Nature Junkie Radio

You’ve heard me ask guests how they “microdose nature,” but what does that actually mean?In this solo episode, I finally break down one of the key principles of being a Nature Junkie.I share the origin story, from early morning surf sessions to noticing small, powerful moments of connection in everyday life, and how those experiences led me to the concept of microdosing nature.Then I connect the dots between my experiences and science, including research showing that it’s not time in nature that matters most, but how we pay attention to it. As nature connection researcher Miles Richardson puts it, “Wellbeing is about moments, not minutes.”Here’s what we’re tapping into:What “microdosing nature” means (and my working definition)The science behind how small moments in nature reduce stress, improve mood, and restore focusWhy tiny, repeatable behaviors are the key to lasting habit changeSimple ways to microdose nature in the morning, during the workday, and at nightInspiring and helpful examples of microdosing nature from past guests who have trained their attention to see nature everywhere, daily If you need ways to connect with nature that are actually doable during busy days or chapters of life, this one’s for you. You don’t need hours. You don’t need a big plan or fancy gear. You just need a moment, the willingness to notice it, and the openness to let it land.Episode LinksNature Junkie Radio - Chris BurkardNature Junkie Radio - Christian BeamishNature Junkie Radio - Josh JacksonNature Junkie Radio - Kate WilliamsConnect with Nature JunkieSubstack: https://naturejunkie.substack.com/Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comProduction CreditsHosted by Jeff JohnsonPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

What if the buildings in your home town could reconnect you to nature? In this episode of Nature Junkie Radio, we explore the transformative power of public art with muralist Skye Walker, whose surreal, psychedelic depictions of Mother Earth and wildlife have become visual landmarks across North County San Diego and beyond.Named after Scotland’s Isle of Skye, Skye Walker grew up touring the country in his parents’ bluegrass band, The EarthWalkers, spreading a message of environmental stewardship way before it was even a thing. He later worked as a designer and art director for iconic action-sports and lifestyle brands like Rip Curl and prAna before throwing himself more fully into creating large-scale mural installations. In 2018, Skye embarked on a “Sea to Sea” tour in a Sprinter van, painting 30 murals in 29 states, bringing his vision of the interconnectedness of nature to walls across America. Flash forward and Skye’s painted hundreds of murals, brightening the walls of companies like Whole Foods Market and Kelly Slater’s Outerknown headquarters. We sat down at Skye’s home in Encinitas to talk about why murals give towns identity and emotional resonance, how public art can reconnect us to nature in small, daily ways, the role of nature, symbolism, and wildlife in his creative process, the tension between art, technology, screens, and the coming AI wave, and of course we get into Skye’s favorite ways to microdose nature to breathe inspiration into his art. This conversation reframed public art for me as community connection and as transforming the built environment into nature experiences. If you care about nature connection, art, creativity, or the future of human expression in a digital world, this episode will expand your lens.If you find anything in this episode helpful or inspiring, please share it with a friend so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Episode LinksSkye’s WebsiteSkye’s Instagram @skyewalker_artConnect with Nature JunkieSubstack: https://naturejunkie.substack.com/Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comProduction CreditsHosted by Jeff JohnsonPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

In this solo episode of Nature Junkie Radio, I share one of my favorite research-backed practices for increasing nature connection: Noticing 3 Good Things in Nature. This simple exercise has been shown to increase nature connectedness and improve mental health without requiring more time, gear, or access to wilderness.The episode opens with a recent run-in I had with a great white shark. From there I give an overview of the research that shows why actively noticing nature (instead of more time in nature) is an effective protocol for your mental wellbeing. I close by offering a few practical ways to apply this technique in your daily life, anytime and any place you can pause for a moment to pay attention.Episode LinksActively Noticing Nature (Not Just Time in Nature) Helps Promote Nature Connectedness by Miles Richardson, Iain Hamlin, Carly W. Butler, Rory Thomas, and Alex Hunt. 2022.One thousand good things in nature: Aspects of nearby nature associated with improved connection to nature. Miles Richardson, Jenny Hallam, Ryan Lumber. 