Have you ever noticed how DNA’s spiraling structure mirrors the shape of seashells and flowers? How our circulatory system branches like tree roots? Nature doesn’t just surround us—we are nature. Our bodies, minds, and societies are woven into its rhythms, yet in today’s modern world, we’ve severed that bond, and the consequences ripple through our environment, politics, culture, and even spirituality. Every other week, host Monica Olsen sits down with leading experts to explore the profound connections between planetary health and human well-being. Through these conversations, they uncover how nature influences everything—from the way we design our cities to the way we govern, heal, and find meaning in our lives. As we face climate change, biodiversity loss, and deep societal shifts, rediscovering our place in the natural world isn’t just necessary—it’s transformative. Join us on this biophilic journey. Follow and listen today, because nature holds the answers.
Research suggests we spend close to 90% of our lives indoors. While we all need more time outside, there's another part of the solution: designing the places where we live and work to better support our health and wellbeing. In this episode, Monica Olsen sits down with two of the UK's leading voices in biophilic design: Oliver Heath, an expert in regenerative and wellbeing-led design for the built environment, and Dr. Vanessa Champion, founder of the Journal of Biophilic Design and host of the podcast of the same name. Together, they explore how thoughtfully designed spaces can improve our physical and mental wellbeing, the formative project that first inspired Oliver to connect nature with health, why diverse minds need diverse spaces, the exciting innovations emerging in fields like biomimicry, and the growing body of evidence demonstrating the value of biophilic design. Whether you're an architect, designer, developer, or simply curious about creating healthier places, this conversation offers an inspiring look at how nature can transform the built environment—and the people who inhabit it. Show Notes Oliver Heath Design Journal of Biophilic Design Journal of Biophilic Design Podcast Oliver Heath Design: Case Studies Design a Healthy Home: 100 Ways To Transform Your Space For Physical and Mental Wellbeing by Oliver Heath Biophilic design, regenerative design, nature-inspired design, wellbeing, healthy buildings, healthy spaces, built environment, sustainable design, architecture, interior design, biomimicry, biophilia, wellness design, environmental psychology, human-centered design, natural materials, natural light, biodiversity, placemaking, Oliver Heath, Vanessa Champion, Journal of Biophilic Design, design innovation, resilient communities, wellbeing-led design, people and planet Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
After five seasons of Biophilic Solutions , which ideas have stood the test of time? In this special compilation episode, Monica Olsen revisits some of the most impactful conversations from the podcast to uncover the common thread connecting the most powerful solutions to today's biggest challenges. From climate scientist Tim Lenton's hopeful vision of positive tipping points to Helena Norberg-Hodge's call for localization, economist Edward B. Barbier's rethinking of nature's economic value, ecologist Douglas Tallamy's practical approach to restoring biodiversity, urban planner Jeff Speck's vision for walkable communities, environmental justice leader Jacqueline Patterson's unexpected perspective on systems change, and Tracey Osborne's insights on Indigenous stewardship, each conversation offers a different piece of a larger puzzle. Together, they reveal that the most transformative solutions rarely solve just one problem. Like healthy ecosystems, they create ripple effects—strengthening communities, restoring nature, improving health, and building resilience all at once. Show Notes: Tim Lenton on Positive Tipping Points Helena Norberg-Hodge on the Power of Localization Edward B. Barbier on Shifting to a Green Economy Doug Tallamy on Keystone Species and Ecosystem Restoration Jeff Speck on Walkable Cities Jacqueline Patterson on the Impact of Environmental Injustice Tracey Osborne on Indigenous Leadership and Climate Justice Dive deeper by visiting Biophilic Solutions on Bookshop Biophilia, biophilic design, nature-based solutions, positive tipping points, sustainability, climate resilience, biodiversity, conservation, regenerative communities, localization, natural capital, environmental economics, walkability, urban planning, placemaking, Indigenous stewardship, systems change, environmental justice, community resilience, ecological restoration, wellness, nature connection, climate solutions, resilience, regenerative living Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
What can our evolutionary past teach us about living healthier, more connected lives today? In this episode, Monica sits down with Andie Edwards, creator of the popular Instagram account Ancestral Habits , to explore how hundreds of thousands of years of human evolution continue to shape our bodies, minds, and relationship with the natural world. Together, they discuss evolutionary mismatch, our biological need for nature, the importance of honoring natural rhythms, and what it means to apply ancestral wisdom in a modern world. They also explore the responsibility of communicating science on social media and Andie's perspective on artificial intelligence. It's a fascinating conversation about using our deep history not to return to the past, but to build a healthier, more aligned future. Show Notes Ancestral Habits Website Ancestral Habits on Instagram Ancestral Habits on Substack Ancestral Habits at Home (PDF) biophilia, nature connection, human evolution, ancestral health, ancestral habits, anthropology, evolutionary mismatch, evolutionary biology, human behavior, natural rhythms, circadian rhythms, modern life, well-being, mental health, physical health, environmental psychology, science communication, social media, artificial intelligence, AI, biology, evolutionary medicine, ecology, resilience, holistic health, outdoor living, health and wellness, connection, sustainability Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
How do the places we inhabit shape our sense of meaning, connection, and well-being? In this episode, Monica sits down with architect, author, and placemaker Dr. Phill Tabb for a wide-ranging conversation on the relationship between place, spirituality, and human flourishing. Together, they explore how thoughtful design, biophilia, ritual, awe, and sensory experience can help create environments that support deeper connections to ourselves, to one another, and to the natural world. The conversation also examines the role of mythology, storytelling, and creative practices in shaping our experience of place. From the symbolism embedded in communities and cities to the power of observation, sketching, and reflection, Phill shares insights drawn from decades of research and practice. Whether you're interested in design, wellness, spirituality, or the human need for belonging, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of how place influences the way we live, feel, and connect. Show Notes Wellness Architecture and Urban Design Spiritual Wellness and the Built Environment Placemaking Through Myths, Experience and Drawing Thin Places, Sacred Architecture, and Biophilic Patterns with Dr. Phill Tabb Place Drawing as a Sacred Practice by Phillip Tabb As Serenbe exhibition will show, architect Phill Tabb’s art always starts with nature (ARTS ATL) Biophilia, placemaking, spiritual wellness, thin places, architecture, wellness design, nature connection, awe, ritual, human flourishing, sense of place, mythology, storytelling, community design, biophilic design, creativity, drawing, journaling, mindfulness, well-being, environmental psychology, sacred spaces, intentional living, place attachment, connection to nature, personal growth, reflective practice, healthy communities, design for wellness, meaning and purpose Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
In this episode, we explore a question that feels more urgent than ever: what if healing ourselves and healing the planet are deeply interconnected? Monica is joined by author Lindsay Branham, whose book Heartwood: The Wisdom and Healing Kinship of Trees chronicles her personal journey through chronic illness and toward a deeper relationship with the natural world. Guest co-host Florence Williams, bestselling author of The Nature Fix , also brings her expertise on nature, health, and well-being to this wide-ranging conversation. Together, they explore the story behind Heartwood and the experiences that led Lindsay from a career as a war journalist and Emmy Award–winning documentary filmmaker to an exploration of ecology, spirituality, and embodied healing. The conversation delves into interoception – sometimes called our “eighth sense” – and how tuning into the body’s internal signals may help us reconnect with ourselves and the living world around us. From chronic illness and nervous system regulation to reciprocal healing, belonging, and even erotic ecology, this episode examines why so many of us are searching for deeper connection in an increasingly disconnected world and what nature may have to teach us about finding it. If you’re interested in the intersection of science, spirituality, and healing, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Show Notes Heartwood: The Healing Wisdom & Kinship of Trees by Lindsay Branham Heartwood Institute Lindsay Branham on Substack Florence Williams The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams Key Words: biophilia, biophilic design, nature connection, healing, planetary health, human health, ecology, spirituality, interoception, nervous system regulation, forest healing, nature therapy, forest bathing, ecological connection, mindfulness, embodiment, emotional well-being, Florence Williams, Lindsay Branham, Heartwood , The Nature Fix , Biophilic Solutions, sustainability, conservation, healing through nature, wild places, environmental psychology, holistic health, connection, natural world, regenerative living, personal transformation, neuroscience, nature and well-being, eco-spirituality, environmental stewardship, intentional living Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
