Sound Escapes Season Two

Series produced by BirdNote

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For those of us sheltering in place, it can feel like the walls are closing in. But our host Gordon Hempton's work as an acoustic ecologist can teach us something vitally important about transcending troubling times: sound can set us free. All we need to do is listen.

In these eight episodes, you'll hear soundscapes from the wildest places on the planet — personally selected by Gordon Hempton from his thousands of hours of recordings.

"These sound portraits are really about my love for the planet, and I hope to transfer to you that same feeling of reverence," says Gordon. "Isn't it special to be alive?"

Grab your headphones, relax, and let's listen...


8 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
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Take a whirlwind tour of nearly every habitat on Earth in our special season finale.

  • Added: Dec 04, 2020
  • Length: 01:02:54
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Journey to rural Missouri, where Mark Twain would wade in the pools of a “limpid brook” as a child.

  • Added: Dec 04, 2020
  • Length: 25:45
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Paddle your canoe through the Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota. With each stroke, you'll experience wildlife awakening in spring.

  • Added: Dec 04, 2020
  • Length: 27:49
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Immerse yourself in Eastern Washington’s Pipestone Canyon, and hear waves of echos upon echos.

  • Added: Dec 04, 2020
  • Length: 28:55
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Breathe in the sonic beauty of South Africa’s Kalahari Desert as the sun rises over the savannahs.

  • Added: Dec 04, 2020
  • Length: 24:48
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Walk in the footsteps of John Muir as you follow the “water music” of Merced River in Yosemite National Park.

  • Added: Dec 04, 2020
  • Length: 28:37
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Discover the tranquility of Zabalo Wilderness Quiet Park in Ecuador and learn why Gordon describes it as "a living Eden."

  • Added: Dec 04, 2020
  • Length: 29:30
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Travel to Olympic National Park in Washington State as the sounds of spring — including the song of the Varied Thrush — emerge after a long, quiet ...

  • Added: Dec 04, 2020
  • Length: 31:41