How did watching the sky turn into the calendar on the wall and the clock we check every day? This episode explores how ancient sky observations evolved into the structured systems of time we now take for granted.

Long before digital watches and printed planners, humans looked to the sky. The rising and setting of the sun, the phases of the moon, and the shifting constellations provided the first reliable markers of time. While animals still follow light, temperature, and seasonal cues, humans began translating those natural cycles into numbers and systems.

Around 4,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia, the Babylonians created a mathematical framework that still shapes how we measure time today.

Instead of counting in base 10 (like we do), the Babylonians used a base 60 system. Why 60?

1. It divides evenly by many numbers (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15).
2. It made calculations practical.
3. It allowed flexible fractions.

This system gave us:

1. 60 seconds in a minute
2. 60 minutes in an hour
3. 360 degrees in a circle
4. The 12-part division of day and night

These weren’t cosmic requirements — they were human decisions that worked well.

Early calendars were based on the moon. A lunar month lasts about 29.5 days. Twelve lunar months equal 354 days — about 11 days short of a solar year.

Without correction, calendars drifted away from the seasons.

The Babylonians solved this by occasionally adding an extra month (intercalation), keeping lunar months aligned with agricultural seasons. This lunar-solar balancing act is still reflected in calendars like the Hebrew calendar today.

Originally, the zodiac was not about horoscopes or personality traits.

It was practical astronomy.

As the sun appeared to move through 12 constellations over the year, these regions of the sky became seasonal markers. They helped determine:

1. When to plant
2. When to harvest
3. When festivals should occur
4. Where the sun would rise and set

Only later were myths and personality traits layered onto these sky markers.

The Babylonian framework of 360 degrees made tools like sundials and later sextants possible.

1. A sundial uses the Earth’s 360° rotation to cast measurable shadows.
2. The Earth rotates about 15° per hour.
3. Navigators used angular measurements between stars and the horizon to determine position at sea.

Time and position became mathematically linked through the sky.

The Babylonians were not alone in reading the sky.

1. Ancient Egypt used shadow clocks and star risings to divide day and night.
2. Maya civilization developed multiple interlocking calendars and tracked Venus and eclipses with remarkable precision.
3. Ancient China created detailed star catalogs and lunisolar calendars aligned with solstices and equinoxes.
4. Polynesian navigators memorized star paths, ocean swells, and bird behavior to travel vast distances without instruments.

Different tools. Same principles.

Time comes from motion.

Cycles matter more than numbers.

The sky is readable.

The Romans shifted from lunar to solar reckoning to stabilize civic life. The Julian calendar standardized 365 days with a leap year every four years.

But small errors accumulated over centuries.

The Gregorian calendar refined the leap year rules, realigning the calendar with the solar year and seasonal cycle. That is the calendar hanging on most walls today — still carrying Babylonian math, Roman structure, and lunar ancestry.

Despite reforms and refinements:

1. We still divide the circle into 360 degrees.
2. We still count 60 minutes per hour.
3. We still organize the year into 12 months.
4. We still adjust for solar drift with leap days.
5. We still quietly track the moon.

Our clocks and calendars are layered systems — ancient skywatching translated into geometry, then governance, then everyday routine.

Nature hasn’t changed. The sun still rises. The moon still cycles. Constellations still shift with the seasons.

What changed is that we turned those motions into a shared human agreement — a language of time that lets us plan crops, festivals, travel, and even vacations years in advance.

1. Why 60 became the foundation of modern timekeeping
2. How lunar calendars drift and how civilizations corrected them
3. The practical origins of the zodiac
4. How angles, shadows, and stars shaped navigation
5. Why nearly every culture developed sky-based time systems
6. How we arrived at the modern Gregorian calendar

Time isn’t just numbers on a screen — it’s the sky translated into structure.

Jill’s Links

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

Twitter - https://twitter.com/schmern

YouTube @BuzzBlossomSqueak

Email the podcast at mailto: [email protected]

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Winter isn’t empty—it’s stocked with hidden food. Berries are nature’s survival pantry when everything else disappears. Look closer, and you’ll see winter is very much alive.

This episode explores why berries are one of the most overlooked yet essential food sources in nature, especially during winter. While the landscape may look barren, berry-bearing trees and shrubs are quietly sustaining birds and mammals when insects and fresh vegetation are gone. The discussion walks through how berries store summer energy, how different species rely on them, and why winter is not a pause in nature, but a continuation of it. The episode also highlights how planting native berry-producing plants can support wildlife right outside the door.

