Today’s episode is a great example of using your unique skills to amplify your impact. This week, Monica is chatting with Atlanta-based writer Austin Louis Ray, who has contributed to publications like Rolling Stone, GQ, Creative Loafing, and Eater, just to name a few. He is also the publisher of How I’d Fix Atlanta, a seasonal collection of essays from Atlanta natives about the action steps they would take to improve their city. Topics include Biophilic Solutions favorites like walkability, wildlife in the city, supporting pollinator habitats, clean energy, and more. The conversation today, however, really revolves around how Austin does it: how he finds his writers, how he raises money to pay those writers well, and how he uses the How I’d Fix Atlanta series to build awareness at the city council and beyond.  Show NotesAbout Austin L. RayHow I’d Fix AtlantaSupport How I’d Fix AtlantaPurchase  Season Two How I’d Fix Atlanta Zine Follow Austin on XPhoto Credit: Jason Travis

It’s easy to think that business interests are diametrically opposed to environmental progress - and in many cases, you wouldn’t be wrong. However, meaningful evidence suggests that many businesses would actually improve their bottom line if they adopted more sustainable practices. Enter today’s guest, David S. Eady, the director of industry engagement at the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business at the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business. In this role, David works with companies in the Drawdown Georgia Business Compact, which leverages the collective impact of the Georgia business community to achieve net zero carbon emissions in the state through a just, prosperous, and sustainable transition. In his (limited) spare time, David also serves as the mayor of Oxford, Georgia, where his lifelong career in environmentalism has inspired a number of important sustainability initiatives.In this interview, Monica catches up with David about the power of collective action and partnership, measuring impact over time, and meeting business leaders where they are. Show NotesAbout David EadyDrawdown Georgia Business CompactDrawdown GeorgiaRay C. Anderson Center for Sustainable BusinessOxford GA Official City WebsiteBiophilic Solutions | Shifting to a Green Economy with Edward B. BarbierKey Words: Climate Change, Climate Action, Environmental Issues, Corporate Responsibility, Georgia Tech, GA Tech, David S. Eady, Drawdown, Drawdown GA, Ray C. Anderson, Carbon, Carbon Emissions, Biophilia, Biophilic Design

What does it really mean when we talk about reconnecting with nature? To actually connect with nature, is it enough to simply get outside? Who speaks for the rights of nature to remain undisturbed? These are just a few of the compelling questions raised by our guest today, Dr. Karen Lloyd. Karen is the author of acclaimed book Abundance: Nature in Recovery and is a lecturer at the University of Lancaster, as well as writer in residence at the university’s Future Places Institute. Her work largely explores themes like abundance, restoration and repair in the natural world.In this episode, we chat with Karen about a wide range of issues including habitat loss in her native Lake District, why the tendency to shift our baseline isn’t helping us in the climate fight, the city that has declared pollinators as citizens, and how we can meaningfully re-entangle ourselves with the natural world. Show NotesAbout Karen Lloyd (University of Lancaster)Karen Lloyd WebsiteAbundance: Nature in Recovery by Karen LloydAre You Suffering From Shifting Baseline Syndrome? (Earth.Org)Sweet City: Defeating the City-Nature Antagonism (Congress for the New Urbanism)Hyperobjects: Philosophy and Ecology After the End of the World by Tim Morton Follow Karen on Facebook and XKey Words: Nature, Nature Based Solutions, University of Lancaster, Lake District, English Lake District, Pollinators, Pollinator Habitats, Hyperobject, Climate, Climate Change, Climate Solutions, Biophilia, Biophilic Design

