Nature Inspired Podcast

Curiosity has gotten a bad rap - consider the phrase, ‘curiosity killed the cat’. However, curiosity is is how all scientific breakthroughs begin. As Albert Einstein said, “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” When we are curious, we open to  creative solutions and what we need in a quickly evolving world are out-of-the-box solutions. This epi...

Join adventurer, sustainability advocate, ultramarathon runner, digital nomad, yogi and overall inspiring being, Karin Traeger Hermosilla. Karin is a multi-passionate being who was brought up in Chile, spent many years in Australia and is now running her own business whilst travelling the world and following her curiosity and passions. She has a wealth of knowledge and advice to offer beginner and...

Experts say that Eco Anxiety is a rational response to the massive ecological threats our planet is facing right now. That means, if you are feeling anxious, angered, or overwhelmed, this is completely normal. This episode looks at what Eco or Climate Anxiety is, the antidote to Eco-Anxiety, tools and tips for anyone experiencing eco-anxiety and a short meditation to help you feel that what you do...

Do you know what the world’s largest organism is? This episode looks at the world’s largest organism which can teach us about connection and collaboration. We will take a look at some of the complex relationships between fungi, trees, ants, and butterflies. We will also look at ways we can ensure the complex systems of forests remain protected.   “Nature  teaches  us  that  true  resilience  comes...

Join Emma as she interviews Kirsten Parris, professor of urban ecology at Melbourne University who specialises in amphibian ecology and conservation. Kirsten is also an author of both fiction and creative non-fiction who has studied Professional Writing and Editing at RMIT University. Kirsten is a magician at weaving science with creativity, finding innovative ways to share stories of nature and h...

To celebrate World Wildlife Day, join Emmas as she interviews Paul Revie, an ecologist and zoologist specialising in Quoll Conservation. These cute yet ferocious carnivores are an example of the complex diversity of life. Paul talks about how he started the not-for-profit Quoll Society in south east Queensland to fills gaps in Quoll research and conservation. He also talks about some of their thre...

 In this episode, hear about some good news for nature. Let these stories give you hope and inspire you to take empowered action.  ☀️ Learn about the billionaire couple regenerating land in Tasmania here . 🍃 For news on the Brazilian couple who have planted 2 million trees over 20 years to restore a destroyed forest, click here . 🏔️ A mountain in New Zealand has been granted legal personhood . Le...

Join Emma as she interviews bird specialist, Melissa Whitby on bird ecology, bird protection, and how bird watching might even be called ‘bird therapy’. Melissa has spent much of her life travelling through Australia and overseas learning about birds, contributing to scientific data, and volunteering  for various bird organisations. She says that any interactions with wildlife are a privilege and...

In this episode we celebrate five different women in conservation science to celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science . Today in the world, only one in three scientists are women and Currently in Australia, women hold only 15% of STEM-qualified jobs . In this episode we look not only at these women's scientific achievements but how their visions are helping make this planet a...

This episode dives into the science of seeds: how they grow, how they disperse, seed based restoration solutions, and how seed banks are ensuring our threatened plant species don’t become extinct. As well as learning about the science of seeds, learn how seeds and the act of planting seeds might inspire healthier, peaceful lives.  “Plant seeds of happiness, hope, success, and love; it will all com...

 As we welcome in 2025, dive into 10 bite-sized nature inspired habits and actions you can take today. If you want to connect more with nature, support the natural world, and improve you health and wellbeing, then this is the episode for you. This podcast is a blend of science, health and well being with a sprinkle of spirituality to keep you inspired. We are all nature and all interconnected so w...

This episode asks us to be brave, to step out of our comfort zone as we look at some of the environmental inequities and injustices across the world. We tackle some pretty heavy issues including child labour, child slavery, climate change, and intergenerational equity but as always, this podcast aims to find solutions. With inspiration by renowned peace maker and freedom fighter Nelson Mandela, we...

This week we are looking at the magic of rainforests to celebrate World Rainforest Day. One of the most important ecosystem services rainforests provide are storing huge amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. Rainforests are also home to millions of people across the globe and play hosts to over 50% of the world’s biodiversity. They also provide sources of food, medicine and hygiene products for p...

In this episode I combine two of my loves, Yoga and Nature as this week on June 21st it is International Day of Yoga. I teach nature inspired yoga and use nature as my inspiration because I believe that when we listen and tune into nature we can learn so much. Adopting a First Nations approach to nature, throughout the episode I refer to nature as "more than human" to give nature the res...

To celebrate World Oceans Day, we take a look at the wonder of the ocean, the weird and wonderful life it supports, the threats it faces, and how we can support the oceans. From Hope Spots to Sustainable Fishing to simply sitting next to the ocean, there are many ways we can support oceans.  “We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going...

This episode encourages listeners to let go of environmental perfectionism. There is a misconception that in order to be an environmentalist, live an eco-friendly life, or live in harmony with nature, we need to be perfect and make no impact on the planet whatsoever. However, this is impossible to do, as we all rely on and need to use resources for food, water, clothing and shelter. Believing that...

To celebrate International Day of Biological Diversity, we are diving into the diverse range of lifeforms on our planet to strengthen our connection to nature, become aware of some of the threats nature faces, and learn how we can support biodiversity on this planet. From sea otters, turtles and Giant Kelp Forests to minute bacteria in soil and guts, we will go on a journey to discover life on thi...

In this episode, meet your host Emma Hawthorne as she tells you what the Nature Inspired Podcast is, how it came about and why you want to listen to it!