Why Berries Matter in Winter

Berries act as concentrated packets of energy, holding sugars and fats created during the growing season. Unlike many fruits that fall quickly, berries often stay attached to shrubs and trees deep into winter, standing out against snow as visible signs that food is still available.

Birds That Depend on Berries

As insect-eating birds leave and seed-eaters struggle with snow-covered ground, berry-eating birds thrive. Species like robins adapt by shifting their diet entirely to berries once the ground freezes. Cedar waxwings go even further, traveling in tight flocks and stripping entire trees of fruit in minutes.

Berry Trees as Wildlife Gathering Hubs

A single berry-laden tree can attract multiple bird species at once, turning a quiet winter yard into a brief burst of activity. These trees function as communal feeding stations that support biodiversity even in the coldest months.

Mammals and the Berry Network

Deer, foxes, coyotes, squirrels, and small mammals all rely on berries for winter calories. Forgotten squirrel caches feed other animals, connecting species that never directly interact but depend on the same food system.

Timing, Fermentation, and Nature’s Humor

Some berries delay being edible until freeze-thaw cycles soften them, spreading food availability across the season. Occasionally, natural fermentation creates slightly intoxicated birds, adding an unexpected and harmless bit of comedy to winter survival.

Winter is not a dead season—it’s a different chapter in nature’s story. Berries prove that energy harvested in summer continues to circulate through ecosystems long after leaves fall. Paying attention to berry plants reveals how wildlife adapts, survives, and stays connected even in harsh conditions.

Planting native berry-producing trees and shrubs supports local wildlife while adding beauty and life to winter landscapes. Watching what happens to berries over the season offers a deeper understanding of how nature works right outside the door.

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

Twitter - https://twitter.com/schmern

YouTube @BuzzBlossomSqueak

Email the podcast at mailto: [email protected]

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Every snowfall writes a story across the ground. Each footprint is a clue left behind by a hidden neighbor. All you have to do is slow down and learn how to read it.

This episode explores how winter snow turns the outdoors into a living field guide. By paying attention to tracks left behind by animals, it becomes possible to uncover where they traveled, how fast they moved, and what they were trying to do. Instead of needing special tools or deep expertise, curiosity and observation become the main skills. Snow reveals a hidden world that is always present but often overlooked, offering a deeper connection to nature right outside familiar doors.

Snow makes movement visible in a way that other seasons often hide. Tracks reveal patterns, decisions, and behavior, turning the ground into a record of recent activity. This visibility helps train attention and encourages careful observation.

Rather than immediately naming the animal, the focus is on asking questions. Was the animal walking or hopping? Did it move in a straight line or wander? These questions lead naturally to understanding what happened before identifying who made the tracks.

Different animals move in distinct ways. Walkers travel efficiently in straight lines. Hoppers leave paired prints that show bursts of speed. Bounders create clustered patterns that reflect long bodies and short legs. Birds add wing marks, tail drags, and sudden takeoffs that tell their own stories.

Tracks also show age. Sharp edges mean recent visits, while softened or filled-in prints suggest older activity. Wind, sun, and new snowfall all leave evidence that helps reconstruct when events occurred.

Animal stories don’t require remote wilderness. Driveways, sidewalks, fences, shrubs, and bird feeders all serve as corridors. These everyday places often hold the most surprising discoveries.

Winter is not empty or barren; it is active and full of life. Tracks are temporary, reminding us to pay attention in the moment before the evidence disappears. By slowing down and observing carefully, it becomes possible to understand not just which animal passed through, but what it was doing and why. With practice, reading tracks turns familiar spaces into places of continual discovery.

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

Twitter - https://twitter.com/schmern

YouTube @BuzzBlossomSqueak

Email the podcast at mailto: [email protected]

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

In this episode, we explore the remarkable diversity of snow and ice, uncovering the hidden science and sensory experiences behind winter weather. From the light crunch of fresh powder underfoot to the glassy threat of black ice, snow isn't just snow—it’s a constantly shifting part of life in the Northwoods. Whether you ski, hike, or just appreciate winter’s beauty, this episode will help you notice the small differences in the snow around you—and maybe even fall in love with winter a little more.