On this episode of Biophilic Solutions , Monica Olsen is joined by wildlife conservationist and author Beth Pratt alongside special guest co-host Tim Beatley for a conversation about urban wildlife, national parks, and the future of conservation in our cities. As California Regional Executive Director for the National Wildlife Federation, Beth shares the story behind the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Los Angeles, the cultural impact of mountain lion P-22, and how storytelling can inspire people to reconnect with the natural world. The conversation also explores Beth’s work as the author of Yosemite Wildlife and When Mountain Lions Are Neighbors , as well as Tim’s vision for creating biophilic cities that make room for both people and biodiversity. Together, they discuss wildlife crossings, urban ecology, public lands, and why fostering connection with nature may be one of the most important challenges (and opportunities) of our time. Show Notes Yosemite Wildlife When Mountain Lions Are Neighbors The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing Biophilic Cities Beth Pratt Website Key Words: biophilic design, biophilic cities, urban wildlife, wildlife conservation, Beth Pratt, Tim Beatley, P-22, mountain lions, wildlife crossings, Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, urban ecology, biodiversity, conservation, Yosemite National Park, national parks, nature connection, ecological design, habitat connectivity, coexistence, rewilding cities, biodiversity corridors, conservation storytelling, environmentalism, public lands, sustainable cities, climate resilience, nature and cities, human-nature connection, wildlife advocacy, environmental podcast Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
Cancer Alley, an 85-mile stretch along the Mississippi River in Louisiana, has become shorthand for one of the most urgent environmental justice crises in the United States. Lined with more than a hundred petrochemical plants, it’s often talked about in terms of statistics and headlines. But in the new podcast The Corridor , those abstractions start to fall away, revealing something much more human: the lived experiences, histories, and deep-rooted connections of the communities who call this region home. In this episode of Biophilic Solutions , we’re joined by Jaha Nailah Avery, a journalist and storyteller from Asheville, North Carolina. Trained in constitutional and civil rights law at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she moved from the tech world to journalism, with work featured in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and Architectural Digest. Her work centers on documenting and preserving Black history, from interviewing Jim Crow survivors in her book Those Who Saw the Sun to her latest project producing and hosting The Corridor . In our conversation, she shares how a single article about Cancer Alley sparked a bigger question – how did we get here? – and set her on a path to trace the connections between slavery, land use, and modern-day environmental harm. We talk about the legacy of plantation country and the role that oral storytelling plays in preserving history and preventing its erasure. What emerges is a far more nuanced picture that holds both injustice and resilience, hardship and community. It’s a conversation about why listening matters, and what becomes possible when we truly hear the stories that shape a place. Show Notes The Corridor I Heard by Jaha Nailah Avery Those Who Saw The Sun by Jaha Nailah Avery and Steffi Walthall Jaha Nailah Avery on Instagram Louisiana’s Cancer Alley (Human Rights Watch) Cancer Alley, environmental justice, biophilic design, place-based storytelling, landscape and memory, oral history, Black history preservation, petrochemical industry, Mississippi River corridor, Louisiana communities, land use and legacy, industrial pollution, community resilience, environmental health, storytelling and justice, historical memory, plantation history, civil rights, environmental storytelling, human-centered narratives, cultural preservation, climate and community, listening and empathy, social impact, public health and environment Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
Climate change can feel overwhelming, especially for those already deeply attuned to the natural world. Alongside that awareness often comes anxiety, grief, and a lingering question: how do we move from overwhelm to action? In this episode, we’re joined by climate leader and author Dr. Katharine Wilkinson to explore her fantastic new book Climate Wayfinding . In it, Katharine offers a hopeful framework for navigating climate emotions and finding a sense of purpose. Co-host Steve Nygren brings his perspective as the founder of Serenbe and longtime advocate for biophilic living. Together, we discuss turning concern into agency, the importance of art and beauty, and how we can begin charting a more hopeful path forward one step at a time. Show Notes Climate Wayfinding: Healing Ourselves and the Planet We Call Home Climate Wayfinding Website All We Can Save: Truth, Courage and Solutions for the Climate Crisis Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense Steve Nygren on Substack Serenbe climate change, climate crisis, climate anxiety, eco-anxiety, hope, resilience, agency, action, climate action, sustainability, biophilia, nature connection, community, regenerative living, emotional resilience, environmental stewardship, storytelling, climate leadership, intergenerational collaboration, purpose, optimism, healing, mindfulness, environmental awareness, adaptation Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
