Episode 3 - The Gifts All Around Us

Author Robin Wall Kimmerer joins the show to discuss her new children's book Bud Finds Her Gift, her background as a botanist, and how we can all benefit from connecting with the world around us. Robin Wall Kimmerer is an activist, mother, scientist, and a registered member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She has authored numerous books including Braiding Sweetgrass, The Serviceberry, and Gathering Moss. She also leads the grassroots movement Plant Baby Plant that encourages change through reconnecting with the earth.

A smiling woman with gray hair and blue earrings outdoors in a forest.

The Gifts All Around Us

Dear Listeners

And just like that we come to the end of another season. But what an episode to end on folks! I did a double take when I saw Robin Wall Kimmerer’s name appear in my inbox. If the name sounds familiar, you may have read her best selling book Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. And if you haven’t, you absolutely should. It's a beautiful collection of essays blending Robin’s background as a scientist with indigenous wisdom (Robin is a registered member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation).

Robin joined me to talk about her latest work Bud Finds Her Gifts, a beautifully illustrated children’s book encouraging young readers to explore their connection with the natural world. But honestly, adults will enjoy it as well, I know I did. Robin is so kind, intelligent, and accomplished and I could’ve spent hours just listening to her talk. So I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed making it

So that’s all for now folks! As always, make sure you are following us on social media (links below) and if you haven’t already, please leave us a five-star review wherever you listen. It really helps the show reach more people. And if you like what you’ve heard, tell someone! You can also donate on our website to help keep this show going.

Until next time, happy trails.

-Megan Feighery

An older woman with gray hair standing outdoors in a green, leafy setting, wearing a colorful, patterned shawl with floral and geometric designs.

Episode 2 - Kidnapped in Kyrgyzstan

At only 20 years old, rock climber Beth Rodden was on top of the world and really making a name for herself. But when a climbing trip to Kyrgyzstan goes horribly wrong and Beth and the others and kidnapped, everything changes.

A young woman with long brown hair tied in a ponytail is rock climbing indoors, gripping an overhanging gray rock wall. She is wearing a white sleeveless shirt, black shorts, and a harness attached to a safety rope, with a chalk bag on her waist.

A woman rock climbing on an overhanging rock wall outdoors.

A woman in a red shirt climbing a boulder indoors, looking up at the camera.

A collection of four books about sweetgrass arranged on green grass, surrounded by pink and white flowers and green foliage. The central book is titled 'Bud Finds Her Gift' by Robin Wall Kimmerer, illustrated by Naoko Stoop. To the right is 'The Serviceberry' by Robin Wall Kimmerer, and below is 'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The top left corner features a branch with light pink flowers.

Kidnapped in Kyrgyzstan

Dear Listeners,

I am so excited about this week’s episode, believe me when I say it is one of the most tense and thrilling episodes we have ever produced. Beth Rodden is a world-renowned rock climber who made a name for herself at a very young age. So at twenty years of age she and three others headed to Kyrgyzstan, a well-known climbing destination, for the trip of a lifetime. And it was everything they dreamed it would be…until it wasn’t.

Beth and her friends were kidnapped by a militant terrorist group and held hostage for almost a week. Their story of survival and escape is one of resilience, strength, and courage. But it doesn’t end there. After returning back to the United States, Beth doesn’t know how to deal with her trauma. She spent years quietly suffering while also accomplishing some incredible climbing feats.

I really hope you enjoy “Kidnapped in Kyrgyzstan” and share it with friends and family. Also make sure you’re following us on social media (links below) and if you haven’t already, make sure to leave us a five-star review wherever you’re listening. It really helps the show reach more people.

That’s all for now folks! Happy trails!

-Megan Feighery

Episode 1 of Season 16 - The Guy With The Pigeon On His Head

Brian Buckbee had no idea his life would change forever after he brought an injured pigeon home. He was battling a mysterious illness and feeling lonely and isolated. Together, Brian and Two-Step the pigeon would form an unexpected friendship that is full of heartwarming surprises. Be sure to grab a copy of Brian's book We Should All Be Birds and check out his website http://www.weshouldallbebirds.com/

Silhouette of a pigeon on a glowing circular light fixture against a blue wall.

Two pigeons perched inside a wooden enclosure with a dark blanket underneath.

A man with dark hair and a beard taking a selfie in a mirror while holding a pigeon on his finger. The man is wearing a dark button-up shirt and is smiling. The pigeon has iridescent purple and gray feathers.

Back to Top

Woman rock climbing on a large boulder in a forested area.

A woman rock climbing on a vertical granite wall with safety gear, including a harness and chalk bag, in a mountainous outdoor area.

A woman with light skin, gray eyes, and brown hair tied back, smiling while holding a colorful book cover titled 'A Light Through the Crack' by Beth Rodden in front of a large redwood tree.

A pigeon standing indoors with a blurred living room background, including a chair, framed pictures, and a potted plant.

Decorated Christmas tree with a bird perched on top, featuring ornaments, tinsel, and string lights.

Close-up of a pigeon standing on grass with a mix of green and brown patches.

A woman climbing a steep rock face in a canyon or cliff area, wearing a blue tank top and black pants.

A woman rock climbing on a steep granite face, wearing climbing gear and a blue tank top.

A small, rustic hut with a thatched roof and a rusty, white trailer parked on a grassy plain with hills and mountains in the background.

Close-up of a bird's face, showing detailed feathers, a white patch on the beak, and orange eyes.

A pigeon standing on a black frying pan on a stove. There is a white oven in the background with control knobs and a red indicator light.

A racing pigeon in mid-flight with wings spread, perched on a stone edge with a blurred background.

The Guy With The Pigeon On His Head

Dear Listeners,

It’s a bit late but Happy New Year! I am so excited to be kicking off 2026 with a brand new season of HumaNature and I hope you love these stories as much as I do.

Our first episode is for all the bird lovers out there. Brian Buckbee’s life was turned upside down by a mysterious illness he contracted while traveling through Asia. He felt isolated, alone and was in constant pain but still managed to take walks around his neighborhood most days. And it was on one of these walks that Brian stumbled across an injured pigeon in need of help. He took the bird home to nurse it back to health, a decision that would change his life forever.

This episode is raw and beautiful. Brian was so open and vulnerable when we spoke and at times I could even hear little pigeon noises in the background. If you enjoy this story please share it with your friends and family and be sure to grab a copy of Brian’s debut memoir We Should All Be Birds. I read it all in one sitting and was so moved. Also make sure to check out his website www.weshouldallbebirds.com for more information.

As always, make sure you’re following us on social media (links below) and leave us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. It really helps support the show.

That’s all for now folks, until next time!

-Megan Feighery