my body well. It's a sensory mismatch.I don't hate it – It makes me agitated. So, I just don't listen to it. And I guess you could say the same thing for certain genres of art.For example… I'm not particularly crazy about a lot of contemporary art.I have a hard time understanding a performance artist dipping her hair in paint and swinging aloft from a rope while her hair drags across a canvas and the painting while on lookers wrapped in dimly lit light bulbs stand slightly by  selling for millions of dollars… it isn't something I quite get. And I know that authorized replicas of the Marcel Duchamp sculpture called the “Fountain” - which is a urinal - sell for somewhere between 3 and $4 million each and here's the kicker... apparently because the original has been lost the financial the value of the original piece is unknown and might be considered as being priceless. I don't know… it sort of leaves me just trying too hard... knowing I'm falling profoundly short of ascending to the intellectualized rarefied air that somehow makes this sort of thing makes sense. And I also suspect that if I'm voicing these concerns or questions that I am likely to get a lot of people commenting that my remarks point out my ignorance, that I just don't understand and I would …well…agree with them.I'm ok with that. Really.And I think I'm not alone in this category of not understanding contemporary art and the extraordinary prices that contemporary art paintings fetch at auctions and then again maybe if I did, I still wouldn't spend $25 million on a Rothko painting.The thing about critics, I think, is that we entrust these individuals with being in the know, of having deep insight, knowledge or experience into the making of the art. That these are people who understand its value and relevancy to culture and somehow able to unfold the deep meaning in the work whatever format the creativity comes in and to bestow upon us their opinion as if it is fact.The challenge of course is that I think there may be an ignorance in the public and that the deeper inner meaning of things is somehow held in reserve for the creators of the work or select few who follow it.But I've always had a challenge with the idea that the critic seems to have the extraordinary power to completely destroy the creative work as well as raise it to high levels of adulation and praise.I think that in some ways we have come to trust to the critic as certainly knowing more than we do and therefore what they say about a particular piece of art or architecture should be taken as truth and the presumed value of the creation lies in whether their commentary is positive or negative.How many people have not gone to see a movie because it only got 2 stars… and who said it should only have two stars?Maybe I would have found the comedy hilarious… but not the critic.I often don't even check reviews by the masses on restaurant or hotel booking sites and if I do read the reviews, I do it very carefully. I look to see what it was that these people did or didn't like. What it was that made their experience a must see or a definite red tomato. Personally, I dig to see if there is anything at a lower level that suggests what was driving the positive or negative review? What it was in this message that this particular critic is trying to convey?I've often thought that to be able to criticize art or other forms of creative invention you'd have to understand what it was the maker was intending to convey.You'd have to understand the basic ideas, for example, of composition to be able to determine whether a Jackson Pollock or a Kandinsky or a Basquiat was worth all the fuss and on what basis you were making the comments about the work.I guess it's not all critics that I have a problem with but maybe more those who simply present negative opinions. And it's not like I should even care that critic X didn't like thing Y. It was their opinion. Okay so they have an opinion. The challenge is the uninformed may come to accept the opinion as fact and turn away from somethings simply because some one says its not good.I guess the role of the professional critic is to study and assess the value of a creative work and pass judgment on the product based on facts and logical assertions. This is kind of like knowing a bit about composition before offering an opinion the write something off.It seems to me that the idea of a critic is to connect ideas, arrive at reasonable conclusions and perhaps open avenues for discussing new directions and fostering an awareness of ideas and cultural trends.It also seems to me that the role of the critic is to challenge our general assumptions about things to get us to look more deeply at our assertions and to get us to not simply accept things at face value but to continue to search for excellence, challenge the status quo, in all of the things that we bring into the world so that we don't fill it with the mundane or banal.There's something about the critic as ‘educator' - increasing our collective level of understanding of things, pointing out where things might likely be improved and offering positive commentary on what might be a series of next steps in order to develop the output and make it better - that I align with.And I know that the idea of making it ‘better' is full of all manner of subtext and necessity to consider contextual considerations… ‘better' for whom, for what and why?And maybe this is where I mostly land on the idea of the value of the critique is that of using constructive criticism for the value of enhancing people's understanding of a particular subject or giving the creator tools to go back to the drawing board, so to speak, and make it better.Jazz master saxophonist David Liebman wrote a concise piece on his website called “The Critic Dilemma: Criticism vs. Review”. He describes many of the same ideas about who's making he comments, are they objective facts or subjective opinions, and why should we trust one critic's opinion over another? Liebman differentiates between critique and a review:“…When the writer's opinion and taste is the focal point, this constitutes a critique. On the other hand, a review should be the dissemination of information with the desired intention being elucidation. The idea is that with this information, the listener is equipped to form his own opinion…”.And this is where this episode's guest Louisa Whitmore begins to fit into the story.When Louisa was 16 years old she began to share architecture commentary on Tik Tok. She blew up the social media sphere with posts that were personal and occasionally pointed. She came at her critiques of buildings not from the expert or architectural practioner point of view but from that of the user, the general public mindset.She didn't profess to be a building expert, to have deep knowledge in construction but rather to simply be part of the general public who experienced the built environment every day but who had little to nothing to do with how buildings got there in the first place.Her negative commentary on 432 Park Avenue - the luxury condo building designed by Rafael Viñoly and SLCE Architects – lit up the digisphere with 100s of thousands of followers lining up behind her to voice their impressions of this building. Most of them not very good I might add. Which was actually ok since there was a ton of press – not particularly good I might add – about problems with the building. Now, Louisa didn't know about these issues about the engineering, the building swaying (which would be natural by the way) and other problems but felt vindicated nevertheless with the press that effectively substantiated her intuitive feelings about this super-tall condo on the Central Park's edge.I see her posts more like David Leibman's construct of the ‘Review' – “…that with this information, the listener is equipped to form his own opinion…”.And opinions her followers had. 1000's of them.In the spirit of “…the dissemination of information with the desired intention being elucidation…” Whitmore turned her attention to projects thatfocused on Biophilia and how buildings with ample integration of plants seemed to simply feel better. Her noteriaty on Tik Tok, articulate whit, intuition and ability to articulate the ‘person on the street's' perception of the built environment, landed her the role as host of “the cable television documentary series “The Nature of Design”.Over the course of a number of episodes Whitmore tours properties talking about biophilic principles and with the support of a variety of experts ranging from architects to neuroscientists she dives into the science of how buildings with a biophilic approach effect our well-being…Whitmore is called a teenage architecture critic. While her rise on social media platforms may have been based on the building she loved to hate, it seems that she is using her notoriety to review and elucidate…. ABOUT DAVID KEPRON:LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/david-kepron-9a1582bWebsites:  https://www.davidkepron.com    (personal website)vmsd.com/taxonomy/term/8645  (Blog)Email: david.kepron@NXTLVLexperiencedesign.comTwitter: DavidKepronPersonal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidkepron/NXTLVL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtlvl_experience_design/Bio:David Kepron is a multifaceted creative professional with a deep curiosity to understand ‘why', ‘what's now' and ‘what's next'. He brings together his background as an architect, artist, educator, author, podcast host and builder to the making of meaningful and empathically-focused, community-centric customer connections at brand experience places around the globe. David is a former VP - Global Design Strategies at Marriott International. While at Marriott, his focus was on the creation of compelling customer experiences within Marriott's “Premium Distinctive” segment which included: Westin, Renaissance, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels and Gaylord hotels. In 2020 Kepron founded NXTLVL Experience Design, a strategy and design consultancy, where he combines his multidisciplinary approach to the creation of relevant brand engagements with his passion for social and cultural anthropology, neuroscience and emerging digital technologies. As a frequently requested international speaker at corporate events and international conferences focusing on CX, digital transformation, retail, hospitality, emerging technology, David shares his expertise on subjects ranging from consumer behaviors and trends, brain science and buying behavior, store design and visual merchandising, hotel design and strategy as well as creativity and innovation. In his talks, David shares visionary ideas on how brand strategy, brain science and emerging technologies are changing guest expectations about relationships they want to have with brands and how companies can remain relevant in a digitally enabled marketplace. David currently shares his experience and insight on various industry boards including: VMSD magazine's Editorial Advisory Board, the Interactive Customer Experience Association, Sign Research Foundation's Program Committee as well as the Center For Retail Transformation at George Mason University.He has held teaching positions at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), the Department of Architecture & Interior Design of Drexel University in Philadelphia, the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (L.I.M.) in New York, the International Academy of Merchandising and Design in Montreal and he served as the Director of the Visual Merchandising Department at LaSalle International Fashion School (L.I.F.S.) in Singapore.  In 2014 Kepron published his first book titled: “Retail (r)Evolution: Why Creating Right-Brain Stores Will Shape the Future of Shopping in a Digitally Driven World” and he is currently working on his second book to be published soon. David also writes a popular blog called “Brain Food” which is published monthly on vmsd.com. The next level experience design podcast is presented by VMSD magazine and Smartwork Media. It is hosted and executive produced by David Kepron. Our original music and audio production by Kano Sound. The content of this podcast is copywrite to David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design. Any publication or rebroadcast of the content is prohibited without the expressed written consent of David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design.Make sure to tune in for more NXTLVL “Dialogues on DATA: Design Architecture Technology and the Arts” wherever you find your favorite podcasts and make sure to visit vmsd.com and look for the tab for the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast there too. The next level experience design podcast is presented by VMSD magazine and Smartwork Media. It is hosted and executive produced by David Kepron. Our original music and audio production by Kano Sound. The content of this podcast is copywrite to David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design. Any publication or rebroadcast of the content is prohibited without the expressed written consent of David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design.Make sure to tune in for more NXTLVL “Dialogues on DATA: Design Architecture Technology and the Arts” wherever you find your favorite podcasts and make sure to visit vmsd.com and look for the tab for the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast there too.

