Nat Theo Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible

Latest Episodes:

How Do Wild Horses Stay Warm? Lesson 104 Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

How do wild horses find food and stay warm in winter? Discover God’s designs in domestic and wild horses. Uncover the secrets to their strength and how horse power points us to the much greater power of our Creator.

Here’s our trail map:

How Did God Design Horses to be Strong?
Did God Make Horses to Help Humans?
How Do Wild Horses Stay Warm?
Should People Trust In Horses?

Eryn's Books:

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

Support Nat Theo: https://erynlynum.com/give
Marvels of Creation Book Set by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/marvels-of-creation-3-book-pack
Dinosaur Books by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/apologetics/dinosaurs
Explore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
Free Horse Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/how-do-wild-horses-stay-warm-in-winter/
Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“Job, are you the one who gives the horse its strength

or puts a flowing mane on its neck?

Do you make the horse jump like a locust?

It scares people with its proud snorting.

It paws wildly, enjoying its strength,

and charges into battle.

It laughs at fear and is afraid of nothing;

it does not run away from the sword.” Job 39:19-22 (NCV)

“Then God said, ‘Let us make human beings in our image and likeness. And let them rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the tame animals, over all the earth, and over all the small crawling animals on the earth.’

So God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female. God blessed them and said, “Have many children and grow in number. Fill the earth and be its master. Rule over the fish in the sea and over the birds in the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:26-28 (NCV)

“You put them in charge of everything you made.

You put all things under their control:

all the sheep, the cattle,

and the wild animals,

the birds in the sky,

the fish in the sea,

and everything that lives under water.

Lord our Lord,

your name is the most wonderful name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:6-9 (NCV)

“The godly care for their animals…” Proverbs 12:10 (NLT)

“Horses can’t bring victory;

they can’t save by their strength.” Psalm 33:17 (NCV)

“You can get the horses ready for battle,

but it is the Lord who gives the victory.” Proverbs 21:31 (NCV)

“Some trust in chariots, others in horses,

but we trust the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Muscle: A stretchy part inside a body that can tighten and pull. Muscles help parts of the body move or stay still.
Extensor Muscles: A group of connected muscles that run along the top of a horse from its neck and along its back to its tail.
Flexor Muscles: The group of connected muscles beneath a horse’s spine.
Biomechanics: The study of how living things move like machines.
Sebaceous Gland: Tiny glands in a horse’s skin that create oil (called sebum) to protect their skin and hair.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Behind the Scenes at Nat Theo, a Wild Goal & Answering Listener Questions Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

What is it like in the Nat Theo studio? Are there monkeys swinging around, tanks of exotic fish, or fancy lighting? We're going behind the scenes and sharing what it's like (and what it takes) to make Nat Theo happen. We are also sharing an exciting goal for 2026 and inviting you on the adventure! Finally, we are answering questions from curious listeners.

Give a one-time or monthly gift. Every gift goes directly toward producing Nat Theo and reaching more families in 2026: https://erynlynum.com/give

Please note: Nat Theo is not set up as a non-profit and gifts are not tax-deductible.

How Sharp Are a Lion's Teeth? Lesson 103 Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever wondered how sharp a lion’s teeth are? Or why lions have to hunt and how do they do it? Discover God’s designs in lions including how they work together in prides, care for lion cubs, and what they can teach us about God’s grace in a fallen world.

Here’s our trail map:

Where Do Lions Live?
How Do Lions Raise Families Together?
How Sharp Are Lion’s Teeth?
How Can We Glimpse God’s Goodness In Carnivores?

Eryn's Books:

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

Grab your copy of Wonders of Creation and discover God’s designs in a fallen world: https://www.masterbooks.com/wonders-of-creation
Explore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
Free Lion Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/how-sharp-are-a-lions-teeth/
Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“God said, ‘Look, I have given you all the plants that have grain for seeds and all the trees whose fruits have seeds in them. They will be food for you. I have given all the green plants as food for every wild animal, every bird of the air, and every small crawling animal.’ And it happened.” Genesis 1:29-30 (NCV)

“Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence.” Genesis 6:11 (NIV)

“Everything that moves, everything that is alive, is yours for food. Earlier I gave you the green plants, but now I give you everything for food.” Genesis 9:3 (NCV)

“Then wolves will live in peace with lambs,

and leopards will lie down to rest with goats.

Calves, lions, and young bulls will eat together,

and a little child will lead them.

Cows and bears will eat together in peace.

Their young will lie down to rest together.