As we welcome a new season of Biophilic Solutions , we’re also sharing a bittersweet farewell to our wonderful co-host, Jennifer Walsh. From the very beginning, Jennifer has brought a thoughtful, grounded perspective to nearly every conversation, drawing on her work as a business leader and expert on biophilia. The silver lining is that she’s stepping away precisely because her message is resonating. From speaking engagements to nature walks to wellness room design, her essential work is in greater demand than ever. Finally, it seems like people are ready to log off, slow down, and really reconnect with both nature and themselves. In this episode, Monica and Jennifer look back on the first five seasons of the podcast, sharing key lessons and memorable moments along the way. They also explore Jennifer’s new project, The Lost Art of Being Human (LABH) , and reflect on how the field of biophilia has evolved in recent years. And of course, they look ahead, offering a glimpse into what’s next from exciting guest co-hosts to the future of our relationship with nature in an increasingly chaotic world. Show Notes The Lost Art of Being Human Jennifer Walsh on Instagram and LinkedIn Stephen Kellert Biophilic Leadership Summit biophilic design, nature connection, wellness, sustainability, architecture, human health, nature-inspired spaces, wellness retreats, environmental psychology Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
Is it important to understand the cultural context of a place? And how can landscape architects help us feel more connected to the natural world? This week, we’re revisiting our most popular episode ever, a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation with Alfie Vick on Native American ethnobotany, environmental ethics, and the delicate balance between wildness and order. Alfie is the Georgia Power Professor of Environmental Ethics at the University of Georgia and the Director of its Environmental Ethics Certificate Program. A licensed landscape architect and LEED Fellow, his work focuses on preserving and strengthening natural systems while thoughtfully weaving in human use. Alongside his academic role, he continues to practice professionally, contributing to a range of LEED-certified projects, including the LEED Platinum headquarters of the Southface Energy Institute in Atlanta. With Alfie as our guide, we explore the intersection of landscape architecture and Native American studies, reflect on how design and biophilia have evolved over time, and even share a memorable tip for naturally managing poison ivy. As conversations around land stewardship, belonging, and ecological responsibility continue to grow, it’s no surprise this episode continues to resonate with listeners around the world. Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
Today, we’re revisiting a favorite from the Biophilic Solutions archive: a thoughtful conversation on beauty, the brain, and our relationship to nature with Anjan Chatterjee. In this episode, we explore whether our aesthetic preferences are culturally shaped or more universal, why nature brings deep calm to some people while evoking unease in others, and how researchers are beginning to measure the real cognitive and emotional impacts of biophilic design. Dr. Chatterjee is a Professor of Neurology at the University of Pennsylvania and a leading voice in the emerging field of neuroaesthetics, the science of how the brain perceives and responds to beauty. His insights help unpack what’s actually happening neurologically when we encounter inspiring spaces, art, and landscapes. As conversations around mental health, neurodiversity, and the built environment continue to evolve, this episode feels as relevant as ever. Whether you’re listening for the first time or returning with fresh ears, it’s a rich exploration of why beauty matters—and how it shapes the way we feel, think, and live. Show Notes Anjan Chatterjee, M.D . Neuroaesthetics Biophilia as Evolutionary Adaptation: An Onto- and Phylogenetic Framework for Biophilic Design (Frontiers in Psychology) Biophilia by Edward O. Wilson Buildings, Beauty and the Brain: Q&A with Anjan Chatterjee (CNS: Cognitive Neuroscience Society) What We Like About Built and Natural Space s (Psychology Today) How Our Brains Decide What Is Beautiful (TED) Key Words: Neuroscience, Neurology, Neuroaesthetics, Neuroarchitecture, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Brain Health, Beauty, Art History, Architecture, Aesthetics, Nature, Psychology, Science, Research, Research and Development Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