In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with Mahwish Syed—design visionary, neuroaesthetics expert, and author of Purgatory to Paradise. Together, they explore the intersection of beauty, biology, and building design to create spaces that heal, inspire, and restore balance. Mahwish shares her transformative journey from cancer survivor to design innovator, revealing how neuroaesthetics and biophilia can shift environments from “purgatory” to “paradise.” She explains how lighting, materials, and even layout impact circadian rhythms, mental health, and overall well-being. From hospitals to schools, Mahwish offers practical strategies for designing spaces that promote health and connection—balancing sustainability with human-centered design. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about architecture, wellness, and the future of healing spaces. More About Mahwish Sayed Mahwish Syed is a visionary at the intersection of health, healing, and the transformative power of design. At the forefront of New York City design for over two decades, she has orchestrated beauty through unveiling spaces that utilize neuroaesthetics and biophilia to nourish the soul and promote a healthy environment.   She is an esteemed fashion and interior designer, bestselling author, speaker, and cancer survivor. In her acclaimed book, "Purgatory to Paradise," she unveils the profound influence of beauty as a healing force. Committed to empowering others, she advocates for personal paradises, affirming that genuine beauty is immediate and attainable for all. CONTACT: ClaimYourParadise.com msd-ny.com https://www.instagram.com/mahwish_syed_designs/?hl=enPurgatory to Paradise Book https://www.claimyourparadise.com/podcast Where To Find Us: https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/

Does the natural world bear witness to history? What lessons can nature teach us about survival, adaptation, and connection? This week, we're exploring those questions and so much more alongside Erin Sharkey. Erin Sharkey is the editor of A Darker Wilderness: Black Nature Writing From Soil To Stars, an acclaimed anthology that weaves together history, personal narrative, and imaginative storytelling in order to explore the profound relationship between nature and Black identity. Each essay is connected through the use of archival objects, anchoring each piece to a shared past and nodding to the complicated history of nature writing as a discipline. Erin is a writer, arts and abolition organizer, cultural worker, and film producer based in Minneapolis. She is the cofounder, with Junauda Petrus, of an experimental arts collective called Free Black Dirt and is the producer of film projects including Sweetness of Wild and Small Business Revolution. Erin is also a founding coop member of the Fields at Rootsprings, a retreat center that focuses on healing, learning, and connection for individuals, community and Earth and that centers BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists, activists, and healers.In this episode, we delve into the inspiration behind A Darker Wilderness, the intersections of race and ecology, and how Erin's creative practice brings healing and hope to the communities she serves.Show NotesA Darker Wilderness: Black Nature Writing From Soil to StarsErin Sharkey on InstagramErin Sharkey WebsiteThe Fields at RootspringsRochester Arts CenterBiophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

