For Jenedy Paige, journaling started as a childhood habit and became a lifeline in adulthood, especially after the tragic drowning of her son. Art and writing gave her voice; running and climbing gave her release. Her practice of seeking both God and growth eventually led her to the national stage of American Ninja Warrior. Through it all, she has come to see strength not only as personal resilience but as a calling—to bring light and encouragement to others walking through their own storms.

Guest: Jenedy Paige, oil painter and "American Ninja Warrior" participant

What if cultivating awe could change the way we see the world? In this special joint episode of Constant Wonder and The Lisa Show, hosts Marcus Smith and Lisa Valentine Clark talk with child development expert and author Deborah Farmer Kris about her new book, "Raising Awe Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive." Together, they explore how everyday moments of awe—in nature, in kindness, in family life—can shape resilience, deepen connection, and help kids (and parents) live more joyfully.

After a tragic car accident took the life of Jeff Olsen's wife and young son, the young father struggled with guilt and his own excruciating physical recovery. Eventually, he drew solace from divine love, and with joy he realized the gift of the human body. He even finds awe in his prosthetic leg.

Guest: Jeff Olsen, Director of Creative Services at BYU Broadcasting

A dream inspired Navajo artist Eugene Tapahe to take his art to the National Parks, spreading hope during the frustrating and fear-filled early days of the pandemic. His "Art Heals: The Jingle Dress Project" has now traveled the globe, inspiring hope and healing among all people. Also, hear about some incredible up-close experiences that this photographer has had with wildlife. And, learn how you can participate in his on-going international art installation project.

Guest: Eugene Tapahe, artist, photographer, creator of "Art Heals: The Jingle Dress Project" and "Kéyah, Our Home"

See Tapahe's work here:

https://www.tapahe.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNlV624I8SQ&ab_channel=TapahePhotography

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pLr90JTf-E&ab_channel=TapahePhotography

Participate in the Kéyah installation:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdcJ_xK48Lv3HpepM0VQaCh4nEXuwx6KeGwc0zsOauM7-x3WQ/viewform

Special thanks to Eugene Tapahe for wolf photo and audio of jingle dress dances, and to Smithsonian Folkways Recordings for use of Corn Grinding Song (1) https://folkways.si.edu/navajo-songs/american-indian/music/album/smithsonian

Storyteller Kevin Kling has overcome trauma and learned to live with disability, without ever losing sight of the hilarious–even in the horrible. We follow him from his mischievous childhood to his empathetic and inspiring performances around the world. He still laughs often, and so will you, during this episode of the "Constant Wonder" podcast.

Guest: Kevin Kling, author, playwright, and storyteller

Originally aired Jan 11, 2023

Kelsey Timmerman grew up in rural Ohio, right across the border from Indiana. By the time he graduated from college, he was eager to leave the Midwest. He started buying one-way plane tickets and traveled to dozens of countries. When he started his own family and put down roots in rural Indiana, his travels made him consider how he could be a better steward of the land where he and his family live. Timmerman tells us how he was able to see the wonder near his home through the wisdom of the people he visited all around the world.

Guest: Kelsey Timmerman, author of "Regenerating Earth: Farmers Working with Nature to Feed Our Future"

Dying patients often profess to see deceased loved ones around them in the days and weeks before they pass. So often that hospice care doctor Chris Kerr decided to make a scientific study of the phenomenon. He found that while the medical community typically views death as defeat, there is actually a great deal of spiritual growth right there at the end of life. This podcast episode invites you to reconsider these unique dreams before dying.

Guest: Christopher Kerr, MD, PhD, CEO & Chief Medical Officer at Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo, and author of "Death Is But a Dream: Finding Hope and Meaning at Life's End"

Originally aired March 8, 2023

Jonathan the Giant Tortoise was born in the 1800s and is still alive today, thanks to vet Joe Hollins. Hear about Joe's adventures with Jonathan and with a herd of skittish reindeer. Also find out what happens when a vet jumps to conclusions in the search for the mysterious killer plaguing a fold of lambs. Fascinating stories from islands at the end of the Earth.

Guest: Jonathan Hollins, author of "Vet at the End of the Earth: Adventures with Animals in the South Atlantic"

Thor Hanson reminds us that wonder isn’t reserved for far-off rainforests or remote islands—it can thrive right outside our door. From looking up to spot bald eagles to crawling  on your hands and knees to find new insects, Hanson shares how attentiveness and curiosity can open up astonishing worlds. Join us as we explore how slowing down and observing carefully can awaken the same thrill of discovery felt by the greatest naturalists.

Guest: Thor Hanson, author of "Close to Home: The Wonders of Nature Just Outside Your Door"

On a tiny, remote island, an English farmer and writer captures the story of Anna Måsøy, a Norwegian "duck woman." In a practice that dates back to the Vikings, islanders coax wild eider ducks to nest on their islands, where the birds leave behind eiderdown—a material so precious that even kings and queens of Europe used it in their bedding. In learning Anna's story, this Englishman reconnects with his own heritage—passed down through six centuries of farming on his family's land in England.

Guest: James Rebanks, farmer and author of "The Place of Tides"