Episodes

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal explores the extraordinary resilience of the Tasmanian devil, one of Australia’s most iconic and misunderstood marsupials. Known for their fierce vocalizations and scavenging habits, Tasmanian devils are also masters of survival. One of their most fascinating adaptations is how they store fat in their thick, muscular tails, an evolutionary strategy that allows them to survive long periods without food by relying on these reserves. ...

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal sits down with registered dietician Elisa to unpack the powerful connection between gut health, biodiversity, and resilience. They explore how the gut biome plays a critical role in immunity, mental health, and overall well-being. The conversation covers everything from the benefits of a fiber-rich, plant-forward diet to the dangers of monocrops, processed foods, and environmental toxins. They also highlight how regenerative farmin...

In this fascinating episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal speaks with Dr. John Lesku, a leading sleep researcher, about the amazing patterns and processes of sleep in animals of all types —and what they can teach us about human health, resilience, and performance. From parrotfish building mucus cocoons to sleep safely, to dolphins sleeping in with one eye and half brain alert, to penguins napping in microbursts, and birds sleeping mid-flight, this episode explores the incredi...

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal explores one of the most fascinating sleep strategies in the natural world—the mucus bubble of the parrotfish. Each night, parrotfish excrete a jelly-like mucus cocoon that envelops their bodies, acting as a protective shield against predators and parasites while they sleep on the ocean floor. Jessica uses this captivating natural behavior to highlight a powerful metaphor for human rest and resilience. Just like parrotfish build a...

In this inspiring Memorial Day episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal welcomes Navy veteran Ed Eisenson for a powerful conversation about service, sacrifice, and the resilience found in both military life and nature. Ed shares personal reflections from his time in the Navy, diving deep into the emotional weight of Memorial Day, the camaraderie of military service, and the transformative experiences of deep sea diving. The episode explores the connection between underwater expl...

In this powerful throwback episode originally recorded in October 2024, Resilience Gone Wild host Jessica Morgenthal sits down one-on-one with Dr. Phil Richmond, a veterinarian and passionate mental health advocate. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, this re-release sheds light on the often-overlooked mental health crisis within the veterinary profession—and the strength it takes to ask for help. Dr. Richmond shares his deeply personal story of recovery from substance abuse and suicidal...

Summary In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, Jessica Morgenthal speaks with Rion Nakaya, the founder and curator of The Kid Should See This (TKSST), an award-winning educational media platform for children. They explore how co-viewing curated videos can foster curiosity, resilience, and media literacy in young audiences. Rion discusses the importance of trust in digital content, the role of audio storytelling, and how authentic narratives help children connect more deeply with nature and sc...

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal explores the powerful metaphor of Mother Trees—the towering elders of old-growth forests who support, protect, and nourish their surrounding ecosystem through vast underground networks. Drawing from the latest research in forest ecology, Jessica reveals how these trees serve as a model for resilience, community care, and environmental sustainability. Listeners will learn how Mother Trees communicate through the Wood Wide Web—a myc...

Summary In this dynamic episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal sits down with environmental engineer, designer, and author Katie Patrick to discuss a groundbreaking approach to environmental education—one that goes beyond awareness and centers on action design. Katie shares her journey from Australia to Silicon Valley and reveals how her experiences shaped the development of tools like the Earth Doctors curriculum and the School of Climate Action Design. These programs aim to ...

In this powerful follow-up episode of Resilience Gone Wild, Jessica Morgenthal sits down with sustainability expert and author John Friedman to explore the evolving landscape of corporate sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy, and the role of business in tackling climate change. Friedman shares deep insights into how forward-thinking companies are aligning profitability with environmental and social impact—and why doing so is essential for long-term success. The e...

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal explores the incredible stories of giant tortoises and their ecological significance. She discusses the unique characteristics of these ancient creatures, their conservation success stories, and the concept of living a net positive life. The episode emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and encourages listeners to take practical steps towards sustainability and conservation. Inspired by the book Net Positive by Pa...

Summary In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, Jessica Morgenthal speaks with Ruth Wilson, a lifelong advocate for nature-based education and author of Nature and Young Children. Together, they explore how connecting children with nature supports mental health, physical well-being, cognitive development, and spiritual growth. The conversation dives into the concept of nature deficit disorder—a term coined by Richard Louv—and why unstructured time in nature is essential for kids. Ruth shares pe...