This week, we're diving deep into the interconnectedness of human health and planetary health. We know that nature provides us with a myriad of health benefits, both as individuals and socially. However, challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss also pose a dire threat to our species, from disease proliferation, unstable food systems, and even increasing crime rates. Our guest today is Dr. Howard Frumkin. Dr. Frumkin is Professor Emeritus of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at the University of Washington and serves as the  Director of the Trust for Public Land's Land & People Lab. Dr. Frumkin is the co-editor of Planetary Health: Protecting Nature to Protect Ourselves.In this episode, we discuss human habitats that are better for people and the planet, rectifying the gap between human progress and planetary degradation, and the inspiring, important work that Dr. Frumkin is doing at the Land & People Lab. ShownotesPlanetary Health: Protecting Nature to Protect Ourselves edited by Samuel Myers and Howard Frumkin Trust for Public LandThe Land & People LabAwe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher KeltnerVitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature Rich Life by Richard LouvNational Nature Assessment COP29: What you need to know about the global climate summitKey Words: climate, climate change, biodiversity, biodiversity loss, biophilia, biophilic design, public land, green space, climate solutions, local solutions, local politics, Howard Frumkin, nature, national nature assessment Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

Is the idea of pristine, untouched nature a misguided fantasy? Are any animals truly wild on a planet so dominated by human impact? And while we're on the topic - what do we mean by wildness in the first place? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that redefines our relationship with nature and encourages us to rethink our place within it.This week, our guest is celebrated science writer Emma Marris, author of Wild Souls: Freedom and Flourishing in the Non-Human World. Emma's work has appeared in publications like National Geographic, The New York Times, and the Atlantic. She is also the author of Rambunctious Garden: Saving Nature in a Post-Wild World. Show NotesEmma Marris WebsiteWild Souls: Freedom and Flourishing in the Non-Human World by Emma MarrisRambunctious Garden: Saving Nature in a Post-Wild World by Emma MarrisBeloved Beasts: Fighting for Life in the Age of Extinction by Michelle Nijhuis Opinion: New York is Wilder Than You Think by Emma Marris (New York TImes)Nature Doesn't Care Where a Species is From by Emma Marris (The Atlantic)Key Words: Animals, Animal Rights, Animal Welfare, Nature, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Climate, Climate Change, Wildness, Wilderness, Ecosystem, Emma Marris, Author, Science, Nature Journalism, Environment, Environmental Philosophy Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

We know that many animals possess “human-like” qualities: the ability to play, sustain friendships, mate for life, and even reflect on the past. But what should we actually do with that information? That's the crucial question that Brandon Keim poses in his latest book Meet the Neighbors: Animal Minds and Life in a More-Than Human World. Brandon is a journalist who specializes in science, nature, and animals. His work has appeared in publications like National Geographic, The New York Times, The Atlantic, and WIRED. In this conversation, we explore questions of what we owe animals, the concept of animal personhood and what legal rights animals should be entitled to, and how we can have nuanced conversations about all of these issues. Show NotesMeet the Neighbors: Animal Minds and Life in a More-Than Human World by Brandon KeimBrandon Keim WebsiteSubscribe to Brandon's SubstackNonhuman Rights ProjectBooks by Richard LouvKey Words: Animals, Animal Welfare, Animal Rights, Nature, Nature Based Solutions, Biophilia, Biophilic, Animal Personhood, Zoo, Animal Intelligence, ScienceBiophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

Lyn Falk is founder and president of Retailworks, Inc. – an award-winning branding, design, display and consulting firm specializing in retail, corporate, and hospitality spaces. She has devoted over 35 years to teaching and helping retailers and business professionals build healthy, purposeful and productive spaces that move hearts, minds & merchandise. Her expertise in retail design, business, science, consumer behaviour and environmental psychology has helped her develop designs that not only meet but often exceed her client's projected goals/sales. Lyn is a passionate advocate of biophilic design. From her perspective, it is important all the time, humans are part of nature and need to reconnect with the environment rather than living in a built environment that pulls us away from nature. Early in her career she was really keen on healthy design, sustainable design and eco-friendly design and took an early interest in Biomimicry and Biophilia.In this podcast, Lyn describes herself as a long-term preacher and educator in the sphere of biophilic design. To her, "Everything is energy, even this brick building I'm in is made from molecules and atoms and energy,", and different materials like glass, wood, and brick vibrate differently, affecting our senses and well-being. She emphasizes the importance of natural materials like wood, which have not undergone extensive processing and retain their original energy. Her designs always include the immediate benefits of incorporating natural elements like plants, natural light, and fresh air into design and as many other elements the brief allows.Lyn's design philosophy is rooted in the understanding that we are fundamentally part of nature, not separate from it. "We cannot exist without abiding by the laws of nature," she says. "We've perhaps been forced into built environments that pull that out of the environment, but we're now seeing the results of that." Those results, according to Lyn, are all too apparent in the retail and hospitality sectors, where a focus on maximizing profits has often come at the expense of human needs.Lyn believes that by reintegrating nature into our built spaces through elements like natural light, plants, and natural materials, we can not only improve the customer experience, but also the wellbeing of employees. "I always say if I had to work in a cubicle, just shoot me," she laughs. “We are living nature, and we've been put in buildings that are static and not necessarily living, breathing buildings.”The key, Lyn argues, is understanding how our senses and subconscious respond to different environmental cues. For instance you can increase dwell time by having your customers listen “to the right genre of music for your target market and for the product that you're selling and your brand the right genre of music at the right volume and the right aroma, people think they were only in your store for a shorter period of time than they actually were."Ultimately, Lyn's vision for a future painted with the “Magic Brush of Biophilia” is one where biophilic design is the norm, not the exception. "Lush green and beautiful, clear blue. It's greens and blues, but all different shades, and just the depths of the green is amazing and enveloping. And the clear, deep, different coloured shades of blue that make you be able to breathe and see and there's clarity."As the world grapples with the consequences of our disconnection from nature, Lyn's advocacy and insight in this podcast serves as a powerful reminder that the solutions may be found in reconnecting with the very essence of what makes us human.www.retailworksinc.comHave you got a copy of the Journal? You can now subscribe to the digital edition or purchase a copy directly from us at the journalofbiophilicdesign.com or Amazon. If you like our podcast and would like to support us in some way, you can buy us a coffee if you'd like to, thank you xBook tickets to the Biophilic Design Conference here www.biophilicdesignconference.comCredits: with thanks to George Harvey Audio Production for the calming biophilic soundscape that backs all our podcasts. Did you know our podcast is also on Audible, Amazon Music, Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, Stitcher, vurbl, podbay, podtail, and most if not all the RSS feeds?Facebook https://www.facebook.com/journalofbiophilicdesign/Twitter https://twitter.com/JofBiophilicDsnLinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/company/journalofbiophilicdesign/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/journalofbiophilicdesign

