Earthkeepers: A Circlewood Podcast on Creation Care and Spirituality

Americans are facing a massive crisis in earth care. The stark reality is that we've all been witnessing the decimation of multiple government land management agencies, such as the National Park Service and US Fish and Wildlife, among many others. And it's becoming increasingly obvious how the present administration's drastic cuts to staffing and budgets translates into the wholesale gutting of public services, environmental protections, and critical research for planetary health. But what we don't hear about so much is the cost of these changes to the actual federal employees on the front lines of these agencies-- in terms of their economic security, their mental health, and even their human dignity.In this conversation, Mark, a federal worker reflects on his 33-year career with the U.S. Forest Service, discussing his journey in land conservation, the importance of education in fostering environmental values, and the current threats to environmental regulations under political changes. He emphasizes the human cost of these policies and the need for community engagement and honest conversations to resist anti-Earth agendas. Mark also shares his ongoing passion for conservation and the role of education in shaping future generations' relationship with the environment.Episode 12: Mark's previous episode on EarthkeepersEpisode 14: Children and earthkeeping: The Woodsong Forest SchoolTakeawaysMark reflects on his fulfilling career in land conservation.Education plays a crucial role in valuing the environment.The dismantling of environmental regulations poses significant risks.Political changes have drastically affected land management agencies.Restoring environmental standards will be a long and costly process.Federal employees are facing unprecedented challenges and trauma.Community engagement is essential for effective conservation efforts.Real resistance requires honest conversations and understanding.Mark emphasizes the importance of native species in restoration.Everyone has a role in educating others about environmental issues.Keywordsland conservation, environmental policy, education, native species, public lands, whistleblower, environmental regulations, political impact, community engagement, national parksFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to align your daily work in ways that directly benefit the planet? Or, do you know folks in the early stages of vocational exploration who are seeking meaningful work in fields connected to earth care? In this episode, Forrest talks with Brennan Ziegler—a guy in his mid-twenties who has dedicated himself to exploring many possible paths in earthkeeping as vocation. Brennan Ziegler shares his journey as a young advocate for the environment, discussing the emotional landscape of his generation regarding climate change, his formative experiences in nature, and his educational path that led him to work at Dr. Bronner's Soap Company. He emphasizes the importance of community support, the authenticity of business practices, and the role of education in fostering climate action. Brennan also reflects on his involvement with the ClimateBase fellowship and his aspirations for a sustainable future, encouraging others to become agents of change.TakeawaysYounger generations experience a spectrum of emotions about climate change.Community support is crucial for feeling empowered to advocate for change.Experiences in nature can shape a passion for environmental advocacy.Education plays a significant role in developing a service-oriented mindset.Dr. Bronner's is a leader in ethical sourcing and sustainability.B Corp certification helps ensure transparency in business practices.Authenticity in business is essential to combat greenwashing.The ClimateBase fellowship provides valuable insights into climate solutions.Future aspirations include living in a sustainable, car-free environment.Education is key for aspiring change-makers to take action. Keywordsclimate change, environmental advocacy, generational perspectives, sustainability, Dr. Bronner's, B Corp, ClimateBase, education, activism, future aspirationsFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

In this special archive episode of the Earthkeepers podcast, Forrest engages with Reverend Dr. Randy Woodley, exploring the intersection of indigenous theology, environmental justice, and the need for a paradigm shift in how we relate to the earth. Woodley shares his journey of establishing the Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice, and discusses the transformative experiences offered to those seeking a deeper connection with the land. The conversation delves into the implications of decolonizing evangelicalism, the role of the church in environmental stewardship, and the importance of embracing indigenous wisdom for a sustainable future.Dr. Woodley's booksEloheh SeedsTakeawaysIndigenous worldviews offer transformative experiences for understanding our relationship with the earth.The Western worldview has contributed to environmental destruction.Social media has democratized voices, allowing for new perspectives on environmental issues.Decolonizing evangelicalism can lead to a more just and equitable approach to creation care.The church has often acted as a poor imitation of government rather than a voice for justice.Indigenous wisdom is crucial for healing both the land and communities.Understanding our connection to the land is essential for sustainability.The values of indigenous cultures can guide us toward a more harmonious existence.We must recognize the dignity of all creation and our role within it.KeywordsEarth Keepers, Indigenous Wisdom, Environmental Justice, Decolonization, Spirituality, Community, Land Care, Western Worldview, Transformative Learning, TheologyFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

In this conversation, Leah Rampy and Beth Norcross discuss their book Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees, exploring themes of earth care, spirituality, and the deep connections humans have with nature. They emphasize the importance of recognizing our kinship with the living world and the wisdom that trees can impart. The discussion also highlights the significance of collaboration, the unique perspectives each author brings to the project, and the necessity of paying attention to the natural world as a means of understanding and learning. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of fostering deep relationships with nature to inspire environmental advocacy. They explore the balance between contemplation and action, emphasizing that both are essential for effective earth care. The dialogue also delves into the tension between metaphorical and literal understandings of nature, highlighting the significance of recognizing trees and other beings as interconnected entities. The speakers encourage listeners to engage with nature practically and meaningfully, fostering a sense of community and interdependence.The Center for Spirituality in NatureDiscovering the Spiritual Wisdom of TreesEarthkeepers last episode with Leah Rampy, 104. Earth and Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate ChaosTakeawaysWe are inextricably linked to the world around us.The book aims to remind readers of their deep connections to nature.Trees can inspire, comfort, and heal us.Spirituality can mean different things to different people.Trees hold unique wisdom that we can learn from.Building relationships with trees involves vulnerability to loss.Nature has its own miraculous processes beyond our understanding.Paying attention to nature is both a spiritual and educational practice.Understanding the ecology of trees enhances our spiritual connection.Collaboration enriches the exploration of spiritual wisdom. The book aims to motivate action for environmental advocacy.Deep relationships with nature foster love and protection.Contemplation and action are intertwined in Earth care.Emotional connections are more impactful than intellectual arguments.Metaphorical understanding can lead to objectification of nature.Trees and humans share a fundamental interdependence.Engaging with nature requires both rational thought and emotional connection.Practical experiences deepen our relationship with the environment.Recognizing trees as sentient beings enhances our connection to nature.Building community is essential for both trees and humans.Keywords: spiritual wisdom, trees, earth care, community, nature, ecology, spirituality, environmentalism, regenerative agriculture, kinship, environment, advocacy, contemplation, action, interdependence, metaphor, literal, nature, ecologyFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

In this engaging conversation, Forrest speaks with Jo Swinney and Jessica Schroeder about their journeys in environmental stewardship, mindful eating, and the role of food in community building. They explore the impact of food choices on the environment, the challenges of discussing climate change, and the importance of creating a nurturing community through shared meals. The discussion highlights the transformative power of food and the need for sustainable practices in our daily lives. In this conversation, Jessica Schroeder discusses the importance of mindful eating, the joy of food as a gift, and the responsibility that comes with food choices. She emphasizes the need for compassion in dietary decisions, the significance of food justice, and the nutritional aspects of plant-based diets. The discussion also touches on the environmental impact of food production and the importance of making informed choices to care for the Earth.Jessica Schroeder·      Eden + Me website·      Eating for Eden podcastJo Swinney:·      A Rocha International·      A Place at the Table: Faith, Hope, and Hospitality·      Fieldnotes podcastTakeawaysEating for Eden encourages mindful food choices.Plant-based eating can be delicious and delightful.Conversations about food can bridge political divides.Sustainable change is about incremental steps.Understanding stewardship is crucial for environmental care.Community is enriched through shared meals.Cooking from scratch enhances appreciation for food. Eating plant-based can be done with love and intention.Food is a gift that can bring joy and connection.We have a responsibility to make ethical food choices.Food justice is a critical issue in global contexts.Not everyone has the same access to food options.B12 supplementation is essential for plant-exclusive diets.Food production significantly impacts the environment.Plant-based diets can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Cultural wisdom in food preparation is valuable.Start with small changes in dietary habits for sustainability.Keywordsfood, plant-based diet, environmental impact, climate change, mindful eating, community, stewardship, plant-based conservation, theology, food justice, nutrition, earth care, sustainable eating, environmental impact, food choices, global perspectives, hospitality, environmental justice, social justice, Peter Harris, Miranda Harris, plant milk, grass-fed beef, ethically raised meat, pupusasFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

