The Great Green Escape by Aristaios

Dive into the theory of Blue Mind: the state of calm, clarity, and creativity we feel when we’re near water.

Through science, myth, and Australian stories, we explore why our brains love the ocean, how warm mineral water can help us sleep, and how ancient and modern cultures across the world, from the Warrgamay and Noongar peoples to swimmers and surfers, have long understood the healing power of water.

We’ll trace the journeys of rivers, visit lochs in Scotland, and rediscover our own “blue head” in contrast to the restless “red head.”

Whether you’re floating through kelp or soaking in a warm bath after a long day, this episode invites you to meet the water, and yourself, anew.

Studies and stories referenced

"Blue Mind" theory

Wallace J. Nichols’ book Blue Mind (2014).

 "Blue Head" mindset and the All Blacks

James Kerr's book Legacy (2015).

Spa therapies, warm mineral water and sleep improvement

Yao, Wang & Lei (2022). "Spa therapy improves sleep quality: evidence from questionnaire and actigraphy". Brain-Apparatus Communication: A Journal of Bacomics, (2).

Haghayegh, S., et al. (2019). “Before-bedtime passive body heating by warm bath or shower to improve sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Sleep Medicine Reviews, 46, 124–135.

Blue Mind in Australian education and therapy

Surfers for Climate's Blue Mind Programs. https://surfersforclimate.org/

Blue Mind Wellness Day Australia (2024). Community mental health initiative supported by coastal local councils and Blue Mind Foundation.

First Nations stories

A Healing Place at The Water - This Place. A YouTube video by ABC Indigenous.

The Waakal (Rainbow Serpent). Dreaming stories of the Southwest.

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In this Australian winter episode, we explore what happens when we stop resisting the cold and start tuning in. 

With science, storytelling, and soundscapes, we learn how people can thrive in darkness, how trees rest wisely, and how whales and fungi remind us that winter is far from lifeless. We talk truffles, king tides, brown fat, and ancient seasonal wisdom, including the Noongar season of Makuru.

Whether you're shivering through June or dreaming of slowing down, this episode is a gentle invitation to see winter differently.

Studies and stories referenced

Positive winter mindset in Norway

Leibowitz, K. (2021). How to survive a Norwegian winter (hint: it involves skiing, ice swimming, and lots of patience).

Brown fat activation through cold

Cannon, B., & Nedergaard, J. (2004). Brown adipose tissue: function and physiological significance. Physiological Reviews.

Low-frequency noise and cellular response

Kim, J. H., et al. (2023). Low-frequency sound influences intracellular calcium and cell communication pathways. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience.

Walking speed and pace of life

Wiseman, R. (2007). The pace of life: Revisited. British Council/University of Hertfordshire.

Levine, R., & Norenzayan, A. (1999). The pace of life in 31 countries. Nature.

Makuru, Noongar season of fertility

South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council. Kaartdijin Noongar: Noongar Knowledge.

Whale migration in Australian winter

Australian Government, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

King tides in winter

Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Tides and King Tides.

Bioluminescent fungi in Australia

CSIRO, Ghost Fungus (Omphalotus nidiformis).

Tim Terry and truffles in Tasmania

ABC News. (2016). Australian truffle industry grows from humble beginnings.

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What do trees, the moon, and thunderstorms have to do with your brain chemistry?

Turns out - quite a lot!

Episode one of The Great Green Escape is live. It’s a new podcast from Aristaios, where we explore how humans and nature are wired to thrive together (in some surprisingly clever ways).

In this first episode, we look at:

• why a walk in the bush actually clears your head
• how lunar cycles can influence sleep, mood and more
• what nature might awaken in us — biologically and emotionally

If you’re into nature, neuroscience, or just want something uplifting to listen to, tune in.

Studies referenced

1. Dr. Suzanne Simard’s Research – Mycorrhizal Networks ("Wood Wide Web")
   https://suzannesimard.com/research
2. Mother Tree Project
   https://mothertreeproject.org
3. Phytoncides and Forest Bathing
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2793346
4. Urban Greening and Crime Reduction (2012 Chicago study)
   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169204612000133
5. University of Basel Study – Lunar Cycle and Sleep
   https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(13)00754-9
6. University of Washington Study – Sleep Timing and Moon Phases
   https://www.washington.edu/news/2021/01/27/moon-sleep
7. Blue Mind Theory – Psychology of Being Near Water
   https://www.newbeauty.com/blue-mind-theory
8. Heat and Aggression Study – Anderson et al.
   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0065260100800040
9. Rain and Decision-Making – SSRN Working Paper (2024)
   https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5105705
10. Barometric Pressure and Headaches
    https://www.healthline.com/health/headache/barometric-pressure-headache
11. Morning Sunlight and Melatonin Regulation – Ayurvedic Perspective
    https://lifespa.com/ayurvedic-lifestyle/circadian-rhythm/sun-exposure-melatonin
12. Birdsong and Mental Health – Natural History Museum
    https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/how-listening-to-bird-song-can-transform-our-mental-health.html

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