Episode Summary: "Lili Taylor, Turning to Birds: The Power and Beauty of Noticing"
Release Date: May 24, 2025
In this enriching episode of "Totally Booked with Zibby", host Zibby Owens engages in a heartfelt and insightful conversation with actress and author Lili Taylor. The discussion delves into Lili's journey from her illustrious acting career to her newfound passion for birding, culminating in her book, "Turning to Birds: The Power and Beauty of Noticing." This episode offers listeners a profound exploration of mindfulness, nature, and the creative processes that bridge different forms of art.
1. Introduction of Lili Taylor
Zibby Owens begins by introducing Lili Taylor, highlighting her impressive acting career with notable appearances in films such as "Mystic Pizza," "Ransom," "Girlstown," and "The Conjuring." She also mentions Lili's ventures into writing and publishing, setting the stage for an engaging dialogue about her latest book.
Notable Quote:
"Lily Taylor is the author of Turning to the Power and Beauty of Noticing... and Mystic Pizza." — Zibby Owens [03:04]
2. Lili Taylor's Journey into Birding
Lili shares how the COVID-19 pandemic served as a pivotal moment for her, leading her to discover birding as a means of finding solace and connection amidst isolation. She explains how this quiet period allowed her to delve deeper into the natural world, fostering a lifelong passion.
Notable Quote:
"I entered into that world, and you don't leave, and the rest is history." — Lili Taylor [04:20]
3. The Connection Between Acting and Birding
The conversation shifts to the parallels between acting and birding, particularly the art of listening. Lili draws connections between her skills as an actress—such as emotional depth and attention to detail—and the mindfulness required in birding. She emphasizes that both activities demand a deep level of engagement and presence.
Notable Quote:
"The difference between hearing is a sense and listening is the skill... it means that I can work at it and get better." — Lili Taylor [06:28]
4. Exploring "Turning to Birds"
Zibby and Lili delve into the themes of Lili's book, discussing the Biophilia Hypothesis, which suggests humans are genetically predisposed to connect with nature. They explore how the book intertwines personal narratives with scientific insights, advocating for a greater appreciation of the natural world.
Notable Quote:
"The Biophilia hypothesis asserts that humans are genetically predisposed to be attracted to nature." — Lili Taylor [05:51]
5. Birding Experiences and Insights
Lili recounts her birding expeditions across various landscapes, including urban environments like New York City. She describes how searching for birds in unexpected places transforms mundane settings into vibrant ecosystems, fostering a sense of belonging and interconnectedness with nature.
Notable Quote:
"I feel that I'm a part of it... it's rich and not a lonely kind of nothing place." — Lili Taylor [08:59]
6. The Intersection of Human Activities and Nature Protection
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the impact of human activities on birds, particularly light pollution resulting from memorials like the Twin Towers tribute in New York City. Lili highlights her efforts to mitigate these effects, portraying a collaborative relationship between humans and wildlife conservation.
Notable Quote:
"Light pollution is just affecting lots of wild things and our relationship with the sky." — Lili Taylor [11:21]
7. The Process of Writing "Turning to Birds"
Lili explains her transition from screenwriting to authoring a book, detailing the challenges and motivations behind capturing her birding passion in written form. She shares how initial hesitations gave way to a desire to share her observations and insights with a broader audience.
Notable Quote:
"I didn't think I could write like, I thought I could only write screenplays or plays." — Lili Taylor [20:12]
8. Comparing Book Promotion to Acting Career
The duo discusses the differences between promoting a book and navigating an acting career. Lili points out the slower, more introspective nature of book promotion compared to the immediate feedback loop of film and theater, emphasizing the deeper, more thoughtful interactions during book events.
Notable Quote:
"The Q&As are very thoughtful. Much deeper, not surprising at all." — Lili Taylor [26:15]
9. Final Thoughts and Encouragement
As the episode draws to a close, Lili encourages listeners to embrace their passions and remain authentic in their pursuits. She reflects on the importance of personal growth and the beauty of discovering new facets of oneself through seemingly unrelated interests.
Notable Quote:
"It's nice to connect into that thing that brings us meaning." — Zibby Owens [24:36]
Conclusion
This episode of "Totally Booked with Zibby" is a testament to the transformative power of nature and mindfulness. Lili Taylor's journey from acting to birding offers valuable lessons on finding balance, pursuing passions, and the interconnectedness of all forms of art and life. Listeners are left inspired to notice the beauty around them and to seek deeper connections in their own lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Mindfulness and Attention: Both acting and birding require deep listening and presence.
- Nature as Solace: Engaging with nature can provide comfort and a sense of belonging.
- Human Impact on Wildlife: Awareness of how human activities affect natural ecosystems is crucial for conservation.
- Creative Transitions: Transitioning between different creative fields can lead to profound personal growth and new perspectives.
Connect with Lili Taylor:
- Book: Turning to Birds: The Power and Beauty of Noticing
- Website: www.lilitaylorbirds.com
- Instagram: @lilitaylorbirds
Follow Zibby Owens:
- Website: zibbymedia.com
- Instagram: @zibbyowens
Thank you for listening to this episode of "Totally Booked with Zibby." If you enjoyed the conversation, please rate and review the show, and don't forget to purchase "Turning to Birds" to continue exploring the beauty of noticing.