Our Nature

Since 2021, Tenijah has hosted and produced Bring Birds Back, a podcast about conservation, formal/ citizen science, and of course—birds, told through the lenses of intersectionality and environmental justice.What's inspiring to me about Tenijah (among many things) is that she didn't grow up with a familiarity and love of being outdoors. In fact, she described her relationship as mostly centered around an avoidance. But, over time, she's begun to rewrite her nature-relationship and has uncovered so much richness in the process.In this conversation, Tenijah and I discuss everything from her personal journey of embracing discomfort and following her curiosity, to what it's been like for her as a Black woman to reclaim parts of herself and her community. We also talk stepping into your personal power, and we obviously talk about birds! Tenijah shares the number one misconception about birding, tips and techniques for bird observation, why humans are so obsessed with birds, and some weird bird behavior that I loved knowing.Resources:Homecoming ApplicationBring Bird's Back PodcastBring Bird's Back: The Zero Sum of it All with Corina NewsomeBring Bird's Back: The Feminist Bird ClubBring Bird's Back: Bird Love Language For the full show notes, please visit www.ournaturepodcast.com/tenijah-hamilton----->> HOMECOMING, my once-a-year retreat and course is back !!

For this week's episode, I'm speaking with Michael Washington. Michael is the founder of Usal Project, an LA-based community offering experiences and goods for the modern nature enthusiast. Usal hosts over 20 monthly experiences that (in addition to forest therapy) include: foraging and herb walks, falconry, oceanic species dives, incense-making workshops, flower arranging classes, community hikes, and more. In this conversation, Michael and I talk about the importance of cultivating community in a world where people are struggling with loneliness. We also discuss his relationship with nature growing up in Texas, how the music industry shaped his path, the origin story of Usal, why diverse perspectives and voices are essential in the outdoor space, and Michael's perspective on failure, self-doubt and building a rapidly growing business. Resources:Usal ProjectArticle: How Loneliness is Damaging Our Health Subscribe to the Our Nature Monthly Newsletter  -  full of special announcements, resources, recommendations and tools and practices for your expansionShow Notes:Michael's relationship to nature growing up as a child in San Antonio “the biggest little city”How being in the music industry planted the seed for Michael's current pathMichael shares the insight and opportunity that inspired him to create Usal ProjectMichael's invitation to listeners that will fundamentally improve your lifeThe common barriers that prevent people from exploring the outdoorsMichael's intention when it comes to the curation of nature-based classes for UsalLife lessons that come from trying new activitiesThe unconventional way Michael structures his business and what it means to be “Usal”Michael Washington gets real about perfectionism, self-doubt, creative output, growing a businessFailure as the greatest gift - “I'm more happy failing with something I really liked than failing with something I really tried to make other people like…because then you're just lost.”What people may be surprised to learn about Michael 

“I think one of the best thing's we've done to ensure the likelihood of our long term success is to really see this relationship as something that's unfolding in the present moment, and being very open and flexible about what that will look like in a month, a year, in a decade.” - David SleiningerIn this episode, we discuss: what we mean when we use the term “conscious relationship”; the cultural messaging that warps our perspective on romantic relationships; what to do if you're invested in personal growth and your partner is not; how a trigger can be our greatest teacher; the practice that will exponentially grow your self-awareness; navigating conflict in a healthy and productive way and why it can be the greatest gift of a relationship. Resources: EP 62 - The Relationship Series Part 1: Planting the Seeds of a Conscious Partnership Featuring Alyssa Benjamin and David SleiningerMind Body Green article about conscious relationshipsSign up to be the first to know about Homecoming, my once-a-year retreat and course Show Notes:What we mean when we use the term “conscious relationship”The cultural messaging that warps our perspective of romantic relationshipsThe most important element in a conscious relationshipWhat to do if you're invested in personal growth and your partner is notHow a trigger can be our greatest teacherWays to cultivate greater self awarenessThe practice that will exponentially grow your self-awarenessNavigating conflict in a healthy and productive wayThe reminder that has helped us get to a resolution of a conflict a lot quickerA few key elements of conflict in our relationshipThe pleasure of a heartfelt apologyWhy conflict can be the greatest gift of a relationshipRadical honesty and brave communication are necessary - here's whyHow to show up for your partner when they're going through a tough timeHow to build a lasting, long-term connection, especially after marriage and kidsA few of our relationship policies that keep the mystery alive ;)The best thing we've done to ensure the likelihood of our relationship's longterm success

This week, my partner David and I are chatting about….drumroll, relationships! Specifically romantic relationships. This episode is very different from the type of content I usually have on this podcast, but when I started this show in 2019, my intention was to uncover how each of us could live in harmony with the natural world and thus be able to care for ourselves, our communities and ultimately, the earth. The dynamics that surface in romantic relationships are often a mirror, and therefore, a catalyst for our personal growth and evolving consciousness. So in the spirit of believing that we can transform the world by first transforming ourselves, I thought it would be interesting to explore this topic.Resources:Tickets for Project Utopia at The Line Hotel in LADavid's episode about healing for Our NatureDavid's somatic healing episodeTara Brach podcastChances With WolvesSubscribe to the Our Nature newsletter!Show Notes:David reveals the patterns that shaped his past romantic relationshipsAlyssa shares some of her [many] romantic relationship patterns that caused her to fear commitmentHow chronic illness and relationships can co-create and perpetuate a cycle of stress and challengeDavid's period of celibacy - his intentions for this period of time and what he learned as resultAlyssa's biggest heartbreak that became a breakthroughThe surprising relationship that transformed and healed Alyssa's experience of romantic partnershipsThe story of how David and I met, and how a loaf of bread brought us togetherWhat we were able to recognize in each other when we met that helped us turn towards one anotherIn praise of the slow burn and how to recognize it for yourselfWhy it's ok to feel unsure at the beginning of a relationshipHow I manifested David ;)For additional resources, quotes and information about this episode, head to www.ournaturepodcast.com/episodes

“I love the matrix and quilt of different things all over the place. Monoculture is boring. So for me, diversity is the spice of life in the garden.” - Erik Keller, ep 60Helpful links:Erik's WebsiteErik's InstagramHighlights from our conversation:Erik's relationship to nature as a childThe definition of horticultural therapy and Erik's journey from master gardener to horticultural therapistThe various types of horticultural therapy sessionsThe elements of surprise and delight in the natural worldWild saladsHow we might re-imagine what we plant in our gardensAdvice for the beginner gardener or urban gardenerLessons from the garden that we can bring into our livesThe last five questionsFor more of Alyssa and Our NatureSubscribe to the Our Nature newsletterSign up for the FREE mini course: Build Your Magnetic Nature AlterFollow Alyssa on Instagram

 “I think if I can inspire people not to be perfect, but just a little more conscious–that would be a win. And hopefully, the recipes become part of people's repertoire that they make on a weekly or monthly basis.” - Alexis deBoschnekRESOURCES:To The Last Bite BookAlexis' websiteAlexis' InstagramGarlic and Sapphires bookMagpies on Pink StreetBovina FermentorySHOW NOTES:What it was like to grow up in upstate NYAlexis' journey from fashion school to the world of foodHow to be more intentional with the food we purchase in order to reduce food wasteAn invitation to grow a victory garden and how that can transform your relationship with foodAn example of two vegetables that you can easily regrowWhy food waste is an issue we all should be thinking more aboutWhat/how each of us can begin to reduce food wasteThe two ways to use Alexis' cookbook and the how the structure supports a systematic approach to cooking and eatingWhat it's like to put something out into the world that's so personal to youThe experience of returning to the land that shaped her and what it's like to live in a rural communityWhat community looks like for AlexisTips for the beginner cookThe last fives questions