In this episode Forrest, along with Christine Sine, talk with Ruth Valerio—a British author, speaker, and activist who is passionate about both social justice and environmental justice. In this conversation, Ruth shares her journey of faith and environmental awareness, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. She discusses the importance of earth care as an important element of faith practice, advocating for simplicity and sustainable living as essential responses to the climate crisis. Ruth encourages faith communities to mobilize for environmental action, highlighting the potential for collective impact. Importantly, she also exhorts us not to try to do more than is ours to do when it comes to making a difference in the world. Ruth Valerio's website, including list of publications and resourcesChristine Sine's website, including publications and resourcesLiturgical Rebels podcastKeywords: Earth care, social justice, simplicity, community activism, earth advocacy, creation care, church mobilization, climate crisis, sustainability, Embrace the Middle East, A Rocha, Tear Fund Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

In these times of environmental crisis, it becomes crucial for us to think innovatively—even experimentally—to find ways to protect and advocate for the earth. In this conversation, Paul Dettmann shares insights into Cassinia, an organization dedicated to managing 30% of Australia's ecosystems for conservation. He discusses the journey of Cassinia from its inception, the challenges faced, and the innovative approaches taken in environmental entrepreneurship. The conversation explores the concept of encumbrance in land management, the role of mitigation banking, and the importance of community engagement in nature conservation. Paul emphasizes the need for creativity in nonprofit work and offers advice for organizations seeking to reimagine their approach to environmental stewardship. In this conversation, Paul shares insights on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of embracing failure, curiosity, and innovative approaches to environmental solutions. He discusses the critical connection between human flourishing and nature flourishing, highlighting the role of relationships with Indigenous peoples and the transformative power of cross-cultural interactions. Paul also offers encouragement for finding hope in challenging times, advocating for humility and a focus on relationships as essential for both personal and environmental well-being. Cassinia websiteTakeawaysCassinia aims to manage 30% of Australia's ecosystems for conservation.The journey of Cassinia began with a focus on carbon conversations.Encumbrance on land titles is crucial for conservation efforts.Mitigation banking allows for compensating environmental impacts.Cassinia promotes natural communities that integrate people and nature.Personal connections to nature can inspire conservation efforts.Environmental entrepreneurship offers new possibilities for Earthcare.Cassinia operates as a for-purpose business, not a nonprofit.Creativity and innovation are essential in nonprofit work.Following threads of good ideas can lead to impactful projects. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.Curiosity about others can lead to innovative solutions.Human flourishing is intertwined with nature's flourishing.Building relationships with Indigenous peoples enriches understanding.Reconciliation is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.Humility is essential for personal and environmental growth.There are always opportunities to learn, even in difficult times.Innovative business models can emerge from challenging situations.Nature and people can thrive together through symbiotic relationships.Rethinking traditional models can lead to better outcomes for all. Keywords: Cassinia, environmental entrepreneurship, nature conservation, ecological restoration, biodiversity, social entrepreneurship, land management, community engagement, mitigation banking, natural communities, entrepreneurship, failure, curiosity, environmental solutions, business models, human flourishing, indigenous peoples, cross-cultural relationships, hope, innovation, A Rocha USA, World Vision Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

If you're a regular listener, you'll know that one of our frequent—and recent—guests is Victoria Loorz, one of the founders of the Wild Church movement. In this conversation, she discusses her book Field Guide to Church of the Wild, which serves as a resource for individuals and communities seeking to reconnect with nature and spirituality. The book is a collection of stories, practices, and prayers from the Wild Church Network, aimed at fostering a deeper relationship with the natural world. Loorz emphasizes the importance of listening to nature, the diversity of spiritual practices, and the role of community in creating a sacred space outdoors. The conversation also touches on environmental concerns and the hope found in nature, encouraging listeners to embrace their kinship with the earth.About the book Field Guide to Church of the WildWild Church NetworkCenter for Wild SpiritualityTakeawaysThe book is a follow-up to Church of the Wild It provides resources for starting wild church gatherings.Nature invites us into a sacred relationship with God.Listening to our own yearnings is the first step.Wild Church is an emerging spiritual practice.Diversity in spiritual practices enriches community.The field guide format encourages exploration and play.Practices in the book can be adapted by anyone.Community gatherings can include diverse spiritual backgrounds.Hope can be found in nature amidst environmental crises. Keywords: Church of the Wild, spirituality, nature, field guide, community, environmental care, kinship, diversity, listening, hope, Wild Church, Seminary of the Wild, Center for Wild SpiritualityFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

As always, Earthkeepers is on the lookout for stories of faith communities who are creating new, imaginative ways to integrate creation care into the values and practices of faith life. In episode 121 for example, we spoke with folks at the Rainier Avenue Church about their urban community garden and their creation care study group. In this episode, Forrest talks with Matt and Mary Anne Ryan about their church's efforts to engage in social justice by growing fresh produce for their community's foodbank. Their faith community—called Vineyard Christian Fellowship, located just north of Chicago—has converted a large part of their property into what they call the Vineyard Farm. In that context, Matt and Mary Anne are pioneering some great new ideas in community-based earth care.  Evanston GrowsEvanston Vineyard Christian FellowshipVineyard FarmVineyard Farm Photos and VidsKeywords: Evanston Grows, Vineyard Church, food insecurity, community farming, environmental justice, volunteer opportunities, creation care, sustainable practices, church initiatives, local produce, nature, environmental stewardship, church, community, creation care, theology, sustainability, future generations, partnership, small beginningsFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

This is a podcast interview that took place almost five years ago. We've chosen to air that episode again because it really speaks about the formative stages of the Earthkeepers podcast, and serves as a reminder that one of our core purposes has always been, even from the very beginning, to give more air space to “corrective voices from the margins” as often as we can. And that includes Indigenous voices.  In this episode Forrest talks with Lenore Three Stars. Lenore is a member of the board for Circlewood—and Circlewood, as you may know, is the larger creation care community to which the Earthkeepers belongs. In many ways, Lenore has had a shaping influence on the priorities and values of this podcast. In particular, as a member of the Lakota people, she has helped us to understand and embrace elements of an indigenous world view.  Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

As you might know, this podcast is committed to helping communities think creatively and boldly about ways they might care for the places where they live. In this episode, Forrest chats with three people—Rachel, Logan, and Celize—about the ways in which Rainier Avenue Church—an urban faith community in Seattle—is trying to actively integrate earth care and faith practice. Among other things, these folks have been seeking to learn and grow in their understanding of earthkeeping through a multi-week group discussion. Notably, all of their themed sessions are oriented both around readings, but also on episodes of this podcast. We love that idea, of course—and appreciate the creative, community building experimentation that it represents. Here then are Rachel, Logan, and Celize discussing how they have been promoting creation care thinking—and action—in their urban Seattle neighborhood.Rainier Avenue ChurchTakeawaysCommunity living fosters deeper connections and support.Eco-theology bridges the gap between faith and environmental care.Oral storytelling enhances understanding of scripture.Sustainability is a journey that evolves over time.Gardening connects individuals to their heritage and community.Church communities can be catalysts for environmental awareness.Diverse experiences enrich discussions on earth care.Scripture reveals a strong connection to creation care.Healthy soil is fundamental to human health.Community engagement is essential for fostering relationships. The use of different lenses impacts our understanding of scripture.Creation care is often overlooked in church discussions.The gospel should encompass restoration of all creation, not just souls.Awareness of environmental degradation can lead to a sense of hopelessness.Churches need to take ownership of their impact on the environment.Social justice and environmental justice are interconnected.Community engagement is essential for meaningful impact.Love of place fosters deeper connections within communities.Younger generations seek tangible connections between faith and real-world issues.Hope exists in grassroots movements and indigenous teachings.Keywords:community, eco-theology, environmental justice, earth care, communal living, sustainability, social justice, gardening, faith, scripture, creation care, environmental justice, church responsibility, social justice, community engagement, faith praxis, ecological theology, hope, interconnection, love of placeFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

