EarthRising Podcast

Cynthia Jurs is founder of Alliance for the Earth, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting a global community committed to the healing of the Earth. She is also a teacher in the Buddhist tradition.Cynthia has spent the last 30 years traveling the world with a healing practice that involves burying clay pots in the Earth called Earth treasure vases. This network of almost 100 vases and growing spans dozens of countries across the globe on all 7 continents. Each vase is filled with its own unique healing aspirations and blessings. It is a practice that has fostered community and built cross cultural connections in the spirit of climate stewardship.In this episode, Cynthia and I discuss how the Earth Treasure vase practice first came to be and its inspiring unfolding in the decades since. It was fascinating to speak with Cynthia about this unique calling, and I am delighted to share this conversation with you.Episode links:www.GaiaMandala.net www.SummonedbytheEarth.org 

Nina Simons is a social entrepreneur who is passionate about reinventing leadership, restoring the feminine, and co-creating a peaceful and equitable world for all. She is the co-founder of Bioneers, a nonprofit that explores visionary and practical solutions for many of our most pressing social and ecological challenges.Nina and I discuss the connection between nature, culture, and the sacred, and how may this help us anchor ourselves in the face of interconnected challenges that climate change poses to our every day lives. Nina also shares insights gained from her unique vantage point of working with multi-faceted leaders from around the world to co create productive actions toward a regenerative vision of healing the Earth. And, she highlights the crucial role of indigenous wisdom in exploring how to foster a more sustainable and sacred way of life for all.Episode links:ninasimons.comNature, Culture & The Sacred: A Woman Listens For Leadership, 2nd editionBioneers

Philip Carr-Gomm is one of the leaders and former Chosen Chief of The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, as well as a prolific author and teacher of Druidry. He is also a psychologist and educator, and has founded a Montessori school.In this episode, Philip shares insights about the profound and timeless nature spirituality practice of Druidry that has had a modern resurgence on a global level. We contemplate harnessing the power of ritual, the Druid practice of entering the sacred grove, and of cultivating one's own life calling, or what is referred to in Druidry as a person's awen. These practices and insights are all connected toward leveraging the circle of influence each one of us has in our lives and the yearning to enhance our Earth stewardship.Episode links:Philip Carr-GommTea with a Druid

Mirali Shukla is a bioethnologist, author and photographer with a focus on how local and indigenous communities are spearheading conservation projects around the globe.During this episode, we discuss how her research and front line conservation projects explore the link between local communities and the natural environment, and how this relationship affects wildlife conservation, human rights and conflict resolution. She also shares insights about her trailblazing journey to be the founder of multiple conservation organizations with an entrepreneurial spirit.Episode links:miralishukla.comKind Learning OrganizationiO ConservancyMozambique Mangrove Reforestation Project

In this episode we hear from Mr. Benson Kanyembo, who serves as Law Enforcement Advisor for conservation South Luangwa in his native Zambia. Benson was named 2019 winner of the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award. This is an annual prize initiated by the charity's royal patron the Duke of Cambridge that gives international recognition to the men and women who defend Africa's wildlife. In the past decade, more than 1,000 rangers have been killed in the line of duty: 75% of them by commercial poachers and armed militia groups. They have lost their lives in a bold uphill effort across the globe to protect the dwindling numbers of endangered species that are targeted by poaching syndicates. In Africa this includes what are referred to as the “Big Five” (which are Elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and African Buffalo) and also many less popular but equally relevant species.Benson will share with us his own journey that spans over three decades and has led to his leadership and training of over 600 wildlife rangers to protect endangered wildlife and ecosystems in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi.We discuss: the current state of the poaching crisis in Zambia, what keeps him motivated in the face of big challenges, and his deeply personal love of nature and desire to safeguard it for future generations.Episode links:Conservation South LuangwaTusk Award Winner Benson Kanyembo

In this episode we'll be hearing from Xinqing Lu, who is leading the work for Champions for Nature. This is an initiative of the World Economic Forum, comprised of a community of leaders from the public and private sectors, civil society and academia with a goal to lead the charge in innovating ideas to address the climate crisis. During our time together, we discuss what advocating for a net-zero, nature-positive global economy means and looks like, as Xinqing works to ensure nature and nature-based solutions will be at the heart of international policy commitments in the years to come.We also reflect on the role of global citizenship and intercultural exchange to address climate change and halt biodiversity loss. Episode links:New Nature Economy Report SeriesThe Future of Nature and BusinessNew Nature Economy Report:  China Insight Report

