• 50 minutes 32 seconds
    History, Memory, and the Fight for Environmental Justice with The Corridor's Jaha Nailah Avery

    Cancer Alley, an 85-mile stretch along the Mississippi River in Louisiana, has become shorthand for one of the most urgent environmental justice crises in the United States. Lined with more than a hundred petrochemical plants, it’s often talked about in terms of statistics and headlines. But in the new podcast The Corridor, those abstractions start to fall away, revealing something much more human: the lived experiences, histories, and deep-rooted connections of the communities who call this region home.

    In this episode of Biophilic Solutions, we’re joined by Jaha Nailah Avery, a journalist and storyteller from Asheville, North Carolina. Trained in constitutional and civil rights law at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she moved from the tech world to journalism, with work featured in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and Architectural Digest. Her work centers on documenting and preserving Black history, from interviewing Jim Crow survivors in her book Those Who Saw the Sun to her latest project producing and hosting The Corridor.

    In our conversation, she shares how a single article about Cancer Alley sparked a bigger question – how did we get here? – and set her on a path to trace the connections between slavery, land use, and modern-day environmental harm. We talk about the legacy of plantation country and the role that oral storytelling plays in preserving history and preventing its erasure. 

    What emerges is a far more nuanced picture that holds both injustice and resilience, hardship and community. It’s a conversation about why listening matters, and what becomes possible when we truly hear the stories that shape a place.

    Show Notes


    Cancer Alley, environmental justice, biophilic design, place-based storytelling, landscape and memory, oral history, Black history preservation, petrochemical industry, Mississippi River corridor, Louisiana communities, land use and legacy, industrial pollution, community resilience, environmental health, storytelling and justice, historical memory, plantation history, civil rights, environmental storytelling, human-centered narratives, cultural preservation, climate and community, listening and empathy, social impact, public health and environment

    Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review.

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    #NatureHasTheAnswers

    5 May 2026, 1:00 pm
  • 36 minutes 21 seconds
    Charting Our Path Forward with Dr. Katharine Wilkinson

    Climate change can feel overwhelming, especially for those already deeply attuned to the natural world. Alongside that awareness often comes anxiety, grief, and a lingering question: how do we move from overwhelm to action?

    In this episode, we’re joined by climate leader and author Dr. Katharine Wilkinson to explore her fantastic new book Climate Wayfinding. In it, Katharine offers a hopeful framework for navigating climate emotions and finding a sense of purpose. Co-host Steve Nygren brings his perspective as the founder of Serenbe and longtime advocate for biophilic living.

    Together, we discuss turning concern into agency, the importance of art and beauty, and how we can begin charting a more hopeful path forward one step at a time.

    Show Notes

    climate change, climate crisis, climate anxiety, eco-anxiety, hope, resilience, agency, action, climate action, sustainability, biophilia, nature connection, community, regenerative living, emotional resilience, environmental stewardship, storytelling, climate leadership, intergenerational collaboration, purpose, optimism, healing, mindfulness, environmental awareness, adaptation

    Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review.

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    #NatureHasTheAnswers

    21 April 2026, 1:00 pm
  • 31 minutes 36 seconds
    The Lost Art of Being Human

    As we welcome a new season of Biophilic Solutions, we’re also sharing a bittersweet farewell to our wonderful co-host, Jennifer Walsh. From the very beginning, Jennifer has brought a thoughtful, grounded perspective to nearly every conversation, drawing on her work as a business leader and expert on biophilia. 

    The silver lining is that she’s stepping away precisely because her message is resonating. From speaking engagements to nature walks to wellness room design, her essential work is in greater demand than ever. Finally, it seems like people are ready to log off, slow down, and really reconnect with both nature and themselves.

    In this episode, Monica and Jennifer look back on the first five seasons of the podcast, sharing key lessons and memorable moments along the way. They also explore Jennifer’s new project, The Lost Art of Being Human (LABH), and reflect on how the field of biophilia has evolved in recent years. And of course, they look ahead, offering a glimpse into what’s next from exciting guest co-hosts to the future of our relationship with nature in an increasingly chaotic world.

    Show Notes

    biophilic design, nature connection, wellness, sustainability, architecture, human health, nature-inspired spaces, wellness retreats, environmental psychology

    Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review.

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    #NatureHasTheAnswers

    7 April 2026, 11:00 am
  • 38 minutes 25 seconds
    Solutions Rewind | Alfie Vick on Native Plants, Wildness, and Ecological Responsibility

    Is it important to understand the cultural context of a place? And how can landscape architects help us feel more connected to the natural world? This week, we’re revisiting our most popular episode ever, a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation with Alfie Vick on Native American ethnobotany, environmental ethics, and the delicate balance between wildness and order.