With the rise of suburban sprawl and city planning that has prioritized car travel above all else, modern American cities seriously lack comfortable walking and biking infrastructure. It's a massive issue - but solutions do exist and importantly, those solutions are decidedly doable. Today we are so thrilled to be speaking with Jeff Speck, a city planner, who is widely known for his work advocating for and creating more walkable cities. His book, Walkable City, first published in 2012, has been translated into seven languages and is the best selling city planning book of the 21st century. Walkable City is also a winner of the Green Prize for Sustainable Literature.Jeff believes that a thriving city is a walkable city, where cars are instruments for freedom but aren't necessary for the day-to-day basics of living. We would also add that walkable cities are fundamentally biophilic because livability and wellness are at the core of biophilia. In this episode, we chat with Jeff about making cities more walkable, the economic benefits of walkable cities, and demanding more of our environments. Shownotes Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time 10th Anniversary Edition by Jeff SpeckThe Smart Growth Manual by Jeff SpeckWalkable City Rules by Jeff SpeckSuburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and the Decline of the American Dream by Jeff Speck The walkable city (TED Talk)4 ways to make a city more walkable (TED Talk)Street Fight: Handbook for an Urban Revolution by Janette Sadik-Khan and Seth SolomonowConfessions of a Recovering Engineer by Charles L. MarohnKilled by a Traffic Engineer by Wes Marshall Andres Duany: Principles of New Urbanism (YouTube)Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

Biophilia, the desire or tendency to commune with nature, is top of mind for author Julia Hotz, who joins the podcast to talk about her new book “The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging.”  Hotz explains how the phenomenon of social prescribing, a non-medical approach to improving health by connecting with nature and community resources, is catching on in the United States after taking root in the United Kingdom.  In addition to examining the research behind her book, she offers anecdotes to illustrate the power of nature, the arts, and having purpose, including stories from her global tour to more than 30 countries.   Despite some barriers to adopting social prescribing in the United States, she points to examples of communities where the concept has been successfully implemented. Finally, Hotz talks about what each of us can do to impact our own environments—where we live and where we work—to create solutions that foster better health and wellbeing.   Find her book on Amazon, here: https://www.amazon.com/Connection-Cure-Prescriptive-Movement-Belonging/dp/1668030330 Explore social prescribing resources at www.socialprescribing.co.  Follow Hotz on Instagram, X, and TikTok using the handle @hotzthoughts.

Mushrooms are fascinating. They're not quite plants and they're not quite animals. Unique and charming mushroom caps are just the fruit of a massive, interconnected mycelium network. And there are millions of mushroom species yet to be discovered. In this episode, Gregory & Emily Han share the mysterious world of mushrooms. They're the co-authors of Mushroom Hunting: Forage for Fungi and Connect with the Earth, a wonderfully accessible pocket guide for identifying common mushrooms and cultivating the joy of discovery. With Emily & Gregory as our guides, we learn about mushroom hunting as a mindfulness practice, why you don't have to harvest or forage to enjoy the simple pleasure of looking, and the mental health benefits of staying curious. So, let's hit the trails and see what we can find. Show NotesMushroom Hunting: Forage for Fungi and Connect with the Earth Wild Drinks & Cocktails: Handcrafted Squashes, Shrubs, Switchels, Tonics, and Infusions to Mix at HomeWild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal MedicineCreative Spaces: People, Homes, & Studios to InspireEmily Han WebsiteEmily Han InstagramGregory Han WebsiteGregory Han InstagramKey Words: Mushroom, Fungi, Mycelium, Foraging, Harvesting, Nature, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Wellness, Mindfulness, Pocket NatureBiophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

"Tanganyika-- It means the origin of Life." -Matt Fouts [working with animals]..."it makes you rmember that life's problems are small." -Lynnlee Schmidt Being an Entrepreneur is full of challenges. Being a successful Entrepreneur and succesfully transitioning a business and the next Generation grows it exponentially is elite territory. Matt Fouts has done that with Tanganyika Wildlife Park, advancing the work his Father pioneered fosterring the relationship between humans and animals.  The experience at Tanganyika is second to none in the United States.  With the unique experiences avaiable to all who visit, they have created "a culture of connecting animals and people together. Biophilia is the hypothesis that there is an inate desire for humans to connect with nature.  The hypothesis is tested and proven true every day at Tanganyika.   As Cheif of Connections, Lynnlee Schmidt feels the power of these conections between humans and nature with every interaction patrons have at Tanganyika.  "I saw the impact animals were having on people. I gained a whole new appreciation for what we do."

Depuis une dizaine d'années, on observe une effervescence éditoriale autour des humanités écologiques. Dans les librairies, cette littérature environnementale, engagée et poétique couvre toujours plus de rayonnages et, tandis que ses ventes ne cessent d'augmenter, la voici qui se taille désormais une place de choix jusque dans les prix et les festivals littéraires. Bref, l'écopoétique a le vent en poupe… Mais que peut l'écriture quand les baleines à bosse disparaissent et que les étourneaux font silence ?  Réponses avec nos invité.e.s : Claire Dutrait. Autrice, enquêtrice et chercheuse en écopoétique, Claire Dutrait est la cofondatrice du collectif et laboratoire d'écriture Urbain, Trop Urbain. Enseignante en lettres classiques et formatrice d'enseignants en didactique du français, les recherches de Claire Dutrait se situent à la croisée des arts et des sciences, en étant ancrées dans les humanités écologiques. Cette année, Claire Dutrait a publié Vivre en Arsenic, écopoétique d'une vallée empoisonnée aux éditions Actes Sud, dans la collection Voix de la Terre Baptiste Lanaspèze. Auteur de Marseille, ville sauvage : Essai d'écologie urbaine (Actes Sud, 2012) et Marseille, énergies et frustrations (Autrement, 2006). En 2018, Baptiste Lanaspèze fonde les éditions Wildproject, une maison d'édition indépendante basée à Marseille et pionnière dans la diffusion des pensées de l'écologie et de la philosophie environnementale qui propose depuis 15 ans des pistes pour penser les sociétés humaines dans leurs relations au vivant. Rachel Carson, Baptiste Morizot, Vandana Shiva, Carolyn Merchant, Kinji Imanishi… Autant d'autrices et d'auteurs publié.e.s aux éditions Wildproject, qui édite à la fois des essais d'écologie politique et des récits littéraires Jean-Christophe Cavallin. Auteur de Valet noir • Vers une écologie du récit aux éditions Corti dans la collection Biophilia en 2021 mais aussi, en avril 2024, co-auteur de Pastorales avec Violaine Bérot (ancienne éleveuse de chèvres et autrice) et Florence Debove (bergère d'estive salariée et autrice également). Par ailleurs, Jean-Christophe Cavallin est docteur en Lettres Modernes et professeur à Aix-Marseille Université où il est responsable du Master «Écopoétique et création littéraire». Raphaëlle Pluskwa nous présente l'album Secret songs of ponds, de David Rothenberg. Ce musicien a plongé un micro dans le fond des étangs pour récolter les sons qui s'y entendent et a composé de la musique avec : il est un des pionniers de la musique inter-espèces.

