The Nature Of with Willow Defebaugh

How can we alchemize pain into possibility? In this episode, Willow is joined by bestselling author, artist, and three-time cancer survivor Suleika Jaouad to explore the nature of imagination as a tool to help us navigate life’s most impossible moments.Through the lens of her new book, The Book of Alchemy, Suleika shares how creativity became her lifeline during her years of treatment: not just a means of expression, but a vital practice of presence, transformation, and survival. Together, they explore imagination as a force that allows us to find our way through uncertainty and re-enchant ourselves with the everyday.For more about Suleika Jaouad: suleikajaouad.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nature Of is coming back with even more inspiring conversations. Every other week. All year long.Join us as we continue walking this path towards reconnection with ourselves, each other, and the Earth. New episodes begin on October 21, 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Esther Perel, a renowned psychotherapist and bestselling author, delves into the intricate links between human relationships and our connection to nature. She discusses the epidemic of modern loneliness and how understanding relational intelligence can heal both personal and ecological rifts. Perel critiques individualism and emphasizes the importance of community and interdependence. Furthermore, she challenges traditional views on monogamy, proposing that diverse relationships can enhance resilience and the sense of belonging we all crave.

Nature is the ultimate artist—shaping landscapes over millennia, sculpting coastlines with waves, and composing symphonies in birdsong. In this episode, Grammy-nominated musician Maggie Rogers joins Willow for a conversation on creative rhythm, artistic sustainability, and the deep inspiration she draws from the natural world. As an artist who has intentionally crafted a career that honors both personal well-being and creative integrity, Maggie shares insights into how slowing down can actually enhance the creative process. Together, they explore the lessons nature teaches about cycles of rest and renewal, the importance of protecting one's artistic energy, and the power of making music—and life—at a pace that feels true.For more about Maggie Rogers: https://www.maggierogers.com/To find a transcript of this episode: https://atmos.earth/podcast/maggie-rogers-on-the-nature-of-rhythm-and-making-music Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join philosopher and poet Bayo Akomolafe as he explores the idea that tumultuous times can signal new beginnings rather than endings. He invites listeners to embrace uncertainty and the 'third way'—a space beyond rigid binaries where transformation can thrive. Discover how emergence and unconventional thinking can lead to creativity and change, and reflect on the interconnectedness of our stories and experiences. Akomolafe challenges us to navigate a post-activist world with openness, highlighting the importance of community and non-traditional perspectives.

In the season finale of The Nature Of, award-winning photographer and filmmaker Ami Vitale joins Willow for a powerful and emotional conversation about witnessing extinction and choosing hope, drawing on her extensive career photographing the most critical conservation stories of our time. Ami takes Willow through her decades-long journey from documenting human conflict to the lives of endangered species—including the final days of Sudan, the last male Northern white rhino—and the people working to protect them. Together, they reflect on what it means to tell stories with reverence, how we find our humanity through connection with the more-than-human world, and why love—not loss—is at the heart of conservation.For more about Ami Vitale: https://www.amivitale.com/To see a transcript of this episode: https://atmos.earth/podcast/ami-vitale-on-the-nature-of-wildlife-and-storytelling-to-stop-extinction/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we explore the nature of food as a profound act of care—with the power to transform not only our health and the planet, but the very systems we live within. Maggie Baird, longtime activist, founder of Support + Feed, and mother of artists Billie Eilish and Finneas, joins Willow for a conversation rooted in compassion for humans, animals, and the Earth. From her early awakening to animal welfare to her family’s shared commitment to cultural and climate transformation, Maggie shares how plant-based food offers a hopeful path forward. Willow and Maggie discuss the myths that persist around veganism, the spiritual cost of industrial agriculture, and how joy and justice can help flavor the way we eat—for good.For more about Maggie Bair and Support + Feed: https://supportandfeed.org/about-us/To see a transcript of this episode: https://atmos.earth/podcast/maggie-baird-on-the-nature-of-food-as-an-act-of-compassion/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Steph Speirs, co-founder of Solstice and board member of the Sierra Club Foundation, challenges traditional notions of wealth. She argues for a shift towards defining wealth by sustainability and community well-being rather than mere accumulation. They explore how the clean energy transition can empower communities, especially in disadvantaged areas, and emphasize the importance of collective action and local initiatives. The conversation inspires listeners to consider how we can all contribute to a thriving future for both people and ecosystems.

adrienne maree brown, a writer and activist celebrated for her works like Pleasure Activism, joins the conversation to explore the alchemy of transformation. She shares her belief that small, intentional acts wield immense power for collective change. The discussion highlights transformative justice rooted in care, the importance of nurturing community, and embracing mistakes as pathways to growth. Delving into life and death, adrienne encourages viewing mortality as a transformative journey, urging each listener to step into their power as co-creators of a more just future.

Janine Benyus, a biologist and the co-founder of the Biomimicry Institute, shares her transformative vision of design inspired by nature. She passionately discusses how ecosystems can guide sustainable solutions, from resource management in forests to fish aerodynamics. Janine emphasizes the need for humanity to harmonize with nature, exploring concepts like biodiversity and mutuality. She urges listeners to mindfully integrate biomimicry into their daily decisions, revealing that nature already holds the answers to many of our challenges.