Nature Is My Jam – Details, episodes & analysis

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Nature Is My Jam

Darrin Wassom

Science

Health & Fitness

Society & Culture

Frequency: 1 episode/24d. Total Eps: 44

If you’re like me, you love the sounds of nature—the dawn chorus, the rustle of wind through trees, the call of coyotes in the dark. These sounds spark curiosity, calm, and a deeper connection to the world around us.

Welcome to Nature Is My Jam, a podcast that shares immersive soundscapes recorded in the quiet corners of Northern Michigan and beyond. I’m Darrin, a field recordist capturing the subtle and wild voices of nature by taking my gear to remote places. Each episode features a natural soundscape, along with a few thoughts on how and where it was recorded. It’s a brief pause from the noise of everyday life—and a reminder to listen more closely.

Subscribe and join me in exploring the world, one sound at a time.

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Apple Podcasts

🇨🇦 Canada - nature
06/02/2026
#100
🇨🇦 Canada - nature
05/02/2026
#93
🇨🇦 Canada - nature
04/02/2026
#71
🇨🇦 Canada - nature
03/02/2026
#59
🇨🇦 Canada - nature
02/02/2026
#53
🇬🇧 Great Britain - nature
09/08/2025
#91
🇬🇧 Great Britain - nature
08/08/2025
#73
🇬🇧 Great Britain - nature
07/08/2025
#47

Spotify

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https://www.buymeacoffee.com/nimj
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https://adorama.rfvk.net/c/3515385/29622/1036?prodsku=ATBP4025&amp
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https://www.adorama.com/ATBP4025.html&amp
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https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1961615/open_sms
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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nature-is-my-jam/id1628394675
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Good

Score global : 73%

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Fading Light on Otter Creek

Season 3 · Episode 1

Friday, April 18, 2025 • Duration 56:08

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It feels good to be back. This is my first field recording in nearly two years, captured just after sunset along the banks of Otter Creek in Sleeping Bear Dunes. I used my Zoom F3 recorder paired with the Audio-Technica BP4025 microphone, placed as a drop rig for an overnight session.

As the light faded, I returned to one of my favorite spots—a quiet place where beavers often swim and birds gather in abundance. I watched two Trumpeter Swans descend and glide in beside a gathering of geese and ducks settling in for the night. Turkeys called from nearby trees, and the evening wrapped itself in the distant sound of Barred Owls echoing through the forest. It was peaceful, wild, and exactly what I’d been missing.

Recording Details:

Date and Time: 4/17/2025 | 5:30 AM
Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Landscape/Feature: Otter Creek
Conditions: 61F (16C), Overnight, Light Breeze that changed to Gusting
Recording Device: Zoom F3 Field Recorder
Microphone(s): Audio Technica BP4025

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A Morning on Otter Creek with a Raft of Ducks

Season 2 · Episode 5

Thursday, February 2, 2023 • Duration 08:20

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A fairly short recording this week, but it is time well spent with a raft of Mallard Ducks. Until today, I would have said a flock of ducks but, apparently, ducks are only called a flock when they are in flight. When they are in the water, a raft, team, or a paddling of ducks is used. When they are on land? That’s called a sord of ducks. This is certain to be a question on Jeopardy, so jot this down and keep it close to the vest. Just remember me when you win.

This is a recording from the same location as last week, but from the other side of Otter Creek. I left a recorder and microphones attached to a tree close to the bank of the creek. When I went to retrieve the gear, I could see at least 100 ducks grouped together and being very talkative. A heavy snow was coming down, so they appeared as ghosts on the creek and I immediately regretted not having a longer lens on my camera to get a photo.

In other news, I found a new recording location much closer to my house. I spent a few hours there this week to scout the location and get a feel for the wildlife in the area. It is so quiet that my test recording came back with NOTHING. No cars, no airplanes, and no nature sounds. However, there are plentiful signs of activity, so I just need to learn the area for better microphone placement.

Apologies for the short recording this week, but I think you will enjoy it. For the discerning listener, you will probably hear some random traffic noise. This is because of the time of day of the recording and its proximity to a main road. I can only record from this location at night because there is very little traffic, but I think the noise is faint enough that it won’t distract from the listening experience.

Crash, Stomp and Snort: A Night in the Forest

Season 2 · Episode 4

Friday, January 27, 2023 • Duration 21:00

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“If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” - Dr. George Berkeley.

“My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here; My heart‘s in the Highlands a-chasing the deer.” - Robert Burns.

“Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.” - Carl Sandburg.

Crash, stomp and snort. All three sounds will become abundantly apparent as you listen to this week’s episode. I left a couple of clues in the quotes above. Success always finds the patient and prepared field recordist. I made that up. It’s no secret that the last few weeks have not been great for recording wildlife and nature sounds. My goal this week was to get back into the forest and feature an episode where the primary theme was not the sound of water.

I had a mild collision on my way to record last night, which caused some delay in getting to the recording location. I’m fine, the truck is fine, but a group of saplings sacrificed themselves in order to bring this recording to you. It was late when I arrived and because I had a mile to hike to the recording location; I prepared a drop rig setup. A drop rig is the name given by field recordists for recording equipment left unattended for an extended period without being monitored. This style of recording is useful for nocturnal activities or where wildlife is not used to human presence. With signs of beaver activity, animal prints (deer, fox), and hearing coyotes across the wide creek, hopes were high for a successful recording.

I am thrilled with this recording. It starts off with the answer to the age old question, proffered by Berkeley in the 1600s and then follows a very curious and excitable deer as it comes across my recording gear in the middle of the night. A deer will stomp its hooves when it senses danger and you can hear it rush towards the microphone and then come back with piqued curiosity. It does not leave the area and eventually beds down a few feet from the microphone.

Moody Lake Michigan Day at Leelanau State Park

Season 2 · Episode 3

Thursday, January 19, 2023 • Duration 40:00

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Captain’s Log, Stardate 100646.84. It has been weeks since the sun has appeared on this planet. A constant mist has enveloped this region, identified as northern Michigan, since the dawn of a new earth year. Contact made today with earthlings that appear to be in distress because of warm temperatures and a lack of something they call Vitamin D. Of all the earthlings encountered in Alpha Quadrant, the northerner is, perhaps, the strangest.

Summary:

My goal to record the Red Fox again this week did not go well. The constant wind and misting rain have played hell with my recording equipment and my patience. Two nights of failed recordings and hours spent alone in a field with rain running down my neck convinced me to give up on the Red Fox this week. I bailed on Sleeping Bear Dunes and made my way to Northport to visit the Leelanau State Park. I like the rocky beach at this park, which is unlike the sandy stretches of Sleeping Bear. There is also a cool lighthouse and the ability to watch Great Lakes Freighters as they make their way to the Upper Peninsula through the Manitou Straits.

I didn’t intend to record the wave action, but the wind was just right to capture some interesting sounds as the waves crashed into large rocks near the shore. The water levels are down so I could get further out than what is possible to get close to some large boulders….. that are slick (I know this but sometimes I’m an idiot). I realized, too late, that my feet were slipping and it dumped me into the lake. I’d love to say it was part of a planned Polar Plunge, but I’d be lying. Luckily, I had extra clothes in the truck, so could change and keep recording. The only thing I didn’t have was another pair of boots, but I found that if I kept moving that my feet didn’t get too cold.

Red Fox Activity at Night

Season 2 · Episode 2

Thursday, January 12, 2023 • Duration 01:22

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I hesitate to call this week’s recording an episode because it is, shall we say, brief? I hiked a few trails today, hoping to come across some interesting sounds that didn’t involve a lake, river or stream. Even though I love the sound of water, I have limits. Recording in winter, or what northern Michigan is giving us for a winter, requires patience and a lot of failed attempts. I know where to find wildlife most of the time, but damn if they haven’t eluded me as of late.

Today started at the Kettles Trail, where the trail runs alongside a bog deep in the woods. (I know. More water.) There is a nice overlook that I thought might work for birds or perhaps otters or muskrats. While the trail had the right ingredients, its proximity to M-72 (State Highway) kept it out of the running for any audio recordings. However, it is an amazing trail and definitely worth a visit.

With the first hike under my belt, I made my way to the Windy Moraine Trail, which features an overlook above Glen Lake (I know, I know). This trail is essentially straight up and then straight down, but I still love it. There are sections where forest meets field, which is usually a great opportunity to record deer, fox, birds, etc but not today. It is a short trail but will definitely get your heart rate up in the stratosphere. I saw fox tracks and evidence of Pileated Woodpeckers but I didn’t find any wildlife to record.

I wanted/needed a recording for this week so drove over to and hiked up the bluff that overlooks Lake Michigan (again; I know). It was dark by this time and there was complete cloud cover, so I wasn’t expecting a view, but I hoped I might get a recording of the waves below as they echoed around the standing trees at the top of the bluff. There was very little wind, so the waves were about as gentle as a mud puddle and barely audible in my headphones.

Ice and Sleet on the Platte River

Season 2 · Episode 1

Thursday, January 5, 2023 • Duration 32:00

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Welcome to Season Two of the Nature is my Jam podcast! 2023 is finally here, and the year begins anew with resolutions, intentions, hope and excitement. We are still early enough in the year where our resolve to change habits is still strong, right? One of my resolutions for 2023 is to embrace inclement weather rather than sitting in front of the fireplace. Cold and snow doesn’t bother me but I draw the line at rain. Living in northern Michigan, it’s a safe bet that most days in winter are of the inclement weather variety. With that resolution in mind, I spent a morning on the Platte River, where it empties into Lake Michigan, watching the ice floes go past and to feel the stinging sleet hit my face. Sleet, in my mind, is closer to snow than rain because it is cold but doesn’t look as nice. I rate this weather experience at 6 out of 10.

The Platte River meanders 30 miles through forests, open land and wetlands that are in the public trust. The mouth of the river empties into Lake Michigan at Platte River Point, which is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and is an idyllic spot in winter. There are few cars and even fewer people venturing out on the beach. I only saw an angler early in the morning and then a Mom and her son bravely taking a stroll down the beach as the weather intensified from sleet to wet, heavy snow. The river takes a dogleg right as it nears Lake Michigan and runs parallel to the beach for about a 1/4 mile before meeting crashing waves.

Season One Retrospective: Thank You!

Season 1 · Episode 29

Thursday, December 29, 2022 • Duration 34:21

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By most measures, 2022 was not kind. I still can’t bring myself to talk about it, but my sidekick and constant companion, Bella (Boo Boo) lost her battle with cancer. If you were ever on a conference call with me, then you most definitely saw her sitting on my shoulder. She was a constant presence and I miss her dearly. She was tiny but mighty, never hesitating to yell at me if I wasn’t paying enough attention to her. We also lost Scruffy, our adventure cat, a few months ago. As if that wasn’t bad enough, our beloved Black Lab, Jasmine, also passed away at 12.

Unexpectedly, I lost my job in February because of my position being eliminated. There isn’t a need to go into detail, but that event caused a short-term panic and an opportunity to reflect on my 25 year career in information security and risk management. With the support of my wife, Rhonda, and hours of financial calculations, we made the decision that I would take a long break from my career and look for a new path forward. This podcast results from being given the opportunity to try something new without the stress of reinventing myself at another company.

As we head into 2023, I want to devote this episode to my feelings of gratitude. I have compiled the best bits from each episode in 2022 to create a retrospective of sorts. It was a mix of fun and cringe as I went back to the beginning of this journey. My early recordings were not good, but had great intentions. I committed to a goal of improving every week and seeking help from other field recordists. I like to think that my recordings improved with each episode and I am happy that so many people helped me along the way.

I start each morning by writing out three things I am grateful for in my journal. It always starts with Rhonda. Always. Simply, she is the reason I have this podcast and the latitude to pursue this fresh path. She has never doubted me and is always there to cheer me on. Her support means the world to me, and I will forever be grateful that she is in my life. The other two items vary each day, but there will never be a time where Rhonda isn’t the very first name in the journal.

Sounds of Sleeping Bear Dunes: The Calm Before The Storm

Season 1 · Episode 28

Thursday, December 22, 2022 • Duration 40:00

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May the closeness of friends and the comfort of home renew your spirits this holiday season.

Summary:

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.

We are the Peterson Road Beach, which is near Honor, Michigan and very close to the Platte River Campground. This recording features gentle waves and a very light wind. While it was a mild day in terms of wind, the temperatures dropped throughout the day and the skies got very dark. My watch notified me of blizzard and extreme weather warnings the entire time I was recording, and my wife even called to make sure I hadn’t fallen off a bluff or into a ravine. Severe weather warnings, I’ve noticed, bring a hint of concern *and* excitement to everyone affected. While the storm is still a day away, instinct creeps in and everyone does their best to prepare and, well, wait.

The Rest of the Story:

The truth of the matter is that while it was extremely cold along the lakeshore, I was in no real danger during the recording. Dressed for the weather, I knew I’d be able to get back home before any major snow or drop in the temperature. My truck can get through snow and I always bring extra clothing, water and a personal emergency beacon that will notify family and first responders via satellite if I need help.

Sounds of Northern Michigan: A Blustery Day on Empire Bluff

Season 1 · Episode 27

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • Duration 22:00

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Summary:

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.

The Empire Bluff trail isn’t terribly long, but presents some of the most iconic and scenic views at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Overlooking Lake Michigan, the trail offers sweeping views of South Manitou Island, massive sand dunes and the stunning South Bar Lake with its narrow spit of land separating it from Lake Michigan. On the day of this recording, I had the entire trail almost to myself, sharing it was a pair of hikers and two Bald Eagles.

This recording features massive wind (welcome to Winter in northern Michigan) blowing through the woods and down the bluff to where I was standing. The wind goes from a whisper to a howl to a roar in several minutes. Creaking trees, airborne ferns and sand pebbles shimmer across the soundscape as the wind shifts direction. It is a stunning show of force that, once again, reminds us of the power of nature.

The Rest of the Story:

Hop on over to the Nature is my Jam website for the rest of the !!

Nature Is My Jam – Details, episodes & analysis

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Nature Is My Jam – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other62

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