RESOURCES:EP 58: Flipping the Script: (Hard Won Lessons from the Past Year) with Alyssa BenjaminReturn to Nature BookEmma's WebsiteSHOW NOTES:Emma's relationship to nature as a childWhat inspired Emma to write her book “Return to Nature”The reasons she organized “Return to Nature” by a series of eight distinct landscapesThe intention around using the word “return” in the titleCrafting a new definition of “wellness”An overview and practice for each of the 8 landscapes (parks and gardens, oceans, mountains, forests and trees, ice and snow, desert, rivers, cities and built environments)Why accessibility matters when it comes nature relationshipAll about aweHow we can all find our “desert eyes”How people living in cities can still have powerful experiences in natureMicro-dosing on nature: How small is too small when it comes to building deeper nature-relationshipA passage from “Return to Nature” that represents kinship and belongingHow writing the book changed Emma's relationship with the more-than-human-worldThe last five questions>>> For the full show notes, head to: www.ournaturepodcast.com/episodes

RESOURCES:Alyssa's InstagramSubscribe to my newsletterANFT Forest Therapy TrainingUsal Forest Therapy Walk: MarchUsal ProjectHolisticismSHOW NOTES:The reason why Alyssa paused this podcast and many aspects of her business for almost a yearThe new opportunity that came into Alyssa's life that led to an unexpected career shiftHow to work within the system to change the systemThe framework that has been really supportive for Alyssa's creative effortsDemystifying forest therapyHow the magic of forest therapy is made!How being diagnosed with ADHD became a catalyst for personal transformationMy ADHD symptomsWhat's to come this year!

This week, I'm speaking with Farmer Rishi, a farmer, educator and consultant based in Los Angeles working in the field of regeneration. Everything Rishi does is with the intention to help people understand the basic principles behind healing of our bodies: both our physical bodies and our Earthen body.Resources:Sardovaya FarmsHealing GardensRishi's WebsiteHomecoming courseConnect with Alyssa> Homecoming is a four-day retreat in Ojai, California and 6-week course. If you're feeling burnt out, stuck and/or going through a major transition in your life, Homecoming is an experience that will supercharge your intuition, help you build an inner stability and clarify your path forward. You'll walk away from Homecoming feeling more joy, ease and spaciousness in your life. I have two spots left, claim yours by applying below:APPLY to Homecoming (application will take you less than five min.!)Learn more about HomecomingFor the full show notes, head to: www.ournaturepodcast.com/episodes

This week I'm speaking with Regina Rocke, a breathwork teacher, and healer who uses many modalities including yoga, tarot, Ayurveda, and movement practices to help people in their spiritual journeys.Regina knows firsthand what the healing path requires. They say: “It was through great discomfort, emotional upheaval, and a lot of self-loathing that I came to this life of offering up ways for people to heal through connection to their bodies.” Their work is an invitation and they truly believes that you can (and should) decide what is right for you in any given moment. In this conversation, we discuss: Regina's relationship with nature as a child, the experience that reconnected Regina to the natural world, what brought Regina to Ayurveda, Regina's healing journey: what it's been and what it is now, why healing is layered and more complex for some people than others, what breathwork has brought to Regina's life, and advice for people looking to cultivate more awareness when it comes to breathing deeply and more fully.What I really appreciate about Regina is how real they are about what healing has looked like and continues to look like for them. I really trust a guide who is continuously growing and evolving, who doesn't pretend like they have it all figured out, and that is Regina.So, let's dive into my conversation with Regina Rocke.ResourcesJacob Riis BeachAbsolute Beauty book by Dr. Pratima RaichurKripalu's ayurveda programHomecoming courseConnect with Alyssa

If you've ever wondered what happens to your life when you cultivate a deep and intentional connection with the natural world, this episode is for you. Today, I'm in conversation with teacher, philosopher and former Homecoming participant Peter August. Peter also has a nature TikTok (which I'll link to in the show notes) where he shares his practices, perspectives and experiences of being in nature with his over 72K followers.In this episode, we talk about: what nature invites in us that we so desperately need; the nature-based practice practice that fuels creativity; why we resist the natural world and why that's ok; how to build trust with nature and what that can bring us; the difference between physically being in nature and truly “being” in nature; what happens when we follow our intuition when faced with big decisions; what Homecoming was like for Peter; how we can approach life with beginner's mindset and what that perspective can bring us; the practice of getting curious about what's familiar and why that's so profound; and what life has been like for Peter after Homecoming. We also do something really fun at the end of this episode that I've never done before with a guest, so you'll have to make it to the end to hear what I mean.ResourcesPeter's TikTokPeter's InstagramDaily Rituals BookHomecoming courseConnect with Alyssa

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to leave the city, move to a small, rural town and build a regenerative, community-oriented farm?  Well, Nick and Spencer of Solar Punk Farms did just that. Solar Punk Farms is a queer-run, regenerative agro-tourism experiment in Guerneville California. As Nick and Spencer share in this episode, the vision for Solar Punk Farms is emergent and ever-changing, but they have always intended to create a community-first place for people to connect with the land and each other in the process.RESOURCES:Occidental Arts and Ecology CenterSeek appHomecoming courseConnect with Solar Punk FarmsConnect with Alyssa > A four-day retreat and 6-week course in Ojai CaliforniaEarly bird pricing until the end of Feb.APPLY to Homecoming (application will take you less than five min.!)Learn more about HomecomingFor the full show notes, head to: www.ournaturepodcast.com/episodes

This week, I had the honor of speaking with Dr. John Hausdoerffer. Doctor Hausdoerffer is an environmental philosopher, author, teacher and Dean of the Clark School of Environment & Sustainability at Western Colorado University. He has written and co-edited titles such as Catlin's Lament, Wildness, What Kind of Ancestor Do You Want to Be?.Most recently, he was the co-editor of Kinship: Belonging in a World of Relations, a five volume series published by the Center for Humans and Nature that explores our deep interconnections with the living world. Along with his two co-editors Gavin Van Horn and my personal hero Robin Wall Kimmerer, the series contains essays, interviews, poetry, and stories of solidarity about how we can deepen our care and respect for the plants, animals, rivers, mountains, and others who live with us in this tangle of relations.Resources:Sign up for the Our Nature NewsletterFREE Mini Course: Build Your Magnetic Nature AltarKinship the series“The practice of the wild” bookWhy I Consider Environmentalism The Ultimate Act Of Emotional Awareness & Self-Love – by Alexa Gantous >> Get my FREE mini course: Build Your Magnetic Nature Altar to supercharge your magnetism and deepen your connection with the natural world

This week I'm speaking with my friend and fellow nature enthusiast Mary Grace Allerdice. Mary Grace (or MG as I like to call her) uses astrology, divination, energetic healing + oracular practices to help people access their own inherent wisdom + healing so they can navigate life's difficulties and connect to their purpose. As you'll hear in this episode, Mary Grace has a special and miraculous gift for communicating complex topics in simple, articulate and incredibly clear ways. It's truly a delight to speak with her and I always walk away with so many nuggets of wisdomResources:Alyssa's episode on Home–Body (Mary Grace's) PodcastMary Grace's websiteSUBSCRIBE TO THE OUR NATURE NEWSLETTER to be the first to know about my newest offering launching next week!Leave the podcast a review, take a screenshot, DM me @ournaturealways on IG with the screenshot and... receive something special :) 

RESOURCES:Sign up for the Our Nature NewsletterFollow Lindsay on EtsyHolisticism!Wintering by Katherine MayBee Venom therapyA Radiant Life PodcastConnect with Lisa:Lisa's websiteLisa's InstagramConnect with Our Nature:Our Nature InstagramFor full show notes, please visit: www.ournaturepodcast.com/episodes

This week, (episode 50 and the final episode of Season 3), I'm speaking with Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz, a curandera, indigenous foods activist, and natural foods chef whose work is deeply rooted in the healing properties of all earth medicines. Her business name came to be after friends lovingly called her "the kitchen curandera", as she was often creating healing foods and remedies in her tiny adobe kitchen.  Her work has been featured in Food & Wine, Spirituality & Health, and on Padma Lakshmi's Taste The Nation, among many other platforms. Felicia lives in the Sonoran Desert with her husband. Her first book, Earth Medicines, will be released next month.Resources:REGISTER October 28th Free Event: Body Neutrality Salon with Helen PhelanPre-order Earth MedicinesConnect with Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz:Felicia's WebsiteFelicia's InstagramFor the full show notes, visit ournaturepodcast.com/episodes

The earth is a schoolroom, and what a joy to be able to continue to remember through all these wild and wonderful means.” - Ayesha Ophelia If you're looking to expand and transform your relationship to self expression and creativity, this episode is for you. Ayesha Ophelia is a self identified spiritual provocateur who is passionate about women, plants and human potential.Ayesha's offerings include The Girlfriend Manifesto where she shares a daily dose of inspiration, spirituality, adventure, self-love and sisterhood. She also offers private support, group experiences and a membership community called the Society of Wild Hearts.Resources:Leave a review of Our Nature!Ayesha's InstagramAs always, there are more resources and helpful information in the show notes, which you can find at ournaturepodcast.com/episodes. 

This week is the second part of an interview I had with Vedic astrologer Blaine Watson. In this final part of my conversation with Blaine, we discuss: How Blaine's interpretation of a chart changes over the years as that person evolves and transcend, What it means to live a successful life from a Jyotish perspective, how often Blaine looks at his chart, why knowing when to have Yagyas done helps create a better and brighter future, Jyotish for our dog friends :), what Blaine would say to those who are skeptical of Jyotish, how someone would know if they're ready for a reading from Blaine, and what happens to your chart when you reach enlightenment.Blaine has a level of consciousness that is powerful and we talk about pretty advanced subject matter in this conversation. If you are a seeker, which I know many of you are, and are interested in being a catalyst for your own evolution, this conversation is definitely for you.Resources:Our Nature InstagramRegister for Our Nature x Good Move Mini RetreatEP 29: Movement for Every(body) with Jules Bakshi of Good MoveEP 47: The Universe and You with Vedic Astrologer Blaine Watson (Part One)Ramana MaharshiTo book a session with Blaine, email: blainepw@gmail.com For full show notes, please head to: www.ournaturepodcast.com/episodes

This week on the podcast, I'm speaking with my Vedic astrologer - Blaine Watson. Blaine has been a life-long student of astrology, having studied it since childhood. In 1980, on a trip to India, he became specifically interested in Vedic astrology and after almost 9 years of self-study, the Dean of the Department of Sanskrit at Benares Hindu University in Varanasi, India certified him as an expert in Jyotish. He's been a personal astrologer for the past 30 years, seeing over 30,000 clients in over 30 countries. And because the Vedic tradition prohibits him from advertising, clients find him only via word of mouth, which is a true testament to his expertise. This episode is part one of a two-part series on Vedic astrology, karma and transcendence. In this conversation, we discuss: Blaine's relationship to nature as a child growing up on a farm, what led him to seek out astrology when he was very young, the role of past life karma in a person's present life, all about Jyotish: what it is, its purpose, the difference between eastern and western astrology, what speeds up the process of our evolution, the incredible thing that astrologers in India do to gain trust from their clients, why there is no such thing as free will, and why it's almost impossible to miss your dharma (which is your life's purpose). Enjoy!Resources:Book an exploratory call for HomecomingOur Nature EP 16: The Architecture of Nature With Vaastu Consultant Hunter CressmanTo book a session with Blaine, email: blainepw@gmail.com  

This week, I'm speaking with Helen Phelan, a body neutrality pilates and movement instructor who believes that everyone deserves to feel good in their body. Helen's approach to fitness and health is one centered around how exercise makes you feel, versus how it makes you look. She uses conscious breathing techniques to enhance bodily intuition and high repetition sequences that encourage body awareness and mindfulness. As a former professional dancer, Helen developed disordered eating and exercise habits that caused a lot of self-criticism and harm. It was in her recovery that she realized just how often the boutique fitness industry subtly encouraged disordered eating and body shaming. She believes that the healing impact of the body neutral movement on mental health is the most important result exercise could give anyone.For full show notes, head to: https://ournaturepodcast.com/episodesConnect with Helen:Helen's InstagramHelen's WebsiteResources:EP 29: Movement for Every(body) with Jules Bakshi of Good MoveHelen Phelan Studio

Today's guest is a very dear friend of mine – Alexa Gantous of Trash Talk Studio. Alexa is a creative brand strategist and writer focused on eco-consulting. Her work uses ecological innovation and the power of play as a way to co-create a positive cultural impact. She is also the co-founder of LitterRally, a trash pick up dance party that elevates joy as a radical form of resistance and connects people to environmental action through fun. She's a contributing writer for Mind Body Green and host of the Trash Talk Studio Podcast where she interviews guests from different industries, disciplines and perspectives about how they apply environmentalism to their respective fields.Resources:HOMECOMING courseTimothy MortonPackage Free ShopTrash is for TossersAlain de Botton: A Gentler Kinder Philosophy of Success Ted TalkMind Body Green Article: Why I Consider Environmentalism the Ultimate Act of Emotional Awareness & Self-Love>> Our detailed show notes can be found at: https://ournaturepodcast.com/episodesConnect with Alexa: Alexa's InstagramAlexa's Website------------------------------------HOMECOMINGOur Nature's Newest Offering: **HOMECOMING** - A four-day retreat + six-week course ~ 2 spots left! (Deadline to book an exploratory call is Monday, August 9th)CLICK HERE to schedule an exploratory call ~ 

“We are all interacting with the energetic world already whether we are aware of it or not.” This week, I'm speaking with my favorite human on this earth - my partner David Sleininger. For those of you who have been friends of Our Nature for a while, you'll remember David because he was a guest on Episode 19 of Season 1 where he shared his incredible healing journey, guided by his intuition. Today, we do a deep dive into somatic energy healing - what it is, how it works, why it matters, David's gift of clairsentience, why more people don't do energy work, the root of many physical and emotional illnesses and the incredible healing that energy work can offer. I speak with David every day, but it was truly an honor and a joy to connect with him in this episode. David is not only a powerful healer, he's an equally powerful speaker. Embodiment is necessary in order to connect with nature in any meaningful capacity, so if you're struggling with anxiety, depression or a lot of mental activity, this episode is for you. Enjoy!>> Our detailed show notes can be found at: https://ournaturepodcast.com/episodesConnect with David:David's InstagramDavid's Website------------------------------------Announcing Our Nature's Newest Offering: **HOMECOMING**A four-day retreat + six-week course ~ only a couple spots remain CLICK HERE to schedule an informational call ~More details on HOMECOMING

This week I'm chatting with Tonya Papanikolov, the founder of Rainbo. Rainbo is a medicinal mushroom based line of supplements and functional foods whose mission is to optimize health and open minds with medicinal mushrooms. They believe that plants, food and fungi are medicine for the body, mind and consciousness. What I appreciate so much about Rainbo is how educating people on the healing power of fungi is so central to their purpose and that is exactly what we do in this episode! In this conversation we discuss: How Tonya's own healing journey turned her attention towards mushrooms, the definition of medicinal mushrooms, how mushrooms heal ecosystems, what mushrooms can teach us about ourselves, Tonya's theory about why they're trending right now and Tonya even briefly goes over the different tinctures Rainbo offers and their benefits. The world of fungi is so vast and complex that there's no way we could cover everything in this episode, but if you're new to the medicinal mushroom world like I was, I encourage you to check out Rainbo's website, where you'll find so many helpful resources about this magical, mysterious mushroom world.RESOURCES:EP 19: (Season 1 Finale!) Going all in, with Homesteader David SleiningerHow To Change Your Mind BookBraiding Sweetgrass BookEP 13: Mushrooms, Mycelium and More with Andrew Carter, Co-founder and CEO of Smallhold>> Our detailed show notes can be found at: https://ournaturepodcast.com/episodes-----------Announcing Our Nature's Newest Offering: **HOMECOMING** A four-day retreat + six-week course, currently with early bird pricing CLICK HERE to schedule a call by Friday June 25th and lock in early bird pricing!Note: If you book a call with me by Friday, June 25th  (even  if the call is after June 25th) you can lock in early bird rates More details on HOMECOMING  

This week I'm speaking with Angelo Grinceri, a functional wellness practitioner, eco grower and coach.  I've known Angelo for about five years and it's been a joy to watch his life unfold with all of the unexpected twists and turns of a meandering stream. Angelo is someone who spent the majority of his early career in the world of fitness and personal training where appearances often mattered more than anything that was happening on the inside. He trained Victoria's Secret models and in 2016 was named People Magazine's Sexiest Trainer Alive, an accolade that became a catalyst for deep inner reflection and re-evaluation. In 2020, Angelo left his fitness career, a long-term relationship and his home in New York City for a life in the country. He recently moved back to New York after a three month trip in Africa where he worked on a conservancy, lived in the bush, and helped build sustainable homes. In the process of living so close to the land and observing nature through tracking wildlife, Angelo re-discovered himself and what truly mattered. Resources:Alyssa's interview for the Pull It Together podcastThe Call to Unpack EventHolisticism Summer Solstice FestivalRise of Superman BookPower of Now BookFree Solo moviePeople Magazine Feature on Angelo For complete show notes, head to: https://ournaturepodcast.com/episodes

This week, I’m speaking with Courtney Lanctot founder of The Unpopular Black @theunpopularblack, whose mission is to "encourage Black adventure beyond the stereotypes and narratives of what Black people ‘don’t do.'" The goal of her company is to “show a real representation of Black people adventuring and provide information on how to access outdoor spaces and adventure activities that have been white facing/focused for far too long.” Nature is a place where we can all find belonging and I believe it's essential for each of us to work towards making the outdoors feel inclusive for everyone. Courtney’s vision is so powerful and I’m so inspired by the work she is doing in the outdoor space! Resources:Braiding SweetgrassThe Unpopular BlackThe Adventure DirectoryFor full show notes, visit: www.ournaturepodcast.com/episodesTo sign up for the Our Nature Newsletter, head to: ournaturepodcast.comOn what it was like to grow up in Alaska surrounded by nature, but disconnected from itWhat nature offers usWhat inspired Courtney to start The Unpopular BlackWhy Black people don’t feel like there’s a place for them on the trailThe 3 pillars of The Unpopular BlackHow The Unpopular Black helps Black people feel safe in the outdoorsThe delicate balance of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone while also creating a foundation of safety in natureThe challenges of putting away your phone so that you can be present in natureCourtney’s struggle to be present while also capturing contentWhere to begin if you’d like to cultivate a deeper relationship with nature through adventuringHow Courtney’s relationship with nature has shifted since starting The Unpopular BlackVision for The Unpopular Black going forwardWhat Courtney is most proud ofThe Last 5 Questions

Today’s episode is the final part of a series of conversations with my Ayurvedic teacher Dr. Bhaswati Bhattacharya. As many of you already know, Dr. Bhaswati is so incredible. I’ve been studying with her at the Dinacharya Institute through the Dinacharya master classes for about four years now. She is a biomedical scientist, international health specialist, primary care physician and holistic healer. She has a masters in neuroscience and pharmacology from Columbia University, a masters in International Public Health from Harvard University, and a doctorate from Rush Medical College. She’s a Fulbright Scholar. She was the the only Indian and the second woman in history to be selected as the Commencement Graduate Orator at Harvard University in 1993. Dr. Bhaswati is also the author of “Everyday Ayurveda” which outlines the daily habits that support health and well-being. I love talking to Dr. Bhaswati so much that I had her on three episodes! I just can’t get enough of her.Re-Naturing Immersion:>>> To register for the free 7-day Re-Naturing Immersion: CLICK HERECovid Relief for India:CLICK HERE to be taken to a Google form from Diaspora Co. where you can donate to vetted Covid Relief organizations For complete show notes: ournaturepodcast.com/episodesResources:Bhaswati’s websiteEveryday Ayurveda bookRe-Naturing ImmersionEP 27: Daily Habits That Can Change Your Life Featuring Ayurvedic Doctor Bhaswati BhattacharyaEP 39: How to Align Your Routine With The Cycles of Nature Featuring Ayurvedic Doctor and Holistic Healer Dr. Bhaswati Bhattacharya (Part 1)

This week I am so excited to welcome back Our Nature’s first repeat guest, my Ayurvedic teacher Dr. Bhaswati Bhattacharya to focus on the elements of Dinacharya, which is the Sanskrit word for the concept of looking at the cycles of nature and basing daily routines around these cycles to maintain optimum health.Before I go more into detail about what we discuss in this episode, here’s a refresher on Dr. Bhaswati. She is a biomedical scientist, international health specialist, primary care physician and holistic healer. She has a masters in neuroscience and pharmacology from Columbia University, a masters in International Public Health from Harvard University, and a doctorate from Rush Medical College. I also just learned that she was the first U.S. Fulbright Scholar to exclusively research medical ayurveda throughout India and teach at Banaras Hindu University. Today, she serves as the director of the Dinacharya Institute, teaching workshops, seminars and courses for students (such as myself) who are interested in studying Ayurveda. In her book “Everyday Ayurveda,” Dr. Bhaswati focuses on Dinacharya, or the daily habits that can change your life.What We Cover:Ayurveda in a nutshell as described by Dr. BhaswatiWhy everything you take in mattersWhy the body needs routine to maintain optimum healthEverything that’s involved in the early morning routineWhy you should touch the ground with your hands upon wakingYour morning alter - connecting to the divine through the five sensesThe natural cure for depressionHow to approach your daily routine according to your doshaDrinking water - how much, when, whyHow to modify Dinacharya according to the seasons or climateCircumstances when you should shift your DinacharyaWhat to do if you have chronic indigestionHow to bring more health and prosperity into your lifeSetting up rituals and observing what works for youThe best natural treatment for thyroid problemsRasa ShastraThe number one thing you can do for your healthThe last five questionsFor complete show notes, visit https://ournaturepodcast.com/episodes

