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

In this first of two episodes, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Penner and Dr. Carmen Merrick, psychology professors at Hendrix College, to explore how time in nature can calm the mind, restore balance, and reconnect us to what matters most.

From classrooms in Arkansas to fieldwork in Costa Rica, Jenn and Carmen study how the outdoors shapes memory, emotion, and well-being. We talk about why students feel more anxious than ever, how nature helps us slow down, and what it means to find wholeness in a busy, distracted world.

Whether you’re a parent, student, or anyone trying to live slower and more intentionally, this conversation will remind you that we were made for the wild.

Learn more about their work at Hendrix College:

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

From her first deer hunt at just one week old to harvesting a mountain goat after months of scouting steep Colorado terrain with her teenage son, Hillery Edinger carries forward a rich family legacy of hunting and outdoor living. She’s a fourth-generation outdoorswoman whose life centers around the land—and what it provides.

Hillery shares stories of her grandmother who took down 31 bull elk during her lifetime, carefully documenting each harvest with photos and handwritten notes that now serve as family heirlooms and hunting wisdom.

This conversation pulls us into what it means to truly live off the land in modern America. Hillery and her family of four rarely purchase meat from stores, instead filling their freezer with ethically harvested game—from elk and deer to mountain lion and even invasive iguanas hunted during a family trip to Puerto Rico. She uses every part of the animals she harvests, turning bear fat into pie crusts and elk tallow into soaps and balms.

But it’s not just about the food. Hillery speaks to the connection, resilience, and presence that the hunting lifestyle has built into her family. Her sons are learning to call in elk, butcher meat, and notice the rhythms of the wild—skills that go far beyond the woods.

As she puts it:

“I don’t have a fear of them ever having a hard time feeding themselves. No matter what the world turns into, they should be able to put meat on their plate.”

This episode is part of our Season 2 theme: Live Slow, Re-Wild—a return to what matters.

🎧 Listen now and hear what a life lived close to the land really looks like.

—

Follow Hillery on Instagram:

@change_altitude_seek_adventure

https://www.instagram.com/change_altitude_seek_adventure

_______________________

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

Imagine gripping onto a rock face, your focus narrowed to just your next move, the world's noise fading into silence. For JD Borgeson of the Arkansas Climbing Coalition, this mental clarity represents rock climbing's greatest gift—a complete escape from our distracted modern lives into pure presence.

"When you're climbing, you're thinking about how tired you are, where you are on the climb, what your next move is," JD explains. "You really don't have an opportunity to think of much else." This natural flow state aligns perfectly with our season's "Live Slow, Rewild" theme, as climbing strips away digital distractions and reconnects us with our most fundamental human capabilities.

Arkansas might surprise you as a climbing destination, yet it offers world-class opportunities without the crowds found in more famous locations. From epic multi-pitch adventures to accessible urban crags, the state's diverse climbing landscape caters to all skill levels. JD walks us through the different climbing styles—bouldering, sport climbing, and traditional climbing—while emphasizing the sport's accessibility: "If you can climb a ladder, you can absolutely climb a rock."

The Arkansas Climbing Coalition's work extends beyond simply promoting the sport. Their mission centers on preserving access to existing climbing areas through sustainable trail maintenance and hardware replacement, while also opening new areas like Crystal Bluff in North Little Rock. This urban crag development represents a rare achievement in climbing accessibility, bringing approximately 100 routes within minutes of downtown.

For those inspired to try climbing, JD offers practical advice on where to start: local climbing gyms provide safe introduction, while beginner-friendly outdoor locations like Horseshoe Canyon near Jasper offer natural experiences with established facilities. The climbing community welcomes newcomers through events like the annual Arkansas Climbers Festival, which draws hundreds for a weekend of climbing, learning, and community building.

Ready to escape the digital noise and rediscover your connection to the natural world? Grab some climbing shoes and discover what happens when you focus only on the rock beneath your hands. As JD reminds us, sometimes the greatest adventures come when we leave our phones behind and simply engage with the present moment.

Arkansas Climbers Coalition Website:

https://www.arkansasclimbers.org/

Arkansas Climbers Coalition Facebook:

https://m.facebook.com/arkansasclimbers/

Email: [email protected]

_______________________

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

What if the most powerful medicine grew right in your backyard? Chris and Alex Baker are proving it does at City Farm Conway, their regenerative farm where honeybees, herbs, and holistic practices create a symphony of natural living.

