Constant Wonder KIDS

Licensed mudlarks Lara Maiklem and Flora Spiegel explore the muddy shores of the River Thames searching for tiny treasures from the past. In this episode, we discover how old buttons, pottery, pipes, and other forgotten objects can help tell the story of people who lived in London hundreds—even thousands—of years ago.

Photographer and filmmaker Brian Skerry has traveled across the world to film incredible whales and uncover the hidden secrets of their underwater lives. In this episode, we dive deep with sperm whales, orca whales, and humpback whales to discover surprising whale behaviors, family bonds, and cultures beneath the waves.

Rue Mapp founded Outdoor Afro to help Black communities build joyful, meaningful connections with nature- and to remind all of us that the outdoors belongs to everyone! Join us as we explore how stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to adventure, confidence, and a deeper love for the natural world. Guest: Rue Mapp, founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro

When nature writer Sy Montgomery helped her friend Brenda Sherburn-LaBelle care for two teeny-tiny baby hummingbirds, she learned just how fragile these baby birds can be. As the little birds grew stronger, their story showed how even the smallest creatures can be full of strength—and how helping animals can make a big difference. Guest: Sy Montgomery, naturalist and author Link to Season 6 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/4dd1c171-357a-4fc7-8085-0473e1d0de69/track-fun-facts-from-season-6

After disappearing from the prairie due to human settlement, black-footed ferrets were believed lost forever—until they were rediscovered in the 1980s. Now, conservationists like Travis Livieri are helping these tiny hunters return home by breeding them in captivity and rewilding the prairie. Guest: Travis Livieri, Founder and Executive Director of Prairie Wildlife Research Justin Churn, Deputy Recovery Program Coordinator at the National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center Link to S6 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/4dd1c171-357a-4fc7-8085-0473e1d0de69/track-fun-facts-from-season-6

What do animals do when no one is watching? Biologist Roland Kays uses trail cameras to capture surprising moments in the wild, helping scientists understand how animals live, move, and survive—and how we can better protect them. Guest: Roland Kays, director of the Biodiversity Laboratory at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and a research associate professor at North Carolina State University Squirrel Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4FLAitN2_4 Link to Season 6 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/4dd1c171-357a-4fc7-8085-0473e1d0de69/track-fun-facts-from-season-6

In the fall of 2020, children built “Leaf Town,” a bustling imaginary metropolis made entirely from leaves, where creativity and nature came together in surprising ways. Sisters Beth and Kathleen Rooney share how this playful world helped kids discover that imagination can shape the way we see the world around us. Guests: Guests: Beth and Kathleen Rooney, authors of "Leaf Town Forever" Link to Season 6 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/4dd1c171-357a-4fc7-8085-0473e1d0de69/track-fun-facts-from-season-6

Conservationist Siew Te Wong introduces us to the amazing world of sun bears and the work being done at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. From caring for orphaned cubs to preparing them for life in the rainforest, we discover how patience, knowledge, and compassion can help these shy bears find their way home. Guest: Siew Te Wong, C.E.O. and Founder of Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Link to Season 6 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/4dd1c171-357a-4fc7-8085-0473e1d0de69/track-fun-facts-from-season-6

What happens when you step outside and try something completely new—even if it feels a little scary? Jessica Lahey takes us into the world of beekeeping, where she learned that with research, support from friends, and a willingness to keep trying, mistakes can lead to sweet success. Guest: Jessica Lahey, author, educator, and podcaster Link to Season 5 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/cc199ea1-396c-4dc1-93ea-48fe6197bccf/track-new-episodes-with-season-5-bingo

What happens when you travel to a place so dark and mysterious that almost nothing is known about it? Explorer William Beebe did just that, diving deep beneath the ocean’s surface and discovering incredible new species that seemed almost impossible to describe. Author Brad Fox joins us to share this amazing story of curiosity, courage, and the challenge of putting the unknown into words. Guest: Brad Fox, author of "The Bathysphere Book" Link to drawings: https://hakaimagazine.com/features/drawing-the-deep-sea-from-a-seat-on-the-shore/ Link to Season 5 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/cc199ea1-396c-4dc1-93ea-48fe6197bccf/track-new-episodes-with-season-5-bingo