What would you think if your doctor wrote you a prescription to take a walk outside? To visit an art museum? To take a yoga class? It may sound unconventional, but the practice of prescribing nonmedical interventions to improve health, known as social prescribing, is becoming more and more commonplace. This week, we're chatting with Julia Hotz, author of The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging. With Julia as our guide, we'll explore the profound relationship between environment and wellness, the amazing health outcomes of social prescriptions, and the healthcare professionals at the forefront of this growing movement. In a busy world, where so many of our ailments are lifestyle based, social prescribing helps connect us back to the things that make us human. Show NotesThe Connection Cure: he Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging by Julia HotzSocial Prescribing WebsiteYou're Not Sick – Your Environment Is (Slate)The Connection Cure explores social prescriptions to improve mental health (NPR)Key Words: healthcare, public health, preventative medicine, nature, biophilia, biophilic design, culture, art, wellness, social prescribing, loneliness, health, lifestyle, mental health Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

Wellness is a buzzword that gets thrown a lot these days - but at its core, what does wellness really mean? And how do we design homes, towns, and entire cities where the wellness of residents is a top priority? In this special episode of Biophilic Solutions, we're sharing Dr. Phill Tabb's author talk from the Biophilic Leadership Summit, focusing on his latest book, Wellness Architecture and Urban Design, co-authored with Lahra Tatriele. In this talk, Phill provides some helpful definitions of wellness and demonstrates how certain design choices lay the groundwork for a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Wellness Architecture and Urban Design will be available for pre-order on August 16, 2024. Show NotesWellness Architecture and Urban Design by Phillip James Tabb and Lahra TatrielePresentation SlideshowGlobal Wellness InstituteMini-Forest Revolution: Using the Miyawaki Method to Rapidly Restore the World by Hannah LewisSerenbeTerra School at SerenbeFivelements Retreat BaliKey Words: wellness, urban planning, urban design, biophilic design, biophilia, wellness real estate, real estate, nature, climate change, climate solutions, architecture, green architectureBiophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

Today's guest, Hannah Lewis, is on a mission to restore biodiversity in our towns and cities by planting native trees, pollinators, and shrubs on abandoned lots, degraded land, and in backyards. In her acclaimed new book, Mini-Forest Revolution, Hannah delves into the science behind the Miyawaki method of reforestation, which prioritizes native plants that grow quickly and create microclimates with incredible benefits like cooling urban heat islands, establishing wildlife corridors, and building soil health. The best part? Their small size means that basically anyone can plant a mini-forest. In this episode, we discuss the origins of the Miyawaki method, explore examples throughout the world, and consider how organizations might come together to truly create a mini-forest revolution.Show NotesRenewing the Countryside Mini-Forest Revolution: Using the Miyawaki Method to Rapidly Restore the WorldBiodiversity for a Livable Climate Hannah Lewis WebsiteMaking a Mini-Forest DocumentaryKeywords: Biodiversity, Biophilia, Climate, Ecosystems, Forest, Hannah Lewis, Mini-Forest, Miyawaki Forest, Paris, Trees, Vegetation

In this episode of Biophilic Solutions, we are presenting a Fireside Chat recorded live at the 2024 Biophilic Leadership Summit, a multi-day conference for leaders in the Biohpilic world to come together, share ideas, and learn from one another. This features Serenbe founder, Steve Nygren, moderating a conversation with Ryan Gravel, Atlanta BeltLine creator, and Michael Phillips, President of Jamestown. Ryan discusses the process behind developing the BeltLine and explains how incorporating biophilia in Atlanta's architecture has and will continue to help change the city for the better. Similarly, Michael shares his perspective as a key player in the development of Ponce City Market and other major real estate found along NYC's The High Line, specifically highlighting how nature plays a key role in his decision to transform cities all over the world. Listen in to hear about their unique experiences with sustainable urban development and how incorporating biophilic principles into our cities promotes community, connectivity, and wellness. Links: Jamestown PropertiesMichael Phillips BioPonce City MarketThe High LineRyan Gravel BookRyan Gravel WebsiteThe BeltLine

As an artist and educator, I see that this moment calls for a way of working through decolonization and forging a path of care. I like to think of this through multispecies communities so that, as humans, we're surrounded by more than human life, even in our urban environments. This path of care for our multi-species, communities that make up the neighborhood, the community, and ultimately the earth is where I see my call for research and practice. I know Julie Andreyev from my time on the board of the Canadian Association for Sound Ecology and from the acoustic ecology in Vancouver where she is an Associate Professor in the Audain Faculty of Art, Emily Carr University of Art + Design where she teaches New Media + Sound Arts and Critical Studies.Julie is located on the unceded, traditional and ancestral territories of the Coast Salish people, including the  xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations, as well as the unceded traditional territories of more-than-human animals and plant life including bears, deers, raccoons, eagles, ravens, crows, hummingbirds, cedars, firs, salals and others.It's the first time I see a land acknowledgement that includes more-than-human life and Julie is a good person to lead the way. Her multispecies art practice explores more-than-human creativity and our relations. You'll hear talk about some current projects including Bird Park Survival Station, a long term reciprocity project with local birds, and Branching Songs a sound art project that draws attention to wondrous gifts provided by trees and forest ecosystems.During our conversation Julie mentioned her book : Lessons from a Multispecies Studio : Uncovering Ecological Understanding and Biophilia through Creative ReciprocityNear the end Julie tells a fascinating story about crow friends of hers, so stay tuned. Julie's recommended listening are:Tree Museum Talking Territory Podcast : interviews that explore the aesthetics and politics of trees, animals and relations to the land. When We Talk About Animals podcastQuantum Listening by Pauline Oliveros One Drum by Richard WagameseThe Light Eaters by Zoë SchlangerEntangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake *END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODESHere is a link for more information on season 5. Please note that, in parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and it's francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I publish a Substack newsletter called ‘a calm presence' which are 'short, practical essays for those frightened by the ecological crisis'. To subscribe (free of charge) see https://acalmpresence.substack.com. You'll also find a podcast version of each a calm presence posting on Substack or one your favorite podcast player.Also. please note that a complete transcript of conscient podcast and balado conscient episodes from season 1 to 4 is available on the web version of this site (not available on podcast apps) here: https://conscient-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes.Your feedback is always welcome at claude@conscient.ca and/or on conscient podcast social media: Facebook, X, Instagram or Linkedin. I am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. Claude SchryerLatest update on April 2, 2024

