PODCAST · science
Tree Speech
by Dori Robinson, Jonathan Zautner, Alight Theater Guild
Tree Speech is a captivating podcast exploring the deep-rooted connections between humans and trees. Through immersive storytelling, expert interviews, and historical insights, we uncover the ways trees shape our world—environmentally, culturally, and spiritually. Each episode delves into nature’s wisdom, folklore, and the vital role forests play in our lives, inspiring listeners to see trees as more than just part of the landscape.Join us as we journey through the intertwined stories of people and nature, fostering a deeper appreciation for the trees that sustain us. 🌿
Episodes
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A Natural Return: Green Burial with Willow Casket Weaver Mary Lauren Fraser
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...
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A Love Letter to a Tree: Inside the Immersive Art Experience Arborlogues
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…
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Finding Wonder & Light in the Winter Solstice
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...
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Rediscovering Nature's Superfoods: The Transformative Power of Acorns & Woodland Wisdom with Elspeth Hay
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...
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The Trees Remember: Tales from the Haunted Grove
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...
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The Quiet Wild of the Autumnal Equinox featuring poetry by Alix Klingenberg
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...
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Embracing Tree Time: Stillness, Transformation, and the Nature of Becoming with Sumana Roy
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...
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Climbing Beyond Fear: Marguerite Holloway's Journey Through Trees & Transformation
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...
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Tree Stories of "The Big Apple", Featuring Mayank Mardia of Mulch
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...
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Discovering Humor and Heritage Among the Trees with Tobin Mitnick
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...
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Seeds of Change: Exploring the life of Lizzie McDuffie with Shara Moon, author of "Let Us March On"
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…
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Redwood on Broadway: The Intersection of Theater, Nature, and Storytelling with Scenic Designer Jason Ardizzone-West
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...
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Healing Through Nature & Heritage with "Get Rooted" Author Robyn Moreno
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...
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Loving Trees: Heartfelt Connections with Nature and Spirituality
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…
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Winter Trees: Unraveling the Magic of Winter Celebrations
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...
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Giving Trees featuring "The Giving Tree Continued" by Jamie Roach
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,...
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Reimagining Sacred Connections: Nature, Spirituality, and Human Consciousness with John Philip Newell
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...
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Spooky Trees: The Haunting Continues
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...
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Walking with Pride: Exploring Queer Ecology and Environmental Connection with Jonathon Stalls
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...
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Racist Trees: Unveiling Hidden Histories and Environmental Racism with filmmakers Sara Newens and Mina T. Son
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…
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REPLAY-Winter Solstice: Let the Light In
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...
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REPLAY-The Return of Spooky Trees
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…
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REPLAY-The 9/11 Survivor Tree with Ron Vega
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…
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REPLAY- Tree of Life and Mother's Day
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...
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Tu B’Shevat and Season Wrap-Up
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....
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TREES, INC.: Transgender Resource, Education & Enrichment Services with Meghan Buell
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...
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Open-Air Life with Linda Åkeson McGurk
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...
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Winter Solstice: Let the Light In
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...
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Family Trees with Neshama Carlebach
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...
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A Conversation in a Clearing the Exhibition
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...
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Revisiting the Liberty Tree
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...
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The Return of Spooky Trees
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…
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What Lies Beneath with Kesiah Bascom
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...
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Justice is an Ecosystem with Kristen P. Patterson & Christina D. Eskridge
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....
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Embracing Autumn
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...
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Midsummer Night's Dream
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...
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Sacred Earth with John Philip Newell
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...
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Pagan Re-enchantment with Rhyd Wildermuth
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...
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Tree of Life with Dr. Stephanie Kaza
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…
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Considering John Muir Part 2 with Aaron Mair
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...
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Considering John Muir with Lee Stetson
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…
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A Vernal Equinox Return to the Woods
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...
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A Winter Solstice Walk in the Woods
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...
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Sapling Stories
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...
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The Liberty Tree with Mark Linehan, Maddie Webster, and Catherine Hanna Schrock
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…
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Speak For The Trees with David Meshoulam
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…
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Spooky Trees
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...
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Witches & Witchcraft with Serefina Mesa and Joshua Gray
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...
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The 9/11 Survivor Tree, Part 2 with Cheryl Somers Aubin & George Middleton
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…
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The 9/11 Survivor Tree, Part 1 with Ronaldo Vega
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Tree Speech is a captivating podcast exploring the deep-rooted connections between humans and trees. Through immersive storytelling, expert interviews, and historical insights, we uncover the ways trees shape our world—environmentally, culturally, and spiritually. Each episode delves into nature’s wisdom, folklore, and the vital role forests play in our lives, inspiring listeners to see trees as more than just part of the landscape.Join us as we journey through the intertwined stories of people and nature, fostering a deeper appreciation for the trees that sustain us. 🌿
HOSTED BY
Dori Robinson, Jonathan Zautner, Alight Theater Guild
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Tree Speech have?
Tree Speech currently has 57 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Tree Speech about?
Tree Speech is a captivating podcast exploring the deep-rooted connections between humans and trees. Through immersive storytelling, expert interviews, and historical insights, we uncover the ways trees shape our world—environmentally, culturally, and spiritually. Each episode delves into nature’s...
How often does Tree Speech release new episodes?
Tree Speech has 57 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Tree Speech?
You can listen to Tree Speech on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Tree Speech?
Tree Speech is created and hosted by Dori Robinson, Jonathan Zautner, Alight Theater Guild.
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