2015.Three good things in nature: a nature-based positive psychological intervention to improve mood and well-being for depression and anxiety. Rosaline Keenan, Ryan Lumber, Miles Richardson, David Sheffield. 2021Connect with Nature JunkieSubstack: https://naturejunkie.substack.com/Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comProduction CreditsHosted by Jeff JohnsonPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Nick Triolo is a runner and writer, both of which shape him and his beautifully deep musings on this thing we call life. He’s the managing editor at Magic Canoe, he teaches at the University of Montana, he’s been an adventure guide, he’s made films, and his writing has been featured in Orion, Outside Magazine, and many others. He recently published his first book called The Way Around: A Field Guide to Going Nowhere. The great nature writer Robert Macfarlane described Nick’s book as “Smart, funny, wise of mind, and vast of heart.” I couldn’t agree more, Nick’s book stirred deep thoughts in me about the current state of things on this planet, made me laugh, and serves as a solid reminder to stay open and curious as we travel through life.Nick joined me over the interwebs from the Western Sierra foothills where he was enjoying a break from his home in Missoula, Montana. We talked about the ancient practice of kora, or circumambulation - in essence walking around the base of mountains (or other sacred sites) instead of summiting them - as a way to examine both inner and outer landscapes from different perspectives. We also talked about how is relationship with trail running joined him up with Death Cab for Cutie’s Benjamin Gibbard, the raw natural beauty he experienced practicing kora in Tibet, how life might be different if we didn’t need to summit, the social nature of kora, and we try to figure out the new skillset needed to deftly move between grief and joy in this complex modern era.If you find anything in this episode helpful or inspiring, please share it with a friend so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Episode LinksThe Way Around: A Field Guide to Going Nowhere by Nicholas TrioloNick’s WebsiteNick’s Instagram (@nicholas.triolo)Nick’s Substack (The Jasmine Dialogues)Connect with Nature JunkieSubstack: https://naturejunkie.substack.com/Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comProduction CreditsHosted by Jeff JohnsonPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Guner Tautrim is a 6th generation land steward of Orella Ranch. He’s a surfer, boat captain, skater, snowboarder, master reclaimed wood worker, permaculturist, husband, and father. He’s the founder and operator of Gaviota Givings, Seaborn Designs, and sits on the board of the Gaviota Coast Conservancy.Guner and I recorded this episode from the living room of the house he built with his own hands using heaps of natural building techniques to collaborate with nature. He shared the history, land, and happenings of Orella ranch, his nature-immersed upbringing (with a cameo from his mom), his hugely impactful sailing trip aboard Ishi (which includes hand to hand combat with sharks), his definition of permaculture and its ethics, tales of gathering “free” wood, and navigating succession to the seventh generation.If you find anything in this episode helpful or inspiring, please share it with a friend so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Episode LinksGuner on Instagram (@gaviota_guner)Gaviota Givings on Instagram (@gaviota_givings)Permaculture. A Designers Manual by Bill MollisonSailing the Farm by Ken NeumeyerConnect with Nature JunkieSubstack: https://naturejunkie.substack.com/Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comProduction CreditsHosted by Jeff JohnsonPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Jeff Johnson is not only my doppelganger, but he’s a lifestyle and adventure photographer who made his name as a staff photog for Patagonia, and then as a freelancer for brands like Yeti, Roark, and Rivian with his images and stories filling pages of The Surfer’s Journal, Outside Magazine and many others. He’s a surfer, a former North Shore lifeguard, and a climber that goes after big walls in places like Yosemite. Jeff featured as the lead character in one of my favorite adventure films,180 South. He’s published three books including Bend to Baja, 180 South: Conquerors of the Useless, and more recently Way High Kick Turn, which is an insider's look into East Bay skateboarding culture from the mid-70’s to late 80’s. Jeff is a brand ambassador for Leica cameras, has his own shoe model with SeaVees and recently launched an apparel and gear brand called SPC/LST. Jeff and I enjoyed our conversation from the lanai of his house on the North Shore of Oahu where we laughed about the crazy cases of mistaken identity