Ecopsyched! Storytelling for All Ages

It’s early morning on the balcony, overlooking what’s recognized to be the narrowest main street in the world – the Placencia Sidewalk in Belize.

Leaving winter behind in the States, I planned my visit to coincide with Placencia’s 18th Annual Sidewalk Art Festival. There is no better way to get to know a place than by way of long hikes through its countryside and intimate conversations with its artists. Before the bustle of vendors and visitors arrives this day, birdsongs waft to me on warm morning breezes. The tropical birds balance on palm fronds across from me. An occasional early riser shuffles along the sandy concrete below, walking the 3/4 mile-long sidewalk flanked with modest storefronts and sandy alleys that lead to resting beachfront tiki bars.

I have long waited to visit Belize, this enchanted country I’ve heard about in dreamy conversations. I side-stepped its bustling tourist spots and headed south to Placencia to experience a confluence of cultures and what draws expats to a better way of life here. My expectations were exceeded by welcoming people, the quaintest village, and the most incredible tamales I’ll ever savor. 

I invite you to join me on the balcony for sounds of morning on the Placencia Sidewalk.

-Lisa B

Visit A Trust Fall in the Jungle for more Belizean adventure.

NATURE POD: Kona Morning
NATURE POD: Kona Night
NATURE POD: Midnight Thunderstorm

Placencia Sidewalk Episode: Copyright © Lisa Barry 2023.

My Gear:
Panasonic LUMIX G85 Mirrorless Camera
Wireless Shutter Release Remote Control
Sony Voice Recorder ICD-PX Series

Music Credits:
Jal – Edge of Water by Aakash Gandhi
Mosswood by Steven Adams
Drumming by Garifuna Drummers
Ponte de Abril by Steven Adams

Please Show Your Support:
Subscribe to Ecopsyched! on Apple Podcasts or your favorite channel.
Share this episode on Facebook and Twitter.
Follow Ecopsyched! on Facebook and Instagram.

Did you like this episode? Have suggestions? Join the conversation below.

Thank you!

APPLE PODCASTS  |  ANDROID  |  GOOGLE PODCASTS  |  EMAIL  |  RSS

Ecopsyched! participates in affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Third party vendors may collect customer information for tracking and other purposes.

The post NATURE POD: Placencia Sidewalk appeared first on Ecopsyched!.

Even on days he thinks he’s ordinary, he’s actually made of the stuff of magic. Join Leo and find out what makes each of us out of this world.

I hope you’ll join me on this Ecopsyched! Stories adventure!

-Lisa B

Story, illustration, and episode: Copyright © Lisa Barry 2020.

Music Copyrights:
Swing House by RKVC
After You by  Dan Lebowitz
The Bluest Star by The 126ers
Porches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity
Love Letters by Aaron Kenny
Like a Polaroid by Spazz Cardigan
Outro (White Smoke) by  Endless Love
First Time Experience by Nate Blaze

Please Show Your Support:
Subscribe to Ecopsyched! on Apple Podcasts or your favorite channel.
Share this episode on Facebook and Twitter.
Follow Ecopsyched! on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Did you enjoy this story? Have suggestions? Join the conversation below.

Thank you!

APPLE PODCASTS  |  ANDROID  |  GOOGLE PODCASTS  |  EMAIL  |  RSS

The post STORIES: Stardust appeared first on Ecopsyched!.

The beetle parted its shell, stretched its wings, and flew. There were thousands more flying overhead, and each one was unique.They must be fairies of the field, she thought. 

Join Evie as she discovers the things that make her different also make her special.

I hope you’ll join me on this Ecopsyched! Stories adventure!

-Lisa B

Story, illustration, and episode: Copyright © Lisa Barry 2020.

Music Copyrights:
Swing House by RKVC
Sweet Release by Dan Lebowitz
Dance of the Fireflies by Nathan Moore
First Time Experience by Nate Blaze

Please Show Your Support:
Subscribe to Ecopsyched! on Apple Podcasts or your favorite channel.
Share this episode on Facebook and Twitter.
Follow Ecopsyched! on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Did you enjoy this story? Have suggestions? Join the conversation below.

Thank you!

APPLE PODCASTS  |  ANDROID  |  GOOGLE PODCASTS  |  EMAIL  |  RSS

The post STORIES: The Loveliness appeared first on Ecopsyched!.

There once was a man who roamed the countryside with bare feet. His shirt was tattered, and his pants were too short. Over his shoulder he cradled his favorite crooked walking stick. Tied around the end of that stick was a quilt that hung like a bag and carried the modest possessions of a vagabond.

I hope you’ll join me on this Ecopsyched! Stories adventure!

-Lisa B

Story, illustration, and episode: Copyright © Lisa Barry 2020.

Music Copyrights:
Swing House by RKVC
Si Señorita by Chris Haugen
Et Voila by Chris Haugen
Honey and Milk by The 126ers
First Time Experience by Nate Blaze

Please Show Your Support:
Subscribe to Ecopsyched! on Apple Podcasts or your favorite channel.
Share this episode on Facebook and Twitter.
Follow Ecopsyched! on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Did you enjoy this story? Have suggestions? Join the conversation below.

Thank you!

APPLE PODCASTS  |  ANDROID  |  GOOGLE PODCASTS  |  EMAIL  |  RSS

The post STORIES: The Vagabond of Puddle Pond appeared first on Ecopsyched!.

To Walter, dreams are as real as day. They have to be. Come along on this tale about the value of dreams.

Thank you for sharing in this Ecopsyched! story with me!

-Lisa B

Story, illustration, and episode: Copyright © Lisa Barry 2020.

Music Copyrights:
Swing House by RKVC
Pink Sunrise by The Great North Sound Society
First Time Experience by Nate Blaze

Please Show Your Support:
Subscribe to Ecopsyched! on Apple Podcasts or your favorite channel.
Share this episode on Facebook and Twitter.
Follow Ecopsyched! on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Did you enjoy this story? Have suggestions? Join the conversation below.

Thank you!

APPLE PODCASTS  |  ANDROID  |  GOOGLE PODCASTS  |  EMAIL  |  RSS

The post STORIES: Walter Under Waves appeared first on Ecopsyched!.

Compassion for all living things is the centerpiece of this sweet tale about a little girl and her speedy dog and their well-intentioned mischief.

Thank you for sharing in this Ecopsyched! story with me!

-Lisa B

Story, illustration, and episode: Copyright © Lisa Barry 2020.

Music Copyrights:
Swing House by RKVC
Gemini Robot by Bird Creek
First Time Experience by Nate Blaze

Please Show Your Support:
Subscribe to Ecopsyched! on Apple Podcasts or your favorite channel.
Share this episode on Facebook and Twitter.
Follow Ecopsyched! on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Did you enjoy this story? Have suggestions? Join the conversation below.

Thank you!

APPLE PODCASTS  |  ANDROID  |  GOOGLE PODCASTS  |  EMAIL  |  RSS

The post STORIES: JoJo and the Weeds appeared first on Ecopsyched!.

It’s midnight when the rain begins to fall. Lightning flickers in the distance, and a soft rumble of thunder heralds the approaching storm.

You may recall Ecopsyched!’s Rainstorm nature pod episode. It has received the most listens of any nature pod episode to date. There is something soothing about the rhythm of raindrops.

Since I started recording nature sounds, I’ve been eager to capture the electric sound of thunder. Last month, as I wrapped up a late night of editing, I heard the first hints of a storm. I grabbed my recorder, cracked a window in the dark, and waited. The presentation that unfolded was hypnotic, and it wasn’t long before I was lulled to sleep by the magic storm.

I invite you to rest with me during this Midnight Thunderstorm.

-Lisa B

PS: Did you know a snippet of this Midnight Thunderstorm recording is featured in the Ecopsyched! stories episode, The Twisted Old Tree?

Interesting:

According to The Weather Channel:, the National Weather Service, and NASA:

Thunderstorms occur in many areas around the world, but there are a number of things you might not know about this weather phenomenon.

• An estimated 16 million thunderstorms occur on Earth every year.
• At any given time, there are about 2,000 thunderstorms in progress.
• In the United States alone, an estimated 100,000 thunderstorms occur each year.
• The average thunderstorm is 15 miles wide and lasts around 30 minutes.
• Lightning forms due to the collision of ice crystals and water droplets within clouds creating positive and negative electric charges, which become separated by convective forces. A lightning bolt dispenses from the cloud when the charges become separated enough.
• Other planets in our solar system also have lightning, including gas giants Jupiter and Saturn. There are also bright flashes in dust storms on Mars, which some scientists believe to be evidence of lightning.

Visit The Weather Channel:, the National Weather Service, and NASA to learn more!

You Might Also Enjoy:
NATURE POD: Rainstorm
STORIES: The Twisted Old Tree

Music Copyrights:
Last Train to Mars by Dan Lebowitz

Please Show Your Support:
Subscribe to Ecopsyched! on Apple Podcasts or your favorite channel.
Share this episode on Facebook and Twitter.
Follow Ecopsyched! on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Did you like this episode? Have suggestions? Join the conversation below.

Thank you!

APPLE PODCASTS  |  ANDROID  |  GOOGLE PODCASTS  |  EMAIL  |  RSS

The post NATURE POD: Midnight Thunderstorm appeared first on Ecopsyched!.

At the root of this story of newfound friendship is a tree. Join an unlikely pair as they bond under The Twisted Old Tree.

Thank you for sharing in this Ecopsyched! story with me!

-Lisa B

Story, illustration, and episode: Copyright © Lisa Barry 2020.

Music Copyrights:
Swing House by RKVC
Nimbus by Eveningland
First Time Experience by Nate Blaze

Please Show Your Support:
Subscribe to Ecopsyched! on Apple Podcasts or your favorite channel.
Share this episode on Facebook and Twitter.
Follow Ecopsyched! on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Did you enjoy this story? Have suggestions? Join the conversation below.

Thank you!

APPLE PODCASTS  |  ANDROID  |  GOOGLE PODCASTS  |  EMAIL  |  RSS

The post STORIES: The Twisted Old Tree appeared first on Ecopsyched!.

Life is simple and good on Isle. Even bullies are no match for the power of island life. Join Gaël for a lesson in peace and perseverance on a hillside on Isle.

Thank you for sharing in this Ecopsyched! story with me!

-Lisa B

Story, illustration, and episode: Copyright © Lisa Barry 2020.

Music Copyrights:
Swing House by RKVC
First Love by Wayne Jones
First Time Experience by Nate Blaze

Please Show Your Support:
Subscribe to Ecopsyched! on Apple Podcasts or your favorite channel.
Share this episode on Facebook and Twitter.
Follow Ecopsyched! on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Did you enjoy this story? Have suggestions? Join the conversation below.

Thank you!

APPLE PODCASTS  |  ANDROID  |  GOOGLE PODCASTS  |  EMAIL  |  RSS

The post STORIES: Gaël of Isle appeared first on Ecopsyched!.

At a time when being social is taboo, meet Griffin on his quest to connect. Delight in the resolve of this young boy and his clever mother. Tune in to this touching tale of togetherness in the outdoors.

Thank you for sharing in this Ecopsyched! story with me!

-Lisa B

Story, illustration, and episode: Copyright © Lisa Barry 2020.

Music Copyrights:
Swing House by RKVC
Fun in the Sun by Chris Haugen
First Time Experience by Nate Blaze

Please Show Your Support:
Subscribe to Ecopsyched! on Apple Podcasts or your favorite channel.
Share this episode on Facebook and Twitter.
Follow Ecopsyched! on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Did you enjoy this story? Have suggestions? Join the conversation below.

Thank you!

APPLE PODCASTS  |  ANDROID  |  GOOGLE PODCASTS  |  EMAIL  |  RSS

The post STORIES: Lion Face appeared first on Ecopsyched!.