Show overview
The No Sweat Nature Study Podcast has been publishing since 2022, and across the 4 years since has built a catalogue of 112 episodes, alongside 2 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 25 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence, with the show now in its 9th season.
Episodes typically run ten to twenty minutes — most land between 12 min and 15 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Education show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 5 days ago, with 9 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Cindy West.
From the publisher
Did you know one short nature study can teach a complete science lesson? In just a few minutes, Cindy West of No Sweat Nature Study introduces seasonal science topics designed to spark curiosity in elementary and middle school learners. These quick lessons make it easy to fit meaningful science into your day—and they're the perfect way to get a taste of the deeper learning in No Sweat Nature Study video classes. For information about bonus materials, please visit https://ourjourneywestward.com/podcast.
Latest Episodes
View all 112 episodes109. Do animals wear armor?
108. Can animals and plants tell when the moon is full?
107. Who's taking care of plants when no one's watching?
S9 Ep 106106. Why do people tell stories about animals?
Why do so many classic stories feature talking animals? In this episode, we'll think about how animal characters help authors share big ideas in memorable ways, and how careful observation of real nature inspired beloved stories like those of Beatrix Potter. In the upcoming No Sweat Nature Study video class, we'll see how Beatrix Potter used nature study to inspire her stories, and you'll create a journal page inspired by her style. Join at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for $10 off your first payment of a quarterly subscription. Try a free sample class about symbiosis here! Visit the Beatrix Potter show notes page to find comprehension questions to discuss with your family after listening to the episode. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)
S9 Ep 105105. What are some of the coolest things you can see in the night sky?
From shooting stars to glowing comets to the Northern Lights, learn about some of the most amazing things you can see in the night sky! To learn more about how auroras form, join me for the Northern Lights video class inside the No Sweat Nature Study membership where we explore how energy from the Sun and Earth's atmosphere work together to create those glowing lights in the sky. Use the code NOSWEAT for $10 off your first payment of a quarterly subscription. Try a FREE No Sweat Nature Study class! Visit the Northern Lights show notes page to find episode discussion questions for the entire family. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)
S9 Ep 104104. Why do waterfalls make so much noise?
Waterfalls don't just sound loud, they roar for a reason. Learn how gravity, turbulence, trapped air, and canyon echoes combine to create one of nature's most powerful sounds. Keep the learning going with our waterfall video class inside No Sweat Nature Study, where we explore how gravity and erosion create plunges, cascades, and gorges. Use code NOSWEAT at checkout to save $10 on your first quarterly payment. Try a free sample class on symbiosis to see what No Sweat Nature Study is all about! Visit the Waterfalls show notes page to find comprehesion and discussion questions from this episode. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)
S8 Ep 103103. Can a Tomato Be Cube-Shaped?
Can a tomato really be cube-shaped? Mrs. Cindy uses this surprising question to explain how plant traits change over time and how humans influence the foods we grow. This topic continues in a companion No Sweat Nature Study class that explains GMOs simply and in an age-appropriate way. Learn more at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for $10 off your first payment of a quarterly subscription. Visit the show notes page. See the book list of your nature-themed book suggestions. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)
S8 Ep 102102. What Animal Can Punch Like a Superhero?
Did you know there's a tiny ocean creature with a punch so powerful, it creates underwater shockwaves? Discover the fascinating mantis shrimp and other animals with seemingly super-powered limbs in this exciting nature science episode! Join us for the companion video class about animal superpowers, where you'll explore incredible strength, surprising speed, clever defenses, and more. Become a member of No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for $10 off your first payment of a quarterly subscription. Visit the animal superpowers show notes page. See the book list of your nature-themed book suggestions. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)
S8 Ep 101101. Why Do Some Animals Seem So Smart?
Do some animals really seem smart… or are we just imagining it? In this episode, discover the difference between instinct and intelligence, explore how fables use animal characters to teach lessons, and get inspired to observe clever creatures in real life! In the companion video class for members, explore how animal characters from Aesop's fables connect to real-life animal traits and see how science and storytelling come together to teach meaningful lessons. It's a fun science a literature connection! Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for $10 off your first payment of a quarterly subscription. Visit the Aesop's Fables in Nature show notes page. See the book list of your nature-themed book suggestions. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Please tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)
S8 Ep 100100. What Was the First Thing Ever Seen Through a Telescope?
What did Galileo first see through a telescope in the 1600's? Listen and find out! In the companion video class for members, 1st-8th graders will learn how telescopes work, understand the difference between geocentrism and heliocentrism, and even learn why Galileo was placed under house arrest for one of his scientific theories! This class will be scientific and historical as we discover one of the most famous scientists of all time. Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for $10 off your first payment of a quarterly subscription. Visit the Galileo Galilei show notes page. See the book list of your nature-themed book suggestions. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Please tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)
S8 Ep 9999. Why Did People Travel with Animals Long Ago?
What if your Christmas trip meant riding a camel through the desert or a horse-drawn sleigh through the snow? Find out how animals helped people travel long ago in this fun mix of history and science! Keep the Christmas fun going with the No Sweat Nature Study video class all about donkeys! Kids will learn what makes these animals strong, dependable, and perfect for tough jobs, then sketch one in their nature journals as they discover just how impressive donkeys really are. Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for $10 off your first payment of a quarterly subscription. Ask for a No Swat Nature Study membership for your family this holiday season! Gift-givers can buy quarterly and yearly gift cards here. Visit the donkey show notes page to find comprehension and discussion questions about this podcast. See the book list of your nature-themed book suggestions. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)
S8 Ep 9898. Why Is There an Orange in My Stocking?!
This holiday episode unwraps the surprising history behind oranges in Christmas stockings. Join Mrs. Cindy as she blends seasonal science with a little old–fashioned Christmas cheer! Want to learn even more about oranges? In the upcoming No Sweat Nature Study video class, we'll study how they grow, what's inside them, and why they make such a sweet and healthy winter treat! Use the code NOSWEAT for $10 off your first payment of a quarterly subscription. Gift Cards are available for No Sweat Nature Study! Visit the oranges show notes page. See the book list of your nature-themed book suggestions. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)
S8 Ep 9797. What's Making Noise Outside at Night?
Which animals are still stirring at night during the autumn season? The entire family can listen to this episode to find out! In the companion video class for members, 1st-8th graders will learn about rascally raccoons! As they create a beautiful nature journal page, Mrs. Cindy will teach them all about raccoon adaptations that make them so resourceful in the dead of night. Join the No Sweat Nature Study Membership at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for $10 off your first payment of a quarterly subscription. Buy gift cards to the No Sweat Nature Study Membership. Visit the raccoon show notes page. Find the voice recorder to answer this season's call-in question. See the book list of your nature-themed book suggestions. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)
S8 Ep 9696. Can Snow Make Sound Disappear?
Can snow really make the world quieter? Discover the science behind nature's winter hush in this frosty episode! Explore the science of frost and discover how icy crystals form, sparkle, and inspire creative nature journaling in the companion No Sweat Nature Study video class. Use the code NOSWEAT for $10 off your first payment of a quarterly subscription. Buy gift cards here! Visit the show notes page to record your answer to the call-in question. See the book list of your nature-themed book suggestions. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)
S8 Ep 9595. Why Do Some Animals Slither?
How do animals move without legs? In this short and slithery episode, Mrs. Cindy uncovers the science behind how snakes use muscles, scales, and clever movement to glide across the ground. If today's topic gives you the shivers (in a good way), you'll love the upcoming Venomous Snakes: Danger, Design, and Discovery No Sweat Nature Study avideo class! Join Mrs. Cindy to learn how venomous snakes use their incredible adaptations to hunt, defend, and even help humans through science. Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for $10 off your first payment of a quarterly subscription. Visit the venomous snakes show notes page. See the book list of your nature-themed book suggestions. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)
S8 Ep 9494. Why Do Some Plants Grow Giant Fruits?
Have you ever seen a pumpkin so big it needed a forklift? In this episode, we'll discover why some fruits grow to amazing sizes while others stay small on purpose. Join me for the Perfectly Pleasant Pumpkin Class, where we'll follow a pumpkin's journey from flower to fruit and peek inside to explore seeds, rinds, and blossoms. Along the way, you'll discover why pumpkins became a favorite symbol of autumn and create a detailed pumpkin nature journal page of your own! Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for $10 off your first payment of a quarterly subscription. Visit the pumpkins show notes page. See the book list of your nature-themed book suggestions. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)
S8 Ep 9393. Can Animals Grow Back Body Parts?
Some animals have a superpower called regeneration—the ability to grow back lost body parts! Meet incredible creatures like starfish, lizards, and axolotls while learning how special cells make this amazing process possible. Don't miss the upcoming axolotl video class, where kids will explore this unusual salamander's amazing features and create a colorful nature journal diagram. It's the perfect class for curious learners who love weird and wonderful animals! Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for $10 off your first payment of a quarterly subscription. Visit the axolotl show notes page. See the book list of your nature-themed book suggestions. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)
S8 Ep 9292. How Did a Camera Help People See Nature?
Meet a photographer who used his camera to help people see nature in a whole new way. Learn how black-and-white pictures captured the beauty of wild places and inspired others to notice what they'd never seen before. In the companion video class for members, explore the iconic landscapes of Yosemite and create a black-and-white painting inspired by Ansel Adams' style. Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for $10 off your first payment of a quarterly subscription. Visit the hummingbird show notes page. See the book list of your nature-themed book suggestions. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)
S7 Ep 9191. Why Are Hummingbirds So Colorful?
Why do hummingbirds sparkle like flying jewels? In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, Mrs. Cindy explains how their brilliant feathers work and teaches some impressive new science words! In the companion video class about Hummingbirds included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, discover dazzling hummingbirds and the science behind their wingbeats, colors, and migration journeys. Design your own hummingbird in your nature journal during the class! Join No Sweat Nature Study at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for $10 off your first payment of a quarterly subscription. Register here for the FREE Music and Nature Study Event! Visit the hummingbird show notes page. See the book list of your nature-themed book suggestions. Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)
S7 Ep 9090. What Happens to Animals When the Tide Goes Out?
What do animals do when ocean water disappears with the tide? Discover the secrets of tide pools and how creatures survive in this exciting beach-themed nature study for kids. In the companion Video Class about Tides included in the No Sweat Nature Study membership, children learn how the moon affects ocean tides and explore the intertidal zone through hands-on nature journaling. Join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE at NoSweatNatureStudy.com. Use the code NOSWEAT for 50% off your first month of a monthly membership. BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Sweat Nature Study LIVE → ourjourneywestward.com/downloads/no-sweat-nature-study-live-gift/ Visit the Tides show notes page to see a tide pool! Share pictures of your nature studies on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag @OurJourneyWestward so Mrs. Cindy will see them! Click here to find the book list of listener recommendations for nature-themed reading! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episodes. Thank you! It helps the podcast so much! :)