My Media from the Bird&Bear Summer Reading Challenge
Haley LoehfelmShare
We have officially concluded our first ever SUMMER READING CHALLENGE!!! I wanted to share the books and podcasts I read and listened to for this challenge. Let me know if you’ve read any of these books or have any recommendations!
BOOKS:
- Finding the Mother Tree by Dr. Suzanne Simard
I cannot recommend this book enough. A beautiful life story of author Dr. Suzanne Simard’s and how her research on forests led her to discover that trees are actually social and communicate and even have maternal instincts. If you are unable to read or purchase her book, it is available on Spotify as an audiobook with premium. I also highly recommend checking out her interview with NPR, which can be heard here.
- A Bigger Picture by Vanessa Nakate
If you are at all interested in confronting the climate crisis, please read this book. I learned so much from author Vanessa Nakate, who shows us the climate crisis is not an issues for ‘future generations’, it is very real and happening right now. I appreciate how Nakate writes this as a relatable story, while backing up her our narrative with relevant facts. She talks about the wider impact of climate issues, such as lack of education, dangers for women and young girls, and the thousands of deaths caused by flooding, droughts, and other environmental issues that are not being covered in Western media. She encourages us to act with urgency, and offers many ways we can all make an impact.
- The Life and Death of the Great Lakes by Dan Egen
As a Michigander, the Great Lakes are apart of my childhood. Author Dan Egen takes us through the history and importance of the Great Lakes Basin, including notable events like the construction of the Eerie Canal and the arrival of invasive species such as sea lamprey (🤢) and zebra mussels. The Great Lakes alone hold 20% of freshwater in the world, and it is important we all takes steps towards protecting this natural resource.
- The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
It took me a while to finish the book because I wanted to do it right. As I started reading it, I realized how important it would be to process. As a creative, this book puts into words so many abstract concepts like being in the state of flow, the pain of trying to capitalize on art, the frustrations of burnout, and so much more. Author Rick Rubin shares incredible advice and anecdotes that inspire me to think about my process from a different perspective. Thank you so much to my dear friend Chelsea for gifting me this book, I am so grateful for all the lessons you and the book have taught me.
- Velda Newman: A Painter’s Approach to Quilting with Christine Barnes
I threw this one in for fun! I was shopping at Starlandia when I found this book about the incredible fiber artists Velda Newman and decided I needed a new hobby. While it doesn’t explain step by step how she makes her incredible quilts, it is a wonderful source of inspiration and a great reminder that the greatest artists are often the ones that break the rules.
PODCASTS:
I have listened to almost every episode of this podcast. Wes, Jeff, and Mike discuss animal attacks and how humans are aften the instigator of these incidences. But don’t worry, it’s not all tragic (especially with Jeff and Mike’s comedic relief). They remind us that we are just animals too, and sometimes we are not the brightest. They provide interesting animal facts so you basically become a zoologist as you listen. They give advice on how to avoid these attacks and what to do if you are in one of these sticky situations.
Recommended episodes: ALL OF THEM, but The Night of the Grizzlies parts 1-3 is a great (and horrifying) introduction.
Historical, true-crime, survival stories, this podcast is an all-in-one. These two thoughtful women describe interesting and sometimes suspenseful happenings at National Parks around the country. They emphasize the importance of protecting these parks and the people in them.
Recommended episodes: 230: The Man Who Came Back. Charley-Yukon Rivers National Preserve., 213: The Book Women of Appalachia. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.
Want to learn about LITERALLY anything? Check out this podcast. Alie Ward interviews professionals across all sorts of fields and industries. This podcast teaches us about so many things and features many specialists that you may or may not already know. From black holes to witchcraft, I can guarantee you'll find an episode about something that you're interested in.
Recommended episodes: Functional Morphology (ANATOMY) Encore with Joy Reidenberg, Foraging Ecology (EATING WILD PLANTS) Encore with @BlackForager, Alexis Nikole Nelson
A library of interviews with leading wildlife scientists and conservationists, this podcast is a gold mine for anyone interested in protecting our environment.
Recommended episodes: Saving Bats From Wind Farms, Protecting Life Underwater, Native American Conservation
Katy Hessel (who has a beautiful podcasting voice btw) interviews actual women artists or specialists on late women artists to discuss their backstory, career, goals, and the female artist who means the most to them. Every episode is totally different, determined by the artist, their history, and their medium.
Recommended episodes: Nellie Scott on Sister Mary Corita, Catherine Opie, Marina Abramovic
This is one for the boys. These dudes invite guests from all over to discuss how they got to where they are today. Professional surfers, skater, photographers, musicians, and more come into "the cabin" to sit with the Seager boys and share stories and sometimes beer.
Recommended episodes: #50 - Ben Moon in the Cabin, #034 - Wes Larson in the Cabin (lol same Wes from Tooth & Claw) , #001 Charley Crockett (Presented by Coors Banquet)
For more podcasts (and specific episode recommendations), click here to view a Spotify playlist I created of interesting episodes. Feel free to contact us with any more suggestions or your thoughts on any of the media we provided. We hope this challenge helped you to learn something new or spark an idea.
Stay smart, stay cool.