Today on Animal Wise Radio we look at the question of how our connection to animals and nature - or lack of connection - can impact us in profound ways. How do those connections affect our personal choices, and how do they show up in our culture? With a great variety of voices and guests, we'll have a fun ride!

Joining us from Austin, Ellen Jefferson, DVM, of Austin Pets Alive, will talk about an upcoming conference hosted by American Pets Alive.

Mike Fry weighs in on the mythology and research behind the story of Easter Island's collapse.

Michael Mountain wonders at the disconnect between fashion, fur, and animals' lives.

The University of Minnesota's Landscape Arboretum opens a Nature Based Therapeutics program that explores how nature can be a great healer of people. Tanya Bailey, MSW and Dr. Jean Larson will talk with us about the measurable outcomes we can see when we actively engage with the natural world.