Sparking A Deeper Connection To Nature with the Kindred Podcast
By: Morgan Ritter
In a world growing increasingly detached from the environment, “Kindred” is reigniting the spark between humans, animals, and nature. Hosted by CLA alumna Kate Coffin and her sister Jenn Asplundh, the podcast explores the intricate, often overlooked relationships that bind us to the natural world. Our wondrous planet is home to a wide variety of plants, animals, and environments, many of which are suffering due to human impact. But there’s so much more to these declining species and environmental issues than what the headlines tell us. Allow me to introduce “Kindred,” a podcast that sheds light on the misunderstood aspects of the natural world that surrounds us. College of Liberal Arts (CLA) anthropology alumna Kate Coffin co-hosts each episode with her sister Jenn Asplundh, iwheren which they educate themselves and their listeners on various natural species and environmental conservation efforts. Having grown up in a small town in Maryland, the sisters were heavily immersed in nature and developed a deep appreciation for animals and the environment at an early age. “I’ve always been keenly interested in the natural experience, meaning I spent a lot of time outside as a child,” Coffin said. “I was just really curious and felt really safe out in the natural space most of the time. And I think that with a combination of my anthropology major hooked me into not just the state of the human experience, but also that of the natural world.” Prior to starting “Kindred,” Coffin had a dog collar business called Otis & Roo. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she was unable to convert to strictly online operations. This is when her sister, Jenn, turned her onto podcasts. The idea for “Kindred” came from wanting to talk to people in the scientific ciencitifice and conservation world and help educate listeners about the state of our world and its species and environments. They have interviewed a plethora of specialists on the podcast, including marine biologists, entomologists, psychologists, zoologists, conservationists, and even a wild bird rehabilitator.
32 REFINE: The Spark
“Their enthusiasm for what they do is so contagious that it makes you care about it, which I think is really important, because then if people listen, then they’re going to care more, too,” said Asplundh. It is no secret that human beings have been and continue to take advantage of our planet and its resources. Our impact is getting to irreversible levels, and there are many species that are becoming endangered and going extinct due to our careless emissions. “Kindred” allows listeners to learn more about the species and environments that are being impacted, so that they can better understand the importance of being environmentally conscious. “We are not above the natural world, and yet, that’s how we operate,” Coffin said. “This Earth really loves us. We all are born and live amongst each other. And the trees breathe us. The ocean breathes us. The water hydrates us. Just on that basis, we need to learn. We need to get on an even playing field, and respect, humility, and empathy is what it comes down to.” While the idea of reconnecting with nature can seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be a tidal wave of pressure. Learning to be more in touch with the natural world around you can start by simply taking a walk outside and asking questions about the creatures and plant life you see. “The main thing that I’ve learned from this podcast is awareness,” said Coffin. “Be aware of the possibility that all of these species around you are, one, on your team, and two, are just trying to get through the day just like you are. Open up your heart and mind and it will come.” Season seven of the “Kindred” podcast, along with all previous episodes, is streaming now wherever you listen to podcasts, with new episodes bimonthly. This season, you can expect to learn about seahorses, the Florida black panther, and tune in to a feature on Rosalie Haizlett and her book “Tiny World of the Appalachian Mountains.” Be sure to check it out and share the episodes with your friends and family!