Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people to nature by promoting swimming, hiking, climbing, skiing, hunting, and many more recreational activities. Founder Rue Mapp reminds us of the historical connections Black people have to the Earth, and she encourages people to look to nature for healing, hope, and fun!

Guest: Rue Mapp, founder of Outdoor Afro and National Geographic Fellow https://ruemapp.com

Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction

(5:27) Out of the Comfort Zone

(9:17) Black Relationships With Nature

(26:24) Reconnection

(35:45) Outdoor Afro's Healing Hikes

(45:56) Spiritual Transformation

A love story for all time: Eleanor of Castile died in 1290, but her story still resonates today, thanks to the depths of her husband's devotion. You might know King Edward I as the fierce Edward Longshanks, but discover him in this episode as a besotted and grieving husband.

Guests:

Alice Loxton, author of "Eleanor: A 200-Mile Walk in Search of England's Lost Queen" https://aliceloxton.com;

John Hibbs, tour guide at St. Mary's, Conwy, Wales https://caruconwy.com/our-churches/st-marys-conwy/;

Kam Caddell of Kam Tours https://www.kamtours.com;

Penny Griffin, reader and lector at St. Mary Magdalene, Geddington, England https://www.geddingtonweekleychurch.org.uk/;

Luke McDonnell, muralist https://www.chibacreative.com/mural;

Patricia Yiga, London commuter

CHAPTERS

(0:00) Introduction

(4:43) Meet Eleanor

(20:14) 12 Crosses, 200 Miles

(29:15) Eleanor Watches Over Me (Geddington)

(39:18) In Death We Cannot Cease to Love (Mural)

(49:31) Everyone Plays Their Part (London Tube)

(54:00) A Message from Grandfather

Growing up in an unstable home with an alcoholic father, David Hudson questioned his own worth from an early age. Now a retired Salvation Army officer, Dave reflects on the mentors and experiences that helped him find his confidence and dedicate his life to helping others.

https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/

Personal stories from an ethnobotanist who travels the world to find healing plants, a writer who conducted "frog church" as a child, and a biogeochemist who connects soil microbes to constellations of stars. Gems from past episodes of Constant Wonder that will speak to newcomers and longtime listeners alike!

Guests:

Sasha Reed, biogeochemist and USGS research ecologist https://www.usgs.gov/staff-profiles/sasha-c-reed

Cassandra Quave, ethnobotanist and professor of Dermatology and Human Health at Emory University https://naturespharmacy.substack.com/

Lyanda Lynn Haupt, naturalist and eco-philosopher https://www.lyandalynnhaupt.com/

Artifacts hundreds of years old are exposed on the shore of London's River Thames when the river's tide goes out. Mudlarks walk the banks, searching for fragments and relics that reveal stories long forgotten. Come walk along the river with us as we connect past and present, from the Roman era to the modern day.

Guests:

Flora Spiegel, editor and mudlark https://www.instagram.com/thankyou_riverthames/?__d=11

Lara Maiklem, mudlark and author laramaiklem.com

Kate Sumnall, Curator of Archaeology at London Museum https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/secrets-thames/

Note: you must have a permit from the PLA to mudlark on the Thames.

Forests planted around churches in the Ethiopian desert nurture soul and body.

Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent with daily vignettes that distill the spirit of the season, in keeping with our mission of exploring wonder and awe in all nature, human or wild, vast or small: encounters that move us beyond words.

Guest: Philippe Lazaro, Communications Manager and Storyteller at Plant With Purpose

Learn more about Plant With Purpose here: https://plantwithpurpose.org/

When Gayle Boss stumbled on a passel of river otters on her 66th birthday, she learned from them that you're never too old to be playful. She agrees with Job that it's important "to ask the animals" for insight.

Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent with daily vignettes that distill the spirit of the season, in keeping with our mission of exploring wonder and awe in all nature, human or wild, vast or small: encounters that move us beyond words.

Guest: Gayle Boss, author of "All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of ?New Beginnings"

Amateur astronomers tracking Jupiter dance and laugh about a discovery, leading to a reflection on what makes a miracle.

Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent with daily vignettes that distill the spirit of the season, in keeping with our mission of exploring wonder and awe in all nature, human or wild, vast or small: encounters that move us beyond words.

Guest: Brother Guy J. Consolmagno, President of the Vatican Observatory Foundation

When the winter world is dark and still, look to the Christmas story for the promise of light.

Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent with daily vignettes that distill the spirit of the season, in keeping with our mission of exploring wonder and awe in all nature, human or wild, vast or small: encounters that move us beyond words.

Guest: Hannah Anderson, author of "Heaven and Nature Sing: 25 Advent Reflections to Bring Joy to the World"

Historically, believers in Christianity were encouraged to focus on only the essentials. Gayle Boss brings this ancient practice into the 21st century, simplifying the holidays.

Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent tradition with daily vignettes that distill the spirit of the season, in keeping with our mission of exploring wonder and awe in all nature, human or wild, vast or small: encounters that move us beyond words.

Guest: Gayle Boss, author of "All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings"