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EP 18 | We Were Made for the Wild (Part 2 of 2): Finding Balance in a Disconnected World
Come along with us for the second part of this two part episode with Professors of Psychology Dr. Jennifer Penney and Dr. Carmen Merrick! Learn with us as they talk about their research on nature connectedness and how it benefits us psychologically.
Have you ever noticed how a short walk can flip your whole day? We lean into that reality with a deep, practical look at nature connectedness—what it is, how psychologists measure it, and why it consistently boosts mood, attention, creativity, and resilience. Dr. Jennifer Penner and Dr. Carmen Merrick, unpack the difference between “time outside” and the felt sense of belonging to a living community, then connect the dots between physiology, behavior, and culture so you can actually use this science.
We dig into the everyday choices that make reconnection possible. From the power of birdsongs and window views when you can’t get outside to why thirty minutes outside often hits the sweet spot for stress relief and focus—the message is refreshingly doable. You’ll hear how campuses and workplaces can nudge healthier defaults with outdoor classes, walking meetings, and simple green spaces, and how group conservation projects convert climate anxiety into meaningful action and renewed agency.
Along the way, we talk equity in green space, ADHD and executive function benefits from outdoor time, and the culture change needed to loosen our dependence on screens. This is a hopeful, grounded guide to living slower and rewilding daily life without leaving your job or your city—one windowsill planter, lunch-break walk, and neighborhood project at a time.
If this conversation sparks something, tap follow, share with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a quick review to help more people find the show.
To learn more about our guests this episode click the links below:
Dr. Jennifer Penner
Dr. Carmen Merrick
_______________________
What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?
Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.
To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.
If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at [email protected].
Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:
- Natural Obsession on Facebook
- @NatObPodcast on Instagram
View all episodes
By Natural ObsessionCome along with us for the second part of this two part episode with Professors of Psychology Dr. Jennifer Penney and Dr. Carmen Merrick! Learn with us as they talk about their research on nature connectedness and how it benefits us psychologically.
Have you ever noticed how a short walk can flip your whole day? We lean into that reality with a deep, practical look at nature connectedness—what it is, how psychologists measure it, and why it consistently boosts mood, attention, creativity, and resilience. Dr. Jennifer Penner and Dr. Carmen Merrick, unpack the difference between “time outside” and the felt sense of belonging to a living community, then connect the dots between physiology, behavior, and culture so you can actually use this science.
We dig into the everyday choices that make reconnection possible. From the power of birdsongs and window views when you can’t get outside to why thirty minutes outside often hits the sweet spot for stress relief and focus—the message is refreshingly doable. You’ll hear how campuses and workplaces can nudge healthier defaults with outdoor classes, walking meetings, and simple green spaces, and how group conservation projects convert climate anxiety into meaningful action and renewed agency.
Along the way, we talk equity in green space, ADHD and executive function benefits from outdoor time, and the culture change needed to loosen our dependence on screens. This is a hopeful, grounded guide to living slower and rewilding daily life without leaving your job or your city—one windowsill planter, lunch-break walk, and neighborhood project at a time.
If this conversation sparks something, tap follow, share with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a quick review to help more people find the show.
To learn more about our guests this episode click the links below:
Dr. Jennifer Penner
Dr. Carmen Merrick
_______________________
What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?
Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.
To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.
If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at [email protected].
Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:
- Natural Obsession on Facebook
- @NatObPodcast on Instagram