The Great Green Escape by Aristaios

Aristaios

A curious little podcast for grown-ups who never lost their sense of wonder. Hosts Elena and Lachlan share fascinating eco-psychology (e.g. the science of the bonds humans and the earth share) alongside original music. It's science meets storytelling, and it reminds us how marvellous this world really is. Proceeds support conservation projects in Australia. For the naturalist at heart. No guilt or gloom. Listen, experience, and remember your place in the natural world. 

Episodes

  1. 06/07/2025

    2: Winter is Good for You

    In this Australian winter episode, we explore what happens when we stop resisting the cold and start tuning in.  With science, storytelling, and soundscapes, we learn how people can thrive in darkness, how trees rest wisely, and how whales and fungi remind us that winter is far from lifeless. We talk truffles, king tides, brown fat, and ancient seasonal wisdom, including the Noongar season of Makuru. Whether you're shivering through June or dreaming of slowing down, this episode is a gentle invitation to see winter differently. Studies and stories referenced Positive winter mindset in Norway Leibowitz, K. (2021). How to survive a Norwegian winter (hint: it involves skiing, ice swimming, and lots of patience). Brown fat activation through cold Cannon, B., & Nedergaard, J. (2004). Brown adipose tissue: function and physiological significance. Physiological Reviews. Low-frequency noise and cellular response Kim, J. H., et al. (2023). Low-frequency sound influences intracellular calcium and cell communication pathways. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. Walking speed and pace of life Wiseman, R. (2007). The pace of life: Revisited. British Council/University of Hertfordshire. Levine, R., & Norenzayan, A. (1999). The pace of life in 31 countries. Nature. Makuru, Noongar season of fertility South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council. Kaartdijin Noongar: Noongar Knowledge. Whale migration in Australian winter Australian Government, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. King tides in winter Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Tides and King Tides. Bioluminescent fungi in Australia CSIRO, Ghost Fungus (Omphalotus nidiformis). Tim Terry and truffles in Tasmania ABC News. (2016). Australian truffle industry grows from humble beginnings. Support the show

    22 min
  2. 05/04/2025

    1: Our Tree-N-A

    What do trees, the moon, and thunderstorms have to do with your brain chemistry? Turns out - quite a lot! Episode one of The Great Green Escape is live. It’s a new podcast from Aristaios, where we explore how humans and nature are wired to thrive together (in some surprisingly clever ways). In this first episode, we look at: why a walk in the bush actually clears your headhow lunar cycles can influence sleep, mood and morewhat nature might awaken in us — biologically and emotionallyIf you’re into nature, neuroscience, or just want something uplifting to listen to, tune in. Studies referenced Dr. Suzanne Simard’s Research – Mycorrhizal Networks ("Wood Wide Web") https://suzannesimard.com/researchMother Tree Project https://mothertreeproject.orgPhytoncides and Forest Bathing https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2793346Urban Greening and Crime Reduction (2012 Chicago study) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169204612000133University of Basel Study – Lunar Cycle and Sleep https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(13)00754-9University of Washington Study – Sleep Timing and Moon Phases https://www.washington.edu/news/2021/01/27/moon-sleepBlue Mind Theory – Psychology of Being Near Water https://www.newbeauty.com/blue-mind-theoryHeat and Aggression Study – Anderson et al. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0065260100800040Rain and Decision-Making – SSRN Working Paper (2024) https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5105705Barometric Pressure and Headaches https://www.healthline.com/health/headache/barometric-pressure-headacheMorning Sunlight and Melatonin Regulation – Ayurvedic Perspective https://lifespa.com/ayurvedic-lifestyle/circadian-rhythm/sun-exposure-melatoninBirdsong and Mental Health – Natural History Museum https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/how-listening-to-bird-song-can-transform-our-mental-health.htmlTo support the show, subscribe on your favourite podcast platform, or sign up to our newsletter using the supporter link on the website. Support the show

    17 min

About

A curious little podcast for grown-ups who never lost their sense of wonder. Hosts Elena and Lachlan share fascinating eco-psychology (e.g. the science of the bonds humans and the earth share) alongside original music. It's science meets storytelling, and it reminds us how marvellous this world really is. Proceeds support conservation projects in Australia. For the naturalist at heart. No guilt or gloom. Listen, experience, and remember your place in the natural world.