In the fall of 2020, children built “Leaf Town,” a bustling imaginary metropolis made entirely from leaves, where creativity and nature came together in surprising ways. Sisters Beth and Kathleen Rooney share how this playful world helped kids discover that imagination can shape the way we see the world around us.

Guests: Guests: Beth and Kathleen Rooney, authors of "Leaf Town Forever"

Conservationist Siew Te Wong introduces us to the amazing world of sun bears and the work being done at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. From caring for orphaned cubs to preparing them for life in the rainforest, we discover how patience, knowledge, and compassion can help these shy bears find their way home.

Guest: Siew Te Wong, C.E.O. and Founder of Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

What happens when you step outside and try something completely new—even if it feels a little scary? Jessica Lahey takes us into the world of beekeeping, where she learned that with research, support from friends, and a willingness to keep trying, mistakes can lead to sweet success.

Guest: Jessica Lahey, author, educator, and podcaster

Link to Season 5 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/cc199ea1-396c-4dc1-93ea-48fe6197bccf/track-new-episodes-with-season-5-bingo

What happens when you travel to a place so dark and mysterious that almost nothing is known about it? Explorer William Beebe did just that, diving deep beneath the ocean’s surface and discovering incredible new species that seemed almost impossible to describe. Author Brad Fox joins us to share this amazing story of curiosity, courage, and the challenge of putting the unknown into words.

Guest: Brad Fox, author of "The Bathysphere Book"

Link to drawings: https://hakaimagazine.com/features/drawing-the-deep-sea-from-a-seat-on-the-shore/

Link to Season 5 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/cc199ea1-396c-4dc1-93ea-48fe6197bccf/track-new-episodes-with-season-5-bingo

Bryant Olsen studies the hidden relationships between plants and animals that shape entire ecosystems. Discover how forests aren’t just collections of trees—they’re communities full of communication, strategy, and surprising connections.

Guest: Bryant Olsen, conservation ecologist at Tracy’s Aviary in Salt Lake City, Utah

Season 5 Printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/cc199ea1-396c-4dc1-93ea-48fe6197bccf/track-new-episodes-with-season-5-bingo

What can the bones of an extinct ocean giant teach us about life in the sea? Scientist Lorelei Crerar studies the remains of the enormous Steller’s sea cow—a relative of today’s manatees—to uncover clues about how these gentle giants lived and what their story can tell us about the other sea cows still swimming in our oceans today.

Guest: Lorelei Crerar, retired professor of biology at George Mason University

Season 5 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/cc199ea1-396c-4dc1-93ea-48fe6197bccf/track-new-episodes-with-season-5-bingo

What if the most magical place in the world is the one you’re already standing in? Author and adventurer Kelsey Timmerman spent years traveling the globe before realizing that the same curiosity and care he brought to faraway places could uncover just as much wonder in the natural world close to home in Ohio.

Guest: Kelsey Timmerman, author and traveler

Link to Season 5 Printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/cc199ea1-396c-4dc1-93ea-48fe6197bccf/track-new-episodes-with-season-5-bingo

Scientist and animal behavior expert Jonathan Balcombe joins us to share why flies are far more fascinating than we might think. From pollinating plants to cleaning up the planet, these buzzy insects play huge roles in keeping ecosystems healthy, and they might just change the way you see that next fly who zooms past your nose.

Guest: Jonathan Balcombe, author of "Super Fly: The Unexpected Lives of the World's Most Successful Insects"

Link to Season 5 Printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/cc199ea1-396c-4dc1-93ea-48fe6197bccf

Joe Hymes spends his days caring for some of the most misunderstood animals on Earth—venomous snakes, powerful lizards, and even crocodiles—at the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary. In this episode, Joe shares what it’s like to go “herping” in the wild, why reptiles deserve our respect, and how careful humans can help protect these incredible creatures.

Guest: Joe Hymes, Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary

Season 5 Printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/cc199ea1-396c-4dc1-93ea-48fe6197bccf

Naturalist Craig Foster spends his days exploring the underwater kelp forest off the coast of South Africa. This wondrous place is home to octopuses, cuttlefish, otters, and more, and a place of inspiration and awe for those willing to explore.

Guest: Craig Foster, naturalist and documentary filmmaker, known for his 2020 film, My Octopus Teacher

Link to Season 5 Printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/cc199ea1-396c-4dc1-93ea-48fe6197bccf