A Journey Through Nature and Science

Genetics can tell us a great deal about our ancestry and so can newspapers, oral histories, an public records.  Together they tell a story about who we are as human beings.  Mica L. Anders joins us on this episode to help us understand how ancestry research is done.  She is the history detective you never knew you needed. With over 20 years in genealogy, she's made it her mission to uncover the stories history forgot. Specializing in African American and Midwestern U.S. narratives, Mica turns dusty records and forgotten facts into captivating tales helping people form all walks of life to better understand their history.

As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and recipient of the 2023 Minnesota Genealogical Society Pioneer Award, Mica brings forgotten histories to life. Whether you're curious about your family's journey or want to add depth to your organization's story, Mica's here to help you discover the amazing hidden chapters of your past.  

We explore how DNA and forensics are used to uncover family histories and well as solve cold cases.  What is the science behind genetic markers?  How is mitochondrial DNA, passed down from mothers used to research one's ancestry?  We answer these and a host of other questions in this episode

How does uncovering one's family history impact their sense of identity and place in the world?

Caring for stroke survivors at home can be challenging.  Dr. Kenneth Monaghan, PhD, is a renowned expert in stroke rehabilitation with over 32 years of clinical, academic, and research experience in Ireland. As a lecturer in health science and director of the Neuroplasticity Research Group at Atlantic Technological University, he is at the forefront of developing innovative physical rehabilitation solutions that can be implemented in a patient’s own home.  He joins us on this episode to discuss his book, Lights, Mirror, Action.  You can access his book here.

Kenneth’s mission is to empower stroke survivors to achieve the best possible recovery by optimizing their home environment for physical rehabilitation. With his expertise in digital health technology, remote rehabilitation systems, and neurology rehabilitation, he is revolutionizing the way stroke patients receive care and support after leaving the hospital.

A registered chartered physiotherapist specializing in musculoskeletal injuries, Kenneth holds a master’s degree in sports medicine from University College Dublin. He has an impressive track record of securing over $2 million in research funding, publishing 30 journal papers, presenting at 50 international conferences, and delivering invited talks worldwide. His groundbreaking work has been featured on radio programs and in national newspapers in Ireland. Kenneth is also the lead inventor of two successful UK/international patents for innovative rehabilitation devices. He serves on the board of directors for the Neurology Support Centre charity and is a former editor and current editorial board member of Physiotherapy Practice and Research international journal.

The unseen world is uncovered and presented to us by Dr. Steve Gschmeissner.  From tardigrades, viruses, pollen, human sperm and diatoms, Dr. Gschmeissner has used the scanning electron microscope to photograph them all.  On this episode of A Journey Through Nature and Science you will experience the beauty and wonder of these images.  His electron micrograph images have been used on the cover of record albums and inspired the design of clothing and furniture.  The unseen world is truly full of wonder and life worth seeing.

Daniel Tausan believes that you control your health.  If you understand some basic principles about the importance of sleep, fasting, mental attitude and nutrition you can lead a long and healthy life.

Daniel Tausan holds a graduate degree from the University of British Columbia in Stem Cell Biology with a Bachelor of Science in General Biology. He worked in research in the molecular profiling of exercise, looking into comprehensive blood panels in search of biomarkers for predictive health analytics with Molecular You and UBC’s School of Kinesiology to develop methods for biological age calculation so that you control your health.  You can learn more about Daniel's work here.
https://timelinesciences.com/

Medicine and Miracles are explored in this episode.  Dr.Erica is a doctor detective who finds simple solutions to common maladies that other doctors can't seem to help with.  Here search for spirit, purpose and meaning in life led to her current life of service.  She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico with patients from across the US. She has lived in many different countries while growing up. Her adult life began as a school teacher on the Navajo Reservation in the early 1970s, then Peace Corps volunteer in South America working as a bilingual educator, high-altitude mountain climber in the Andes, Outward Bound Instructor in the Colorado Rockies. She helped found a co-housing community in Santa Fe called The Commons.  Her life has been a mythic journey of wonderment and life-changing experiences—including some major medical disasters—which ultimately led her to finding her life purpose of service to those who are suffering.  In particular she now describes herself as a medical detective diagnosing and finding a cure for maladies that other doctors have not been able to help with.  You can find out more about Dr. Elliott here:   https://www.ericaelliottmd.com

This episode will explore the effort to keep Big Bend National Park Wild.  Our guest is Bob Krumenaker.  Bob is a former National Park Service superintendent.  Over his thirty year career Bob managed several parks, including The Everglades, Apostle Islands, and Big Bend National Park.  It was at Big Bend that Bob truly found his calling as he worked for years with conservationists, local legislates and citizens to get much of Big Bend National Park designated as wilderness.  Bob recently retired and continues his efforts to have Big Bend designated as wilderness.  You can find out more information at https://keepbigbendwild.wordpress.com/.

Photography changed the lives of National Park Service employees, Dom Nessi and Michael Brown.  In this episode of  @donaldmurphy8843 Journey Through Nature and Science these two world class photographers discuss the difference between "taking" a photography and "making" a photograph as espoused by the famous black and white photographer @Ansel Adams.  You will also hear their thoughts, in a lively discussion, on smart phone photography.  We talk about the use of AI and algorithms that are used by smart phones to capture those beautiful amateur photos.  Most importantly Dom and Mike share many of their photos during this episode.  You the viewer will have an opportunity to receive a free digital copy of a photo of your choice by simply subscribing to the podcast by going to https://natureandsciencepodcast.com/special-podcast-offer/

We also discuss the psychological aspects of photography and how photography can promote mindfulness and inspire one to a deeper understanding of life and the connections among all things.  The photos capture the spirit of place and highlight the beauty of cultural diversity as well as the biological diversity.  These photos will take your breath away and leave you with a feeling of awe and wonder.

The National Parks Foundation was founded in 1967 to support the unmet needs of our national parks.  Recently, an anonymous donor donated $40 million for employee housing at Yellowstone National Park.  This was the result of the tireless effort of Will Shafroth, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation and his team.

As President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Park Foundation, Will Shafroth leads the organization’s work to protect our national parks and connect people to these great places. Will oversees a staff of more than 125 that work to raise and deploy funds to support programs and projects in national parks. Will works closely with National Park Service leadership to ensure our missions remain aligned. He reports to a 30-member board of directors with whom Will remains closely connected to advance the organization’s mission.

On this episode we will have a conversation with Dr. Bron Taylor.  Bron has written a compelling book, Dark Green Religion: Nature, Spirituality, and The Planetary Future.  Bron Taylor's scholarly work engages the quest for environmentally sustainable societies.  We will explore a wide range of groups-radical environmental activists, lifestyle-focused bioregionalists, surfers, New Agers involved in "ecopsychology," and groups that hold scientific narratives as sacred.

Jon Jarvis, former director of the U.S. National Park Service and his brother Destry have written a compelling book, National Parks Forever: Fifty Years of Fighting and a Case for Independence.  In the book they argue the case for making the National Park Service an independent agency, similar to the Smithsonian Institution.  In this episode you will hear about their combined 90 years of working to protect national parks and secure the resources necessary to effectively manage the parks.  They will also share how the politicization of the National Parks threaten their future.

Jon Jarvis is currently the Chairman of the Board  UC Berkeley Institute for Parks, People, and Biodiversity.  Destry Jarvis currently serves as the vice president of US/ICOMOS, the US National Committee for the International Council on Monuments and Sites, better known as the World Heritage Program.