Skip to content
HumaNature artwork

HumaNature

Wyoming Public Media·Hosted by Megan Feighery·172 episodes

SocietyCulturePersonalJournalsPublic radio storytellingOutdoor livesStandalone episodes20-40 minHuman-nature stories

HumaNature explores where humans and our habitat meet. You'll hear real stories about human experiences in nature. Along the way, we’ll meet people whose encounters help us reflect on our own place in the natural world.

Why listen

HumaNature is for listeners who like outdoor stories with a human heartbeat. Episodes move between intimate first-person journeys, author conversations, animal encounters, and public-radio-style reporting about how nature changes the way people understand themselves. If you enjoy thoughtful stories about adventure, resilience, wildlife, and place, this is an easy show to drop into almost anywhere.

Series(1)

Episodes

27 min
May 27, 2026Episode 2
The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

A celebrity eagle couple takes the world by storm in this week's episode. Jackie and Shadow have millions of fans who have followed their love story from the beginning. But their habitat is being threatened and they need your help.

33 min
May 13, 2026Episode 1
A Very Cold Case

On this week's episode, adventurer Mark Synnot sets out in the Arctic Circle to try and solve a centuries old mystery. The Franklin Expedition has puzzled historians for decades, can Mark and his team finally discover the truth?

22 min
Feb 4, 2026Episode 3
The Gifts All Around Us

Author Robin Wall Kimmerer joins the show to discuss her new children's book Bud Finds Her Gift, her background as a botanist, and how we can all benefit from connecting with the world around us. Robin Wall Kimmerer is an activist, mother, scientist, and a registered member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She has authored numerous books including Braiding Sweetgrass, The Serviceberry, and Gathering Moss. She also leads the grassroots movement Plant Baby Plant that encourages change through reconnecting with the earth.

36 min
Jan 21, 2026Episode 2
Kidnapped in Kyrgyzstan

At only 20 years old, rock climber Beth Rodden was on top of the world and really making a name for herself. But when a climbing trip to Kyrgyzstan goes horribly wrong and Beth and the others and kidnapped, everything changes.

30 min
Jan 7, 2026Episode 1
The Guy With The Pigeon On His Head

Brian Buckbee had no idea his life would change forever after he brought an injured pigeon home. He was battling a mysterious illness and feeling lonely and isolated. Together, Brian and Two-Step the pigeon would form an unexpected friendship that is full of heartwarming surprises. Be sure to grab a copy of Brian's book We Should All Be Birds and check out his website http://www.weshouldallbebirds.com/

27 min
Oct 8, 2025Episode 3
To Coexist or Not to Coexist?

Author Jonny Hanson joins HumaNature to discuss the pros and cons of reintroducing large predators (lynx, wolves, and bears) back to the wilds of Britain and Ireland. It's a controversial and politically charged  subject to say the least and sparks a lot of emotions on both sides. Don't miss this fascinating conversation and make sure to check out Jonny Hanson's latest book Living with Lynx: Sharing Landscapes with Big Cats, Wolves and Bears to learn more.

40 min
Sep 24, 2025Episode 2
81 And Still On The Run

Sandy Hazelip and Ellie Hamby are not your typical travel influencers, they're both grandmothers in their 80's widely known as the TikTok Traveling Grannies. This week you'll hear about how they've been breaking barriers for decades, their journey around the world to celebrate turning 80, and why Easter Island has the best food.

41 min
Sep 10, 2025Episode 1
Hike Your Own Hike

Just before her 30th birthday, Julia Sheehan realized she wasn't happy. She had a house and a great career, but wanted something more. So she sold her home, left her job, and set out to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. What follows is a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and a trail that will test her in ways she never imagined.

18 min
Jun 18, 2025Episode 3
States of Adventure with Fitz Cahall

Fitz Cahall, founder of The Dirtbag Diaries podcast, joins host Megan Feighery to talk about life, finding adventure in your own backyard, and his new book States of Adventure: 30 Outdoor Adventure Stories About Finding Yourself By Getting Lost.

42 min
Jun 4, 2025Episode 2
Where The River Mends

Bridget Crocker is a world-class whitewater rafting guide and author of the book "The River's Daughter." Bridget also grew up in an abusive household and suffered from severe trauma and PTSD. Through it all, she always had her special relationship with the river- something that would bring her the courage and resilience to persevere no matter what. Show notes: This episode discusses violence, sexual assault, trauma, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts. Listener discretion is advised. Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Hotline.Call 1-800-799-SAFE or text "Start" to 88788 for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.Call 800-656-HOPE for the National Sexual Assault Hotline or visit Rainn.org for more resources.

41 min
May 21, 2025Episode 1
The House That Esbee Built

Anissa Beal is the founder of Edgar and Ivy's Cat Sanctuary in Corpus Christi, Texas. She loves what she does but in late 2023 she wasn't sure she could afford to keep going. Then she got a phone call that changed everything.

