We Are Not Alone: Connecting with Animals & Ourselves

Provided by: This Teenage Life

Podcasts

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Synopsis

In this podcast episode from This Teenage Life, listeners will hear students from India, New York, Massachusetts, and other parts of the world interview naturalist and author Sy Montgomery.
The episode is about 28 minutes long and covers the author's story and the important connection between humans and other living things.
This podcast highlights the mental health benefits of natural ecosystems and interactions with other living beings, which connects to biodiversity and conservation as climate solutions.

Subjects: Biology, Health

Authors: This Teenage Life

Region: Asia, New York, Massachusetts

Languages: English

Positives

Sy Montgomery is an excellent storyteller and beautiful speaker and will keep students engaged throughout the podcast episode.
The message of how all the "superficial stuff" goes away when out with animals is important for young people who may be concerned with their appearance or feeling self-conscious.

Prerequisites

It may benefit students to have familiarity with Sy Montgomery's work and Jane Goodall, who is referenced in this episode.
The climate crisis is briefly referenced at the end, so students may need some background information on this.

Differentiation & Implementation

Preceding listening to this podcast, students can read one of Sy Montgomery's books to make listening to this more relevant.
Students can discuss the prominence of the idea that money and power bring happiness. Students can use propaganda and persuasive strategies to push that this is a false narrative and that connection to the natural world can bring true happiness.
After hearing Sy Montgomery's description of her first pet, students can write about their first pets or other animals in their lives that had importance, highlighting what they learned from these animals.
After listening, students can research or discuss the impact of climate change on animals that are important to them. Students can also discuss career options that may help them save the animals they are passionate about.
Sy Montgomery is such a compelling speaker that students may be interested in listening to her audiobooks, as many are read by her. Students can check out the school library and its resources to access the audiobooks.

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