we’ve dealt with over the years of sharing the same name and a mutual group of friends. I learned about his photography inspirations, the overlap between climbing and surfing, his insights from years of documenting Nature Junkies, managing the double-edge sword of social media, his most influential mentors (including Patagonia’s Yvon Chouinard), making sense of his role in the film 180 South, his new apparel brand, and we finish with a lightning round of doppelganger questions to truly understand the common ground of being a Jeff Johnson.If you find anything in this episode helpful or inspiring, please share it with a friend so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Episode LinksJeff’s InstagramJeff’s WebsiteSPC/LSTBend to Baja: A Biofuel Powered Surfing and Climbing Roadtrip180 South: Conquerors of the UselessWay High Kick TurnJeff’s Signature Shoe Model with SeaVeesConnect with Nature JunkieSubstack: https://naturejunkie.substack.com/Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comProduction CreditsHosted by Jeff JohnsonPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

To slap a single label on Jon Rose would be inaccurate. But several might help, so here goes. Jon was a pro surfer during an era when being a Freesurfer was a good way to make a living. He’s been a model in partnership with brands like Dockers, Tumi, Kenneth Cole, and others. In 2009, he was called into action by the massive earthquake in Sumatra, which led to founding a non-profit called Waves for Water. To date, his organization has positively impacted nearly 4 million people with access to clean water, activated programs in over 40 countries, and responded to over 30 disasters globally. He’s also a photographer, storyteller, and in recent years has been doing high altitude mountaineering in the Himalayas. Yep, he’s a first rate Nature Junkie.Jon joined me from his home in Lake Tahoe and we talked about him completing a ten year project in Nepal to build a house for a widow, his Mount Shasta upbringing that led to an early father and son dirtbag surf mission deep into Baja and mainland Mexico, his globetrotting pro surfing career, the founding of Waves for Water, the wisdom he’s learned from indigenous communities around the world, prioritizing nature over tech, and nature’s role in psychedelic integration work.If you find anything in this episode helpful or inspiring, please share it with a friend so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Episode LinksJon Rose on InstagramJon Rose’s WebsiteWaves for WaterWaves for Water on on InstagramIG Reel from Jon/W4W of Anjali’s House Unveiling (have some tissues handy, it’s emotional)Connect with Nature JunkieSubstack: https://naturejunkie.substack.com/Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comProduction CreditsHosted by Jeff JohnsonPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

When I first delved into nature research, it wasn’t long before I came across the name, Dr. David Strayer, our guest today on the latest episode of Nature Junkie Radio. What stood out to me was that his curiosity to understand the neuroscience of nature connection was informed by his direct experiences while river rafting, deeply immersed in nature. He felt what Edward Abbey felt in Desert Solitaire, but then he took it to the next level to help us understand the science of our brains on nature.Dr. Strayer is a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Utah and part of a group of scientists in the emerging field of environmental neuroscience. He’s published numerous papers on how nature affects our attention, cognition, and creativity, but he doesn’t take the typical approach. Many of Dr. Strayer’s studies are actually conducted in the wild, which is much harder than you think. Dr. Strayer joined me from a place near the water in Port Townsend Washington while I was at home in San Diego. We talked about the white water rafting experiences that drove his scientific curiosity about nature, overcoming the challenges of the early days of doing research in the wild, Attention Restoration Theory, Stress Recovery Theory, The 3-day effect, virtual reality nature vs. real life nature, fractals, forest bathing, and more. This one’s for those of you who like to dive below the surface level understanding of nature connection.If you find anything in this episode helpful or inspiring, please share it with a friend so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Episode LinksDr. David Strayer at The University of UtahThe Nature Fix by Florence WilliamsThe 3-Day Effect audiobook by Florence WilliamsDr. Adam GazzaleyDr. Ruthann Atchley Dr. Paul AtchleyDr. Marc BermanConnect with Nature JunkieSubstack: https://naturejunkie.substack.com/Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comProduction CreditsHosted by Jeff JohnsonPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Finding a