This week, I’m speaking with Kristina Headrick of Yia Mas, a lifestyle brand and workshop series inspired by the traditions of wellness and self inquiry embedded in Hellenic culture. Yia Mas’ aim is to “elevate alternative perspectives of Greek culture beyond the mainstream.” Kristina is a Greek American who became fascinated with exploring new and more modern ways to present Greek folk remedies and ancient traditions. Through Yia Mas, she hosts workshops focusing on topics such as: Greek herbs and remedies for wellness or Greek dance gatherings. Whether you are Greek or not, you’ll definitely resonate with many of the practices in ancient Greece, which remind us to slow down, to live with intention and to celebrate and honor the powerful forces in nature. What we cover:What the term yia mas means and origins of Kristina’s company of the same nameGreek Mountain Tea and its significance in Greek cultureWhat about the land of Greece spoke to Kristina so deeplyThe concept of “friend of a foreigner”How Yia Mas has shaped Kristina in a personal wayHerbs that are endemic to GreeceWhy Greek dance is the antidote to our modern timesWhat the Greek myths can teach us about ourselvesThe myth of Persephone and its wisdomThe Greek philosophers and what they still offer usEpictetus - a primer for mindfulnessEudemonia - how to live with intention in order to flourishHow to honor a culture without appropriating itThe Last 5 QuestionsFor complete show notes, visit https://ournaturepodcast.com/episodes

This week, I’m speaking with Doniga Markegard, a wildlife tracker turned regenerative rancher. In her memoir, Dawn Again, Doniga shares the incredible story of how a near death experience as a teenager changed the course of her life, setting her on a new path, back to nature and reclaiming her wildness. From a young age, Doniga was steeped in indigenous wisdom and eventually adopted by an indigenous elder Gilbert Walking Bull. She learned the ways of the natural world at the Wilderness Awareness School, an alternative high school where there were no grades and the main measure of success involved having an active, participatory relationship with nature. An interest in permaculture led her to learn more about holistic management, and then regenerative ranching. Today, she operates Markegard Family Grass-Fed with her husband Erik, which is a regenerative cattle ranch that produces certified grass-fed and grass finished beef and lamb, and pasture raised chicken and pork.  

This episode will forever change the way you relate to the sun, your dental health and your microbiome. In this first episode of Season 3, I speak with one of my personal heroes – Nadine Artemis. She is the creator and inspirational force behind Living Libations, a botanically-rich line of serums, elixirs and oils that have a cult-like following, garnering rave reviews from the NY Times, The National Post and the Hollywood Reporter. Nadine busts so many wellness myths in this episode – from why you shouldn’t fear the sun, how traditional acne products make our skin worse and why “getting clean” can actually be harmful for our health. This episode will truly shift the way you experience your body as a part of nature. Covered in this episode:The philosophy of vitalismWhy the sun needs a new PR agentUVA vs. UVBHow to get safe sun!The myth of "getting clean"Why traditional acne products can make our skin worseHow to properly care for your yoniNadine’s game changing dental protocolWhat essential oils can do for our mouth’s microbiomeHow to heal a UTI naturallyWhy the health of your mouth is a litmus test for your overall healthHow Nadine connects with the earth element on a regular basisThe most exciting development Nadine has come across since writing Renegade BeautyResourcesEP 35: How Simple Can Be Sacred With Jenn Tardif of 3rd RitualRenegade Beauty bookLiving LibationsLiving the Good Life bookModern Painters bookD-minder: The vitamin D appYoni serum: Living LibationsD-mannose - Jonathan WrightHolistic Dental Care: The Complete Guide to Healthy TeethNadine’s 8 Step Dental SystemThe show notes for this episode can be found at www.ournaturepodcast.com/episodesIf you enjoyed this episode, please let me know by writing a review or sending me a DM on Instagram - @ournaturealways

“A hammer is just a hammer. But it’s you, by way of your intention, that either uses it to build something or destroy something.”“We’re always surrounded by natural patterns, but when there’s a moment of tension, it means that there’s resistance at play, and that might or might not be conscious. It’s really a resistance to the flow of movement that’s occurring around us and within us.”“A tree isn’t always sprouting new leaves. There’s a time in which it almost looks dead. And, it’s going to come back to life, and that’s exactly as it should be, because nothing is permanent, it’s in constant flux.”“When we view our lives through this binary lens of good or bad, or good or evil, then we can lose sight of that constant ebb and flow that’s actually much more nuanced and impermanent.”“I think of rituals as way of remembering because ultimately the state that we aspire to access isn’t something new, it’s not something foreign. It’s not taking ourselves somewhere we’ve never been. It’s a returning to.”RESOURCES:3rd Ritual3rd Ritual RetreatStaying Healthy With the SeasonsThe Hidden Life of TreesOde to Dirt by Sharon OldsSHOW NOTES:3rd Ritual’s tools and techniques that bring people into greater harmony with the natural worldAll about the BelThe origin story of 3rd RitualWhat inspired Jenn to create the 3rd Ritual RetreatThe seasons according to Chinese medicine and the meaning of fallThe difference between knowing and doing and why that’s okWhat nature teaches us about binary thinkingHow Jenn aligns 3rd Ritual with nature while existing within a capitalist systemThe business “no-no” that Jenn purposefully. ignoresWhy we have an epidemic of lonelinessWhy Jenn calls 3rd Ritual a collective and not a companyFrom intention to practice: ways to connect with nature from wherever you areThe difference between "ritual” and “routine”Jenn’s rituals for these timesThe Last Five QuestionsA guided breathwork practice for the fall seasonFor full show notes and resources, please visit www.ournaturepodcast.com

Resources:EP 22: How Nature Can Be Our Greatest Teacher With Biomimicry Student Azita ArdakaniDawn Again - Tracking the Wisdom of the WildRyan WestTeyana TaylorCreating A Life TogetherBaker Creek SeedsTending the WildWim HofConnect with Ethan:Ethan Delorenzo’s InstagramConnect with Our Nature Podcast:Follow Our Nature on InstagramSign up for the Our Nature Newsletter: www.ournaturepodcast.comFor full show notes, please visit wwww.ournaturepodcast.com

In this episode, I want to touch on three autumn-oriented practices that have been instrumental in helping me feel more grounded as I move through waves of anxiety and grief. We have nature within us, and because of that, the seasonal shifts in our external environment become expressed in our bodies. I mention this because we have just entered what we in the West call Fall. In Ayurveda, the life science from ancient India that I study, this time of year, from mid- September to the mid-November is called Sharat Ritu (with ritu meaning ‘season’ in Sanskrit). In fact, the seasonal changes are considered some of the most significant factors governing proper lifestyle and diet at any given time. Episode 10: Harness Your Energy and De-stress Your Body With Qigong Facilitator Michael VenturaEight Pieces of Silk Brocade by Judy K. Young

