The No Sweat Nature Study Podcast

106. Why do people tell stories about animals?

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why do so many classic stories feature talking animals? In this episode, we'll think about how animal characters help authors share big ideas in memor...

105. What are some of the coolest things you can see in the night sky?

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

From shooting stars to glowing comets to the Northern Lights, learn about some of the most amazing things you can see in the night sky! To learn more ...

104. Why do waterfalls make so much noise?

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Waterfalls don't just sound loud, they roar for a reason. Learn how gravity, turbulence, trapped air, and canyon echoes combine to create one of natur...

103. Can a Tomato Be Cube-Shaped?

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Can a tomato really be cube-shaped? Mrs. Cindy uses this surprising question to explain how plant traits change over time and how humans influence the...

102. What Animal Can Punch Like a Superhero?

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know there's a tiny ocean creature with a punch so powerful, it creates underwater shockwaves? Discover the fascinating mantis shrimp and othe...

101. Why Do Some Animals Seem So Smart?

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Do some animals really seem smart… or are we just imagining it? In this episode, discover the difference between instinct and intelligence, explore ...

100. What Was the First Thing Ever Seen Through a Telescope?

30 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What did Galileo first see through a telescope in the 1600's? Listen and find out! In the companion video class for members, 1st-8th graders will lear...

99. Why Did People Travel with Animals Long Ago?

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if your Christmas trip meant riding a camel through the desert or a horse-drawn sleigh through the snow? Find out how animals helped people trave...

98. Why Is There an Orange in My Stocking?!

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This holiday episode unwraps the surprising history behind oranges in Christmas stockings. Join Mrs. Cindy as she blends seasonal science with a littl...

97. What's Making Noise Outside at Night?

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Which animals are still stirring at night during the autumn season? The entire family can listen to this episode to find out! In the companion video c...

96. Can Snow Make Sound Disappear?

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Can snow really make the world quieter? Discover the science behind nature's winter hush in this frosty episode! Explore the science of frost and disc...

95. Why Do Some Animals Slither?

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do animals move without legs? In this short and slithery episode, Mrs. Cindy uncovers the science behind how snakes use muscles, scales, and cleve...

94. Why Do Some Plants Grow Giant Fruits?

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever seen a pumpkin so big it needed a forklift? In this episode, we'll discover why some fruits grow to amazing sizes while others stay smal...

93. Can Animals Grow Back Body Parts?

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some animals have a superpower called regeneration—the ability to grow back lost body parts! Meet incredible creatures like starfish, lizards, and a...

92. How Did a Camera Help People See Nature?

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Meet a photographer who used his camera to help people see nature in a whole new way. Learn how black-and-white pictures captured the beauty of wild p...

91. Why Are Hummingbirds So Colorful?

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why do hummingbirds sparkle like flying jewels? In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, Mrs. Cindy explains how their brilliant feathers...

90. What Happens to Animals When the Tide Goes Out?

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What do animals do when ocean water disappears with the tide? Discover the secrets of tide pools and how creatures survive in this exciting beach-them...

89. Why Do Octopuses Have Blue Blood?

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What makes an octopus’s blood blue instead of red? In this ocean-themed nature study for kids, discover how hemocyanin helps octopuses survive in co...

88. What's Inside a Sunflower Seed?

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover the parts of a sunflower seed, how germination begins, and what helps a tiny seed grow into a towering plant in this fun nature study episode...

87. What's the Fastest-Growing Vegetable

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Which veggie wins the title of fastest-growing? Join Mrs. Cindy as we find out the answer and explore why some vegetables seem to grow almost overnigh...

86. Why Do Peaches Have Fuzzy Skin?

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mrs. Cindy to discover why peaches have a soft, fuzzy skin and how it helps them thrive in the summer heat. Learn about trichomes, their protecti...

85. What’s the Biggest Woodpecker in the World?

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the impressive Pileated Woodpecker, compare it to the possibly extinct Imperial Woodpecker, and discover how these birds are built for pow...

84. How Do Leaves Protect Themselves from Animals?

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how leaves use fuzz, chemicals, and even camouflage to stay safe from animals that might want to eat them. This episode is packed with surprisin...