campsite can be a real pain in the ass sometimes. But that was just the catalyst Josh Jackson needed to explore our western public lands for the last several years. And now he’s ready to tell their stories, along with his own.Josh is a writer, photographer, husband, father, and speaker whose work champions the wild beauty and overlooked value of America’s public lands.In his new book, The Enduring Wild Josh takes us along his journey of exploring California’s BLM lands through thought-provoking essays and immersive photography.Josh and I spoke at Crystal Cove State Park on a late spring morning, after enjoying a hike together through the hills overlooking the ocean. In our conversation Josh shares the catalyst for his book, the unexpected beauty of public lands, and the lost art of slowing down. We delve into place attachment theory, environmental challenges, current threats to BLM lands, reciprocity, and how to carry out the most ridiculously simple act of noticing nature.If you find anything in this episode helpful or inspiring, please share it with a friend so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Episode LinksThe Enduring Wild by Josh JacksonJosh on Instagram @forgottenlandsprojectJosh’s Substack Forgotten Lands ProjectJosh’s WebsiteBureau of Land ManagementThe Solace of Open Spaces by Gretel Ehrlich Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place by Terry Tempest Williams Last Child in the Woods by Richard LouvPlace and Placelessness by Edward RelphBaba DioumPlace Attachment TheoryThis America of Ours by Nate Schweber The Trouble with Wilderness by William Cronon The State of Change by Laura Cunningham The California Field Atlas by Obi KaufmannConnect with Nature JunkieSubstack: https://naturejunkie.substack.com/Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comProduction CreditsHosted by Jeff JohnsonPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Our guest today, Captain Liz Clark is one of those courageous souls who turned her massive dream into a reality. Liz sailed into the wild unknown on her 40-foot sailboat, named Swell, and voyaged around the world for 10 years. As you might imagine, she’s got a few stories to tell. After her trip she wrote a moving memoir about her experiences, and aptly titled the book Swell: A Sailing Surfer’s Voyage of Awakening. Her story is as much an exploration of her inner landscape as it is about the beautiful, and oftentimes terrifying, experiences in the vast wilds of the open ocean. Our conversation found Liz at her home in Tahiti, where she’s now married, adjusting to life on land, running a local environmental non-profit, and continuing to live a life deeply intertwined with nature. We talked about the benefits of tuning into the subtleties of nature, taking care of our planet, dodging deadly lightning storms, and the importance of turning our most audacious dreams into reality.If you find anything in this episode helpful or inspiring, please share it with a friend so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Episode LinksLiz Clark’s WebsiteLiz Clark’s InstagramLiz Clark’s BookLiz Clark’s Non-Profit A Ti’a MataireaConnect with Nature JunkieSubstack: https://naturejunkie.substack.com/Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comEmail: [email protected] CreditsPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Hey everyone, we’re back in action! Today’s guest is Timmy O’Neill. Timmy is best known as one of the top climbers in the world. He holds records for speed ascents in Yosemite, he’s put up first ascents in Patagonia, he lived in a cave in Joshua Tree for 60 days, he’s been in numerous adventure films and documentaries, my favorite being 180 South, he’s made films like Soundscape, he co-founded Paradox Sports, an organization dedicated to defying the idea that people with so called “disabilities” can’t live a life of adventure. Besides all of Timmy’s achievements, I’ve always found him to be a fascinating, high-stoke human who makes a lot of meaning out of his connections with nature so it’s an honor to share our conversation.  In this convo we cover Timmy’s childhood nature haunts, his Joshua tree cave epiphanies, how wild nature enables time travel that transcends epochs, the radness of rocks and how they slow us down. We attempt to unravel the mystery of stoke, Timmy shares his love of wordplay and writing the lyrics of life, founding Paradox Sports, letting moonrises melt frustration, making the film Soundscape with Eric Weihnmayer, and his favorite nature book recommendations. If you find anything in this episode helpful or inspiring, please share it with a friend so we can bend the algorithms toward nature.Thanks!Episode LinksTimmy O’Neill on InstagramTimmy O’Niell’s Website Paradox Sports Non-ProfitSoundscape FilmTimmy’s Band - Par AvionThe Invention of Nature by Andrea WulfA World on the Wing by Scott WeidensaulAn Immense World Ed YoungThe Overstory by Richard PowersWild Life Documentary on Kris TompkinsConnect with Nature JunkieIf anything in this episode was helpful or stoked you out, please hit the share button and tell a friend, leave an awesome review, or comment so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comNewsletter: Sign Up HereEmail: [email protected] CreditsPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