Quotes“Anytime that I’m out of sync, or need to be checked, I’m checking myself.” - Synmia Rosine x Our Nature“It’s very important that we understand that what has happened this year is beautiful in a way that: this is not sustainable. This way of thinking. This way of farming. This way of eating. This way of loving...it’s not sustainable.” - Synmia Rosine x Our Nature“We were all dealt a certain hand of cards, and some hands are better than others - for sure. But that’s none of our business. Our business is – acknowledging and accepting the fact that this is our hand, and how we can do better and prepare ourselves to make the best hand every time.” - Synmia Rosine x Our Nature“It’s this false idea that living in the country, living off the land, having your own homestead, growing your own food is difficult, is for poor people, is time consuming, is not important - all these things – when that’s the only thing that’s going to bridge us to what’s real.” - Synmia Rosine x Our Nature“I am not a healer. You have the power within yourself to heal you.” - Synmia Rosine x Our Nature“You have a revolution within.” - Synmia Rosine x Our Nature“The more you move. The more the universe moves.” - Synmia Rosine x Our Nature“Nature’s in everything. We are nature beings.” - Synmia Rosine x Our NatureRESOURCESTara Brach podcastSHOW NOTESOn how the fires and Covid-19 have affected SynmiaWhy giving birth and growing your own food are the realist, most tangible aspects of lifeHow to start your own garden in the easiest way possibleOn Synmia’s process of returning to nature and how a series of toxic events changed the course of her lifeHow Synmia got off prescription medication by turning towards indigenous wisdomHow the spiritual wellness community in California was not what it seemedThe practice that brought Synmia out of a rutOn how to feel empowered no matter how tough your circumstancesOn finding her calling in birth-work and how she defines the termWhy Synmia encourages her expectant mothers to take their pregnancy backWhy Synmia believes it’s so important to normalize birth and remove cultural fear around the processWhy pregnancy and birth is so divorced from community and how that negatively affects everyoneThe most important lesson I’ve learned by being the host of Our NatureOn the importance of finding guides and connecting with natureSynmia’s perspective on how we can end racial injusticeWhy ending racism is connected to saving the environmentWhy community is essential for us to heal each other and our planetHow to decolonize your dietSynmia practices for connecting with the natural worldThe Last Five QuestionsConnect with Synmia Rosine:Synmia's InstagramThe Last Five QuestionsWhat is your favorite place in nature? By the water…any body of water.What is the animal, mineral or plant that resonates with you the most? Comfrey - An herb that helps bones heal, it rejuvenates the soil. It’s really taught me that I don’t have to nit pick so much.What is one thing we can do right now to connect with the natural world and bring more harmony into our lives? 12 minutes of silence...reflection.What’s the greatest lesson nature has taught you? Patience. Peace. Reflection. To slow down and that we are not a reflection of God only, first we are a reflection of nature.Complete this sentence: Nature brings me…Joy.Connect with Our Nature Podcast:Follow Our Nature on InstagramSign up for the Our Nature Newsletter: www.ournaturepodcast.comGratitude List: This podcast would not be possible without the group of talented individuals below. I offer them my sincerest thanks and love.Graphics by: Tim LaSalleMusic by: Nick Ceglia and Andrea Cortez of Mind Body Music Center

ResourcesEpisode 30: Stressed? Meet Your Herbal Allies with Nadine Joseph of Peak and ValleyRosebud CBDBrooklyn DefenderThe Equity OrganizationEpisode 2: A Path To Deeper Consciousness With Rastafari Anthony BaileyEpisode 9: How to Heal Your Body With Plants Featuring Herbalist Rachelle RobinettCBD Dosing GuideWooden Spoon HerbsShow NotesThe benefits of CBDWhat Alexis’ relationship was to nature, growing up on a dairy farm in IndianaOn growing up anti-cannabis and the moment that changedWhat prompted Alexis to start Rosebud CBDThe challenges of starting a CBD company in an unregulated marketCBD as a gateway to deeper connection to selfGetting into the science: What CBD stands for, the definition of turpines, a rundown of the other cannabinoids and what they do for the body (THC, CBG, CBN)The dangers of heavy metals in CBD-based productsHow CBD affects our bodiesThe three types of hemp extracts: full spectrum, broad or wide spectrum, CBD isolateThe physical benefits of CBDWhy proper dosing is essentialSide effects of taking CBD…can you overdose?Rosebud CBD’s products - original, double, and extra strengthAlexis’ personal dosing amountsWhat to look for when choosing CBD productsThe role that privilege plays in the CBD industry and how Rosebud is addressing this privilegeHow Alexis is working to break the stigma around marijuana and why diversity in the industry mattersHow hemp can help heal the worldOther things we can do or take to receive similar benefits to CBDThe ways cannabis has brought Alexis closer to the natural worldThe Last Five Questions

Resources:Striped mapleThe Secret Life of Trees by Peter WohllebenEpisode 9: How to Heal Your Body With Plants Featuring Herbalist Rachelle RobinettPeak and ValleyPubMedDiaspora Co.Our Nature x Peak and ValleyAs a thank you for being an Our Nature listener, you can use code "OURNATURE" at checkout to receive $5 off your next order of Peak and Valley. Show Notes:On growing up with an understanding of the symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural worldWhat Nadine learned studying the neuroscience of stressWhat adrenal fatigue looks like in the bodyHow the culture of work in the United States is leading us to adrenal burnoutThe HPA axis in the body and why it’s importantHow Nadine’s own wellness journey led her to found Peak and ValleyNootropics - what they are and what they do for the brainWhy the beta-glucan content in mushrooms mattersAdaptogens - explainedPrimary, secondary and tertiary adaptogensPeak and Valley’s adaptogenic blendsWhat happened after Nadine began regularly consuming adaptogensNadine’s experience with entrepreneurshipAyurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s influence in the research behind adaptogensThe Nourish My Skin blend explained from an Ayurvedic perspectiveThe incredible health benefits of turmericWhy Nadine sources her turmeric from Diaspora Co.Why consumers need to be really careful when purchasing plant based productsHow to screen plant based products for purity and qualityHow different types of stress maps differently in the bodyThe limitations of adaptogensHighlighting Nadine’s favorite adaptogenic herbs + mushroomsHow the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement have affected Nadine personally and Peak and ValleyHow to honor the traditions that adaptogens came from without appropriating themThe Last Five Questions 

This week on Our Nature, I had the pleasure of chatting with one of my favorite individuals and teachers Jules Bakshi. She’s a dancer, choreographer, certified pilates instructor, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and the owner of GOOD MOVE, a dance and mindful fitness studio for movers of all levels, genders, races, shapes, and sizes. Her classes are designed to take the intimidation out of dancing and help you feel the joy, freedom, and empowerment of expression through movement, which you’ll hear much more about in the episode.

This week I chat with Danielle Beinstein, a psychological astrologer who combines astrology with archetypes to reveal and reflect different aspects of the human psyche. She believes that astrology offers us “a window into our personal life cycles.” Because astrology is so complex and individualistic that it’s hard to unpack without a specific chart to read from, I asked Danielle to give as much of a high level overview of astrology as possible. This interview was recorded remotely rather than my preferred in-person experience, so you’ll hear some background noise on the recording. We also start this conversation a bit differently than most episodes. We didn’t have a chance to connect prior to recording, so I spent time at the beginning of the call sharing some background with Danielle about why I started the podcast. This resulted in an interesting conversation about comfort and conditioning as it relates to nature. For example, for those of us who have felt disconnected from nature for a while, or perhaps for our whole lives, the process of connecting with the natural world can feel intimidating or uncomfortable. I think being honest about these feelings helps make them less feel like less of a barrier. I know this has been true for me. This episode is both for people new to astrology and for those who are familiar with it, but curious about how astrology and psychology connect. Danielle uses archetypes and her intuitive gifts to invite people to bring a sense of agency and consciousness when learning about their innate energy. I think this episode is especially important in this moment when many people I know, myself included, are turning inward and doing deep work. So, without further ado, welcome to my conversation with Danielle Beinstein.