Time and time again, we’ve seen that spending time in nature has profound effects on our physical and mental wellbeing, but did you know that the outdoors are also uniquely suited for imparting leadership skills? This week, we’re chatting with Sandy Colhoun, the President of NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), a global nonprofit wilderness school that is dedicated to stewardship & sustainability, diversity in the outdoors, education, leadership, safety, and community. Their programs range from expeditions for young students and semester-away programs to executive leadership and even NASA training courses. In this conversation, we chat with Sandy about his own formative experience in a NOLS program, discovering yourself in the wild, and we define a core tenet of the NOLS philosophy, expedition behavior.Show NotesNOLSAbout Sandy ColhounNOLS Stewardship & SustainabilityNOLS Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion NOLS Programs & CoursesResourcesFollow NOLS on InstagramChattahoochee Hills Charter SchoolWalk Your Way Calm: A Guided Journal for Uncluttering Your Mind with Every Step by Jennifer WalshKey Words: NOLS, Outdoor Education, Leadership, Outdoor Adventure, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Nature Based Solutions, Nature Based Learning, Wilderness, Wilderness Medicine

E.O. Wilson once said, “if insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse into chaos”- and he wasn’t wrong. In fact, our entire food system depends on the energy that tiny bugs transfer to vertebrates. So, what’s the issue? Insects themselves depend on native plants and larger portions of our outdoor spaces have been overtaken by non-native, invasive species and resource-intensive, environmentally futile lawns. It sounds dire, but there are plenty of solutions according to today’s guest Douglas Tallamy, the T. A. Baker Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. Dr. Tallamy has dedicated much of his career to raising awareness about the significance of native plants and outlining the simple, common-sense solutions that everyone can use to improve biodiversity in their own backyard. In this conversation, we chat with Doug about the promise of keystone species, the amazing progress he’s made reintroducing native plants on his own Pennsylvania property, and the nonprofit he founded to encourage private landowners to join the movement.Show NotesAbout Douglas TallamyHomegrown National ParkHomegrown National Park: Native Plant Resource DirectoryBringing Nature Home by Douglas W. TallamyThe Living Landscape by Rick Darke and Douglas W. TallamyNature’s Best Hope by Douglas W. TallamyThe Nature of Oaks by Douglas W. TallamyMeet the Ecologist Who Wants You to Unleash the Wild on Your Backyard (Smithsonian)Key Words: Native Plants, Pollinator Garden, Oak Trees, Keystone Species, Ecosystem, Ecosystem Restoration, Biodiversity, Biodiversity Crisis, Douglas Tallamy, Doug Tallamy, Food System, Biophilia, Biophilic Design

Our guest today, Shelby Stanger, believes that a little bit of outdoor adventure is the key to a full and happy life. In fact, Shelby credits her own experiences surfing and escaping her comfort zone with catapulting her into a totally new life path. Today, Shelby is the host of the Wild Ideas Worth Living podcast and the author of Will To Wild: Adventures Big and Small to Change Your Life, a field guide of sorts for anyone interested in seeking more adventure. The best part? For Shelby, deep transformation doesn’t require an expensive retreat or tons of self-help books - simply getting outside on a consistent basis can completely shift your perspective and lead to meaningful growth.In this episode, we chat with Shelby about the power of awe, a few particularly inspiring stories from her amazing book (seriously - we can’t recommend it enough!) and the magic you find out on the trails. Show NotesWill to Wild: Adventures Big and Small to Change Your LifeWild Ideas Worth Living PodcastAbout Shelby StangerShelby Stanger on InstagramKey Words: Nature, Adventure, Wildness, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Wellness, Self Help, Recreation, Outdoor Recreation, Surfing, Surf, Nature, Nature Based Solutions

Our guest today, Robert Hammond, has dedicated his life to creating vibrant public spaces that foster human connection, wellbeing, and bring out the best in our communities. In the late 90’s, Robert, alongside business partner Joshua David, co-founded New York City’s iconic High Line, transforming an abandoned rail line into a lush greenway that connects 1.5 miles of Manhattan. After over two decades at The High Line, Robert took on a new role as President and Chief Strategy Officer at Therme US, a global company that is revolutionizing the ancient practice of thermal bathing in order to bring wellness to people from all walks of life. In this episode, we chat with Robert about his incredible career, the importance of public spaces that foster social infrastructure, and his ultimate goal to democratize wellness (and make it a little more fun in the process).Show NotesThe High LineHigh Line Co-Founder Robert Hammond to join Therme GroupTherme Group: A Global Wellbeing LeaderTherme Sustainable TechnologyA magical, green walk along Paris’ Promenade Plantee (Guardian)Robert Hammond on InstagramKey Words: High Line, Friends of the High Line, New York, New York City, Green Infrastructure, Social Infrastructure, Therme, Thermal Bathing, Wellness, Biophilia, Biophilic, Nature Based Solutions, Nature

