Deep Calm - Episode 4: Using the Power of Nature

About this episode

Dr. Michael Mosley explores the calming effects of nature and fractals on our physiology.

Sit back, leave behind the cares of the day and take a sonic journey with Dr Michael Mosley. In this new podcast series, designed to help you let go and unwind, each episode focuses on a scientifically-proven technique for activating the body’s built-in relaxation response, and takes a deep dive to explore what’s happening inside as we find stillness and calm. What is it about the natural world that has such a positive impact upon our physiology - slowing our heart rate and blood pressure, settling our thoughts and so much more? One theory is that it’s connected to the repeating patterns in nature - fractals - and Michael discovers that we live in a fractal universe. Guest: Richard Taylor, professor at the University of Oregon. Series Producer, sound design and mix engineer: Richard Ward Researcher: William Hornbrook Production Manager: Maria Simons Editor: Zoë Heron Specially composed music by Richard Atkinson (Mcasso) Extract from "Fractal compositions No.1” composed by Severin Su in collaboration with 13&9 Design. A BBC Studios Audio production for BBC Sounds / BBC Radio 4.

People in this episode

Host: Dr Michael Mosley

Guest: Richard Taylor

Topics covered

• relaxation
• nature
• physiology
• fractals
• calm
• science

Keywords

• relaxation response
• heart rate
• blood pressure
• natural world
• fractals
• sonic journey
• calm

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Oregon, BBC Studios, BBC Radio 4, 13&9 Design

Books & works: Fractal compositions No.1

More episodes of Just One Thing - with Michael Mosley

• Introducing a new TV series of Just One Thing · March 20, 2026 · 2 min
• A Celebration of Michael Mosley · July 13, 2024 · 44 min
• There's Only One Michael Mosley · June 14, 2024 · 41 min
• Eat Slowly · June 6, 2024 · 15 min
• Volunteer · May 30, 2024 · 15 min
• Yoga · May 23, 2024 · 14 min