Episodes

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, Jessica Morgenthal welcomes Mat Zucker, host of the award-winning podcast Cidiot, to share his journey of transitioning from urban living in Manhattan to embracing life in the countryside. Through humor, candid reflections, and relatable anecdotes, Mat illustrates how laughter is an essential tool for resilience, especially when navigating life’s major transitions. The conversation dives into the quirks of rural living, from animal antics to community dy...

Episode Summary In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal sits down with Lizzie LaRock, the creative force behind The Life Feast program. Together, they dive into the transformative intersection of positive psychology, nature, and creative photography, exploring how these elements can deepen our connection with ourselves and the world around us. Lizzie shares her personal journey of blending mindfulness with photography, and how this practice has helped her and her commun...

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, we dive into the whimsical journey of a curious city mouse who trades urban comforts for the unpredictable charm of the countryside. Through comical encounters with wildlife, the mouse discovers powerful lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the transformative power of laughter. Each animal interaction offers insights into turning fear into curiosity and embracing life’s unexpected twists with humor. By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away wit...

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal sits down with Joost Hagedoorn to explore his transformative experiences in Botswana, where the raw beauty of wildlife reshaped his perspectives on animal behavior, fear, and human-nature connections. Joost shares captivating stories from the wild and delves into the lessons learned from observing pristine ecosystems. This conversation highlights the power of ecotourism, the importance of wildlife conservation, and how immersing ou...

In this fascinating episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal sits down with Ken Coe to explore the extraordinary lives of elephants, the concept of the platinum rule, and the critical role of compassion in conservation efforts. Together, they delve into the social, emotional, and ecological significance of elephants, while addressing the complexities of balancing conservation with the needs of local communities. Key Takeaways: Elephants Are Like Us: Elephants exhibit remarkable ...

In this unforgettable episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal dives deep with Lady Mermaid—Guinness World Record–holding ice swimmer and passionate ocean advocate. From Estonia to international waters, Lady Mermaid shares her extraordinary journey of connecting with nature through extreme swimming and her mission to clean the ocean—one swim at a time. The episode highlights how resilience isn’t just about surviving the cold but about taking bold action to protect what we love. W...

In this heartwarming episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal takes us on a journey into the world of compassionate elephants in the Okavango Delta. Drawing parallels between human relationships and the animal kingdom, Jessica introduces the transformative concept of the platinum rule: treating others the way they wish to be treated. Moving beyond the familiar golden rule, she highlights how understanding the unique needs and desires of others—both people and nature—can deepen ou...

Summary: In this captivating episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal launches the Up Close and Personal series, which delves into the profound connections people form with nature. In this premiere episode, Jessica speaks with Karen, who shares her transformative journey of seeing leopard slugs not as pests but as sources of inspiration and creativity. Their unique behaviors and elegant adaptations provide insights into resilience, connection, and the overlooked beauty in life’s...

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, Jessica Morgenthal sits down with Oliver Dauert to explore his inspiring journey from the corporate world to a mission-driven life dedicated to nature and biodiversity. Oliver candidly shares how childhood influences like The Lion King sparked his love for the environment and how the COVID-19 pandemic led him to reassess his career and align it with his values. Together, they delve into the importance of finding balance, financial stability, and courage w...

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal explores the fearless world of the honey badger, an animal renowned for its courage, adaptability, and unyielding persistence. Drawing from vivid storytelling and nature’s wisdom, Jessica unpacks the life lessons these remarkable creatures can teach us about resilience and facing life’s challenges head-on. Through captivating anecdotes, she delves into the essence of courage, illustrating how it’s not the absence of fear but the w...

In this thought-provoking episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal sits down with Lyssa DeHart, author of Light Up: The Science of Coaching with Metaphors, to explore the transformative power of metaphors and the art of deep listening. Together, they uncover how metaphors can act as mental shortcuts, enhance resilience, and deepen our understanding of ourselves and others. From nature-inspired metaphors to the neuroscience behind how metaphors activate different regions of the b...