We’re excited to bring back a favorite conversation from 2021 with the incomparable Florence Williams. Florence is, of course, the acclaimed author of The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative , a book that beautifully explores the science behind nature’s profound effect on our minds, bodies, and sense of connection. It’s biophilia in its purest form. In this episode, we dive into the experience of awe in nature and how it can make us more open, generous, and connected to one another. We explore the often-overlooked impact of our soundscape on health and well-being, and why spending time outdoors (yes, even right now in the depths of winter) can be one of the most restorative choices we make. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the headlines or simply craving a reset, this conversation is a gentle reminder that nature is always there for us, offering grounding, perspective, and a way back to ourselves. Shownotes The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative , by Florence Williams (2017) Last Child in the Woods , by Richard Louv (2006) To Fight the Winter Blues, Try a Dose of Nature , by Florence Williams (Wall Street Journal) Is Your Noisy Neighborhood Slowly Killing You? by Florence Williams (Mother Jones) The 3-Day Effect (Audible) Florence Williams Podcasts Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey by Florence Williams (2022) Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
As we gear up to launch another season of incredible guest interviews we’re revisiting a few of our most beloved episodes, starting with the fabulous Doug Tallamy. Over the course of his career, Doug has become a leading voice helping people understand why native plants matter and how simple and accessible it can be to support biodiversity right in your backyard. In this conversation, we talk about the power of keystone species, the remarkable progress he’s made restoring native plants on his own Pennsylvania property, and the nonprofit he founded to inspire private landowners to be part of this growing movement. Dr. Tallamy has an incredible gift for breaking down big, complex environmental challenges into ideas that feel approachable rather than overwhelming, offering practical, common-sense ways to make a real and meaningful impact. Doug Tallamy is the T.A. Baker Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, and the author of more than 100 publications, including Bringing Nature Home, The Living Landscape, Nature’s Best Hope, and his most recent book, The Nature of Oaks. Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
In a world where many of us feel increasingly disconnected from the Earth and from one another, author Lyanda Lynn Haupt offers us a way back. Through her blend of science, nature, and spiritual insight, she invites us to slow down, pay attention, and rediscover the wildness of everyday life. Her award-winning book Rooted explores what it means to cultivate inner wisdom and a deep sense of belonging with the natural world, no matter where we live or what we believe. In this episode, Monica sits down with Lyanda to explore how nature can be a source of solace, creativity, and meaning. They talk about why wonder is backed by science, why spirituality doesn’t have to be religious, and why it’s healthy (ahem, necessary) to be a little weird. You’ll hear more about why our cultural norms aren’t serving us, a fresh perspective on hope, responsibility, and grief, and how simple practices like walking barefoot can gently reconnect us to something more reciprocal and real. If you’re longing for a deeper relationship with the natural world, or you’re searching for a grounded sense of hope heading into a new year, this conversation is a beautiful place to begin. Shownotes About Lyanda Lynn Haupt Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit by Lyanda Lynn Haupt Encounter the Everyday Wilderness: Lyanda Lynn Haupt at TEDxRainier Thich Nhat Hanh Silent Spring by Rachel Carson Zadie Smith Keywords: nature connection, Lyanda Lynn Haupt, Rooted book, spiritual ecology, awe and wonder, science and spirituality, biophilic living, environmental mindfulness, reconnection with earth, intentional living, hope and grief, human evolution outdoors, cultural norms, nature-based wisdom, mindful practices, podcast interview Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