John Hook is a Funtographer, supermodel, and next-level biohacker (you won’t believe what he used to fuel his body and mind to swim maxing Waimea Bay for 9 hours of energy. It’s a secret that Huberman, Rogan, and Ferriss couldn’t find if they searched in dark, Himalayan caves for decades. Spoiler Alert: No, it’s not ashwagandha infused yak milk). All kidding aside, John is an ace photographer known for his moody Pipeline shots on film, his reality-bending double exposures, and his unique eye for capturing the magic of Hawaii through the lens of a local tourist. He’s a badass with his craft and seems to be having the most fun.   I wanted to talk with John because he was one of a handful of photographers that got to shoot the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational from the water - twice! It’s such a rare phenomenon that it’s akin to being an astronaut. Also, John is a fun storyteller and I knew if we talked story he would bring his experience to life in a way that helps you feel like you’re right there in the water with him (jet skis revving and all!). We also get into what stokes him out on nature, his spirit animal, his creative inspirations (there might be aliens involved), and how we’re just tiny little visitors on this weirdly beautiful planet!Episode LinksEddie Aikau Big Wave InvitationalJohn Hook on Instagram John Hook Prints at The Surfer’s JournalPolynesian Voyaging SocietyWayne Levin PhotographyConnect with Nature JunkieIf anything in this episode was helpful or stoked you out, please hit the share button and tell a friend, leave an awesome review, or comment so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comNewsletter: Sign Up HereEmail: [email protected] CreditsPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Kate Williams is the CEO of the non-profit 1% for the Planet. She’s dedicated the last decade to a wide range of environmental conservation efforts by building and leading an awesome team, and expanding the 1% for the Planet model and impact globally. On top of that, she’s just a gem of a human and I always enjoy chatting with her about all things brand impact. In our conversation we get into Kate’s early nature experiences and how they show up for her as leader today. She shares the origin story of 1% for the Planet by Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia along with Craig Matthews, the founder of Blue Ribbon Flies. Kate lays out the powerful simplicity of the 1% model, the impact they’re making, and the characteristics of the people and brands that comprise the 1% for the Planet community. Since I recently attended the 1% for the Planet Global Summit in San Diego, I also shared some brief interviews from brands and non-profits to help you get a sense of what it means to collaborate under this model.For  individuals, I highly encourage you to reach for brands bearing the 1% for the Planet badge because they’re walking the talk. For brands looking for ways to ramp up your impact and avoid greenwashing, please check out 1% for the Planet and reach out to Kate and her team to learn more.Episode Links1% for the Planet@1percentftpZafránGerminarThin Green LineMore about Constance “Connie” MwandaaConnect with Nature JunkieIf anything in this episode was helpful or stoked you out, please hit the share button and tell a friend, leave an awesome review, or comment so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comNewsletter: Sign Up HereEmail: [email protected] CreditsPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Wallace J. Nichols, or J as he’s better known to friends and family, is the author of the book Blue Mind: The Surprising Science that Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. His book, and his continual work on spreading its message, sparked a global Blue Mind movement that I hope will keep rippling out for decades to come. Sadly, J passed away only a handful of months after we recorded this interview. While his loss will be deeply felt by many around the world forever, he wanted his powerful message to be shared and the work is far from done.  