Bryant Olsen studies the hidden relationships between plants and animals that shape entire ecosystems. Discover how forests aren’t just collections of trees—they’re communities full of communication, strategy, and surprising connections. Guest: Bryant Olsen, conservation ecologist at Tracy’s Aviary in Salt Lake City, Utah Season 5 Printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/cc199ea1-396c-4dc1-93ea-48fe6197bccf/track-new-episodes-with-season-5-bingo

What can the bones of an extinct ocean giant teach us about life in the sea? Scientist Lorelei Crerar studies the remains of the enormous Steller’s sea cow—a relative of today’s manatees—to uncover clues about how these gentle giants lived and what their story can tell us about the other sea cows still swimming in our oceans today. Guest: Lorelei Crerar, retired professor of biology at George Mason University Season 5 printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/cc199ea1-396c-4dc1-93ea-48fe6197bccf/track-new-episodes-with-season-5-bingo

What if the most magical place in the world is the one you’re already standing in? Author and adventurer Kelsey Timmerman spent years traveling the globe before realizing that the same curiosity and care he brought to faraway places could uncover just as much wonder in the natural world close to home in Ohio. Guest: Kelsey Timmerman, author and traveler Link to Season 5 Printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/cc199ea1-396c-4dc1-93ea-48fe6197bccf/track-new-episodes-with-season-5-bingo

Scientist and animal behavior expert Jonathan Balcombe joins us to share why flies are far more fascinating than we might think. From pollinating plants to cleaning up the planet, these buzzy insects play huge roles in keeping ecosystems healthy, and they might just change the way you see that next fly who zooms past your nose. Guest: Jonathan Balcombe, author of "Super Fly: The Unexpected Lives of the World's Most Successful Insects" Link to Season 5 Printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/cc199ea1-396c-4dc1-93ea-48fe6197bccf

Joe Hymes spends his days caring for some of the most misunderstood animals on Earth—venomous snakes, powerful lizards, and even crocodiles—at the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary. In this episode, Joe shares what it’s like to go “herping” in the wild, why reptiles deserve our respect, and how careful humans can help protect these incredible creatures. Guest: Joe Hymes, Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary Season 5 Printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/cc199ea1-396c-4dc1-93ea-48fe6197bccf

Naturalist Craig Foster spends his days exploring the underwater kelp forest off the coast of South Africa. This wondrous place is home to octopuses, cuttlefish, otters, and more, and a place of inspiration and awe for those willing to explore. Guest: Craig Foster, naturalist and documentary filmmaker, known for his 2020 film, My Octopus Teacher Link to Season 5 Printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/cc199ea1-396c-4dc1-93ea-48fe6197bccf

Photographer Eugene Tapahe doesn’t just take pictures of animals in the natural world- he captures their stories. Raised in Navajo culture, Eugene approaches the land with respect, patience, and gratitude and can teach us how photographs can tell stories about belonging, responsibility, and our relationship with the Earth. Guest: Eugene Tapahe, artist, photographer, creator of “Art Heals: The Jingle Dress Project” and “Kéyah, Our Home.” Link to Season 5 Printable: https://www.byuradio.org/blog-post/cc199ea1-396c-4dc1-93ea-48fe6197bccf

Author and naturalist Sy Montgomery believes animals have important lessons to teach us, if we take the time to listen. Learn how dogs, birds, and even tigers have shaped her understanding of curiosity, courage, and our connection to the natural world. Guest: Sy Montgomery, award-winning author and naturalist Link to Season 5 Printable: https://www.byuradio.org/cc199ea1-396c-4dc1-93ea-48fe6197bccf

