Natural Obsession Podcast

EP 18 | We Were Made for the Wild (Part 2 of 2): Finding Balance in a Disconnected World

Come along with us for the second part of this two part episode with Professors of Psychology Dr. Jennifer Penney and Dr. Carmen Merrick! Learn with us as they talk about their research on nature connectedness and how it benefits us psychologically. Have you ever noticed how a short walk can flip your whole day? We lean into that reality with a deep, practical look at nature connectedness—what it is, how psychologists measure it, and why it consistently boosts mood, attention, creativity, and resilience. Dr. Jennifer Penner and Dr. Carmen Merrick, unpack the difference between “time outside” and the felt sense of belonging to a living community, then connect the dots between physiology, behavior, and culture so you can actually use this science. We dig into the everyday choices that make reconnection possible. From the power of birdsongs and window views when you can’t get outside to why thirty minutes outside often hits the sweet spot for stress relief and focus—the message is refreshingly doable. You’ll hear how campuses and workplaces can nudge healthier defaults with outdoor classes, walking meetings, and simple green spaces, and how group conservation projects convert climate anxiety into meaningful action and renewed agency. Along the way, we talk equity in green space, ADHD and executive function benefits from outdoor time, and the culture change needed to loosen our dependence on screens. This is a hopeful, grounded guide to living slower and rewilding daily life without leaving your job or your city—one windowsill planter, lunch-break walk, and neighborhood project at a time. If this conversation sparks something, tap follow, share with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a quick review to help more people find the show. To learn more about our guests this episode click the links below: Dr. Jennifer Penner [https://www.hendrix.edu/psychology/penner/] Dr. Carmen Merrick [https://www.hendrix.edu/psychology/profile.aspx?id=89701] _______________________ What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about? Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own. To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/ [https://www.natob.co/]. If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at info@natob.co. Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info: * Natural Obsession on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572413814197] * @NatObPodcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/natobpodcast/]

EP 18 | We Were Made for the Wild (Part 1 of 2): Finding Balance in a Disconnected World

In this first of two episodes, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Penner and Dr. Carmen Merrick, psychology professors at Hendrix College, to explore how time in nature can calm the mind, restore balance, and reconnect us to what matters most. From classrooms in Arkansas to fieldwork in Costa Rica, Jenn and Carmen study how the outdoors shapes memory, emotion, and well-being. We talk about why students feel more anxious than ever, how nature helps us slow down, and what it means to find wholeness in a busy, distracted world. Whether you’re a parent, student, or anyone trying to live slower and more intentionally, this conversation will remind you that we were made for the wild. Learn more about their work at Hendrix College: Dr. Jennifer Penner [https://www.hendrix.edu/psychology/penner/] Dr. Carmen Merrick [https://www.hendrix.edu/psychology/profile.aspx?id=89701] _______________________ What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about? Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own. To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/ [https://www.natob.co/]. If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at info@natob.co. Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info: * Natural Obsession on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572413814197] * @NatObPodcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/natobpodcast/]

EP 17 | Raised in the Wild: She Doesn’t Buy Meat — She Hunts It

From her first deer hunt at just one week old to harvesting a mountain goat after months of scouting steep Colorado terrain with her teenage son, Hillery Edinger carries forward a rich family legacy of hunting and outdoor living. She’s a fourth-generation outdoorswoman whose life centers around the land—and what it provides. Hillery shares stories of her grandmother who took down 31 bull elk during her lifetime, carefully documenting each harvest with photos and handwritten notes that now serve as family heirlooms and hunting wisdom. This conversation pulls us into what it means to truly live off the land in modern America. Hillery and her family of four rarely purchase meat from stores, instead filling their freezer with ethically harvested game—from elk and deer to mountain lion and even invasive iguanas hunted during a family trip to Puerto Rico. She uses every part of the animals she harvests, turning bear fat into pie crusts and elk tallow into soaps and balms. But it’s not just about the food. Hillery speaks to the connection, resilience, and presence that the hunting lifestyle has built into her family. Her sons are learning to call in elk, butcher meat, and notice the rhythms of the wild—skills that go far beyond the woods. As she puts it: “I don’t have a fear of them ever having a hard time feeding themselves. No matter what the world turns into, they should be able to put meat on their plate.” This episode is part of our Season 2 theme: Live Slow, Re-Wild—a return to what matters. 🎧 Listen now and hear what a life lived close to the land really looks like. — Follow Hillery on Instagram: @change_altitude_seek_adventure https://www.instagram.com/change_altitude_seek_adventure _______________________ What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about? Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own. To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/ [https://www.natob.co/]. If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at info@natob.co. Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info: * Natural Obsession on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572413814197] * @NatObPodcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/natobpodcast/]

