Healthier, Happier, Smarter: Wisconsin Voices on the Power of Nature
Claim This Podcastby Jaeden Carrasquillo + Xia Lowery
Podcast Overview
<p>Welcome to <i>Healthier, Happier, Smarter</i>, a podcast about connecting with Wisconsin’s outdoors through learning, stories, and community. Co-hosts Jaeden and Xia share the voices, places, and ideas shaping environmental education across the state. From schoolyards and forests to youth-led climate action and community programs, this show explores what happens when learning moves beyond the classroom and into the natural world, and the impact that shift has on students and communities alike.</p><p></p><p>Outdoor and environmental education is about more than nature. It is about health, equity, and opportunity. When students learn outside, they build confidence, strengthen their well-being, and develop a deeper connection to the world around them.</p><p></p><p>On <i>Healthier, Happier, Smarter</i>, we amplify voices from across Wisconsin, including students, educators, and leaders who are using the outdoors as a powerful classroom. Tune in to discover how environmental learning is helping build a healthier, happier, and smarter future for everyone.</p>
Language
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Publishing Since
3/19/2026
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Recent Episodes
July 1, 2026
6. Using Nature to Promote Wellness and Equity at Lakeview Elementary
<p>Lakeview School in Madison is redefining what learning can look like through its Nature-Based Learning Opportunity program, and in this episode, Principal Nu Vang-Vue, Physical Education Teacher James Kersten, and Occupational Therapist Deborah Craig share the profound impact that getting kids outside has on their growth and development. From fostering cooperation, confidence, and a sense of belonging to strengthening the gross motor, fine motor, and sensory foundations needed for classroom success, outdoor learning supports the whole child. The conversation explores how nature-based experiences can create more equitable opportunities for students of all backgrounds and abilities while helping them build meaningful connections with their school, their community, and themselves. Discover why stepping outside the classroom may be one of the most powerful ways to help children become healthier, happier, and smarter.</p><p></p><p><b>Links + Resources:</b></p><p></p><p>Follow Lakeview Elementary on Facebook: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/MMSDLakeView" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/MMSDLakeView</a></p><p></p><p>Lakeview Elementary Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://lakeview.madison.k12.wi.us/" target="_blank">https://lakeview.madison.k12.wi.us/</a></p><p></p><p>Article about Lakeview Elementary in Capital Times: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://captimes.com/news/education/how-one-madison-school-became-an-outdoor-education-hotspot/article_f92db948-aa8f-4725-b7a8-fdbf03fda529.html" target="_blank">https://captimes.com/news/education/how-one-madison-school-became-an-outdoor-education-hotspot/article_f92db948-aa8f-4725-b7a8-fdbf03fda529.html</a></p><p></p><p><b>Follow the show online: </b></p><p></p><p>Facebook:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://facebook.com/WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducation/" target="_blank"> @WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducation</a></p><p></p><p>Instagram:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/wisconsinassociationforee/?hl=en" target="_blank"> @wisconsinassociationforee</a></p><p></p><p>LinkedIn:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-inc" target="_blank"> wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-inc</a></p><p></p><p>YouTube:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@wisconsinassociationforee" target="_blank"> @wisconsinassociationforee</a></p><p></p><p>View all book recommendations from the podcast:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarter" target="_blank"> https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarter</a></p><p></p><p><b>Thank you to our sponsors and funding partners. Learn more and become a sponsor at</b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.waee.org/our-supporters" target="_blank"><b> </b>https://www.waee.org/our-supporters</a></p><p></p>
June 17, 2026
5. Urban Nature Connection: Addressing Mental Health, Wellness, and Trauma through Outdoor Activity
<p>Reconnecting people and nature - that is the goal of Urban Nature Connection. Timothy Scott, executive director of Urban Nature Connection based in Milwaukee, experienced a family crisis which set his life off kilter. After seeking help through therapy and trying medications that didn’t work for him, he found peace through nature. What started simply as cutting the grass and gardening, has quickly become respite river walks, bike rides, and leading advocacy for access to nature in his community. Bringing on a board that shared the same vision, like Julian Phifer, they now attend meetings pertaining to green space expansions throughout the city, create events for the black and brown communities of the area to get outside together, and promote health and wellness through nature.