Welcome to this special Q&A episode where I answer your burning questions about harmonizing home energy. Tune in as we dive into your inquiries! We'll explore practical tips for enhancing the energy flow in your space, incorporating nature into your home, and balancing your environment for optimal well-being. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with insights to help you create a harmonious living space.Join my private Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/goodchiclub/Want more bedroom Feng Shui tips? Go here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2209887/14274993Balanced Office Bliss episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2209887/13810404Thanks so much for listening to Feng Shui Living!Hosted by Lisa MortonMake sure you subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more and follow Lisa here:www.purelivingwithlisamorton.comwww.instagram.com/purelivingwithlisamortonwww.facebook.com/purelivingwithlisamortonwww.pinterest.com/purelivingwithlisamortonThanks to our secondary show sponsor:Good Chi - Balance your energy and space

Old Growth Forests, natural forests that have grown undisturbed over a long period of time, offer a wide variety of benefits including storing more carbon and nitrogen than typical forests, providing a unique structure that supports rich ecosystems, and offering an example of what nature looks like when it flourishes on its own. Unfortunately, due in large part to human intervention, these old forests are hard to come by - but our guest today wants to change that. Joan Maloof is Professor Emeritus of Biology at Salisbury University and the Founder of the Old Growth Forest Network, the only national network of protected, old-growth, native forests in the United States. The organization's goal is to locate and designate at least one protected old forest in every U.S. county that has the right climate to sustain a forested area. In this conversation, Monica and Jennifer chat with Joan about her journey to founding the Old Growth Forest network, the intricate and rich ecosystems that these old forests support, and beauty as a catalyst for positive change.Show NotesThe Old Growth Forest NetworkAbout Joan MaloofFind a ForestNominate a ForestVolunteer with the Old Growth Forest NetworkNature's Temples: The Complex World of Old Growth Forests by Joan MaloofAmong the Ancients: Adventures in Eastern Old Growth Forests by Joan MaloofTeaching the Trees: Lessons from the Forest by Joan Maloof 

Dean continues with part two on biophilia's outdoor living style (our relationship with nature).  Dean believes that dead silence isn't the best for relaxation but, how birds and their sounds are the key to relaxation. Dean talks about how the patterns of trees and their branches also helps the mind go to a relaxed state. Dean shares his expertise on a delayed water heating system & how a bridge valve could help with issue.

Dean talks about biophilic outdoor living as he defines what biophilia means and how it has become very popular in homes.New generation of individuals are spending about 17% less time outside than other generations and its causing major stress/learning disabilities. Dean shares how humans have a natural connection with biophilia realm. Also, background noise equals stress such in urban living areas. Dean adives a caller on what type of paint to use when painting a porch near a lake. 

The smart cities movement, which seeks to optimize public wellbeing through the use of technology and data, and the biophilic cities movement are happening at the same time - but it rarely feels like these two movements are working together towards a common goal. Our guest today, Dr. Nadina Galle, hopes to change that. Nadina is an ecological engineer who studies emerging technologies that can enhance nature in urban environments, a concept she calls the Internet of Nature (ION). Her forthcoming book, "The Nature of Our Cities: Harnessing the Power of the Natural World to Survive a Changing Planet", offers insight and examples of how nature benefits when we use new technologies the right way. In this episode, we chat with Nadina about her impressive body of work and dive into some examples - from emailing and texting trees to AI robots that can actually perform a controlled burn with less smoke.Show NotesDr. Nadina GallePre-order The Nature of Our Cities: Harnessing the Power of the Natural World to Survive a Changing PlanetThe Internet of Nature (ION)Nature Has The Answers with Monica Olsen and Jennifer Walsh of Biophilic Solutions (Internet of Nature Podcast)How Central Park Keeps New Yorkers Healthy with Jennifer Walsh of Biophilic Solutions (Internet of Nature Podcast)Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv 

What technological solutions can mitigate our ecological and economic crises? Why are horizontally integrated 'smart' data sharing networks so important? What are 'Glocalisation' and Bio-regional governance? Will we rise to the challenge in time to survive the next extinction event? Today we have the technological solutions to our economic and ecological crisis offered by the Third Industrial Revolution to consider. Some may jump to the conclusion that technology and industrialisation are what got us into this mess in the first place and depending on my mood on any one day I might agree with you, but there's no turning back the clock on the scientific and technological revolutions, so if you can't beat it then reform it; And many social elements of the digital and internet revolution seem to have started doing just that, quite independently. That said it has been the campaign and deep vision of my guest today for more than 40 years to go further than just talking about it, to push beyond political divides by prioritising life over blind growth and productivity, and get big entities like governments and trade federations to start thinking like this. He is of course the economist, social theorist, activist and author of 21 books, Jeremy Rifkin. His work focuses on the impact of scientific and technological changes on the economy, the workforce, society, and the environment. Today we'll be focusing on this new book the “Age of Resilience”, his 2014 book “The Zero Marginal Cost Society”, and his 2011 book “The Third Industrial Revolution”; Rifkin has been an advisor to the leadership of the European Union since 2000 and several other European heads of state, particularly on ushering in the smart, green revolution; he has advised the Peoples Republic of China on the build out and scale up of the Internet in a sustainable low-carbon economy; And he is currently advising the European Commission on the deployment of the Smart Europe initiative. What we discuss: 00:00 Intro. 06:20 Dysfunctional economic system from 1st and 2nd and Industrial Revolution. 08:00 Exponential Climate change feedback loop from industrialisation. 08:30 New Communication, Energy, logistics and water paradigm changes alter society radically. 10:20 Infrastructure paradigms define our world view. 15:00 Dropping productivity and efficiency after 2008. 17:50 Near-marginal cost economy e.g Solar, wind, internet commerce. 20:00 Jeremy's 3rd Industrial Revolution vision, all at near zero marginal cost. 21:30 Component 1: Communication via the internet. 22:30 Component 2: Energy internet - sharing surplus globally. 23:55 Component 3: Logistics internet fed by the energy internet. 24:30 Component 4: The Water internet. 31:00 The 3IR infrastructure system is by its nature distributed using data over the internet. 38:00 "The Age of Resilience" Book. 38:20 Biophilia, Eco-consciousness, and an empathic society. 44:10 “Periods of Happiness.. are the black pages of history” Hegel. 47:00 Mirror neurones and empathic neurocircuitry. 55:00 Extinction events lead to unity. 55:50 Shadow 1: Big data. Can this common be democratised? 01:02:52 Bio-regional governance. 01:04:45 “Glocalisation”. 01:19:00 Shadow 2: The internet business model. 01:29:40 Shadow 3: No motivation for corporations to move from multinational investment to ‘glocal' investment. 01:39:00 Differences between Claus Schwab's “4th Industrial Revolution” and Jeremy's 3rd. 01:50:00 The Ginsburg “Moloch” allegory. Jeremy Rifkin, “The Age of Resilience: Reimagining Existence on a Rewilding Earth” https://search.app.goo.gl/g97t6pL Jeremy Rifkin, “The Third Industrial Revolution” https://search.app.goo.gl/gbMdqE9 Jeremy Rifkin, “The Zero Marginal Cost SocietyThe Zero Marginal Cost Society” https://search.app.goo.gl/eiZXAy5 The Human Microbiome Project NIH https://hmpdacc.org/