The couple's journey began separately—Chris with an affinity for beekeeping and self-sustainability, Alex searching for alternatives to the chronic illness that plagued her family. When they met, their shared passion for nature blossomed into a marriage built on God and stewarding the land.

"We've walked through health crises," Alex explains, describing their battle with toxic mold illness that deepened their commitment to natural remedies. From raw honey's antimicrobial properties to the calming effects of lemon balm tinctures, the Bakers have woven traditional wisdom into their modern lives. Their fermented garlic honey—a potent cold remedy—exemplifies their approach: simple, yet powerful.

Their beekeeping practice goes beyond honey production. Chris shares fascinating insights about these intelligent creatures—including the extraordinary story of bees molding propolis into the exact shape of their hive number, demonstrating remarkable pattern recognition. While honeybees aren't native to North America, the Bakers explain how beekeepers often become advocates for all pollinators, creating habitats that benefit native species through reduced pesticide use and increased biodiversity.

Recently settled on a three-acre homestead teeming with wildlife and medicinal plants, the Bakers embody what we call "Re-Wilding"—not an escape from modern life, but a return to natural rhythms. "It's about restoring what's been lost, not just in the land but in ourselves.” Their prescription for others is refreshingly simple: stop spraying chemicals, plant flowers, and literally "touch grass" to reconnect with the earth beneath your feet.

Want to taste the difference that intention makes? Connect with City Farm Conway on social media to experience their raw honey and herbal products for yourself. Your body will thank you.

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CityFarmConway/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/cityfarmconway/

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/@cityfarmconway?feature=shared

Website:

https://arkansasgrown.org/listing/city-farm-conway/

_______________________

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

Stepping into the garden with Joe Lamp'l (better known as Joe the Gardener) feels like walking alongside a trusted friend who's been tending the soil for decades. The Emmy award-winning host of PBS's "Growing a Greener World" brings warmth, wisdom, and infectious enthusiasm to our conversation about finding joy in nature and living more intentionally.

Joe's journey began with a magical childhood moment—at eight years old, he accidentally broke a branch from a hedge, stuck it in the ground to hide his mistake, and returned months later to discover it had taken root and sprouted new leaves. That single moment of wonder sparked a lifelong passion that eventually led him from corporate accounting to becoming one of America's most beloved gardening educators.

What strikes you immediately about Joe is his authentic connection to the natural world. Despite decades in the field, his curiosity remains insatiable. "I love gardening more today than yesterday, and tomorrow I'll love it more than today," he shares, explaining how each discovery adds another layer to his appreciation rather than replacing what came before. This perspective offers a refreshing counterpoint to our culture of constant consumption and disposable experiences.

Throughout our conversation, Joe weaves practical gardening wisdom with profound insights about slowing down and rewilding both our landscapes and ourselves. He describes his morning ritual of sitting outside with coffee at dawn, listening to birdsong before checking emails—a simple practice that grounds him in nature's rhythms before the day's demands begin. This intentional approach to living carries through to his gardening practices, where he's recently embraced incorporating more native plants and creating habitat spaces that support wildlife.

One of the most thought-provoking moments comes when Joe articulates a concept many of us intuitively feel but struggle to name: "It's the losses we notice, it's the diminishment we don't see." Using the example of monarch butterflies, he illustrates how gradual decline often escapes our attention until species are critically endangered. His gentle reminder that "every bit counts" empowers listeners to take action in whatever space they have available—from extensive acreage to apartment balconies.

Ready to reconnect with nature and discover the joy of growing? Subscribe to our podcast for more conversations with people who are living differently and creating positive change in their communities. Share your own gardening journey with us on social media—we'd love to see how you're living slow and re-wilding your corner of the world.

Joe's Webiste: https://joegardener.com/

_______________________

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

Bruce McMath paints a vivid picture of what we've lost as artificial lighting has erased our view of the stars, and why it matters more than you might think.

When was the last time you truly saw the night sky? Not the dim scattering of stars visible from suburbs, but the breathtaking cosmic vista our ancestors considered as fundamental to human experience as sunrise and sunset. For most Americans today—especially the 90% of young people who've never witnessed the Milky Way—this connection has been severed by the steady creep of light pollution.

As chair of the Arkansas Natural Sky Association, McMath explains how this environmental issue extends far beyond astronomy. The Earth has experienced the rhythm of day and night for 4.5 billion years, and every living thing has evolved within this cycle. Artificial light disrupts these patterns at a fundamental level, suppressing melatonin production in humans (increasing risks of diabetes, cancer, and depression), disorienting migratory birds (killing hundreds of millions annually), confusing nocturnal pollinators, and even altering plant growth patterns. The conversation reveals surprising facts about how "security" lights often make properties less secure by illuminating potential targets for criminals, while wasting energy and creating harmful glare.