In the first interview of season 3, we'll be hearing from Dr. Joe Parent, a meditation and mindfulness teacher who wrote A Walk in the Wood: Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh with his sister Nancy Parent.This book features the beloved Winnie the Pooh character, and was inspired by the practice of forest bathing. Joe and I discuss a few of the book's key offerings on how to be present in our lives through the practice of mindfulness, and how the natural world supports us in this endeavor.Then, for the second half of this episode, we will experience a meditation practice for ourselves. Joe will guide us through a profound meditation called tonglen, an accessible practice to connect to our own hearts and facilitate an Earth connection. Episode links:A Walk in the Wood: Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Poohyoutube.com/user/DrJoeParentdrjoeparent.com

Welcome to Season 3 of EarthRising. We will continue to explore a deeper connection to our planet by speaking to inspired activists who safeguard our Earth.As interviews continue to unfold, I wish you the same renewed sense of inspiration that I've felt speaking with these amazing individuals and learning about their Earth activism.First interview of season 3 will be released February 25, 2022.

During the course of this podcast, we have been hearing from artists, activists, conservationists, and spiritual thinkers about how they take action out in the world to benefit our planet. The hope has been that hearing their stories will help us to rouse our own motivation for how to be better stewards of the Earth. And it seems like an integral piece of this motivation is to feel an Earth connection on a more personal, embodied level. And so, it is with enthusiasm I offer this first guided meditation.  The purpose of this practice is to take a time out in order to feel more centered in our bodies and grounded on the Earth. 

Tanaya Winder is a poet, writer, artist and educator who was raised on the Southern Ute reservation in Ignacio, CO. She has taught writing courses at Stanford University, CUBoulder, and the University of New Mexico. Tanaya writes and teaches about love in all its forms, and advocates for youth & women's empowerment, healing trauma through art, and cultivating mental wellness.In this episode, Tanaya shares about her rich background and breadth of experience--including advocating for land preservation, working with youth, and forming a collective called Dream Warriors Management with fellow indigenous artists. Her actions show how it's possible to harness the energy of the heart to serve and help others envision future growth, and we reflect on how artistic expression plays an important role in these endeavors.Episode Links:Words to Love By by Tanaya WinderWhy Storms Are Named After People and Bullets Remain Nameless by Tanaya WinderIgniting Healing: Tanaya Winder at TEDxABQ

In this episode we hear from Glenn Albrecht, an environmental philosopher who was Professor of Sustainability at Murdoch University in Western Australia until he retired in 2014. He has written and lectured extensively about how to bring meaning to our relationship with the Earth through the use and cultivation of language.We explore how Glenn has created powerful new words to help us process and make sense of our emotions regarding climate change. In spite of the uphill battles we face in regards to environmental destruction, Glenn remains optimistic. He speaks to this as he outlines a vision for humanity to enter a new era he calls the Symbiocene—one that is in greater alignment with the natural world—in order to safeguard biodiversity for future generations.Episode Links:Earth Emotions: New Words for a New World  by Glenn A AlbrechtThe age of solastalgia by Glenn A Albrecht (article featuring impact of open-cut coal mining and images in the Upper Hunter region of NSW that we speak about during this episode)TEDxSydney: Environment Change, Distress & Human Emotion Solastalgia

We first heard about artist Louis Masai during Season 1, Episode 4 of EarthRising when I interviewed Julia and Cheli of Conservation Optimism and their collaboration with him for a commission of 6 large scale murals of endangered species at ZSL London Zoo.  They highlighted his art when speaking of  the important role that art may play in shedding light on issues surrounding conservation.In this episode, I explore the topic of art's impact on conservation with Louis directly. He shares his journey as an artist and views about how art can motivate and inspire us to deepen our learning and be more engaged with animal rights and environmental justice issues.I encourage you to check out Louis's art referenced throughout the episode on his website or on Instagram.

