Terrestrials: Stumpisode

Oct 4, 2024

Discover the hidden life of tree stumps, which serve as vital habitats for various wildlife. An intriguing journey led by Dr. Amanda Thomson reveals the ecological importance of these overlooked giants. Laugh along as historical tales intertwine with nature, showcasing the adventures of pioneers seeking refuge in massive stumps. The podcast also touches on the unique relationship between bears and trees, and invites listeners to engage with nature through humor and heartfelt stories.

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ANECDOTE

Amanda's Stump Conversion

Amanda Thompson, initially indifferent to stumps, had a transformative experience in the Scottish woods.
A pale, snag stump captivated her, shifting her perspective on these seemingly dead objects.

INSIGHT

Stumps' Hidden Life

Stumps, despite appearing lifeless, are teeming with life and play a vital role in forest ecosystems.
They support saproxilic creatures like fungi and beetles, crucial for nutrient cycling and forest health.

ANECDOTE

The Magic Stump of Illinois

In Illinois, a 'magic stump' in a barren farmland attracts diverse wildlife, including rare prairie falcons.
It serves as a vital perch and hunting ground, highlighting the importance of even small habitats.

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As dead as they seem, tree stumps are hubs of life and relationships.

Co-host Lulu Miller is back with another season of her hit spinoff show Terrestrials, and to celebrate, we’re sharing the first episode with you. From stumps to snags, dead wood provides habitat for rodents, falcons, insects, and even humans. Stumps hold together the forest floor, give hunting perches to birds of prey in flatlands, prevent erosion and the encroachment of invasive species, usher in sunlight, provide nutrients, store renewable fuel, and hold onto stories human beings might have forgotten. Without these ghosts of trees past, nothing would be the same. Scottish author, artist and lover of tree stumps, Dr. Amanda Thomson, leads Lulu on a “tour de stumps,” a journey across space and time to learn about some of the most magical stumps on the planet.

We have some exciting news! In the “Zoozve” episode, Radiolab named its first-ever quasi-moon, and now it's your turn! Radiolab has teamed up with The International Astronomical Union to launch a global naming contest for one of Earth’s quasi-moons. This is your chance to make your mark on the heavens. Vote on your favorite names starting in November at https://radiolab.org/moon

Visit the Terrestrials website (https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab-kids/projects/terrestrials) to learn more about the show, meet our team, listen to the songs and discover fun activities, drawing prompts, music how-tos and games that educators, parents and families might enjoy together.If you’d like to “badger” a future expert, suggest story ideas or feedback, email us at terrestrials@wnyc.org.

Listen to just the songs (https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab-kids/just-the-songs) from Terrestrials.

EPISODE CREDITS:
Reported by - Ana González and Lulu Miller
with help from - Alan Goffinski
Produced by - Ana González
Original music from - Alan Goffinski
Sound design by - Mira Burt-Wintonick
Mixing by - Joe Plourde
Fact-checking by - Natalie Middleton
and Edited by - Mira Burt-Wintonick

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Leadership support for Radiolab’s science programming is provided by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Science Sandbox, a Simons Foundation Initiative, and the John Templeton Foundation. Foundational support for Radiolab was provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.