Well, that’s Awkward Podcast – EP5: Hug a Tree, Live Forever?

For centuries, people have turned to nature to heal — but does it actually work… or are we just romantically projecting onto trees because the Wi-Fi is terrible and real life is overwhelming?

In Episode 5 of Well, That’s Awkward, hosts Susan Osman and Rachel Branson explore the awkwardly magical world of nature-based wellbeing rituals — from forest bathing and tree hugging to bio photons, mountain frequency and sea therapy.

This is the episode where modern midlife stress meets mystical natural healing… and laughter meets science.

Does Nature Really Heal Us?

We’ve all had that moment — the fresh air, the huge skies, the sound of the sea — where your nervous system suddenly unhooks itself from stress, and everything feels lighter and temporarily solved.

But what is that?

This episode looks at whether the healing power of nature is:

• scientifically measurable
• energetically real
• or just a walk through a pine forest to get away from notifications and deadlines

We talk about bio photons, grounding, mountain energy, running water, forest bathing, and how women over 40 are increasingly turning to nature as a form of recovery, reset and mental clarity.

The Awkward Bit (because there always is one)

Let’s be honest…
have you ever leaned against a tree for a grounding moment — and then suddenly realised someone was watching you mid-tree embrace?

Yep. Us too.
This is nature therapy meets comedic embarrassment, and it’s gloriously relatable.

Listen to Episode 5: Hug a Tree, Live Forever?

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts

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Why This Conversation Matters

Women over 40 are increasingly seeking forms of wellbeing that aren’t found in a pill bottle — but in connection, ritual, nature and presence. This episode invites listeners to re-evaluate what healing really means, how nature affects the body and brain, and why sometimes the field, the forest or the coastline is the one place we can breathe again.

Because whether it’s science or spirituality — nature is still one of the most powerful tools we have for resilience, regulation and remembering who we are.