Fahad welcomes back award-winning conservation biologist and author Thor Hanson (Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid, The Triumph of Seeds) for a captivating exploration of nature close to home. Sparked by a bird hitting his office window, Thor shares how paying attention in his own backyard revealed astonishing discoveries—and how anyone can awaken their curiosity with simple practices like sitting still or shining a flashlight at night.

From sulfur-crested cockatoos cracking garbage cans in Sydney to leaf miners and bioluminescence, Thor reveals the marvels hiding in plain sight. He discusses how tuning into the natural world sharpens our senses, benefits health, and even contributes to real science through citizen tools like iNaturalist.

A delightful, eye-opening conversation about slowing down, observing deeply, and rediscovering wonder right outside your door.

• Curiosity is the key to nature connection—start by taking down mental "filters" and observing like a child.
• Sitting still in any green space (even a park or backyard) reveals surprising wildlife and patterns.
• Nighttime exploration with a narrow-beam flashlight focuses attention and uncovers hidden worlds.
• Naming what you see (via apps like iNaturalist or Merlin) helps categorize "normal" so unusual things stand out.
• Backyard observations contribute to real science—citizen data helps track birds, blooms, pollinators, and more.
• Each season offers unique discoveries: spring migration, winter tracks in snow, crepuscular "changing of the guard."
• Tool use and culture exist in animals (e.g., cockatoos learning garbage-can tricks with regional styles).
• Nature exposure has proven health benefits—you can even get a "nature prescription" in many states.

00:00 – Fear of the Dark & the Magic of Nighttime Exploration with a Flashlight

01:02 – Welcome Back to the Energy Podcast + Thor Hanson’s Return

07:34 – From Global Research to Backyard Curiosity: Thor’s Journey

11:54 – The Spark: A Dead Bird and Overlooked Wonders Close to Home

15:01 – First Discovery: A Hermit Thrush Nest on Day One

17:52 – Developing a "Search Image" – Knowing Normal to Spot the Unusual

23:28 – Sit Still: The Simple Practice That Opens Your Eyes

26:11 – Clever Cockatoos: Garbage-Can Culture in Sydney

30:43 – Animal Tool Use: From Vultures to Sponge-Wearing Dolphins

35:30 – Tech Tools as Gateways: iNaturalist, Merlin, and Citizen Science

41:03 – Underexplored Worlds: Tree Canopies and Leaf Miners

45:48 – Bioluminescence: Nature's Flashbang Defense

48:18 – Is "The Last of Us" Fungus Takeover Possible?

52:37 – Plugs & Final Thoughts: Thor’s Website and Encouragement to Explore

• Discover more of Thor Hanson’s books and work at Thor Hanson
• Energy Pods & CocoZen – sugar-free, protein-enriched, shelf-stable fuel perfect for outdoor adventures: kgfoodco.com
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