What does it mean to truly love the natural world? And what happens when we start listening deeply to it? In this episode, we sit down with author and activist Maria Rodale to explore the themes in her latest book, Love, Nature, Magic : Shamanic Journeys into the Heart of My Garden. A lifelong advocate for organic living and regenerative agriculture, Maria has carried forward her family’s legacy as the former CEO and Chairman of Rodale Inc., helping to pioneer the organic movement. In L ove, Nature, Magic , she blends memoir and environmental reflection to invite us into a relationship with the living world that’s grounded in curiosity and deep mutual respect. Together, we talk about what it means to communicate with plants (literally!), the balance between spirituality and science, and how embracing the so-called “weeds” in our lives can lead to unexpected growth. Maria also shares her perspective on leadership, personal responsibility, and the simple yet radical act of slowing down to reconnect with nature. It’s an inspiring, funny, and thought-provoking conversation with one of the leading voices in the movement toward a more conscious, regenerative world. Show Notes Maria Rodale Love, Nature, Magic: Shamanic Journeys Into the Heart of My Garden by Maria Rodale Organic Manifesto: How Organic Food Can Heal Our Planet, Feed the World, and Keep Us Safe by Maria Rodale Maria’s Newsletter on Substack Doug Tallamy’s Hub (Homegrown National Park) Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest by Suzanne Simard Keywords: Maria Rodale, Love Nature Magic, biophilia, biophilic design, organic living, regenerative agriculture, gardening, plant communication, environmental spirituality, sustainability, nature connection, leadership, mindfulness, ecological wellness, Doug Tallamy, pollinators, soil health, holistic living, curiosity, slowing down, conscious living, reconnecting with nature, environmental storytelling, personal growth, resilience, intentional living Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
We think a lot about how people make us feel, but what about the places we spend our time in? In this episode, we explore how architecture and design influence our physical and mental well-being, from hospitals and workplaces to the spaces we move through every day. Our guest, Tye Farrow, is a world-renowned architect and pioneer at the intersection of neuroscience and design. His new book, Constructing Health: How the Built Environment Enhances Your Mind’s Health , reveals how buildings can either harm or heal us. We talk with Tye about salutogenic design , the importance of coherence, and why there’s no such thing as a neutral space. Plus we explore how nature and biophilic design play a key role in creating environments that give health rather than take it away. If you’ve ever wondered why some spaces make you feel alive while others drain you, this conversation will change the way you see the built environment. Show Notes Constructing Health: How the Built Environment Enhances Your Mind’s Health Farrow Partners Farrow Partners Knowledge Hub | Enriched Environments Farrow Partners Knowledge Hub | Embreathment The 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design Image Credit: Farrow Partners Architects, Photographer Tom Arban Keywords: architecture, neuroscience, biophilic design, salutogenic design, coherence, built environment, health and wellness, environmental psychology, design for healing, nature and design, sustainable architecture, mental health, spatial design, human-centered design, Tye Farrow, Constructing Health, healthy buildings, urban design, Serenbe, podcast, wellbeing, placemaking Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
In a time of deep political division and environmental crisis, what would it look like to design a democracy that’s truly in harmony with the natural world? In this episode, we revisit a powerful 2022 conversation with David Orr , Professor of Practice at Arizona State University, editor of Democracy in a Hotter Time , and one of the leading voices at the intersection of ecology, education, and politics. Orr challenges us to think beyond short-term fixes and consider how a “biophilic democracy” rooted in care for each other and the planet could transform the way we live and govern. We explore why democracies fail, how our brains are wired for both division and connection, and how education might help us build a more resilient and compassionate society. Show Notes: Democracy in a Hotter Time: Climate Change and Democratic Transformation , edited by David W. Orr Democracy Unchained: How To Rebuild Government For The People , edited by David W. Orr, Andrew Gumbel, Bakari Kitwana, and William S. Becker Dangerous Years: Climate Change, the Long Emergency, and the Way Forward by David Orr Democracy in a Hotter Time , presentation at Elon University (YouTube) Design with Nature by Ian L. McHarg The Biophilia Hypothesis , edited by E.O. Wilson and Stephen R. Kellert Dr. David Orr and Dr. Miranda Yaver on the Stand Up! With Pete Dominick Podcast Children & Nature Network Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st Century Economist by Kate Raworth Keywords: David Orr, biophilic democracy, nature and politics, ecological design, climate crisis, democracy reform, environmental education, sustainability, biophilia, civic engagement, ecological literacy, long-term thinking, political polarization, community resilience, democratic transformation, environmental ethics, nature connection, systems thinking, education and ecology, hope and renewal, doughnut economics, circular economy Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
