Becoming Nature Podcast

In this episode of the Becoming Nature podcast, host we sit down to talk about the fifth volume of the Elementals series with editors Gavin Van Horn and Nickole Brown. We explore the themes of kinship, belonging, and the urgent need for awareness of the elemental forces that shape our lives. The conversation delves into the indifference of the elements, the cultural shifts needed to respect them, and the importance of community and gratitude in our relationship with nature. The episode concludes with reflections on the power of light and an invitation to engage more deeply with the natural world. Takeaways * The Elementals series emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life. * Community plays a crucial role in navigating environmental challenges. * Gratitude is essential in our relationship with nature. * The elements can be both life-giving and destructive. * Cultural shifts are necessary to foster a deeper connection with the elements. * Poetry serves as a powerful medium to express elemental experiences. * The urgency of climate change calls for immediate action and awareness. * We must learn to love and respect the elements as vital forces of life. * Engagement with nature can lead to a sense of purpose and belonging.

In this conversation, Leora and I discuss the Earth Elementals volume, exploring themes of inheritance, responsibility, and the interconnectedness of life. Leora shares her journey as a geographer and poet, emphasizing the importance of understanding our relationship with the earth and its elements. The discussion highlights the diverse contributions of various authors, the intimacy of storytelling, and the significance of memory and history in shaping our future. They reflect on the power of poetry and the need for cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.We speak to the profound perspectives that emerge from the contributions to the Elementals volume.   NOTE: THE SOUND IS AT TIMES A BIT ‘CLICKY’ DUE TO A FAULTY MICROFON. THIS COULD NOT BE FIXED DURING EDITING. WE DECIDED TO KEEP IT, AS LEORA HAS SO MANY VALID INSIGHT AND THOUGHT. Thank you for listening.   Takeaways * Inheritance is complex, involving responsibility and creativity. * Research should focus on recovering relationships with nature. * The earth is a living entity that teaches us about life. * Storytelling creates intimacy and connection with the earth. * Each author's voice in the volume offers unique perspectives. * Understanding history is crucial for survival and thriving together. * Indigenous knowledge holds valuable lessons for contemporary issues. * Poetry can change consciousness and perspective. * Cooperation is essential for learning from the earth.

This episode is the second of our podcast special, in a collaboration special with the Center for Humans and Nature [https://humansandnature.org/elementals/]. It is series that celebrates the Center’s series ‘Elementals’ as well as a celebration of the many voices that contributed to the series. It is a great honor to finally shares these episodes with you.   In this episode I’m joined by writer and friend Nicholas Triolo. We explore the multifaceted nature of air represented in the volume. We discuss its significance in both personal and societal contexts. We delve into the concept of air bars and the economic implications of commodifying air. The role of air in communication and connection. The discussion also touches on environmental justice, the importance of breath in existence, and the power of language and poetry to convey the essence of air. We speak to the profound perspectives that emerge from the contributions to the Elementals volume.   He reads from his essay as well as Ross Gay’s poem ‘A small needless fact’. This was a rich conversation.

This episode is the second of our podcast special, in a collaboration special with the Center for Humans and Nature [https://humansandnature.org/elementals/]. It is series that celebrates the Center’s series ‘Elemental’ as well as a celebration of the many voices that contributed to the series. It is a great honor to finally shares these episodes with you. Writers Lyanda Haupt and Hannah Close join me in a conversation about water. We go with the flow of it all, moving through thoughts on how water is essential for various life forms, emphasizing its role in sustaining ecosystems. Lyanda shares her story of the American dipper, a bird that thrives in aquatic environments. The dipper's health is directly linked to the quality of the water and the presence of salmon, which provide nourishment. Hannah expands on this idea by discussing the concept of Eros, describing how water is a unifying force that connects all life. She states, "Without the ocean and without the unifying integrative force of Eros, there would be no life." They both share insights into their work, which blends, poetry, creative non-fiction with scientific perspectives, emphasizing the importance of honor and wonder in connecting with the more-than-human world. Tune in to discover the profound perspectives that emerge from their contributions to the Elementals volume and to hear how water shapes our understanding of nature and ourselves. They both read from their work as well as share their perspectives on the importance of looking at the world through the lens of the elements.     And please don't forget to subcribe, share and leave a review. Thank you.

This episode is the first of 5 episode of a collaboration with the Center for Humans and Nature [https://humansandnature.org/elementals/]. It is a series to celebrate the Center’s series ‘Elemental’ as well as a celebration of the many voices that contributed to the series. It is a great honor to finally shares these episodes with you. In this episode of our special, I sit down with nature writer Isaac Yuen and contributor Rina Garcia Cua. We delve into the theme of fire, exploring its multifaceted significance and the personal and collective narratives surrounding this elemental force. They both share insights into their work, which blends, poetry, creative non-fiction with scientific perspectives, emphasizing the importance of honor and wonder in connecting with the more-than-human world. Tune in to discover the profound perspectives that emerge from their contributions to the Elementals volume and to hear how fire shapes our understanding of nature and ourselves. They both read from their work as well as share their perspectives on the importance of looking at the world through the lens of the elements.   with Isaac Yeun and Rina Garcia Chua If you enjoyed this episode please comment, share, rate and review.   Thank you so much