Thoughtful and creative design can change the world, from the products we use every day to innovative and climate-resilient buildings, to entire cities that prioritize the health and vitality of the people who live in them. Our guest today is Dr. Ellen Bassett, the John Portman Dean of the College of Design at Georgia Tech, where such innovation is taking place on a daily basis. Ellen’s background lies in urban planning with areas of expertise in land use planning and law, sustainability, health and the built environment, and international development particularly in the Global South. In this interview, Monica and Jennifer catch up with Ellen about where her interest in urban planning began, the importance of using biophilic design across disciplines, and the impactful years she spent abroad working in Kenya. Show NotesAbout Ellen BassettEllen Bassett ResearchGeorgia Tech College of DesignConversations with Cabrera: Ellen Bassett (YouTube)Solar Decathlon SimTrigate Design Lab, School of Architecture, Georgia TechFront Lawns, Biodiversity, and Bylaws with Nina Marie Lister (Biophilic Solutions)Atlanta BeltlineKey Words: Georgia Tech, Design, College of Design, Urban Planning, Land Use, Land Planning, Land Law, Kenya, Africa, Architecture, Built Environment, Urban Sprawl, Atlanta, Nature, Nature Based Solutions, Climate Change, Climate Resilience, Biophilia, Biophilic Design

It’s officially cozy season! This week, Monica and Jennifer are back with another roundup of biophilic holiday reads, perfect for gifting or curling up with by the fireplace. So, whether you’re looking for a beautiful coffee table book, inspiring looks at the science of spirituality, or words of wisdom inspired by nature, keep on listening. Shownotes Biophilic Solutions on Bookshop.orgThe 2024 Biophilic Leadership Summit Wild: The Naturalistic Garden by Clare Takacs and Noel KingsburyDesign a healthy home by Oliver HeathHow to Be More Tree: Essential Life Lessons for Perennial Happiness by Potter Gift and Annie DavidsonThin Place Design: The Architecture of the Numinous by Dr. Phillip James TabbThe Transcendent Brain: Spirituality in the Age of Science by Alan Lightman The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick RubinThe Language of Trees: A Rewilding of Literature and Landscape by Katie Holten Key Words: Biophilic, Biophilia, Nature, Nature Based Solutions, Reading, Holiday, Gifts, Book, Book List, Science, Spirituality, Trees, Garden, Gardening, Natural Garden, Thin Places, Creativity, Literature, Landscape, Clare Takacs, Noel Kingsbury, Oliver Heath, Potter Gift, Annie Davidson, Phil Tabb, Phillip James Tabb, Alan Ligthman, Rick Rubin, Katie Holten

Everyone should live within 10 minutes of a public park. Why? Because public green space improves overall health, strengthens community ties, combats climate change, and - when implemented correctly - reduces inequality. Our guest today is George Dusenbury, Vice President Southern Region and the Georgia State Director at the Trust for Public Land, an organization whose mission is to expand access to the outdoors by creating public parks and protecting public lands. In this episode, we explore exciting TPL initiatives like green schoolyards in New York City and the exciting Chattahoochee RiverLands Project that promises to transform the Atlanta metro area and beyond. We also discuss greenspace as essential infrastructure, the importance of local input,, and the resources available for anyone who wants to expand access to nature in their own communities. Show NotesTrust For Public LandAbout George Dusenbury Chattahoochee RiverLands ProjectThe Land & People LabPolicy & LegislationResource LibrarySCAPE Studio Key Words: Trust For Public Land, Public Parks, Parks & Recreation, Green Space, Climate, Climate Change, Chattahoochee River, Chattahoochee RiverLands Project, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Nature, Outdoors, Nature Based Solutions

