Faith, Fern and Compass
Latest Episodes
Episode 217 – Astronomy and Emu
We try very hard not to talk about the election and its aftermath, instead exploring the fascinating subject of ethnoastronomy. We delve into some of the unique relationships human cultures have had with the stars throughout history, including a look at t
Episode 215 – Happy Halloween!
We revel in stories of creepy critters, cyborgs, zombies and vampires (including the gut-wrenching vampire squid that lurks in the abyss)! We find out why scary music freaks us out, and for all of our listeners looking forward with mingled dread and excit
Episode 213 – Weird, Wild World
We look at some of the weirdest things in our wild, wonderful world, from the singing fish of Seattle to the fractal cats of imaginary mathematical space. First we check out an African shrub with berries that sparkle like ornaments: how could a Christmas
Episode 211 – Interesting Times
We look at one of the grand cycles of nature: election season. We take the Keystone XL pipeline as our jumping-off place to examine the host of environmental issues facing the world, and ask which American presidential candidate might best tackle them. Th
Episode 209 – Ancient Temples, Ancient Tombs
We dig deep into how our exploration of ruins not only helps us foster a relationship with our ancestors, but also tells us a lot about ourselves and what we value in modern society. The study of ancient temples and burial sites teach us some deep lessons
Episode 207 – Peter Illyn: Goddess, Gearbox, Garden
We have the great pleasure of sharing with you a talk by Peter Illyn, "Goddess, Gearbox or Garden," presented at the Wild Goose West festival earlier this year. Peter explores the "history of history" and the evolving use of stories and metaphors within C
Episode 205 – The Nature of Placemaking
We check out the many amazing ways that people all over the world are embracing "green space" through architecture, infrastructure and landscaping, inviting the natural world back into our homes and businesses as a vital part of our efforts to live sustai
Episode 203 – Natural Wonders
We explore the infinitely awe-inspiring natural world with a reading of Alison’s article, “The Seven Wonders of the Natural World in Your Own Backyard.†The New Seven Wonders of Nature were announced last year by the New7Wonders Foundation, honoring
Episode 201 – Water Connects Us
We launch our new season's theme: relationship and interconnection. Throughout this season we'll be exploring our deep bonds with the natural world that gave birth to us and sustains us. We'll take a deeper look at how we form relationships, how we connec
Episode 123 – Melanie Griffin Interview, Part 1 The Changing Face of Environmentalism
Melanie Griffin, a former National Director of the Sierra Club, joins Jeff Lilly in an exclusive interview to share some personal reflections on her experiences working in the environmental movement, exploring the ways that science, technology, the econom