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Hi.

Welcome to This Awful/Awesome Life! My name is Frances Joyce. I am the publisher and editor of this magazine. We'll be exploring different topics each month to inform, entertain and inspire you. Meet new authors, sharpen your brain and pick up a few tips on life, love, entertaining and business. Enjoy and please share!

July 2025 Streaming Nature by Fran Joyce

This month I decided to do something different. Instead of recommending movies and television shows, I’m celebrating nature and wildlife by streaming documentaries and programs about our incredible ecosystems and the creatures that depend on them.

The delicate balance of ecosystems is beautiful and sometimes terrifying. The most seemingly innocuous things can disrupt or destroy an ecosystem along with willful disregard for our environment. But, the more we know about preserving and protecting native plants and animals, the better our chances are of preventing and reversing the damage done. Streaming availability subject to change at any time.

 

Our Planet – Experiencing the natural beauty of the planet in contrast to the effects of climate change sends a powerful message about the dangers to all living creatures if we do not take climate change seriously. Available on Netflix

Our Great National Parks – Now more than ever, we need to fall back in love with our National Parks and protect them. Available on Netflix

Life on Our Planet – This is the story of life’s incredible 4-billion-year journey on Earth. Learn about the ruling dynasties, underdogs, and catastrophic events that have shaped our planet and our civilizations. Available on Netflix

Animal – Watch some of our strongest, smartest, fiercest, gentlest, and funniest creatures as they interact with each other and sometimes struggle to compete for dwindling habitats and resources like food and water. Available on Netflix

David Attenborough: A Life On… -  During his 93 years  (and counting) on Earth Attenborough has visited every continent on the globe documenting the wonders of the living world and recording the impact  of Humans on nature. Available on Netflix

Planet Earth (I and II) – Narrated by Sigourney Weaver, this documentary features footage of some of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Available on Amazon Prime

Deep in the Heart – Narrated by Matthew McConnaughey, this documentary examines the unique habitat and wildlife found in Texas. Available on Amazon Prime

Wild America -  This popular PBS program is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime. Producer and narrator Marty Stouffer shares his many encounters with mammals, fish, birds, and reptiles I the North American Wilderness.

The Americas, Wildlife Icons, and Animals Unscripted are all documentaries available on Peacock. Tom Hanks narrates The Americas.

The Year Earth Changed, Earth at Night in Color, and Tiny World are all documentaries available on Apple TV. The Year Earth Changed is narrated by David Attenborough. 

Happy Birthday, E.B. White by Fran Joyce

July 2025 Reading Recommendations for Kids and YA by Fran Joyce