Tree Speech

In this season of Valentine's Day, we often focus on romantic love — but what if intimacy could extend beyond human-to-human relationships?In this episode of Tree Speech, we explore a radical and tender idea of connection through Arborlogues: A Botanical Recital Performed for One Tree.Created by lead artist Dan Daly and writer Lee LeBreton, Arborlogues invites participants into a red-curtained theater built around a chosen tree. Guided by a script, you become both performer and conversational partner with your arboreal audience. The result? A deeply personal encounter with presence, memory, ecology, and love.This episode also honors the work of Joanna Macy, whose environmental activism and work inspire the piece’s invitation to transform grief into belonging and active hope.The episode closes with a guided reflective exercise that invites listeners to write a love letter to a tree — an act of relational love rooted in gratitude, accountability, and care.This week’s episode was written and recorded in New York on the land of the Lenape tribes.This episode was written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner with Dori Robinson.To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps.

In this episode, our guest Elspeth Hay, author of Feed Us with Trees, creator of The Local Food Report, and passionate proponent of place-based living, takes us on a fascinating exploration of acorns as a superfood with profound historical roots.Our conversation also delves into the wisdom of wooded ecosystems and the vital concept of viewing these landscapes as food-producing allies. These insights invite us to imagine a future where humans and nature thrive together, fostering a reciprocal relationship with our environment that respects historical realities while embracing the beauty of nature’s bounty.This interview and Elspeth's book are a call to reconnect with the abundance around us, urging a transformation in our approach to food and sustainability, as we embrace the natural world’s generosity.This week’s episode was recorded and produced in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), Nauset, and Pawtucket, and in Wisconsin on the lands of the Ho-chunk, Patawatomi and Menomonee people.Find us on Instagram @treespeechpodcast or treespeechpodcast.com. This is also where you can find our show notes and learn more about our featured trees.And thank you for joining tree speech today.

Join us as we embrace the magic of the autumnal equinox, celebrating September's unique duality through the power of poetry and rituals. Drawing inspiration from the evocative work of Alix Klingenberg, we explore how this transitional time invites us to balance urgency with ease and preparation with presence. Through traditions and the wonders of the season, we honor change and navigate our paths toward peace.Throughout the episode we highlight Alix Klingenberg's "Quietly Wild," a poetic exploration resonating with nature's cycles and the themes of ecology and social justice. This episode is a heartfelt celebration of change, growth, and the interconnectedness of earth and self.This week’s episode was written and recorded in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket peopleThis episode was written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner and Dori Robinson.To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Every kind word helps.

Join us on a captivating journey into the world of trees and the profound connection we share with them, as we welcome Marguerite Holloway, author of "Take to the Trees," to our podcast. Marguerite's journey from a tree-climbing novice to a passionate canopy explorer is an inspiring tale of adventure, resilience, and personal transformation. Listen in as we explore her motivations behind writing a book that blends science, memoir, and adventure, offering a vivid portrayal of the beauty and challenges faced by our forests. Her insights, enriched by personal reflections on loss and resilience, provide a compelling narrative on the intricate bond between humans and nature.This week’s episode was written and recorded in New York on the land of the Lenape tribes.This episode was written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps.

Actor, naturalist, and tree enthusiast Tobin Mitnick (@jewslovetrees) joins us this week for a delightfully rooted conversation about what it means to really see a tree.Best known for his hilarious and heartfelt social media content blending botany and comedy, Tobin has become an unexpected ambassador for curiosity, joy, and ecological attention. In this episode, we explore how he invites people to get up close and granular with trees — to allow each wild and wonderful tree to help you “chase all your cares away.” We talk about his book Must Love Trees: An Unconventional Guide, his journey from actor to unexpected arborist, and how humor can be a profound tool for connection — to each other and to the natural world. Tobin reminds us that the impulse to learn and the instinct to laugh are deeply intertwined, and that awe doesn’t have to be solemn. Sometimes reverence looks like walking through your neighborhood, naming the trees, and assigning them irreverent personalities! Together we reflect on Jewish identity, stewardship, and finding spiritual and comic resonance in nature. It’s a conversation full of wonder, wit, and the grounding reminder that every tree has a story — and some of them are funny.This week’s episode was written and recorded on the native lands of the Chumash, Tongva (Gabrieleno), Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), Pawtucket people, and Lenapee tribes. This episode was produced by Jonathan Zautner, and co-written & co-edited by Jonathan Zautner and Dori RobinsonMore about Tobin Mitnick can be found at www.tobin-mitnick.com, and Must Love Trees. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — every contribution supports our production, and we offer gifts of gratitude to patrons at every level. If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or share it with a friend. Every kind word helps this forest grow.