Summary: In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, Jessica Morgenthal sits down with Nicolas Prophte to explore the evolution of denim, the challenges of sustainability in fashion, and the critical role of mindset in transforming the industry. Nicolas shares his personal journey through the denim world, highlighting how consumer behavior, industry practices, and technological advancements are shaping the future of sustainable fashion. The conversation delves into the importance of building a rev...

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal uncovers the fascinating journey of indigo, a plant that has shaped cultures, economies, and industries for centuries. Beyond its vibrant blue hue, indigo is a symbol of resilience and transformation, thriving in poor soil conditions and revealing its full potential only through a complex dyeing process. The conversation dives into indigo’s deep cultural and historical significance, from ancient dyeing traditions to its dark ties ...

Summary In this fascinating episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal speaks with Elena Kazamia, a scientist, writer, and passionate advocate for blending science and storytelling. Elena shares her unique journey from studying algae to exploring the impact of insect migration, particularly focusing on the marmalade hoverfly, a tiny but powerful pollinator. She highlights the importance of insects in maintaining healthy ecosystems, the role of citizen science in conservation, and ...

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal sits down with Mitch Rawlyk, a regenerative farmer and climate advocate, to discuss his personal journey from eco-anxiety to environmental action. Mitch shares how he transitioned from a career in meteorology to hands-on regenerative agriculture, focusing on food systems, water management, and sustainability. This conversation unpacks the shift from sustainability to regeneration, highlighting how small, intentional actions can cr...

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal dives into the powerful iceberg metaphor to explore the hidden depths of our resilience. Just like an iceberg, much of our strength, emotions, and experiences remain unseen, yet they shape who we are. Jessica discusses how understanding the hidden aspects of our subconscious mind can help us navigate challenges, uncover inner strength, and develop a deeper sense of self-awareness. She also connects this idea to the environmental t...

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal explores the resilient nature of polar bears and how they can teach us to navigate change, conserve energy, and embrace the unknown. Just as polar bears thrive in the Arctic by adapting to shifting conditions, we too can develop resilience by trusting the process, focusing our energy on what truly matters, and relying on our communities for support. Jessica examines how polar bears master adaptability, knowing when to move forward...

In this breathtaking episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal sits down with renowned nature photographer Daniel J. Cox, who takes us deep into the icy wilderness of the Arctic. From Norway’s rugged landscapes to the delicate balance of sea ice ecosystems, Daniel J. Cox shares firsthand experiences with polar bears, the hidden world beneath the ice, and the intelligence of wildlife.  Through vivid storytelling and expert insight, Daniel J. Cox highlights the critical role of loc...

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal dives into the incredible world of tardigrades, also known as water bears or moss piglets—tiny creatures that redefine resilience. These microscopic marvels can survive in some of the most extreme environments, from the vacuum of space to boiling temperatures and deep-sea pressures. They can hibernate for up to 30 years, bouncing back to life when conditions improve. Jessica breaks down what makes tardigrades the ultimate survivor...

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal sits down with Andrew Lewin, marine biologist and host of the podcast How to Protect Our Ocean. Andrew shares his journey from working in marine science to becoming a leading voice in science communication, making complex ocean conservation topics accessible and engaging for the public. The conversation explores the evolution of science storytelling, the impact of the BP oil spill, and how technology has revolutionized environment...

In this inspiring episode of Resilience Gone Wild, Ellie Meredith shares her journey as a passionate young activist tackling eco-anxiety and climate change through action, advocacy, and storytelling. Ellie discusses her personal relationship with nature, the power of collective action, and her documentary Actionism, which highlights how communities can come together to drive environmental change. The conversation also delves into the mental health benefits of nature, the challenges the outdoor ...

In this powerful follow-up to our Purposeful Parrotfish episode, we continue exploring the profound impact of purpose—this time with Emiliya Zhivotovskaya, MAPP, CEO of The Flourishing Center and a leader in positive psychology. Emiliya shares her deeply personal journey, shaped by resilience, joy, and loss, and how she has dedicated her life to helping individuals and organizations flourish. From her childhood inspiration to “heal the world” to founding a center that empowers others with scien...

In this inspiring episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal dives deep into the power of purpose—drawing wisdom from one of nature’s most fascinating creatures, the parrotfish. Just as the parrotfish plays a vital role in maintaining coral reef ecosystems, our personal sense of purpose can fuel resilience, drive meaningful action, and leave a lasting impact on the world. Through engaging storytelling and thought-provoking insights, Jessica encourages listeners to reflect on their...