Wild Voices (Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano)

Welcome 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 death of the life cycle, but its crucible.”

― Katherine May, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times

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 & share with friends to help us connect with nature lovers across the Earth.

For more information about the podcast or to be a guest on our show, email wildvoicespodcast@gmail.com

Welcome 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! 

Mentioned in the show:

Backwoods Mama - Raising Outdoor Kids (Blog): Josée Bergeron’s blog is a space of encouragement packed with resources for parents, caregivers, and educators looking to get outside and connect with nature with their kids. 

Making Healthy Treats for Wildlife (Backwoods Mama)

Seedtime: Visualize exactly when to seed, transplant, or harvest crops in your garden all year round - based on your local area.

Mindful Creative Writing with Melissa Jean: Explore how mindfulness practice and creative writing/journaling can interact with one another in the service of healing, self-expression, and the generation of powerful, grounded, expansive creative work.

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 & share with friends to help us connect with nature lovers across the Earth.

For more information about the podcast or to be a guest on our show, email wildvoicespodcast@gmail.com

Welcome 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:

How to connect with Renee:

Welcome 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 filled with beautiful experiences, people, and nature. It's a journey of learning and inspiration that you won't want to miss.

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 we bring engaging stories, expert interviews, and exciting perspectives on all things wild and beautiful.

Mentioned in this episode:

• ⁠⁠The Restorative Willow—Visit Nicci's site to learn more about Forest Bathing, Wednesdays in the Woods, and upcoming classes.

• November 16th Retreat - More info will be provided on our social media platforms.

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 & share with friends to help us connect with nature lovers across the Earth.

For more information about the podcast or to be a guest on our show, email wildvoicespodcast@gmail.com

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 we bring engaging stories, expert interviews, and exciting perspectives on all things wild and beautiful.

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Restorative Willow - Check out Nicci's site to learn more about Forest Bathing, Wednesdays in the Woods, and upcoming classes.
• That Tree by Mark Hirsch - An iPhone Photo Journal Documenting a Year in the Life of a Lonely Bur Oak

Thank you for being part of this journey with us! Please Subscribe so you don't miss future episodes, leave a review & share with friends to help us connect with nature lovers across the Earth.

For more information about the podcast or to be a guest on our show, email wildvoicespodcast@gmail.com

Welcome 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 Poetry Circle 2025 - The group will meet each Thursday from January 23rd to March 20th (Skipping February 13th) from 7-8 PM Central Time.

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 & share with friends to help us connect with nature lovers across the Earth.

For more information about the podcast or to be a guest on our show, email wildvoicespodcast@gmail.com

Welcome 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 & share with friends to help us connect with nature lovers across the Earth.

For more information about the podcast or to be a guest on our show, email wildvoicespodcast@gmail.com

Welcome 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 Garden (Facebook)⁠⁠⁠ —Follow Mikki on Facebook for upcoming events, tea recipes, and so much more!
• November 16th Retreat — Register for the Autumn Nature Retreat at: ⁠⁠https://lu.ma/kzh1w30d⁠⁠

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 & share with friends to help us connect with nature lovers across the Earth.

For more information about the podcast or to be a guest on our show, email wildvoicespodcast@gmail.com

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 future episodes, leave a review & share with friends to help us connect with nature lovers across the Earth.

For more information about the podcast or to be a guest on our show, email wildvoicespodcast@gmail.com

Welcome 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 being part of this journey with us! Your support means the world. Please subscribe so you don't miss future episodes, leave a review & share with friends to help us connect with nature lovers across the Earth.

For more information about the podcast or to be a guest on our show, email wildvoicespodcast@gmail.com

Welcome 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:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Garden of Earth⁠⁠ —Visit Laura's website for access to her books, CDs, and more information about Optimystic Health.
• November 16th Retreat — Register for the Autumn Nature Retreat at: ⁠https://lu.ma/kzh1w30d⁠

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 & share with friends to help us connect with nature lovers across the Earth.

For more information about the podcast or to be a guest on our show, email wildvoicespodcast@gmail.com

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 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 cold weather and to David for sharing his knowledge. You don’t want to miss the laughter, a little coughing due to this wild TN weather, and tons of information and resources to get you started in your mushroom hunt!

Mentioned in the show:

• CoStarters - CO.STARTERS is a 9-week program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships and tools needed to turn their business ideas into action. Applications are due by January 21, 2025.

• Fantastic Funji (YouTube)

• How to Change Your Mind

• Northspore.com - North Spore aims to disrupt the food system by empowering people to grow and harvest healthy edible and medicinal mushrooms.

• Paul Stamats

• Trad Cotter

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 & share with friends to help us connect with nature lovers across the Earth.

For more information about the podcast or to be a guest on our show, email wildvoicespodcast@gmail.com

Welcome 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:

Madison County Master Gardener - Training for the 2025 session of the TN Extension Master Gardener (TEMG) program in Madison County is just around the corner! Registration closes on January 3rd, 2025, and space is limited. 

Tennessee Smart Yards - Tennessee Smart Yards is an Extension-led program that guides Tennesseans on practices they can apply in their outdoor spaces to create healthier, more ecologically-sound landscapes and communities.

UT Hort - This site provides information on various topics such as growing vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and trees, managing soils, and identifying insects and diseases. The Extension will also host programs and events throughout 2025. You can 

Tennessee Tree Day - Reserve your native trees through March 2nd, 2025. You will pick up your trees on March 14th or March 15th and plant them on Tennessee Tree Day, March 15th!

UT TSU Extension Madison County - Stay connected with the Extension! Not on Facebook? You can contact Mary Glenys Espey at margespe@utk.edu or sign up for the Statewide UT Hort Newsletter here. Not in Madison County? Find your local Extension office here. 

Creamy Goat Cheese Bacon and Dates Dip - This is the dip that Mary took to Thanksgiving. It sounds delightful!

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 & share with friends to help us connect with nature lovers across the Earth.

For more information about the podcast or to be a guest on our show, email wildvoicespodcast@gmail.com

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 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 of this journey with us! Your support means the world. Please subscribe so you don't miss future episodes, leave a review & share with friends to help us connect with nature lovers across the Earth.

For more information about the podcast or to be a guest on our show, email wildvoicespodcast@gmail.com