Nature Junkie Radio

Finding a campsite can be a real pain in the ass sometimes. But that was just the catalyst Josh Jackson needed to explore our western public lands for the last several years. And now he’s ready to tell their stories, along with his own.Josh is a writer, photographer, husband, father, and speaker whose work champions the wild beauty and overlooked value of America’s public lands.In his new book, The Enduring Wild Josh takes us along his journey of exploring California’s BLM lands through thought-provoking essays and immersive photography.Josh and I spoke at Crystal Cove State Park on a late spring morning, after enjoying a hike together through the hills overlooking the ocean. In our conversation Josh shares the catalyst for his book, the unexpected beauty of public lands, and the lost art of slowing down. We delve into place attachment theory, environmental challenges, current threats to BLM lands, reciprocity, and how to carry out the most ridiculously simple act of noticing nature.If you find anything in this episode helpful or inspiring, please share it with a friend so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Episode LinksThe Enduring Wild by Josh JacksonJosh on Instagram @forgottenlandsprojectJosh’s Substack Forgotten Lands ProjectJosh’s WebsiteBureau of Land ManagementThe Solace of Open Spaces by Gretel Ehrlich Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place by Terry Tempest Williams Last Child in the Woods by Richard LouvPlace and Placelessness by Edward RelphBaba DioumPlace Attachment TheoryThis America of Ours by Nate Schweber The Trouble with Wilderness by William Cronon The State of Change by Laura Cunningham The California Field Atlas by Obi KaufmannConnect with Nature JunkieSubstack: https://naturejunkie.substack.com/Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comProduction CreditsHosted by Jeff JohnsonPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Hey everyone, we’re back in action! Today’s guest is Timmy O’Neill. Timmy is best known as one of the top climbers in the world. He holds records for speed ascents in Yosemite, he’s put up first ascents in Patagonia, he lived in a cave in Joshua Tree for 60 days, he’s been in numerous adventure films and documentaries, my favorite being 180 South, he’s made films like Soundscape, he co-founded Paradox Sports, an organization dedicated to defying the idea that people with so called “disabilities” can’t live a life of adventure. Besides all of Timmy’s achievements, I’ve always found him to be a fascinating, high-stoke human who makes a lot of meaning out of his connections with nature so it’s an honor to share our conversation.  In this convo we cover Timmy’s childhood nature haunts, his Joshua tree cave epiphanies, how wild nature enables time travel that transcends epochs, the radness of rocks and how they slow us down. We attempt to unravel the mystery of stoke, Timmy shares his love of wordplay and writing the lyrics of life, founding Paradox Sports, letting moonrises melt frustration, making the film Soundscape with Eric Weihnmayer, and his favorite nature book recommendations. If you find anything in this episode helpful or inspiring, please share it with a friend so we can bend the algorithms toward nature.Thanks!Episode LinksTimmy O’Neill on InstagramTimmy O’Niell’s Website Paradox Sports Non-ProfitSoundscape FilmTimmy’s Band - Par AvionThe Invention of Nature by Andrea WulfA World on the Wing by Scott WeidensaulAn Immense World Ed YoungThe Overstory by Richard PowersWild Life Documentary on Kris TompkinsConnect with Nature JunkieIf anything in this episode was helpful or stoked you out, please hit the share button and tell a friend, leave an awesome review, or comment so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comNewsletter: Sign Up HereEmail: hello@naturejunkielife.comProduction CreditsPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Kate Williams is the CEO of the non-profit 1% for the Planet. She’s dedicated the last decade to a wide range of environmental conservation efforts by building and leading an awesome team, and expanding the 1% for the Planet model and impact globally. On top of that, she’s just a gem of a human and I always enjoy chatting with her about all things brand impact. In our conversation we get into Kate’s early nature experiences and how they show up for her as leader today. She shares the origin story of 1% for the Planet by Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia along with Craig Matthews, the founder of Blue Ribbon Flies. Kate lays out the powerful simplicity of the 1% model, the impact they’re making, and the characteristics of the people and brands that comprise the 1% for the Planet community. Since I recently attended the 1% for the Planet Global Summit in San Diego, I also shared some brief interviews from brands and non-profits to help you get a sense of what it means to collaborate under this model.For  individuals, I highly encourage you to reach for brands bearing the 1% for the Planet badge because they’re walking the talk. For brands looking for ways to ramp up your impact and avoid greenwashing, please check out 1% for the Planet and reach out to Kate and her team to learn more.Episode Links1% for the Planet@1percentftpZafránGerminarThin Green LineMore about Constance “Connie” MwandaaConnect with Nature JunkieIf anything in this episode was helpful or stoked you out, please hit the share button and tell a friend, leave an awesome review, or comment so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comNewsletter: Sign Up HereEmail: hello@naturejunkielife.comProduction CreditsPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Hey everyone, we’ve got another legend on the pod today - Chris Burkard. Chris is a master storyteller, adventurer, and world class Nature Junkie. His jaw dropping photography takes us to some of the most remote and raw places on the planet, he has a TED talk that will motivate you to get way out of your comfort zone, he’s made several award winning films, and his beautiful photo essay books grace the coffee tables of people around the world. He’s even owned alpacas. Seriously. Beyond that, he’s a husband, father, and just a solid human that’s always willing to share his stoke. In true Burkard fashion, he took this interview while parked off the side of the Ring Road in Iceland near a river surrounded by majestic mountains. Chris and I talked about raising kids to explore nature, traversing both the inner landscape of our minds as well as raw outer landscapes, whether or not photography elicits flow, striking the balance between work and play, his new film The Forgotten Coast, making meaning out of trips and stories through continuous reflection, learning how to properly chill out, and what it means to Chris to be an environmentalist. Episode LinksChris Burkard’s InstagramChris Burkard’s BTS InstagramChris Burkard’s Website & Print ShopThe Forgotten Coast FilmPlay by Stuart Brown and Christopher VaughanConnect with Nature JunkieIf anything in this episode was helpful or stoked you out, please hit the share button and tell a friend, leave an awesome review, or comment so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comNewsletter: Sign Up HereEmail: hello@naturejunkielife.comProduction CreditsPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Grant Trebilco, battled with mental health challenges for years without seeking treatment, and was hospitalized in 2012, diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a manic episode. The ocean, surfing and good people were Grant’s lifelines through tough times after he was released from the hospital.After hiding his mental health challenges for years, he decided it was time to start talking and sharing his experience with others. He thought to himself, “Maybe if I share the simple recipe of saltwater therapy, surfing and the idea that it’s ok not to be ok, I can prevent people from ever feeling the way I did”. So one Friday morning he decided to dress up in a shirt and tie and go surfing at Bondi Beach in Sydney. That session became known as the first Fluro Friday, where everyone shows up at Bondi to surf in wacky fluorescent clothing, which led to the founding of his non-profit organization called One Wave. Flash forward and Grant and the team haven't missed a Fluro Friday in over ten years, they’ve expanded their program into schools and workplaces, and have led sessions at 200 beaches across 50 countries around the world.In this episode, Grant and I talked about how surfing helped him navigate his diagnosis of bipolar disorder. We get into the mission of One Wave, their programs, and the techniques they use to destigmatize mental health. Even if you don’t surf, or never will, you’ll come away from this convo with tools at your fingertips to help you check in with friends, family, and coworkers who might be having a tough go at life.Enjoy the ride,JeffEpisode LinksKids Helpline Australia 1800 55 1800988 Suicide Crisis & Lifeline United States dial 988 if you need helpOne Wave websiteOnewaveisallittakes on InstagramGranttrebilco on InstagramWild Ideas Worth Living an REI Co-Op Studios podcast hosted by Shelby StangerIs Someone You Love Suffering in Silence? Here’s What to Do. TED Talk by Gus WorlandConnect with Nature JunkieIf anything in this episode was helpful or stoked you out, please hit the share button and tell a friend, leave an awesome review, or comment so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comNewsletter: Sign Up HereEmail: hello@naturejunkielife.comProduction CreditsPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Dr. Adam Gazzaley is a neuroscientist, neurologist, inventor, author of the book The Distracted Mind, a nature photographer, entrepreneur, and investor. He’s the founder and executive director of Neuroscape, and the David Dolby Distinguished Professor of Neurology, Physiology, and Psychiatry at UCSF. He’s also the co-founder and Chief Science Advisor of Akili at Jazz Venture Partners, he’s a member of the Board of Trustees and Science Council of the California Academy of Sciences. Adam has authored over 180 scientific articles and delivered over 700 talks. On the show today, Adam delivers a Jedi training session on attention, we bust myths about multitasking, we talk about using video games for attention (which Adam and his lab, Neuroscape, pioneered), we talk about practical tips for parents and how to cultivate a healthy relationship with nature, screens, and social media (or at least attempt to). We also talk about nature’s unique ability to restore cognitive attention and the potential mechanisms.Enjoy the ride,JeffEpisode LinksDr. Adam Gazzaley’s WebsiteNeuroscape (Dr. Gazzaley’s lab)Wanderings (Dr. Gazzaley’s nature photography)AkiliThe Distracted Mind by Dr. Adam GazzaleyJazz Venture PartnersThe Nature Fix by Florence WilliamsConnect with Nature JunkieIf anything in this episode was helpful or stoked you out, please hit the share button and tell a friend, leave an awesome review, or comment so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comNewsletter: Sign Up HereEmail: hello@naturejunkielife.comProduction CreditsPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Ben Goldfarb is an independent conservation journalist. His new book Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet was named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times. He’s also the author of Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter. He’s the winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. His writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Science, The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Orion Magazine, Mother Jones, The Guardian, VICE News, and so many more.Ben’s new book involves a deeper understanding of roadkill than I ever thought I’d have. For example, the average taxpayer cost of a Deer Vehicle Collision runs $6600, and you don’t want to know the cost of a moose collision, but it’s in there too. Thankfully, his book is about so much more than roadkill. Like many of the great books that delve into the world of the things we take for granted, Crossings opens up the twisted history of our roads, the strange and wonderful ways they make animals behave, and the funny and flawed characters who have been innovating new road ecology solutions over the years. Ben and I traverse all of this in our convo along with the potential for skunk superpowers and the amazing influence of mountain lion love stories. And yes, roadtrips will never be the same again. Episode LinksBen Goldfarb Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our PlanetEager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They MatterThe Biophilia Hypothesis P-22 Mountain LionWallis Annenberg Wildlife CrossingBeth PrattJeff SikichSeth RileyCalifornia Roadkill Observation System (CROS)Wildlands NetworkThe Center for Large Landscape ConservationPew Research CenterNational Wildlife FederationAnimal Road Crossing ARCPath of the PantherCarlton WardFunctional Connectivity of the World’s Protected Areas by Angela Brennan et al.Connect with Nature Junkie@NatureJunkieRadio on InstagramEmail: hello@naturejunkielife.com (submit a microdose of nature by emailing a 30-60 second voice memo with your name, how you microdose nature and how it makes you feel so we can share it with the community)Newsletter SignupShow Production CreditsPodcast cover art by Ahab Nimry (@ahabnimry, https://bigdaytheagency.com/)Outro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M.

Welcome! Water photography has been a deep passion of mine for the last decade, which is why I’m stoked to share that we have one of the greats on the show today - San Diego’s Todd Glaser. Todd was a staff photographer at Surfer magazine for over a decade where he landed more than a dozen covers. When Kelly Slater and Rob Machado want to make images, they give Todd a call. As an artist he has amazing range shooting a wide variety of people and lifestyles in water and on land. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Outside, Men’s Health, GQ and the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery, in addition to commercial clients like La Mer, HBO, Adobe and many more. Todd is not only one of the world’s best water photogs, he’s a rabid nature junkie, a morning frother, and a damn fine human. We had so much fun geeking out on nature and photography that we have a two part episode for you. If you’re trying to choose between the two, I highly encourage both as they’re packed with Nature Junkie wisdom! In Part 1 we learn about Todd’s early nature exploits, how he thinks about and approaches his craft of photography, his creative influences, and we understand the importance of the early morning hours in Todd’s life. And yes, we geek out a little bit on photo gear and settings as a snack for all the photo hounds out there. In Part 2 we explore the making of the legendary book and film Proximity, Todd shares his insights about how what he does in the ocean translates back to life on land, he opens up about challenges of navigating social media in this largely post-print world, and of course we learn how Todd microdoses Nature. Enjoy the ride,JeffEpisode LinksTodd Glaser PhotographyTodd Glaser on Instagram Proximity the book Proximity the movieAquatech HousingsTaylor SteeleCastles in the Sky by Taylor SteeleSipping Jetstreams by Taylor SteeleSteve ShermanKelly SlaterRob MachadoDave RastovichStephanie GilmoreCraig AndersonJohn John FlorenceAlbee LayerShane DorianConnect with Nature Junkie@NatureJunkieRadio on InstagramEmail: hello@naturejunkielife.com (submit a microdose of nature by emailing a 30-60 second voice memo with your name, how you microdose nature and how it makes you feel so we can share it with the community)Newsletter SignupShow Production CreditsPodcast cover art by Ahab Nimry (@ahabnimry, https://bigdaytheagency.com/)Outro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M.