In this episode we’ll be hearing from Greta Francesca Iori, a wildlife crime and conservation adviser to various African governments, international organizations and NGOs. Greta is motivated by a deep love of nature stemming from her time spent outdoors from a young age with her family in Ethiopia. Her life goals include bringing an end to the illegal wildlife trade, resolving human-wildlife conflict, and encouraging more sustainable, just and inclusive conservation development models across the Horn of Africa.During our conversation, Greta discusses her vision to move animal conservation and advocacy forward in Africa. This includes the importance of women being more actively involved at all levels of conservation and anti-poaching initiatives. She also shares advice from the heart if you’re motivated to take action for nature in your own life.Episode Links:https://linktr.ee/gretafioriFemale Rangers and Anti-Poaching Strategies to Stem CorruptionElephant Protection InitiativeGreta Francesca Iori on Instagram

In this episode I’m speaking with Dr. Ellis Jones, a sociologist and professor at College of the Holy Cross who focuses on social responsibility, global citizenship and everyday activism, all with an emphasis on how to turn environmental idealism into practical action. He has created  The Better World shopping guides, website and apps that focus on how to approach consumerism in a more environmentally conscious manner.During our conversation, we explore how to hold power accountable, the path of reclaiming our collective voice in society and the move toward global citizenship--all with an eye on creating a more sustainable and environmentally just planet.Episode Links:Better World Shopper Apps:Better World ShopperVoter GlassMedia Glass

Welcome to Season 2 of EarthRising! We will continue to explore a deeper connection to our planet through the lens of the arts, spirituality and conservation. Conversations with engaged individuals from around the globe will include topics on social and environmental justice, art for animal rights advocacy, combatting the illegal wildlife trade, women’s involvement in conservation, ethical consumer guides and spirituality’s role in cultivating the perspective of a sacred Earth.As interviews continue to unfold, I wish you the same renewed sense of inspiration that I’ve felt speaking with these amazing people and learning about their Earth advocacy.Stay tuned for Season 2 episodes to be released every other Friday starting April 23  over the next few months.

In this wrap-up episode for season one of EarthRising, key themes and ideas are explored that have emerged from guest interviews. We have been hearing from inspired individuals who cultivate a sacred view of our Earth, including engaged activists, artists, conservationists, and spiritual thinkers. By contemplating their actions, the goal is to better learn::: how to listen to the Earth,:: how to be in relationship with the Earth more directly,:: and how to recognize that we are a part of nature.As interviews unfolded this season, an examination has been playing out on both an inner and an outer level. This episode reviews highlights from this journey and reflects on listener feedback from around the globe.

In this episode, spiritual thinker and artist April Stevens and I explore what a meaningful spiritual life looks like during our modern era. We consider teachings from Buddhist meditation masters Chogyam Trungpa and Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche that provide a deeper insight into our mind’s interconnection with the natural world. We also discuss living through pandemic times, and April closes our conversation with a powerful poem by Naomi Shihab Nye.April Stevens is a seasoned meditation practitioner in the Buddhist tradition, as well as a trained artist and art educator. She runs the Meditation Training Center of Denver with her husband Jeffrey Stevens, providing a space for people to come together to explore spiritual practice and cultivate community. Episode Links:In Love with the World: A Monk’s Journey Through the Bardos of Living and Dying By Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche with Helen TworkovShambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior By Chogyam Trungpa

In this episode I’m speaking with Tomi Makanjuola, a culinary entrepreneur also known as The Vegan Nigerian. We contemplate the power of food and food choices in our everyday lives, and how food systems have a direct impact on the state of our planet and physical health on a personal and collective level. Tomi also shares her thoughts on cooking as an art form and the importance of having sacred food rituals in our lives, and how our relationship to food can play a powerful role in healing our relationship to the Earth. Tomi also explains intersectionality and how it relates to our food choices.Episode Links:The Vegan NigerianThe Vegan Nigerian Guide to Going VeganI Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Key Conservation is currently developing a mobile app to drive positive impact for wildlife and nature by connecting people to the front lines of conservation. This will be carried out in real-time through the app by providing opportunities to offer skill sets, funding and in-person volunteering to small conservation organizations all over the world.Founder Megan Cromp and Team Operations Lead Daria Sheik share their backgrounds as conservationists and what has gone into forming Key Conservation. We discuss teamwork and staying motivated in the face of obstacles facing conservation today, and how to connect the dots between people and conservation initiatives to help save animals and ecosystems.

Christine Valters Paintner has spent her career and life as a Benedictine oblate exploring the link between the disciplines of making art and having a spiritual practice. We contemplate how these two disciplines provide an access point for relating to the natural world and deepening our relationship to Earth, while activating our imagination and relationship to mystery.Christine also shares what it can mean to slow down and cultivate a contemplative practice in the midst of our busy lives, including some practical ideas and insights for how to do this. She is also a poet and we end the interview with an offering from her writings.