This week, I chat with my longtime Ayurveda teacher Doctor Bhaswati Bhattacharya. Dr. Bhaswati is a biomedical scientist, international health specialist, primary care physician and holistic healer. She has a masters in neuroscience and pharmacology from Columbia, a masters in International Public Health from Harvard University, and a doctorate from Rush Medical College. She also completed a mid-career Phd from Banaras Hindu University in India. Dr. Bhaswati was selected from over 4000 graduates as the Commencement Graduate Orator at Harvard University in 1993, the only Indian and the second woman in history to be given this opportunity. She serves as the director of the Dinacharya Institute, teaching workshops, seminars and courses for students (such as myself) who are interested in studying Ayurveda and is the author of "Everyday Ayurveda," a book about the daily habits that can change your life. Dr. Bhaswati has far too many accolades for me to name them all here, but she’s been an incredible teacher and friend as I continue to immerse myself in the world of Ayurveda.

This week, I will not be putting out a typical Our Nature episode like I usually do because this is not a typical time. Many of us who are white are waking up to the ways that our unearned privilege has made us blind and passive to the ongoing suffering of Black people in America, suffering that has endured for over 400 years. Nature’s way is for the long haul. Nature’s brilliance evolves and unfolds over time. I do believe that if each of us who has benefited and continues to benefit from racial inequality does the deep work, work that sometimes makes us feel uncomfortable, we can truly begin to undo racism within ourselves and within our society. This moment is a movement, and it deserves our attention and sustained support. As my favorite spiritual teacher Tara Brach says “Each of us has a medicine to bring to these times.” I invite you to reflect on what medicine you uniquely bring – a revolution has many lanes.

This week I’m chatting with April Valencia, a photographer, textile artist, sustainability consultant and private chef. She’s shot for Apiece Apart, Levi’s Made and Crafted, Sezane, Gjusta, among others, cooked for Yola Mezcal and the ICA in London, and she’s also on the board at the Elizabeth Street Garden in Manhattan. My dear friend Caroline Ventura introduced us because she knew I was heading to LA for three months and thought we’d enjoy meeting each other. What started as a leisurely meal in Venice, turned into a friendship, and I’m so excited to share this interview with April for what I believe is her first podcast interview. I wanted to speak with her because she’s had such a wide ranging, varied life - from being married at 21 and working at Trump Tower in New York, to losing her brother and finding herself alone in the jungle of the Yucatan, April’s life has shifted and evolved as she’s grown into herself. Nature teaches us that the only permanence is change, and April’s journey feels in harmony with nature. It’s always changing, hard to define, and that’s precisely what makes it so vibrant and beautifully complex. Be sure to listen all the way to the end of this conversation because April shares an important perspective for anyone struggling with a chronic health condition, or simply anyone who feels overwhelmed by often conflicting and confusing health advice. With that, let’s get into my conversation with the wonderful April Valencia, who actually just celebrated her birthday on Monday. Enjoy!

Welcome to a very special episode of Our Nature. On the last episode of the podcast, I spoke with Water Healer Jobi Manson about water, and its power to transform us through its inherent wisdom. Jobi leads people into their creative expression through water immersion experiences in the ocean, which she calls “Sefaris.” She came to this practice through her own transformational relationship with water after a life changing accident almost left her permanently paralyzed. In order to have the proper context for this episode, I encourage you to go back and listen to Jobi’s incredible journey on the last episode of Our Nature, episode 23, if you haven’t already. Originally, we had the idea to record a part 2 of that episode after I had been on a Sefari so you could all get a glimpse into what that experience was like, but because we’re social distancing right now, that wasn’t possible. So I wanted to offer the next best thing, perhaps an even better thing! A chance for all of you to experience water’s creative power through a bath ritual and meditation hosted by Jobi Manson. What I love about this offering is that we have an opportunity to connect with the most powerful element in nature from wherever we’re sheltering in place (as long as you have access to a bathtub). It was always my hope for Our Nature to provide simple, practical things you can do to connect with the natural world and in turn, yourself, in the most accessible way possible. And, this feels like one of those offerings. Please visit ournaturepodcast.com for full show notes.

There’s no better way to celebrate Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary than by sharing an episode that focuses on the life giving element of water. Jobi Manson is a water healer, a creative director, photographer, entrepreneur and designer. She believes that “nature is the key to a creative life” and helps guide people into their creative expression through water immersion. Jobi calls these experiences “Sefari’s” or rebirth water experiences. Think of them as adventures into one’s creativity by inviting in water’s inherent wisdom. For Jobi, water is the most powerful and essential element within all forms of life, one that helps us feel and move our emotions with ease. She’s led Sefari experiences for people such as the Founder of Toms Shoes to the Founder of Conscious City Guide, among others. In this episode we discuss: what makes water so unique and healing, how water can be the key to unlocking our creativity, what happens during a Sefari experience, Jobi’s path from surfer to Sefari guide, the serious accident that changed everything for Jobi (wait until you hear more about this profound experience), how we can better understand our emotions and feelings in order to be with them differently, and how we can more easily flow with the waves of our lives.

This week, I’m speaking with Azita Ardakani all about biomimicry, which according to Azita, is about revealing nature’s strategies to solve problems or create new innovations. She’s currently studying biomimicry at Arizona State University, but prior to this, Azita had an incredibly successful career living in New York City as the founder of Lovesocial, a communications agency that landed her on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. I don’t want to give too much away because I think Azita should share her story in her own words, but Azita chose a radical path and left her agency and life in New York for an extended moment of pause and contemplative connection with the natural world. Her story is nature’s story - resilient, complex, full of opposites, and ever expansive.

This week’s episode is an incredibly fascinating conversation about music and sound with Andrea Cortez. Andrea is a board certified music therapist, sound artist and sound meditation instructor. She specializes in studying the effects of music on the brain and body to help people rehabilitate from brain injury and neurological disorders. She founded the Mind Body Music center whose mission is to utilize and promote music’s inherent therapeutic and healing qualities in order to elevate the minds, bodies and hearts of others. Her work has brought her to playing music for animals and even with plants using a fascinating device called Plant Wave that detects electrical variations in plants and these variations are then translated into pitch messages that play musical instruments. Be sure to listen to the end of the episode to hear more about how Andrea composes music with plants. Throughout the conversation you’ll also have a chance to hear samples of music that Andrea has composed with plants and compiled into her Secret Song of Plants album. If you want to learn more about Andrea, her teachings, and journey into the world of sound, tune into her podcast called Sound Meditation Radio.

Welcome back to Season 2 of Our Nature with the authentic and delightful Kerrilynn Pamer of CAP Beauty. Kerrilynn is the co-founder of natural beauty store CAP Beauty and the co-author of the bestselling book “High Vibrational Beauty,” which combines mantras, meditation, natural skincare recipes, and practices with the aim of helping you achieve natural radiance. What I love about Kerrilynn is how open and real she is. She doesn’t claim to be perfect, to have it all figured out, but rather, she’s a work in progress, as all of us are. In this episode we discuss Kerrilynn’s journey to from the fashion industry to eventually founding CAP, how she defines beauty, why the word “natural” is often misused, elitism in the wellness industry and the simple practices that are free (but profound), how to be well when you don’t have a lot of money, what high vibrational beauty means to Kerrilynn, and the personal practices that keep her physically, emotionally and spiritually well. I chose this conversation to be my kick off for season 2 because I believe we all want to feel beautiful, and I think Kerrilynn does an incredible job of articulating what multi-dimensional beauty really looks like.