    Alfie is the Georgia Power Professor of Environmental Ethics at the University of Georgia and the Director of its Environmental Ethics Certificate Program. A licensed landscape architect and LEED Fellow, his work focuses on preserving and strengthening natural systems while thoughtfully weaving in human use. Alongside his academic role, he continues to practice professionally, contributing to a range of LEED-certified projects,  including the LEED Platinum headquarters of the Southface Energy Institute in Atlanta.

    With Alfie as our guide, we explore the intersection of landscape architecture and Native American studies, reflect on how design and biophilia have evolved over time, and even share a memorable tip for naturally managing poison ivy. 

    As conversations around land stewardship, belonging, and ecological responsibility continue to grow, it’s no surprise this episode continues to resonate with listeners around the world.

    Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review.

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    #NatureHasTheAnswers

    3 March 2026, 2:00 pm
  • 46 minutes 11 seconds
    Solutions Rewind | Beauty, Biophilia, & Your Brain with Dr. Anjan Chatterjee

    Today, we’re revisiting a favorite from the Biophilic Solutions archive: a thoughtful conversation on beauty, the brain, and our relationship to nature with Anjan Chatterjee. In this episode, we explore whether our aesthetic preferences are culturally shaped or more universal, why nature brings deep calm to some people while evoking unease in others, and how researchers are beginning to measure the real cognitive and emotional impacts of biophilic design.

    Dr. Chatterjee is a Professor of Neurology at the University of Pennsylvania and a leading voice in the emerging field of neuroaesthetics, the science of how the brain perceives and responds to beauty. His insights help unpack what’s actually happening neurologically when we encounter inspiring spaces, art, and landscapes.

    As conversations around mental health, neurodiversity, and the built environment continue to evolve, this episode feels as relevant as ever. Whether you’re listening for the first time or returning with fresh ears, it’s a rich exploration of why beauty matters—and how it shapes the way we feel, think, and live.

    Show Notes


    Key Words: Neuroscience, Neurology, Neuroaesthetics, Neuroarchitecture, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Brain Health, Beauty, Art History, Architecture, Aesthetics, Nature, Psychology, Science, Research, Research and Development

    Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review.

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    #NatureHasTheAnswers

    17 February 2026, 2:00 pm
  • 46 minutes 22 seconds
    Solutions Rewind | Why Nature Makes Us Happier with Florence Williams

    We’re excited to bring back a favorite conversation from 2021 with the incomparable Florence Williams. Florence is, of course, the acclaimed author of The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative, a book that beautifully explores the science behind nature’s profound effect on our minds, bodies, and sense of connection. It’s biophilia in its purest form.

    In this episode, we dive into the experience of awe in nature and how it can make us more open, generous, and connected to one another. We explore the often-overlooked impact of our soundscape on health and well-being, and why spending time outdoors (yes, even right now in the depths of winter) can be one of the most restorative choices we make.

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the headlines or simply craving a reset, this conversation is a gentle reminder that nature is always there for us, offering grounding, perspective, and a way back to ourselves.

    Shownotes

    Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review.

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    #NatureHasTheAnswers

    3 February 2026, 2:00 pm
  • 34 minutes 38 seconds
    Solutions Rewind | Doug Tallamy on Native Plants, Keystone Species, and Ecosystem Restoration

    As we gear up to launch another season of incredible guest interviews we’re revisiting a few of our most beloved episodes, starting with the fabulous Doug Tallamy.

    Over the course of his career, Doug has become a leading voice helping people understand why native plants matter and how simple and accessible it can be to support biodiversity right in your backyard. In this conversation, we talk about the power of keystone species, the remarkable progress he’s made restoring native plants on his own Pennsylvania property, and the nonprofit he founded to inspire private landowners to be part of this growing movement.

    Dr. Tallamy has an incredible gift for breaking down big, complex environmental challenges into ideas that feel approachable rather than overwhelming, offering practical, common-sense ways to make a real and meaningful impact.

    Doug Tallamy  is the T.A. Baker Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, and the author of more than 100 publications, including Bringing Nature Home, The Living Landscape, Nature’s Best Hope, and his most recent book, The Nature of Oaks.

    Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review.

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    #NatureHasTheAnswers

    20 January 2026, 2:00 pm
  • 53 minutes 26 seconds
    Where Science and Spirit Meet with Lyanda Lynn Haupt

    In a world where many of us feel increasingly disconnected from the Earth and from one another, author Lyanda Lynn Haupt offers us a way back. Through her blend of science, nature, and spiritual insight, she invites us to slow down, pay attention, and rediscover the wildness of everyday life. Her award-winning book Rooted explores what it means to cultivate inner wisdom and a deep sense of belonging with the natural world, no matter where we live or what we believe.

    In this episode, Monica sits down with Lyanda to explore how nature can be a source of solace, creativity, and meaning. They talk about why wonder is backed by science, why spirituality doesn’t have to be religious, and why it’s healthy (ahem, necessary) to be a little weird. You’ll hear more about why our cultural norms aren’t serving us, a fresh perspective on hope, responsibility, and grief, and how simple practices like walking barefoot can gently reconnect us to something more reciprocal and real.

