When author Lynn Faust faced the loss of her beloved Smoky Mountains cabin, she began to notice the synchronous fireflies more closely—tiny lights blinking in perfect rhythm. What started as a moment of heartbreak turned into a lifelong journey. With no formal training, she became a leading firefly expert, dedicating herself to studying these mysterious creatures and illuminating their hidden world.
Facing the loss of her Elkmont cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains—a family treasure for five generations—Lynn Faust began to pay more attention to the fireflies there, the "light show," as the family called it, where thousands of fireflies would light up in unison. When she read that synchronous fireflies did not exist in North America, she knew that scientists were wrong. The creatures were right in her own yard! Realizing just how little was known about these enchanting insects, she set out to observe them, becoming a self-taught firefly expert and unveiling the mysteries of nature's tiny lanterns.
After enduring deep emotional and physical trauma, Lizzie and Merlin Hanbury-Tenison found unexpected solace in an ancient temperate rainforest on their own land. Among moss-covered trees and whispering leaves, they discovered not just healing-but purpose. Now, they're on a mission to share that healing power with others while working to restore and expand the rare forest that helped them find peace.
The Hanbury-Tenisons have turned to a rare temperate rainforest on their family farm for solace and renewal after emotional and physical trauma. Now they want to share this healing resource with others. But they also want to restore and expand the ancient forest. Healing the land and healing ourselves in this episode of Constant Wonder.
What began as a simple observation turned into a moment of awe. In this episode, our guest recalls the extraordinary experience of holding a bat for the first time-taking in the delicate structure of its wings, the intricate details of its face, and the sheer wonder of connecting with a creature so often misunderstood. Hear the full story from S5 E3 at the link in our bio or on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Ever since "Dracula," bats have been seen as terrifying threats that carry disease. They're actually essential to our agriculture and industry. In this episode of Constant Wonder, you'll meet an expert who can set the record straight. No wonder he's known as "The Batman of Mexico"; he's been obsessed with the flying mammals since he was young!
What began as a series of vivid dreams became a life-changing mission. When a two-year-old orphaned orca named Springer was found alone, those dreams helped spark a cross-border rescue that defied the odds. Today, Springer is thriving with her family—raising calves of her own. Hear Springer's full story from S2 E4 at the link in our bio or on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!
What started as a curiosity about owl ears became a scientific breakthrough in the making. When researchers studied a 20-year-old owl with perfect hearing, they discovered something extraordinary: owl hearing doesn’t age. Now, those findings could one day help restore hearing in humans. Hear the full story from S7 E2 at the link in our bio or on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!
One day in 1901, a young farmer from Croatia set out on a walk. Decades later, he was still walking, had traversed six continents, and had stood face-to-face with the most famous people of the age.
Seal pups are born into a world of ice and uncertainty—but also wonder. In Antarctica, field biologist Naira de Gracia works among these fragile new lives, witnessing their first flops, first calls, and moments of unexpected trust. When one pup, just hours old, falls asleep on her lap, she’s reminded of the quiet magic found at the edge of the world. Hear her full story from S5 E1 at the link in our bio or on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!