EP 16 | Climbing Toward Presence

Imagine gripping onto a rock face, your focus narrowed to just your next move, the world's noise fading into silence. For JD Borgeson of the Arkansas Climbing Coalition, this mental clarity represents rock climbing's greatest gift—a complete escape from our distracted modern lives into pure presence. "When you're climbing, you're thinking about how tired you are, where you are on the climb, what your next move is," JD explains. "You really don't have an opportunity to think of much else." This natural flow state aligns perfectly with our season's "Live Slow, Rewild" theme, as climbing strips away digital distractions and reconnects us with our most fundamental human capabilities. Arkansas might surprise you as a climbing destination, yet it offers world-class opportunities without the crowds found in more famous locations. From epic multi-pitch adventures to accessible urban crags, the state's diverse climbing landscape caters to all skill levels. JD walks us through the different climbing styles—bouldering, sport climbing, and traditional climbing—while emphasizing the sport's accessibility: "If you can climb a ladder, you can absolutely climb a rock." The Arkansas Climbing Coalition's work extends beyond simply promoting the sport. Their mission centers on preserving access to existing climbing areas through sustainable trail maintenance and hardware replacement, while also opening new areas like Crystal Bluff in North Little Rock. This urban crag development represents a rare achievement in climbing accessibility, bringing approximately 100 routes within minutes of downtown. For those inspired to try climbing, JD offers practical advice on where to start: local climbing gyms provide safe introduction, while beginner-friendly outdoor locations like Horseshoe Canyon near Jasper offer natural experiences with established facilities. The climbing community welcomes newcomers through events like the annual Arkansas Climbers Festival, which draws hundreds for a weekend of climbing, learning, and community building. Ready to escape the digital noise and rediscover your connection to the natural world? Grab some climbing shoes and discover what happens when you focus only on the rock beneath your hands. As JD reminds us, sometimes the greatest adventures come when we leave our phones behind and simply engage with the present moment. Arkansas Climbers Coalition Website: https://www.arkansasclimbers.org/ [https://www.arkansasclimbers.org/] Arkansas Climbers Coalition Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/arkansasclimbers/ [https://m.facebook.com/arkansasclimbers/] Email: admin@arkansasclimbers.org _______________________ What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about? Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own. To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/ [https://www.natob.co/]. If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at info@natob.co. Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info: * Natural Obsession on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572413814197] * @NatObPodcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/natobpodcast/]

EP 15 | Meant to Bee: Honey, Healing, and Holistic Living

What if the most powerful medicine grew right in your backyard? Chris and Alex Baker are proving it does at City Farm Conway, their regenerative farm where honeybees, herbs, and holistic practices create a symphony of natural living. The couple's journey began separately—Chris with an affinity for beekeeping and self-sustainability, Alex searching for alternatives to the chronic illness that plagued her family. When they met, their shared passion for nature blossomed into a marriage built on God and stewarding the land. "We've walked through health crises," Alex explains, describing their battle with toxic mold illness that deepened their commitment to natural remedies. From raw honey's antimicrobial properties to the calming effects of lemon balm tinctures, the Bakers have woven traditional wisdom into their modern lives. Their fermented garlic honey—a potent cold remedy—exemplifies their approach: simple, yet powerful. Their beekeeping practice goes beyond honey production. Chris shares fascinating insights about these intelligent creatures—including the extraordinary story of bees molding propolis into the exact shape of their hive number, demonstrating remarkable pattern recognition. While honeybees aren't native to North America, the Bakers explain how beekeepers often become advocates for all pollinators, creating habitats that benefit native species through reduced pesticide use and increased biodiversity. Recently settled on a three-acre homestead teeming with wildlife and medicinal plants, the Bakers embody what we call "Re-Wilding"—not an escape from modern life, but a return to natural rhythms. "It's about restoring what's been lost, not just in the land but in ourselves.” Their prescription for others is refreshingly simple: stop spraying chemicals, plant flowers, and literally "touch grass" to reconnect with the earth beneath your feet. Want to taste the difference that intention makes? Connect with City Farm Conway on social media to experience their raw honey and herbal products for yourself. Your body will thank you. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityFarmConway/ [https://www.facebook.com/CityFarmConway/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cityfarmconway/ [https://www.instagram.com/cityfarmconway/] YouTube: https://youtube.com/@cityfarmconway?feature=shared [https://youtube.com/@cityfarmconway?feature=shared] Website: https://arkansasgrown.org/listing/city-farm-conway/ [https://arkansasgrown.org/listing/city-farm-conway/] _______________________ What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about? Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own. To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/ [https://www.natob.co/]. If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at info@natob.co. Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info: * Natural Obsession on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572413814197] * @NatObPodcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/natobpodcast/]