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Repasar el catálogo de Biophilia Records es un modo de hacer un panorama de jóvenes músicos que, llegados de todo el mundo, conforman un sector bastante inquieto de la escena neoyorquina. Escuchamos a Fabian Almazan, Linda May Han Oh, Sara Serpa, Lara Bello, Chase Elodia, Julien Knowles,  Adam O'Farrill, Nortonk y la Awakening Orchestra. Temas que suenan en el programa: 01 2019 Fabian Almazan Trio - This Land Abounds With Life 04 Ella - Linda May Han Oh Henry Cole (4' 07'') 02 2023 Linda May Han Oh - The Glass Hours 03 Chimera Sara Serpa Mark Turner Fabian Almazan Obed Calvaire (5' 31'') 03 2023 Sara Serpa & André Matos - Night Birds 02 Carlos Sofia Jernberg Dov Manski João Pereira (4' 03'') 04 2017 Lara Bello - Sikame 11 La Semilla Lionel Loueke Jorge Pardo Carles Benavent Gil Goldstein Leni Stern Richard Bona Samuel Torres (4' 42'') 05 2022 Chase Elodia - Have, Know, Want 01 Claire Dickson Theo Walentiny Tyrone Allen (4' 12'') 06 2023 Julien Knowles - As Many, As One 02 The Boot Devin Daniels Javier Santiago Dario Bizio Benjamin Ring (4' 51'') 07 2021 Adam O'Farrill's Stranger Days - Visions Of Your Other 01 Stakra Xavier Del Castillo Walter Stinson Zack O'Farrill (3' 56'') 08 2020 Nortonk - Nortonk 05 Quat Thomas Killackey Gideon Forbes Stephen Pale Steven Crammer (4' 38'') 09 2019 Awakening Orchestra - Volume II To call her to a higher plain 13 On the Changing of Things That We Can Not Accept (7' 36'') Y os recomiendo, como siempre, la web jazzaragon para estar al día del jazz en Aragón

In the lives of many humans, deer occupy a really fascinating middle ground between so many binaries: domestic and wild, familiar and alien, beautiful and pest. They're also, interestingly, the only large mammal that seems to thrive in human-dominated environments. So, what exactly is going on with deer? On today's episode of the podcast, we're joined by Age of Deer author Erika Howsare to discuss the role that deer play in human life - from mythology to natural history to science - and what these enigmatic creatures can teach us about our own relationship to wildness.Erika Howsare is a writer and journalist based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her new book, The Age of Deer, has been hailed as a “masterpiece” by the Washington Post. Show NotesThe Age of Deer by Erika HowsareIf You See a Deer PodcastAbout ErikaDeer: friend or foe? Or how about both? - Washington Post book reviewFrom endangered to cuddly to ‘pests': What the Age of Deer says about the human mind - LA Times book Review

Today's episode is a great example of using your unique skills to amplify your impact. This week, Monica is chatting with Atlanta-based writer Austin Louis Ray, who has contributed to publications like Rolling Stone, GQ, Creative Loafing, and Eater, just to name a few. He is also the publisher of How I'd Fix Atlanta, a seasonal collection of essays from Atlanta natives about the action steps they would take to improve their city. Topics include Biophilic Solutions favorites like walkability, wildlife in the city, supporting pollinator habitats, clean energy, and more. The conversation today, however, really revolves around how Austin does it: how he finds his writers, how he raises money to pay those writers well, and how he uses the How I'd Fix Atlanta series to build awareness at the city council and beyond.  Show NotesAbout Austin L. RayHow I'd Fix AtlantaSupport How I'd Fix AtlantaFollow Austin on XPhoto Credit: Jason Travis Climate ConfidentWith a new episode every Wed morning, the Climate Confident podcast is weekly podcast...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

It's easy to think that business interests are diametrically opposed to environmental progress - and in many cases, you wouldn't be wrong. However, meaningful evidence suggests that many businesses would actually improve their bottom line if they adopted more sustainable practices. Enter today's guest, David S. Eady, the Director of Industry Engagement at Georgia Tech, a co-appointment from the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business and the university's Scheller School of Business. In this role, David establishes relationships with local business leaders in order to help them achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, a target set by Drawdown Georgia. In his (limited) spare time, David also serves as the mayor of Oxford, Georgia, where his lifelong career in environmentalism has inspired a number of important sustainability initiatives. In this interview, Monica catches up with David about the power of collective action and partnership, measuring impact over time, and meeting business leaders where they are. Show NotesAbout David EadyDrawdown Georgia Business CompactDrawdown GeorgiaRay C. Anderson Center for Sustainable BusinessOxford GA Official City WebsiteBiophilic Solutions | Shifting to a Green Economy with Edward B. BarbierKey Words: Climate Change, Climate Action, Environmental Issues, Corporate Responsibility, Georgia Tech, GA Tech, David S. Eady, Drawdown, Drawdown GA, Ray C. Anderson, Carbon, Carbon Emissions, Biophilia, Biophilic Design 