Modern life often leaves us on the treadmill of constant striving, chasing markers of success that don’t necessarily bring fulfillment. But what happens when you step off that treadmill and reimagine what’s possible? Our guest this week, Steve Nygren, did exactly that. As the founder and visionary behind Serenbe, a biophilic community just outside Atlanta, Steve has spent decades exploring how the places we live can better support our health, happiness, and connection to nature. Now, he’s sharing that journey in his new book, Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense. Part memoir, part guidebook, it offers a blueprint for building sustainable, connected communities, places where wonder exists in the everyday and people of all ages can truly thrive. It’s out on October 7th, 2025, just one week from today. In this conversation, we cover a lot of ground: Steve’s early path as a placemaker, the turning point that inspired Serenbe, what it really means to take care of your own “backyard,” and how each of us can make change in the spaces we influence. It’s an inspiring reminder that meaningful transformation often begins very close to home. Show Notes Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Steve Nygren Listen to the Start In Your Own Backyard Podcast Steve Nygren on Substack Steve Nygren on Instagram and LinkedIn Learn more about Serenbe Keywords: biophilia, radical common sense, sustainable living, placemaking, community design, intentional living, Serenbe, Steve Nygren, nature connection, regenerative communities, backyard solutions, sustainable communities, holistic design, living with nature, environmental design, human-nature connection, mindful development, local change, ecological living, design for well-being Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
Regenerative agriculture isn’t new. To quote today’s guest, it’s an “exciting old thing.” Yet in the modern world, this ancient, innate wisdom often feels forgotten, and the consequences show up in our food system, in our health, and in the climate. At its core, the challenge isn’t just about farming practices, it’s about how we see ourselves in relation to the land. In this episode, Monica sits down with journalist and author Kelsey Timmerman to explore what it means to belong to a place rather than own it. From Hawaiian teachings about belonging to a river to the idea that each of us carries with us a heart of the world, Kelsey invites us to rethink our connection to the Earth. Together, we dive into the paradox of hope in the face of devastation, why the people most connected to the land often carry the most optimism, and how agency and reverence can help us meet the urgent challenges of climate change. Show Notes About Kelsey Timmerman Regenerating Earth: Farmers Working with Nature to Feed Our Future by Kelsey Timmerman Where Am I Eating? By Kelsey Timmerman Where Am I Giving? By Kelsey Timmerman Where Am I Wearing? By Kelsey Timmerman How Regenerative Farming Can Feed the Future (The Packer) Rodale Institute Health & Happiness Project Soil 4 Climate Key Words: regenerative agriculture, climate change, biophilic living, connection to land, Hawaiian wisdom, belonging to place, heart of the world, Kelsey Timmerman, hope and agency, indigenous knowledge, environmental stewardship, sustainable farming, community resilience, reconnection with nature, changing hearts and minds Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
When was the last time you really experienced nighttime? In our modern world of glowing screens, bright porch lights, and 24/7 brightness, true darkness has become rare. Yet nighttime holds a mystery and magic all its own, inviting us to slow down, tune into natural rhythms, and rediscover the awe that’s right outside our doors. In this episode, Monica sits down with New York Times bestselling author Leigh Ann Henion, whose latest book Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark dives deep into the wonders that come alive after the sun sets. From glowworms and synchronous fireflies to the hidden beauty of moonlit gardens, Leigh Ann shows us how embracing darkness can transform the way we experience nature. Join us for an illuminating (pun intended!) journey into the world of night, and discover why reclaiming darkness might just be one of the most healing biophilic practices we can embrace. Show Notes Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark by Leigh Ann Henion Leigh Ann Henion on Instagram About Leigh Ann Henion Burnout by Leigh Ann Henion (Orion Magazine) Key words: Leigh Ann Henion, Night Magic book, Phenomenal book, New York Times bestselling author, night sky, darkness, dark skies, reclaiming the night, glowworms, fireflies, moon gardens, stargazing, nocturnal animals, nature connection, natural rhythms, light pollution, circadian rhythms, awe and wonder, mindful living, ecology, local nature, natural world, biophilia, biophilic, biophilic design Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website . #NatureHasTheAnswers
Producer's note
Steal the structure. Not the show.
Keep the useful structure, then change the audience, point of view, and voice until the idea is unmistakably yours.