20 min
Apr 2, 2025Episode 3
The Magic of Darkness

Leigh Ann Henion is the author of Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark, a beautiful celebration of all the things that come alive in the dark. In a time where artificial light is ever-present, Leigh Ann invites you to think of darkness as a habitat and explore the biodiversity that exists at night in your own backyard. You never know what you might discover.

26 min
Mar 19, 2025Episode 124
The Woman of Star Island

Alexandra de Steiguer is an artist, author, poet, musician, and photographer who has spent the last twenty-eight years working as the winter caretaker of Star Island off the coast of Maine and New Hampshire. She spends about six months completely alone, taking care of the vacant hotel and cottages that will fill with tourists in the summer months.Original music by Alexandra de Steiguer used in this episode: 0:38 - One Day_Instrumental Version9:21 - Oceanic_Instrumental Version16:44 - Whistling Wind_Instrumental Version22:50 - The Novelist_Instrumental Version

22 min
Mar 4, 2025Episode 123
A Most Unlikely Friendship

Twenty years ago, Catherine Raven befriended a wild fox who frequented her property in Montana. The two became friends and over time she watched him transform from a scrawny little runt into a confident and curious father. Hear her remarkable story on this episode of HumaNature and check out Catherine's book "Fox and I" for more.

23 min
Dec 18, 2024Episode 122
Welcome to Beaverland

Author Leila Philip discusses her book "Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America" on this week's episode. Learn how this under-appreciated creature played a pivotal role in the creation of the United States and could be the key to its future.

22 min
Dec 4, 2024Episode 121
To All The Animals I’ve Loved Before

On this episode of HumaNature you’ll have a chance to meet some of the incredible animals that have called Earthfire home over the years. Fairytale the coyote, who formed an unexpected bond with a big burly football player, Huckleberry and Major Bear, two brothers who fought over strawberry ice cream, and Buttercup, a beautiful deer who wanted to be a chicken.

18 min
Nov 20, 2024Episode 120
I get knocked down, but I go surf again

“I Get Knocked Down, But I Go Surf Again” is an episode about pain, resilience, and hope.

13 min
Oct 16, 2024Episode 119
The Jewel Box

This week I’m chatting with Tim Blackburn, author of The Jewel Box: How Moths Illuminate Nature's Hidden Rules. Tim’s book not only highlights his love and passion for moths, but touches on larger themes of ecology, climate change and what these small winged insects can teach us about our world.

16 min
Oct 2, 2024Episode 118
Mush-room for Improvement

This time on HN a woman turns to the world of fungi to help heal her pain.

22 min
Sep 18, 2024Episode 117
It’s Not You, It’s Science

On this episode of HumaNature, author Florence Williams heads out on a solo paddling trip to try and heal her broken heart.

1 min
Sep 5, 2024
HumaNature Season 11 Trailer

We're back with another season of HumaNature! People share their stories of heartbreak, recovery and a brand new series called, "Author Talks" where we chat with people that've written really cool books. Coming out on Wednesday September 18th.#WyomingPublicMedia #HumaNature

21 min
Jun 20, 2024Episode 116
Alone At Last

Tim Madsen is an experienced outdoorsman. So when he got a chance to compete on the wilderness survival show Alone, he was ready. But things didn’t go as planned and Tim tapped out in the first episode. Follow Tim’s journey and what happened after the show aired on this week’s episode of HumaNature.

18 min
Jun 14, 2024Episode 115
A Zucchini Haters Guide to Growing Zucchini

Stephen Reid is a self taught gardener whose home garden has unexpectedly created community in his neighborhood. It also led him to his dream job.

30 min
Jun 6, 2024Episode 114
The Running Man

Eric Keeler had a good life, but he was bored. So he decided to shake things up and run across America by himself. Follow his journey from Maine to California on this week’s episode.

1 min
May 31, 2024Episode 114
HumaNature Season 10 Trailer

Join us for Season 10 of HumaNature, premiering on June 6th, 2024.

17 min
Jan 18, 2024Episode 113
The Air We Breathe

Erin Parisi is on a mission to become the first trans woman to summit the highest mountain peaks on all seven continents. She’s conquered five of them and wants to save Mount Everest for last, but one mountain keeps standing in her way.

31 min
Jan 11, 2024Episode 112
Buckaroo and The Blues

Gayle Woodsum loves llamas. And her work with them would lead her to help evacuate hundreds of them from a Montana animal sanctuary in 2011. It is still one of the largest rescue operations ever documented in U.S. history.

29 min
Jan 4, 2024Episode 111
Ruffin' It: A Road Trip Adventure

Carolyn Hochlowski never liked the outdoors. But when she turned 36 she realized life was passing her by. So she bought a cheap tent and sleeping bag and set off on a solo road trip across the country with a dog named Thor.

24 min
Dec 28, 2023Episode 110
Points North: No Ice Is Safe Ice

In the frigid month of February, three companions embark on an ice fishing expedition on Lake Huron. Initially, the camaraderie is palpable, but as the story unfolds, a collision of friendship, peer pressure, and the stark reality of facing mortality takes center stage.

