Elements of Nature

Elements of Nature

From Selected Shorts by Symphony Space

April 30, 2026 · 57 min

About this episode

This episode features works that explore the relationship between nature and human experience.

Host Meg Wolitzer presents four works in which nature and the out-of-doors drive both plots and character. Humorist Jenny Allen does battle with her stubborn plants in “Garden Growing Pains,” read by Kirsten Vangsness. The majestic Canadian border separates an Indigenous family in Thomas King’s “Borders,” read by Kimberly Guerrero. A housewife masters one of the elements in “Flying,” by Alyce Miller. The reader is Kirsten Vansgness again. And a sudden storm creates a sense of abandon in the Kate Chopin classic “The Storm,” read by Jane Curtin. “Garden Growing Pains,” “Borders,” and “Flying,” were presented in cooperation with CacheArts and Utah Public Radio, KUSU-FM.

People in this episode

Host: Meg Wolitzer

Topics covered

  • nature
  • literature
  • outdoors
  • humor
  • family
  • storms

Keywords

  • nature
  • literature
  • humor
  • family
  • storms
  • outdoors
  • plants

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: CacheArts, Utah Public Radio, KUSU-FM

Books & works: Garden Growing Pains, Borders, Flying, The Storm

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