Tree Speech

What does it mean to return to the earth?In this episode, Jonathan speaks with willow weaver Mary Lauren Fraser about her work crafting biodegradable caskets designed to decompose naturally. Their conversation explores the growing green burial movement, the environmental impact of traditional practices, and how reconnecting with natural cycles can reshape the way we think about death. This episode offers a thoughtful look at death as a process of return rather than preservation.Links:Mary Lauren Fraser: ⁠https://www.fraserbaskets.com/⁠Green Burial Council: https://www.greenburialcouncil.orgFunerary Artisans Collective: https://www.funeraryartisanscollective.comNational Home Funeral Alliance: https://www.homefuneralalliance.orgNEDA (End-of-Life Doulas): https://www.nedalliance.orgThis week’s episode was written and recorded in New York on the land of the Lenape tribes and in Massachusetts on the native lands of the ⁠Wabanaki Confederacy⁠, ⁠Pennacook⁠, ⁠Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett)⁠, and ⁠Pawtucket⁠ people.This episode was written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner and Dori Robinson.To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. 

In this season of Valentine's Day, we often focus on romantic love — but what if intimacy could extend beyond human-to-human relationships?In this episode of Tree Speech, we explore a radical and tender idea of connection through Arborlogues: A Botanical Recital Performed for One Tree.Created by lead artist Dan Daly and writer Lee LeBreton, Arborlogues invites participants into a red-curtained theater built around a chosen tree. Guided by a script, you become both performer and conversational partner with your arboreal audience. The result? A deeply personal encounter with presence, memory, ecology, and love.This episode also honors the work of Joanna Macy, whose environmental activism and work inspire the piece’s invitation to transform grief into belonging and active hope.The episode closes with a guided reflective exercise that invites listeners to write a love letter to a tree — an act of relational love rooted in gratitude, accountability, and care.This week’s episode was written and recorded in New York on the land of the Lenape tribes.This episode was written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner with Dori Robinson.To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. 

The winter solstice is a threshold — the longest night of the year, holding both stillness and promise. In this special 50th episode of Tree Speech, we linger in that in-between space where darkness is not something to fear, but a place of listening, wonder, and quiet presence.We begin in the solstice hush, where forests shimmer with unseen life and ancient stories gather close. From there, we travel to Iceland through myth, landscape, and lived experience, speaking with author Nancy Marie Brown about her book Looking for the Hidden Folk: How Iceland’s Elves Can Save the Earth. Together, we explore what it means to treat land as alive and attentive — and how belief in the hidden folk is less about superstition than about perception, reverence, and care.This is an episode about paying attention, honoring mystery, and remembering that even in darkness, the world is alive — and the light is already on its way back.Happy Solstice! May your candles burn bright, your windows glow with welcome, and the unseen feel close. This week’s episode was written and recorded in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the ⁠Wabanaki Confederacy⁠, ⁠Pennacook⁠, ⁠Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett)⁠, and ⁠Pawtucket⁠ peopleThis episode was written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner and Dori Robinson.To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Every kind word helps. 

In this episode, our guest Elspeth Hay, author of Feed Us with Trees, creator of The Local Food Report, and passionate proponent of place-based living, takes us on a fascinating exploration of acorns as a superfood with profound historical roots.Our conversation also delves into the wisdom of wooded ecosystems and the vital concept of viewing these landscapes as food-producing allies. These insights invite us to imagine a future where humans and nature thrive together, fostering a reciprocal relationship with our environment that respects historical realities while embracing the beauty of nature’s bounty.This interview and Elspeth's book are a call to reconnect with the abundance around us, urging a transformation in our approach to food and sustainability, as we embrace the natural world’s generosity.This week’s episode was recorded and produced in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), Nauset, and Pawtucket, and in Wisconsin on the lands of the Ho-chunk, Patawatomi and Menomonee  people.Find us on Instagram @treespeechpodcast or treespeechpodcast.com. This is also where you can find our show notes and learn more about our featured trees.And thank you for joining tree speech today.

What if trees could whisper secrets of the past? Join us as we venture into the eerie realm of haunted trees and ghostly tales in our special episode of spooky trees. As the season of Samhain approaches and the veil between the living and the dead grows thin, we share chilling stories from Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn to the Mabira Forest of Uganda to Salem, Massachusetts.Join our guest storytellers Allison Meier, Emerald Forcier, Cheryl Mullings and Charles Linshaw around the fire as we share these macabre tales and embrace the spirit of the season. Listen now, if you dare...This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, as well as in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes, and in Wisconsin on the lands of the Ho-chunk, Potawatomi and Menomonee people, and in Maine on the lands of the Pernobscott tribes. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Dori Robinson and Jonathan Zautner.Learn more about the podcast at: www.treespeechpodcast.com, and IG: treespeechpodcast

Join us as we embrace the magic of the autumnal equinox, celebrating September's unique duality through the power of poetry and rituals. Drawing inspiration from the evocative work of Alix Klingenberg, we explore how this transitional time invites us to balance urgency with ease and preparation with presence. Through traditions and the wonders of the season, we honor change and navigate our paths toward peace.Throughout the episode we highlight Alix Klingenberg's "Quietly Wild," a poetic exploration resonating with nature's cycles and the themes of ecology and social justice. This episode is a heartfelt celebration of change, growth, and the interconnectedness of earth and self.This week’s episode was written and recorded in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket peopleThis episode was written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner and Dori Robinson.To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Every kind word helps. 

What if transforming into a tree was not a punishment but a conscious, enriching choice? Join us as we explore this intriguing concept with our guest, Sumana Roy, author of "How I Became a Tree." Sumana shares her personal journey towards identifying with trees, driven by a longing to escape the emotional turbulence of human existence. Through our conversation, we uncover the profound philosophical and emotional connections humans can form with the natural world and challenge the notion of transformation by finding peace and meaning in adopting a tree-like existence.This week’s episode was written and recorded in New York on the land of the Lenape tribes.This episode was written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Every kind word helps. 

Join us on a captivating journey into the world of trees and the profound connection we share with them, as we welcome Marguerite Holloway, author of "Take to the Trees," to our podcast. Marguerite's journey from a tree-climbing novice to a passionate canopy explorer is an inspiring tale of adventure, resilience, and personal transformation. Listen in as we explore her motivations behind writing a book that blends science, memoir, and adventure, offering a vivid portrayal of the beauty and challenges faced by our forests. Her insights, enriched by personal reflections on loss and resilience, provide a compelling narrative on the intricate bond between humans and nature.This week’s episode was written and recorded in New York on the land of the Lenape tribes.This episode was written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. 

In this episode, we trace the deep roots of New York City’s natural and cultural history—from the legendary 1626 exchange between the Lenape people and Dutch settlers to the enduring presence of iconic trees today. Along the way, we uncover how nature has shaped the city’s identity, from the elegant American elms of Central Park to symbolic landmarks like Harlem’s Tree of Hope and the Survivor Tree at the 9/11 Memorial.We’re also joined by Mayank Mardiya of Mulch, who shares how rewilding efforts and community gardening initiatives are transforming neglected urban spaces into vibrant green sanctuaries. Together, we explore how small acts of collective care can reconnect us to nature—and to each other—right in the heart of The Big Apple.This week’s episode was written and recorded in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes.This episode was written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. 

Actor, naturalist, and tree enthusiast Tobin Mitnick (@jewslovetrees) joins us this week for a delightfully rooted conversation about what it means to really see a tree.Best known for his hilarious and heartfelt social media content blending botany and comedy, Tobin has become an unexpected ambassador for curiosity, joy, and ecological attention. In this episode, we explore how he invites people to get up close and granular with trees — to allow each wild and wonderful tree to help you “chase all your cares away.” We talk about his book Must Love Trees: An Unconventional Guide, his journey from actor to unexpected arborist, and how humor can be a profound tool for connection — to each other and to the natural world. Tobin reminds us that the impulse to learn and the instinct to laugh are deeply intertwined, and that awe doesn’t have to be solemn. Sometimes reverence looks like walking through your neighborhood, naming the trees, and assigning them irreverent personalities! Together we reflect on Jewish identity, stewardship, and finding spiritual and comic resonance in nature. It’s a conversation full of wonder, wit, and the grounding reminder that every tree has a story — and some of them are funny.This week’s episode was written and recorded on the native lands of the Chumash, Tongva (Gabrieleno), Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), Pawtucket people, and Lenapee tribes. This episode was produced by Jonathan Zautner, and co-written & co-edited by Jonathan Zautner and Dori RobinsonMore about Tobin Mitnick can be found at www.tobin-mitnick.com, and Must Love Trees. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — every contribution supports our production, and we offer gifts of gratitude to patrons at every level. If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or share it with a friend. Every kind word helps this forest grow.

