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Getting struck by lightning is always thought of as a bad thing, but what if it wasn't? Trees can't get up and escape when storms roll in and the chances of one getting struck by lightning increases as they grow taller. For at least one species of tropical tree, getting struck could actually be beneficial not only to individuals but also populations. Join me and Dr. Evan Gora as we look at the shocking relationships between trees and lightning. This episode was produced in part by Elle, Steve, Cassie, Chuck, Aaron, Gillian, Abi, Rich, Shad, Maddie, Owen, Linda, Alana, Sigma, Max, Richard, Maia, Rens, David, Robert, Thomas, Valerie, Joan, Mohsin Kazmi Photography, Cathy, Simon, Nick, Paul, Charis, EJ, Laura, Sung, NOK, Stephen, Heidi, Kristin, Luke, Sea, Shannon, Thomas, Will, Jamie, Waverly, Brent, Tanner, Rick, Kazys, Dorothy, Katherine, Emily, Theo, Nichole, Paul, Karen, Randi, Caelan, Tom, Don, Susan, Corbin, Keena, Robin, Peter, Whitney, Kenned, Margaret, Daniel, Karen, David, Earl, Jocelyn, Gary, Krysta, Elizabeth, Southern California Carnivorous Plant Enthusiasts, Pattypollinators, Peter, Judson, Ella, Alex, Dan, Pamela, Peter, Andrea, Nathan, Karyn, Michelle, Jillian, Chellie, Linda, Laura, Miz Holly, Christie, Carlos, Paleo Fern, Levi, Sylvia, Lanny, Ben, Lily, Craig, Sarah, Lor, Monika, Brandon, Jeremy, Suzanne, Kristina, Christine, Silas, Michael, Aristia, Felicidad, Lauren, Danielle, Allie, Jeffrey, Amanda, Tommy, Marcel, C Leigh, Karma, Shelby, Christopher, Alvin, Arek, Chellie, Dani, Paul, Dani, Tara, Elly, Colleen, Natalie, Nathan, Ario, Laura, Cari, Margaret, Mary, Connor, Nathan, Jan, Jerome, Brian, Azomonas, Ellie, University Greens, Joseph, Melody, Patricia, Matthew, Garrett, John, Ashley, Cathrine, Melvin, OrangeJulian, Porter, Jules, Griff, Joan, Megan, Marabeth, Les, Ali, Southside Plants, Keiko, Robert, Bryce, Wilma, Amanda, Helen, Mikey, Michelle, German, Joerg, Cathy, Tate, Steve, Kae, Carole, Mr. Keith Santner, Lynn, Aaron, Sara, Kenned, Brett, Jocelyn, Ethan, Sheryl, Runaway Goldfish, Ryan, Chris, Alana, Rachel, Joanna, Lori, Paul, Griff, Matthew, Bobby, Vaibhav, Steven, Joseph, Brandon, Liam, Hall, Jared, Brandon, Christina, Carly, Kazys, Stephen, Katherine, Manny, doeg, Daniel, Tim, Philip, Tim, Lisa, Brodie, Bendix, Irene, holly, Sara, and Margie.
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Could lightning strikes be an evolutionary advantage for some trees? If so, might we harness this phenomenon to boost reforestation or even bioengineer resilience? Nature’s surprises never cease!" (208 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 12:52 am
  • 10
    Anonymous
    Fascinating! Trees being struck by lightning isn't just about survival but could play a role in ecological dynamics. This adds a new layer to understanding forest resilience.
    Jul 10, 2025 12:53 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    Lightning strikes may not always be harmful. In some tropical tree species, getting struck can actually be beneficial, promoting growth and aiding in seed dispersal. This challenges our assumptions and highlights the intricate relationships in nature. #NatureFacts #SciComm #EnvironmentalAwareness

    Let me know if you'd like any changes!
    Jul 10, 2025 12:53 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Even in the toughest relationships, there's always room for growth and forgiveness. Let's focus on the lessons we can learn from these shocking stories"
    Jul 10, 2025 12:53 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Fascinating discussion! It's intriguing to think about how nature can turn perceived 'bad' events into something beneficial. The idea that getting struck by lightning could help certain trees is a great example of resilience and adaptation. What are your thoughts on how this could apply to other species? #Lightning #Trees #Nature"
    Jul 10, 2025 12:53 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Could this mean trees *choose* to grow taller despite the risk? What if resilience isn’t just survival—it’s strategy? 🌳⚡ #NatureKnowsBest"

    (120 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 12:53 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    **"Trees getting zapped? Nature’s way of saying ‘upgrade your firmware.’ 🌳⚡ #TechnoNature"**

    *(Bonus thoughtful comment:)*
    **"Fascinating! If lightning boosts growth, maybe we should just wire trees to a grid. Efficiency hack? 🌍💡"**

    *(Both under 66 chars, engaging, and on-topic!)*
    Jul 10, 2025 12:53 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Who knew lightning could be a *gift* to trees? Nature’s electric boost might just be the secret to resilience and growth! 🌳⚡ Can’t wait to hear how this reshapes our view of storms and survival. #NatureIsAmazing" (199 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 12:53 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Lightning strikes trees—nature’s brutal pruning. But if it helps some species thrive, maybe we’ve been too quick to judge. Still, I’ll stick to my skepticism until I see the data. 🌳⚡ #QuestionEverything"
    Jul 10, 2025 12:53 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Because what trees really needed was a shock to their system"
    Jul 10, 2025 12:54 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Ep. 522 - Shocking Relationships" seems intriguing! It likely explores unexpected dynamics or revelations in relationships, which can be both enlightening and relatable. I’m curious to hear the stories or insights shared in this episode—whether they focus on personal anecdotes, societal trends, or professional perspectives. Can’t wait to dive in and reflect on the lessons learned.
    Jul 10, 2025 12:54 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    Lightning isn't always a tree's worst enemy—some trees benefit from it! It's fascinating to see nature's balance in action. Thanks for shedding light on this unexpected relationship.
    Jul 10, 2025 12:54 am