Dolly Parton’s America: "Another NEW SHOW Recommendation from Jad Abumrad! Our Common Nature"
Podcast: Dolly Parton’s America
Host: Jad Abumrad
Episode: Another NEW SHOW Recommendation from Jad Abumrad! Our Common Nature
Date: October 22, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode, Jad Abumrad introduces listeners to the new podcast "Our Common Nature: A Musical Journey with Yo-Yo Ma and Ana Gonzalez." The episode explores the show's purpose—reconnecting people with nature and to each other through music, storytelling, and shared experience. It combines personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes moments, and deep dives into the stories of Native American communities, focusing on land, tradition, and the transformative power of art.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Origins of "Our Common Nature"
- Jad Abumrad recounts his first encounter with Yo-Yo Ma’s unique gatherings in the Smoky Mountains, describing magical moments where music, art, and nature intersected (01:01).
- Ana Gonzalez, chosen to host the new podcast, explains how she got involved:
"They asked you how to make a podcast out of this? And you were like, 'I don't know, but I think you need someone with a microphone on the ground who can spiritually vibe.'” (02:51)
- Jad highlights the central idea: the podcast is about finding reconnection with nature through art, music, and extraordinary encounters (04:10).
2. Yo-Yo Ma’s Vision and Purpose
- Gonalez describes traveling across the country with Yo-Yo Ma’s team, from West Virginia to Kentucky caves, the Smoky Mountains, and even Hawaii—where Yo-Yo played cello to communicate with whales (04:10–05:22).
- In Hawaii, on the "Hokulea," Yo-Yo Ma and local chanters play and sing, blending traditional language, prayers, and cello music directed at ocean life. Ana recounts:
“A double rainbow started arching over the water. And then Mauna Loa, the volcano was erupting at the same time, right? Like, over the bay.” (04:55)
- Yo-Yo’s quest—breaking down barriers between the human and natural world—mirrors the broader mission of the podcast.
3. Artistic Collaboration as Transformation
- The episode underscores Yo-Yo Ma’s belief that art should expand our capacity for empathy and curiosity:
"That's the purpose of art, is to expand your world. Because when you live a more expansive life, you are more empathetic, you are more curious, because you know that there's so much more to find out." (05:42)
- The series follows Yo-Yo Ma playing Bach everywhere—from concert halls to streams, city rooftops, and out in nature, including a memorable sunrise performance with Wabanaki musicians.
4. Musical Sunrise on Passamaquoddy Land: Deep Cultural Significance
- Chris Newell and Lauren Stevens, members of the Wabanaki people, share their tradition of using music to greet the sunrise—a practice that is both spiritual and communal (18:23–19:23).
- Chris Newell explains:
"We have a duty as Wabanaki people to welcome the sun with music." (20:15)
- Music is a bridge between cultures and generations; Lauren Stevens, as a song keeper, carries on the traditions taught by elders (22:01–22:35).
5. Yo-Yo Ma Learns and Collaborates
- Yo-Yo Ma visits Acadia National Park, learning powwow music and collaborating on a sunrise performance with local musicians. Chris shares:
“It would be beautiful to see my brother’s song this way. And that’s how it ended up happening.” (25:17)
- The sunrise concert, a moving piece of cultural exchange, combines the cello, powwow rhythms, and Wabanaki singing as the day breaks—a living metaphor for interconnection and hope (29:26–30:28).
6. Reflection on Identity, Division, and Responsibility
- Yo-Yo Ma reflects on American identity as an immigrant:
“If I am a citizen, I'm responsible for all of it.” (13:57–14:21)
- The episode meditates on what brings people together despite history and division:
"A good place to start mending our relationships to each other is by asking, what do we have in common?" (14:27–14:31)
7. The Circle and Lasting Impact
- After the sunrise performance, a “talking circle” brings everyone together to reflect.
- Hawk Henrys, a Nipmuc flautist, shares:
"We remind ourselves of the songs of bird and insect and tree and water. And those songs bring us joy... and they have the capability of allowing us to see the common thread that weaves its way through all of us.” (34:18–34:39)
- Wayne Newell, Chris’s father, offers a heartfelt prayer for gratitude, shared pasts, and hope for the future (35:19).
8. Legacy and Dedication
- The episode closes by honoring Wayne Newell, who passed away after the recording, and describes the lasting, private musical gift Yo-Yo Ma created for the family (40:27–40:53).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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Jad Abumrad:
“Weirdly magical and confusing. Anyhow, later they called me up. They were like, we want to make a podcast about these events we're doing. Who do you know that can work on it? I immediately thought of Ana.” (01:41)
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Yo-Yo Ma:
“I play Bach Chill Suite number one because it's the closest piece of music I play that reminds me of the infinitude of life.” (09:03)
“If I am a citizen, I'm responsible for all of it.” (14:21)
“I think the purpose of our common nature, if I've learned anything, is to reinforce the fact that we are part of nature.” (15:19) -
Chris Newell:
"We have a duty as Wabanaki people to welcome the sun with music." (20:15)
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Ana Gonzalez:
"It's been truly, like, a singular life changing experience." (05:36)
“We're living on this land. We have to learn how to live on it and amongst each other, despite division disconnect, a really tough history, and an uncertain future.” (14:31) -
Lauren Stevens:
"To hear the welcome song played by yo yo on the cello, it resonated internally, like I could feel it in my body. It vibrated my soul." (29:26)
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Hawk Henrys:
“As we listen to the sound of our songs... we remind ourselves of the songs of bird and insect and tree and water... the common thread that weaves its way through all of us.” (34:18–34:39)
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Wayne Newell:
“Let us hope that we can teach [our children] well. We thank you for all that is past. Regardless of how that past was, it is a past. We thank you for today. We thank you for the future. None of us have an idea what that will be, but this gathering certainly strengthened to the hope that the future will be a good one.” (35:19–36:59)
Important Timestamps
- 01:01 — Jad introduces "Our Common Nature" and the Yo-Yo Ma connection.
- 04:10 — The idea and magic of gathering around Yo-Yo Ma.
- 05:42 — Art as a tool for empathy and curiosity.
- 09:03 — Yo-Yo Ma on why he plays Bach.
- 13:57–14:21 — Yo-Yo’s reflection on responsibility as an American citizen.
- 15:19 — The purpose of "Our Common Nature" according to Yo-Yo Ma.
- 18:23–19:23 — Chris Newell and the tradition of singing to the sunrise.
- 20:15 — The duty to welcome the sun with music.
- 29:26 — Lauren Stevens on the emotional power of music.
- 34:18–34:39 — Hawk Henrys on music as a common thread.
- 35:19 — Wayne Newell's blessing and prayer.
- 40:27–40:53 — Closing tribute to Wayne Newell.
Tone & Style
This episode exudes warmth, reverence, curiosity, and humility. The hosts and guests speak with passion about culture, art, land, and relationships. Musical moments and personal stories create a textured, moving narrative.
Summary Flow
- Introduction of the “Our Common Nature” podcast and journey.
- The role of music and art in healing, learning, and connecting.
- Profound encounters between Yo-Yo Ma and Native American communities.
- The power of collaborative performance at sunrise.
- Reflections on responsibility, legacy, and gratitude.
- A closing dedication to those who carry traditions and pass them on.
For listeners and non-listeners alike, this episode offers both an invitation and a roadmap for how music, storytelling, and a return to shared experiences with land and one another can serve as a balm in divided times—and a source of enduring hope.