Are Humans Part of Nature, or Have We Forgotten That We Are?

Chris explores why humans are not separate from nature, but animals embedded within (and entirely dependent on) Earth’s living systems. Inspired by ecologist Dr. Amy McEwan, he examines cities as modified ecosystems, why adaptable species thrive while specialists struggle, and how disrupted relationships can unravel whole habitats. From monarchs and milkweed to sea otters and kelp forests, this episode is a call to notice, protect, and reconnect with the nature we never left.

Timeline

00:00 Welcome and Big Question

01:00 Humans Are Animals

02:46 The Imaginary Divide

03:46 Nested Systems Insight

07:10 How We Got Disconnected

11:14 Cities as Ecosystems

14:25 Urban Adapters Spotlight

22:35 Specialists and Fragmentation

28:12 What Ecosystems Are We Making

31:36 Relationships Not Species