Join us on Tree Speech as we uncover the remarkable legacy of Lizzie McDuffie — a pivotal yet often overlooked figure in American history.In this episode, we're joined by author ⁠Shara Moon⁠ to discuss her powerful novel Let Us March On, inspired by the life and activism of McDuffie. As a maid in FDR’s White House, Lizzie McDuffie was more than a witness to history — she was a catalyst for it, quietly championing civil rights from within the halls of power.Together, we explore how McDuffie’s quiet courage and tireless advocacy planted the seeds of change that would grow for generations. Shara’s insights bring depth and humanity to this unsung heroine’s story — where activism, justice, and resilience intertwine to shape a legacy that still resonates today.Listen in as we explore the themes of nature, patience, and political action, highlighted in Shara's novel. This conversation uncovers the historical threads of activism, justice, and the enduring wisdom of trees, offering insights into our present moment.As we honor Lizzie McDuffie's bravery and resilience, we invite you to reflect on her enduring impact and the lessons her legacy imparts. Join Dori Robinson for a special guided meditation to nurture the seeds of potential within us. Through the metaphor of cherry blossoms, we are reminded of the tenacity required for growth and renewal.This week’s episode was written and recorded in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes and in Florida on the land of the Mascogo Tribe.This episode was written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. 

Join us on a captivating journey to Broadway as we explore the enchanting world of "⁠Redwood⁠", a new musical that intertwines theater with the timeless majesty of redwood trees. This episode takes you behind the scenes of this extraordinary production, starring the remarkable Idina Menzel and a redwood tree named Stella. Joining us is Emmy Award-winning scenic designer Jason Ardizzone-West, who shares his journey from architecture to creating breathtaking theatrical environments. Jason’s innovative designs transform Stella into a living symbol of resilience and the nurturing power of nature, making her an essential character in this poignant storytelling experience.Discover how "Redwood" beautifully weaves together themes of connection, healing, and the intrinsic bond between humans and nature. Jason discusses his creative process and the artistic challenges faced in bringing the visual world of "Redwood" to life. Envisioning the stage as a canvas for protagonist Jesse's emotional journey, the set design invites audiences into a realm where the roots of history and ancestry intertwine with the narrative. The inclusion of Tikkun Olam adds depth, emphasizing the call to mending the world through small acts of hope and renewal.Reflect on the wisdom whispered by the redwoods and the strength found in their unseen roots that ground us all. This episode explores how the metaphor of the trees amplifies the story’s core themes, encouraging listeners to embrace resilience and the interconnectedness of life. With heartfelt gratitude to Jason Ardizzone-West for his artistry, we are reminded of the profound impact that thoughtful design and storytelling can have on our lives, enriching our understanding of nature and ourselves. Tune in for an immersive journey of wonder, beauty, and inspiration that promises to linger long after the final curtain call.Jason Ardizzone-West is an Emmy Award-winning stage designer based in New York whose work spans theater, concerts, dance, film, and architecture. From intimate black-box theaters to massive stadium arenas, he creates embracing environments that transform storytelling into shared, deeply human experiences. Originally trained as an architect, Jason brings an innate understanding of space, light, and time to his designs, crafting visual narratives that bridge the physical and emotional landscapes of performance. most recently, he designed the Broadway musical Redwood, which Jesse Green of The New York Times described as “among the most beautiful and wondrous theatrical creations I can recall.” Jason has collaborated with visionary theater-makers such as Tina Landau, Richard Nelson, Es Devlin, Pam Mackinnon, Mira Nair, David Leveaux, Sheryl Kaller, Susan Stroman, and more. his work also extends to global superstars, including Lady Gaga, Lana del Rey, The Weeknd, Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Idina Menzel, Hikaru Utada, Usher, Phish, Pentatonix, and Florence + The Machine.His achievements include an Emmy Award for Jesus Christ Superstar Live (nbc) and multiple nominations for his innovative contributions to theater and live performance. His designs have appeared in renowned institutions such as The Public Theater, The Atlantic Theater company, American Conservatory Theater, The Apollo, La Jolla Playhouse, Berkeley Rep, The Huntington, and St. Ann’s Warehouse, among many others.This week’s episode was written and recorded in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. This episode was written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. 

What if you could rediscover your roots and connect with the wisdom of your ancestors to find peace amidst the chaos of modern life? Emmy-nominated TV host, author, and storyteller Robyn Moreno joins us to explore this intriguing question. Robyn shares insights from her transformative book, "Get Rooted," which chronicles her personal journey of healing and self-discovery. Her story reveals the power of listening to subtle signals from within and reconnecting with nature and ancestral wisdom to navigate life's challenges more gracefully.Through Robyn's heartfelt sharing, we uncover the importance of patience, self-forgiveness, and gentle care in the healing process. Her reflections on processing grief, understanding family dynamics, and confronting generational trauma offer a profound reminder that healing is a gradual, ongoing journey. Robyn's concept of "re-watering" the seeds of ancestral wisdom encourages us to embrace both the light and shadows within our heritage, ultimately leading to a deeper connection with ourselves and our community.Our conversation also touches on the transformative role of community, nature, and ritual in personal growth, reminding us of the profound interconnectedness of life. Robyn highlights the significance of building a personal "medicine bag" of resources, emphasizing practical and accessible healing practices. We find inspiration in her journey and the words of poets like Adrienne Rich, who illustrate the importance of acknowledging beauty and nature amid global challenges. Join us as we draw strength from these insights and embrace our quest for a more rooted and joyful existence.Robyn Moreno is an Emmy-nominated TV host, former Editor-In-Chief and Co-President of Latina Media Ventures, podcast host, and celebrated author and storyteller devoted to helping others reconnect with their roots and reclaim their joy. She has been a guest on the Today show, Good Morning America, and many others, sharing her expertise on culture, wellness, and personal empowerment and has written 4 books, including the one we discuss today entitled: Get Rooted: Reclaim Your Soul, Serenity, and Sisterhood Through the Healing Medicine of the Grandmothers. After years in the fast-paced world of media, Robyn pivoted toward a life of a different purpose, healing, and ancestral connection, inspiring others to live authentically and unapologetically. In her book Get Rooted, Robyn shares a deeply personal journey of healing and self-discovery. The book follows her 260-day path toward healing that begins after events in her life lead her to a total breakdown.Find Robyn at robynmoreno.com.This week’s episode was written and recorded in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. Tree Speech is co-written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner and we thank ⁠⁠Alight Theatre Guild⁠⁠ for their support. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. 

In honor of Valentine's Day, this episode is full of love! We are excited to celebrate the holiday by examining the 5 Love Languages and how they apply to trees. Dori Robinson also leads a meditation around love and the Jewish New Year of Trees, Tu B'Shevat, which also occurs this week.Click here for more information on the Melbourne Urban Forest Visual with information.Click here for examples of letters sent to the trees in Melbourne.Find information about the Park Avenue Armory's Wish Tree Installation hereThis week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, and in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. Tree Speech is co-written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner and we thank ⁠⁠Alight Theatre Guild⁠⁠ for their support. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. 

Happy New Year! We are starting the year fresh with a wintry labyrinth walk to commemorate this season of light. Along the way, we will examine the history and traditions of this Yuletide, shedding 2024 behind us and looking ahead to 2025. With every turn within the labyrinth, we discuss various winter traditions – including the 12 days of Christmas and Yule. We end with a meditation focused on light and the birch tree, so that we enter the new year ready for all that awaits!This week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, and in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. Tree Speech is co-written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner and we thank ⁠Alight Theatre Guild⁠ for their support. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. 

It’s Giving Tree Week! Listen to our highly-anticipated episode focused on the nostalgic and controversial Shel Silverstein book, THE GIVING TREE, which has been questioned by many since its premiere 60 years ago. In this episode, we share a brand new audio narrative written by playwright, actor, and advocate Jamie Roach, who felt compelled to examine, explore, and celebrate the classic book by continuing the story where the original leaves off. Join us to listen to this beautiful, thought-provoking, and new story! The actors include Laurine Towler and Richard Brundage with Jamie Roach as Narrator. Music, Sound Design and Editing by Jonathan Zautner. Robin Wall Kimmerer essay link: "Returning the Gift". This week’s episode was recorded and produced in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket, and in Wisconsin on the lands of the Ho-Chunk, Potawatomi and Menomonee  people. Tree Speech is produced by Alight Theater, and produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner who is also the sound editor and designer for this episode. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. 

Today’s guest, John Philip Newell, is an internationally acclaimed teacher, speaker, and author of several books, including Sacred Earth Sacred Soul, and his latest book entitled The Great Search, which examines the lives of several prophetic figures whose work and lives showed that to live in relation to what is deepest in us is to live in relation to the ground from which we and all things have come.John Philip Newell is a Celtic teacher and author of spirituality who calls the modern world to reawaken to the sacredness of Earth and every human being.In 2016 Newell began the Earth & Soul initiative and teaches regularly in the United States and Canada as well as leading international pilgrimage weeks on Iona in the Western Isles of Scotland.His PhD is from the University of Edinburgh and he has authored over fifteen books, including his award-winning publication, Sacred Earth Sacred Soul, which was the 2022 Gold Winner of the Nautilus Book Award for Spirituality and Religious Thought of the West. His new book, also with HarperOne (and published in the UK by Wild Goose), is The Great Search (August 2024), in which he looks at the great spiritual yearnings of humanity today in the context of the decline of religion as we have known it.Newell speaks of himself as ‘a wandering teacher’ following the ancient path of many lone teachers before him in the Celtic world, ‘wandering Scots’ (or scotus vagans as they were called) seeking the wellbeing of the world. He has been described as having ‘the heart of a Celtic bard and the mind of a Celtic scholar’, combining in his teachings the poetic and the intellectual, the head as well as the heart, and spiritual awareness as well as political and ecological concern. His writings have been translated into seven languages. In 2020 he relinquished his ordination as a minister of the Church of Scotland as no longer reflecting the heart of his belief in the sacredness of Earth and every human being. He continues, however, to see himself as ‘a grateful son of the Christian household’ seeking to be in relationship with the wisdom of humanity’s other great spiritual traditions.To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. 

Gather round the campfire for a very special, supernatural episode. We have spooky, mysterious tree tales from around the world to get you into the halloween spirit! Listen now, if you dare! Special thanks to Cheryl Mullings, Charles Linshaw, Corey Roberts, and Emerald Forcier for joining our episode today. Learn more about Cheryl at https://cherylmullings.workbooklive.com/, Charles at: https://www.charleslinshaw.com, Corey at https://coreymroberts.weebly.com, and Emerald at https://www.penobscotbayestate.com. This week’s episode was recorded and produced in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket, in Wisconsin on the lands of the Ho-chunk, Potawatomi, and Menominee people, and in Maine on the lands of the Pernobscott tribes. Tree Speech is produced, co-written and edited by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. Learn more about the podcast at: www.treespeechpodcast.com, and IG: treespeechpodcast

This June, to celebrate Pride, we are excited to discuss the queerness of trees and nature, and how queer ecology contains the solutions to reversing climate change and living in harmony with our natural environments. We have an inspiring interview with walking artist and pedestrian dignity advocate, artist and author Jonathon Stalls, and we’ll examine the history of the first gay liberationist environmentalist group and how trees were the reason the group was formed.This week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, and in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes, and Denver on the traditional territory of the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Peoples. Tree Speech is co-written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner and we thank Alight Theatre Guild for their support. Jonathon Stalls (he/his🏳️‍🌈) is a Multidisciplinary Walking Artist, who, in 2010, spent 242 days walking across the U.S. and continues to move alongside a wide variety of people and landscapes for days, weeks, or months at a time. His first book, WALK - Slow Down, Wake Up & Connect at 1-3 Miles Per Hour (North Atlantic Books) was released in August of 2022 and is available nearly everywhere books (+ audiobooks) are sold. ​He also started/co-created Walk2Connect (now a program of America Walks) in 2012, the Pedestrian Dignity project in 2016, and attended the Living School for Action and Contemplation from 2015-2017. He resides in Denver, CO with his husband, Ben.Jonathon Stall's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intrinsicpathsIntrinsic Paths website: https://www.intrinsicpaths.com/To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠ and consider supporting us through our ⁠Patreon⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. 

Welcome back, Tree Speechers! We’re thrilled to begin Season 5 with a new conversation in a clearing, as we continue to find new understandings to the tangled relationships we have with the natural world in which we inhabit. Could a row of trees really symbolize racial segregation and environmental racism? Join us as we unravel the contentious story of the Tamarisk trees in Palm Springs, California, with documentary directors Mina T Sun and Sarah Newins. This episode takes a critical look at the intersection of race, class, and urban development in the historically Black neighborhood of Crosley Tract, where these trees have come to represent systemic barriers. Inspired by a 2017 article, Mina and Sarah's powerful film "Racist Trees" exposes the deep-rooted issues plaguing this community and questions why it took a white activist to shine a light on their plight. Through our discussion, we aim to highlight the documentary's impact and its surprising global resonance.We also delve into the broader societal implications that go beyond Palm Springs. The film's journey, from its premiere in Amsterdam to its reception at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, demonstrates the universal relevance of these hidden stories. A critical perspective on the city's history, sparked debates fueled by media figures, and involvement from city council members are all examined. The metaphor of the trees challenges perceptions and encourages a new awareness of environmental and racial issues. Join us for a compelling conversation with Mina and Sarah as they share their insights and the importance of amplifying community voices.Racist Trees is streaming for free on Pbs.org and the PBS app through April 20th, 2024, and will be available on PBS Passport after that date. We highly recommend that you check it out and would love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] with your thoughts.We are so thankful to our guest Sara Newens and Mina T. Son for joining us today.Sara Newens is an award-winning filmmaker and editor based in LA who has received Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her work on Pretty Baby: Brook Shields and Allen v. Farrow and served as editor and writer for the documentary, On the Record. Mina T. Son is a Korean-American filmmaker based in LA whose films have screened at film festivals and museums, including the National Gallery of Art, Margaret Mead, Traverse City and Cinequest. With Sara, she has directed Top Spin, streamed on Netflix, and Racist Trees through their company, Wild Pair Films, and is in post-production on a longitudinal documentary about Japan’s 2011 tsunami. This week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, and in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes, as well as in         San Francisco on the lands of the Ohlone, Ramaytush, and Muwekma tribes, and Maryland on the Piscataway people. Tree Speech is co-written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner and we thank Alight Theatre Guild for their support. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit treespeechpodcast.com and consider supporting us through our Patreon - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. 

In honor of the recent Winter Solstice and this holiday season, we are re-releasing our episode Let the Light In. Celebrate this moment of transition with a walk in the woods as we share stories of solstice celebration’s from around the world. From old legends to new traditions, join us as we explore how, even during these darker months, we can find ways to let light into our lives. New episodes forthcoming in 2024! In this episode, we share several folk tales about the season, rituals old and new, and an interview with Jonathan Mearns of London Christmas Tree Rental, who offers an environmentally sustainable tree option to celebrate the lights of Yule. This week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, and in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. Tree Speech is co-written and produced by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit treespeechpodcast.com. We’re thrilled to be able to offer interviews, creative insights, and stories about the natural world we live in, and the trees who guide our way. Please also consider supporting us through our Patreon  - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude including an invitation to Tree House, our new virtual community for patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word to tree loving folks, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps.

Happy Halloween! We are busy working on future episodes to be released soon, but couldn't let this magical time of year pass without a frightful celebration! As the full moon rises, we gather around the campfire for a replay of our special Spooky Trees episode! Join us for supernatural, mysterious, and unexpected tree tales from around the world to get you into the Samhain spirit. Special thanks to actor, educator, actor Peril - I mean, Cheryl Mullings, and dialect coach Charles Linshaw for joining our episode today. Learn more about Cheryl at https://cherylmullings.workbooklive.com/ and Charles at: https://www.charleslinshaw.com. This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, as well as in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. To learn more about Tree Speech, please visit treespeechpodcast.com. We’re thrilled to be able to offer interviews, creative insights, and stories about the natural world we live in, and the trees who guide our way. Please consider supporting us through our Patreon - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude including an invitation to Tree House, our new virtual community for patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word to tree loving folks, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. Visit us also on instagram @ treespeechpodcast.

To commemorate the anniversary of Sept. 11, we share this replay of our episode that featured the 9/11 Survivor Tree, a Callery Pear tree found during the excavation of Ground Zero in NYC. Our guest, Ron Vega, shares his insightful and touching story of how he championed and helped nurture the tree from a wounded, burned stump to the powerful sign of hope and survival that it represents today. Learn more about the podcast at: ⁠⁠www.treespeechpodcast.com⁠⁠, and IG: ⁠⁠treespeechpodcast⁠ Additional resources: 9/11 Memorial Survivor Tree: ⁠https://www.911memorial.org/visit/memorial/survivor-tree⁠ Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum Survivor Tree: ⁠https://memorialmuseum.com/experience/the-survivor-tree/⁠ Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial: ⁠https://www.wisconsin911memorial.com⁠ Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens: ⁠http://www.bartlettarboretum.org⁠ Special thanks to Ron Vega for sharing his time and inspiration. Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s ⁠Educational Theatre⁠ program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at ⁠https://www.dorirobinson.com⁠ This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the ⁠Wabanaki Confederacy⁠, ⁠Pennacook⁠, ⁠Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett)⁠, and ⁠Pawtucket⁠ people, as well as in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. Special thanks to the ⁠Western Avenue Lofts and Studios⁠ for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. The mission of the guild is to advance compelling theatrical endeavors that showcase the diversity of our ever-changing world in order to build strong artists whose work creates empathy, challenges the status quo and unites communities. For more information about our work and programs, please visit ⁠www.alightheater.org⁠.

We at Tree Speech are incredibly grateful to Stephanie Kaza and our mothers, Miriam Robinson, Anne-Marie Roach and Jackie Vandenberg for joining us today. Dr. Stephanie Kaza is Professor Emerita of Environmental Studies at the University of Vermont and former Director of the UVM Environmental Program. She co-founded the Environmental Council at UVM and served as faculty director for the Sustainability Faculty Fellows program. In 2011 Dr. Kaza received the UVM George V. Kidder Outstanding Faculty Award for excellence in teaching. Kaza received a prestigious Religion and Science course award from the Templeton Foundation for her course on Buddhism and Ecology. She lectures widely on topics of Buddhism and the environment. Kaza is a long-time practitioner of Soto Zen Buddhism, with training at Green Gulch Zen Center, California, and further study with Thich Nhat Hanh, Joanna Macy, and John Daido Loori.  She was lay ordained by Kobun Chino Ottogawa in the late 1980s and applied her understanding of Buddhism as a member of the International Christian-Buddhist Theological Encounter group.⁠ ⁠She is the author of the books A WILD LOVE FOR THE WORLD, GREEN BUDDHISM: PRACTICE AND COMPASSIONATE ACTON IN UNCERTAIN TIMES, CONVERSATIONS WITH TREES, MINDFULLY GREEN: A PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL GUIDE TO WHOLE EARTH THINKING, and others.  Also much gratitude and endless love to our mothers, Miriam Robinson, Anne-Marie Roach and Jackie Vandenberg for sharing their tree stories, and for everything.  To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit ⁠treespeechpodcast.com⁠. We’re thrilled to be able to offer interviews, creative insights, and stories about the natural world we live in, and the trees who guide our way. ⁠Please also consider supporting us through our Patreon⁠ - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude including an invitation to Tree House, our new virtual community for patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word to tree loving folks, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. See you soon! Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s ⁠Educational Theatre⁠ program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at ⁠https://www.dorirobinson.com⁠ This week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massachusett, and Pawtucket people, in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes, as well as the lands of the Confederate Tribes of the Siletz Indians, and the Grand Ronde Cowlitz. Special thanks to the ⁠Western Avenue Lofts and Studios⁠ for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. The mission of the guild is to advance compelling theatrical endeavors that showcase the diversity of our ever-changing world in order to build strong artists whose work creates empathy, challenges the status quo and unites communities. For more information about our work and programs, please visit ⁠www.alighttheater.org⁠.

In the final episode of our fourth season, producer and co-writer Jonathan Zautner interviews podcast host Dori Robinson about the Jewish “New Year of the Trees” - Tu B’Shevat. We continue to commemorate the close of the season by discussing our thoughts on the guests and topics we have covered. Did you have a favorite episode, a thought about family trees, or a suggestion about what we should discuss next? Please message us on www.treespeechpodcast.com, or leave us a voice memo on Anchor. We look forward to hearing from you! This week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, and in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. Tree Speech is co-written and produced by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit treespeechpodcast.com. We’re thrilled to be able to offer interviews, creative insights, and stories about the natural world we live in, and the trees who guide our way. Please also consider supporting us through our Patreon - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude including an invitation to Tree House, our new virtual community for patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word to tree loving folks, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. See you soon!

In this episode, we speak with Meghan Buell, the founder of TREES, Inc., the Transgender Resource, Education, and Enrichment Services organization that she created and leads to provide transgender education to small towns and rural America. TREES, Inc. is driven by the need to stem the rash of transgender discrimination by using education to create a more inclusive environment for trangender identifying individuals to live an enriched, safe, and successful life free of violence and strife. Meghan Buell (she/her/hers) is a life-long resident of Indiana. She has been a leader in the transgender community locally, regionally and nationally. She has served on nonprofit boards, transgender advisory committees and is a regular collegiate guest lecturer. Meghan began Trees, Inc. as a way to "pay it forward" to the transgender community after living and transitioning in a small town environment and successfully traversing the challenges. This week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, and in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes, as well as in Indiana on the land of the Peoria tribe. Tree Speech is co-written and produced by Jonathan Zautner (he, him) with Alight Theater Guild. To learn more about Meghan Buell and TREES, Inc., please visit www.webetrees.org To learn more about the transgender community and how to be a more supportive ally, please visit: https://www.hrc.org/resources/understanding-the-transgender-community https://www.glaad.org/transgender/transfaq https://transgenderlawcenter.org/ http://www.webetrees.org/resources To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit treespeechpodcast.com. We’re thrilled to be able to offer interviews, creative insights, and stories about the natural world we live in, and the trees who guide our way. Please also consider supporting us through our  Patreon - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude including an invitation to Tree House, our new virtual community for patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word to tree loving folks, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. 

Happy New Year, Tree Speechers! We celebrate 2023 and our 30th episode by speaking with Swedish-American author Linda Åkeson McGurk, whose book "The Open-Air Life: Discover the Nordic Art of Friluftsliv and Embrace Nature Every Day” shows us how to embody a Frilufsliv life by getting outside and embracing the outdoors no matter the time of year or temperature. Our conversations explore the many ways being outside strengthens our mental and physical health, builds community, and nurtures a necessary relationship with nature. Even more, it might all be more simple than you think! This episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, and in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes, as well as the Sápmi tribe of Sweden. Tree Speech is co-written and produced by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. For more information about Linda Åkeson McGurk, please visit https://lindamcgurk.com/ To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit treespeechpodcast.com. We’re thrilled to be able to offer interviews, creative insights, and stories about the natural world we live in, and the trees who guide our way. Please also consider supporting us through our Patreon - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude including an invitation to Tree House, our new virtual community for patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word to tree loving folks, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps.

In this episode, we celebrate the Winter Solstice through a midwinter walk in the woods while sharing several folk tales about the season, rituals old and new, and an interview with Jonathan Mearns of London Christmas Tree Rental, who offers an environmentally sustainable tree option to celebrate the lights of Yule. Throughout, we explore how we, during these darker months, can find ways to let light in and become a part of our lives. This week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, and in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. Tree Speech is co-written and produced by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit treespeechpodcast.com. We’re thrilled to be able to offer interviews, creative insights, and stories about the natural world we live in, and the trees who guide our way. Please also consider supporting us through our Patreon  - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude including an invitation to Tree House, our new virtual community for patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word to tree loving folks, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps.

In today’s episode we will examine the origins of the concept of family trees and speak with the award-winning singer, songwriter and educator, Neshama Carlebach, about her artistry, inspirations, and the journey of understanding that she has taken as a direct result of her own family tree as the daughter of the renowned and musical Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. Neshama Carlebach is an award-winning singer, songwriter and educator who has performed and taught in cities around the world. She is a winner and four-time nominee in the Independent Music Awards for her most current release, Believe, and winner of the Global Music Awards Silver Award for Outstanding Performance by a female vocalist for the album. Neshama began performing from a young age, having come from a musical Jewish orthodox family. She shifted from performing her father’s music to writing her own, and now has her own presence in the Jewish and musical world, having sold over one million records, making her one of today’s best-selling Jewish artists in the world. For more information: https://neshamacarlebach.com/ To learn more about Tree Speech, please visit treespeechpodcast.com. We’re thrilled to be able to offer interviews, creative insights, and stories about the natural world we live in, and the trees who guide our way. Please consider supporting us through our Patreon - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude including an invitation to Tree House, our new virtual community for patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word to tree loving folks, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. Visit us also on instagram @ treespeechpodcast. This  week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et, and Pawtucket people, in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects exploring social consciousness, personal heritage, and the impact one individual can have on their own community. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com Logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner, a NYC-based artist who believes in the power of story-telling and community to change lives. As a founder of Alight Theater Guild, he is committed to nurturing authentic and creative voices in order to utilize art to promote wellness, joy, and care for our earth and one another. More information at https://jonathanzautner.com/

In this episode, we discuss our first-ever immersive installation: A Conversation in a Clearing, which brings the Tree Speech podcast to life, allowing audiences to engage with trees and reflect on their relationship with nature and the environment. Combining audio narrative storytelling with a physical representation of a peaceful, winter clearing in the woods, the installation allows visitors to actively relax and settle into a peaceful place where their minds and hearts may feel at ease. This enchanted space allows the imagination to be free. The Western Avenue Studios and Lofts have an event on the first Saturday of every month called “open studios,” when the public can come see all the incredible art happening in Lowell, Massachusetts. You can visit A Conversation in a Clearing during open studios, the exhibit will be running at the Storage Closet Gallery at 160 Western Ave, Floor 2, in Lowell, MA from November 5 through January 7, coinciding with Open Studios on 12/3, 12/10, and 1/7 from 12-5 pm and by appointment by emailing [email protected].  We were also joined by artist Antoinette Indge, who curates and manages the gallery. To find out more about her and her work, check out: https://www.smallglories.com and Small Glories on instagram.  Please consider supporting us through our Patreon - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude including the audio track from our installation, A Conversation in a Clearing for patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word to tree loving folks, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. Visit us also on instagram @ treespeechpodcast. Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s Educational Theatre program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massachusett, and Pawtucket people. Logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild.

On this Veteran's Day we revisit Boston’s Liberty Tree, including its origin story and how that story evolved over time depending on who was telling it. We have wonderfully spirited conversations with distinguished actor, singer, dancer, and educator, Mark Linehan and historian Maddie Webster, a Boston University PhD student in the American & New England Studies Program. Then, we seek to uncover what liberty and liberation means in the present day with activist and Applied theatre practitioner Catherine Hanna Schrock, the Co-founder and Director of Imagine Brave Spaces, a San Diego-based theater company who shares a spoken word piece she wrote about her company which also serves as a call to action in making liberation a reality for all. Mark Linehan is a Boston-based actor with extensive stage and dance experience. A native of Massachusetts, he has performed in theaters across New England as a professional singer, dancer and actor. Mark's specialty is musical theater, and he has also worked in children's theater, drama and film. Maddie Webster is a PhD candidate in the American & New England Studies Program, where she studies urban history and historic preservation with a focus on Boston. Her dissertation explores Black Bostonians’ historic preservation efforts from the late nineteenth century onward, a story that comes into clearer focus by reframing what activities constitute preservation work. As a public historian, Maddie wants to collaborate with and bolster Boston’s citizen historians. Her partnership with the Initiative on Cities stems from this same impulse to engage with the modern city—and its challenges and opportunities—with the lessons of history close at hand. Catherine Hanna Schrock is an Applied Theater Practitioner, which unites her roles as an educator, theatre artist, and community organizer. She designs creative programming that equips diverse communities to engage in complex dialogues toward social and community development. Special thank you to Mark, Maddie and Catherine for their time and inspiration. For more info: Boston Historical Tours: https://www.bostonhistoricaltours.org/#/ Imagine Brave Spaces: https://imaginebravespaces.com Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s Educational Theatre program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massachusett, and Pawtucket people. Logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. Please consider supporting the show through our Patreon. The mission of the guild is to advance compelling theatrical endeavors that showcase the diversity of our ever-changing world in order to build strong artists whose work creates empathy, challenges the status quo and unites communities. For more information about our work and programs, please visit www.alighttheater.org. Learn more about the podcast at: www.treespeechpodcast.com, and IG: treespeechpodcast

Gather round the campfire for a very special, supernatural episode. We have spooky, mysterious tree tales from around the world to get you into the Halloween spirit! Listen now, if you dare! Special thanks to actor, educator, actor Peril - I mean, Cheryl Mullings, and dialect coach Charles Linshaw for joining our episode today. Learn more about Cheryl at https://cherylmullings.workbooklive.com/ and Charles at: https://www.charleslinshaw.com. Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s Educational Theatre program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, as well as in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. Special Halloween logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. To learn more about Tree Speech, please visit treespeechpodcast.com. We’re thrilled to be able to offer interviews, creative insights, and stories about the natural world we live in, and the trees who guide our way. Please consider supporting us through our Patreon - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude including an invitation to Tree House, our new virtual community for patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word to tree loving folks, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. Visit us also on instagram @ treespeechpodcast.

While we often speak of trees that tower over our heads, in this episode, we will examine what lies beneath to understand soil and how human interaction can affect the way we live on and with our land. We will also speak with Kesiah Bascom, who founded a mission-driven food scrap collection and composting program in the Merrimack Valley Region of Massachusetts. Kesiah was the founder/owner of OffBeet Compost and has spent the past 7 years working in the sustainable agriculture and food justice realm. Raised in a household with a large garden, she has grown up valuing food and its unifying nature. Prior to starting OffBeet Compost, she was the Community Program Manager at Mill City Grows, a food access organization in Lowell, MA and she also worked at The Food Project as Assistant Grower which deeply influenced her path. Kesiah has found HOME in the Merrimack Valley Region, where she has resided for the past 6 years. She is currently in pursuit of a Masters in Public Policy at Tufts University and is a steering committee member for the Institute for Local Self Reliances Community Composting Coalition. Composting Resources: Compost Resources Composting At Home | US EPA Composting 101 | NRDC Composting In The City (Best Ideas for Urban Composters!) Community Composter Coalition To learn more about Tree Speech, please visit treespeechpodcast.com. We’re thrilled to be able to offer interviews, creative insights, and stories about the natural world we live in, and the trees who guide our way. Please consider supporting us through our Patreon - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude including an invitation to Tree House, our new virtual community for patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word to tree loving folks, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. Visit us also on instagram @ treespeechpodcast. This  week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes, and in Virginia on the lands of the Nacotchtank and Piscataway Peoples. Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com Logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support and we would like to acknowledge the support of King Philanthropies for Drawdown Lift. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner.

