Emergence Magazine Podcast

When we step into a forest aware and listening to what surrounds us—remembering that the living world is just as aware of our presence—a relationship of reciprocity can take root. How might such a quality of attention change our ability to see, feel, and give ourselves to the landscapes around us? In this audio practice, writer and certified nature and forest therapy guide Kimberly Ruffin takes us on a sensory walk to meet the soil, sky, smells, and sounds of the forest. Encouraging us to “be a part of the music of a place,” this practice beckons us to witness, and be witnessed by, the living world. Sign up for our newsletter to hear more stories as they are released each week.Photo by Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Poet and author David Hinton discusses the ecological crisis and the separation from the living world. He explores the interconnectedness of ecology, culture, and spirituality, advocating for reweaving mind and landscape. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing our interconnectedness with all beings and advocates for a shift in cultural assumptions for sustainable progress.

Acclaimed biologist David G. Haskell explores the evolution of Earth's sounds, from insects to marine life. He discusses the interconnectedness of instrumental music and nature, the impact of human noise levels on the environment, and the importance of attentive listening to foster kinship and joy.

Join acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton as he takes listeners on a tranquil journey through the Hoh Rain Forest. Hear the gentle sounds of nature—from rivers to birds—reminding us of the beauty that emerges in silence. Discover how deep listening can reconnect us with our environment and the importance of finding genuine silence in a noisy world. Experience the transformative power of nature's symphony, and immerse yourself in the enchanting soundscape that surrounds us all.

How can we repair our connection with what we eat, rejoining the biological web that we are a part of? In this conversation, fermentation expert Sandor Katz unpacks his book Fermentation as Metaphor, guiding us through the lessons taught by microorganisms as they change form. Exploring how our fear of the other, the unseen, and the unknowable has divorced us from the wonder of fermentation, Sandor shows us how engaging with microbial communities through food—breads, fungi, pickles, yogurts—can bring us into relationship with the tiny but vital unseen forces of the living world. Read the transcript. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this enlightening conversation, Susan Murphy Roshi, an Australian writer and Zen teacher, explores how Zen koans can shift our consciousness during crises. She discusses embracing uncertainty and deep adaptation as essential for personal and ecological resilience. The dialogue delves into the transformative power of emptiness, encouraging connections between humanity and nature. Susan emphasizes that recognizing our interconnectedness can lead to greater compassion and healing, urging listeners to respond to suffering with openness and awareness of our relationship with the Earth.

Jenny Odell, author of "Saving Time" and "How to Do Nothing," invites listeners on a reflective journey through her Oakland neighborhood. She discusses how landscapes communicate stories and memories, emphasizing the importance of sustained attention to nature. Odell connects geological features with personal narratives, revealing how urban development invisibly impacts the environment. Her insights dive into the transformative power of observation, showcasing the rich history embedded in the terrain and highlighting our deep bond with the natural world.

Lily Kelting, a food and culture scholar, explores the essence of terroir in Pune, India, where urban landscapes meet rich cultural traditions. She immerses listeners in the sensory experiences of her community, from the sounds of construction to the fragrances of marigold and smoke. Kelting reflects on the unique coexistence of cows in urban settings, their cultural importance, and how local ecologies shape tastes and culinary identities. Her insights challenge conventional ideas about food, revealing deeper connections between flavor, environment, and community amid urbanization.

Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee discusses falling in love with Earth, embracing vulnerability, finding nature in urban spaces, honoring Earth's presence, and the transformative power of connecting with nature.

In anticipation of this year’s massive cicada emergence, we revisit a story from Anisa George, where she calls us into the wonder of encountering these tiny messengers. Immersing us in the sound—the buzzing, whirring, and clicking—of cicadas, this story invites us into a community beyond the human. What can it mean to participate in such a cycle? Why together? Why now?Read the transcript.Sign up for our newsletter to hear more stories as they are released each week.Design by Studio Airport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices