Exploring Color in the Natural World with Kimberly Kimberly Collins Jermain

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Christopher Robbins welcomes Kimberly Jermain Collins, an architectural color designer, to discuss her work and upcoming book, "Nature of Color." The discussion delves into how people perceive color differently, with scientific insights on vision, and explores the importance of studying color outdoors to enhance understanding and application in everyday life. Kimberly emphasizes that nature provides valuable lessons for integrating color into the built environment, ultimately improving mood and well-being.

Episode Highlights 00:00:10: Introduction by Christopher Robbins, host of the podcast, and guest introduction for Kimberly Jermaine Collins. 00:01:16: Discussion about Kimberly's approach to teaching color theory linked with nature and the release of her book "Nature of Color." 00:02:00: Introduction to the main topic of understanding how people perceive color differently. 00:03:09: Scientific explanation of how cones and rods in the eye process color perception. 00:03:45: The role of cones and rods in color vision and gender differences in color perception. 00:05:00: Discussion on gender differences in color perception and the connection between cones and rods. 00:06:10: Kimberly explains the significance of studying color outdoors and shares insights from her teaching experiences. 00:08:02: Emphasizing the importance of three-dimensional learning of color and painting techniques in natural settings. 00:09:24: Practical applications of color understanding in everyday life and how it can enhance interior environments. 00:11:15: How to bring the essence of outdoor color into one's home and enhance interior architectural design. 00:13:51: Principles of biophilia and how nature's elements influence architecture and well-being. 00:15:05: Encouragement for families to engage in outdoor activities to better appreciate and apply color. 00:17:15: Highlights on teaching experiences and changing perceptions about color among students. 00:19:24: Conclusion and details about where to find Kimberly’s book and online presence.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding color is enhanced by observing and interacting with it in nature. Color perception can be subjective, yet studying its scientific basis enriches our knowledge and appreciation.
• Incorporating nature-inspired colors into home designs improves mood and creates a fulfilling living space.
• Children naturally possess a keen awareness of color and can teach us new ways of seeing.

Tweetable Quotes

• "Nature has an extraordinary way of teaching us about color—outside is our most vibrant classroom." - Kimberly Jermaine Collins
• "Bringing natural colors indoors transforms spaces, elevating mood and enriching our living environments." - Kimberly Jermaine Collins
• "Each of us sees the world through our own unique lens, including how we perceive color." - Christopher Robbins

Four Walks in Central Park with Aaron Poochigian

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Christopher Robbins engages in a conversation with Aaron Poochigian, a poet and classicist, about his new book "Four Walks in Central Park." The book is notable for its unique genre, a poetic guidebook to Central Park, a renowned urban park in Manhattan. The conversation delves into the historical significance of Central Park, its planning and construction phases, as well as the park's evolution over time. Aaron also shares insights into the discipline of didactic poetry and how it can serve as an instructional yet engaging form of literature.

Listeners can explore the intricacies of Central Park and its details through Aaron's poetic depiction, which aims to provide an immersive experience akin to experiencing the park itself.

Episode Highlights 00:00:09: Introduction to the podcast and guest Aaron Poochigian, discussing family, love, relationships, and Aaron's credentials and upcoming book. 00:01:52: Aaron thanks for being on the show and notes the rainy weather in New York. 00:02:01: Conversation on being on different coasts and the benefits of technology for communication. 00:02:14: Aaron provides a brief history of Central Park, its origins, and important figures like Frederick Olmsted. 00:03:32: Details on the landscape design competition and the contributions of Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. 00:04:45: Discussion of Seneca Village and the transformation of the area for Central Park. 00:05:49: Exploration of the theme of artificial nature and the park's construction process. 00:06:42: Explanation of what constitutes a "landscaped park." 00:07:50: Details on the creation and design elements of Central Park, like the reservoirs and drainage systems. 00:08:28: Mention of the park's completion and opening, including the establishment of the zoo. 00:09:10: Conversation about Central Park's decline in the past and its revitalization in the 1980s. 00:10:11: Historical context on the park's periods of decline and renovation. 00:10:52: The role of the Central Park Conservancy in park maintenance. 00:11:56: Introduction to Aaron's book and the concept of a guidebook in poetic form. 00:12:56: Aaron explains why he chose poetry as the medium for his guidebook. 00:13:41: Discussion of how poetry helps avoid rambling and focuses on sensory details. 00:14:25: Inspiration behind creating a poetic guidebook to Central Park. 00:15:27: Connection to ancient didactic poetry and the revival of the genre. 00:17:04: The importance of new poetry genres and Aaron’s contribution. 00:17:54: Linking Japanese forest bathing with Central Park and Aaron's book. 00:19:39: Aaron's favorite place in Central Park—The Delacorte Theater. 00:20:27: Discussion of Central Park's ongoing construction and renovation projects. 00:21:26: Conclusion of the episode with information on where to find Aaron and purchase the book.

Key Takeaways

• Didactic poetry offers a unique method of storytelling and education, merging immersive sensory details with instructional content.
• Central Park’s creation was a monumental task involving transformation of undesirable land into a vibrant urban oasis.
• The park’s history of decline and rejuvenation underscores the importance of conservation efforts and community involvement.
• Mindfulness and intentionality, akin to Shinrin-yoku, can offer substantial wellness benefits and enhance one's experiential quality of life.

Tweetable Quotes

• "In the poetry, where I hope the poem will be immersive, that's where Shin Rin Yoku comes in." – Aaron Poochigian.
• "Poetry serves its purpose well, in the book for a number of reasons...I wanted the book to be an immersive experience." – Aaron Poochigian.
• "Central Park is like a giant birthday cake where nature is the icing on it." – Aaron Poochigian.
• "Didactic poetry serves to teach but in a beautiful, enduring way." – Aaron Poochigian.
• "There's a lot of construction in Central Park right now... it's like Manhattan, forever under construction." – Aaron Poochigian.

Show Notes by Barevalue.

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, the host, Adina Oberman, is joined by Aly Romero, a private chef and cookbook author. Aly shares insights into her culinary journey and the inspiration behind her cookbook, "Gas Fire Heat," particularly her passion for outdoor cooking.

The conversation highlights her experiences and techniques with grilling, smoking, and griddling, encouraging listeners to explore these as enjoyable family and social activities. Additionally, Aly discusses her collaboration with Traeger and provides a glimpse into her upcoming book, set for release in 2026.

Episode Highlights 00:00:09: Introduction to the podcast and today's guest, Aly Romero, a chef and cookbook author, focusing on her culinary background and experience. 00:01:11: Discussion about outdoor cooking with a focus on grilling and smoking, and an introduction to Aly's first book, "Gas Fire Heat." 00:02:04: Insight into the philosophy of taking traditional barbecue to a new level with cultural and flavor enhancements. 00:02:43: Aly's inspiration for outdoor cooking, emphasizing family engagement and lifestyle experience. 00:04:16: Tips for newcomers to grilling, leveraging familiarity with indoor cooking techniques outside. 00:05:41: Introduction to Aly's upcoming projects and her unique approach, including influences from diverse cuisines due to extensive travel and personal cultural connections. 00:07:31: Explanation of griddling techniques and how they can expand outdoor cooking potential beyond traditional methods. 00:09:19: Sneak peek into Aly's new cookbook, highlighting creative uses and practical cooking tips. 00:11:08: Aly's work with Traeger and the enriching experience at the Traeger Summit, showcasing communal passion for food. 00:14:07: Reflection on the versatility and practicality of her cookbook as a gift for occasions like Mother's and Father's Day. 00:15:08: Information on how listeners can follow Aly Romero online and access further cooking resources. 00:16:12: Conclusion of the podcast episode, mentioning the publishing timeline of Aly's upcoming book.

Key Takeaways

• Outdoor cooking can seamlessly integrate into family life, creating enjoyable and interactive meal preparations.
• Grilling doesn't have to be complex and can draw from familiar indoor cooking skills to provide a new dimension to culinary experiences.
• Embracing a wide variety of cultural influences can revitalize traditional barbecue dishes, adding unique flavors and techniques.
• Community and common love for food foster exceptional learning and sharing experiences, as exemplified by Aly's experience with Traeger.

Tweetable Quotes

• “Anything you can cook inside, you can cook outside.” “Take the cooking out of being a chore and make it more of a lifestyle experience.”
• “Grilling is not rocket science; it opens a whole new world of being together outdoors.” “There's always something new to learn when it comes to authentic ways of cooking.” “Food brings everybody together from all walks of life.”

Show Notes by Barevalue.