Wild By Nature: Stories of Human Connection To The Wild

Vian Sharif

Wild By Nature is a nature podcast exploring how the natural world shapes our mental health, creativity, identity, wellbeing, leadership, and human connection. In a world that rarely slows down, many of us feel disconnected—from nature, from community, and from ourselves. Through thoughtful conversations and deeply human storytelling, Wild By Nature brings together scientists, environmental thinkers, authors, creatives, wellness experts, and changemakers to explore the powerful relationship between people and the natural world. The podcast translates big ideas about nature, environmental science, psychology, ecology, wellbeing, and human behavior into meaningful, accessible conversations listeners can feel and apply to everyday life. Hosted by thought leader and storyteller Vian Sharif, the show was inspired by a transformative experience in Kenya where reconnecting with nature brought a profound sense of clarity, purpose, and perspective. That experience sparked a deeper exploration into how nature influences the way we live, think, create, heal, and lead. Whether you're interested in mental health, nature connection, environmental storytelling, personal growth, mindfulness, creativity, or simply slowing down and living more intentionally, Wild By Nature offers space to reconnect—with the natural world, with one another, and with yourself. Follow Wild By Nature, leave a rating and review, and subscribe on YouTube for full video episodes and conversations. New episodes every other week.

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    Why Your Brain Needs Nature with Dr. Marc Berman (Ep. 01)

    Can spending time in nature improve focus, reduce stress, and boost mental health? Research says yes. In this episode of Wild by Nature, host Vian Sharif speaks with Dr. Marc Berman, Chair of Psychology at University of Chicago and author of the book, Nature and the Mind, about how nature impacts the brain, attention, and overall wellbeing. Learn how environmental neuroscience shows that even short exposure to green space—like a 50-minute walk—can improve memory, increase focus, and reduce mental fatigue by up to 20%. This conversation also explores the link between nature and lower anxiety, depression, and stress, along with the growing evidence that time outdoors supports both mental and physical health. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or burned out, this episode explains why nature may be one of the most powerful—and overlooked—tools for improving cognitive performance, emotional balance, and daily productivity. About Dr. Marc Berman Dr. Marc Berman is a professor and chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Chicago and director of the Environmental Neuroscience Lab, where his research explores how nature and physical environments affect the brain, attention, memory, mental health, and overall wellbeing. His work has helped shape the growing field of environmental neuroscience and has been featured in major publications and research discussions worldwide. Explore Dr. Marc Berman’s work and discover his book - Nature and the Mind: The Science of How Nature Improves Cognitive, Physical, and Social Well-Being wherever books are sold — including your favorite local bookstore Follow Wild by Nature for more thoughtful conversations exploring the connection between nature, science, wellbeing, and human potential. And wherever you are today, we invite you to step outside, slow down, and reconnect with the natural world around you. Connect with us at: wildbynaturepodcast@gmail.com Follow on social media: @wildbynaturepodcast on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and LinkedIn.

    40 min

About

Wild By Nature is a nature podcast exploring how the natural world shapes our mental health, creativity, identity, wellbeing, leadership, and human connection. In a world that rarely slows down, many of us feel disconnected—from nature, from community, and from ourselves. Through thoughtful conversations and deeply human storytelling, Wild By Nature brings together scientists, environmental thinkers, authors, creatives, wellness experts, and changemakers to explore the powerful relationship between people and the natural world. The podcast translates big ideas about nature, environmental science, psychology, ecology, wellbeing, and human behavior into meaningful, accessible conversations listeners can feel and apply to everyday life. Hosted by thought leader and storyteller Vian Sharif, the show was inspired by a transformative experience in Kenya where reconnecting with nature brought a profound sense of clarity, purpose, and perspective. That experience sparked a deeper exploration into how nature influences the way we live, think, create, heal, and lead. Whether you're interested in mental health, nature connection, environmental storytelling, personal growth, mindfulness, creativity, or simply slowing down and living more intentionally, Wild By Nature offers space to reconnect—with the natural world, with one another, and with yourself. Follow Wild By Nature, leave a rating and review, and subscribe on YouTube for full video episodes and conversations. New episodes every other week.