Jamie Laurie is emcee for the alternative hip-hop band Flobots, and is a climate and racial justice activist. In this episode of EarthRising, we focus on the path of activism in society, and links between racial and climate justice.Jamie shares his experience of being mentored by the late civil rights activist and theologian Dr. Vincent Harding, who was a speech writer to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He also reflects on the role spirituality has played in his own path in developing as a musician and activist. And, we discuss his core approach of using art as the main tool or technology to engage people in cultivating awareness around modern day social issues.This is a thought-provoking episode on current issues we've been collectively facing during this turbulent year, and the conversation ends with an offering from Jamie you won't want to miss! Episode Links:flobots.comBlurring the Lines Between Audience and Performer | Flobots | TEDxMileHighWonderbound and Flobots: Voices of the Dead

Conservation Optimism is a global community dedicated to sharing stories and resources to empower people from all backgrounds to make a positive impact for wildlife and nature. In this episode, I am speaking with Conservation Optimism CEO Cheli Creswell Cinclair and Program Coordinator Julia Migné. We discuss how Conservation Optimism organically evolved, and how language is a key element to creating constructive narrative frameworks for people to operate from to maintain an optimistic outlook in conservation. We also contemplate learning from the full range of conservation efforts being made around the world. Conservation Optimism’s mission is to bring together different sectors in society to work towards conservation solutions—including not only conservation organizations and scientists, but also people active in the arts, business and civil society. This is an inspiring conversation worth tuning in for!Episode Links:conservationoptimism.orgView images of the Louis Masai Murals at ZSL London Zoo

What is humanity’s place in the cosmos, and how do artists, poets, and spiritual figures throughout the ages help to shed light on this subject? Their insights may help us to access our own intuition and understand our deeper connection to Earth. Poet, writer, and ecopsychologist Betty Roszak has spent her life contemplating these topics, and she is one of the original thinkers who coined the term ecopsychology in the late 1960s. In this episode, she shares her insights and approach to a deeper understanding of our planet, and offers a heartfelt recitation of one of her poems.Episode Links:The Two Worlds of Magic by Betty RoszakThe Spirit of the Goddess by Betty Roszak; Ecopsychology: Restoring the Earth/Healing the Mind by Theodore Roszak (Editor), Allen D. Kanner, Mary E. Gomes, Lester R. Brown (Foreword), James Hillman (Foreword)For Want of The Golden City by Betty Roszak

In 2015, a groundbreaking study titled The Nature of Americans was conducted to explore how Americans relate to nature. Almost 12,000 adults and children participated. In this episode Dave Case, one of the primary researchers of this study, reviews the major findings surrounding how Americans are connecting to nature as well as obstacles that prevent them from doing so. Included in the study’s findings are the relevance of art and spirituality for participants as they form a relationship with the natural world. We also consider what everyday climate activism can look like, and Dave shares a meaningful story from his time with his fellow colleague and researcher Dr. Stephen R. Kellert and a passage by conservationist Rachel Carson to end our interview.Link to full report: https://natureofamericans.org

Welcome to EarthRising! This podcast has been created to provide a vehicle for greater connection to our Earth through exploring the realms of the arts, spirituality, and conservation. EarthRising will be an inner journey of the heart and an outer journey to connect with nature in her myriad forms, for those of us who want to feel a deeper sense of connection to the natural world on an individual and collective level. Show guests will include artists, authors, spiritual teachers, and guardians of the natural world. We will learn how these inspired categories of people are taking actions to connect with and benefit our planet.By speaking to these categories of thinkers and activists, the intention is to learn:how to listen to the Earthhow to be in relationship with herhow to recognize the interdependence at play of our place in the larger ecosystemhow to rouse our motivation to preserve what’s left and rise to the occasion of the extraordinary times we find ourselves inIt is an honor to embark on this journey as your host and guide, as we seek out new learning and inspiration by exploring the ideas and actions of our guests as episodes unfold. I welcome and encourage your constructive feedback and ideas as you listen; either by email at info@earthrisingpodcast.com, in the podcast reviews, or on social.

A podcast about connecting to our planet through the arts, spirituality, and conservation. Coming September 2020.