In this episode, we will examine the intersections of reproductive rights with climate solutions, and will be speaking with Kristen P. Patterson, the inaugural Director of Drawdown Lift, launched in early 2021 as a part of the nonprofit Project Drawdown. We’ll also be speaking with Christina D. Eskridge, the Founder and Executive Director of Elevate Theatre Company, who worked to combine her expertise in performing arts with her public health background to facilitate and amplify healthcare topics through theater and storytelling. Both our guests today - Kristen and Christina, are two inspiring leaders, who will tell us how they engage in justice work and lead by example, and we are so grateful that they joined us for this important episode. To learn more about Tree Speech, please visit treespeechpodcast.com. We’re thrilled to be able to offer interviews, creative insights, and stories about the natural world we live in, and the trees who guide our way. Please consider supporting us through our Patreon - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude including an invitation to Tree House, our new virtual community for patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word to tree loving folks, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. Visit us also on instagram @ treespeechpodcast. This  week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes, and in Virginia on the lands of the Nacotchtank and Piscataway Peoples. Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com Logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support and we would like to acknowledge the support of King Philanthropies for Drawdown Lift. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner.

We are so excited to be entering into our fourth season with an exploration of this magical time of year, the Autumnal Equinox! Much gratitude to our guest, Heather Porter of Animisma podcast for her moving thoughts and insights regarding this time of year, and the benefits of sacred rot. To find out more about her, please visit her website, thepathofintegrity.com. Heather is a writer, storyteller, and advisor.  She's been called an empath, a sensitive compass of compassion, and a 'Rosetta Stone' for the soul and was led to her work through a lifetime of translating the intersections of the ecological, spiritual, and scientific for others. Rooted in her Celtic ancestry, those who lived closely to the land, waters, and seasons, she lives as an animist and her work contemplates the myriad aspects of a sovereign life, seeking to reveal the wonders of the natural and the etheric in service of connection, reverence, and deep, honorable communion. Spirit, grace and a deep, unyielding love of the Earth are at the heart of all she does. She has undertaken depth studies in animistic, shamanic, Celtic, and Eastern spiritual practices and holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honors and a Master of Environmental Law. Her bloodlines are of the Norse-Gaels, the Picts, and the Insular Celts and she was raised in Sydney, Australia on the unceded ancestral lands of the Cammeraygal Clan of the Eora Nation. She currently resides in Denver, Colorado, on the traditional lands of the Ute and Arapaho Nations and the Oceti Ŝakowiŋ, the Seven Council Fires. To learn more about Tree Speech, please visit treespeechpodcast.com. We’re thrilled to be able to offer interviews, creative insights, and stories about the natural world we live in, and the trees who guide our way. Please consider supporting us through our Patreon - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude including an invitation to Tree House, our new virtual community for patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word to tree loving folks, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. Visit us also on instagram @ treespeechpodcast. This  week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes, and Colorado on the traditional lands of the Ute, and Arapaho Nations and the Oceti Ŝakowiŋ, the Seven Council Fires. Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com Logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild.

Give us your hands, dear friends, as we lead you along the path of our own Midsummer Night’s Dream! We conclude this season with a celebration of Midsummer and the summer solstice. Listen as our host hikes her way through the day, all while sharing stories about summer rituals and traditions from around the world. We have a newly-launched Patreon! We at Tree Speech strive to bring you insightful stories and information about trees and those who engage with them, including interviews with a wide range of people who care about them. As we keep growing, we would appreciate your support! We now have a Patreon, and every dollar helps us continue to produce this podcast. Every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude including an invitation to Tree House, our new virtual community for patrons of all levels. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please like us on social media, and rate and review us on apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. To learn more about the episode see our show notes and visit us at treespeechpodcast.com, and on instagram @ treespeechpodcast. Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com This week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massachusett, and Pawtucket people, in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes.. Logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner.

We at Tree Speech and Alight Theater Guild are incredibly grateful to John Philip Newell for joining us today.  Newell is a Celtic teacher and author of spirituality who calls the modern world to reawaken to the sacredness of Earth and every human being. Canadian by birth, and a citizen also of Scotland, he resides with his family in Edinburgh and works on both sides of the Atlantic. In 2016 he began the School of Earth and Soul (originally called the School of Celtic Consciousness) and teaches regularly in the United States and Canada as well as leading international pilgrimage weeks on Iona in the Western Isles of Scotland. His PhD is from the University of Edinburgh and he has authored over fifteen books, including A New Ancient Harmony, Sounds of the Eternal, The Rebirthing of God, and his latest award-winning publication Sacred Earth Sacred Soul. Newell speaks of himself as ‘a wandering teacher’ following the ancient path of many lone teachers before him in the Celtic world, ‘wandering Scots’ seeking the wellbeing of the world. He has been described as having ‘the heart of a Celtic bard and the mind of a Celtic scholar’, combining in his teachings the poetic and the intellectual, the head as well as the heart, and spiritual awareness as well as political and ecological concern. His writings have been translated into seven languages. In 2020 he relinquished his ordination as a minister of the Church of Scotland as no longer reflecting the heart of his belief in the sacredness of the earth and every human being. He continues, however, to see himself as ‘a grateful son of the Christian household’ seeking to be in relationship with the wisdom of humanity’s other great spiritual traditions. In 2011 John Philip was awarded the first-ever Contemplative Voices Award from the Shalem Institute in Washington DC for his prophetic work in the field of spirituality and compassion. In 2022 he received the Sacred Universe Award from the Well Center for Spirituality in Chicago, IL in recognition of his significant work in furthering humanity's relationship with the sacredness of Earth. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please like us on social media, and rate and review us on apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. To learn more about the episode see our show notes and visit us at treespeechpodcast.com, and on instagram @ treespeechpodcast. We have a newly-launched Patreon! We at Tree Speech strive to bring you insightful stories and information about trees and those who engage with them, including interviews with a wide range of people who care about them. As we keep growing, we would appreciate your support! We now have a Patreon, and every dollar helps us continue to produce this podcast. Every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude including an invitation to Tree House, our new virtual community for patrons of all levels. Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com This week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massachusett, and Pawtucket people, in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes as well as the lands of Edinburgh. Logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner.

We have a newly-launched Patreon! We at Tree Speech strive to bring you insightful stories and information about trees and those who engage with them. As we keep growing, we would appreciate your support! We now have a Patreon, and every dollar helps us continue to produce this podcast. Every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude including an invitation to Tree House, our new virtual community for patrons of all levels. We at Tree Speech and Alight Theater Guild are incredibly grateful to Rhyd Wildermuth for joining us today. Rhyd is a druid, theorist and writer originally from Appalachia and now living in the Ardennes. He is the director of publishing for Ritona / Gods&Radicals Press and the author of six books, most recently Being Pagan: A Guide to Re-enchanting Your Life. He writes at From The Forests of Arduinna. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please like us on social media, and rate and review us on apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. To learn more about the episode see our show notes and visit us at treespeechpodcast.com, and on instagram @treespeechpodcast. Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s Educational Theatre program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com This week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massachusett, and Pawtucket people, in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes as well as the lands of the Arduinna Forest. Logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. The mission of the guild is to advance compelling theatrical endeavors that showcase the diversity of our ever-changing world in order to build strong artists whose work creates empathy, challenges the status quo and unites communities. For more information about our work and programs, please visit www.alighttheater.org.