Top Topics:

The Many Faces of Snow:

We start by learning how temperature, moisture, and wind create wildly different types of snow. Whether it's dry and fluffy powder or heavy, wet snow perfect for snowballs, each type affects how we walk, shovel, ski, and play. Discover how temperatures inside the clouds shape the snowflake and why not all snow is great for building snowmen.

Lake Effect and Fern Snow:

Snow isn't just formed in the clouds—bodies of water like the Great Lakes play a big role. Lake effect snow can dramatically increase snowfall totals in localized areas. We also discuss “firn” snow—partially melted and refrozen snow that forms the beginnings of glaciers—and how mountaineers and skiers value it for its firm, supportive texture.

Slippery Situations – Ice and Safety:

From sleet and freezing rain to invisible black ice and dangerous blizzard conditions, not all winter hazards look dramatic. Learn how and why freezing fog and melting snow create treacherous walking and driving conditions, and the best ways to stay safe while still enjoying the season.

Nature’s Winter Artistry:

Hoarfrost, rime frost, and diamond dust aren't just pretty names—they’re among the most beautiful and delicate signs of winter. These phenomena turn ordinary mornings into sparkling fairylands and offer moments of quiet magic for anyone willing to step outside early enough to see them.

Takeaways:

This episode invites listeners to deepen their relationship with winter by observing its nuances. Noticing how snow crunches or drifts, how frost forms on the east side of a tree, or how sleet bounces off a jacket can transform a routine winter day into something fascinating. Winter isn’t just cold and inconvenient—it’s alive with detail, beauty, and opportunity. Whether you're a skier, snowshoer, or sidewalk stroller, understanding snow helps you appreciate what nature is doing right outside your door. The next time it snows, take a moment. Listen. Look. Feel. It might just change the way you see the season.

Why Orion Is the Coolest Constellation in the Sky

In this episode, we explore the majestic constellation Orion—why it's a favorite, how it acts as a celestial guide, and what makes it so scientifically and culturally significant. From its seasonal appearances in the northern hemisphere to its use in navigation and its dynamic stellar structures, Orion offers both beauty and depth. This episode is not just about stargazing—it's about understanding the powerful stories, science, and personal connections embedded in one of the most recognizable constellations in the night sky.

Top Topics Covered:

1. Orion as a Seasonal and Celestial Landmark

We begin with Orion's role as a seasonal marker in the sky. Most visible from late fall to early spring, Orion heralds the coming of winter. Listeners learn how its presence or absence reflects Earth’s position relative to the sun. It's a comforting constant—rising early in winter evenings and disappearing in summer daylight—making it easy to identify and emotionally meaningful.

2. Personal Connection to Orion

This episode shares a nostalgic, heartfelt story of Orion as a guide in the Northwoods, offering a sense of direction and wonder. Whether walking home alone in the dark or traveling halfway across the world, Orion has served as a reassuring cosmic companion—always overhead, always familiar.

3. Orion and Its Stellar Neighbors

We explore how Orion leads the way to other constellations and stars. Using Orion’s Belt, one can trace paths to Sirius in Canis Major, Aldebaran in Taurus, and the Pleiades. Gemini, Canis Minor, and Lepus the Hare also make an appearance. It’s a connected sky map of myths, astronomy, and interstellar beauty.

4. The Science Behind the Stars

Orion is not just visually impressive—it’s a stellar laboratory. We look at Betelgeuse (a red supergiant nearing its end) and Rigel (a blue supergiant in its youth), as well as the vibrant Orion Nebula—a star-forming region rich with young stars, protoplanetary disks, and radiant gas clouds. Orion offers a snapshot of stellar birth and death in one constellation.

5. Getting Started with Stargazing

For newcomers, Orion is the perfect constellation to begin exploring the night sky. We talk about observing it with binoculars, identifying its stars and nebulae, and using it to branch out into deeper skywatching. Tips include binocular recommendations and practical advice for seeing Orion in all its glory—even without a telescope.

Takeaways:

Orion is more than a group of stars—it's a cosmic storybook. It teaches us about the life cycle of stars, provides ancient navigation cues, and offers emotional grounding across seasons and life experiences. For anyone looking to get started in stargazing, Orion is a beautiful, reliable, and awe-inspiring starting point. It reminds us how vast and connected the universe really is, and how accessible it becomes once you know where to look.