Lions will eat hay as oxen do.” Isaiah 11:6-7 (NCV)

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain, because all the old ways are gone.” Revelation 21:4 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Sub-Saharan Africa: The large area of Africa made up of many countries that is south of the Saharan Desert.
Asiatic Lion: A protected species of lion living in the Gir Forest of western India.
Lion Pride: A family group of lions that lives together—usually related females and their cubs, plus one to a few adult males—who share food, protect each other, and defend their territory.
Lioness: A female lion.
Matrilineal: A family system where related females (mothers, daughters, sisters) stay together and pass the family group on through the mother’s side.
Allomothering: When females other than a baby’s own mother help care for it.
Canine Teeth: A set of four long, sharp teeth lions use for gripping and holding onto prey.
Carnassial Teeth: Sharp molar teeth lions use for shearing meat.
Obligate Carnivore: Animals that rely on meat for the nutrition they need. They must eat meat.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Can a Narwhal Get a Brain Freeze? - Lesson 102 Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever heard of the “Unicorn of the Sea”? Discover how the narwhal inspired the unicorn myth, why its long tusk is so special, and what happens when this Arctic whale faces danger and experiences “brain freeze.” Just like narwhals can panic when threatened, we can feel overwhelmed too—but God gives us peace and clear minds as we trust Him.

Here’s our trail map:

Are Narwhals Unicorns of the Sea?
What Is a Narwhal’s Horn?
Can a Narwhal Get a Brain Freeze?
How Can We Stay Calm When Scary Things Happen?

Eryn's Books:

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

Grab your copy of Wonders of Creation and discover God’s designs in a fallen world: https://www.masterbooks.com/wonders-of-creation
Explore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
Free Narwhal Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/narwhal-facts/
Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and there was no sea anymore… The One who was sitting on the throne said, ‘Look! I am making everything new!’” Revelation 21:1, 5 (NCV)

“For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a good mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLV)

“You will keep in perfect peace

all who trust in you,

all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Cetaceans: Scientific order (category) of mammals including whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Marine Mammal: Mammals (warm-blooded, have hair or fur, breathe air through lungs, and feed their babies with milk) that live in or near the ocean for their whole lives.
Unihemispheric Sleep: When a creature allows part of its brain to rest while the other part of its brain is still active and alert.
Nerve Endings: End points of nerves that send messages from different parts of the body to the brain to tell it what is being felt.
Panic: When someone suddenly feels very scared or worried and has trouble thinking clearly about what to do.
Disorientated: When someone feels confused about where they are or which way to go.

Some (but not all) sources used in researching:

History of unicorn myth and narwhals: https://www.cshwhalingmuseum.org/blog/from-narwhals-to-unicorns
Narwhal Tusks: https://whalescientists.com/narwhals-tusk
Narwhal Tusks: https://oceanographicmagazine.com/
Narwhal Tusks: https://www.britannica.com/science/What-Does-a-Narwhal-Use-Its-Horn-For

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Scuba Diving With Hammerhead Sharks - With Scientist Dr. Robert Carter Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

What is it like hovering in the water above countless hammerhead sharks? Or raising baby corals in aquariums? Or scuba diving at night beneath the moonlight? Dr. Robert Carter from Creation Ministries International shares what it’s like (and what it takes!) to honor God as a scientist and professional diver on this special guest episode.

Eryn's Books:

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

Creation Ministries International: https://creation.com

Grow together in faith, wonder, and wisdom with Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/

Explore Apologia’s award-winning courses and classes: https://www.apologia.com/

Free Coral Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/coral-reef-facts/

Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

This podcast contains paid advertisements.

Is Coral a Plant or Animal? With Coral Ecologist Dr. Robert Carter - Lesson 101 Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

Is coral a plant or animal? Discover the incredible ways God designed coral to build itself and create entire underwater communities. Joining us is coral ecologist Dr. Robert Carter who works with Creation Ministries International. Let’s dive in and learn about these amazing mystery creatures!

Here’s our trail map:

What Is a Coral?
How is a Coral Different From a Coral Reef?
How Does a Coral Build Its Own Home?
What Important Work Did God Give Corals to Do?
What Do Coral Reefs Teach Us About Hospitality?

Eryn's Books:

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

Creation Ministries International: https://creation.com
Apologia’s Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day course: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-course-set
Explore Apologia’s award-winning courses and classes: https://www.apologia.com/
Try CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
Free Coral Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/coral-reef-facts/
Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 (NLT)

“When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves. Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 (NCV)

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Can Coyotes Ice Skate? - Lesson 100 Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever seen a coyote ice skating? Hear stories of real life coyote encounters and discover how God designed these amazing wild dogs to live in many habitats and raise their young (spoiler alert…they regurgitate their food like birds feeding their chicks). And answer the question: Are egg-snatching coyotes good or bad?

Here’s our trail map:

Can Coyotes Ice Skate?
How do Coyotes Raise Their Pups?
Are Coyotes Good or Bad?
How Can We Know What Is Good or Bad?

Eryn's Books:

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

Order Wonders of Creation: Design in a Fallen World: https://www.masterbooks.com/wonders-of-creation
Grow together in faith, wonder, and wisdom with Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/
Try CTCMath for free at: https://ctcmath.com/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
Free Coyote Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/coyote-facts/
Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“Then God said, ‘Let the earth be filled with animals, each producing more of its own kind. Let there be tame animals and small crawling animals and wild animals, and let each produce more of its kind.’ And it happened.