We at Tree Speech and Alight Theater Guild are incredibly grateful to Stephanie Kaza for joining us today. Dr. Stephanie Kaza is Professor Emerita of Environmental Studies at the University of Vermont and former Director of the UVM Environmental Program. She co-founded the Environmental Council at UVM and served as faculty director for the Sustainability Faculty Fellows program. In 2011 Dr. Kaza received the UVM George V. Kidder Outstanding Faculty Award for excellence in teaching. Kaza received a prestigious Religion and Science course award from the Templeton Foundation for her course on Buddhism and Ecology. She lectures widely on topics of Buddhism and the environment. Kaza is a long-time practitioner of Soto Zen Buddhism, with training at Green Gulch Zen Center, California, and further study with Thich Nhat Hanh, Joanna Macy, and John Daido Loori.  She was lay ordained by Kobun Chino Ottogawa in the late 1980s and applied her understanding of Buddhism as a member of the International Christian-Buddhist Theological Encounter group. She is the author of the books A WILD LOVE FOR THE WORLD, GREEN BUDDHISM: PRACTICE AND COMPASSIONATE ACTON IN UNCERTAIN TIMES, CONVERSATIONS WITH TREES, MINDFULLY GREEN: A PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL GUIDE TO WHOLE EARTH THINKING, and others.  Also much gratitude and endless love to our mothers, Miriam Robinson, Anne-Marie Roach and Jackie Vandenberg for sharing their sapling stories, and for everything.  If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please like us on social media, and rate and review us on apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. To learn more about the episode see our show notes and visit us at treespeechpodcast.com, and on instagram @ treespeechpodcast. Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s Educational Theatre program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com This week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massachusett, and Pawtucket people, in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes, as well as the lands of the Confederate Tribes of the Siletz Indians, and the Grand Ronde Cowlitz. Logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. The mission of the guild is to advance compelling theatrical endeavors that showcase the diversity of our ever-changing world in order to build strong artists whose work creates empathy, challenges the status quo and unites communities. For more information about our work and programs, please visit www.alighttheater.org.

We at Tree Speech and Alight Theater Guild are incredibly grateful to Aaron Mair for joining us today.  Aaron Mair is an environmental justice pioneer who has worked over the last 40 years in the spaces of health, environment, climate change disparities, and wilderness protection. He is an urban environmental activist and a regional and national environmental justice organizer and strategist who has advised two presidents and Congress, served on the national board of directors of the Sierra Club as its 57th president, and as the New York State Atlantic Chapter Chair. Link to the article that Aaron co-wrote for Earth Island Journal:  "Who Was John Muir, Really?"  If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please like us on social media, and rate and review us on apple podcasts. Every kind word helps. To learn more about the episode see our show notes and visit us at treespeechpodcast.com, and on instagram @ treespeechpodcast. Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s Educational Theatre program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com This week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massachusett, and Pawtucket people, in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes, as well as the lands of the Iroquoian Mohawks and Algonquin Mahicans.  Logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. The mission of the guild is to advance compelling theatrical endeavors that showcase the diversity of our ever-changing world in order to build strong artists whose work creates empathy, challenges the status quo and unites communities. For more information about our work and programs, please visit www.alighttheater.org.

We at Tree Speech and Alight Theater Guild are incredibly grateful to Lee Stetson for joining us today. To learn more information about Lee’s performances or to have him perform for your company or event, find him at www.johnmuirlive.com. Lee's performances have brought the inspiration, humor, and conservation message of John Muir to many thousands of people. Since 1983, Lee has presented dramatic live enactments of John Muir in Yosemite National Park. He is often asked to provide Muir "voice overs" for films on Yosemite, national parks, or John Muir, including in Ken Burns' acclaimed PBS series "The National Parks: America's Best Idea."  Lee Stetson is also the compiler and editor of a book, The Wild Muir: Twenty-two of John Muir's greatest adventures. For this book, Lee carefully chose death-defying episodes from every stage of Muir's life, prepared short introductions to place each in context, then arranged them chronologically so that the reader can vicariously enjoy Muir's life of adventure.  This week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massachusett, and Pawtucket people, as well as in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes and California on the land of the Numu and Me-Wuk. Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s Educational Theatre program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. The mission of the guild is to advance compelling theatrical endeavors that showcase the diversity of our ever-changing world in order to build strong artists whose work creates empathy, challenges the status quo and unites communities. For more information about our work and programs, please visit www.alighttheater.org. Learn more about the podcast at: www.treespeechpodcast.com, and IG: treespeechpodcast

To mark the beginning of our third season, we start right where we left off, with a vernal equinox walk in the woods. As we make our way on the trail, we’ll discuss the meanings and histories of this threshold into spring, and feature a variety of ways that the equinox is celebrated around the world.  Special thanks to David Brandon Ross for composing and performing the meditation featured at the end of the episode.  David Brandon Ross (he/him) holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music Boston, MA as well as a degree in mechanical design from SUNY Corning, NY.  He studied theater with Charles Combs at Berklee and also trained at Dell'arte school of physical theater in Blue Lake California. Dave has been composing, performing and recording in the NYC avant garde music scene since 2002 releasing numerous albums as a leader and side man. He is the recipient of a Boston Music award and has played at Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center for the arts in Washington, DC and Vision Festival, NYC with artist Henry Grimes, William Hooker, JD Parran, Jason Hwang and many others. Dave is the author of a US patent and has designed and built many unique instruments including the patent pending Outar. He is a passionate music tinkerer. He instantly fell in love with the ability to combine sociological change with improvisational theater, acting and music through the live foley and on the spot scoring that is required in Playback theater. Dave is also owner and CEO of Gleefulwellness LLC which brings uplifting services to the community through art and wellness. Dave is honored to be a proud member of Big Apple Playback Theatre since 2019. You can find him on Spotify. Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson (she/hers), is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s Educational Theatre program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massachusett, and Pawtucket people. Logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support.  Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. The mission of the guild is to advance compelling theatrical endeavors that showcase the diversity of our ever-changing world in order to build strong artists whose work creates empathy, challenges the status quo and unites communities. For more information about our work and programs, please visit www.alighttheater.org.  Learn more about the podcast at: www.treespeechpodcast.com, and IG: treespeechpodcast

Happy Winter Solstice to all in the northern hemisphere! For this episode, we’ll be exploring all the many ways that trees and nature play a role in winter holidays - specifically, the solstice. This is the last episode of this season. We wish everyone a Merry Yuletide and holiday season filled with light, and look forward to connecting in the new year! Wassail Recipe: This traditional warming drink is perfect for sipping during a solstice celebration (and it makes the house smell incredible). Simply combine 2 quarts apple cider, 1 1/2 cups orange juice, 3/4 cup pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, 2 cinnamon sticks, a dash of ground cinnamon, and a dash of ground cloves in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Discard the cinnamon sticks, pour into mugs, and serve. And for the grown-ups, a splash of rum or cinnamon whisky doesn’t hurt. *source: mothermag.com Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s Educational Theatre program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massachusett, and Pawtucket people. Logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support and Claire Braby for the Wassail Song.  Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. The mission of the guild is to advance compelling theatrical endeavors that showcase the diversity of our ever-changing world in order to build strong artists whose work creates empathy, challenges the status quo and unites communities. For more information about our work and programs, please visit www.alighttheater.org. Learn more about the podcast at: www.treespeechpodcast.com.

In our next episode we feature a collection of Sapling Stories, short tree-related tales that are sent in or collected from our listeners. Special thank you to Diana Zipeto @dzipeto, Slava Tchoul, Virginia Montalvo, Mountaine Jonas, Lisa Schmidt, Sophy Tuttle @sophytuttle, Tess George, Michelle Dyment @tribeofgoats and Jess @Je_ss_dy, Rick Hall @rickhallcreative, Karl Frey, @westernavearts, and Courtney Bottomley @canarycourt. For more information: THE MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE – A LIVING MEMORIAL TO THE HOLOCAUST AND BPCA DEDICATE “THE CHILDREN’S TREE,” A MAPLE DESCENDED FROM A TREE PLANTED BY CHILDREN AT THERESIENSTADT CONCENTRATION CAMP Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s Educational Theatre program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massachusett, and Pawtucket people. Logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. The mission of the guild is to advance compelling theatrical endeavors that showcase the diversity of our ever-changing world in order to build strong artists whose work creates empathy, challenges the status quo and unites communities. For more information about our work and programs, please visit www.alighttheater.org. Learn more about the podcast at: www.treespeechpodcast.com, and IG: treespeechpodcast

