Author Jonny Hanson joins HumaNature to discuss the pros and cons of reintroducing large predators (lynx, wolves, and bears) back to the wilds of Britain and Ireland. It's a controversial and politically charged  subject to say the least and sparks a lot of emotions on both sides. Don't miss this fascinating conversation and make sure to check out Jonny Hanson's latest book Living with Lynx: Sharing Landscapes with Big Cats, Wolves and Bears to learn more. 

Sandy Hazelip and Ellie Hamby are not your typical travel influencers, they're both grandmothers in their 80's widely known as the TikTok Traveling Grannies. This week you'll hear about how they've been breaking barriers for decades, their journey around the world to celebrate turning 80, and why Easter Island has the best food. 

Just before her 30th birthday, Julia Sheehan realized she wasn't happy. She had a house and a great career, but wanted something more. So she sold her home, left her job, and set out to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. What follows is a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and a trail that will test her in ways she never imagined. 

Fitz Cahall, founder of The Dirtbag Diaries podcast, joins host Megan Feighery to talk about life, finding adventure in your own backyard, and his new book States of Adventure: 30 Outdoor Adventure Stories About Finding Yourself By Getting Lost. 

Bridget Crocker is a world-class whitewater rafting guide and author of the book "The River's Daughter." Bridget also grew up in an abusive household and suffered from severe trauma and PTSD. Through it all, she always had her special relationship with the river- something that would bring her the courage and resilience to persevere no matter what. 

Show notes: This episode discusses violence, sexual assault, trauma, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts. Listener discretion is advised. 

Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Hotline.

Call 1-800-799-SAFE or text "Start" to 88788 for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Call 800-656-HOPE for the National Sexual Assault Hotline or visit Rainn.org for more resources.

Anissa Beal is the founder of Edgar and Ivy's Cat Sanctuary in Corpus Christi, Texas. She loves what she does but in late 2023 she wasn't sure she could afford to keep going. Then she got a phone call that changed everything. 

Leigh Ann Henion is the author of Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark, a beautiful celebration of all the things that come alive in the dark. In a time where artificial light is ever-present, Leigh Ann invites you to think of darkness as a habitat and explore the biodiversity that exists at night in your own backyard. You never know what you might discover.

Alexandra de Steiguer is an artist, author, poet, musician, and photographer who has spent the last twenty-eight years working as the winter caretaker of Star Island off the coast of Maine and New Hampshire. She spends about six months completely alone, taking care of the vacant hotel and cottages that will fill with tourists in the summer months.

Original music by Alexandra de Steiguer used in this episode: 

0:38 - One Day_Instrumental Version

9:21 - Oceanic_Instrumental Version

16:44 - Whistling Wind_Instrumental Version

22:50 - The Novelist_Instrumental Version

Twenty years ago, Catherine Raven befriended a wild fox who frequented her property in Montana. The two became friends and over time she watched him transform from a scrawny little runt into a confident and curious father. Hear her remarkable story on this episode of HumaNature and check out Catherine's book "Fox and I" for more. 

Author Leila Philip discusses her book "Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America" on this week's episode. Learn how this under-appreciated creature played a pivotal role in the creation of the United States and could be the key to its future.