At the end of last year, Forrest spoke with Victoria Loorz about the ways in which a more ecologically-conscious faith offers hope for “edgewalkers”— a term used to describe Christ followers who have moved away from the center of conventional church, and moved  toward the creative edges of the institution—those generative marginal spaces where new imaginings and alternative expressions of faith life are being explored. In this episode, the conversation continues with Victoria — cofounder of the Wild Church movement, and current director of the Center for Wild Spirituality. This episode focuses on a pragmatic question: What are some things we can actually do to practice a more ecologically informed faith life?  Here is part two of that conversation with Victoria Loorz. Guest: Victoria LoorzCenter for Wild SpiritualityWild Church NetworkTakeawaysWild spirituality encourages a connection with nature.Creation-centered practices can rejuvenate faith.Encountering the sacred requires courage and intentionality.Urban environments can also be spaces for spiritual practice.Reverence transforms our relationship with the natural world.Gardening fosters a long-term relationship with nature.Understanding life cycles deepens our spiritual awareness.Emotional expressions, like tears, are sacred experiences.Awareness of the divine presence is essential in daily life.Faith is meant to be constantly evolving and reborn.Keywords: wild spirituality, creation-centered practices, sacred encounters, urban spirituality, reverence, gardening, life cycles, emotional connection, awareness, evolving faithFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

In recent past episodes you might recall hearing the term “edgewalkers”—and by that term we mean those of us who have moved away from the center of conventional church and faith praxis,and moved  toward the creative edges of the institutional church where new imaginings and alternate expressions of faith life are being explored. That includes of course new ways of thinking about and experiencing God in and through creation. In our interview with John Phillip Newell earlier this season, he described that mode as dwelling in the space between temple and the wilderness. In this episode, Forrest will be talking with a good friend and fellow edgewalker Victoria Loorz—cofounder of the Wild Church movement, and current director of the Center for Wild Spirituality—or Seminary of the Wild as it is also known. In this, which is part one of our conversation, they explore the idea of what it means practice prophetic critique of the mainstream church while still loving the church and seeking to be part of its reformation and renewal. Here then is the first part of that conversation.Guest: Victoria LoorzCenter for Wild SpiritualityWild Church NetworkTakeawaysVictoria shares her personal journey of caregiving and its impact on her work.The shift in worldview is essential for creating a new narrative in spirituality.Community is vital for those feeling disconnected from traditional church settings.Edgewalkers play a crucial role in exploring new spiritual paths.Restoring sacred relationships with nature is fundamental to wild spirituality.Fear and resistance often hinder creativity in faith practices.The concept of othering is prevalent in both culture and spirituality.The church has a significant role in addressing the climate crisis.Love is the foundation of stewardship and ecological care.Practicing wild spirituality involves intentionality and openness to new experiences.Keywords: wild spirituality, edgewalkers, sacred relationships, community, climate crisis, love, stewardship, othering, church, worldview shift, Newell, wild church, seminary of the wildFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

Toward the end of the year Earthkeepers podcast always releases a special holiday episode that breaks from the usual interview mode. In this episode, we're gifting a passage from our friend Christine Sine's book called Celtic Advent: Following an Unfamiliar Path Through Advent. Earthkeepers recommends this book because in it, Christine brings fresh, life-giving perspective on the conventional Western practices of advent. According to those Western practices, the advent season this year begins on Sunday, December 1—so why offer an advent reflection in November? In her book, Christine explains: “for Celtic and Orthodox Christians, advent begins the evening of November 15th – forty days before Christmas Day. Celtic Christians always prayed and fasted for 40 days in preparation for any major life event, whether it be the planting of a new monastic center, the beginning of a new adventure, as well as for preparation for Christmas and Easter.” Given the Celtic theme of the passage, it is read by Brother Seán Aherne, an Irish monk who is very familiar with the St. Kevin story that is featured in this episode.Christine's website, GodspacelightBook: Celtic Advent: Following an Unfamiliar PathBrother Seán Aherne ( born 1946 ) is a Celtic Christian monk living in a small monastery on outskirts of Dublin. He is Director &  founding member of the John Moriarty institute for Ecology & Spirituality in Dingle, County Kerry. Together with Míchael W.Higgins he edited : Introducing John Moriarty In His Own Words. He is a passionate supporter of John Moriarty's vision for a Christian Monastic Hedge School for Adults called Slí na Fírinne. Over the years he animated & directed many retreats on Celtic Spirituality & the Native Irish Wisdom Tradition.Keywords: Advent, Celtic Advent, creation care, Saint Kevin, spirituality, environmentalism, community, nature, God, reflection, Glendalough, John Scotus Eriugena, John Philip Newell, Christ of the Celts, Carmina Gadelica, Alexander CarmichaelTakeaways ·      Celtic Advent begins 40 days before Christmas for preparation.·      Creation is an expression of God, not a void of nothingness.·      Our view of creation reflects our attitude towards God.·      Saint Kevin exemplifies a deep connection with nature.·      The incarnation of Christ emphasizes God's care for creation.·      Recognizing God's concern for all creation is vital.·      Engaging with nature can enhance our spiritual lives.·      Reflection on creation can deepen our understanding of God.·      Welcoming creation into our lives can be an Advent practice. Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

What are the prospects for the planet now that Trump has been re-elected? What are the implications of the recent election in terms of how we advocate and care for the earth? In this urgent no-frills episode, James and Forrest offer thoughts on how we might care for ourselves AND how we can persist and persevere in our calling as earthkeepers. They reflect on the recent election's impact on future progress in climate action and the emotional responses it has elicited in many. They discuss the importance of grieving without falling into despair, finding community support, and taking actionable steps towards environmental care. The dialogue emphasizes the need for resilience, the power of letting our actions speak louder than words, and engaging with nature as a source of healing and comfort.TakeawaysGrieving is essential, but it should not lead to despair.Finding community is crucial during difficult times.Actions speak louder than words in climate advocacy.We must define our beliefs and live them out fiercely.Nature can provide solace and healing.It's important to reach out to others who share your concerns.Witnessing a better way can inspire change.Taking action, no matter how small, is vital.Look for the divine in everyone, even those with opposing views.Keywords: climate action, grief, community, environmentalism, hope, divine presence, healing, sustainability, post-election, earth care, Trump, Inflation Reduction Act, global leadership, global warming, renewable energyFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

In this episode James and Forrest continue with the second part of a conversation with John Philip Newell about his new book, The Great Search: Turning to Earth and Soul in the Search for Healing and Home. In this book, John Philip argues for a re-imagining of how we relate to creation, to each other, to God and even to ourselves. He advocates for engaging creation as the primary means of knowing God, of seeing the sacred in all life forms, and of loving all creation as we love ourselves. And because the conversation was so full of emerging truths and insights, we split the conversation into two parts. In this, the second half of the conversation, they pick up at a point in our conversation just after John Philip has explained how some religious teachings have made us forget how to fall in love with nature, and caused us to lose sight of the divine presence in everything, all around us. Here then is part two of the conversation with John Philip Newell.Mentions John Philip Newell's website Earth & SoulIonaFindhorn EcovillageVictoria LoorzCeltic SpiritualityThomas BerryNan ShepherdEdwin Muir TakeawaysReimagining our relationship with creation is essential for healing.Pilgrimage can take many forms, even in urban settings.We must strive to see the divine in everyone, regardless of differences.Political discourse challenges our ability to see the light in others.Restoration of betweenness is crucial for understanding and compassion.Faith is more about experience than mere belief in doctrines.Childlike wonder can reconnect us to the sacred.Edgewalkers can help envision a reimagined spiritual community.The divine exists within each of us.New beginnings in spirituality require openness to transformation.Key words: nature, spirituality, healing, connection, divine, pilgrimage, political discourse, faith, edgewalkers, sacredness, Wild Church, Edwin Muir, Victoria Loorz, Thomas Berry, Nan ShepherdFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

