Slow Yourself to be Awed with J. Drew Lanham

by Swanson

“Lanham’s is a vision and voice I admire; I’m as grateful for this book, this field guide, as he is grateful for the wildness in the world.”

– Sean Hill, author of Dangerous Goods

Slow Yourself to be Awed with J. Drew Lanham

J. Drew Lanham is an Alumni Distinguished Professor of Wildlife Ecology, Master Teacher, and Certified Wildlife Biologist at Clemson University . He’s the author of The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature and the collection of poetry and meditations, Sparrow Envy: Field Guide to Birds and Lesser Beasts, which is the focus of our conversation today. And I just gotta share this self-descriptive line by Drew, “I am a wondering wander in love with nature and all the sensuality that falls softly in raindrops, rises riotously with each dawn chorus and whispers goodnight with Whip-poor-wills at dusk.” Drew is my favorite type of guest. A multi-hyphenated creature of the wilds; an academic, poet, writer, seer, teacher, prophet, justice seeker, and changemaker in culture. Drew’s generosity of spirit is evident in his pen and in our conversation. You will get a taste of his poetry today, and then purchase yourself a copy of Sparrow Envy.

Check J. Drew Lanham’s work at jdlanham.wixsite.com/blackbirder.

Episode Show Notes

Books by J. Drew Lanham

Resources & People Mentioned

Drink Recommendation

  • Spring water from a tin cup