Join us on a captivating journey to Broadway as we explore the enchanting world of "⁠Redwood⁠", a new musical that intertwines theater with the timeless majesty of redwood trees. This episode takes you behind the scenes of this extraordinary production, starring the remarkable Idina Menzel and a redwood tree named Stella. Joining us is Emmy Award-winning scenic designer Jason Ardizzone-West, who shares his journey from architecture to creating breathtaking theatrical environments. Jason’s innovative designs transform Stella into a living symbol of resilience and the nurturing power of nature, making her an essential character in this poignant storytelling experience.Discover how "Redwood" beautifully weaves together themes of connection, healing, and the intrinsic bond between humans and nature. Jason discusses his creative process and the artistic challenges faced in bringing the visual world of "Redwood" to life. Envisioning the stage as a canvas for protagonist Jesse's emotional journey, the set design invites audiences into a realm where the roots of history and ancestry intertwine with the narrative. The inclusion of Tikkun Olam adds depth, emphasizing the call to mending the world through small acts of hope and renewal.Reflect on the wisdom whispered by the redwoods and the strength found in their unseen roots that ground us all. This episode explores how the metaphor of the trees amplifies the story’s core themes, encouraging listeners to embrace resilience and the interconnectedness of life. With heartfelt gratitude to Jason Ardizzone-West for his artistry, we are reminded of the profound impact that thoughtful design and storytelling can have on our lives, enriching our understanding of nature and ourselves. Tune in for an immersive journey of wonder, beauty, and inspiration that promises to linger long after the final curtain call.Jason Ardizzone-West is an Emmy Award-winning stage designer based in New York whose work spans theater, concerts, dance, film, and architecture. From intimate black-box theaters to massive stadium arenas, he creates embracing environments that transform storytelling into shared, deeply human experiences. Originally trained as an architect, Jason brings an innate understanding of space, light, and time to his designs, crafting visual narratives that bridge the physical and emotional landscapes of performance. most recently, he designed the Broadway musical Redwood, which Jesse Green of The New York Times described as “among the most beautiful and wondrous theatrical creations I can recall.” Jason has collaborated with visionary theater-makers such as Tina Landau, Richard Nelson, Es Devlin, Pam Mackinnon, Mira Nair, David Leveaux, Sheryl Kaller, Susan Stroman, and more. his work also extends to global superstars, including Lady Gaga, Lana del Rey, The Weeknd, Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Idina Menzel, Hikaru Utada, Usher, Phish, Pentatonix, and Florence + The Machine.His achievements include an Emmy Award for Jesus Christ Superstar Live (nbc) and multiple nominations for his innovative contributions to theater and live performance. His designs have appeared in renowned institutions such as The Public Theater, The Atlantic Theater company, American Conservatory Theater, The Apollo, La Jolla Playhouse, Berkeley Rep, The Huntington, and St. Ann’s Warehouse, among many others.This week’s episode was written and recorded in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. This episode was written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps.

In honor of Valentine's Day, this episode is full of love! We are excited to celebrate the holiday by examining the 5 Love Languages and how they apply to trees. Dori Robinson also leads a meditation around love and the Jewish New Year of Trees, Tu B'Shevat, which also occurs this week.Click here for more information on the Melbourne Urban Forest Visual with information.Click here for examples of letters sent to the trees in Melbourne.Find information about the Park Avenue Armory's Wish Tree Installation hereThis week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, and in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. Tree Speech is co-written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner and we thank ⁠⁠Alight Theatre Guild⁠⁠ for their support. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps.

It’s Giving Tree Week! Listen to our highly-anticipated episode focused on the nostalgic and controversial Shel Silverstein book, THE GIVING TREE, which has been questioned by many since its premiere 60 years ago. In this episode, we share a brand new audio narrative written by playwright, actor, and advocate Jamie Roach, who felt compelled to examine, explore, and celebrate the classic book by continuing the story where the original leaves off. Join us to listen to this beautiful, thought-provoking, and new story! The actors include Laurine Towler and Richard Brundage with Jamie Roach as Narrator. Music, Sound Design and Editing by Jonathan Zautner. Robin Wall Kimmerer essay link: "Returning the Gift". This week’s episode was recorded and produced in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket, and in Wisconsin on the lands of the Ho-Chunk, Potawatomi and Menomonee people. Tree Speech is produced by Alight Theater, and produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner who is also the sound editor and designer for this episode. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps.

Gather round the campfire for a very special, supernatural episode. We have spooky, mysterious tree tales from around the world to get you into the halloween spirit! Listen now, if you dare! Special thanks to Cheryl Mullings, Charles Linshaw, Corey Roberts, and Emerald Forcier for joining our episode today. Learn more about Cheryl at https://cherylmullings.workbooklive.com/, Charles at: https://www.charleslinshaw.com, Corey at https://coreymroberts.weebly.com, and Emerald at https://www.penobscotbayestate.com. This week’s episode was recorded and produced in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket, in Wisconsin on the lands of the Ho-chunk, Potawatomi, and Menominee people, and in Maine on the lands of the Pernobscott tribes. Tree Speech is produced, co-written and edited by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. Learn more about the podcast at: www.treespeechpodcast.com, and IG: treespeechpodcast