83. Why Are Bird Eggs Different Colors?

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why are bird eggs blue, brown, or speckled? In this episode, Mrs. Cindy shares surprising reasons behind bird egg colors and how they help protect bab...

82. What's at the End of a Rainbow?

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What’s really at the end of a rainbow? Join Mrs. Cindy in this colorful episode as we explore the science and stories behind rainbows—and discover...

81. Can Crocodiles Really Cry?

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You may have heard the phrase "crocodile tears", but what does it mean? In this episode, discover whether crocodiles shed real tears, and if so, why. ...

80. Why Does the Wind Whistle?

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you heard the whistling wind? How about the howling, roaring, or humming wind? Learn how the wind creates these sounds through air movement durin...

79. What Do Barbara Cooney and Nature Study Have In Common?

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how beloved author and illustrator Barbara Cooney infused her stories with the beauty of nature. In this episode, we explore her life, her in...

78. Are All Diamonds the Same Color?

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know diamonds can be pink, blue, or even black? In this sparkling episode, kids will learn what gives diamonds their colors and the meaning be...

77. What Was the Largest Earthquake in Modern History?

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brace yourself for an earth-shaking journey as we explore the most powerful earthquake ever recorded. Discover fascinating facts about seismologists a...

76. Why Is a Bald Eagle’s Nest So Big?

30 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Discover the fascinating reasons behind the enormous size of bald eagle nests and learn how bald eagles build them. Also, enjoy exciting new features ...

75. What is a Yule Log?

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Discover the fascinating history and traditions of the Yule log, from its roots as a burning log for winter warmth to the sweet French bûche de Noël...

74. Why are Cobwebs Sometimes Called "Nature's Tinsel?"

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the Theridiidae spiders, often called cobweb spiders, and the tangled webs they create. These messy but fascinating webs might surprise yo...

73. Why do Cranberries Float in Water?

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This cranberry nature study is perfect for your autumn science lessons about the harvest season, Thanksgiving, or Christmas! In the companion video cl...

72. Why Are There Different Colors of Corn?

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Corn isn’t just tasty; it comes in a rainbow of colors! Discover why corn kernels can be yellow, white, purple, red, and even blue in this seasonal ...

71. Why Do Kangaroos Hop?

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kangaroos are incredible creatures, and their unique mode of movement is not just fun to watch but also an efficient way for them to get around the va...

70. Why Do Monarch Butterflies Love Milkweed?

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever spotted a striking orange and black butterfly fluttering through your garden? That was likely a monarch butterfly! Milkweed, the monarc...

69. Did You Know That There are More Cells in Your Body Than There are People on Earth?

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, Mrs. Cindy takes kids on a journey inside the human body to explore the fascinating role of cell...

68. What is Biomimicry?

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Explore the concept of biomimicry, where nature's designs inspire human innovation. This episode delves into STEM as we discuss science, technology, a...

67. Which plant and animal are best friends?

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Explore an incredible mutualistic symbiotic friendship in nature as you discover the fascinating bond between clownfish and sea anemones! In the comp...

66. Which Animal Can Survive a Drought the Longest?

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the weather phenomenon of droughts as you discover the microscopic tardigrade's ability to survive with a lack of water of a very long tim...

65. What in the World Is an Ichthyologist?

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ichthyology nature study is a fishy one. You see, ichthyology is the study of all types of freshwater and marine fish. In this episode, learn where th...

64. Where Can You Find the Smallest Shark in the Ocean?

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you feel about sharks? Have you ever seen one? I have! You'll hear about that experience and learn about the smallest shark in the ocean in thi...

63. Why Do Chickens Eat Rocks?

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Let's learn about everyone's favorite domesticated fowl, the chicken! This episode explores the reason behind a chicken's unique practice of ingesting...

62. Should I Squash the Spider in My Garden?

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are spiders helpful or harmful to a garden? Many people think they're dangerous and even scary, but are they? Join Mrs. Cindy to think about these que...

61. How Do Perennial Bulbs Grow?

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Perennial bulbs seem to appear out of nowhere each year then disappear almost as quickly as they arrived. Learn about this strange life cycle of some ...

60. What Is Personification?

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Wait. Isn't personification a language arts topic? What does it have to do with science or nature study? Great question! Mrs. Cindy will explain herse...

59. What Is Metamorphosis?

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about insect life cycles as you hear about the growing stages of the tomato hornworm caterpillars that Mrs. Cindy finds in her vegetable patch e...

58. What Happens Before a Tornado?

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hear a personal story from Mrs. Cindy's childhood and learn about tornado signs and safety. In the companion Tornado Video Class found in the No Swea...

57. Why Is the Javan Rhinoceros Endangered?

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the Javan rhinoceros and why it's an endangered animal! In the companion Endangered Animals Video Class found in the No Sweat Nature Stud...

56. Why Is the Amazon Rainforest So Noisy?

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about vocalizations and other noises that create a cacophony in the Amazon Rainforest! In the companion The Rainforest Video Class found in the...

55. Sap into Syrup

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know the process of photosynthesis is responsible for the sugary sweet sap that can be turned into maple syrup? That's what Mrs. Cindy is talk...

54. Simple Machines in Nature

29 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about simple machines with Mrs. Cindy. You're right, that doesn't seem like a nature study topic, but it can be! Get your FREE Nature Walk Chal...

53. Penguins

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you love penguins? Many people do! I think it might have something to do with their adorable appearance and cute, little waddle. Don't be fooled, t...

52. Yellowstone's Wolves

29 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Why are the wolves in Yellowstone National Park so special? Listen to find out! In the companion Wolves of Yellowstone Video Class found in the No Sw...

51. Redwood Trees

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Which tree would make the most giant Christmas tree of all? Learn the answer to this question, with Mrs. Cindy!  In the companion Redwood Trees Vide...

50. Moose

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know which animals are related to moose? Learn the answer to this question, as well as plenty of other facts about moose with Mrs. Cindy!  In...

49. Nature Idioms

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Connect nature study and language arts with a study of idioms with Mrs. Cindy! CHRISTMAS! BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES for friends and family to join No Swea...

48. Beavers

31 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about beavers and their fascinating beaver dam habitats with Mrs. Cindy! Get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge → https://ourjourneywestward.com...

47. Myriapods

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about myriapods and the important role these leggy creatures play in nature! Get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge → https://ourjourneywestward...

46. Gliding Mammals

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about gliding mammals and their marvelous membranes called patagia with Mrs. Cindy! Get your FREE Nature Walk Challenge → ourjourneywestwar...

45. Black Bears

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about black bears of the Great Smoky Mountains and see if you can list the eight species of bears found around the world! Get your FREE Nature ...

44. George Washington Carver

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about George Washington Carver, a botanist whose love for plants led to many important scientific inventions that we still use today! Register...

43. Macroinvertebrates

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

JOIN THE FREE SPIDER CLASS on August 29 at 2 pm ET! Register at https://ourjourneywestward.com/free-spiders-nature-study-class/. What are macroinverte...

42. Night-Blooming Flowers

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Night-blooming flowers open their petals at nighttime, usually just after sunset. They are also called nocturnal flowers. Some examples of night bloom...

41. Seashore Plants

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Seashore plants are any plants that grow in or around the areas where the land meets the sea or other bodies of saltwater. These plants are adapted to...

40. Seashore Animals

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Seashore animals live in or near the ocean and are adapted to living in the intertidal zone, which is the area between the high tide and low tide mark...

39. Brambles

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Brambles are a type of plant that produce berries, such as blackberries and raspberries. The berries are often eaten by humans and animals alike. Bram...

Special Episode for Parents: Nature Study + Charlotte Mason with Katie Doughty

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I recently had a wonderful homeschooling discussion with Katie Doughty from the Raising Kind Humans Podcast. This rich episode is full of wisdom and i...

38. Garden Pests

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A garden pest is any insect, animal, or other organism that can cause damage to plants and gardens. They can be harmful to both ornamental plants and ...

37. Bees

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know there are over 20,000 different species of bees in the world? Believe it or not, bees are insects that belong to the same family as ants ...

36. What's That Smell?

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, we're exploring stinky things in nature! We often use our eyes to see things and our hands to touch things. We might even use our ...

35. Strawberries

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learning about strawberries is a fabulous way to explore botany – a special branch of biology all about plants. When we learn about plants in nature...

34. Thunderstorms

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's spring and that means you'll be seeing a lot more thunderstorms! Thunder is an amazing sound and lightning can be a beautiful sight, but it can b...

Special Episode for Kids: Animal Vocalization

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cindy West from No Sweat Nature Study LIVE and Richard Fink from The Vocal Gym by Throga have an interesting discussion about the science of vocals th...

33. Salamanders

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Salamanders are beautiful, elusive amphibians, which means they can be hard to find on nature walks. When you do find one, it can slip away quickly gi...

32. Vernal Pools

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Vernal Pools nature study isn't just about one type of plant or animal. Instead, vernal pools are complete habitats, home to many fascinating creature...

31. Sandstone

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Rock nature study might seem boring, but it can be fascinating if you know a little something about rocks. In this episode, you'll learn about sandsto...

Special Episode for Parents: Nature Study + Picture Books

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I recently chatted with Sarah Mackenzie of Read Aloud Revival about using picture books alongside nature study to enhance learning. It was such a fun,...

30. Wild Cats

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are there wild cats roaming around where you live? We have seen bobcats on our farm and some neighbors once saw a mountain lion. These sneaky creature...

29. Planets in the Night Sky

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Winter is the perfect time to observe planets in the night sky. You can easily see Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn at different times in the early ev...

28. Wild Dogs

27 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What's the difference between a wild dog and a domesticated dog? Both are in the family Canidae and there are plenty of similarities, but there are so...

27. Christmas Spices

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Who doesn't love the smell of spices wafting through the December air as cookies bake in the oven or pomanders decorate your home? In this special Chr...

26. Snowflakes

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Snowflakes are intricate, delicate, and strikingly beautiful. In this winter nature study episode, learn about the states of matter and temperature as...

25. Root Vegetables

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you love root vegetables? Whether your answer is yes or no, they are really interesting! You'll learn about different types of root veggies and how...

24. Mice

24 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

People either love mice or loathe them. No matter how you feel about them, mice are fascinating to learn about. That's exactly what we'll do in this h...

23. Really Weird Plants

10 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our world is full of several amazingly outrageous plants. We'll learn about a couple of them in this slightly spooky homeschool nature study! This epi...

22. The Harvest Moon

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The harvest moon is one of the big, beautiful full moons of the autumn season. Children will love learning how it got its name and why it looks the wa...

21. Gregor Mendel

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learning about nature through the eyes of naturalists, botanists, and other scientists is very cool. In this Gregor Mendel episode, take a look at bot...

20. Pondweed

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is every weed in a pond called pondweed or is pondweed something special? That's what you'll learn about in this interesting episode about plants that...

19. Poisonous Plants

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We should all be aware of poisonous plants on nature walks. You don't necessarily need to be afraid of most of them, but you should know which plants ...

18. Mud Daubers

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wasp nature study isn't so scary when you're talking about mud daubers and their amazing nests built of mud. In this science lesson for kids, learn ab...

17. Water Snakes

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Slide on in for a slithery and sensational episode about water snakes. Bring along your nature journal with some colored pencils and choose from three...

16. Stars and the Night Sky

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Look up into the night sky this summer season to enjoy a nighttime nature walk and nature journaling challenge! Bring along the app that Mrs. Cindy me...

15. Life in a Brook

05 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The summer season is perfect for visiting a brook (or creek or river) to observe life in and around the water! Learn about this unique aquatic habitat...

14. Daisies

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Flowers are so much fun to study during nature walks! In this episode, learn about daisies and the Asteraceae family as you enjoy a wildflower nature ...

13. Hummingbirds

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you seen hummingbirds? They are so much fun to watch as they zip around at speeds that are so fast we can hardly keep up with them. In this episo...

12. Life Under Rocks

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's hard to believe, but you can find a lot of life under those amazing rocks in nature!  Bring along a nature journal and colored pencils, and grab...

11. Fireflies

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fireflies (or lightning bugs) are wonderful insects to study in late spring or early summer!  Bring along a nature journal and colored pencils or mar...

10. Pollinators

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pollinators are arguably some of the most important animals in the world. This episode will explain why! Bring along a nature journal and colored penc...