Wild By Nature: Stories of Human Connection To The Wild

What if improving your mental health, reducing stress, and strengthening your immune system didn't start in a clinic—but in nature? In this episode of Wild by Nature, host Vian Sharif explores the science behind nature as medicine with Gary Evans, co-founder of The Forest Bathing Institute and a leading voice in nature-based health research. Drawing from global studies and real-world programs, this conversation breaks down how time in biodiverse environments—especially forests—can regulate the nervous system, improve mental health, and even strengthen immune function. Evidence is growing: regular contact with nature isn't a luxury—it's foundational to human health. You'll learn how exposure to natural environments impacts your body at a biological level, why modern lifestyles may be contributing to rising inflammation and stress-related conditions, and how simple, consistent time in nature can support long-term wellbeing.

This episode connects science, public health, and everyday life—offering a new perspective on how reconnecting with nature can help restore balance in both body and mind.

Key Topics:

• Forest bathing and nervous system regulation
• The link between biodiversity and immune health
• The microbiome, inflammation, and modern environments
• Nature as preventative healthcare
• How urban design impacts mental and physical health

About Gary Evans: Gary Evans is the co-founder of The Forest Bathing Institute, a leading organization focused on the science and practice of forest bathing and nature connection. His work explores how time in nature can support mental wellbeing, reduce stress, and strengthen human connection to the natural world. Explore Gary Evans' work and discover The Healing Power of Trees: The Definitive Guide to Forest Bathing wherever books are sold — including your favorite local bookstore.

Learn More The Forest Bathing Institute - https://tfb.institute/

Follow Wild by Nature for more conversations at the intersection of nature, science, and human potential—and take a moment today to step outside, slow down, and listen.

Connect with Wild by Nature

🌿 Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. ⭐ Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others discover these conversations. 📲 Share this episode with someone who believes people and nature are deeply connected. 🎙️ Watch the full video on YouTube and join the conversation in the comments. 💌 Have an idea for a future guest or topic? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].

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Can spending time in nature improve focus, reduce stress, and boost mental health? Research says yes.

In this episode of Wild by Nature, host Vian Sharif speaks with Marc Berman, Chair of Psychology at University of Chicago and author of Nature and the Mind, about how nature impacts the brain, attention, and overall wellbeing.

Discover how environmental neuroscience shows that even short exposure to green space — like a 50-minute walk — can improve memory, increase focus, and reduce mental fatigue by up to 20%.

This conversation explores:

• How nature affects attention, memory, and cognitive performance • The science behind stress reduction and mental restoration • Why green space may help reduce anxiety and depression • How modern environments contribute to burnout and mental fatigue • Simple ways to reconnect with nature in everyday life

If you're feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or burned out, this episode explains why nature may be one of the most powerful — and overlooked — tools for improving emotional balance, productivity, and overall health.

Dr. Marc Berman is Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Chicago and Director of the Environmental Neuroscience Lab. His research explores how nature and physical environments affect the brain, attention, memory, mental health, and wellbeing.

His work has helped shape the growing field of environmental neuroscience and has been featured in major research discussions and publications worldwide.

Explore Dr. Berman's work and discover Nature and the Mind wherever books are sold, including your favorite local bookstore.

Connect with Wild by Nature

If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Wild by Nature wherever you listen to podcasts.

🌿 Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. ⭐ Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others discover these conversations. 📲 Share this episode with someone who believes people and nature are deeply connected. 🎙️ Watch the full video on YouTube and join the conversation in the comments. 💌 Have an idea for a future guest or topic? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].

📸 Instagram: @wildbynaturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/wildbynaturepodcast

▶️ YouTube: @wildbynaturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@wildbynaturepodcast

🎵 TikTok: @wildbynaturepodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@wildbynaturepodcast

💼 LinkedIn: Wild By Nature Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/wild-by-nature-podcast

🎧 Apple Podcasts: Wild By Nature: Stories of Human Connection To The Wild Apple Podcasts

📧 Email: [email protected]

Website: wildbynaturepodcast.com

In a world driven by constant noise, speed, stress, and disconnection, Wild By Nature explores a quieter but increasingly urgent question: What happens when humans reconnect with the natural world?

Hosted by Vian Sharif, Wild By Nature is a thought-provoking podcast exploring how nature shapes our mental health, creativity, identity, wellbeing, leadership, and sense of belonging. Through deeply human conversations with scientists, authors, environmental leaders, wellness experts, and changemakers, the series uncovers the powerful relationship between people and the world around them.

Inspired by a life-changing experience in Kenya, the podcast was born from a growing realization that nature is not separate from us — it influences how we think, feel, heal, create, connect, and lead.

From forest bathing and neuroscience to mindfulness, resilience, ecology, and human behavior, Wild By Nature transforms complex ideas into meaningful, accessible conversations designed to inspire reflection, connection, and a more intentional way of living.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected, creatively depleted, or simply hungry for a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you, this podcast is for you.

Watch the official trailer now and subscribe to Wild By Nature on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.