What does it really mean when we talk about reconnecting with nature? To actually connect with nature, is it enough to simply get outside? Who speaks for the rights of nature to remain undisturbed? These are just a few of the compelling questions raised by our guest today, Dr. Karen Lloyd. Karen is the author of acclaimed book Abundance: Nature in Recovery and is a lecturer at the University of Lancaster, as well as writer in residence at the university's Future Places Institute. Her work largely explores themes like abundance, restoration and repair in the natural world.In this episode, we chat with Karen about a wide range of issues including habitat loss in her native Lake District, why the tendency to shift our baseline isn't helping us in the climate fight, the city that has declared pollinators as citizens, and how we can meaningfully re-entangle ourselves with the natural world. Show NotesAbout Karen Lloyd (University of Lancaster)Karen Lloyd WebsiteAbundance: Nature in Recovery by Karen LloydAre You Suffering From Shifting Baseline Syndrome? (Earth.Org)Sweet City: Defeating the City-Nature Antagonism (Congress for the New Urbanism)Hyperobjects: Philosophy and Ecology After the End of the World by Tim Morton Follow Karen on Facebook and XKey Words: Nature, Nature Based Solutions, University of Lancaster, Lake District, English Lake District, Pollinators, Pollinator Habitats, Hyperobject, Climate, Climate Change, Climate Solutions, Biophilia, Biophilic Design 

Time and time again, we've seen that spending time in nature has profound effects on our physical and mental wellbeing, but did you know that the outdoors are also uniquely suited for imparting leadership skills? This week, we're chatting with Sandy Colhoun, the President of NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), a global nonprofit wilderness school that is dedicated to stewardship & sustainability, diversity in the outdoors, education, leadership, safety, and community. Their programs range from expeditions for young students and semester-away programs to executive leadership and even NASA training courses. In this conversation, we chat with Sandy about his own formative experience in a NOLS program, discovering yourself in the wild, and we define a core tenet of the NOLS philosophy, expedition behavior.Show NotesNOLSAbout Sandy ColhounNOLS Stewardship & SustainabilityNOLS Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion NOLS Programs & CoursesResourcesFollow NOLS on InstagramChattahoochee Hills Charter SchoolWalk Your Way Calm: A Guided Journal for Uncluttering Your Mind with Every Step by Jennifer WalshKey Words: NOLS, Outdoor Education, Leadership, Outdoor Adventure, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Nature Based Solutions, Nature Based Learning, Wilderness, Wilderness Medicine

E.O. Wilson once said, “if insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse into chaos”- and he wasn't wrong. In fact, our entire food system depends on the energy that tiny bugs transfer to vertebrates. So, what's the issue? Insects themselves depend on native plants and larger portions of our outdoor spaces have been overtaken by non-native, invasive species and resource-intensive, environmentally futile lawns. It sounds dire, but there are plenty of solutions according to today's guest Douglas Tallamy, the T. A. Baker Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. Dr. Tallamy has dedicated much of his career to raising awareness about the significance of native plants and outlining the simple, common-sense solutions that everyone can use to improve biodiversity in their own backyard. In this conversation, we chat with Doug about the promise of keystone species, the amazing progress he's made reintroducing native plants on his own Pennsylvania property, and the nonprofit he founded to encourage private landowners to join the movement.Show NotesAbout Douglas TallamyHomegrown National ParkHomegrown National Park: Native Plant Resource DirectoryBringing Nature Home by Douglas W. TallamyThe Living Landscape by Rick Darke and Douglas W. TallamyNature's Best Hope by Douglas W. TallamyThe Nature of Oaks by Douglas W. TallamyMeet the Ecologist Who Wants You to Unleash the Wild on Your Backyard (Smithsonian)Key Words: Native Plants, Pollinator Garden, Oak Trees, Keystone Species, Ecosystem, Ecosystem Restoration, Biodiversity, Biodiversity Crisis, Douglas Tallamy, Doug Tallamy, Food System, Biophilia, Biophilic Design 

Our guest today, Shelby Stanger, believes that a little bit of outdoor adventure is the key to a full and happy life. In fact, Shelby credits her own experiences surfing and escaping her comfort zone with catapulting her into a totally new life path. Today, Shelby is the host of the Wild Ideas Worth Living podcast and the author of Will To Wild: Adventures Big and Small to Change Your Life, a field guide of sorts for anyone interested in seeking more adventure. The best part? For Shelby, deep transformation doesn't require an expensive retreat or tons of self-help books - simply getting outside on a consistent basis can completely shift your perspective and lead to meaningful growth.In this episode, we chat with Shelby about the power of awe, a few particularly inspiring stories from her amazing book (seriously - we can't recommend it enough!) and the magic you find out on the trails. Show NotesWill to Wild: Adventures Big and Small to Change Your LifeWild Ideas Worth Living PodcastAbout Shelby StangerShelby Stanger on InstagramKey Words: Nature, Adventure, Wildness, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Wellness, Self Help, Recreation, Outdoor Recreation, Surfing, Surf, Nature, Nature Based Solutions

Our guest today, Robert Hammond, has dedicated his life to creating vibrant public spaces that foster human connection, wellbeing, and bring out the best in our communities. In the late 90's, Robert, alongside business partner Joshua David, co-founded New York City's iconic High Line, transforming an abandoned rail line into a lush greenway that connects 1.5 miles of Manhattan. After over two decades at The High Line, Robert took on a new role as President and Chief Strategy Officer at Therme US, a global company that is revolutionizing the ancient practice of thermal bathing in order to bring wellness to people from all walks of life. In this episode, we chat with Robert about his incredible career, the importance of public spaces that foster social infrastructure, and his ultimate goal to democratize wellness (and make it a little more fun in the process).Show NotesThe High LineHigh Line Co-Founder Robert Hammond to join Therme GroupTherme Group: A Global Wellbeing LeaderTherme Sustainable TechnologyA magical, green walk along Paris' Promenade Plantee (Guardian)Robert Hammond on InstagramKey Words: High Line, Friends of the High Line, New York, New York City, Green Infrastructure, Social Infrastructure, Therme, Thermal Bathing, Wellness, Biophilia, Biophilic, Nature Based Solutions, Nature