Constant Wonder

Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people to nature by promoting swimming, hiking, climbing, skiing, hunting, and many more recreational activities. Founder Rue Mapp reminds us of the historical connections Black people have to the Earth, and she encourages people to look to nature for healing, hope, and fun! Guest: Rue Mapp, founder of Outdoor Afro and National Geographic Fellow https://ruemapp.com Chapters: (0:00) Introduction (5:27) Out of the Comfort Zone (9:17) Black Relationships With Nature (26:24) Reconnection (35:45) Outdoor Afro's Healing Hikes (45:56) Spiritual Transformation

When the winter world is dark and still, look to the Christmas story for the promise of light. Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent with daily vignettes that distill the spirit of the season, in keeping with our mission of exploring wonder and awe in all nature, human or wild, vast or small: encounters that move us beyond words. Guest: Hannah Anderson, author of "Heaven and Nature Sing: 25 Advent Reflections to Bring Joy to the World"

For Jenedy Paige, journaling started as a childhood habit and became a lifeline in adulthood, especially after the tragic drowning of her son. Art and writing gave her voice; running and climbing gave her release. Her practice of seeking both God and growth eventually led her to the national stage of American Ninja Warrior. Through it all, she has come to see strength not only as personal resilience but as a calling—to bring light and encouragement to others walking through their own storms. Guest: Jenedy Paige, oil painter and "American Ninja Warrior" participant

What if cultivating awe could change the way we see the world? In this special joint episode of Constant Wonder and The Lisa Show, hosts Marcus Smith and Lisa Valentine Clark talk with child development expert and author Deborah Farmer Kris about her new book, "Raising Awe Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive." Together, they explore how everyday moments of awe—in nature, in kindness, in family life—can shape resilience, deepen connection, and help kids (and parents) live more joyfully.

After a tragic car accident took the life of Jeff Olsen's wife and young son, the young father struggled with guilt and his own excruciating physical recovery. Eventually, he drew solace from divine love, and with joy he realized the gift of the human body. He even finds awe in his prosthetic leg. Guest: Jeff Olsen, Director of Creative Services at BYU Broadcasting

A dream inspired Navajo artist Eugene Tapahe to take his art to the National Parks, spreading hope during the frustrating and fear-filled early days of the pandemic. His "Art Heals: The Jingle Dress Project" has now traveled the globe, inspiring hope and healing among all people. Also, hear about some incredible up-close experiences that this photographer has had with wildlife. And, learn how you can participate in his on-going international art installation project. Guest: Eugene Tapahe, artist, photographer, creator of "Art Heals: The Jingle Dress Project" and "Kéyah, Our Home" See Tapahe's work here: https://www.tapahe.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNlV624I8SQ&ab_channel=TapahePhotography https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pLr90JTf-E&ab_channel=TapahePhotography Participate in the Kéyah installation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdcJ_xK48Lv3HpepM0VQaCh4nEXuwx6KeGwc0zsOauM7-x3WQ/viewform Special thanks to Eugene Tapahe for wolf photo and audio of jingle dress dances, and to Smithsonian Folkways Recordings for use of Corn Grinding Song (1) https://folkways.si.edu/navajo-songs/american-indian/music/album/smithsonian

Storyteller Kevin Kling has overcome trauma and learned to live with disability, without ever losing sight of the hilarious–even in the horrible. We follow him from his mischievous childhood to his empathetic and inspiring performances around the world. He still laughs often, and so will you, during this episode of the "Constant Wonder" podcast. Guest: Kevin Kling, author, playwright, and storyteller Originally aired Jan 11, 2023

Kelsey Timmerman grew up in rural Ohio, right across the border from Indiana. By the time he graduated from college, he was eager to leave the Midwest. He started buying one-way plane tickets and traveled to dozens of countries. When he started his own family and put down roots in rural Indiana, his travels made him consider how he could be a better steward of the land where he and his family live. Timmerman tells us how he was able to see the wonder near his home through the wisdom of the people he visited all around the world. Guest: Kelsey Timmerman, author of "Regenerating Earth: Farmers Working with Nature to Feed Our Future"

Dying patients often profess to see deceased loved ones around them in the days and weeks before they pass. So often that hospice care doctor Chris Kerr decided to make a scientific study of the phenomenon. He found that while the medical community typically views death as defeat, there is actually a great deal of spiritual growth right there at the end of life. This podcast episode invites you to reconsider these unique dreams before dying. Guest: Christopher Kerr, MD, PhD, CEO & Chief Medical Officer at Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo, and author of "Death Is But a Dream: Finding Hope and Meaning at Life's End" Originally aired March 8, 2023

Jonathan the Giant Tortoise was born in the 1800s and is still alive today, thanks to vet Joe Hollins. Hear about Joe's adventures with Jonathan and with a herd of skittish reindeer. Also find out what happens when a vet jumps to conclusions in the search for the mysterious killer plaguing a fold of lambs. Fascinating stories from islands at the end of the Earth. Guest: Jonathan Hollins, author of "Vet at the End of the Earth: Adventures with Animals in the South Atlantic"