Welcome back, Tree Speechers! We’re thrilled to begin Season 5 with a new conversation in a clearing, as we continue to find new understandings to the tangled relationships we have with the natural world in which we inhabit. Could a row of trees really symbolize racial segregation and environmental racism? Join us as we unravel the contentious story of the Tamarisk trees in Palm Springs, California, with documentary directors Mina T Sun and Sarah Newins. This episode takes a critical look at the intersection of race, class, and urban development in the historically Black neighborhood of Crosley Tract, where these trees have come to represent systemic barriers. Inspired by a 2017 article, Mina and Sarah's powerful film "Racist Trees" exposes the deep-rooted issues plaguing this community and questions why it took a white activist to shine a light on their plight. Through our discussion, we aim to highlight the documentary's impact and its surprising global resonance.We also delve into the broader societal implications that go beyond Palm Springs. The film's journey, from its premiere in Amsterdam to its reception at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, demonstrates the universal relevance of these hidden stories. A critical perspective on the city's history, sparked debates fueled by media figures, and involvement from city council members are all examined. The metaphor of the trees challenges perceptions and encourages a new awareness of environmental and racial issues. Join us for a compelling conversation with Mina and Sarah as they share their insights and the importance of amplifying community voices.Racist Trees is streaming for free on Pbs.org and the PBS app through April 20th, 2024, and will be available on PBS Passport after that date. We highly recommend that you check it out and would love to hear from you. Email us at treespeechpodcast@gmail.com with your thoughts.We are so thankful to our guest Sara Newens and Mina T. Son for joining us today.Sara Newens is an award-winning filmmaker and editor based in LA who has received Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her work on Pretty Baby: Brook Shields and Allen v. Farrow and served as editor and writer for the documentary, On the Record. Mina T. Son is a Korean-American filmmaker based in LA whose films have screened at film festivals and museums, including the National Gallery of Art, Margaret Mead, Traverse City and Cinequest. With Sara, she has directed Top Spin, streamed on Netflix, and Racist Trees through their company, Wild Pair Films, and is in post-production on a longitudinal documentary about Japan’s 2011 tsunami. This week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, and in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes, as well as in San Francisco on the lands of the Ohlone, Ramaytush, and Muwekma tribes, and Maryland on the Piscataway people. Tree Speech is co-written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner and we thank Alight Theatre Guild for their support. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit treespeechpodcast.com and consider supporting us through our Patreon - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps.

To commemorate the anniversary of Sept. 11, we share this replay of our episode that featured the 9/11 Survivor Tree, a Callery Pear tree found during the excavation of Ground Zero in NYC. Our guest, Ron Vega, shares his insightful and touching story of how he championed and helped nurture the tree from a wounded, burned stump to the powerful sign of hope and survival that it represents today. Learn more about the podcast at: ⁠⁠www.treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠, and IG: ⁠⁠treespeechpodcast⁠ Additional resources: 9/11 Memorial Survivor Tree: ⁠https://www.911memorial.org/visit/memorial/survivor-tree⁠ Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum Survivor Tree: ⁠https://memorialmuseum.com/experience/the-survivor-tree/⁠ Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial: ⁠https://www.wisconsin911memorial.com⁠ Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens: ⁠http://www.bartlettarboretum.org⁠ Special thanks to Ron Vega for sharing his time and inspiration. Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s ⁠Educational Theatre⁠ program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at ⁠https://www.dorirobinson.com⁠ This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the ⁠Wabanaki Confederacy⁠, ⁠Pennacook⁠, ⁠Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett)⁠, and ⁠Pawtucket⁠ people, as well as in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. Special thanks to the ⁠Western Avenue Lofts and Studios⁠ for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. The mission of the guild is to advance compelling theatrical endeavors that showcase the diversity of our ever-changing world in order to build strong artists whose work creates empathy, challenges the status quo and unites communities. For more information about our work and programs, please visit ⁠www.alightheater.org⁠.

In this episode, we speak with Meghan Buell, the founder of TREES, Inc., the Transgender Resource, Education, and Enrichment Services organization that she created and leads to provide transgender education to small towns and rural America. TREES, Inc. is driven by the need to stem the rash of transgender discrimination by using education to create a more inclusive environment for trangender identifying individuals to live an enriched, safe, and successful life free of violence and strife. Meghan Buell (she/her/hers) is a life-long resident of Indiana. She has been a leader in the transgender community locally, regionally and nationally. She has served on nonprofit boards, transgender advisory committees and is a regular collegiate guest lecturer. Meghan began Trees, Inc. as a way to "pay it forward" to the transgender community after living and transitioning in a small town environment and successfully traversing the challenges. This week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, and in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes, as well as in Indiana on the land of the Peoria tribe. Tree Speech is co-written and produced by Jonathan Zautner (he, him) with Alight Theater Guild. To learn more about Meghan Buell and TREES, Inc., please visit www.webetrees.org To learn more about the transgender community and how to be a more supportive ally, please visit: https://www.hrc.org/resources/understanding-the-transgender-community https://www.glaad.org/transgender/transfaq https://transgenderlawcenter.org/ http://www.webetrees.org/resources To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit treespeechpodcast.com. We’re thrilled to be able to offer interviews, creative insights, and stories about the natural world we live in, and the trees who guide our way. Please also consider supporting us through our  Patreon - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude including an invitation to Tree House, our new virtual community for patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word to tree loving folks, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps.