logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2025
18m 11s

Going Outside Can Change Our Hormones an...

Scientific American
About this episode
Going outside has many benefits, from positively affecting our nervous system to diversifying our microbiome. But you don’t need a forest preserve to benefit from nature—sometimes even a houseplant or the smell of lavender can improve our life. Kathy Willis, a professor of biodiversity at the University of Oxford, joins host Rachel Feltman to discuss her new ... Show More
Up next
Aug 5
Getting to YouTube science stardom by building $#!%ty robots
In this episode of Science Quickly, we talk with Simone Giertz, YouTube maker extraordinaire, about her life in science and the influencer spotlight. She started making, in her words, “shitty robots” and has evolved into a maker and product designer. But while she makes things to ... Show More
24m 56s
Aug 3
Explosive diarrhea, ‘protein maxxing’ and the science of burnout
In this episode of Science Quickly, we unpack a major outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to contaminated produce, explore new research that suggests that “protein maxxing” may do more harm than good and examine mental exhaustion’s effects on the decisions we make. Plus, Eur ... Show More
12m 48s
Jul 31
Lewis, Clark and America’s first great science mission
In this episode of Science Quickly, Scientific American’s books and culture lead Bri Kane talks with historian Craig Fehrman about This Vast Enterprise, his fresh take on the Lewis and Clark expedition. Rather than focusing solely on the famous explorers, Fehrman highlights the o ... Show More
26m 19s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2025
How Spending Time In Nature Helps Our Health
Many of us know that being outside feels good. Maybe it’s for a short walk to the store. Maybe for a hike at a nearby mountain. Or maybe spending time at the beach with loved ones for a holiday.But did you know that a short walk in nature can improve your attention span by 20 per ... Show More
33m 8s
Jun 2023
Why Spending Time in Nature Makes us Happier and Healthier with Florence Williams
In this episode, Florence Williams shares the profound benefits of being outdoors and in nature, offering you a fresh perspective on self-care and a path toward increased well-being. Discover the scientific evidence that proves how spending time in nature makes us happier, health ... Show More
39m 48s
Nov 2025
How Nature Heals Us
<p>We've known intuitively for centuries that spending time in nature can give us a boost. But it’s only recently that scientists have begun to identify exactly what it is about the outdoors that has such a powerful effect on our mood and our minds. This week, psychologist <a hre ... Show More
1h 4m
Sep 2017
Florence Williams: How Spending Time In Nature Has a Scientific, Measurable Impact on improving our health and mood - especially depression!
Florence Williams shares the scientific research behind the benefit to our mood and our health when we spend time in nature as part of our daily lives. Her book, The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier and More Creative is full of practical, intuitive wisdom that c ... Show More
41m 40s
Nov 2024
How To Get The Physiological And Psychological Benefits Of Nature If You Don't Live Near Nature | Dacher Keltner
tail spinning
27m 5s
Nov 2024
The Science Of How Nature Changes Your Brain—From Sleep To Cognition To Your Nervous System | Dacher Keltner
<p><em>New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers.</em></p> <p><em>---</em></p> <p>Scientific evidence that spending time in nature has profound impacts on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.< ... Show More
35m 11s
Nov 2024
2785: Why Time in Nature Leads to a Happier, Healthier Lifestyle by Melani Schweder with No Sidebar on Mental Wellbeing
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2785: Melani Schweder delves into the healing power of reconnecting with nature, illustrating how time outdoors can rejuven ... Show More
10m 28s
May 2022
Why Nature?
Studies have found that spending time in nature creates a host of psychological and physiological benefits for humans. But why? In this episode, Robert and Joe explore several competing explanations for the restorative power of natural environments, covering everything from the s ... Show More
48m 22s