Episode 174: Rowan Jacobsen - In Defense of Sunlight

Episode 174: Rowan Jacobsen - In Defense of Sunlight

May 18, 2026 · 34 min

About this episode

Rowan Jacobsen discusses the transformative effects of sunlight on human health and the importance of modest sun exposure.

Rowan Jacobsen writes about science and nature and the less-explored corners of the world for Harper’s, Outside, The Atlantic, Scientific American, Smithsonian, and many other publications. He is the author of nine books, including In Defense of Sunlight. On this episode of Nature Revisited, Jacobsen upends everything you thought you knew about sun exposure, shedding light on a quiet revolution that is transforming our understanding of sunlight’s effects on human health. Outlining the growing case for the importance of modest sun exposure for our health and well-being, citing up-to-date studies on the effects of sunlight on human health, Jacobsen presents a much-needed, lucid assessment of not only what the sun can do for us, but how a lack of sun could actively be harming us. https://www.rowanjacobsen.com/ In Defense of Sunlight book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/In-Defense-of-Sunlight/Rowan-Jacobsen/9781668092163 Listen to Nature Revisited on your favorite podcast apps, on YouTube, or at https://noordenproductions.com Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/bdz4s9d7 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/5n7yx28t Subscribe on Youtube Podcasts…

People in this episode

Guest: Rowan Jacobsen

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Harper’s, Outside, The Atlantic, Scientific American, Smithsonian, Nature Revisited, Noorden Productions

Books & works: In Defense of Sunlight

More episodes of Nature Revisited

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Nature Revisited podcast page.