Nature Connection Radio

Poet Lauren Martin - Night of the Hawk

This episode of Big Blend Radio celebrates Earth Month and National Poetry Month with Lauren Martin who discusses her book, "Night of the Hawk: Poems" which will be out on May 14, 2024 through She Writes Press. 
A powerful and wise poetry collection on shamanism, feminism, and disability, "Night of the Hawk" tells untold stories of the marginalized. Inspired by the Lauren's own experiences as an aging woman living with chronic illness, the poems in this collection will inspire readers to seek compassion and kindness in an often inhospitable world. 
LAUREN MARTIN is a psychotherapist, poet, and a devoted Ìyânífá. She lives in Oakland, California. Lauren studied poetry at Sarah Lawrence College. She spent years writing without submitting her work due to a long shamanic journey, which led her to both Ifá, and to the writing of this collection of poems. More at: https://www.laurenmartin.net/ 

Author Cheryl Leutjen - Love Earth Now

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast features Cheryl Leutjen, author of "Love Earth Now: The Power of Doing One Thing Every Day."
As a geologist, environmental law attorney, spiritual practitioner and, most importantly, devoted mother, Cheryl understands that most people don’t have an endless reservoir of time, money and energy to devote to Earth-friendly practices. That’s why she wrote "Love Earth Now," a candid, often humorous exploration that reveals her own imperfect journey toward living an eco-friendly lifestyle. Each chapter includes gentle prompts to help readers uncover their own capacity for making meaningful changes, one step at a time. More: https://loveearthnow.us/
Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast airs every 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/

Author Aaron Arsenault - The Climate Diaries

After working in the climate-tech industry for the past fifteen years, debut author Aaron Arsenault is excited to inspire readers ages 9-12 to combat climate change. On this episode of Big Blend Radio, he discusses his climate fiction novel, “The Climate Diaries, Book One: The Academy” (Borrowed Planet Press, April 2024).
"The Climate Diaries: Book One," takes readers on an eco-adventure with troublemaker Jax Wilkinson, who is recruited by a top secret organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of climate-fighters. Learn more at https://www.aaronarsenault.com/ 

Soul Journey Doula - Earth-Friendly Memorials and Burials

This episode of Big Blend Radio's SOUL JOURNEY DOULA podcast with death doula Lea Brovedani focuses on earth-friendly memorials and burials. Featured guest is Alethea Valley, General Manager of the Point Arena Forest for Better Place Forests.
 
Better Place Forests offers a sustainable memorial within a protected place in the forest for ashes of a loved one to be returned to the earth. Each tree can accommodate more than one loved one and also beloved pets (which is not allowed in traditional settings). The beautiful, peaceful setting is sustainable and safe for trees and the wider forest ecosystem. More: https://www.betterplaceforests.com/
 
Sustainable Memorials Aligns with Lea's 5 Pillars of Support as a Death Doula:
* Spirit - Uphold beliefs and practices
* Emotion - Honor feelings
* Mind - Life review and gleaning meaning
* Body - Increase comfort, health and safety
* Practical - Create completions
 
Learn more about Lea's work at https://souljourneydoula.com/
Follow the podcast here: http://tinyurl.com/b6c9jfnu
 

Christy Wood - Understanding Horse Behavior

From training and setting boundaries to observing body language and building a relationship with your horse, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood is all about HORSE BEHAVIOR.
 
Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, and is a carded horse show judge with 7 breed associations. Along with being an author and instructor, she is the owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. Learn more about Christy, her equine services, and her books, at: https://wdnhorse.com/
 
The "ABC's of Horses" Podcast with Christy Wood airs every 2nd Saturday. Listen to the latest episodes here: https://abcs-horses-christy-wood.podbean.com/ 
 

Parks & Outdoor Experiences in California’s Sequoia Country

In time to plan for National Park Week (April 20-28), Earth Day (April 22), Junior Park Ranger Day (April 27), and Kids to Parks Day (May 18), this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on park and outdoor experiences in Tulare County. Hear about the region's giant sequoia trees, waterfalls, and wildflowers, along with picnics and cultural celebrations in beautiful community parks, preserves, gardens, and more.
 
Located in Central California, Tulare County is home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest, and charming art and agricultural communities including Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Dinuba, Porterville, Three Rivers, Lindsay, and Woodlake.
 
Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include Sintia Kawasaki-Yee - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, and Suzanne Bianco - Visit Visalia. Plan your visit with these websites mentioned in the podcast:
- Sequoia Tourism Council: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/
- Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks:
* https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm
* https://nps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=9f33fa32af394a129b0b548429dced01
* https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/road-construction.htm
 

Sharon K. Kurtz - Nature Adventures in Port Aransas, Texas

Celebrate National Wildlife Week with this inaugural episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast with Sharon K. Kurtz, who shares her experiences at the annual Whooping Crane Festival in Port Aransas, Texas.
 
Nestled between Mustang Island and the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, Port Aransas unfolds as a Texas Gulf Coast sanctuary of small-town charm and endless activities. The 18 miles of pristine beaches, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, and encounters with diverse wildlife create a haven where the Texas Coastal Bend barrier islands and estuaries play the leading roles. Dolphins gracefully navigate the waters, sea turtles find refuge, and migrating birds paint a kaleidoscope of nature’s beauty. Read Sharon's article about it all here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/discover-the-timeless-allure-of-port-aransas/
 
Plan your adventure in Port Aransas at https://www.portaransas.org/
 
Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast features award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz. New episodes air every first Wednesday at 12pm CST at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1ALXeV1vR6H10EtkPvgDW5
 
Sharon Kurtz is an accomplished travel writer and award-winning photographer based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to exploring the world and sharing her adventures through compelling storytelling. Her travels have taken her to more than 50 countries on six continents—her carry-on is always packed, ready for the next adventure. Enjoy Sharon’s writing at https://sharonkkurtz.com/ or follow her on https://www.instagram.com/shar_kurtz/
 

Jennifer McGuiness - Bird-Friendly Gardening

Jennifer McGuinness joins Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" and "Garden Gossip" podcasts to discuss her latest book, "Bird-Friendly Gardening: Guidance and Projects for Supporting Birds in Your Landscape." Releasing in April 2024 through Cool Springs Press, and available on pre-order, it's the ultimate and authoritative guide for cultivating a home landscape that embraces wildlife, specifically catering to a diverse array of native plants that nourish, shelter, and sustain birds.
Every individual has the power to significantly impact the lives of thousands of birds, whether they're passing through during migration or establishing a feathered haven for the next generation. Creating a bird-friendly haven for various species need not be an overwhelming task. The key lies in understanding the requirements of our avian companions and recognizing how native plants, coupled with intentional garden design, can fulfill those needs. In "Bird-Friendly Gardening," Jennifer McGuinness expertly presents this knowledge in an easy-to-follow, actionable format. More: https://frauzinnie.blogspot.com/
 
Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast airs every 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/