In our next episode we examine the history of Boston’s Liberty Tree, including its origin story and how that story evolved over time depending on who was telling it. We have wonderfully spirited conversations with distinguished actor, singer, dancer, and educator, Mark Linehan and historian Maddie Webster, a Boston University PhD student in the American & New England Studies Program. Then, we seek to uncover what liberty and liberation means in the present day with activist and Applied theatre practitioner Catherine Hanna Schrock, the Co-founder and Director of Imagine Brave Spaces, a San Diego-based theater company who shares a spoken word piece she wrote about her company which also serves as a call to action in making liberation a reality for all.  Mark Linehan is a Boston-based actor with extensive stage and dance experience. A native of Massachusetts, he has performed in theaters across New England as a professional singer, dancer and actor. Mark's specialty is musical theater, and he has also worked in children's theater, drama and film. Maddie Webster is a PhD candidate in the American & New England Studies Program, where she studies urban history and historic preservation with a focus on Boston. Her dissertation explores Black Bostonians’ historic preservation efforts from the late nineteenth century onward, a story that comes into clearer focus by reframing what activities constitute preservation work. As a public historian, Maddie wants to collaborate with and bolster Boston’s citizen historians. Her partnership with the Initiative on Cities stems from this same impulse to engage with the modern city—and its challenges and opportunities—with the lessons of history close at hand. Catherine Hanna Schrock is an Applied Theater Practitioner, which unites her roles as an educator, theatre artist, and community organizer. She designs creative programming that equips diverse communities to engage in complex dialogues toward social and community development.  Special thank you to Mark, Maddie and Catherine for their time and inspiration.  For more info: Boston Historical Tours: https://www.bostonhistoricaltours.org/#/ Imagine Brave Spaces: https://imaginebravespaces.com Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s Educational Theatre program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massachusett, and Pawtucket people.  Logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support.  Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. The mission of the guild is to advance compelling theatrical endeavors that showcase the diversity of our ever-changing world in order to build strong artists whose work creates empathy, challenges the status quo and unites communities. For more information about our work and programs, please visit www.alighttheater.org.  Learn more about the podcast at: www.treespeechpodcast.com, and IG: treespeechpodcast

Our next episode features a conversation with David Meshoulam, PhD, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Boston nonprofit, SPEAK FOR THE TREES, an organization whose mission is to improve the size and health of the urban tree canopy in Boston, with a focus on under-resourced and under-canopied neighborhoods. David (pronounced Dah-veed) co-founded Speak for the Trees in 2018. Trained as a science educator, his work has focused on ways to increase understanding of the connections between science, culture, and history and to empower people to be change agents. He holds a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is a Senior Fellow at the Environmental Leadership Program, and is co-chair of the Urban Ecology Collaborative. When he's not tending to trees, his 2 children, or his 1 mini Australian Shepherd, you can reach him at [email protected]. Special thank you to David for his time and inspiration. For more info: SPEAK FOR THE TREES website: https://treeboston.org SPEAK FOR THE TREES instagram: trees_boston Boston Tree Equity Maps: https://treeboston.org/tree-equity/ American Forests Tree Equity Score tracker: https://www.treeequityscore.org Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s Educational Theatre program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people. Logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. The mission of the guild is to advance compelling theatrical endeavors that showcase the diversity of our ever-changing world in order to build strong artists whose work creates empathy, challenges the status quo and unites communities. For more information about our work and programs, please visit www.alighttheater.org. Learn more about the podcast at: www.treespeechpodcast.com, and IG: treespeechpodcast

Gather round the campfire for a very special, supernatural episode. We have spooky, mysterious tree tales from around the world to get you into the Halloween spirit! Listen now, if you dare! Special thanks to actor, educator, and dialect coach Charles Linshaw for joining our episode today. Learn more about Charles at: https://www.charleslinshaw.com. Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s Educational Theatre program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, as well as in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. Special Halloween logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. The mission of the guild is to advance compelling theatrical endeavors that showcase the diversity of our ever-changing world in order to build strong artists whose work creates empathy, challenges the status quo and unites communities. For more information about our work and programs, please visit www.alighttheater.org. Learn more about the podcast at: www.treespeechpodcast.com, and IG: treespeechpodcast

This third episode of our second season features our look into Witches & Witchcraft. Our guests include Serefina Mesa, owner of Rue and Vervain, an etsy shop that sells "hand-made spell crafting supplies for the persnickety witch." Serefina is a self-described Bodhisattva, Green Witch, and empath who believes that there's primordial energy and magic in nature, and through her gifts that power can be harnessed and shared. We also spoke with Joshua Gray, a self-described practitioner of the wild earth who walks in the space where the trees meet the open fields. Special thanks to Serefina and Joshua for their time and inspiration. Find them at: Serefina’s shop, Rue and Vervain: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RueAndVervain Rue and Vervain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rueandvervain/ Joshua Gray’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/side.street.witch/ Additional Resources: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/145562.Cunningham_s_Encyclopedia_of_Magical_Herbs Books on Green Witchcraft: https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=green+witch&qid=cDN4FNQikG Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s Educational Theatre program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, as well as in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes and in Maryland on the lands of the Piscataway peoples. Special Halloween logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. The mission of the guild is to advance compelling theatrical endeavors that showcase the diversity of our ever-changing world in order to build strong artists whose work creates empathy, challenges the status quo and unites communities. For more information about our work and programs, please visit www.alighttheater.org. Learn more about the podcast at: www.treespeechpodcast.com, and IG: treespeechpodcast

This second episode of our second season features the second part of our focus on the 9/11 Survivor Tree, a Callery Pear tree found during the excavation of Ground Zero in New York City. Our guests include Cheryl Somers Aubin, a writer, instructor and speaker who was inspired to write the book, The Survivor Tree: Inspired by a True Story in 2011. Also, we hear from George Middleton, a visual artist and retired Call Firefighter and EMT. Additional resources and for more information: Cheryl Somers Aubin: https://cherylaubin.com The Survivor Tree: Inspired by a True Story: https://thesurvivortree.com All profits from the sale of this book benefit charity. George Middleton: https://www.georgemiddleton.com Special thanks to Cheryl Somers Aubin and George Middleton for sharing their time and inspiration. To share a sapling story: https://anchor.fm/treespeech/message Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s Educational Theatre program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, as well as in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes and in Washington DC on the land of the Anacostan and Piscataway Peoples. Logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. The mission of the guild is to advance compelling theatrical endeavors that showcase the diversity of our ever-changing world in order to build strong artists whose work creates empathy, challenges the status quo and unites communities. For more information about our work and programs, please visit www.alightheater.org. Learn more about the podcast at: www.treespeechpodcast.com, and IG: treespeechpodcast

This first episode of our second season features the 9/11 Survivor Tree, a Callery Pear tree found during the excavation of Ground Zero in New York City. Our guest, Ronaldo Vega, shares his insightful and touching story of how he championed and helped nurture the tree from a wounded, burned stump to the powerful sign of hope and survival that it represents today. Additional resources: 9/11 Memorial Survivor Tree: https://www.911memorial.org/visit/memorial/survivor-tree Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum Survivor Tree: https://memorialmuseum.com/experience/the-survivor-tree/ Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial: https://www.wisconsin911memorial.com Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens: http://www.bartlettarboretum.org Special thanks to Ron Vega for sharing his time and inspiration. Tree Speech’s host, Dori Robinson, is a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator who seeks and develops projects that explore social consciousness, personal heritage, and the difference one individual can have on their own community. Some of her great loves include teaching, the Oxford comma, intersectional feminism, and traveling. With a Masters degree from NYU’s Educational Theatre program, she continues to share her love of Shakespeare, new play development, political theatre, and gender in performance. Dori’s original plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Boston. More information at https://www.dorirobinson.com This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, as well as in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. Logo design by Mill Riot. Special thanks to the Western Avenue Lofts and Studios for all their support. Tree Speech is produced and co-written by Jonathan Zautner with Alight Theater Guild. The mission of the guild is to advance compelling theatrical endeavors that showcase the diversity of our ever-changing world in order to build strong artists whose work creates empathy, challenges the status quo and unites communities. For more information about our work and programs, please visit www.alightheater.org. Learn more about the podcast at: www.treespeechpodcast.com, and IG: treespeechpodcast