In this interview, J delivers a masterclass on Blue Mind. Over the last decade, J honed the fundamentals of Blue Mind so tightly, which means that this conversation is layered with his wisdom that I know I’ll be studying for years to come. I hope you find something meaningful in this conversation, and if you do, please share it with a friend so we can keep J’s wave flowing out into the world.Thank you J for the mentorship you’ve given me, even when you didn’t know it. I’ll be forever grateful. Deepest condolences to J’s family and may he rest in peace. As J always said - “I wish you water.”Episode LinksBlue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do Exploring Our Blue Mind: Dr. Wallace J. Nichols at TEDxSanDiego 2012Neuroconservation -- your brain on nature: Wallace J. Nichols at TEDxSantaCruzBlue Mind in the Desert | Dr. Wallace J. Nichols | TEDxFountainHillsWildcoast / Serge DedinaBobby Lane Justin Feinstein’s research on float tanksRun It by My Morning JacketMotherfucker Awards by Kyle Thiermann Wallace J. Nichols Memorial Fund Go Fund MeConnect with Nature JunkieIf anything in this episode was helpful or stoked you out, please hit the share button and tell a friend, leave an awesome review, or comment so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comNewsletter: Sign Up HereEmail: [email protected] CreditsPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Hey everyone, we’ve got another legend on the pod today - Chris Burkard. Chris is a master storyteller, adventurer, and world class Nature Junkie. His jaw dropping photography takes us to some of the most remote and raw places on the planet, he has a TED talk that will motivate you to get way out of your comfort zone, he’s made several award winning films, and his beautiful photo essay books grace the coffee tables of people around the world. He’s even owned alpacas. Seriously. Beyond that, he’s a husband, father, and just a solid human that’s always willing to share his stoke. In true Burkard fashion, he took this interview while parked off the side of the Ring Road in Iceland near a river surrounded by majestic mountains. Chris and I talked about raising kids to explore nature, traversing both the inner landscape of our minds as well as raw outer landscapes, whether or not photography elicits flow, striking the balance between work and play, his new film The Forgotten Coast, making meaning out of trips and stories through continuous reflection, learning how to properly chill out, and what it means to Chris to be an environmentalist. Episode LinksChris Burkard’s InstagramChris Burkard’s BTS InstagramChris Burkard’s Website & Print ShopThe Forgotten Coast FilmPlay by Stuart Brown and Christopher VaughanConnect with Nature JunkieIf anything in this episode was helpful or stoked you out, please hit the share button and tell a friend, leave an awesome review, or comment so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comNewsletter: Sign Up HereEmail: [email protected] CreditsPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Krystle Wright is an adventure photographer, cinematographer, and director from Australia. To Krystle, the world has no boundaries, and she will do whatever it takes to shoot from her unique perspective— whether that means hanging from remote, sketchy cliff edges, swimming through jagged, unexplored canyons, or trudging for days through gnarly weather to chase storms, often wearing flip flops. In 2023, she was the overall winner of the RedBull illume award in addition to winning the innovation category. National Geographic lists Krystle as one of the leading female adventure photographers who is pushing the limits in the industry. Krystle has the contagious stoke of a grommet, especially when the weather conditions get rough. In this episode, we delve into her early nature influences growing up in Queensland, her episode of the NatGeo Photographer series, chasing tornadoes, the making of her Redbull illume winning photograph, and her nature inspired creative process. And Krsytle’s never afraid to bring it real. We talked about the shadowy sides of being a creator in this age of often storyless and commodified digital image proliferation.Enjoy the ride,JeffEpisode LinksEpisode LinksKrystle Wright Website@krystlejwright on InstagramPhotographer series on NatGeo (watch Krystle chase tornadoes here!)RedBull Illume AwardsLeica short film on Krystle WrightTales by Lightseries on NetflixConnect with Nature JunkieIf anything in this episode was helpful or stoked you out, please hit the share button and tell a friend, leave an awesome review, or comment so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comNewsletter: Sign Up HereEmail: [email protected] CreditsPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Grant Trebilco, battled with mental health challenges for years without seeking treatment, and was hospitalized in 2012, diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a manic episode. The ocean, surfing and good people were Grant’s lifelines through tough times after he was released from the hospital.After hiding his mental health challenges for years, he decided it was time to start talking and sharing his experience with others. He thought to himself, “Maybe if I share the simple recipe of saltwater therapy, surfing and