In this episode of *Resilience Gone Wild*, host Jessica Morgenthal delves into the remarkable resilience and adaptability of the banyan tree and how it mirrors our own lives. Known for its sprawling branches, extensive root systems, and rich history, the banyan tree serves as a powerful metaphor for building robust support networks and nurturing resilience. Key Themes & Highlights: Banyan Trees as Symbols of Resilience and Connection Banyan trees are celebrated for their longevity, expansive ...

In this conversation, Jessica Morgenthal interviews Sy Montgomery, a prolific author and naturalist, about the power of flow and resilience in our connection with animals and the natural world. They discuss the importance of embracing awe and curiosity, the lessons we can learn from different species, and the transformative impact of deep connections. Sy shares stories of her experiences with sea turtles, hawks, and other creatures, highlighting the beauty and wisdom they offer. The conversation...

Welcome to “Resilience Gone Wild”! In this episode, we explore the beautiful coastal setting of the British Virgin Islands, where Jessica shares a moment of pure flow inspired by the playful Laughing Gulls. Observing their joyful balancing act on buoys, these gulls demonstrate a perfect blend of challenge and skill—a true “sweet spot” that invites us to find our own flow. Episode Highlights: A Flow State Inspired by Nature: In the serene environment of Norton Island, laughing gulls balance on ...

In this insightful episode, Jessica Morgenthal sits down with Val Tovar, the Director of Ocean Conservation at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Val shares her passion for ocean conservation and sheds light on the key threats facing sea turtles and marine life. From fishing and boating interactions to marine debris, Val explains Loggerhead’s comprehensive initiatives to tackle these challenges. She also highlights the global connection of ocean currents and how marine debris can travel vast distance...

Welcome to a special Halloween edition of Resilience Gone Wild! In this haunting episode, host Jessica Morgenthal guides us through the eerie wilderness to explore what the creatures of the night can teach us about resilience, survival, and embracing the shadow side of ourselves. We journey deep into the heart of the ancient forest, where shadows stretch long, hiding barn owls, black panthers, vampire bats, and other mysterious beings. These dark dwellers have adapted to thrive in the night, an...

In this episode, we dive deeper into intentional breathing and mindfulness techniques with Dr. Philip Richmond, founder of Flourishing Phoenix, a practice dedicated to mental wellness and resilience. Building on our previous conversation, Dr. Phil discusses his journey, the importance of building emotional resilience, and practical ways to unlock calm in our everyday lives. Throughout this episode, Dr. Phil shares powerful insights on the science behind emotional well-being, specifically focusi...

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, we dive into the fascinating world of alligators, exploring how these ancient reptiles use their lungs to control buoyancy and navigate the water with ease. Inspired by their natural ability to float effortlessly, host Jessica Morgenthal shares the lessons we can learn from gators about managing stress and resilience. Key Topics Covered: Alligators’ Unique Adaptation: Learn how gators use their lungs to control buoyancy, effortlessly gliding through the...

In part 2 of “Momma Sea Turtles” we’re joined by Andy Dehart, a shark biologist turned CEO of Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Andy takes us on a journey through his career, from working with sharks to leading a turtle hospital. He shares captivating stories about tiger sharks and sea turtles, including the fascinating feeding strategies of tiger sharks and the incredible survival tactics of sea turtles when under attack. Throughout the conversation, Andy emphasizes the resilience found in both na...

In this first episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal takes us to the sandy shores of Singer Island, Florida, where the miraculous journey of momma sea turtles comes to life. These incredible creatures travel thousands of miles to nest on the same beaches where they were born, battling obstacles like heat, predators, and ocean currents, all while showcasing remarkable resilience. Jessica explores the nesting process, from choosing the perfect spot to the care momma turtles take...

Explore how nature’s most adaptable species can inspire you to overcome challenges, lead with purpose, and create lasting change in yourself, your organization, and your community. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about evolving, learning, and thriving in the face of adversity. Join Jessica Morgenthal, a positive psychology trainer, teacher, author, speaker, coach, and consultant, as she uncovers stories of nature’s remarkable adaptation and survival. Learn from the resilience of ...