Healthier, Happier, Smarter: Wisconsin Voices on the Power of Nature

Jaeden and Xia wrap up season one by looking back on the people, experiences, and stories that shaped their conversations about the power of nature in Wisconsin. From inspiring student-led environmental projects to community efforts making the outdoors more accessible, they reflect on how environmental education can create meaningful change. They also share their own paths into conservation, the importance of uplifting local voices, and what they hope to explore in season two. 

Links + Resources:

Cool Choices online game: runs for the month of April and is available for K-12 students for free at ghswisconsin.org

Wisconsin Youth Climate Conference: November 14th, 2026

Free for all students from across the state to attend

Learn more here: https://www.theconnectiondane.org/

WAEE Award Nominations: https://www.waee.org/awards

Follow the show online: 

Facebook: @WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducation

Instagram: @wisconsinassociationforee

LinkedIn: wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-inc

YouTube: @wisconsinassociationforee

View all book recommendations from the podcast: https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarter

Thank you to our sponsors and funding partners. Learn more and become a sponsor at https://www.waee.org/our-supporters

Climate change is a health issue, and its impacts are already affecting our families and communities. Jaeden and Xia talk with pediatrician Dr. Andrew Lewandowski about how climate change intersects with health, why healthcare professionals have an important role in educating patients, and what climate change counseling can look like in a clinical setting. They also explore how factors like exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity shape a person’s climate change vulnerability, the importance of addressing systemic inequities, and how healthcare providers can advocate for evidence-based climate solutions. 

Links + Resources:

Healthy Climate Wisconsin: www.healthyclimatewi.org

Resources about climate change & health:

World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/ 

Columbia University: https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/topics/climate-health 

National Academy of Medicine: https://nam.edu/our-work/programs/climate-and-health/communicating-about-climate-change-health/ 

Department of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health: https://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/  - You can reach out and ask to talk to Dr. Andrew Lewandowski

Wisconsin Department of Health Services: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ 

Kate Beardmore: Program Manager for the Climate and Health Program with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services 

Phone: 608-266-9978

Email: [email protected]

Follow the show online: 

Facebook: @WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducation

Instagram: @wisconsinassociationforee

LinkedIn: wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-inc

YouTube: @wisconsinassociationforee

View all book recommendations from the podcast: https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarter

Thank you to our sponsors and funding partners. Learn more and become a sponsor at https://www.waee.org/our-supporters

What does it mean to truly embrace well becoming? Xia talks with Dr. Kathleen Ratteree of Sweet Willow Herbals and Cafe and Gabrielle Metoxen, Oneida Nation Arts Program Supervisor, about the idea of “well becoming” and what it can teach us about health, healing, and connection. Together, they explore how Indigenous knowledge, relationships with plants and the land, art, culture, and community can help us embrace the full spectrum of being human and find meaningful ways to care for ourselves and one another.

Links + Resources:

Sweet Willow Herbals and Cafe: https://www.sweetwillowwellness.com/

Oneida Nation Arts Program: https://oneida-nsn.gov/divisions/human-services/our-culture/arts-program-2/

State Environmental Education Conference: https://www.waee.org/annual-conference

Lip scrub and sunscreen products made by Gabrielle Mextoxen: https://www.facebook.com/gobeautyglow

Follow the show online: 

Facebook: @WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducation

Instagram: @wisconsinassociationforee

LinkedIn: wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-inc

YouTube: @wisconsinassociationforee

View all book recommendations from the podcast: https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarter

Thank you to our sponsors and funding partners. Learn more and become a sponsor at https://www.waee.org/our-supporters

What happens when students move beyond learning about environmental problems and start becoming part of the solution? Jaeden and Xia talk with Rick Leib, a social studies teacher at Oshkosh North High School, and senior Ella about the school’s Communities program and its student-led environmental projects. From stormwater pollution and plastic waste to outdoor classrooms, biking, and community service, they explore how authentic, place-based learning can help students connect their education to real-world issues, build confidence, discover new career possibilities, and see themselves as change makers in their own communities.

Links + Resources:

Communities at Oshkosh North: https://www.communitiesonhs.org/

Wisconsin Stormwater Week: https://www.wistormwater.com/

Recycling Excellence Awards: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Recycling/Awards.html 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/communitiesonhs/ 

Bike Osh Event: https://www.facebook.com/bikeosh/

Follow the show online: 

Facebook: @WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducation

Instagram: @wisconsinassociationforee

LinkedIn: wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-inc

YouTube: @wisconsinassociationforee

View all book recommendations from the podcast: https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarter

Thank you to our sponsors and funding partners. Learn more and become a sponsor at https://www.waee.org/our-supporters

What does it look like to create meaningful connections between communities and the outdoors? Jaeden and Xia talk with Zaynab Balbeki, founder of Wi Gather Outside (WIGO), about making outdoor experiences more accessible, culturally relevant, and rooted in community. Zaynab shares how her experiences as an educator inspired her to create opportunities for Black, Brown, and Latino communities to explore Wisconsin’s parks and natural spaces, and how those experiences can foster connection, joy, and environmental stewardship.

Links + Resources:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wigatheroutside/

Read more about Wi Gather Outside’s Eco Justice award and other honorees at: https://www.waee.org/2026-waee-awardees

Follow the show online: 

Facebook: @WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducation

Instagram: @wisconsinassociationforee

LinkedIn: wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-inc

YouTube: @wisconsinassociationforee

View all book recommendations from the podcast: https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarter

Thank you to our sponsors and funding partners. Learn more and become a sponsor at https://www.waee.org/our-supporters

Preparing students for tomorrow means helping them understand the world they're shaping. Jaeden and Xia sit down with Chelsea Malacara, Sustainability Project Specialist, and Kim Talarico, Climate Education Coach from Milwaukee Public Schools, to discuss how the state's largest school district is weaving climate education and sustainability into everyday learning. They share how community partnerships, outdoor learning, and a district-wide sustainability plan are helping students build a stronger connection to their environment while creating healthier schools, more engaged learners, and a more sustainable future for the next generation.

Links + Resources:

Find district resolutions and learn more about the Green Schoolyards Project at https://www.milwaukeepublicschools.org/about/strategic-plan/healthy-sustainable-schools

Find teaching resources on the Wisconsin Climate Education Hub: https://teachwisconsinclimate.org/

Follow the show online: 

Facebook: @WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducation

Instagram: @wisconsinassociationforee

LinkedIn: wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-inc

YouTube: @wisconsinassociationforee

View all book recommendations from the podcast: https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarter

Thank you to our sponsors and funding partners. Learn more and become a sponsor at https://www.waee.org/our-supporters

Some of the most meaningful learning happens when students step outside the classroom. Jaeden and Xia are joined by Robin Hanson, teaching principal at Maple Grove Charter School, and Sandy Benton, co-founder of FIELD Edventures, to explore how outdoor, place-based learning helps students build curiosity, confidence, and a stronger connection to the world around them. From turning school grounds into living classrooms to sharing practical strategies that educators can implement anywhere, this conversation highlights how learning without walls can inspire students, strengthen communities, and make education more engaging for everyone.

Links + Resources:

FIELD Edventures Website: https://www.fieldedventures.org/ 

Maple Grove Charter School Website: https://www.athens1.org/o/mgcs 

WISELearn Resources: https://wlresources.dpi.wi.gov/ 

Environmental Education for Kids (EEK):  https://www.eekwi.org/ 

Follow the show online: 

Facebook: @WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducation

Instagram: @wisconsinassociationforee

LinkedIn: wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-inc

YouTube: @wisconsinassociationforee

View all book recommendations from the podcast: https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarter

Thank you to our sponsors and funding partners. Learn more and become a sponsor at https://www.waee.org/our-supporters

Young people are proving that meaningful climate action starts with community. Jaeden and Xia are joined by Nina, Brooke, and Ayelet of the Dane County Youth Environmental Committee (DCYEC) to explore how the student-led organization is empowering youth across Wisconsin to advocate for environmental change through leadership, education, and collaboration. From organizing the annual Dane County Youth Climate Conference and bringing sustainability initiatives back to their schools to connecting peers who may be experiencing climate anxiety, the conversation highlights how giving students opportunities to lead helps build confidence, hope, and lasting impact.

Links + Resources:

Dane County Youth Environmental Committee: https://www.dcyec.org/

Citizens’ Climate Lobby: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/ 

Follow the show online: 

Facebook: @WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducation

Instagram: @wisconsinassociationforee

LinkedIn: wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-inc

YouTube: @wisconsinassociationforee

View all book recommendations from the podcast: https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarter

Thank you to our sponsors and funding partners. Learn more and become a sponsor at https://www.waee.org/our-supporters

Lakeview School in Madison is redefining what learning can look like through its Nature-Based Learning Opportunity program, and in this episode, Principal Nu Vang-Vue, Physical Education Teacher James Kersten, and Occupational Therapist Deborah Craig share the profound impact that getting kids outside has on their growth and development. From fostering cooperation, confidence, and a sense of belonging to strengthening the gross motor, fine motor, and sensory foundations needed for classroom success, outdoor learning supports the whole child. The conversation explores how nature-based experiences can create more equitable opportunities for students of all backgrounds and abilities while helping them build meaningful connections with their school, their community, and themselves. Discover why stepping outside the classroom may be one of the most powerful ways to help children become healthier, happier, and smarter.

Links + Resources:

Follow Lakeview Elementary on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMSDLakeView

Lakeview Elementary Website: https://lakeview.madison.k12.wi.us/

Article about Lakeview Elementary in Capital Times: https://captimes.com/news/education/how-one-madison-school-became-an-outdoor-education-hotspot/article_f92db948-aa8f-4725-b7a8-fdbf03fda529.html

Follow the show online: 

Facebook: @WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducation

Instagram: @wisconsinassociationforee

LinkedIn: wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-inc

YouTube: @wisconsinassociationforee

View all book recommendations from the podcast: https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarter

Thank you to our sponsors and funding partners. Learn more and become a sponsor at https://www.waee.org/our-supporters

Reconnecting people and nature - that is the goal of Urban Nature Connection. Timothy Scott, executive director of Urban Nature Connection based in Milwaukee, experienced a family crisis which set his life off kilter. After seeking help through therapy and trying medications that didn’t work for him, he found peace through nature. What started simply as cutting the grass and gardening, has quickly become respite river walks, bike rides, and leading advocacy for access to nature in his community. Bringing on a board that shared the same vision, like Julian Phifer, they now attend meetings pertaining to green space expansions throughout the city, create events for the black and brown communities of the area to get outside together, and promote health and wellness through nature.

Links + Resources:

Urban Nature Connection: https://www.urbannatureconnection.com/

Urban Nature Connection Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/urban_naturemke/

Urban Nature Connection Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Urban-Nature-Connection/61581101892117/

Urban Nature Connection LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/urban-nature-connection-mke

Connect with Timothy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-scott-b1ab5875

Follow the show online: 

Facebook: @WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducation

Instagram: @wisconsinassociationforee

LinkedIn: wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-inc

YouTube: @wisconsinassociationforee

View all book recommendations from the podcast: https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarter

Thank you to our sponsors and funding partners. Learn more and become a sponsor at https://www.waee.org/our-supporters