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This close relative of the Aspen is not just recognizable by its white bark--the White Poplar is iconic for its multicolored leaves with rough, white undersides. Alongside this unique appearance, this tree's historic symbolism in Greek and Roman mythology bears multitudinous themes of beauty and death. Let's dive headfirst into the Underworld and learn about the forests that grow there.

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Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)

Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram

Script Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)

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Your eyes (and ears!) do not deceive you: Though we talked about the Sycamore last episode, we're now going to be looking at the Sycomore. What's the difference? Aside from being spelled just a single letter off, the Sycomore is unrelated to the Sycamore — and is also known as the Sycomore Fig! Learn all about how important this Tree of Life is to different African cultures as well as how the Sycomore Fig affects its surrounding ecosystem for the better. 

Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)

Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram

Script Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)

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The American Sycamore is one of the most iconic forest trees in the eastern United States and I frequently have friends and family showing me pictures of it asking for its name. But I've held off on covering it for so long because history mostly points to it just being loved as a fantastic shade tree. Turns out, there's a ton human history surrounding this tree exactly because it's such a good shade tree! Hear how we've immortalized this figure in fable, how it softened the rapport of multiple emperors, and why it's such a lonely member of the Plant Kingdom.

Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)

Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram

Script Editing and Social Media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)

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It's no coincidence that model planes, cars, and other scale replicas are often made from the same material: Balsa wood. The wood of the Balsa tree is incredibly lightweight and uniquely strong given the former characteristic. And on top of the incredible biology associated with this, the Balsa Tree has been involved in some incredible adventures--like the Kon-Tiki Expedition from South America to Polynesia. Learn why I've decided to attribute symbolism of discovery with this jungle giant.

Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)

Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram

Script editing and social media is managed by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)

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For the third and final entry in my second Fruit Tree Miniseries, I talk about the Peach Tree. While this popular fruit is often associated with the American South, the Peach Tree is also highly valued across East Asia. Learn just how deep the Peach is embedded in Chinese history, how Europe took a completely opposite view of the fruit from the Far East, and how the state of Georgia stole it for their own identity. 

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Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)

Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram

Social Media and Script Editing is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.

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In Part 2 of my second Fruit Tree Miniseries, I cover the Pear Tree. My reaction to this tree will certainly be varied, because despite its connection to untold cultures in the Caucuses and symbolism of longevity and generosity in China, I really just can't get into liking the fruit. I think Pears are gross! But today, listen as I open myself to new experiences and try to find love in what I believe to be the wrong places. This episode does not go in depth on the Bradford Pear, to kick that bee's nest please listen to Episode 17.

Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)

Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram

Social Media and Script Editing is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.

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This episode kicks off a new three-part fruit tree miniseries! Up first is the Mango Tree, a species hailing from India that inspires love in Hinduism, rest and introspection in Buddhism, and admiration in modern China. Learn more about its unique domestication history in southeast Asia, Florida, and beyond. 

Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)

Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram

Script editing and social media by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)

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In this episode, I sit down with Ethan Strange, the musical artist behind Academy Garden and my theme music. He recently announced that Academy Garden was finished indefinitely, so we discuss what the future holds for his creative passions as well as the research he's doing on Science Education for his PhD program. This episode features more of Ethan's music that I had yet to use, so let me know what you think of the new sounds! If you like them, some of them might just stick around.

Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)

Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram

Script editing and social media is by Laurie Hilburn (lhilburn.journoportfolia.com)

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This week, I'm revisiting the Celtic Ogham Tree Calendar--but completely out of season. The Scots Pine represents the day after the Winter Solstice in Celtic Faith and symbolizes a guidepost of what is ahead. I figured this symbolism and the stories associated with this tree are also appropriate for the Spring, as days are finally longer than nights and people are starting to get a bit more active with the warmer weather. What could looking into this evergreen's past reveal to us about our own future?

Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.bandcamp.com)

Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram

Script editing and Social Media by Laurie Hilburn (https://lhilburn.journoportfolio.com)

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.

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As Florida and South Carolina celebrate their respective statehood and independence days this month, we will celebrate their shared state tree! Sometimes called the Palmetto or the Cabbage Palm, there's a lot of debate regarding whether or not this plant should be considered a tree. I'll try and clear up that confusion and look into the legendary and controversial history these states share with their natural icon.

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Music is by Academy Garden || academygarden.bandcamp.com

Cover art is by Boomerang Brit || instagram.com/boomerangbrit

Script editing and social media is handled by Laurie Hilburn || https://lhilburn.journoportfolio.com/

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees or on Instagram @treepodcast