In this episode James and Forrest have a conversation with John Philip Newell about his new book, The Great Search: Turning to Earth and Soul in the Search for Healing and Home. In this book, John Philip argues for a re-imagining of how we relate to creation, to each other, to God and even to ourselves. He advocates for engaging creation as the primary means of knowing God, of seeing the sacred in all life forms, and of loving all creation as we love ourselves. Because the conversation was so full of emerging truths and insights, the conversation is presented in two parts. Here then is part one of a conversation with John Philip Newell. Mentions John Philip Newell's website Earth & Soul Iona Findhorn Ecovillage Victoria Loorz Celtic Spirituality Thomas Berry Nan Shepherd Edwin Muir  Takeaways The urgency of accessing ancient ways of seeing in relation to Earth. Many people are experiencing a moment of religious exile. The book addresses nine great yearnings of the human soul. We need to nurture our yearnings to allow for new beginnings. The prophetic voice must be based on love, not just criticism. We need to see the sacredness of Earth and every human being. The center of the divine is everywhere, not just in religious institutions. We can find sacredness in urban environments and everyday life. Pilgrimage can happen in many forms, not just in nature. The essence of every person is light, even those who seem lost. Keywords: John Philip Newell, The Great Search, Earth consciousness, spirituality, exile, sacredness, human-earth relations, prophetic voice, transformation, eco-spirituality, Nan Shepherd, Edwin Muir, Thomas Berry, Celtic spirituality, edge walker, Iona, Findhorn, Wild ChurchFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

In this episode of the Earthkeepers podcast, host Forrest Inslee discusses the profound impact of displacement on individuals and communities, particularly in the context of refugees. He speaks with Hale Gencel, a Turkish mental health professional and artist, who utilizes art as a therapeutic tool to help displaced individuals process trauma and build resilience. The conversation explores the importance of place and identity, the role of community in healing, and the creative approaches that can foster emotional literacy and hope among those affected by displacement. Hale shares her experiences working with refugees and the development of a curriculum aimed at training community healers to support their peers. The episode emphasizes the power of art and community in navigating the challenges of displacement and the significance of rootedness in one's identity.Keywords: Türkiye, environmental care, displacement, trauma, refugees, art therapy, community healing, identity, emotional literacy, hope, earthquake, psychology, psychiatry, social work, community mental health, refugee transition country, garden, street kidsFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

In this archive episode Forrest and James talk to Norman Wirzba, professor and author of a book called Agrarian Spirit: Cultivating Faith, Community, and the Land. In this book, Dr. Wirzba makes the case for a kind of spirituality that is grounded in deep awareness of creation. Among other things, this sort of humble, earthy spirituality that he encourages us to practice stands against the illusion of certainty and control that has made much of the church seem increasingly irrelevant these days—especially to younger generations.You can also watch the video of this conversation by going to YouTube.com/@circlewood. Or navigate first to the general YouTube site and search for us using our handle: @Circlewood Guest: Dr. Norman Wirzba – Duke Divinity Schoolo   Author of Agrarian Spirit: Cultivating Faith, Community, and the Lando   Editor of The Art of the Commonplace: The Agrarian Essays of Wendell Berry Mentions:Circlewood Village in development The term “agrarian” The interconnectedness of life on Earth Earthkeepers' interview – WhatYour Food Ate, with authors Montgomery and Biklé Humans as soil, animated by the breath of God in Genesis 2:7Earthkeepers' interview – Farming Heals Us: Yeawa Asabi and Ray Williams of BlackFarmers Collective and Yes FarmInjustice for migrant farmworkers “Dark night of the soul” God inviting mankind to work in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 2:4-17God delighting in creation in Genesis 1:31 – 2:3The fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:19-26  Keywords: agrarian, interconnection, microbiome, soil, body, political, economic, social, food, agriculture, coercive labor, environmental justice, social justice, spirituality, descent, humility, prayer, generosity, embodiment, mystery, hope Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

This is a different sort of episode from our normal format. Basically, it is a small book review followed by a conversation between that book's author and Christine Sine. The book is called The God of Wild Places, by a chap named Tony Jones. It is a deeply honest account of the author's life, filled with stories of failure, self-doubt, and redemption. Jones also explores themes of nature, hunting, death, and the inevitability of mortality--all presented with a voice of vulnerability and relatability.PointsThe book 'The God of Wild Places' by Tony Jones is a deeply honest account of the author's life and explores themes of failure, self-doubt, and redemption.The book delves into the author's relationship with nature, including his experiences with hunting and how it connects him to God.Death and mortality are recurring themes in the book, prompting readers to reflect on their own mortality and the importance of living authentically.The book's vulnerability and relatability make it a powerful read for those struggling with issues of faith, community, and personal identity.The conversation between the author and Christine Sine provides further insight into the book and its themes.Keywords: book recommendation, The God of Wild Places, Tony Jones, failure, self-doubt, redemption, nature, hunting, death, mortality, vulnerability, relatability, conversation, dones, church, divine, outdoors, God, Spirit, hopeFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

Leah Kostamo, a counselor and spiritual director, discusses the ways in which her helping practices integrate and collaborate with nature. She emphasizes the shared meaning of caring for creation as a way of joining in God's work and finding hope thereby. In her musings about self-care and creation care, she emphasizes the ways that nature can heal us. She also highlights the growing recognition in psychology of the role of nature in the healing process. Connecting with nature is, she points out, also a way for pushing back against climate despair.Also, just a quick heads up: If you'd rather, you can actually WATCH this episode with Leah Kostamo on YouTube! Go to YouTube and search: "Earthkeepers podcast" or click the link HERE.Leah Kostamo's website and counseling serviceLeah's work at A RochaMentionsA Rocha CanadaYour Brain on Nature (book and website)Bill Plotkin, Animas Valley InstituteHuman-Nature Counselling SocietyTakeaways·      Caring for creation is a shared meaning among Christians and a way of joining in with God's work.·      Nature has a healing power and can reduce stress and anxiety.·      There is a growing recognition in psychology of the importance of nature in healing and well-being.·      Guides are needed to help people reconnect with nature and learn to listen, receive, and connect again. Connecting with nature can provide a container for processing deep emotions and wounds.·      Parents can support their children who are struggling with climate despair by listening and learning from them.·      Being present in nature and practicing mindfulness can help cultivate a deeper connection with creation.·      The church can play a role in mediating nature and providing opportunities for people to connect with creation.Keywords: Leah Kostamo, counselor, spiritual director, A Rocha, Christian environmental organization, conservation, creation care, shared meaning, hope, encouragement, healing power of nature, self-care, psychology, guides, reconnect with nature, nature, climate despair, hope, parenting, listening, learning, presence, church, creation careFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

In this episode Forrest talks with Liuan Huska, about her work with what she calls “liturgies of restoration”. Commissioned by the Au Sable Institute, Liuan has developed a workbook, which is now the basis of a course—one that helps people to explore how habits of thought and action shape our character, and inform the larger stories we tell ourselves—especially as they relate to our relationship with creation and our role as earthkeepers.Guest: Liuan Huska Website Twitter LinkedIn Mentions: Au Sable Institute Liturgies of Restoration Hurting Yet Whole book Keywords: faith, worship, creation care, spirituality, embodiment, illness, chronic illness, pain, bodies, climate crisis, church, ecology, future, children, responsibility, anger, community, indigenous, liturgies, counter liturgies, stories, relationships, God, fear, news, habits, restoration, creativity, progress, joy, purpose, pleasure, goodness, stewardship, hope, Au SableFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

Forrest, the Earthkeepers podcast host, also works for the Pacific Rim Institute for Environmental Stewardship on Whidbey Island, off the coast of Washington State. This episode focuses on one of PRI's partners, an organization called the Au Sable Institute, which serves undergraduate students whose vocational interests lie in some form of earthkeeping work. Have a listen to Au Sable's Executive Director, Jon Terry, as well as two Au Sable alumni—Sarah and Carson--about the faith-shifting, mind-and-heart-expanding influence of this organization. These students offer honest reflections about why they've chosen an earth-keeping vocational path, and on how they maintain motivation in the face of climate change and ecological degradation.Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

In recognition of the recent summer solstice, we are releasing an episode from the podcast archives. This is in fact an episode from season one, a conversation with Randy Woodley. Out of all the episodes we've done, this episode has been listened to more than any other—and for good reason! As you listen to this conversation, you might ask yourself a practical question: What is a specific practice that I can embrace in this solstice season, to help me to become a better relative in the family of creation? Guest: Dr. Randy WoodleyEloheh Indigenous Center for JusticeEloheh SeedsDr. Woodley's book: Shalom and the Community of CreationDr. Woodley's book: Decolonizing EvangelicalismDr. Woodley's article - The Fullness ThereofEarthkeepers' interview with Tri RobertsonRichard Twiss - author & teacherKeywords: Indigenous theology, indigenized, indigenization, decolonizing, evangelicalism, empire, dualism, dualistic thinking, Native, Native American, Randy Woodley, Richard Twiss, Terry LeBlanc, Tri Robinson, colonization, Eloheh, George Fox University, creation care, kinship theology, ecotheology, intercultural studies, environmental justice, Native theologyFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

In this episode (part two of the conversation begun in the last episode) Forrest and Wes focus more directly on the overarching theme of season five: the idea that every vocation can somehow be made greener—and that in almost every job we can find ways to practice the values of earthkeeping. As a real estate agent in Philladelphia, Wes has given lots of thought to how his work of helping people to find homes is essentially ecological work and an expression of creation care. That's where they pick up part two of their conversation, where they  turn to questions of home, and land, and ownership.Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

In this podcast we speak often of the particular concerns of younger generations—including Gen X, Millennials and Gen Alpha. We try to pay attention to voices representing these generations, knowing that they are the ones who will ultimately suffer more as the climate changes—bringing increasing environmental and social disruption in the coming years.  In this, the first of two episodes, Forrest speaks with Wes Willison—a guy in his early 30s who has given a lot of thought to the particular struggles that he shares in common with many other Millennials. Guest: Wes Willison Keller Williams Philadelphia How to Get Home podcast LinkedIn Instagram Mentions: Princeton Farminary Wendell Berry Norman Wirzba John Calvin's worm theology Earthkeepers Episode 73 Shane Claiborne RAWtools Keywords: climate crisis, climate anxiety, younger generations, millennial, gen Z, earthcare, radicalization, politics, ecology, seminary, farming, worms, faith, government, policy, violence, social media, news, anxiety, depression, hope, future, children, parenting, guns, gun conversion, gun violence, gun control, sacrament, Christianity, community, ritual, tradition, cross, crucifixion, church Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

Back in 2001, Brian McLaren wrote a book called A New Kind of Christian. For many, it turned out to be a revolutionary book that explored a kind of faith outside the boxes of mainstream Christianity—a faith that challenged tired, unhelpful ways of thinking and doing, and raised exciting possibilities for a reinvigorated postmodern Christianity.  His latest book, called Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart he again challenges readers (of any faith, or no faith) to see the world in a fundamentally new way that acknowledges the dire challenges that face the planet, and to become the sort of people who can speak truth and offer solace in the difficulties to come.In this cohosted episode, Forrest Inslee and Christine Sine talk to Brian about this new book, and about its profound implications for how we live and love in the face of the profound environmental and social changes facing our planet.Guest: Brian McLaren Website Twitter Instagram Mentions: Christine Sine Life After Doom Miguel De La Torre Václav Havel Keywords: climate, climate change, anxiety, doom, future, ecological overshoot, resources, waste, energy, life, fossil fuels, civilization, faith, advocacy, contemplation, action, being, transformation, resilience, church, scripture, Bible, hope, truth, reality, oppression, indigenous Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

Every now and then, Earthkeepers features an interview with an author about a new book,  but only ones that we recommend . That is certainly the case with Leah Rampy's new offering, called Earth and Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate Chaos. In the book, she explores what lies beneath our unwillingness to change how we interact with the natural world, but also what we can do to nurture deeper connections to our places. Guest: Leah Rampy Website Bio Author of Earth and Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate Chaos and more LinkedIn Mentions: Save Our Soil Climate Reality Biodiversity for a Livable Climate Shalem Institute for Spiritual Foundation Species loneliness Eco/climate anxiety Solastalgia Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Honorable harvest HeartMath Merlin Sheldrake Suzanne Simard The Book of Turtles by Sy Montgomery Church of the Wild: Two Rivers Keywords: climate, biodiversity loss, ecosystem, soil, native plants, living world, grief, loss, joy, compassion, connection, earthcare, place, nature, oneness, othering, separation, unity, species loneliness, eco anxiety, solastalgia, climate chaos, hope, reconnection, awareness, intention, attention, heart, listening, eyes of the mind, eyes of the heart, relationship, church Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

On this podcast, we talk often about the importance of creative, out-of-the box thinking when it comes to making a difference in promoting earth care and fighting against climate change. In this conversation, we find out what such innovative problem-solving can look like when it comes to educating young kids. Shauna Causey confronted the need for formational, quality preschool education for her own children by designing a solution that included integrating her love of nature and her interest in ocean conservation. The innovative, environmentally-focused preschool that she founded also helps her friends, neighbors, and the entire community. We hear Shauna's story through her interview with James and Forrest on-site at the South Whidbey Preschool.Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

Earthkeepers has been hugely impacted by A Rocha in great part because of the profound formational influence on the part of the organization's founders, Peter and Miranda Harris.  On the podcast we've frequently featured A Rocha voices, including that of  Leah Kostamo of A Rocha Canada, way back in episode 5. In episode 62, we talked about carbon offsetting with Brittany Michalski of Climate Stewards, a nonprofit in the A Rocha family of organizations. And in episode 79, we spoke about hospitality and community with Jo Swinney, Communications Director at A Rocha International and daughter of the organization's founders. In this episode, James and Forrest talk with Ben Lowe, the executive director of A Rocha USA about his first year on the job and about his future vision for helping people seek God's heart for the places where they live. Guest: Ben Lowe Executive Director at A Rocha  LinkedIn Twitter Website  Mentions: A Rocha BC Centre (previously the Brooksdale Environmental Center) A Rocha Projects Lilly Endowment Love Your Place Wendell Berry Steven Bouma-Prediger Indian River Lagoon Braiding Sweetgrass Doing Good Without Giving Up Keywords: creation care, faith, religion, conservation, climate, evangelical, climate action, environment, biodiversity, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, restoration, community, harmony, creation, right relationships, ecosystems, extinction, place, Jesus, environmental footprint, environmental handprint, love, hope, youth, activism Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

Recently, Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke asked Earthkeepers host Forrest Inslee  to be a guest on THEIR podcast, called Think Global, Do Justice. Among other things, they wanted to ask about a book he edited recently with Angel Burns, called Re-Imagining Short-Term Missions. They also talked about many other interesting things, like COP 28, evangelical attitudes toward creation care, poverty and environmental justice, Star Trek, and even the story of how Forrest came to adopt his daughter. So, for a change of pace, here is an abridged version of Phil and Brandon's interview of Forrest.Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

