Welcome to the Wild Voices Podcast
Where nature speaks and stories come alive.
Join Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano each week for engaging conversations about all things ‘nature.’ The Wild Voices Podcast is on a mission to explore topics that help us better connect with the natural world. These topics range from forest bathing to foraging, herbal remedies to sustainability.
Episodes
Experience the Wild Side
Spring Equinox Retreat 2025 Recap
Nicci, Donna, and Chris chat about the Spring Equinox Retreat that took place at Cloverpenny Farm on March 22, 2025. What a wonderful day of connecting, community, love, and support!
Spring Nature Events 2025
We are excited about Spring! Donna and Nicci sit down to chat about some of the cool Spring events coming up in 2025. Get cozy, take a listen, and get ready to mark your calendars!
Grieving and Nature with Lauren Oftedahl
Walter, our gender-fluid turkey and mascot of the Wild Voices Podcast, was taken by a predator. This episode is perfectly timed. We speak with Lauren Oftedahl about using nature to navigate grief.
Winter Foraging in West Tennessee
It may be cold outside, but that doesn’t mean that your foraging adventures have to wait until Spring. In this episode, we chat about a few things you can still forage during winter months!
New Plant Shop in West Tennessee!
Diana Cotten, local business -woman, nature lover, and country-life extraordinaire, shares details about her latest venture – a plant shop coming to the West Tennessee area!
2025 – Upcoming Events
The snow settled in, and we did too! Snuggle up and enjoy this episode where Nicci and Donna talk about some of the great events and happenings in the coming months!
Landscaping with Brad Gano
We chat with Brad Gano, a private landscaper in Denver, about all things landscaping. Brad shares his knowledge about grasses, trees, and tips for getting the most out of your landscape.
Adventure Therapy with Renee Roark
Renee Roark talks about Adventure Therapy and shares how her different approach to therapy within nature helps her clients heal through connecting with nature.
Nature Projects for the Winter
Winter is upon us in West TN! In this episode, we discuss our favorite projects to connect you to nature and your creativity during the winter and provide some of our favorite resources.
Mushroom Hunting with David Blackwood
This fascinating conversation with David Blackwood includes tips on when and where to forage. It discusses the two deadly ‘shrooms’ in West Tennessee and David’s favorite fungi.
UT Extension Programs & Services
Celeste Luckey Scott and Mary Glenys Espey from the UT Extension share information about the Master Gardeners Program, Tennessee Smart Yard, and other Extension services.
Wild Voices Fall Retreat Event Recap
We are joined by Chris Smith to talk about our favorite parts of the retreat, read feedback from participants, and share a wonderful campfire song that has been sitting with our souls since.
Nature Talk with Donna & Nicci
Join us as we sit by the fire on a beautiful Saturday to discuss the benefits of connecting with nature and offer tips to combat the physical and mental challenges of winter.
Herbal Remedies with Mikki Patterson
Explore how Mikki uses herbal remedies to treat both physical and mental issues, calming teas, foraging, and shares advice for adding herbal remedies to your daily wellness routine.
Wild Plants and Herbs with Laura Lamun
Laura Lamun, author of The Garden of Earth discusses the uses and benefits of wild plants, offers tips on foraging and aromatherapy, and gives a sneak peek into her new book.
Forest Bathing Chat with Nicci Gano
This episode was recorded after a captivating Forest Bathing session with Certified Forest Therapy Guide and co-host Nicci Gano at Wooded Trail System at Union University.
Welcome to Wild Voices (An Introduction)
We will be launching our first full episode in the coming week! Listen to our introduction episode and learn more about us and the journey we plan to take with this podcast.
Blog Posts
Random thoughts and such
- Dandelions – A Powerhouse (Taraxacum officinale)Think dandelions are just pesky weeds? Think again! These little bursts of sunshine are way more than something to pluck from your yard. They’re packed with nutrients, great for pollinators, and totally edible from root to flower! You can brewContinue reading “Dandelions – A Powerhouse (Taraxacum officinale)”
- Meet Purple Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum)You’ve probably seen purple dead nettle before—even if you didn’t realize it. That fuzzy little plant with purplish tops that pops up in early spring? Yep, that’s the one! While some might call it a weed, this plant is actuallyContinue reading “Meet Purple Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum)”
- Celebrate the 2024 Winter SolsticeAs the year comes to a close, December brings about one of the most profound celestial events: the winter solstice. On December 21, 2024, we will experience the shortest daylight and the longest night of the year.