Learning How To See Nature | Season 6 Wrap-Up of “Learning How to See”
On season 6 of “Learning How to See,” we look at nature from the perspective of a child, a scientist, a lover, a doctor, a seeker, and a gardener.
Join us for a season of developing a deeper connection and appreciation for the natural world. We need to see every tree and stone, every bird and fish, every stream and prairie and star with eyes of love and wonder. That’s not just a matter of joy and meaning for our individual lives; it’s increasingly a matter of survival for our species.
“Nature drops seeds, sees where it succeeds and fails, and keeps going. That can turn doom and gloom upside down and give a more positive view of the world.”
—BRIAN MCLAREN ON “LEARNING HOW TO SEE”
Highlights from “Learning How to See” Season 6
On this season of Learning How to See, Brian McLaren and guests learn to see nature differently.
- Seeing Nature as a Child (Wonder) — Brian’s grandchildren drop by to talk about how to care for the planet.
- Seeing Nature as a Scientist (Part 1) With Paul Wallace — In this episode, learn how to see nature from a scientist’s perspective.
- Seeing Nature as a Scientist (Part 2) With Susan J. Tweit — What sparks your sense of wonder in the natural world?
- Seeing Nature as a Lover (Part 1) With Scott Smith — Scott Smith, a retired wildlife ecologist, shares his career in conservation.
- Seeing Nature Like a Lover (Part 2) With Miriam Smith — Brian interviews a non-profit leader in sustainable development.
- Seeing Nature as a Doctor (Part 1) With Debra Rienstra and Melanie Griffin — Does the connection between nature and spirituality influence your understanding of the environment?
- Seeing Nature as a Doctor (Part 2) With Theresa Martella — Explore the interconnectedness of ecology and spirituality.
- Seeing Nature as a Seeker With James White, Tony Jones, and Wes Granberg-Michaelson — How does time in nature benefit you?
- Seeing Nature as a Gardener (Part 1) With Brett McLaren and Rachel McLaren — Brian speaks with two of his children about their love for gardening.
- Seeing Nature as a Gardener (Part 2) With Cassidy Steele Dale — Explore the concept of worldviews with futurist Cassidy Steele Dale.
- Bonus: Seeing Nature as Nature With Felicia Murrell — This conversation delves into the interconnectedness of humans and nature.
Transcripts are available for each episode.
“When we see the sacred dignity of something, we hold it with more care and compassion.”
—Felicia Murrell ON “LEARNING HOW TO SEE”
“Learning How to See” Connects with Brian McLaren’s Book “Life After Doom”
In the spring of 2024, when Season 6 of “Learning How to See” aired, Brian McLaren’s book “Life After Doom” also released.
In this book, Brian engages with the catastrophic failure of both our religious and political leaders to address the dominant realities of our time: ecological overshoot, economic injustice, and the increasing likelihood of civilizational collapse. He defines doom as the “un-peaceful, uneasy, unwanted feeling” that “we humans have made a mess of our civilization and our planet, and not enough of us seem to care enough to change deeply enough or quickly enough to save ourselves.”
If you’re enjoying nuanced conversations on nature in Season 6 of “Learning How to See,” you may find “Life After Doom” to be a wonderful companion text!
Each season of “Learning How to See,” listeners are invited to discover new perspectives and experience transformation. New episodes are coming soon!
We hope you’ll subscribe on your favorite podcast player or explore our “Learning How to See” playlist on YouTube.