This is the 100th episode of the podcast! In keeping with this landmark episode, we'll be doing something special: We're launching a NEW Circlewood podcast called Youth in Climate Action! As you might imagine, this podcast will focus on the needs and questions of younger folks about earthcare and the climate future. Importantly, it will also feature young voices, and highlight innovative approaches to inspire a new generation of earth activists and advocates. In this episode of the Earthkeepers podcast, James and Forrest will be in conversation with the two founders of the Youth in Climate Action podcast—Michael Matchell and Kinsley Rawson. Guest: Kinsley Rawson Cocreator of the Youth in Climate Action podcast LinkedIn Instagram Design and Environmental Science student at Biola University  Guest: Michael Matchell Cocreator and cohost of the Youth in Climate Action podcast LinkedIn Instagram Director of Strategic Initiatives & Recruitment at Biola University Mentions: Faith. Climate. Action Workshop at Westmont College COP 28 Youth in Climate Action Podcast Instagram Email: youthinclimateaction@circlewood.online Available wherever you get your podcasts. Episode 1 is out now! Keywords: environment, youth, climate action, creation care, podcast, community, climate change, climate crisis, UN, climate change conference, COP 28, fossil fuels, stewardship, faith, religion, Christianity, environmental advocacy, stories, hope  Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

This special episode features  a guest host from Uganda, Dr. Edward Olara, who Forrest interviewed in episode 71. Edward was once Forrest's student and has become a friend; they've worked together in Uganda to encourage and empower development professionals. Recently, Edward published a book called The Elephants and the Farmers. As the HOST of this episode, Dr. Olara interviews a Ugandan friend and colleague, Mr. Victor Ochen, the founder and Executive Director of the African Youth Initiative. Born in northern Uganda, he spent his first 21 years surviving a violent conflict that in the end displaced over three million people. In that conflict, the Lord's Resistance Army forcefully recruited or abducted 60,000 children to serve as soldiers—and among them was Mr. Ochen's own brother, who has never been returned.  Since then, Mr. Ochen has worked for peace and healing—especially for victims of the war. In 2015, Forbes Magazines named him one of the ten most influential men to give new hope for Africa, and in that same year he became the youngest-ever African to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. More recently, he was awarded Archbishop Desmond Tutu's prestigious African Young Leaders Award for his role in promoting the culture of dignity, peace and reconciliation.  Guest Host: Edward Silas Olara Book: The Elephants and the Farmers Guest: Victor Ochen Director for African Youth Initiative Network Facebook Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Accomplishments  Mentions: LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) Shea trees Wangari Maathai  Keywords: environment, youth, politics, policy, war, conflict, trauma, healing, social justice, hate, intergenerational trauma, sustainability, tolerance, government, poverty, hope, education, information, society, inclusivity, resources, peace, conflict resolution, coexistence, farms, climate change, activism, economy, green energy, future, global cooperation, faith Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

In the last episode, we talked about the enormous impact that relatively mundane choices like what we eat have on the health of the planet. In this episode, we talk about another part of our everyday habits that we might not normally think about in earthkeeping terms: what we wear—and the impact of the clothing choices we make on the planet as a whole. To get us thinking about our OWN fashion habits, let me ask you a couple of questions: First though, pick just one item of clothing you are wearing right now. Do you know where that garment was made, and how far it had to travel to get to you? Or let me ask this: Do you know anything about the people who actually made the fabric this item is made of . . . . or anything about the people who stitched all the pieces together . . . or how much they were paid to do it? Do you even know what this item of clothing is made of—or importantly, what impact the making of that material had on the environment?  I think a lot of us would be hard pressed to answer even one of those questions. But for those of us who long to become better at loving and caring for all creation, these are the kinds of questions we need to ask of ourselves and of our habits. And that is why we talked with Kathleen Audet, owner of an image consulting firm called Allegory. She has made it her mission to promote awareness about the things we wear—and to think about social and environmental justice when it comes to buying, owning, and even getting rid of clothing. Also, as part of our focus on “greening all vocations” in this season of the podcast, Kathleen shares the story of how she has found ways to do good for people and planet through her work as an image consultant.” Guest: Kathleen Audet Allegory Styling LinkedIn Mentions: The True Cost  Rana Plaza collapse Stewards of Eden by Sandra L Richter James Speth For Days Allegory Resource Page Keywords: image consulting, sustainability, spirituality, religion, style, fashion, fashion industry, personal image, pollution, waste, consumers, affordability, ethics, fair labor, child labor, traceability, social justice, awareness, fast fashion, greening, scripture, creation care, capsule wardrobe, environment Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

While most listeners to this podcast have found ways to make changers in their lives in order to live in more earth-sustaining ways, how often do we pay attention to what we eat as a critical factor for an earthkeeping lifestyle? Think about the foods that made up the last meal you ate: Do you know where those foods came from? How they were produced? How those foods impacted your carbon footprint?  In this episode, Forrest talks to nutritionist Leslie Aaron—a person who helps people answer such questions for a living. Leslie works to promote community nutrition in places all around the world. She and her husband Douglas also work as contractors with global nonprofits in disaster relief and have their own organization called Fulcrum Missions, which supports local churches and ministries through context-appropriate projects. In one of their most recent endeavors,  they've been working in Nicaragua  to set up aquaponics systems—an approach to farming both fish and vegetables in sustainable, environmentally sound ways.    Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

In this episode, we'll be talking with TJ Fittis, owner of Camano Island Coffee Roasters. I became a fan of Camano Island Coffee way back in 2006, when I asked the company's founder, my friend Jeff Ericson, to come lecture in a course I was teaching. This course was all about social entrepreneurship—and for those not familiar with that term, a social enterprise is a business that exists not just for financial profit, but also for social benefits that somehow make the world a better place. Jeff was a great person to help me teach social entrepreneurship because, in the year 2000, he had founded Camano Island Coffee Roasters as a means of supporting ethical farming practices, fair pricing and wages, and most importantly, the production of great tasting, all-organic coffee. To accomplish these social and environmental objectives, he partnered early on with a nonprofit called Agros—and organization that helps the very poor in Central America to gain access to land for farming, and to establish new cooperative villages. Eventually, Jeff sold the company to his son-in-law, TJ—who continues to pursue these founding values of making the world a better place by practicing good—and profitable—business principles.  But even if you aren't a business person, there is wisdom in this conversation that can help us to make more earth-wise choices as consumers. That's where we started our conversation, in fact—with the ways in which Camano Island Coffee uses their subscription-based model they call the Coffee Club, to provide a high quality, organic product that is better for the coffee consumer, for farmers, and for the environment.Guest: TJ Fittis Camano Island Coffee LinkedIn Mentions: Camano Island Fair Trade Certification Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple Keywords: coffee, coffee roasting, fair trade, Camano Island, farming, farmers social justice, environment, small business, local business, organic, sourcing, decentralization, community, consumers Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

We're glad to have you back with us as we launch season five of the podcast in this new year. The format of this episode will be a bit different because, as is our usual custom, our Executive Producer, James Amadon and will be reflecting a bit on season four, and looking ahead to some exciting new directions for season five.James Amadon Executive Director of Circlewood Twitter LinkedIn Forrest Inslee Associate Director of Circlewood & Earthkeepers Podcast host Twitter LinkedIn  Mentions: Episode 76 Episode 90 Episode 82 Episode 73 Episode 78 Episode 88 Circlewood Village  Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple  Keywords: earthcare, creation care, earthkeeping, new year, community, climate crisis, youth, future, climate anxiety, hope, greening vocations, Camano Island Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

As we near the end of this calendar year, we've put together a special episode to encourage all of us to think about ways we can reimagine our holiday practices. To that end I'll be in conversation with Abby Fehrsen of Capetown, South Africa. You might remember Abby from an Earthkeepers episode that she hosted earlier this year, and from an interview in season three in which she and Liesl Stewart told us about their work helping communities to source their food in sustainable, earth-honoring ways from local producers. In this episode we'll be talking about how she and her family have creatively adapted their celebration practices to become greener. Then, toward the end of this episode, we'll hear some holiday greetings from a number of Earthkeepers all around the world.Guest:Abby Fehrsen Homeschool educator Co-founder of a Food Club in her hometown of Cape Town, South Africa Prior guest and guest host on Earthkeepers Podcast Earthkeepers Episode 87 Earthkeepers Episode 57   Mentions: Check out some photos of Abby's driftwood Christmas tree on our Instagram! New Year Plant Hunt Winter Spiral  Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple Keywords: Christmas, holidays, food, gift giving, family, tradition, locally sourced food, simplicity, values, choices, spending, celebration, sustainability, creation care, community, New Year, Hannukah, Kwanza, solsticeFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

Every culture has core stories - mythologies that have everything to do with group identity. Sometimes those stories are connected to national holidays, as in the case of the American holiday called Thanksgiving. But who gets to determine what those core stories should be? In this episode we welcome two wise women who have made it their life's work to serve as truth-tellers, and advocates for the stories of Native peoples that are seldom heard. Lenore Three Stars of the Oglala Sioux Band of the Lakota Nation, and Robbie Paul of the Nez Perce People, are here to help us to understand the importance of knowing, telling, and listening to each other's stories--in ways that bring healing and restoration.  Note: If you or someone you know is suicidal, call one of the numbers listed on this website. If someone is in IMMEDIATE danger, please call your local emergency number. Lenore Three Stars Oglala Sioux Website Robbie Paul Nez Perce Nation Founding director of Native American Health Sciences at WSU SpokaneOregon Health Sciences UniversityNez Perce Appaloosa Horse ClubLinkedIn Mentions: National Museum of the American Indian American Indian Perspectives on Thanksgiving More resources about Thanksgiving: x, x, x, x, x Doctrine of Discovery Indian Removal Act Nez Perce War Standing Rock Cheyenne River Agency Pine Ridge Little Bighorn Manifest Destiny Ghost Dance Religion and Wounded Knee MassacreSupport the Earthkeepers podcast Keywords: revisionist history, epigenetics, intergenerational trauma, Native boarding schools, residential schools, decFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

For many of us who are really committed to earthcare causes, it is easy to put all our focus on changemaking, on action, and on working for a more hopeful climate future. Sometimes though, we focus on taking action without really taking time to embrace the reality of what has already been lost due to climate change. Our guest today makes the case that we need to allow ourselves to grieve what we have lost—and that this grieving will ultimately help us to become better, more honest earthkeepers. Hannah Malcolm is an assistant curate in the Church of England, a young mother, and the editor of a book of essays called "Words for a Dying World: Stories of Grief and Courage from the Global Church.”Guest: Hannah Malcolm Church of EnglandIPCC: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate ChangeBoard member at Operation Noah Grieving the Earth as Prayer Words for a Dying World Twitter  Mentions: Aquinas Sycamore Gap Landmarks by Rob Macfarlane Keywords: climate grief, climate anxiety, mourning ecological loss, lament, liturgies, Psalms, ministry, church, worship, children, climate change, ecological collapse, creation care, earth advocacy, ecology of place, language, generational grief, climate justice, climate inequityFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

In the Earthkeepers podcast, we often talk about learning how to listen well—to the land, to the family of creation, and to Spirit. How though can we listen to our relatives who live under water? Our guest in this episode is Joe Olson, who designs and builds hydrophones – underwater microphones that he tailors specifically for hearing the voices of dolphins and whales. In fact, Joe recorded the voices of the whales at the opening of this episode. Today though, we're going to turn the tables and record Joe's voice!Guest: Joe Olson Cetacean Research Technology founder LinkedIn Twitter Mentions: Springer Namu Namu SongTokitae Friends of Tokitae Lummi Nation WorldPop  Instagram, Twitter, Facebook Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Keywords: hydrophones, cetaceans, sound, water, noise pollution, orca whales, culture, conservation, animals, captivity, animal rescue, music, connection Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast

What are the earthkeeping challenges in a place where human beings have been impacting the environment since the Paleolithic era? How does one think about restoring nature in a place known as the cradle of civilization? In this episode, we'll gain some practical wisdom from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. For that perspective, we welcome Mohammad Asfour, founding chair of WADI—an organization that advances water conservation and land stewardship practices in Jordan. He is also an environmentally conscious businessman and a skilled nature photographer. Among other things, Mohammad has fascinating proposals regarding the power of positivity psychology and mindful practice to help us become better earth keepers.Find us on our website: Earthkeepers. Donate here to Earthkeepers Podcast.Our parent organization: Circlewood. Join the Stand.

On the Earthkeepers podcast, we talk a lot about transforming damaged or neglected spaces into thriving ecologies that benefit both the human and more-than-human members of the community of creation. Way back in episode 2, for example, we talked to Tahmina Martelly about how neighbors turned an unused parking lot into a thriving community garden for refugees. In episode 40, we spoke with Casa Adobe in Costa Rica about how folks worked together to restore a neglected region of jungle and to provide community access to a nearby river. More recently, in episode 78, Nick Rubesh and John Wayne Seitzler told the story of their community's efforts to re-wild a section of church property that was once just an unused stretch of lawn. In all these cases, it took a whole community of earthkeepers, working together, to accomplish the work of healing and transforming the land. In this episode, we'll hear how the DeJong family was the catalyst to engage whole neighborhoods in the work of reviving and repairing a 43-acre forest called the Cheasty Green Space in Seattle. Guests: The Dejong Family Mary Dejong Joel Dejong  Mentions: Earthkeepers Episodes 2, 40, and 78 Cheasty Greenspace Green Seattle Partnership Duwamish Tribe Check out these photo albums of Cheasty Greenspace/Mt. View and Cheasty trails!  Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Keywords: restoration, trails, accessibility, recreation, ecosystem, ecology, invasive species, deforestation, settlers, native species, wildlife, nature, spirituality, spiritual ecology, community, cultural restitution, cultural restoration, stewardship, connections, relationships, climate change Find us on our website: Earthkeepers. Donate here to Earthkeepers Podcast.Our parent organization: Circlewood. Join the Stand.

As you might know, the Earthkeepers podcast is part of a larger organization called Circlewood—and Circlewood has a dream to establish an inspirational, educational eco-village in a place called Camano Island in Washington State. In the podcast conversation today, Circlewood's director James Amadon and Forrest are joined by David Vandervort, the architect who has held the vision and designed the built spaces that will make up Circlewood Village. Among other things, we talk about green architecture, about listening to the land, and about building in harmony with the nature of place.Guest: David Vandervort●      Vandervort Architects●      LinkedInMentions:●      Circlewood Village●      Tom and Christine Sine●      Living Building Challenge●      Cross laminated timber●      Bob BerkebileFind us on our website: EarthkeepersSupport the Earthkeepers podcastKeywords: architecture, sustainability, sustainable architecture, community, village, design, creativity, environment, energy, resources, local, living buildings, equity, environmental justice, affordability, green building, regenerative architecture, restoration,  Find us on our website: Earthkeepers. Donate here to Earthkeepers Podcast.Our parent organization: Circlewood. Join the Stand.

Changing the climate future of our planet can only happen when we all work together and learn from each other--and that's why this podcast includes diverse perspectives from around the world. To that end, our guest host in this episode will be Abigail Fehrsen in South Africa. You might remember Abby from episode 57, when she and her friend Liesl told the story of the community food cooperative they founded. In THIS episode Abby will be talking to Kehinde Micheal Osatuyi about the Muizenberg Community Kitchen—an inspiring and groundbreaking social enterprise that offers nutritious, affordable, plant-based meals to the community—but also gives special attention to the needs of the poor and vulnerable, and to promoting ecological awareness and environmental justice in all they do. Guest Host: Abigail Fehrsen Guest on Earthkeepers Episode 57  Homeschool educator Co-founder of a Food Club in her hometown of Cape Town, South Africa Guest: Michael Kehinde Osatuyi Founder of Muizenberg Community Kitchen Read more about Michael here and here Contact Muizenberg Community Kitchen at communitykitchenmuizenberg@gmail.com  Instagram Facebook  Mentions: Cape Town, South Africa Youth for Change  Muizenberg Community Garden Check out the International Community Development Masters program at NU.Keywords: food, kitchen, collaboration, community, COVID-19, volunteers, connection, youth, nutrition, garden, giving, receiving, empowerment, environmental justice, zero hunger, compost, zero waste, faith, generosity  Check out Northwest University's International Community Development Masters!  Find us on our website: Earthkeepers. Donate here to Earthkeepers Podcast.Our parent organization: Circlewood. Join the Stand.