On the surface, you may not think that the military or professional baseball have much to do with fields like wellness, mindfulness, or biophilia - but that’s exactly where you’d be wrong according to today’s guest, Dr. Mark Campbell. Dr. Mark is a performance psychologist and consultant who works with clients across a wide range of challenging industries to optimize their wellbeing. He got his start  working as a lead for the US Army’s performance psychology and resilience program, worked closely on the DoD's Warrior Games and Prince Harry’s Invictus Games, and served as the Director of Mental Conditioning for the Washington Nationals. Throughout his impressive career, Mark noticed the transformative impact that nature had on every single one of his clients and has made the outdoors a hallmark of his approach. He even hosts a podcast on the topic called the Nature of Wellness (NOW). We were thrilled to catch up with Mark this week to explore his impressive career, how he brings more people into nature by meeting them where they are, and his ultimate goal to legitimize the term wellness. Show NotesCampbell PerformanceNature of Wellness (NOW) Podcast Mental Mechanics: The Impact of Nature by Mark Campbell Mental Mechanics: The Beauty of Silence by Mark Campbell Warrior GamesInvictus GamesKey Words: Wellness, Psychology, Performance Psychology, Wounded Warrior Project, Veterans, Invictus Games, Warrior Games, Nature, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Mindfulness, Sports, Athletics

At this point, we all know that biophilia literally means the love of nature, right? But have you ever stopped to consider its opposite, biophobia? If you’re a regular listener of this podcast, we’d be willing to bet you haven’t - and to be honest, we hadn’t either until we met today’s guest, science journalist Emily Harwitz. Emily’s recent article, ‘Beware Creeping Biophobia’ was picked up by multiple outlets like The Atlantic, The Tyee, and Haikai due to its insightful breakdown of the cycle that begins when humans become irrevocably disconnected from the natural world. Basically, disconnection leads to fear, which leads to outright rejection and even destruction. We were thrilled to catch up with Emily to break down the cycle of biophobia, how we can convert the biophobic to the biophilic, and we also dive into the reasons why humans are drawn to collecting rare species. Show NotesBeware Creeping Biophobia (Haikai Magazine)Humans Fondness for the Odd and Rare Make Us Particularly Overwhelming Predators (Haikai Magazine)I’ll Go If You Go Podcast Emily Harwitz WebsiteEmily Harwitz Instagram Jackson Wild Summit - 2023 Media Lab FellowsKey Words: Biophobia, Biophilia, Nature, Outdoors, Journalism, Science Journalism, Ecosystem, Environment, Wildlife, Wildlife Restoration

The health benefits of biophilic design are well-established: reduced anxiety, improved focus, lower heart rate, and generally just better overall wellbeing. However, how do those health benefits translate to financial outcomes? How do we get more business leaders and policymakers to implement biophilic design on a broader scale? Enter the latest publication from Terrapin Bright Green, The Economics of Biophilia second edition. This new report, co-authored by today’s guests Bill Browning and Catie Ryan, looks at five sectors - offices, education, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and community - detailing the benefits of biophilic design interventions for each and then making the financial case in great detail. In this episode, Bill and Catie share how a flood of new research led them to update their original 2012 report, how businesses and policymakers can utilize biophilic design to meet their financial objectives, and why it really all comes back to long term thinking.  Show NotesThe Economics of Biophilia: Why Designing with Nature Makes Financial Sense, second edition by Bill Browning, Catie Ryan, and Dakota WalkerNature Inside A Biophilic Design Guide by Bill Browning and Catie Ryan Terrapin Bright GreenInterfaceKeywords: Economics, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Nature Based Design, Nature Based, Finance, Architecture, Built Environment, Green Building, Nature, Finance

