About this episode

This episode explores how nature can restore focus and improve mental health through the research of psychologist Marc Berman.

What if the secret to restoring your focus, improving your mental health, and even reducing crime rates wasn’t found in an app or a pill, but in a tree? In this episode, we speak with University of Chicago psychologist Marc Berman, whose research on “soft fascination” and nature’s cognitive effects is reshaping how we think about everything from urban planning to depression treatment. From groundbreaking hospital studies to surprising results with plastic plants, Berman’s work uncovers the deep—and often invisible—power that natural environments hold over our minds and bodies. Whether you're a city planner, a parent, or just someone feeling mentally fatigued, this conversation may just change the way you think about a walk in the park.

People in this episode

Host: University of Chicago Podcast Network

Guest: Marc Berman

Topics covered

• focus
• mental health
• nature
• urban planning
• cognitive effects

Keywords

• soft fascination
• natural environments
• urban planning
• depression treatment
• cognitive effects

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Chicago

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