the idea that it’s ok not to be ok, I can prevent people from ever feeling the way I did”. So one Friday morning he decided to dress up in a shirt and tie and go surfing at Bondi Beach in Sydney. That session became known as the first Fluro Friday, where everyone shows up at Bondi to surf in wacky fluorescent clothing, which led to the founding of his non-profit organization called One Wave. Flash forward and Grant and the team haven't missed a Fluro Friday in over ten years, they’ve expanded their program into schools and workplaces, and have led sessions at 200 beaches across 50 countries around the world.In this episode, Grant and I talked about how surfing helped him navigate his diagnosis of bipolar disorder. We get into the mission of One Wave, their programs, and the techniques they use to destigmatize mental health. Even if you don’t surf, or never will, you’ll come away from this convo with tools at your fingertips to help you check in with friends, family, and coworkers who might be having a tough go at life.Enjoy the ride,JeffEpisode LinksKids Helpline Australia 1800 55 1800988 Suicide Crisis & Lifeline United States dial 988 if you need helpOne Wave websiteOnewaveisallittakes on InstagramGranttrebilco on InstagramWild Ideas Worth Living an REI Co-Op Studios podcast hosted by Shelby StangerIs Someone You Love Suffering in Silence? Here’s What to Do. TED Talk by Gus WorlandConnect with Nature JunkieIf anything in this episode was helpful or stoked you out, please hit the share button and tell a friend, leave an awesome review, or comment so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comNewsletter: Sign Up HereEmail: [email protected] CreditsPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Dr. Adam Gazzaley is a neuroscientist, neurologist, inventor, author of the book The Distracted Mind, a nature photographer, entrepreneur, and investor. He’s the founder and executive director of Neuroscape, and the David Dolby Distinguished Professor of Neurology, Physiology, and Psychiatry at UCSF. He’s also the co-founder and Chief Science Advisor of Akili at Jazz Venture Partners, he’s a member of the Board of Trustees and Science Council of the California Academy of Sciences. Adam has authored over 180 scientific articles and delivered over 700 talks. In this second part of our conversation, Adam details the ways his lab is creating the future of experiential medicine with the most advanced methods for nature connection and psychedelics research I’ve ever heard of. In short, it’s absolutely mind bending. We also weaved into the conversation our mutual love of nature photography and looked at it through Adam’s unique lens of neuroscience, and of course, Adam shares with us how he likes to microdose nature.Enjoy the ride,JeffEpisode LinksDr. Adam Gazzaley’s WebsiteNeuroscape (Dr. Gazzaley’s lab)Wanderings (Dr. Gazzaley’s nature photography)AkiliThe Distracted Mind by Dr. Adam GazzaleyJazz Venture PartnersThe Nature Fix by Florence WilliamsConnect with Nature JunkieIf anything in this episode was helpful or stoked you out, please hit the share button and tell a friend, leave an awesome review, or comment so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comNewsletter: Sign Up HereEmail: [email protected] CreditsPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M. 

Dr. Adam Gazzaley is a neuroscientist, neurologist, inventor, author of the book The Distracted Mind, a nature photographer, entrepreneur, and investor. He’s the founder and executive director of Neuroscape, and the David Dolby Distinguished Professor of Neurology, Physiology, and Psychiatry at UCSF. He’s also the co-founder and Chief Science Advisor of Akili at Jazz Venture Partners, he’s a member of the Board of Trustees and Science Council of the California Academy of Sciences. Adam has authored over 180 scientific articles and delivered over 700 talks. On the show today, Adam delivers a Jedi training session on attention, we bust myths about multitasking, we talk about using video games for attention (which Adam and his lab, Neuroscape, pioneered), we talk about practical tips for parents and how to cultivate a healthy relationship with nature, screens, and social media (or at least attempt to). We also talk about nature’s unique ability to restore cognitive attention and the potential mechanisms.Enjoy the ride,JeffEpisode LinksDr. Adam Gazzaley’s WebsiteNeuroscape (Dr. Gazzaley’s lab)Wanderings (Dr. Gazzaley’s nature photography)AkiliThe Distracted Mind by Dr. Adam GazzaleyJazz Venture PartnersThe Nature Fix by Florence WilliamsConnect with Nature JunkieIf anything in this episode was helpful or stoked you out, please hit the share button and tell a friend, leave an awesome review, or comment so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comNewsletter: Sign Up HereEmail: [email protected] CreditsPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M.