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Links + Resources:</b></p><p></p><p>Urban Nature Connection: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.urbannatureconnection.com/" target="_blank">https://www.urbannatureconnection.com/</a></p><p></p><p>Urban Nature Connection Instagram page: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/urban_naturemke/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/urban_naturemke/</a></p><p></p><p>Urban Nature Connection Facebook page: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Urban-Nature-Connection/61581101892117/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/people/Urban-Nature-Connection/61581101892117/</a></p><p></p><p>Urban Nature Connection LinkedIn page: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/urban-nature-connection-mke" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/urban-nature-connection-mke</a></p><p></p><p>Connect with Timothy on LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-scott-b1ab5875" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-scott-b1ab5875</a></p><p></p><p><b>Follow the show online: </b></p><p></p><p>Facebook:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://facebook.com/WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducation/" target="_blank"> @WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducation</a></p><p></p><p>Instagram:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/wisconsinassociationforee/?hl=en" target="_blank"> @wisconsinassociationforee</a></p><p></p><p>LinkedIn:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-inc" target="_blank"> wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-inc</a></p><p></p><p>YouTube:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@wisconsinassociationforee" target="_blank"> @wisconsinassociationforee</a></p><p></p><p>View all book recommendations from the podcast:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarter" target="_blank"> https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarter</a></p><p></p><p><b>Thank you to our sponsors and funding partners. Learn more and become a sponsor at </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.waee.org/our-supporters" target="_blank">https://www.waee.org/our-supporters</a></p>
June 3, 2026
4. Honoring Childhood through Nature Play: Weslie Cymerman On Outdoors We Learn (OWL)
<p>Learning to play outdoors is a learned skill that every child should be able to develop. In today’s episode Weslie Cymerman, founder of Outdoors We Learn (OWL), shares her journey from a nearly 20 year career teaching in the classroom setting, to the creation of her outdoor youth programming. She offers her philosophy of how allowing the opportunity for children to experience nature, and fostering their love for the Earth, leads to resilient children who will be stewards of the land. Having already had a large impact on its local community since its origin in 2020, OWL continues to encourage children of the Madison area to love nature through play! </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Links + Resources:</b></p><p></p><p>Outdoors We Learn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.outdoorswelearnmadison.com/" target="_blank">https://www.outdoorswelearnmadison.com/</a></p><p></p><p>Outdoors We Learn Instagram page: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/outdoorswelearn/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/outdoorswelearn/</a></p><p></p><p>Outdoors We Learn Facebook page: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/outdoorswelearn" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/outdoorswelearn</a></p><p></p><p>Connect with Weslie: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:weslie@outdoorswelearnmadison.com" target="_blank">weslie@outdoorswelearnmadison.com</a> </p><p></p><p><b>Follow the show online: </b></p><p></p><p>Facebook:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://facebook.com/WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducation/" target="_blank"> @WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducation</a></p><p></p><p>Instagram:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/wisconsinassociationforee/?hl=en" target="_blank"> @wisconsinassociationforee</a></p><p></p><p>LinkedIn:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-inc" target="_blank"> wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-inc</a></p><p></p><p>YouTube:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@wisconsinassociationforee" target="_blank"> @wisconsinassociationforee</a></p><p></p><p>View all book recommendations from the podcast:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarter" target="_blank"> https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarter</a></p><p></p><p><b>Thank you to our sponsors:</b></p><p></p><p>James E Dutton Foundation:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jameseduttonfoundation.org/" target="_blank"> https://www.jameseduttonfoundation.org/</a></p><p></p><p>Natural Resources Foundation:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.wisconservation.org/" target="_blank"> https://www.wisconservation.org/</a></p><p></p><p>WAEE Funding Partners:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.waee.org/our-supporters" target="_blank"> https://www.waee.org/our-supporters</a></p><p></p><p>Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://green-and-healthy-schools-wi-dnr.hub.arcgis.com/" target="_blank"> https://green-and-healthy-schools-wi-dnr.hub.arcgis.com/</a></p><p></p><p>If you’d like to become a sponsor, contact us at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:podcast@waee.org" target="_blank">podcast@waee.org</a>.</p>
7 total episodes available
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- What is Healthier, Happier, Smarter: Wisconsin Voices on the Power of Nature?
<p>Welcome to <i>Healthier, Happier, Smarter</i>, a podcast about connecting with Wisconsin’s outdoors through learning, stories, and community. Co-hosts Jaeden and Xia share the voices, places, and ideas shaping environmental education across the state. From schoolyards and forests to youth-led climate action and community programs, this show explores what happens when learning moves beyond the classroom and into the natural world, and the impact that shift has on students and communities alike.</p><p></p><p>Outdoor and environmental education is about more than nature. It is about health, equity, and opportunity. When students learn outside, they build confidence, strengthen their well-being, and develop a deeper connection to the world around them.</p><p></p><p>On <i>Healthier, Happier, Smarter</i>, we amplify voices from across Wisconsin, including students, educators, and leaders who are using the outdoors as a powerful classroom. Tune in to discover how environmental learning is helping build a healthier, happier, and smarter future for everyone.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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