So God made the wild animals, the tame animals, and all the small crawling animals to produce more of their own kind. God saw that this was good.” Genesis 1:24-25 (NCV)

“The Lord has told you, human, what is good;

he has told you what he wants from you:

to do what is right to other people,

love being kind to others,

and live humbly, obeying your God.” Micah 6:8 (NCV)

“Lord, tell me your ways.

Show me how to live.

Guide me in your truth,

and teach me, my God, my Savior.

I trust you all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Canidae: The dog family including wolves, jackals, foxes, coyote, and domestic (pet or working) dogs.
Monogamous: When an animal has only one mate (partner) at a time.
Litter of Pups: Group of coyote babies.
Regurgitating: When an animal brings food back up from its stomach to feed its babies.
Weaning: When a baby animal slowly stops drinking its mother’s milk and starts eating solid food on its own.
Biological Control: A biological control means using one living thing to help control (or reduce) another living thing that could cause problems.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Why Do Capybara Eat Their Poop? Lesson 99 Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

Discover God’s amazing design in the world’s largest rodent—the capybara! Meet this calm, expert swimmer with chisel-sharp teeth and learn how it points us to keep returning to the goodness of God’s Word again and again.

Here’s our trail map:

Why Do Capybara Destroy Everything In Sight?
Do Capybara Know How to Swim?
Why Do Capybara Eat Their Poop?
How Can We Get More and More Goodness From God’s Word?

Eryn's Books:

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

Save 15% off your entire order* with the code “nattheo” at https://generations.org/
Discover God’s designs in nature with the God Made… series: https://store.generations.org/products/god-made-science-bundle
Try CTCMath for free at: https://ctcmath.com/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
Free Capybara Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/capybara-facts/
Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“The word of God is alive and active…” Hebrews 4:12a (NIV)

“They love the Lord’s teachings, and they think about those teachings day and night.” Psalm 1:2 (NCV)

“Rain and snow fall from the sky

and don’t return without watering the ground.

They cause the plants to sprout and grow,

making seeds for the farmer

and bread for the people.

The same thing is true of the words I speak.

They will not return to me empty.

They make the things happen that I want to happen,

and they succeed in doing what I send them to do.” Isaiah 55:10-11 (NCV)

“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight…” Jeremiah 15:16a (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Rodent: A type of mammal that has special teeth designed for gnawing. Their front incisor teeth keep growing and they must chew on things to keep them short and usable.
Rodent Incisors: Special strong, sharp front teeth that never stop growing.
Reserve Crown: The hidden part of a rodent’s front tooth that stays under the gum and keeps growing. As the tip of the tooth wears down from chewing, the reserve crown slowly moves up, so the tooth never runs out and always stays sharp.
Herbivore: Creatures that eat only plants, such as leaves, grass, fruits, or vegetables.
Semi-aquatic: An animal that lives part of the time in the water, and part of the time on land.
Cecotrophy: When some animals eat certain soft droppings that they made earlier so they can digest their food a second time.
Cecotropes: Soft, nutrient-rich droppings made by some rodents including capybara. These special droppings are eaten by the animal so food can be digested a second time, letting them absorb extra vitamins and nutrients they didn’t get the first time.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

*Nattheo coupon at generations.org is good through 12/31/2025

Do Cuttlefish Have a Jetpack? Lesson 98 Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

Is a cuttlefish a cuddly fish? Meet a color-changing, quick-escaping cephalopod with a built-in jetpack. Discover how God designed the cuttlefish to survive in the ocean and what it teaches us about running from the dangers of sin and temptation.

Here’s our trail map:

Is a Cuttlefish a Fish?
Is a Cuttlefish Cuddly?
Do Cuttlefish Have a Jetpack?
How Can We Make a Quick Getaway From Danger?

Eryn's Books:

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615
936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782

Episode Links:

Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day Course by Apologia: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-course-set/
Explore Apologia’s courses and curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/
Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
Free Cuttlefish Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/cuttlefish-facts/
Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“But run away from the evil desires of youth. Try hard to live right and to have faith, love, and peace, together with those who trust in the Lord from pure hearts.” 2 Timothy 2:22 (NCV)

“But you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted, he will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able to stand it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13b (NCV)

“So give yourselves completely to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you.” James 4:7 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Mollusk: A phylum (category) of animals that have soft bodies. Some have shells for protection. Some crawl on one big foot (like snails), some have two shells that open and shut (like clams), and some swim using arms and jets (like squids and octopuses).
Cephalopod: A class (smaller category than phylum) of mollusks including octopuses, squid, cuttlefish, and nautilus.
Calcium Carbonate: A mineral or material from nature found in things like animal shells, egg shells, chalk, and limestone.
Cuttlebone: The internal shell of a cuttlefish
Mantle: A special organ in a mollusk that creates a shell.
Hyponome: Siphon organ on cephalopods used for many purposes including jet propulsion.

This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

How Can Wildflowers Inspire Our Art? With Ruth Chou Simons Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

How can wildflowers inspire your art? Award-winning author and artist Ruth Chou Simons shares how God’s wildflowers inspire her work and art even in difficult seasons.

Episode Links: