The Nature of Nurture

Dr. Leslie Carr
  • 4.9 (28)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • SEMIMONTHLY SERIES

The Nature of Nurture helps us make sense of ourselves as human beings living during strange and stressful times. By using current phenomena as context (like covid, cults, and political polarization), this podcast delves deep into the nature vs. nurture debate by exploring how our minds and mental health are shaped by lived experience.

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  1. Julia and Leslie Are Dying with Julia de’Caneva

    EPISODE 1

    Julia and Leslie Are Dying with Julia de’Caneva

    In this Season Five opener of The Nature of Nurture, Dr. Leslie Carr sits down with her friend and collaborator Julia de’Caneva for a candid, expansive conversation about mortality, meaning, and what it actually takes to live fully. Julia is a cancer survivor, holistic health coach, writer, and death care educator whose work centers on integrating wellness with an honest relationship to death. Together, Leslie and Julia explore why modern culture avoids conversations about dying, how mortality awareness can deepen our appreciation for life, and how nervous system regulation helps us stay present with fear, grief, and uncertainty. This episode weaves together themes of healing, burnout, capitalism, nature, spirituality, embodiment, and curiosity, offering listeners an invitation to stop avoiding the inevitable and instead use it as a guide for living more intentionally.   About the Guest Julia de’Caneva is a cancer survivor, holistic health coach, writer, and death care educator. She is the creator of If It’s the Last Thing I Do and the co-founder of Elemental, a wellness company devoted to reshaping the human relationship with nature, embodiment, and mortality. Julia and Leslie also co-lead in-person workshops focused on nervous system regulation and embodiment.   Resources & Links If It’s the Last Thing I Do — Julia de’Caneva https://www.ifitsthelastthingido.com/ Elemental https://www.experienceelemental.com/ The Nature of Nurture https://lesliecarr.com/podcast/ Patreon Membership https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurture Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofNurture     Credits Hosted by Dr. Leslie Carr Guest: Julia de’Caneva Produced by Dr. Leslie Carr & Bri Coorey Recorded at SLAP Studios LA

    57 min
  2. Being Human in the Age of Machines with Dr. Radhika Dirks

    EPISODE 2

    Being Human in the Age of Machines with Dr. Radhika Dirks

    Dr. Leslie Carr sits down with her friend Dr. Radhika Dirks, an AI technologist and global advisor, for a wide-ranging conversation about how artificial intelligence is reshaping mental health, attention, intimacy, parenting, work, and the planet. Dr. Dirks breaks down why AI can feel so compelling, how “AI psychosis” and attachment can emerge for vulnerable users, and what it means to be intentional with tools designed to keep us engaged. Together, Leslie and Radhika explore the ethical stakes of building addictive systems, the difference between human connection and AI companionship, and practical ways to protect your nervous system and your family in a world where AI is already everywhere.   About the Guest Dr. Radhika Dirks is a global AI advisor and founder/CEO known for building ambitious AI companies and advising organizations on the future of intelligence (radhikadirks.com).   Resources & Links   Dr. Radhika Dirks website https://www.radhikadirks.com   Dr. Radhika Dirks’ book https://www.radhikadirks.com/book   The Nature of Nurture TheNatureofNurture.com   Patreon Membership https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurture   Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofNurture   This podcast is available in all podcast apps but here’s the Apple link:       Credits Hosted by Dr. Leslie Carr Guest: Dr. Radhika Dirks Produced by Dr. Leslie Carr and Bri Coorey Recorded at SLAP Studios LA

    1h 3m
  3. Could Listening Have Prevented the Fire? With Orly Israel

    EPISODE 3

    Could Listening Have Prevented the Fire? With Orly Israel

    Host Leslie is joined by Orly Israel, founder of The Listening Table, which offers judgment-free spaces where people can sit down and be heard without interruption, advice, or fixing. Orly shares how his listening practice began through a prison communication workshop, how “just listening” can build trust faster than we think, and what he’s learned from years of hearing strangers’ real stories in public. The conversation also turns deeply personal as Orly reflects on losing his home in the Palisades Fire, and the long tail of trauma that followed: displacement, instability, guilt, and the challenge of rebuilding a grounded life while trying to stay mission-driven. Together, Leslie and Orly explore the loneliness epidemic, the role of connection in preventing crisis, why men struggle to form emotionally supportive friendships—as well as what it looks like to show up for people in the aftermath of disaster.   Guest Orly Israel is the founder of The Listening Table, an initiative offering neutral, judgment-free spaces where people can be heard without interruption or advice. Since 2020, the project has been viewed online by millions and has inspired dozens of listening tables worldwide.       Resources & Links   The Listening Table OrlyIsrael.com   The Nature of Nurture TheNatureofNurture.com   Patreon Membership https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurture   Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofNurture   Credits Hosted by Dr. Leslie Carr Guest: Orly Israel Produced by Dr. Leslie Carr and Bri Coorey Recorded at SLAP Studios LA