The good news? Unlike many environmental challenges, addressing light pollution actually saves money and improves visibility. Communities like Flagstaff, Arizona have implemented lighting ordinances that allow residents to see the Milky Way from within city limits while maintaining safe, functional lighting. Simple solutions include using motion sensors, warmer light colors (3000K or lower), properly shielded fixtures, and turning off unnecessary illumination. McMath shares practical steps everyone can take—from enabling night mode on electronic devices to certifying homes as night-sky friendly.

Ready to reconnect with the night sky? Join us for this illuminating conversation about slowing down and rewilding our relationship with darkness. As McMath beautifully expresses, there's nothing quite like "letting your soul wander among the stars with nature's chorus" of whippoorwills and tree frogs—an experience that's "soul-cleansing and heart-refreshing" in our increasingly artificial world.

Arkansas Natural Sky Association:

https://darkskyarkansas.org/

Dark Sky International: https://darksky.org/

Dark Sky approved lighting fixtures and retailers: https://darksky.org/what-we-do/d

_______________________

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

Reconnecting with the land doesn't mean you have to do it all at once. Dirk Tanner of Tanner Farmstead shares his practical wisdom on finding balance in the homesteading journey.

"I think there's valuable skills that we've lost in today's day and age that our grandparents had," Dirk reflects early in our conversation. His journey from suburban upbringing to homesteader wasn't motivated by apocalyptic concerns, but rather a desire to reclaim connection with food production and traditional knowledge.

What makes Dirk's perspective so refreshing is his balanced approach. Rather than promoting complete self-sufficiency (which he acknowledges is nearly impossible), he advocates starting with manageable projects that bring joy. A garden and some chickens provide the perfect entry point for most people. From there, Dirk offers counterintuitive wisdom about prioritizing ruminant animals like sheep that convert grass into meat efficiently, rather than the grain-dependent chickens and pigs that many homesteaders focus on first.

Throughout our conversation, Dirk shares practical insights on everything from water systems (rainwater collection may be more practical than expensive well drilling), to food preservation strategies (focusing on naturally storage-friendly crops), to the honor system farm stand he once operated. His experience scaling back from commercial farming to homesteading highlights an important reality: sometimes less truly is more.

Beyond the practical aspects, Dirk speaks eloquently about how homesteading has connected him to the cycles of life and death, deepened his faith, and created opportunities for meaningful community. His ultimate goal isn't just self-sufficiency, but creating lasting memories with his family and teaching his children to be connected to reality in ways that modern convenience often obscures.

Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just curious about growing your first tomato, Dirk's approachable wisdom offers valuable perspective on slowing down and rewilding your life, one small step at a time. Check out Tanner Farmstead across social media platforms for more homesteading content and consulting services!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tannerfarmstead/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tannerfarmstead/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tannerfarmstead

Tanner Farmstead Store: https://tannerfarmsteadacademy.thinkific.com/

_______________________

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

Welcome to season 2 of Natural Obsession. Join us as we approach it with a sense of urgency but also hopefulness. We are calling this season "Live Slow, Re-wild." It's all about slowing down and restoring the things we've lost. Not just in the outdoors but in ourselves. We will be talking to people who are living this out to varying degrees with knowledge about things like dark skies, homesteading, climbing and much much more. If you've been feeling a tug towards a more simple way of living come along with us this season as we learn how to live slow, and re-wild.

_______________________

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

What happens when two outdoor guys slow down and start asking bigger questions? In this season finale, TJ and Daniel reflect on the journey so far, sharing key lessons from their guests and their own challenges along the way.

From Alan’s reminder that “we are what we eat,” to Angela’s perspective on how nature makes us confront what matters most, to Danny’s advice to “put the fishing pole down” and be present—recurring themes of intentional living, slowing down, and reconnecting to the land emerge.

The hosts open up about their own struggles balancing modern life with a desire to reclaim “forgotten ways”—the skills, rhythms, and simplicity that past generations lived by. Rather than chasing perfection, they encourage small, meaningful shifts toward a healthier, more intentional life.

Looking ahead, Season Two will dive into summer outdoor adventures with folks who are actively living this out—whether it’s on the water, in the woods, or out on the farm. Join us as we continue exploring what it means to slow down, steward well, and live with purpose in a busy world.

_______________________

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