So grab your binoculars, step outside on a crisp winter night, and find Orion. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a casual skywatcher, there’s something in those stars for everyone.

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

Twitter - https://twitter.com/schmern

YouTube @BuzzBlossomSqueak

Email the podcast at mailto: [email protected]

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

"What if I told you that beneath this silent, frozen surface, fish are still swimming, plants are still growing, and nature hasn’t stopped at all?"

In this episode, we explore the quiet yet vibrant world of lakes during winter. Though a frozen lake may appear silent and lifeless, there's an entire ecosystem at work beneath the ice. From slow-moving fish and dormant plants to persistent microbes and crackling ice sheets, winter in a lake is a carefully balanced, structured, and active time of year. This episode takes you under the surface—literally and figuratively—to reveal how life adapts and thrives in extreme conditions, offering a beautiful metaphor of resilience and quiet survival.

Top Topics:

1. Ice as Protector, Not Enemy

We kick off by dispelling the myth that ice suffocates lake life. Ice forms a protective lid on the lake, preserving a liquid environment beneath it. This frozen surface insulates the lake, shielding it from the bitter cold and allowing life to carry on in a slower but steady rhythm.

2. Life Beneath the Ice

Fish don’t hibernate. They shift gears. Perch and trout remain relatively active, while bass and sunfish conserve energy in deeper waters. Aquatic plants store energy in roots and rhizomes, and some even stay green, producing oxygen. Insect larvae like dragonflies and mayflies feed slowly, providing vital nutrition for fish.

3. Microbial Magic and Nutrient Recycling

Microbes remain tirelessly at work in near-freezing waters, breaking down decaying material and recycling nutrients. Their activity is so significant, they release gases that become trapped in bubbles under the ice—a visible sign that life continues, even unseen.

4. Amphibians and Bottom Dwellers

Frogs and salamanders overwinter in lakebed mud, barely moving, relying on oxygen exchange through their skin. Alongside them, snails, worms, and crustaceans contribute to a slow but ongoing ecological process, helping keep the system in balance.

5. The Lake’s Organized Layers

Winter doesn’t bring chaos—it brings structure. The lake layers into zones: the icy lid, a freezing cold upper layer (epilimnion), a shifting middle layer (thermocline), and a life-rich lower refuge (hypolimnion). Each plays a role in protecting and organizing life below.

6. Cracking Sounds and Ice Acoustics

One of winter’s wonders is the eerie, musical cracking of lake ice. These sounds—booms, groans, and pops—are the result of pressure shifts and temperature changes. Far from dangerous, they are a sign of the ice adjusting and holding strong, transmitting sound like a natural amphitheater.

Takeaways:

Winter lakes are not lifeless—they’re marvels of adaptation and resilience. From the surface, it might seem like everything has stopped, but underneath, life reorganizes, endures, and prepares for spring. It’s a reminder that in times of stillness, growth continues in quiet ways. Understanding this hidden activity deepens our appreciation for nature’s complexity and strength. So next time you're near a frozen lake, remember: it’s not asleep. It’s alive and waiting.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a hiker, or someone just looking for a deeper connection to the natural rhythms around you, this episode invites you to see winter not as an end—but as a powerful pause filled with quiet determination.

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

Twitter - https://twitter.com/schmern

YouTube @BuzzBlossomSqueak

Email the podcast at mailto: [email protected]

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Start the New Year with Nature: A Personal Challenge to Reconnect

In this episode, we explore how to make nature a central theme in your life this year. Whether you're a curious beginner or someone who already enjoys the outdoors, this episode offers a fresh perspective on using January as a launchpad for a meaningful and cumulative journey through the natural world. It’s not about mastering everything at once but about starting with one small, meaningful area of interest and allowing that spark to grow over time. From birds and trees to weather patterns and constellations, there’s something for everyone—right outside your front door.

Top Topics:

The Power of Starting Small

Starting a nature practice doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether it's identifying one bird, learning one tree species, or tracking a few cloud types, the key is consistency. You don't need a journal or a checklist. You just need curiosity and a willingness to notice.

Building Cumulative Knowledge

One of the most encouraging things about getting into nature is how your knowledge naturally builds. You start with a robin or a maple tree, and before you know it, you're noticing migration patterns, seasonal changes, or even rare species in your area. Every year can bring deeper understanding if you start with something that truly sparks your interest.

Personal Nature Journeys

From birding to weather tracking, to constellations and mosses—examples from personal experience and friends show how diverse and rewarding nature interests can be. Some start with birdwatching, others get hooked on clouds or water systems. Once you're in, it's easy to expand.

Resources to Support Your Exploration

A wide range of tools and websites are recommended—from the Cornell Lab’s bird quizzes to the Seek app for identifying plants and bugs. Astronomy lovers can try apps like Sky Tonight or Stellarium. Those interested in weather and water systems are guided to the National Weather Service or the USGS Water Science School.

Takeaways:

This episode is a heartfelt invitation to choose just one piece of the natural world to focus on this year. It’s about making nature part of your daily life—not through obligation, but through genuine interest. Start with what calls to you. That could be a single bird, a type of tree, or the patterns in the clouds. Let that initial interest be the foundation for a broader connection to the environment around you. You don’t have to be a scientist or outdoors expert—just someone who notices. And as you keep noticing, your knowledge, appreciation, and personal joy will naturally grow.

Jill’s Links

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

Twitter - https://twitter.com/schmern

YouTube @BuzzBlossomSqueak

Email the podcast at mailto: [email protected]

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Black, Brown, and Polar Bears: What Makes Each Unique?
In this episode, I explore the fascinating world of bears—not just as powerful wilderness icons, but as intelligent, adaptable, and ecologically essential animals. From their plantigrade feet to their mental calendars, from myths about hibernation to the science of nitrogen recycling, this episode uncovers what truly makes bears extraordinary. Whether you’re an avid camper, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about wildlife, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for bears and the roles they play in ecosystems around the world.
Top Topics:
1. Bear Biology and Evolutionary Advantage
We start by exploring the basic anatomy and versatility of bears. With plantigrade feet like humans and powerful shoulders built for digging and climbing, bears are built for survival in vastly different environments—from polar ice to tropical forests. Their adaptable skull and omnivorous diet give them a competitive edge, making them ultimate opportunists in the animal kingdom.
2. Bears and Their Strategic Diet
Contrary to the popular belief that bears are mainly carnivores, we uncover that up to 80% of their diet in some regions is made up of plant material. Berries, roots, nuts, and grasses dominate their intake. Meat becomes part of their diet when it’s efficient, such as during salmon runs or scavenging. Bears are strategic eaters with a mental map of seasonal abundance.
3. Hibernation and Medical Marvels
Bear hibernation isn’t the sleep-all-winter myth many think it is. Their heart rates drop, and they don’t eat or drink, but they don’t suffer muscle wasting or bone density loss. Medical researchers study hibernating bears for clues to treating human conditions like osteoporosis and kidney failure. Even more fascinating—mothers give birth during hibernation, nurturing newborn cubs in their dens until spring.
4. Intelligence and Human Interactions
Bears aren’t just brawn—they’re brains. Their problem-solving skills and memory help them navigate natural and human-influenced environments. But this intelligence can lead to dangerous food conditioning when humans leave food out or feed them intentionally. Once a bear associates humans with easy calories, it often ends poorly for both species.
5. Bears as Ecosystem Engineers
Beyond their charisma, bears are ecological powerhouses. Their digging aerates soil. Their scat spreads seeds. And in salmon-rich regions, their leftovers enrich forests with marine nutrients. These subtle behaviors make them essential to the health of their habitats.
6. Safety Tips for Bear Country
Camping or hiking in bear territory? You’ll learn practical advice on how to stay safe: lock food in bear-proof containers, make noise while hiking, and never run from a bear. Black bears typically avoid humans, but brown and polar bears pose greater risks. Knowing what to do during an encounter can make all the difference.
7. Bear Species Around the World
We take a global tour of the bear family—from North America’s black, brown, and polar bears to Asia’s sloth, sun, and panda bears, and South America’s spectacled bear. Each species has evolved to fit its unique environment, yet all share core bear traits. We even bust the myth that raccoons are mini bears—they’re distant cousins, not siblings.
Takeaways:
Bears are much more than symbols of wilderness—they are brilliant, adaptable, and vital parts of the ecosystems they inhabit. Their intelligence, physical strength, and ecological contributions remind us how interconnected life really is. Learning about them encourages us to respect wildlife, make safer choices in nature, and better understand the world just outside our doors. Whether it’s a bear track on a hiking trail or a story of an accidental close encounter, every moment shared with these creatures teaches us something about nature, survival, and balance.

