Constant Wonder KIDS

Forager Tama Wong shares the fascinating discoveries she makes while searching for edible plants in the world around her! Hear how these surprising plant finds become delicious treats to enjoy and share with others, and discover the wonder of connecting with nature through foraging. Guest: Guest: Tama Matsuoka Wong, author of "Into the Weeds: How to Garden Like a Forager" and founder of meadowsand...

Tom Kerss studies the aurora borealis—the glowing northern lights that ripple across the night sky in brilliant colors. Learn what causes this magical light show, how humans have thought about the lights over the centuries, and why these dancing lights connect Earth to the sun. Guest: Tom Kerss, Astronomer, founder of Stargazing London, author of "The Northern Lights: The Definitive Guide to Auror...

Writer Catherine Raven tells the story of an unexpected friendship with a fox who lived in her backyard. Discover how getting to know her fox friend helped Catherine understand the importance of connecting with others and finding friendship in unexpected places. Guest: Catherine Raven, author of "Fox & I" Link to S7 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/d1ea7c0c-3362-4848-907a-c8b668814b38...

Horticulturalist Rebecca McMackin explores how each plant has a story. Discover how choosing special plants can create spaces where people, wildlife, and all kinds of living things can thrive together. Guest: Rebecca McMackin, Lead Horticulturist for the American Horticultural Society, publisher of the "Grow Like Wild" newsletter Link to S7 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/d1ea7c0c-33...

Historian Mike Loades tells us what it's like to meet amazing dogs whose ancestors were bred to do all kinds of important jobs, from pulling sleds to hunting gazelle. Discover what makes huskies, corgis, poodles, salukis, and other dogs so good at their jobs—and how their special skills still shine today! Guest: Mike Loades, author of "Dogs: Working Origins and Traditional Tasks" Link to S7 printa...

Over 100 years ago, explorer Ernest Shackleton’s ship The Endurance sank to the bottom of the sea. Join archaeologist Mensun Bound to hear about how he set sail to find the lost Endurance. Guest: Mensun Bound, archaeologist and Director of Exploration on the 2019 and 2022 expeditions to locate Shackleton’s Endurance Link to S7 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/d1ea7c0c-3362-4848-907a-c...

Alexandra Morton began studying whales in British Columbia, but her research led her to discover troubling changes in wild salmon near salmon farms. Learn how Alexandra became a scientist and advocate for healthier oceans, studying salmon and sea lice and working to change harmful salmon-farming practices. Guest: Alexandra Morton, author of "Not on My Watch: How a renegade whale biologist took on...

Naturalist David Mizejewski from PBS Nature's "Wild Critters" podcast shares amazing insights about alligators and what it means to be a champion for wildlife. He also shows us how kids and families can help their local ecosystems right at home by planting native plants and creating welcoming habitats for wildlife. Guest: David Mizejewski, naturalist and National Wildlife Federation television hos...

Plants may seem quiet and still, but there's amazing science happening inside them every day! Scientist Raffael Jovine shares his love of photosynthesis and helps us discover how plants use sunlight to grow, make food, and bring a little bit of wonder to the world around us. Guest: Raffael Jovine, author of "How Light Makes Life: The Hidden Wonders and World-Saving Powers of Photosynthesis" Link t...

When giant panda Qian Qian needed help, conservation biologist Jake Owens was there—first as her teacher, then as her rescuer, and always as her friend. Discover how their special bond helped Qian Qian heal and thrive. Guest: Jake Owens, Conservation Biologist and Director of Conservation at the Los Angeles Zoo Link to S7 printable:

Did you know that volcanoes can erupt deep under the ocean and on faraway planets? Robin Andrews takes us on an incredible journey to discover underwater volcanoes, giant supervolcanoes, and volcanoes on other worlds like Mars and Venus. Guest: Robin Andrews, author of "Super Volcanoes: What They Reveal about Earth and the Worlds Beyond" Link to S7 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/d1e...

What does it feel like to be so focused that the rest of the world fades away? Join surfer and ocean champion Hugo Tagholm to discover the magic of a flow state and how his love for riding waves inspired him to protect the ocean through conservation organizations. Guest: Hugo Tagholm, Executive Director of Oceana UK Link to S7 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/d1ea7c0c-3362-4848-907a-c...