    57 min
  4. It's Not Too Late. A Conversation About Climate Change with Heather White

    EPISODE 4

    It's Not Too Late. A Conversation About Climate Change with Heather White

    Host Leslie welcomes environmental lawyer, author, and nonprofit founder Heather White back to The Nature of Nurture for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation about climate, mental health, and hope. Heather is the founder of OneGreenThing.org and author of four books including Eco Anxiety: Saving Our Sanity, Our Kids, and Our Future. Together, Leslie and Heather take an unflinching look at the urgent state of the climate crisis—the political setbacks, the psychological toll on younger generations, and the intersection between environmental collapse and mental health. But while the discussion begins in realism, it ends in empowerment. Heather shares why she still believes it's not too late to change direction—and how everyday actions, collective consciousness, and hope itself are revolutionary tools in shaping a livable future. She introduces the idea of doing “one green thing” each day, explains why both individual and systemic change are essential, and offers insight into her “Service Superpower Assessment” that helps people connect their unique strengths to meaningful action. Heather and Leslie also discuss creative long-term thinking inspired by Heather’s TED Talk, Eco Anxiety as a Message from Our Future Selves—a call to imagine the kind of world we could build by 2050 if we act with courage, compassion, and vision today. This conversation covers: How climate anxiety impacts young people Why culture and politics must shift together Simple, actionable ways to live with purpose in the face of crisis The role of imagination in transforming fear into hope Guest Heather White is an environmental lawyer, advocate, and founder of OneGreenThing.org, a nonprofit addressing climate and mental health through joyful daily action. She has served in leadership roles on Capitol Hill, worked on Al Gore’s presidential campaign, and is the author of Eco Anxiety: Saving Our Sanity, Our Kids, and Our Future and 60 Days to a Greener Life. Her TED Talk, Eco Anxiety as a Message from Our Future Selves, invites audiences to turn fear into creativity and stewardship. Resources & Links The Nature of Nurture TheNatureofNurture.com One Green Thing: OneGreenThing.org Patreon Membership https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurture Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofNurture This podcast is available in all podcast apps but here’s the Apple link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nature-of-nurture/id1561379347 Credits Hosted by Dr. Leslie Carr Guest: Heather White Produced by Dr. Leslie Carr, Bri Coorey, and Asher Freidberg Recorded at SLAP Studios LA

    59 min
  5. Season 5 Trailer

    SEASON 5 TRAILER

    Season 5 Trailer

    Nature of Nurture is a space for real talk, big questions, and grounded hope. In a time when climate anxiety, uncertainty, and burnout are shaping how we think about the future, this show invites you to pause, tune into your intuition, and reconnect with what actually gives you agency. Each episode blends science, storytelling, and soul—exploring how personal action, community care, and small daily practices can create meaningful change without requiring perfection or overwhelm. From climate grief to purpose, from policy to personal legacy, this is about learning the rules, breaking the ones that don’t serve us, and finding sustainable ways to show up for the planet and the next generation. If you’re looking to feel informed, empowered, and surprisingly energized about the future, you’re in the right place. Come along—we’ve got paradigms to shift. Season Five starts now.

    1 min
  6. Season 5 Is Coming: Big Announcements from Leslie

    BONUS

    Season 5 Is Coming: Big Announcements from Leslie

    Season 5 is on the way! In this announcement, Leslie shares exciting updates about the upcoming launch in January, the new Patreon community with early episode access, bonus content, and monthly live calls with Julia De’Caneva. After a season of growth behind the scenes, the show is ready for its next chapter. The Nature of Nurture Patreon link

    2 min
See All Season 5 (6)

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4.9
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

The Nature of Nurture helps us make sense of ourselves as human beings living during strange and stressful times. By using current phenomena as context (like covid, cults, and political polarization), this podcast delves deep into the nature vs. nurture debate by exploring how our minds and mental health are shaped by lived experience.

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