Welcome to episode 28 of the Nature is my Jam podcast. As 2022 winds down, Mother Nature is going to remind us she is all powerful and wants to add some excitement to the season’s holidays. We have a major winter storm heading our way and if the weather predictors are right; we are going to end the year with a doozy of a blizzard. With this in mind, I wanted to record what I am calling the ‘calm before the storm. It was a cold yet mild day here in northern Michigan and I, once again, found myself along one of my favorite beaches along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Welcome to episode 27 of the Nature is my Jam podcast. Winter in Michigan presents a unique set of challenges with field recording. My new mantra is, “If it’s blowing wind, then it must be <insert day of week>.” This week was no exception and we, once again, brave the elements in pursuit of those sweet, sweet sounds of nature. I have wanted to hike the Empire Bluff Trail at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore all year and with 2023 quickly approaching, I knew I had to get my butt in gear. 

Welcome to episode 26 of the Nature is my Jam podcast. As always, I’m happy to welcome you back for another foray into the wilderness to capture the best northern Michigan offers. This week, we are once again on the banks of Otter Creek at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to record the sound of a big wind as it blows in from Lake Michigan. How windy was it today? So windy that Otter Creek was flowing backwards! This wasn’t the original location for today’s recording, but it turned out to be the best location. I really love the sound of the intense wind. It’s not only a reminder of the power of nature, but a chance to get lost in the wind's sound blowing through the trees with no other sounds to get in its way.

As we enter a long holiday weekend in the United States, I have spent a lot of time thinking about gratitude and growth. 2022 has been an especially “not great” year for my family. We lost three beloved pets, have dealt with health issues and had to navigate an early retirement after losing my job in a career that spanned 25 years. By any measure, that’s a lot to deal with and I’m happy to say that I think we have handled it well. We will forever miss our pets, but it warmed our hearts with the memories and knowing we gave them a good life. We are tackling our respective health issues straight on and moving forward with intent and focus. And, well, early retirement isn’t for the faint of heart, but I am incredibly lucky to have the support of friends and family. I am also incredibly lucky to have this podcast.