What if improving your well-being didn’t require more time, effort, or productivity, but simply a deeper relationship with the world around you?

I’m your host Sonya Looney, and in this episode of Grow the Good, I’m joined by nature connectedness researcher Dr. Holli-Anne Passmore and well-being practitioner Molly Peterson for a rich, science-backed, and deeply human conversation about how our relationship with nature shapes our mental health, meaning, and sense of presence.

Together, we explore what nature connectedness really means, and why it’s not about hiking more miles or living in the wilderness, but about attention, intention, and emotional connection. Sonya shares personal stories about how nature has helped her regulate, heal, and reconnect during demanding seasons of life, while Molly and Holli-Anne bring powerful research and practical tools listeners can use immediately.

This episode is for anyone feeling overstimulated, disconnected, or craving more meaning in everyday life, whether you live in the mountains, the city, or somewhere in between.

Top 5 Takeaways

1. Nature connectedness is about relationship, not time
2. Small, daily moments with nature (plants, clouds, light, birds) can significantly boost well-being and presence.
3. Technology can either enhance or erode nature connection, depending on how intentionally we use it.
4. Character strength amplify nature’s benefits, increasing meaning and transcendence.
5. Early and intentional exposure to nature, especially in childhood and family life, predicts lifelong well-being and environmental care.

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The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.