Octopuses, chickens, hummingbirds, turtles, emus... the list of animals that Sy Montgomery has befriended goes on. On Constant Wonder, we explore all sources of awe—human and wild—and in this episode we'll bring you exciting stories from both worlds.

Guest:

Sy Montgomery, naturalist and author of over thirty books, including "The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle"

Find her online:

Author page: https://symontgomery.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sytheauthor/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SyTheAuthor/

What happens when you combine a professional cellist's technical skill and a physicist's experiment with vibration sensors? You get a play-able beehive—a living collaboration between humans and animals. In this episode, learn about the beautiful and musical lives of bees.

Guests:

Professor Martin Bencsik of Nottingham Trent University

Professional cellist Deirdre Bencsik

Learn more about Martin Bencsik's bee research here: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/staff-profiles/science-technology/martin-bencsik

Learn more about Diedre Bencsik's musical career here:

https://www.lindowensemble.co.uk/copy-of-vw

After taking on the care of a beehive, Jessica Lahey quickly discovered that no amount of research could prepare her for the real buzz—like what happens when a hungry bear raids the hive. In this episode, Jess shares what it’s like to balance heartbreak and humor, protecting her bees while still finding empathy for the wild creatures that see them as a snack.

Guest: Jessica Lahey, amateur beekeeper and author of "The Gift of Failure" and "The Addiction Inoculation."

Visit Jessica Laney online:

Main website: https://www.jessicalahey.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacherlahey/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicapottslahey/

Substack: https://substack.com/@jesslahey

Giraffes don't like to swim, so how do you get them off an island that's flooding? How do keepers feed a violent, orphaned baby elephant that's been traumatized by humans? The answer is to think like an animal. Meet some empathetic rescuers who had to get creative to save the animals in their care.

Guests:

David O'Connor, President of Save Giraffes Now

Ami Vitale, filmmaker and National Geographic Magazine photographer

Jake Owens, Director of Conservation at the L.A. Zoo

Learn more about Save Giraffes Now:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savegiraffesnow/?hl=en

X/Twitter: https://x.com/savegiraffesnow?lang=en

Get involved: https://savegiraffesnow.org/

Originally aired March 30, 2022

Exploring deeper in the ocean than anyone before him—into the dark depths of the sea where no ray of sunlight reached—William Beebe saw shocking lights, colors, and critters that made him question life on land. In this episode of Constant Wonder, meet a scientist as interesting as the watery worlds he discovered.

Guest: Brad Fox, author of The Bathysphere Book: Effects of the Luminous Ocean Depths

William Beebe narrated by Brian Croxall, Professor of Digital Humanities at BYU

Visit Brad Fox online:

Author page: https://bradfox.org/about

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradmfox/?hl=en

Originally aired on August 16, 2023

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

Find Jenedy Paige online:

Her website: https://jenedypaige.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenedypaige/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jenedypaigeart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenedypaige/

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.

Find Deborah Farmer Kris Online:

Parenthood365: https://www.parenthood365.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenthood365/?hl=en

Substack: https://parenthood365.substack.com/about

Check out the Lisa Show! https://www.byuradio.org/the-lisa-show

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

Find Jeff Olsen online:

Author page: https://www.jefferycolsen.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferycolsen/?hl=en

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

Visit Kevin's website to learn more about his work, speaking events, and performances:

https://www.kevinkling.com/

Originally aired Jan 11, 2023