{"podcast":{"title":"The Backyard Naturalists","slug":"the-backyard-naturalists-4262914","podcast_index_feed_id":4262914,"rss_url":"https://thebackyardnaturalists.libsyn.com/rss","website_url":"http://www.thebackyardnaturalists.com","image_url":"https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/1/5/2/d/152d5a4c8d405dd7bafc7308ab683e82/BYN_ARTWORK.png","author":"Downtown Podcasting","episode_count":100,"summary":"Embark on a magical adventure into the wonders of your backyard with 'The Backyard Naturalists' podcast. Whether you're a curious nature lover or a seasoned enthusiast, our show is your ticket to discovering the enchanting world of your own outdoor space. Join us on a journey of discovery as we celebrate the beauty of your backyard and explore a wide range of fascinating topics. Learn how to transform your little piece of nature into a haven for local wildlife, and discover the joy of citizen science by participating in events like the Great Backyard Bird Count. We'll guide you in creating a thriving ecosystem right at home by using native plants. Discover which fascinating creatures share your area, and learn how to attract specific bird species to your garden. We'll also delve into the world of raptors, both common and rare, that inhabit the Greater Charlotte region, and witness the mesmerizing spectacle of spring and fall bird migrations. But that's not all! We'll also introduce you to the magical world of plants that attract butterflies and so much more. Join us in unlocking the hidden treasures within your very own backyard and nurturing a deeper connection with the natural w…","last_synced_at":"2026-08-02T12:20:28.343915+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914"},"episode":{"title":"Take a Walk on the Wild Side: The Healing Power of Forest Bathing","slug":"take-a-walk-on-the-wild-side-the-healing-power-of-forest-bathing","published_at":"2026-02-21T13:26:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914/take-a-walk-on-the-wild-side-the-healing-power-of-forest-bathing","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914","url":"https://thebackyardnaturalists.libsyn.com/take-a-walk-on-the-wild-side-the-healing-power-of-forest-bathing","audio_url":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thebackyardnaturalists/BYN_S4E16_-_Forest_Bathing_Mixdown_11.mp3?dest-id=3015305","summary":"In this encore episode of The Backyard Naturalists , Debbie and Laurie revisit their inspiring conversation with certified forest therapy guide and author Melanie Choukas-Bradley to explore the healing power of forest bathing , also known as shinrin-yoku. Originating in Japan in the 1980s, this mindful practice invites us to slow down, unplug, and fully immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds, scents, and textures of the natural world. Melanie shares the fascinating science behind forest bathing—including research showing it can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost immune function, and improve sleep—while reminding us that connecting with nature is both simple and accessible. Together, they discuss how even urban areas like Washington, D.C. offer abundant opportunities for meaningful time outdoors, and how parks, greenways, and even your own backyard can become spaces for restoration. You'll learn what to expect on a guided forest bathing walk, how to practice on your own, and why regular time in nature can transform your overall well-being. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or just beginning to explore mindful time outdoors, this episode will inspire you to step outside, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the living world around you. If you have ideas for future episodes, we'd love to hear from you—reach out on Facebook or through our website. Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds—a true mecca for bird lovers located in Matthews, North Carolina (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte. Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists ! We hope your day is filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side—and if you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-star review. Production services for The Bac…","meta_description":"In this encore episode of The Backyard Naturalists , Debbie and Laurie revisit their inspiring conversation with certified forest therapy guide and author…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":1737,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914/episodes/take-a-walk-on-the-wild-side-the-healing-power-of-forest-bathing/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914/take-a-walk-on-the-wild-side-the-healing-power-of-forest-bathing.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}