Michael Roberts: From Outside Magazine, this is the Outside Podcast.
If I had to place a bet on when during the course of a year the greatest number of people in the United States are feeling relaxed, or maybe even content, I’d put my money on late-July.
Kids are on summer break. People who are able to take vacations are taking them. It’s a warm, ocean-breezy kickback time. I mean, this is why there’s a snack brand that’s literally called Late-July.
But here’s what I think is really going on: we’re just getting outside a lot more. To the beach. To the mountains. To a cabin on the lake. And that is what makes us feel so good.
Obvious, right?
But what’s not so clear, and a lot more interesting, is the research that explains what’s going on in our brains and bodies that leads to this elevated sense of health and happiness.
In recent years, scientists have been studying the power of awe, which seems to be a major factor. Last week, we brought you an interview with William Shatner looking at how his ride on a rocketship–a real one, not the Enterprise–had a profound impact on him.
Today, for part two of our investigation into awe with Outside contributing editor Florence Williams, we’re diving deep into the science.
Producer Robbie Carver put this one together,…
