Deep in the Woods – Details, episodes & analysis

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The humble mushroom might be the most misunderstood organism on our planet. Walking Arabia Mountain with mycology expert Darling Ngoh reveals a hidden world of intelligence networks pulsing beneath our feet—without a single brain cell in sight.

Mushrooms are reshaping how we understand intelligence itself. While exploring the unique granite landscape of this Georgia landmark, we discover that fungal networks operate with startling efficiency, solving complex problems that baffle human engineers. Scientists in Japan and the UK have found that slime molds—relatives of fungi—can design transportation networks more efficiently than urban planners. These organisms, despite having no central nervous system, showcase problem-solving abilities that challenge our understanding of cognition.

The conversation winds through unexpected territory as we explore how 80-90% of trees worldwide connect through underground fungal networks in cooperative relationships. Trees actually lower their cellular defenses to invite mycelium inside their roots—a partnership that has sustained forest ecosystems for millions of years. This natural cooperation model raises profound questions about human systems that prioritize competition over collaboration.

Ranger Darling's own journey bridges two seemingly disconnected worlds: data science and forest ecology. Through his organization Hikes of Georgia, he's creating innovative conservation strategies while teaching beginners how to safely identify mushrooms. 

The beautiful granite outcrops of Arabia Mountain, with their endangered plant species growing in solution pits formed over centuries, provide the perfect backdrop for contemplating how we might better align human innovation with nature's proven success strategies.

Join us to discover why fungi might hold solutions to our most pressing challenges—from healthcare to climate change to technological advancement. 

Follow Hikes of Georgia on social media or visit Arabia Mountain on weekends for a chance to meet Ranger Darling in person and explore this hidden gem just outside Atlanta.

Hikes of Georgia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikesofgeorgia/?hl=en

Deep in the Woods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_deep_in_the_woods/

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What if history isn’t just something we remember, but something we carry, share, and keep alive through stories?  Walking through Austin, Texas's Zilker Park with award-winning Chickasaw storyteller Amy Bluemel transforms a conversation about history into a profound exploration of human connection, cultural preservation, and the universal language of storytelling.

Amy immediately challenges our modern assumptions by revealing how storytellers functioned as historians before written language existed. "We kept the history of battles or illnesses, or moons and years and where people went and where they came from," she explains, highlighting how oral traditions preserved essential community knowledge across generations. Science confirms this approach works—our brains retain information more effectively through stories.

Amy shares the Chickasaw migration story, featuring divine twins, a sacred pole that pointed their direction, and a protective white dog who eventually became the Milky Way. These narratives aren't just entertaining—they're sophisticated vehicles for cultural knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and ancestral connections that have survived despite systematic attempts to silence Native voices.

Amy then provides a timeline of cultural suppression: "It was illegal for Native Americans to practice their religion until 1978," she reveals. "I was 12." This places modern Native American cultural revitalization in proper context—not as ancient history but as ongoing resistance against very recent oppression. As we witness current political movements attempting to remove uncomfortable historical narratives from museums and educational spaces, Amy's insights become even more urgent.

The episode culminates with Amy sharing a traditional trickster tale about Rabbit trying to convince Creator to give him more brains—a story that perfectly demonstrates how Native American storytelling incorporates humor, moral lessons, and cultural values simultaneously. As she explains, these stories adapt with each telling while preserving essential truths, much like cultures themselves must adapt while maintaining their core identities.

Ready to experience storytelling that bridges cultures and centuries? Subscribe now to join our journey exploring the powerful stories that connect us all, and follow Amy's work at https://amybluemelstoryteller.com/

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Welcome to Deep in the Woods, a podcast that journeys through the natural world, exploring profound words and uncovering their connections to our lives. Each episode delves into a specific theme or word, reflecting on its significance through thoughtful conversations and immersive hikes.

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome back Dan Vollaro, an English professor and writer, including his essay collection "Reservoir: Tales from the Other Jersey." 

Together, we explore the sacred act of walking, reflecting on how this daily routine enhances creativity and helps us reconnect with ourselves. Our conversation takes place in the serene Green Meadow Preserve in West Cobb County, Georgia, surrounded by gardens, hiking trails, and meadows filled with wildflowers.

Dan shares his insights on the historical and cultural significance of walking, drawing from his knowledge of various writers who used this daily practice to fuel their creativity. We discuss how walking in nature serves as a form of meditation, helping us re-center and reconnect with ourselves. Our exploration is guided by the words of Casper Ter Kuile who reminds us to set an intention, use all our senses, and return home with a new perspective.

As we hike through Green Meadow Preserve, Dan and I discover the rich biodiversity of the area, including gardens filled with plants used by the Cherokee Native Americans for food and medicine. We marvel at the wildflowers in the large meadow and come across collections of bee boxes, highlighting the area's commitment to conservation and natural beauty.

We also delve into the writings of Henry David Thoreau, discussing his essay on walking and the concept of wildness as a preservation of the world. Dan shares his personal experiences of finding a sense of the sacred in nature, a theme that resonates deeply throughout our conversation. We touch on the balance between seeking solitude in the wild and the practicalities of modern life, emphasizing that meaningful experiences can be found close to home.

Join us as we uncover the profound connections between walking, creativity, and spirituality. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone looking to find peace in nature, this episode offers insights and inspiration for everyone.

Tune in to Deep in the Woods on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Visit our website at www.wordsandwoods.com and follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/andrew_words_and_woods/) for more updates, pictures, and videos related to each episode. Don't forget to leave a review and join the conversation!

Special thanks to Dan Vollaro for joining us, Ryan Cherry for the music, Applyn McEntyre for the podcast cover art, and Ryan Tomlinson for the website. 

Thank you for listening, and we look forward to having you with us on the next episode of Deep in the Woods!

Quote from podcast:

“I think I cannot preserve my health and spirits unless I spend four hours a day at least–and it is commonly more than that– sauntering through the woods and fields absolutely free from all worldly engagements.” -Henry David Thoreau from "Walking" essay

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Welcome to the Deep in the Woods Podcast, where we embark on a journey through the natural world, explore profound words, and uncover the connections they hold in our lives.In today's episode, I have the pleasure of taking a walk with Tim Villegas, who has chosen the word "Belonging." Tim serves as the Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE) and hosts both the Think Inclusive podcast and his recent project, "Inclusion Stories." Before his current role, Tim worked as a special education teacher and has always advocated for the inclusion of learners with significant disabilities in general education classrooms.For our hike, Tim selected the Environmental Trail at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. This nature loop offers a scenic escape with ample space to sit on a bench and observe the surroundings. It provides a quieter alternative to the main trail at Kennesaw Mountain, perfect for those seeking a peaceful stroll.I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Tim for joining me on this hike and for the wonderful conversation we shared. Special thanks also go to Ryan Cherry for providing the music that accompanies our podcast, my daughter, Applyn McEntyre, for her creative contribution in designing our podcast cover art, and Ryan Tomlinson for designing the website, www.wordsandwoods.com.Please check out our Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/andrew_words_and_woods/ where you can find pictures, videos, and posts related to this episode. Feel free to join the conversation by commenting on the posts, and I would greatly appreciate it if you could leave a review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or other platforms.As always, thank you for listening to the Deep in the Woods podcast!Quote and Links: Quote by Henry David Thoreau from "Civil Disobedience: "...if there’s an evil of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law. Let your life be a counter friction to stop the machine. What I have to do is to see, at any rate, that I do not lend myself to the wrong which I condemn." Passage from "The Word for World is Forest" by Ursula K. Le Guin, "It was not in his nature to think, 'What can I do?' Character and training disposed him not to interfere in other men's business. He preferred to be enlightened rather than to enlighten, to seek facts rather than the Truth. But even the most unmissionary soul, unless he pretend he has no emotions, is sometimes faced with a choice between commission and omission. 'What are they doing?' abruptly becomes, 'What are we doing?' and then, "What must I do?" Link to MCIE Think Inclusive Page: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/ Link to Inclusion Stories Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inclusion-stories/id1633672526 Think Inclusive Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/ Tim's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/therealtimvegas/

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Welcome to the Deep in the Woods podcast, where we delve into the profound meanings of everyday words and the places they lead us. In this special episode, we continue our exploration of the word "sacred," taking you on a journey through time and memory.

In the last installment, we explored the historic McEntyre home from the 1840s and 1850s, reflecting on the concept of sacredness as something set apart with greater meaning. Today, we pick up where we left off, delving deeper into the significance of sacred spaces.

Join us as we venture to the ancestral home of the host's grandparents, Sybil and Hansel Dutton, a place steeped in childhood memories and familial connections. Through vivid recollections of exploring old barns and building forts amidst hedge bushes, we uncover the essence of sacredness intertwined with personal history.

As the host walks through the fields and reflects on cherished memories, from blizzards to family gatherings, we witness the transformative power of shared experiences. Through the lens of his grandparents' legacy of hospitality and kindness, we discover how everyday acts of love ripple through generations, shaping our identities and values.

Through heartfelt storytelling and moments of reflection, we explore the dual nature of memory, encompassing both joyful recollections and painful scars. Yet, in each memory lies a thread of sacredness, woven into the fabric of our lives.

Join us on this poignant journey as we ponder the meaning of sacredness and the profound impact of our shared stories. Through the sounds of nature and echoes of the past, we invite you to pause, reflect, and discover the sacredness in your own experiences.

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Welcome to the Deep in the Woods podcast, where we dive into the impact of language while exploring meaningful places from our lives.

In this episode, I take you on a stroll around an old farm with a house that belonged to my great-great-great grandparents, William Tedford McEntyre and Sarah Hall McEntyre. We'll be exploring and digging deep into the word "Sacred."

We'll dig into family history, reflecting on whether stories from our ancestors carry the same weight as those from our immediate family. We'll also ponder the idea of leaving a legacy and whether it still matters as much today as it did in the past.

But it's not all nostalgia. We'll confront the uncomfortable truths too, like grappling with the actions of our ancestors, including owning slaves and displacing Native Americans.

Throughout our walk, we'll be sharing some thought-provoking quotes, like this one from Doctor Who: "We are all stories in the end, make yours a good one." And of course, some wisdom from Benjamin Franklin: "If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth writing."

So, come along as we explore the past, present, and the power of words in the Deep in the Woods podcast.

This episode is part one of a three part episode. Check back soon for the next in the series!

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In this special reunion episode, join hosts Dan Vollaro, Ryan Cherry, Ryan Tomlinson, Cade Curtis, and Andrew McEntyre as they embark on a reflective journey through the past year of the 'Deep in the Woods' podcast. The theme of 'Crossroads' becomes the guiding thread, weaving connections between the diverse topics explored in each of their individual episodes. Together, they take a moment to 'be in the present,' delving into the evolution of the podcast over the past year and sharing exciting ideas for its future. Tune in for a "nostalgic" conversation that captures the essence of memory, connection, harmony, "sonder," and the ever-expanding horizons of 'Deep in the Woods.'

Check out the new Instagram page for "Words and Woods" which will include updates for this podcast: https://www.instagram.com/andrew_words_and_woods/

Show notes:

• Lyrics used from Auld Lang Syne, "We have run about the hills, And pulled the daisies fine; But we've wander'd many a weary foot, since auld lang syne. We two have paddled in the brook, From mornin' sun till dinnertime: But seas between us road have roar'd, since auld lang syne."
• Quote from Amy Krouse Rosenthal from "Cookies:" "Honest means, I have to tell you something. The butterfly didn't really take the cookie--I took the cookie. Courageous means, It was not easy for me to tell you that I took the cookie, but I took a deep breath...and made the words come out."
• Information on the removal of African Americans from Forsyth County: https://www.npr.org/transcripts/494063372
• Information on Leo Frank Lynching: https://guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-leo-frank
• Alan Watt's book referenced by Cade: "The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are."
• Dan Vollaro's blog: https://www.danvollaro.com/
• Ryan Cherry's music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1BvmtTThy2RclmCpu31yR6
• Ryan Cherry's band "1996": https://www.instagram.com/1996atl/
• Cade Curtis' podcast: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/learning-from-friends-cade-curtis-9g_KB4NUkvP/
• Learning from Friends episode with Cade Curtis interviewed by Andrew McEntyre: https://open.spotify.com/episode/22PJOGq5S2A7KnfcnwPwFz?si=uYYId2yJSsqxk2OaskX6jQ
• Ryan Tomlinson's easter egg: "Peter Quistgard"
• Quote from Cade's Mother: "The universe is made up of stories, not atoms." -Muriel Rukeyser

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On Episode 8 of the Deep in the Woods podcast, we take boat ride onto Allatoona Lake with my dad, Dale McEntyre. He has chosen the word, "Fishing." 

We discuss how he started fishing, why he finds it to be relaxing and exciting, and some memories we had as a family around the fishing pole and bass boat. He also tells some mysterious stories including one where his bait was levitating high up in the air.

Key quote:

• "Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after." - Henry David Thoreau

This will be the last episode for this season and year. The next season should begin next February with the possibility of a bonus episode sometime near Christmas.

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On Episode 7 of the Deep in the Woods podcast, Damiao Wang and I walk a trail located behind the Rock Garden in Calhoun, GA. This garden included miniaturized versions of castles and other buildings that allow you to walk around and explore.

Damiao is from China and has been living in the United States since early 2020.  In China, he worked as an electrical engineer and co-owned a coffee shop and bakery. For our discussion, he has chosen the word "Genes" or "Genetics," which opens the door to a deep exploration of how his family views GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and their influence on their culinary practices. This word invites us to delve into a range of thought-provoking topics, including the ethics of modifying human DNA, the delicate balance observed in nature, Damiao's insightful concept of "Cultural Genetics" and how nations can metaphorically undergo genetic modification or mutation.

Some key quotes from the podcast:

• “The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life.” by Rabindranath Tagore
• References to John Green's podcast, "The Anthropocene Reviewed" with links below:
• "Capacity for Wonder" Episode: https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/anthropocene-reviewed/episodes/anthropocene-reviewed-capacity-wonder-and-sunsets
• Sycamore Trees" Episode: https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/anthropocene-reviewed/episodes/anthropocene-reviewed-air-conditioning-and-sycamore-trees

Thank you again for listening, feel free to reach out to me at almcentyre@gmail.com if you have questions or want to provide feedback!