Shows
Wild VoicesEp. 21: RetreatABLE Recap with Chris Smith and Lauren OftedahlWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, Nicci and I are joined by Chris Smith and Lauren Oftedahl to discuss the first RetreatABLE event they hosted in Wisconsin a few weeks ago. The crew at Wild Voices Podcast couldn’t be more thrilled to see the impact that these ladies are making in other communities, and we invite you to learn more about their passion and efforts to get people more connected to nature!Mentioned in the show:...2025-05-1638 min
Wild VoicesEp. 20: Ranger Madlyn Maples from Pinson Mounds State Archeological ParkWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, Donna and Nicci head down to Pinson Mounds State Park to chat with Madlyn Maples, the park's Seasonal Interpretive Ranger. Madlyn shares some of the cool history of the park and some of the unique events happening at Pinson Mounds. Mentioned in the show:Pinson Mounds State Archaeological ParkBee Fest 2025Painting with MudThank you for being part of this journey with us! Your support means the...2025-05-0829 min
Wild VoicesEp. 19: Below the Waves with Joe MeiselWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, Donna talks with Joe Meisel, biologist, conservationist, and educator. He is the author of two books about the wonders of the natural world: The Marlin’s Fiery Eye and Other Tales from the Extraordinary World of Marine Fishes (Cornell Press, 2025) and Orchids of Tropical America: An Introduction and Guide (Cornell Press, 2014). He is a co-founder of the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation and has led research, education, and habitat protection programs for nearly thirty ye...2025-04-2451 min
Wild VoicesEp. 18: Road to Redemption with Raye CoonWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, Donna is joined by Raye Coon, a life coach in Jackson and gem of a human! Donna and Raye discuss Raye's journey and her newest venture - Redemption Road - and the impact that nature has had on her personal and spiritual development. Mentioned in this episode:Connect and follow Redemption Road on social media.FacebookInstagramTikTokThank you for being part of...2025-04-1630 min
Wild VoicesEp. 17: Spring Equinox Retreat 2025 RecapWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, Nicci, Donna, and Chris chat about the amazing Spring Equinox Retreat that took place at CloverPenny Farm on March 22, 2025. What a wonderful day of connecting, community, love, and support! If you didn't make it, check out this episode to see what you missed. Mark your calendar for June 21, 2025, when we will be hosting the Summer Retreat!Thank you for being part of this journey with us! Your support means the world. Please...2025-04-0334 min
Wild VoicesEp. 16: Spring Nature Events 2025 with Nicci and DonnaWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.The Plant Shop - Plant Sale219 North Parkway Ste 6 Jackson TN 38305March 13-15, 2024 10:00 AM - 6:00 PMSpring Equinox Nature RetreatCloverPenny FarmSaturday, March 22, 2025 10:00 AM - 6:00 PMCommunity Seed SwapThe Ledge - 3581 Highway 70 E, Spring Creek TN 38305March 27, 2025 12:00 PM - 4:00 PMSpring Tree Identification HikePinson Mounds...2025-03-0632 min
Wild VoicesEp. 15: Healing in the Wild: Grieving and Nature with Lauren OftedahlWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.We took a little sabbatical due to illness, weather issues, and a particularly devastating loss at the farm. Our beloved Walter, our gender-fluid turkey and mascot of the Wild Voices Podcast, was taken by a predator. This episode is perfectly timed, as we speak with Lauren Oftedahl about using nature to navigate grief. Lauren is a published author, graphic designer, and an all-around gem of a human being.Mentioned in the show: RetreatAble...2025-02-2845 min
Wild VoicesEp. 14: Winter ForagingWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.“Plants and animals don’t fight the winter; they don’t pretend it’s not happening and attempt to carry on living the same lives that they lived in the summer. They prepare. They adapt. They perform extraordinary acts of metamorphosis to get them through. Winter is a time of withdrawing from the world, maximizing scant resources, carrying out acts of brutal efficiency, and vanishing from sight, but that’s where the transformation occurs. Winter is not the de...2025-02-0623 minWild VoicesEp. 13: Diana Cotten's Bringing a New Plant Shop to West Tennessee!Welcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, we chat with Diana Cotten, a local businesswoman, nature lover, and country-life extraordinaire! Diana shares with us the details about her latest venture - a plant shop coming to the West Tennessee area! This hilarious episode covers everything from the plant shop to bean dust and an extensive conversation about snakes. Thank you for being part of this journey with us! Your support means the world. Please subscribe so you don't miss f...2025-01-3029 min
Wild VoicesEp. 12: 2025 - Interesting Start & Upcoming EventsWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.The snow settled in, and we did too! Snuggle up and enjoy this episode where Nicci and I talk about all the great events and happenings in the coming months! Upcoming Events:Wild Voices Spring Retreat - March 22, 2025 at CloverPenny Farms. More details to come! RetreatAble: A wheelchair-accessible nature retreat - April 25-27, 2025 at Camp Wawbeek - Easter Seals Wisconsin Camps 1450 State Hwy 13, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 Women's Virtual Winter...2025-01-1633 min
Wild VoicesEp. 11: Landscaping with Brad GanoWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, we chat with Brad Gano about all things landscaping. Brad, a private landscaper in Denver, Colorado sat down with us for a great conversation about grasses, trees, and tips for getting the most out of your landscape. Check out the episode as Brad shares his knowledge, and the dogs provide some additional comedic action (yes, there was a dog fart in the camper - that was rough).Thank you for being part...2025-01-0236 min
Wild VoicesEp. 10: Adventure Therapy with Renee RoarkWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.Now that the holidays are coming to a close, many people may be feeling the need to reflect and focus on self-care. That can often include therapy. In this episode, we chat with Renee Roark about Adventure Therapy. Renee shares how her approach to therapy within nature takes a different approach to helping her clients heal through connecting with nature. Mentioned in the show: National Outdoor Leadership School Association for Experiential Education Adventure Therapist, L...2024-12-2646 min
Wild VoicesEp. 9: Nature Projects for the WinterWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.Winter is upon us in West Tennessee! With the cold (and recently rainy) weather rolling in, there’s no better time to start planning fun winter projects to connect you to nature and your creativity. In this episode, we discuss a few of our favorite things to do during the winter and offer up some of our favorite resources. Stick around to learn more about Nicci’s upcoming Winter Solstice event at the end of the episode! ...2024-12-1925 min
Wild VoicesEp. 8: Mushroom Hunting with David BlackwoodWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, we chat with David Blackwood about all things mushrooms. David is the Director of the West Tennessee River Basin Authority by day, but mushroom hunting is his passion. This fascinating conversation includes tips on when and where to forage, the two deadly shrooms in West Tennessee, David’s favorite fungi, how to grow mushrooms with cardboard, and so much more! Big shout out to TheCo in Jackson, TN, for the recording space during this co...2024-12-1240 min
Wild VoicesEp. 7: UTExtension with Celeste Luckey Scott and Mary Glenys EspeyWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, we visit the UT-TSU Extension office to meet with Celeste Luckey Scott and Mary Glenys Espey and learn more about the Extension’s programs and services. We talk about the Master Gardeners Program, Tennessee Smart Yard, and the services that the Extension offers to community members and homeowners. Recording this episode was so much fun and very informative. You don’t want to miss all the great conversation. Mentioned in the episode:...2024-12-0549 min
Wild VoicesEp. 6: Wild Voices Retreat RecapWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, Nicci and Donna are joined by Chris Smith for a lovely discussion about last weekend's Wild Voices Retreat. We talk about our favorite parts of the day, read some feedback from participants, and share a wonderful campfire song that has been sitting with our souls since. Thank you for being part of this journey with us! Your support means the world. Please subscribe so you don't miss future episodes, leave a review...2024-11-2133 min
Wild VoicesEp.5: Nature Talk with Donna & NicciWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.Join us as we sit by the fire on a beautiful Saturday and discuss the benefits of connecting with nature and give you some tips to combat the physical and mental challenges of the changing season. We'll give you a few strategies for coping with the stress of the upcoming election and holiday season, and Nicci shares some great ideas for ways to commune with nature when the weather isn't 'ideal.'Thank you for...2024-11-0724 min
Wild VoicesEp. 4: Herbal Remedies with Mikki Patterson from The Mystic's GardenWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.Come along with us on our journey to The Mystic's Garden in Enville, TN where we had a facinating conversation with owner Mikki Patterson. In this episode, we explore the wonderful ways that Mikki uses herbal remedies to treat a variety of issues, both physically and mentally. Mikki talks about calming teas, foraging, and shares great advice for those looking to add herbal remedies to their daily wellness routine. Mentioned in this episode: The Mystic's G...2024-10-3137 min
Wild VoicesEp. 3: Laura Lamun on Wild Plants and HerbsWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.We had the pleasure of speaking with Laura Lamun, author of The Garden of Earth—Living Remedies & Earth-Honoring Practices. In this episode, we eat a few things from Laura's yard and discuss the great uses and benefits of wild plants in West Tennessee and the Southeast. Laura also gives tips on foraging and aromatherapy and gives a sneak peek into her new book, which will be coming out later this year. Mentioned in this episode:...2024-10-2441 min
Wild VoicesEp. 2: Forest Bathing with Nicci from The Restorative WillowWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.This episode of Wild Voices 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. The unique experience of being led through the forest with guided prompts, followed by warm tea and participant feedback, was truly unforgettable. Join us on this episode as we delve into the fascinating world of forest bathing, laugh, and experience the joy of having your cup...2024-10-1726 minWild VoicesEp. 1: Welcome to Wild Voices (An Introduction)Welcome to the Wild Voices podcast, where nature speaks and stories come alive, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano. We will be launching our first full episode in the coming week! In the meantime, we invite you to take a moment to listen to our introduction episode and learn more about us and the journey we plan to take with this podcast. Whether you're a forager, gardener, mushroom hunter, forest bather, or just curious about all the glorious things surrounding and sustaining you, we invite you to join us on this journey as...2024-10-1021 min