Dive into an enriching and heartfelt conversation between Angell Deer and renowned poet Jarod K. Anderson, famously known as The Crypto Naturalist. Join us as we explore Jarod's profound connection with nature, his journey from an Ohio childhood filled with wonder, to becoming a beloved voice in poetry and mental health advocacy. In this candid interview, Jarod opens up about his formative experiences with nature, the challenges of mental health, and the liberating power of vulnerability and creative expression.Discover how early nature walks with his mother sparked a lifelong bond with the natural world and hear his reflections on growing up in rural America without a typical religious framework. Jarod also delves into his educational path marked with personal struggles like ADHD and depression, and how these experiences ultimately led him back to his roots in writing and self-expression. Particularly poignant is Jarod's discussion on mental health, sharing his journey towards acceptance and understanding, as well as the metaphor of "brainweather" which helped him navigate his depression with less shame.  As Jarod speaks about the intersection of creativity, empathy, and cultural expectations, this interview promises to inspire anyone looking for authentic stories of resilience and hope. Jarod K. Anderson is a writer, poet, and creator of The CryptoNaturalist Podcast. He has built a large audience of social media followers and podcast listeners with his strange, vibrant appreciations of nature. His books of poems are Field Guide to the Haunted Forest, Love Notes from the Hollow Tree, and Leaf Litter. He lives in Ohio between a forest and a cemetery.