Truffles are rare mushrooms that grow hidden underground and are prized by chefs around the world. Join us as author Rowan Jacobsen introduces us to amazing truffle hounds, whose incredible noses help people discover these hidden treasures. Guest: Rowan Jacobsen, author of "Truffle Hound: On the Trail of the World's Most Seductive Scent, with Dreamers, Schemers, and Some Extraordinary Dogs" Link t...

Sy Montgomery shares her most recent group of animal friends—a flock of chickens! Learn about how chickens think and behave and what we can do to experience wonder through our animal neighbors. Guest: Sy Montgomery, naturalist and author of over thirty books Link to S7 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/d1ea7c0c-3362-4848-907a-c8b668814b38/fill-in-the-blanks-for-season-7

The American chestnut tree was once one of the most important trees in North America, but a deadly fungus nearly wiped it out. Join Emmett Hoops to discover why this remarkable tree mattered so much and how we can all help protect nature for future generations. Guest: Emmett Hoops, Director for District 5 and Vice President for Outreach, New York Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation (at tim...

Scientist Misty Paig-Tran is fascinated by oarfish, one of the ocean's longest and most mysterious creatures. In this episode, we dive into the deep sea to discover how these shimmering giants live, why they're so rarely seen, and what makes them such an exciting animal to study. Guest: Misty Paig-Tran, professor of biology at California State University, Fullerton Link to S7 printable: https://ww...

Conservationist Françoise Malby-Anthony cares for elephants at her wildlife preserve, Thula Thula, where she has learned just how intelligent, social, and caring these animals can be. Learn how spending time with them helped Françoise find hope during a difficult season of life and how she helps animals find peace at Thula Thula. Guest: Guest: Françoise Malby-Anthony, owner of Thula Thula Private...

Behavioral scientist Clive Wynne studies why dogs are so good at connecting with humans. In this episode, we discover how dogs’ loving and social personalities helped them become one of the most successful animal species living alongside people for thousands of years. Guest: Clive Wynne, dog behavior researcher Link to S6 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/4dd1c171-357a-4fc7-8085-0473e1...

Writer Anne Fadiman shares how moments of wonder and time spent outdoors can help people through difficult seasons of life. In this episode, we explore how curiosity, nature, and paying attention to the world around us can bring comfort, hope, and joy. Guest: Anne Fadiman, author of "Frog and Other Essays" Link to S6 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/4dd1c171-357a-4fc7-8085-0473e1d0de6...

Writer and explorer Fiona Robertson is fascinated by ancient megalith monuments and the mysteries surrounding them. In this episode, we discover how standing among giant stones can help us feel connected to people who lived thousands of years ago. Guest: Fiona Robertson, writer and megalith enthusiast who takes her family across the British Isles in search of standing stones Link to S6 printable:...

Paleontologist Larisa DeSantis studies pizzly bears, the rare hybrid offspring of polar bears and grizzly bears. In this episode, we explore how animals can adapt to changing environments and discover what these unusual bears can teach us about the natural world. Guest: Larisa DeSantis, Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University Link to S6 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/4dd1c171-3...

Licensed mudlarks Lara Maiklem and Flora Spiegel explore the muddy shores of the River Thames searching for tiny treasures from the past. In this episode, we discover how old buttons, pottery, pipes, and other forgotten objects can help tell the story of people who lived in London hundreds—even thousands—of years ago. Guest: Lara Maiklem, author of "A Mudlarking Year: Finding Treasure in Every Sea...

Photographer and filmmaker Brian Skerry has traveled across the world to film incredible whales and uncover the hidden secrets of their underwater lives. In this episode, we dive deep with sperm whales, orca whales, and humpback whales to discover surprising whale behaviors, family bonds, and cultures beneath the waves. Guest: Brian Skerry, film producer/director and photojournalist specializing i...

Rue Mapp founded Outdoor Afro to help Black communities build joyful, meaningful connections with nature- and to remind all of us that the outdoors belongs to everyone! Join us as we explore how stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to adventure, confidence, and a deeper love for the natural world. Guest: Rue Mapp, founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro Link to S6 printable: https://www.byuradio.or...

When nature writer Sy Montgomery helped her friend Brenda Sherburn-LaBelle care for two teeny-tiny baby hummingbirds, she learned just how fragile these baby birds can be. As the little birds grew stronger, their story showed how even the smallest creatures can be full of strength—and how helping animals can make a big difference. Guest: Sy Montgomery, naturalist and author Link to Season 6 printa...