Tom Kerss studies the aurora borealis—the glowing northern lights that ripple across the night sky in brilliant colors. Learn what causes this magical light show, how humans have thought about the lights over the centuries, and why these dancing lights connect Earth to the sun. Guest: Tom Kerss, Astronomer, founder of Stargazing London, author of "The Northern Lights: The Definitive Guide to Auroras" Link to Aurora Pictures: https://guidetoiceland.is/the-northern-lights/22-photos-of-the-aurora-in-iceland

A cello might seem like an unusual place for a beehive, but for Martin and Deirdre Bencsik, it was a beautiful experiment. By carefully placing bees inside a cello, a bee sound researcher and a classical musician discovered what happens when music, listening, and the natural world come together. Guests: Martin Benscik, sound researcher, and Deirdre Benscik, cellist

After sharing her experiences with powerful leopard seals in a previous Winter Wonders episode, field biologist Naira de Gracia returns to take us even deeper into life on Antarctica’s icy coast—this time with the lively and adorable fur seals. In this mini-episode, Naira describes what it’s like to work around these energetic animals, how scientists learn more about fur seals, and the wonder she experiences with these special creatures. Guest: Naira de Gracia, field biologist and Antarctic researcher

While kayaking through the remote Arctic, explorer and author Jon Waterman had an unforgettable—and unexpected—meeting with a wild polar bear. In this Winter Wonders mini-episode, Jon shares the heart-pounding moment, what he learned about these powerful predators, and how the experience shaped his understanding of the rapidly changing Arctic. Guest: Jon Waterman, author of Into the Thaw: Witnessing Wonder Amid the Arctic Climate Crisis

Field biologist Naira de Gracia has spent seasons working in Antarctica’s icy world, where penguins rule the shoreline. In this Winter Wonders mini-episode, she shares her close-up encounters with these hardy, hilarious birds and what she learned in the coldest place on Earth. Guest: Naira de Gracia, field biologist and Antarctic researcher

Arctic explorer Jon Waterman has spent years traveling through some of the coldest, wildest landscapes on Earth—places where wolves still roam free. In this Winter Wonders mini-episode, he shares his surprising encounters with these intelligent animals and their life in the true North. Guest: Jon Waterman, author of "Into the Thaw: Witnessing Wonder Amid the Arctic Climate Crisis"

While working as a field biologist in Antarctica, Naira de Gracia sometimes crossed paths with one of the continent’s most impressive animals—the leopard seal. In this Winter Wonders mini-episode, hear her stories of unexpected close encounters and life in the frozen south. Guest: Naira de Gracia, field biologist and author of "The Last Cold Place: a Field Season Studying Penguins in Antarctica"

Wilson Bentley loved snowflakes so much that he spent his life trying to understand them—catching them gently and photographing their beautiful, intricate shapes. Discover how his curiosity and patience helped the world see snowflakes in a whole new way. Guest: Wayne Howe, President of the Jericho, Vermont Historical Association

Biologist and author David Haskell listens closely to the sounds of nature—from bugs chewing leaves to wind singing through trees. Discover how tuning in to nature’s music helps us understand and connect with the world around us. Guest: David Haskell, Biologist and Author of Sounds Wild and Broken Link to Season 4 Printable: https://www.byuradio.org/c8fae09b-f976-4649-b45f-418575c09804

When a young orca named Springer was found alone and far from her family, veterinarians, whale experts, and volunteers worked together to help her heal. With care, teamwork, and a little luck, Springer found her way back home to her ocean family! Guest: Donna Sandstrom, Founder and Executive Director of The Whale Trail Link to Season 4 Printable: https://www.byuradio.org/c8fae09b-f976-4649-b45f-418575c09804

Biologist and author Thor Hanson loves to explore the outdoors—and he says the best discoveries happen when you slow down and really look. Learn how paying attention to the small wonders around you can make any walk an adventure! Guest: Thor Hanson, Biologist and Author Link to Season 4 Printable: https://www.byuradio.org/c8fae09b-f976-4649-b45f-418575c09804