Jill’s Links

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod
Twitter - https://twitter.com/schmern
https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod
Email the podcast at mailto: [email protected]

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

El Niño, La Niña, and the Pacific’s Hidden Rhythm
Why does the weather sometimes feel wildly different from one decade to the next?
Why are some winters brutally cold while others barely show up at all?
And how can a strip of ocean near the equator end up shaping snowstorms, droughts, hurricanes, and even tornado seasons across the United States?
In this episode, we explore El Niño and La Niña—two opposite phases of a powerful Pacific Ocean cycle known as ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation). Together, they form one of Earth’s most influential climate patterns, quietly steering jet streams, storm tracks, and seasonal extremes thousands of miles away.
But the deeper question we ask is this: why does this cycle exist at all?
In This Episode, We Cover:
What El Niño and La Niña actually are—and how they differ
How shifting trade winds move massive volumes of warm water across the Pacific
Why the jet stream bends, speeds up, or dips south depending on the phase
How El Niño reshapes U.S. weather with wetter southern states and milder northern winters
How La Niña sharpens the climate, bringing colder northern winters, drought in the South, and more Atlantic hurricanes
Memorable El Niño and La Niña years that left lasting marks on U.S. weather history
Why strong El Niños are often followed by La Niña—but not always
What scientists understand very well about ENSO—and what still remains a mystery
Why researchers say we know the mechanism behind ENSO, but not always the spark that starts it
Why This Matters Where You Live
El Niño and La Niña don’t just affect weather headlines—they shape everyday life.
They influence snowpack and spring flooding, wildfire risk, crop planning, bird migration, lake ice, hurricane seasons, and even how early spring arrives.
Understanding this cycle helps us see weather not as random chaos, but as part of a larger planetary rhythm—one that repeats, overshoots, corrects, and swings again.
A Key Takeaway
El Niño and La Niña happen because the Pacific Ocean and the atmosphere are locked in a constant feedback loop—winds push water, water stores heat, and the atmosphere amplifies the result.
What we still don’t fully know is what plucks the string each time—why one year tips into El Niño while another stays neutral, or why some La Niñas linger for years.
And that mystery is part of what makes Earth’s climate so endlessly fascinating.

Earth's Hidden Thermostat: The Oceanic Conveyor

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary yet often overlooked mechanism that helps regulate Earth’s climate: the oceanic conveyor belt. Inspired by a legendary winter and a captivating book on the coming ice age, this episode dives into how global ocean currents distribute heat, influence climate patterns, and even shape human history. It’s a story of temperature, salt, freshwater, and the hidden rhythms of our planet’s oceans.
Top Topics Covered:
The Spark of a Scientific Journey: The episode opens with a vivid recollection of a historic winter in the Northwoods, where sub-zero temperatures and deep snow sparked a fascination with science. This childhood memory becomes the backdrop for discovering a larger climate story.
Understanding the Oceanic Conveyor Belt: We explain how the thermohaline circulation moves warm and cold water around the globe based on temperature and salinity differences. This natural loop regulates Earth’s heat and impacts regional climates.
Historical Climate Shifts: Two key events—the Younger Dryas and a climate shift 8,200 years ago—highlight how disruptions in ocean circulation led to major temperature drops, changing ecosystems and human behavior.
More Than Just Weather: The episode explores how the conveyor influences not just temperature, but also life, trade, and civilization. From upwelling nutrients to sweetwater streaks from rivers like the Amazon, the ocean's movement shapes everything.
Climate vs. Weather: A clear distinction is made between short-term weather events and long-term climate change, reminding listeners that the ocean conveyor’s impact is measured over millennia, not months.
Key Takeaways:
This episode is a reminder that some of Earth’s most powerful systems operate slowly, silently, and below the surface. The oceanic conveyor may not be visible to the naked eye, but its impact is massive. Learning about it provides insight into long-term climate change and the importance of maintaining the delicate balance of salt, heat, and water on our planet.
Listeners walk away with a deeper appreciation for how the ocean regulates our planet's temperature, influences ecosystems, and supports civilizations—past and present. Understanding these forces encourages curiosity and responsibility as we look toward the future.