Stepping into the garden with Joe Lamp'l (better known as Joe the Gardener) feels like walking alongside a trusted friend who's been tending the soil for decades. The Emmy award-winning host of PBS's "Growing a Greener World" brings warmth, wisdom, and infectious enthusiasm to our conversation about finding joy in nature and living more intentionally.

Joe's journey began with a magical childhood moment—at eight years old, he accidentally broke a branch from a hedge, stuck it in the ground to hide his mistake, and returned months later to discover it had taken root and sprouted new leaves. That single moment of wonder sparked a lifelong passion that eventually led him from corporate accounting to becoming one of America's most beloved gardening educators.

What strikes you immediately about Joe is his authentic connection to the natural world. Despite decades in the field, his curiosity remains insatiable. "I love gardening more today than yesterday, and tomorrow I'll love it more than today," he shares, explaining how each discovery adds another layer to his appreciation rather than replacing what came before. This perspective offers a refreshing counterpoint to our culture of constant consumption and disposable experiences.

Throughout our conversation, Joe weaves practical gardening wisdom with profound insights about slowing down and rewilding both our landscapes and ourselves. He describes his morning ritual of sitting outside with coffee at dawn, listening to birdsong before checking emails—a simple practice that grounds him in nature's rhythms before the day's demands begin. This intentional approach to living carries through to his gardening practices, where he's recently embraced incorporating more native plants and creating habitat spaces that support wildlife.

One of the most thought-provoking moments comes when Joe articulates a concept many of us intuitively feel but struggle to name: "It's the losses we notice, it's the diminishment we don't see." Using the example of monarch butterflies, he illustrates how gradual decline often escapes our attention until species are critically endangered. His gentle reminder that "every bit counts" empowers listeners to take action in whatever space they have available—from extensive acreage to apartment balconies.

Ready to reconnect with nature and discover the joy of growing? Subscribe to our podcast for more conversations with people who are living differently and creating positive change in their communities. Share your own gardening journey with us on social media—we'd love to see how you're living slow and re-wilding your corner of the world.

Joe's Webiste: https://joegardener.com/

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What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at info@natob.co.

Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:

• Natural Obsession on Facebook
• @NatObPodcast on Instagram

Bruce McMath paints a vivid picture of what we've lost as artificial lighting has erased our view of the stars, and why it matters more than you might think.

When was the last time you truly saw the night sky? Not the dim scattering of stars visible from suburbs, but the breathtaking cosmic vista our ancestors considered as fundamental to human experience as sunrise and sunset. For most Americans today—especially the 90% of young people who've never witnessed the Milky Way—this connection has been severed by the steady creep of light pollution.

As chair of the Arkansas Natural Sky Association, McMath explains how this environmental issue extends far beyond astronomy. The Earth has experienced the rhythm of day and night for 4.5 billion years, and every living thing has evolved within this cycle. Artificial light disrupts these patterns at a fundamental level, suppressing melatonin production in humans (increasing risks of diabetes, cancer, and depression), disorienting migratory birds (killing hundreds of millions annually), confusing nocturnal pollinators, and even altering plant growth patterns. The conversation reveals surprising facts about how "security" lights often make properties less secure by illuminating potential targets for criminals, while wasting energy and creating harmful glare.

The good news? Unlike many environmental challenges, addressing light pollution actually saves money and improves visibility. Communities like Flagstaff, Arizona have implemented lighting ordinances that allow residents to see the Milky Way from within city limits while maintaining safe, functional lighting. Simple solutions include using motion sensors, warmer light colors (3000K or lower), properly shielded fixtures, and turning off unnecessary illumination. McMath shares practical steps everyone can take—from enabling night mode on electronic devices to certifying homes as night-sky friendly.

Ready to reconnect with the night sky? Join us for this illuminating conversation about slowing down and rewilding our relationship with darkness. As McMath beautifully expresses, there's nothing quite like "letting your soul wander among the stars with nature's chorus" of whippoorwills and tree frogs—an experience that's "soul-cleansing and heart-refreshing" in our increasingly artificial world.

Arkansas Natural Sky Association:

https://darkskyarkansas.org/

Dark Sky International: https://darksky.org/

Dark Sky approved lighting fixtures and retailers: https://darksky.org/what-we-do/d

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What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at info@natob.co.

Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:

• Natural Obsession on Facebook
• @NatObPodcast on Instagram

Reconnecting with the land doesn't mean you have to do it all at once. Dirk Tanner of Tanner Farmstead shares his practical wisdom on finding balance in the homesteading journey.

"I think there's valuable skills that we've lost in today's day and age that our grandparents had," Dirk reflects early in our conversation. His journey from suburban upbringing to homesteader wasn't motivated by apocalyptic concerns, but rather a desire to reclaim connection with food production and traditional knowledge.

What makes Dirk's perspective so refreshing is his balanced approach. Rather than promoting complete self-sufficiency (which he acknowledges is nearly impossible), he advocates starting with manageable projects that bring joy. A garden and some chickens provide the perfect entry point for most people. From there, Dirk offers counterintuitive wisdom about prioritizing ruminant animals like sheep that convert grass into meat efficiently, rather than the grain-dependent chickens and pigs that many homesteaders focus on first.

Throughout our conversation, Dirk shares practical insights on everything from water systems (rainwater collection may be more practical than expensive well drilling), to food preservation strategies (focusing on naturally storage-friendly crops), to the honor system farm stand he once operated. His experience scaling back from commercial farming to homesteading highlights an important reality: sometimes less truly is more.

Beyond the practical aspects, Dirk speaks eloquently about how homesteading has connected him to the cycles of life and death, deepened his faith, and created opportunities for meaningful community. His ultimate goal isn't just self-sufficiency, but creating lasting memories with his family and teaching his children to be connected to reality in ways that modern convenience often obscures.

Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just curious about growing your first tomato, Dirk's approachable wisdom offers valuable perspective on slowing down and rewilding your life, one small step at a time. Check out Tanner Farmstead across social media platforms for more homesteading content and consulting services!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tannerfarmstead/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tannerfarmstead/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tannerfarmstead

Tanner Farmstead Store: https://tannerfarmsteadacademy.thinkific.com/

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What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at info@natob.co.

Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:

• Natural Obsession on Facebook
• @NatObPodcast on Instagram

Welcome to season 2 of Natural Obsession. Join us as we approach it with a sense of urgency but also hopefulness. We are calling this season "Live Slow, Re-wild." It's all about slowing down and restoring the things we've lost. Not just in the outdoors but in ourselves. We will be talking to people who are living this out to varying degrees with knowledge about things like dark skies, homesteading, climbing and much much more. If you've been feeling a tug towards a more simple way of living come along with us this season as we learn how to live slow, and re-wild.

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What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at info@natob.co.

Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:

• Natural Obsession on Facebook
• @NatObPodcast on Instagram

What happens when two outdoor guys slow down and start asking bigger questions? In this season finale, TJ and Daniel reflect on the journey so far, sharing key lessons from their guests and their own challenges along the way.

From Alan’s reminder that “we are what we eat,” to Angela’s perspective on how nature makes us confront what matters most, to Danny’s advice to “put the fishing pole down” and be present—recurring themes of intentional living, slowing down, and reconnecting to the land emerge.

The hosts open up about their own struggles balancing modern life with a desire to reclaim “forgotten ways”—the skills, rhythms, and simplicity that past generations lived by. Rather than chasing perfection, they encourage small, meaningful shifts toward a healthier, more intentional life.

Looking ahead, Season Two will dive into summer outdoor adventures with folks who are actively living this out—whether it’s on the water, in the woods, or out on the farm. Join us as we continue exploring what it means to slow down, steward well, and live with purpose in a busy world.

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What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at info@natob.co.

Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:

• Natural Obsession on Facebook
• @NatObPodcast on Instagram

Ever wonder why we're so passionate about conserving the land while neglecting our own bodies? In this eye-opening episode, we turn the mirror on ourselves and explore the fascinating connection between our health and our relationship to nature.

We dive into the stark differences between how our grandparents lived—with gardens, canning, and natural food sources—compared to our modern existence of processed foods and convenience-driven choices. The statistics are sobering: diabetes rates have quadrupled since the 1980s, we consume 50 times more vegetable oil than a century ago, and the average person unknowingly ingests the equivalent of a credit card worth of microplastics every week.

But this isn't just about alarming health trends. We explore practical ways to reclaim our bodies while honoring our connection to the land. From the hidden dangers of seed oils and forever chemicals to the surprising impact of artificial light on our sleep and wildlife, we share personal experiences and research-backed insights that will change how you think about everyday choices.

"We're reclaiming our land. We're reclaiming our bodies. It's all the same journey," becomes our rallying cry as we consider what kind of legacy we want to leave. After all, what good is restoring native plants if we're not around—or healthy enough—to enjoy them with our grandkids?

Whether you're a dedicated conservationist, a health-conscious individual, or simply someone who wants to live more intentionally, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on slowing down and living closer to nature's patterns. We're not doctors or experts—just two guys trying to align our lives with how we believe we were meant to live.

Listen now and join us in questioning the convenience-driven status quo. Your body and the land will thank you.

For more info on light pollution, how it disrupts wildlife and the effects of artificial light on our health visit DarkSky International’s website:

https://darksky.org/

_______________________

What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at info@natob.co.

Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:

• Natural Obsession on Facebook
• @NatObPodcast on Instagram

Think bats are blind? Think again. In this myth-busting episode, we sit down with wildlife biologist Phillip Jordan to explore the surprising truths about one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures.

With nearly two decades of bat research under his belt, Phillip shares stories from late-night fieldwork, remote caves, and even a volcanic island in Nicaragua—where he studied dozens of bat species ranging from mosquito-hunters to nectar-feeders. You’ll learn how bats use both echolocation and night vision to navigate, why they're worth billions to U.S. agriculture, and what makes Arkansas a hotspot for bat diversity.

We also dig into real threats facing bat populations, including habitat loss and white-nose syndrome, a devastating fungal disease that's wiped out entire colonies. But it’s not all doom and gloom—Phillip offers practical steps we can take to protect these animals, from setting up bat boxes to rethinking how we manage our forests.

Whether you’re a curious naturalist or just want fewer mosquitoes in your yard, this episode will give you a new appreciation for the silent flyers above us—and why they matter more than most people realize.

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What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at info@natob.co.

Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:

• Natural Obsession on Facebook
• @NatObPodcast on Instagram

Have you ever wondered what it takes to help people fall in love with the outdoors? Sam Files, photographer and park interpreter at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, offers a fascinating glimpse into this world through his unique lens.

Growing up glued to Animal Planet and spending his childhood exploring nature, Sam found his calling in park interpretation—connecting visitors with Arkansas's natural wonders. His dual passions for education and photography create a powerful combination for inspiring conservation. "If you can invoke feelings in someone through a photograph, you can capture their heart. You can give them a reason to want to protect that," Sam explains, highlighting photography's crucial role in environmental stewardship.

Throughout our conversation, Sam debunks common misconceptions about outdoor photography, emphasizing that expensive gear isn't necessary for impactful images. "The phones in your pocket have a more powerful camera than what National Geographic photographers were using fifteen years ago," he points out. His advice focuses instead on intentional framing: knowing your subject and how everything else in the frame can enhance it.

Beyond photography, Sam reveals the hidden treasures of Pinnacle Mountain State Park—a 2,600-acre wilderness with five mountains, two rivers, and approximately 30 miles of biking trails that most visitors never discover. From the peaceful East Quarry Trail with its spectacular overlook to the unexpected wildlife like collared lizards and American eels, the park offers far more than its famous summit.

Perhaps most valuable is Sam's closing message to those hesitant to explore the outdoors: "Don't be afraid to get out and explore. So many people are held back because it's unknown." He recommends starting with guided experiences at state parks, building confidence with experts who can keep you safe while introducing you to nature's wonders. It's a gentle reminder that the natural world is waiting—no matter your experience level—with its transformative power just one trail away.

To start your own outdoor journey visit Sam or one of the many other park interpreters at your nearest Arkansas State Parks.

Follow Sam's photography journey on Instagram and discover how the marriage of art and education can inspire us all to venture outside.

To see some of Sam's photos and connect with him go to: https://www.instagram.com/samfiles/

Pinnacle Mountain State Park: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/pinnacle-mountain-state-park

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What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at info@natob.co.

Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:

• Natural Obsession on Facebook
• @NatObPodcast on Instagram