    If you’re longing for a deeper relationship with the natural world, or you’re searching for a grounded sense of hope heading into a new year, this conversation is a beautiful place to begin.

    Shownotes

    Keywords: nature connection, Lyanda Lynn Haupt, Rooted book, spiritual ecology, awe and wonder, science and spirituality, biophilic living, environmental mindfulness, reconnection with earth, intentional living, hope and grief, human evolution outdoors, cultural norms, nature-based wisdom, mindful practices, podcast interview

    Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review.

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    #NatureHasTheAnswers

    2 December 2025, 11:00 am
  • 41 minutes 26 seconds
    Maria Rodale on Love, Magic, and Listening to Her Garden

    What does it mean to truly love the natural world? And what happens when we start listening deeply to it? In this episode, we sit down with author and activist Maria Rodale to explore the themes in her latest book, Love, Nature, Magic: Shamanic Journeys into the Heart of My Garden.

    A lifelong advocate for organic living and regenerative agriculture, Maria has carried forward her family’s legacy as the former CEO and Chairman of Rodale Inc., helping to pioneer the organic movement. In Love, Nature, Magic, she blends memoir and environmental reflection to invite us into a relationship with the living world that’s grounded in curiosity and deep mutual respect.

    Together, we talk about what it means to communicate with plants (literally!), the balance between spirituality and science, and how embracing the so-called “weeds” in our lives can lead to unexpected growth. Maria also shares her perspective on leadership, personal responsibility, and the simple yet radical act of slowing down to reconnect with nature.

    It’s an inspiring, funny, and thought-provoking conversation with one of the leading voices in the movement toward a more conscious, regenerative world.

    Show Notes

    Keywords: Maria Rodale, Love Nature Magic, biophilia, biophilic design, organic living, regenerative agriculture, gardening, plant communication, environmental spirituality, sustainability, nature connection, leadership, mindfulness, ecological wellness, Doug Tallamy, pollinators, soil health, holistic living, curiosity, slowing down, conscious living, reconnecting with nature, environmental storytelling, personal growth, resilience, intentional living

    Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review.

    Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website.
     
    #NatureHasTheAnswers

    18 November 2025, 11:00 am
  • 53 minutes 20 seconds
    Nature, Coherence, and Constructing Health with Tye Farrow

    We think a lot about how people make us feel, but what about the places we spend our time in? In this episode, we explore how architecture and design influence our physical and mental well-being, from hospitals and workplaces to the spaces we move through every day.

    Our guest, Tye Farrow, is a world-renowned architect and pioneer at the intersection of neuroscience and design. His new book, Constructing Health: How the Built Environment Enhances Your Mind’s Health, reveals how buildings can either harm or heal us.

    We talk with Tye about salutogenic design, the importance of coherence, and why there’s no such thing as a neutral space. Plus we explore how nature and biophilic design play a key role in creating environments that give health rather than take it away. If you’ve ever wondered why some spaces make you feel alive while others drain you, this conversation will change the way you see the built environment.

    Show Notes

    Image Credit:  Farrow Partners Architects, Photographer Tom Arban

    Keywords: architecture, neuroscience, biophilic design, salutogenic design, coherence, built environment, health and wellness, environmental psychology, design for healing, nature and design, sustainable architecture, mental health, spatial design, human-centered design, Tye Farrow, Constructing Health, healthy buildings, urban design, Serenbe, podcast, wellbeing, placemaking

    Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review.

    Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website.
     
    #NatureHasTheAnswers

    4 November 2025, 11:00 am
  • 57 minutes 54 seconds
    Solutions Rewind: David Orr on Saving Democracy—and the Planet

    In a time of deep political division and environmental crisis, what would it look like to design a democracy that’s truly in harmony with the natural world?

    In this episode, we revisit a powerful 2022 conversation with David Orr, Professor of Practice at Arizona State University, editor of Democracy in a Hotter Time, and one of the leading voices at the intersection of ecology, education, and politics.

    Orr challenges us to think beyond short-term fixes and consider how a “biophilic democracy” rooted in care for each other and the planet could transform the way we live and govern. We explore why democracies fail, how our brains are wired for both division and connection, and how education might help us build a more resilient and compassionate society.

    Show Notes:

    Keywords:  David Orr, biophilic democracy, nature and politics, ecological design, climate crisis, democracy reform, environmental education, sustainability, biophilia, civic engagement, ecological literacy, long-term thinking, political polarization, community resilience, democratic transformation, environmental ethics, nature connection, systems thinking, education and ecology, hope and renewal, doughnut economics, circular economy

    Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review.

    Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website.
     
    #NatureHasTheAnswers

    14 October 2025, 2:00 pm
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