For the future of sustainable textiles, should we look no further than … the ocean? Today we’re speaking with Aleks Gosiewski and Tessa Callaghan, the founders of Keel Labs, a sustainable materials company built on regenerative principles. Keel Labs’ signature product is Kelsun, a seaweed-based yarn with a significantly lower environmental footprint than traditional fibers. Alex and Tessa met as design students at the Fashion Institute of Technology and went on to win the first-ever Biodesign Challenge in 2016. In the years since they founded Keel Labs, both women have been named as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30. In this episode, we chat with Tessa and Aleks about the promise of kelp as a regenerative raw material, the process of turning kelp into a functional textile, and we dive into - no pun intended - the challenges and rewards of building a company with sustainable innovation at its very core. Show NotesKeel LabsForbes’ 30 Under 30 2022 (Manufacturing)Would You Wear a Sweater Made Out of Seaweed? (HighSnobiety)A new material made from seaweed will transform the entire textile industry by Tessa Callaghan (Upworthy)Keel Labs on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedInFashion Institute of Technology (FIT)The Biodesign ChallengeKey Words: Keel, Keel Labs, Ocean, Seaweed, Kelp, Algae, Fashion, Design, Fashion Design, Textiles, Materials, Sustainability, Regenerative, Regenerative Materials, Environment, Climate, Climate Change, Climate Solutions, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Biodesign

This week, we’re exploring buildings that are biophilic, climate resilient, and set the gold standard for net positive, responsible design. Specifically, we’ll dive deep into two projects by ZGF Architects, an industry leader in sustainable and regenerative design: Portland’s PAE Building, the first developer-driven Living Building,  and the very biophilic expansion of the main terminal at Portland International Airport. Our guest today is Kathy Berg, a partner with ZGF, who worked closely on both projects. In this episode, we chat with Kahty about bringing nature into the built environment, designing buildings meant to last into the distant future, and the amazing technology that supports climate resilience. Show NotesZGF ArchitectsAbout Kathy BergPAE Engineers, The PAE Living BuildingPort of Portland, PDX Airport Main Terminal ExpansionFollow ZGF Architects on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTubeKey Words: Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Biophilic Architecture, Architecture, Living Building, Living Building Challenge, Sustainability, Climate Resilience, Green Building, Built Environment, Nature, Nature Based Solutions

If a negative climate tipping point refers to a critical threshold that triggers irreversible damage, then it stands to reason that a positive tipping point is the exact opposite - a beneficial axis that, when reached, staves off the worst planetary outcomes. Our guest today, Dr. Tim Lenton, is the Chair in Climate Change and Earth System Science at the University of Exeter and is the Founder of the Global Systems Institute, an organization that uses a whole systems approach to solve global challenges and build a flourishing future. In this interview, we look at some examples of positive tipping points, discuss the social movements that are having real impact, and the individual actions we can all take to lower our carbon footprint. Show NotesProfessor Tim Lenton, University of ExeterGlobal Systems InstituteEarth System Science: A Very Short Introduction by Tim LentonRevolutions That Made the Earth by Tim Lenton and Andrew WatsonGaia: A New Look at Life on Earth by Jim Lovelock Positive Tipping Points Could Save the Climate - This Man is Showing Us How (Positive.News)

This week, we’re exploring the intersection of agriculture, artistry, and history through the lens of indigo, a significant cash crop in the colonial period with inextricable ties to the slave trade. So inextricable, in fact, that slavery wasn’t even legal in Georgia until 1751, when British governors recognized the economic potential of the plant and its distinctive blue dye. Our guest today is Sheri Parks, Ph.D is a renowned community strategist, scholar, and writer who currently serves as the Program Director of the Natural Dye Initiative, a multi-part project whose aim is to explore the cultural and economic impact of indigo in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions by reintroducing it to Black farmers and artists. In this episode, we discuss the transformative impact of reclaiming indigo production in the southern United States, how the Natural Dye Initiative makes it economically viable for a new generation of farmers, and touch on the global significance of this remarkable plant. Dr. Parks formerly served as the VP of Strategic Initiatives at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and as Associate Dean of Arts and Humanities and Professor of American Studies at the University of Maryland. Her scholarly work focuses on how art and aesthetics affect our day to day lives and how aesthetics can be used as a tool for social justice.Show NotesHow Beauty Works Panel (YouTube)Fierce Angels: Living with the Legacy from the Sacred Dark Feminine to the Strong Black Woman by Sheri Parks, Ph.DUpton Planning CommitteeMaryland Institute College of Art (MICA)Natural Dye Initiative Origin StoryNeighborhood Fiber Co. Aims to Weave Positive Social Change (Baltimore Magazine)Key Words: Indigo, Indigo Dye, Colonial, Colonialism, Nature Dye, Maryland, Baltimore, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Agriculture, Farming, Organic Farming, Art, Aesthetics, Southern United States, US history

