The Great Green Escape by Aristaios

A curious little podcast for grown-ups who never lost their sense of wonder. Hosts Elena and Lachlan share fascinating eco-psychology (e.g. the science of the bonds humans and the earth share) alongside original music. It's science meets storytelling, and it reminds us how marvellous this world really is.

Proceeds support conservation projects in Australia. For the naturalist at heart. No guilt or gloom.

Listen, experience, and remember your place in the natural world.

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The Great Green Escape by Aristaios

3: Tapping into Blue Mind

March 25, 2026 • Aristaios • Season 1 • Episode 3

0:00 | 20:01

Dive into the theory of Blue Mind: the state of calm, clarity, and creativity we feel when we’re near water.

Through science, myth, and Australian stories, we explore why our brains love the ocean, how warm mineral water can help us sleep, and how ancient and modern cultures across the world, from the Warrgamay and Noongar peoples to swimmers and surfers, have long understood the healing power of water.

We’ll trace the journeys of rivers, visit lochs in Scotland, and rediscover our own “blue head” in contrast to the restless “red head.”

Whether you’re floating through kelp or soaking in a warm bath after a long day, this episode invites you to meet the water, and yourself, anew.

Studies and stories referenced

"Blue Mind" theory

Wallace J. Nichols’ book Blue Mind (2014).

"Blue Head" mindset and the All Blacks

James Kerr's book Legacy (2015).

Spa therapies, warm mineral water and sleep improvement

Yao, Wang & Lei (2022). "Spa therapy improves sleep quality: evidence from questionnaire and actigraphy". Brain-Apparatus Communication: A Journal of Bacomics, (2).

Haghayegh, S., et al. (2019). “Before-bedtime passive body heating by warm bath or shower to improve sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Sleep Medicine Reviews, 46, 124–135.

Blue Mind in Australian education and therapy

Surfers for Climate's Blue Mind Programs. https://surfersforclimate.org/

Blue Mind Wellness Day Australia (2024). Community mental health initiative supported by coastal local councils and Blue Mind Foundation.

First Nations stories

A Healing Place at The Water - This Place. A YouTube video by ABC Indigenous.

The Waakal (Rainbow Serpent). Dreaming stories of the Southwest.

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