36 min
Dec 21, 2023Episode 110
A Discovery of Whales

Doreen Cunningham always loved whales. So when she got the chance to live with an Iñupiaq tribe, whose survival depends on whales, she jumped at it. Years later, back in her home in the UK, Doreen would once again turn to whales, this time to help her heal.

28 min
Dec 14, 2023Episode 109
Close Encounters of the Wild Kind IV

It’s back! This week we are doing another installment of our fan favorite series “Close Encounters of the Wild Kind.” This week we will bring you two stories from listeners who have gotten a little too close for comfort with some of nature’s critters while spending time outdoors.

28 min
Dec 7, 2023Episode 108
The Night Shepherd

Josh King grew up in small town Wyoming. So he never imagined that one day he would end up being a night shepherd in the Swiss Alps.

30 min
Aug 16, 2023Episode 107
Where we're going we don't need roads, just rivers

In September, 2014 writer Ben McGrath had a chance encounter with Dick Conant; a 63 year old man on a solo paddling trip from Canada to Florida. Months later, Ben received a phone call from an unknown number which set him off on a journey of his own.

21 min
Aug 9, 2023Episode 106
Paws in peril, expect the unexpected

When Jeff Bonhert's dog didn't come home one day he feared the worst. Two months later he got a phone call that changed everything, and Jeff realized his dog may have been closer to home than he realized.

20 min
Aug 2, 2023Episode 105
Not all who wander are lost, but some definitely are

Mike Sarvey was an experienced hunter who felt confident in his outdoors skills. But one day he ventured in the Wyoming wilderness and lost his bearings. As the sun began to set, he realized he had made a huge mistake and that you can never be too prepared.

21 min
Jul 26, 2023Episode 104
Hey now, you're a lob-star

When Brady Brandwood decided to see what would happen when he bought a lobster to keep as a pet, he never expected it to change his life. This is the story of Leon the Lobster and his unlikely journey from grocery store tank to social media sensation.

21 min
Jul 19, 2023Episode 103
The mountains are calling and I must go...grab my peanut

In 2022, Bob Salem broke a very unusual record. He now holds the fastest time for pushing a peanut up Pikes Peak Mountain with his nose. Hear Bob's story and the history of this unusual feat on this week's episode.

21 min
Jul 12, 2023Episode 102
Urban Birder

David Lindo always loved nature, but he grew up in the middle of the city and didn't feel like he had access to it. Until one day he realized that nature is everywhere. He started looking up, looking around, and inadvertently found a career in the process.

1 min
Jul 6, 2023
HumaNature Season 8 Trailer

Join us as we gear up for season 8 of HumaNature.

51 min
Jun 28, 2023
Bonus: Modern West ‘Rematriation

As we ring in our 100th episode, current and former HumaNature producers and hosts share their favorite episodes.

22 min
Jun 21, 2023
BONUS 100th Episode Celebration W/ Ryan Kelley EP 4

As we ring in our 100th episode, current and former HumaNature producers and hosts share their favorite episodes.

30 min
Jun 14, 2023
BONUS 100th Episode Celebration W/ Micah Schweizer EP 3

As we ring in our 100th episode, current and former HumaNature producers and hosts share their favorite episodes.

17 min
Jun 7, 2023
BONUS 100th Episode Celebration W/ Charles Fournier EP 2

As we ring in our 100th episode, current and former HumaNature producers and hosts share their favorite episodes.

30 min
May 31, 2023
BONUS 100th Episode Celebration W/ Megan Feighery EP 1

As we ring in our 100th episode, current and former HumaNature producers and hosts share their favorite episodes.

22 min
Apr 5, 2023Episode 101
Seas the Day

Emma Harper lives in Cornwall, England. She's a wife, a mother, and...a real-life mermaid! Emma spends hours each week in the Cornish seas frolicking in the waves. But she also uses her platform to speak up for our oceans and why they need protecting.

23 min
Mar 29, 2023Episode 100
Bigfoot, a gorilla, and a potato all walk into a bar...

For the 100th episode of HumaNature, we’re bringing you two stories! In the first, a man plays the ultimate prank on his brother. In the second, a man out doing trail maintenance finds something odd at his campsite.

24 min
Mar 22, 2023Episode 99
All Beagles Great and Small

This time, almost 4000 Beagles are rescued and given a second chance at life.

24 min
Mar 15, 2023Episode 98
The Long and Winding Trail

After months of isolation during the pandemic one Vermont family, and their dog Moshi, decides to thru-hike a 272-mile trail for the very first time.

14 min
Mar 8, 2023Episode 97
Chekhov’s Bear Spray

Kirk Speckhals spent most of his summers in Wyoming mountain biking. He lives in Jackson Hole and always felt comfortable venturing into bear country. But that all changed on a beautiful August day when Kirk found himself face-to-face with a grizzly bear.

23 min
Mar 1, 2023Episode 96
Reggie the Alligator

In the early 2000’s Los Angeles became obsessed with a new celebrity – a six foot alligator named Reggie. And when city officials set out to capture him, Reggie went on the lam.