Our guest today, Nina, Simons, believes that the root of many social and environmental problems we face today can be traced back to a fundamental imbalance between traditionally masculine and feminine attributes – and she has the evidence to back that up. In her latest book, Nature, Culture, & The Sacred: A Woman Listens for Leadership, Nina demonstrates how interconnected many modern problems really are and she lays out the ways in which we might overcome them, with women’s leadership and Indigenous wisdom at the forefront. Alongside her husband Kenny Ausubel, Nina is the co-founder of Bioneers, a nonprofit with a mission to platform common-sense solutions to social and ecological challenges with a whole systems approach. In 2017, she and Kenny were the recipients of the Goi Peace Award. In addition to Nature, Culture, and the Scared, Nina is the author of Ecological and Social Healing: Multicultural Women’s Woes and Moonrise: The Power of Women Leading from the Heart.Show NotesNature, Culture, & the Sacred: A Woman Listens for Leadership by Nina SimonsNina Simons WebsiteBioneersEcological and Social Healing: Multicultural Women’s Woes by Nina SimonsMoonrise: The Power of Women Leading from the Heart by Nina Simons with Anneke CampbellThe Burning Times DocumentaryThe Athena Doctrine: How Women (and the Men Who Think Like Them) Will Rule the Future by John Gerzema and Michael D’Antonio Key Words: Nature, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Environment, Ecosystem, Spirituality, Sacred, Feminism, Women’s Leadership, Patriarchy, Patriarchal System, Indigenous, Indigenous Wisdom, Healer, Wellness, Climate, Climate Change

This week we’re diving into the world of human-centered architecture and its profound impact on brain health with Dr. Tuwanda Green, Adjunct Instructor in the School of Architecture at Virginia Tech. Before getting her PhD, Dr. Green ran her own architecture firm for over 20 years, working primarily in commercial and government buildings, where her experience in military housing and facilities greatly informed her practice. Dr. Green believes that a science-minded and data-driven approach to biophilic architecture is the key for achieving greater scale, that the built environment plays a major role in human wellbeing, and that all architecture students should understand basic human biology. Show NotesAbout Dr. Tuwanda GreenHuman Design Theory Pioneering Women of American Architecture: Julia MorganDr. Judith Heerwagen14 Patterns of Biophilic Design

Jennifer and Monica here! We’ve officially reached the height of Summer. The days are long, it’s (very) hot outside, and there’s nothing we want to do more than hang out with a good book - preferably next to some kind of body of water. Failing that, we’ll take a big, icy, reusable water bottle. So, for this week’s episode, we’ve rounded up a list of our top picks for biophilic summer reads. From romance and awe to brain health and climate science-fiction, we’ve got something for everyone. The common theme? Nature is always center stage. Show NotesYour Brain on Art: How Art Transforms Us by Susan Magsamen & Ivy RossYour Brain on Nature: Neuroaesthetics and Biophilia with Dr. Anjan Chatterjee Form Follows Feeling: Serenity, Human Emotion, and Design with Suchi ReddyThe Signature of All Things by Elizabeth GilbertAwe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher KeltnerEveryday Utopia: What 2,000 Years of Wild Experiments Can Teach Us About the Good Life by Kristen GhodseeSaving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock by Jenny Oddell The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley RobinsonKey Words: Summer Reading, Reading, Books, Book List, Nature, Biophilia, Art, Awe, Elizabeth Gilbert, Utopia Jenny Oddell, Ken Stanley Robinson, Dacher Keltner, Susan Magsamen, Neuroscience, Neuroaesthetics, Climate Change, Climate Science, Wellness