When giant panda Qian Qian needed help, conservation biologist Jake Owens was there—first as her teacher, then as her rescuer, and always as her friend. Discover how their special bond helped Qian Qian heal and thrive. Guest: Jake Owens, Conservation Biologist and Director of Conservation at the Los Angeles Zoo Link to Season 4 Printable: https://www.byuradio.org/c8fae09b-f976-4649-b45f-418575c09804

We use our sense of sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch to understand the world and animals do, too! Jackie Higgins explains how even though our bodies are different, humans and animals have more in common than you might think. Guest: Jackie Higgins, author of "Sentient: How Animals Illuminate the Wonder of Our Human Senses" Link to Season 4 Printable: https://www.byuradio.org/c8fae09b-f976-4649-b45f-418575c09804

You might think you know about life on earth, but scientist Karen Lloyd knows where to find tiny microbes that are anything but ordinary. Meet the microbes who live in the extremes! Guest: Karen G. Lloyd, Wrigley Chair in Environmental Sciences, Professor of Marine and Environmental Sciences at the University of Southern California Link to Season 4 Printable: https://www.byuradio.org/c8fae09b-f976-4649-b45f-418575c09804

Undetectable to human ears, infrasound can teach us more about how elephants communicate and when volcanoes erupt. Join scientists Jeffrey Johnson and Caitlin O’Connell-Rodwell to learn more about infrasound. Guests: Caitlin O’Connell-Rodwell, instructor at Harvard Medical School, elephant expert, and founder and CEO of Utopia Scientific Jeffrey Johnson, associate professor of Geoscience at Boise State University

Curlews used to be a beloved part of the English landscape, but in the past century, these fascinating birds have been disappearing. Conservationist Mary Colwell decided to walk 500 miles to raise awareness for the birds she loves. Guest: Mary Colwell, Director of Curlew Action, conservationist, author of “Curlew Moon”

This Egyptian cat statuette is here to set the record straight. Yes, she’s a little bit of a diva, but don’t all cats deserve to be worshiped? No, she’s not really the goddess Bastet, just an offering to her, thank you very much. And no, she’s certainly no phony! Hear about the role of cats in ancient Egypt and how this statuette proved her age, with a little help from some conservation scientists. For a listening guide, a coloring sheet, images, and more, visit https://www.getty.edu/podcasts/if-objects-could-talk/ready-for-my-closeup-meow/

Over 100 years ago, explorer Ernest Shackleton’s ship The Endurance sank to the bottom of the sea. Join archaeologist Mensun Bound to hear about how he set sail to find the lost Endurance. Guest: Mensun Bound, archaeologist and Director of Exploration on the 2019 and 2022 expeditions to locate Shackleton’s Endurance

Can plants fight off infections? Ethnobotanist Cassandra quave takes us into the rainforest to discover amazing plants and how they can help take care of human bodies. Guest: Cassandra Quave, author of “The Plant Hunter: A Scientist’s Quest for Nature’s Next Medicines” and Associate Professor of Dermatology and Human Health at Emory School of Medicine

As a vet on faraway islands, Joe Hollins is used to an element of adventure when caring for animals. Whether he’s helping a herd of skittish reindeer or caring for a tortoise born in the 1800s, Joe knows that humans can make a difference when helping animals. Guest: Jonathan Hollins, author of “Vet at the Edge of the Earth: Adventures with Animals in the South Atlantic”

Sy Montgomery shares her most recent group of animal friends- a flock of chickens! Learn about how chickens think and behave and what we can do to experience wonder through our animal neighbors.

A bee brain might be tiny, but Dr. Lars Chittka knows there’s a lot more to these buzzing pollinators than meets the eye. Learn how bees can solve problems, play with toys, and even feel emotions! Guest: Lars Chittka, professor of Sensory and Behavioral Ecology at Queen Mary University of London and author of “The Mind of a Bee”

When Paula Whyman first started working on the land in her backyard, she had no idea how to turn it into a healthy ecosystem! With lots of help and hard work, Paula is now growing into the title of "naturalist"- and you can, too! Guest: Paula Whyman, author of “Bad Naturalist: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop"

Eric Pittman loves taking pictures of the hummingbirds in his backyard. Over the years, he’s become a citizen scientist, documenting hummingbird societies up close and learning more about these amazing little birds. Guest: Eric Pittman, Hummingbirds Up Close Photo credit: Eric Pittman Hummingbird audio courtesy of Eric Pittman HUMMINGBIRD VIDEO HERE: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJXdtoJzsjb/?igsh=NTcxY3FhZGVwdHlm

In 1938, the raging rapids of the Colorado River were untamed and the plants that grew there were unknown. Two botanists, Alzada Clover and Lois Jotter, set out to document the plants and in doing so became the first known women to raft the Colorado River. Guest: Melissa Sevigny, author of “Brave the Wild River: The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyon.” PRINT YOUR COLORING PAGE HERE: https://bit.ly/cwk_adventure You can send pictures of your art to [email protected]!

In the animal kingdom, creatures big and small fight to get what they need to survive. Join us as Lee Dugatkin, an expert on animal interactions, explains how different species battle it out in the wild. Guest: Lee Dugatkin, professor of biology at the University of Louisville and author of “Power in the Wild: The Subtle and Not-So-Subtle Ways Animals Strive for Control over Others” PRINT YOUR COLORING PAGE HERE: https://bit.ly/cwk_adventure You can send pictures of your art to [email protected]!

As a NASA astronaut, Nicole Stott has been a crewmate on two different missions to the International Space Station. It was in space that she realized that we are all crewmates- crewmates on Spaceship Earth! Guest: Nicole Stott, retired NASA astronaut; author of “Back to Earth: What Life in Space Taught Me About Our Home Planet- And Our Mission to Protect It”; Founding Director of the Space for Art Program PRINT YOUR COLORING PAGE HERE: https://bit.ly/cwk_adventure You can send pictures of your art to [email protected]!

Leigh Ann Henion knows that when the sun goes down, nocturnal creatures come out to enjoy the nighttime world. Salamanders, fireflies, moths, and moon gardens are all part of this night magic! PRINT YOUR COLORING PAGE HERE: https://bit.ly/cwk_adventure You can send pictures of your art to [email protected]!

Zandile Ndhlovu didn’t grow up spending time in the ocean, but once she gave it a try, she never wanted to stop! Now she’s a free diving instructor, dedicated to helping her community become more comfortable in the underwater world. PRINT YOUR COLORING PAGE HERE: https://bit.ly/cwk_adventure You can send pictures of your art to [email protected]!

As a National Geographic explorer, Alastair Humphreys has gone on adventures all over the world. For a year, he gave himself a new quest—experience adventure and wonder, without leaving his town’s map. Guest: Alastair Humphreys, National Geographic Explorer and author of "Local: A Search for Nearby Nature and Wildness" PRINT YOUR COLORING PAGE HERE: https://bit.ly/cwk_adventure You can send pictures of your art to [email protected]!

Sasha Reed studies a community in that natural world that you’ve probably never heard of before- biocrust. Made up of lichen, algae, moss, and bacteria, this funky world beneath your feet is full of wonder! PRINT YOUR COLORING PAGE HERE: https://bit.ly/cwk_adventure You can send pictures of your art to [email protected]!

Chloe Dalton was used to living in the big, busy city, but when she relocated to a small town in Northern England, her new neighbors drew her attention to the outdoors. Discover the wonder of wild hares! Guest: Chloe Dalton, author of “Raising Hare: A Memoir” PRINT YOUR COLORING PAGE HERE: https://bit.ly/cwk_adventure You can send pictures of your art to [email protected]!