As we all know, sometimes it isn't easy being green. Especially when it comes to sustainable, affordable, earth-friendly architecture. Remember the story of the three little pigs? It didn't work out so well for the two pigs who built cheap houses out of straw and sticks. But what if it were feasible to build durable, eco-friendly buildings out of straw or sticks—or even corn cobs or woodchips? Our friends at Nomadic Earth Architecture say it's possible, and they want to tell you how.As our regular listeners know, a theme that we've returned to often in season four of the podcast has to do with how younger generations—Millenials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha—are responding to the climate crisis. To that end, we'll be talking now with Jesse Nathanson and James Sledge—two young changemakers who are passionate about teaching better ways to build. They are here to tell us about their global initiative called Nomadic Earth Architecture—an organization that is all about inspiring people to build their own sustainable, non-toxic buildings out of cheap, easy to find natural materials. Guests:  Jesse Nathanson Cofounder and and project manager for Nomadic Earth Architecture International social worker and aide Facebook James Sledge Cofounder and and project manager for Nomadic Earth Architecture LinkedIn Facebook  Mentions: Magnesium Petrification VOCs International Community Development Masters Keywords: architecture, natural building, sustainability, non-toxic, ancient technology, resources, accessibility, education, runoff, magnesium, packaging, organic materials, affordable housing, volatile organic compounds, VOCs, housing crisis, toxicity, health, affordability, environmental justice, social justice, intersectionality, copowerment, stewardship, relationships, indigenous peoples, community Find us on our website: Earthkeepers. Donate here to Earthkeepers Podcast.Our parent organization: Circlewood. Join the Stand.

In this episode James Amadon and Forrest Inslee reprise a webinar discussion with Debra Rienstra, author of a new book called Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth. In her writing, Dr. Rienstra asks deep and sometimes difficult questions, such as: What might Creator say to us about our role in caring for creation--if we could quiet ourselves long enough to listen? Also, How can we look for the possibilities of new life and restoration of the environment, when everything seems chaotic and hopeless? And most importantly, how can faith communities integrate earth care into their theology and practice, so that they become sources of healing and new life?  Guest: Debra Reinstra Author of Refugia Faith and other books English professor at Calvin University Website Twitter LinkedIn Mentions: Pope Francis' Laudato Si' Festival of Faith and Writing Kathleen Dean Moore Bill McKibben Liturgical year Randy Woodley Lenore Three Stars Steve Bouma-Prediger Keywords: faith, climate change, community, literature, books, climate anxiety, Christianity, ecosystems, nature, creation, life, death, refugia, church, theology, scripture, transformations, liturgical year, locality, community, passion, reciprocity, stewardship, citizenship, healing, illusion of control, consequentialism, virtue ethics, redemption, reconciliation, anger, Holy Spirit, climate movement, hope Find us on our website: Earthkeepers. Donate here to Earthkeepers Podcast.Our parent organization: Circlewood. Join the Stand.

What does an Indian guru--who teaches through meditative art, performance and extreme sport--have to tell us about how we might better love our planet? In this episode Forrest talks with Pragati Pascale about the writings of Indian spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy. Pragati has worked for the United Nations for many years as a senior communications strategist and consultant on sustainability issues. She is also the editor of a new book, Listen to Nature: Living in Harmony with the Earth, which presents some of Sri Chinmoy's teachings on nature and the environment. Guest: Pragati Pascale Senior Outreach Coordinator for UN-Energy at United Nations  Editor for Listen to Nature: Living in Harmony with the Earth LinkedIn Twitter  Mentions: Sri Chinmoy Jane Goodall Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit Maurice Strong IPCC  Keywords: meditation, spiritual awareness, United Nations, communications, media outreach, earthcare, environmentalism, climate change, climate action, harmony, relationships, poetry, visualization, peace, divine, respect, preservation, inner change, God, love, spiritual oneness, religion, faith, interfaith, collective behavior, hope Find us on our website: Circlewood.Donate here to Earthkeepers Podcast. Join the Stand.

In this special episode, we depart from the usual interview format and offer you some moments of guided meditation instead. While Forrest is in Ireland interviewing people for future episodes of the podcast, Wes Willison is stepping in to walk you through something called “The Onion Session." Drawn from the book The Supper of the Lamb, by Robert Farrar Capon, this is a guided meditation that is meant to focus our attention on one small and humble object. This soul-and-mind opening exercise helps us to perceive the wonder contained in an onion—and to appreciate it as one part of creation loved by God. Just a note: You might want to wait to listen to this episode for when you've got some down time. For this meditation exercise you'll need an onion, a small knife, a cutting board, and about half an hour of uninterrupted time in a quiet space. Guest: Wes Willison Real estate salesperson at Keller Williams Philadelphia LinkedIn Instagram Mentions: Robert Farrar Capon The Supper of the Lamb On the Onion Russian Parable of the Onion Keywords: guided meditation, onion, focus, attention, place, meeting, heaven, location, prejudice, perspective, life, death, being, glory, structure, pressure, water, soul, reflection, nature, revelation, memory, power, echo, God, creation, uniqueness, creativity, love, joy, wonder, time, idolatry Find us on our website: Circlewood.Donate here to Earthkeepers Podcast. Join the Stand.

In this episode, Forrest talks with Tori Goebel, National Organizer and Spokesperson for Young Evangelicals for Climate Action. YECA works to mobilize youth to act against climate change, to advocate for creation care, and to promote the hope among young people that a better climate future is possible.Guest: Tori Goebel, National organizer and spokesperson for Young Evangelicals for Climate Action LinkedIn Twitter Mentions Atlantic Coast Pipeline Mountain Valley Pipeline Evangelical Environmental Network Katharine Hayhoe Genesis 2:15, Psalm 19, Romans 1:20 Mercury and Air Toxics Standard Yale's Six Americas The Supper of the Lamb YECA Leadership Programs YECA Take Action National Prayer Breakfast YECA Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube YECA Blog IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) Keywords: climate crisis, climate change, nature, creation, faith, evangelism, Christian, values, climate action, sanctity of life, politics, partisan identity, generational divide, mercury, air quality, communication, creation care, eco anxiety, eco grief, accountability, support, community, fear, hope, love Find us on our website: Circlewood.Donate here to Earthkeepers Podcast. Join the Stand.

In this episode, Forrest talks with Kelly Deutsch, founder of Spiritual Wanderlust, an organization that supports people on their path to wholeness and intimacy with the divine. This includes encouraging people to engage spirit in nature—a connection that Earthkeepers care very much about. In our conversation, we discuss how Celtic spiritual practices in particular can inspire us to sense God in all of creation.Guest: Kelly Deutsch Founder of Spiritual Wanderlust Podcast host Growth coach LinkedIn  Mentions Spiritual Wanderlust podcast Contemplative Monk, founded by Bob Holmes Richard Rohr Cynthia Bourgeault Song of the Lark painting Spiritual Offroading class Celtic Spirituality School John Phillip Newell Ilia Delio Esther de Waal ​​Sharon Blackie St. Brigid Alexander Carmichael Keywords: thin spaces, Celtic spiritual practices, deconstruction, reconstruction, convent, religion, Christianity, spirituality, inner work, mystic, creation, nature, hope, media Find us on our website: Circlewood.Donate here to Earthkeepers Podcast. Join the Stand.