Jonathan the Giant Tortoise was born in the 1800s and is still alive today, thanks to vet Joe Hollins. Hear about Joe's adventures with Jonathan and with a herd of skittish reindeer. Also find out what happens when a vet jumps to conclusions in the search for the mysterious killer plaguing a fold of lambs. Fascinating stories from islands at the end of the Earth.
Guest: Jonathan Hollins, author of "Vet at the End of the Earth: Adventures with Animals in the South Atlantic"
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54:37
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54:37
How to See Like a Naturalist (Without Leaving Home)
Thor Hanson reminds us that wonder isn’t reserved for far-off rainforests or remote islands—it can thrive right outside our door. From looking up to spot bald eagles to crawling on your hands and knees to find new insects, Hanson shares how attentiveness and curiosity can open up astonishing worlds. Join us as we explore how slowing down and observing carefully can awaken the same thrill of discovery felt by the greatest naturalists.
Guest: Thor Hanson, author of "Close to Home: The Wonders of Nature Just Outside Your Door"
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48:08
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48:08
Collecting Eiderdown on the Rugged Rocks of the Atlantic
On a tiny, remote island, an English farmer and writer captures the story of Anna Måsøy, a Norwegian "duck woman." In a practice that dates back to the Vikings, islanders coax wild eider ducks to nest on their islands, where the birds leave behind eiderdown—a material so precious that even kings and queens of Europe used it in their bedding. In learning Anna's story, this Englishman reconnects with his own heritage—passed down through six centuries of farming on his family's land in England.
Guest: James Rebanks, farmer and author of "The Place of Tides"
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59:29
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59:29
One Scientist's Search For Life In Extreme Places
Karen Lloyd is no stranger to life in the extremes: she has encountered super-resilient microbial life near volcanoes, on the ocean floor, and deep in the crust of the Earth. Some of these microbes can survive extreme temperatures, "breathe" minerals like gold, and some can even live for thousands of years. In this episode of Constant Wonder, learn about how extraordinary life on Earth can be.
Guest: Karen G. Lloyd is the Wrigley Chair in Environmental Studies, Professor of Earth Sciences, and Professor of Marine and Environmental Biology at the University of Southern California. She is the author of "Intraterrestrials: Discovering the Strangest Life on Earth"
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52:36
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52:36
Shared Solitude: The Eye-Opening Epiphanies Of A Children's Writer
Though his life looked calm from the outside, Douglas Wood's undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia dragged him down—until he received a personal letter from the famed wilderness writer Sig Olson. Olson's encouragement set him on a path to become a wilderness guide and a noted children's author.
Guest: Douglas Wood, author of over 40 books, retired wilderness canoe guide, and most recently the author of "A Wild Path," a collection of essays for adults
Originally aired March 13, 2024
Stay in tune with our phenomenal world. Join us for explorations of science, art, history, and more. We're on a quest to find awe and wonder in all nature—human or wild, vast or small. Encounters that move us beyond words. Hosted by Marcus Smith, Constant Wonder is a production of BYUradio.