A podcast by The Nature Institute in Ghent, NY. At the institute we see science as a participatory process. We work to develop dynamic and flexible thinking that can perceive wholeness and do justice to the rich complexity of the world.
As a companion to the article "Beyond Boundaries: Thoughts on a Science of the Living," (https://www.natureinstitute.org/in-context-55/beyond-boundaries) this episode features a conversation between the authors -- Jon McAlice and Craig Holdrege -- with podcast host John Gouldthorpe. They pick up and develop central themes from the article about the relationships and marvelously complementary distinctions between plants, animals, and humans. This article was originally published in On the Earth We Want to Live (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-98758-8) and is now available in the Spring 2026 issue of In Context. (https://www.natureinstitute.org/newsletter/in-context)
24 Apr 2026
To Explain or Portray?
This article by emeritus researcher Stephen Talbott, originally published in 2003 (In Context #9 (https://www.natureinstitute.org/article/stephen-l-talbott/to-explain-or-portray)), attempts to illuminate what Goethe meant when he said his “intention is to portray rather than to explain.” Steve gives a living characterization of portrayal by comparing and contrasting it to explanation.
This episode should be paired with Craig Holdrege’s audio article “Characterize, Don’t Define.” They provide two distinct, yet complementary, perspectives and expressions of the central practices and goals of The Nature Institute by two of its founders.
11 Feb 2026
Characterize, Don’t Define: Developing a Goethean Approach in Science Education
In this reading of a short article originally written for Waldorf science teachers, Craig Holdrege provides a concentrated expression of the heart of our work at The Nature Institute: to come to a more living understanding of the world through participatory research and to help others to do the same through transformative education.
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