Welcome to the Season 1 finale of Our Nature! This week’s guest is a very special one to me because he happens to be my boyfriend. David Sleininger is a former jazz musician turned homesteader turned energy healer. His story is one of both devastating injury and immense healing. I don’t want to give too much away because I think it’s important for him to share his story in his own voice, but I will say that after years of darkness and suffering, he turned to nature for support...and it was instrumental in helping him heal from chronic pain. His journey is so inspiring to anyone dealing with chronic pain or injury, anyone who is interested in learning more about homesteading or simply being more self reliant, and anyone who is looking to witness someone who has followed their intuition even when the path seemed uncertain.In this episode, we talk about what homesteading is, why there has been a recent resurgence in homesteading, what David’s homestead looks like, his journey from music to bread baking to homesteading to energy healing and what each shift has taught him along the way, why he can’t use power tools and how that affected his building project, what nature taught him about himself, the balance of feminine and masculine and so much more. It was vulnerable and fun for me to record this podcast with David. We’re very real with each other as you’ll hear. David doesn’t have social media at all and I don’t put him on my social media, so it feels really special to use this platform to share his story. I hope you enjoy it and I’ll see you in 2020!“I tend to think about things like - am I moving away from something, or am I moving towards something?” - David Sleininger“I have had a few dramatic shifts in my life and I have found that when my intuitive voice is loud enough, if I follow it, those transitions are actually much smoother and more settled than you’d think.” - David Sleininger“Being with nature is a dance.” - David SleiningerRESOURCES:HolisticismBirth Chart ToolSeth Godin's Akimbo: Episode about sunk costsBiggest Little Farm MovieHelen + Scott NearingBack to the land movementThe Good Life CenterLiving The Good Life BookDavid's Homesteading ApprenticeshipEP 08: A Pain Free Existence With Alexander Technique Practitioner Alan KatzDavid’s emailSHOW NOTES:What homesteading isWhy there has been a recent resurgence in homesteadingA description of David’s homesteadThe devastating injury that caused David to give up playing music permanentlyDavid’s journey from a bread baker and homestead apprentice to purchasing his land in rural MaineWhat it was like for David to transition from an urban to a rural placeWhy David couldn’t use power tools and what that meant for his homesteading projectHow David got through his darkest momentsWhat nature taught David about himselfDavid’s newest chapter in New York CityThe Last 5 QuestionsConnect with David:Email: David.Sleininger@gmail.comConnect with The Our Nature Podcast:Follow Our Nature on InstagramSign up for the Our Nature Newsletter: www.ournaturepodcast.comEmail me at: ournaturepodcast@gmail.comGratitude List: This podcast would not be possible without the group of talented individuals below. I offer them my sincerest thanks and love.Graphics by: Tim LaSalleMusic by: Nick CegliaTHE LAST 5 QUESTIONS:1. What is your favorite place in nature? Anywhere that can wake me up despite myself.2. What is the animal, mineral or plant that resonates with you the most? I have always felt deeply connected to trees.3. What is one thing we can do right now to connect with the natural world and bring more harmony into our lives? Look up a tree, or rock or plant you’re curious about and learn about it.4. What’s the greatest lesson nature has taught you? That I’m capable. That I can do it. And that – nature will support everything I need, anytime I need it.5. Complete this sentence: Nature brings me…If I listen to what’s going on in my inner nature and connect to the natural world around me, I’ll have the information, I’ll have the intuitive messaging, I’ll have the health that I need to do what I feel drawn to do.

Probiotics are everywhere. But what’s the deal with these strains of bacteria that are supposed to work wonders for our guts and – therefore – our overall health? This week on Our Nature, Ara Katz, the co-founder and co-CEO of Seed is on the show to demystify the microbiome. Seed is a life science and consumer health company focused on the microbiome and its undeniable potential in shaping the future of human and planetary health. Before founding Seed, Ara co-founded the mobile commerce company Spring and was named in Marie Claire’s The New Guard: The 50 Most Influential Women in the US. Being someone who has studied digestion through the Ayurvedic perspective, I thought I already knew a lot about the microbiome and our gut bacteria, but Ara brings a wealth of fascinating and lesser-known information to this episode in a way that is easy to understand and assimilate. Seed empowers their customers to learn about gut health first so they can then make informed decisions. Wait until you hear this episode – you’ll be so much more thoughtful about your daily practices after hearing what Ara has to say about the bacteria inside our bodies. In this episode we talk about: what the microbiome is and what it does for us, how the microbiome has shifted as we’ve evolved (or as Ara called it - the climate change of our insides), why big pharma and science are very different and why this distinction is so important, the multiple microbiomes that live in areas other than our gut, why not all probiotics are the same, the myths and misunderstandings about probiotics and what’s actually true, what you can do to increase your microbial diversity (the answer isn’t just take probiotics), how to know if the probiotics you are taking are “working,” and so much more. Get ready to go deep!QUOTES:When it comes to your microbiome - “Help them, help you.” - Ara Katz“We’re actually learning about our bodies through marketing campaigns and through products that claim to do something and I’m not sure that that serves us.” - Ara Katz“The greatest marker of health is resilience. It’s the idea that under some antagonism, how soon (and in what way) can you return to that place of stasis.” - Ara Katz“People need a door to walk through and they need someone to extend a hand to walk them through it.” - Ara Katz“The only way that I believe people can get better is by being empowered with the truths of the things that they can do – or choose not to do – that don’t cost them anything.” - Ara KatzRESOURCES:Seed The Human Genome ProjectD-Mannose for UTIsSHOW NOTES:Why people are so invested in the microbiome right now?How our microbiome has become a symbol for the marriage of eastern and western health philosophiesWhat is the microbiome and what it does for usOur multiple microbiomes and what we know about them so farHow the microbiome has shifted as we’ve evolvedThe climate change of our insides - what has caused the microbiome to shift over multiple generationsWhat has supported our microbiome in the pastWhat menstruation does to our microbiomeThe story of why Ara founded SeedHow big pharma and science are different and why that’s such an important distinction to makeWhat probiotics are and why Seed probiotics are differentAll about allostasisHow Seed probiotics account for the fact that every person’s microbiome is differentWhy SEED probiotics need to be refrigeratedHow long before Seed probiotics start working and how to determine whether they are workingSeed’s new research on developing a revolutionary treatment for UTI’s that don’t involve antibiotics99% of bacteria are neutral or goodWhy Kimchi and Kombuchas don’t have probiotic impactHow sex disrupts our microbiomeThe relationship between science and spiritualityThe Last 5 Questions!THE LAST 5 QUESTIONS:What is your favorite place in nature? Anywhere where I’m surrounded and can’t see the built environment.What is the animal, mineral or plant that resonates with you the most? I could never pick a favorite in nature. We’d be sitting here for hours if we tried.What is one thing we can do right now to connect with the natural world and bring more harmony into our lives? Be in it.What’s the greatest lesson nature has taught you? That we are of it.Nature brings me…Breath.Connect with Seed:Seed’s InstagramSeed’s WebsiteConnect with The Our Nature Podcast:Follow Our Nature on InstagramSign up for the Our Nature Newsletter: www.ournaturepodcast.comGratitude List: This podcast would not be possible without the group of talented individuals below. I offer them my sincerest thanks and love.Graphics by: Tim LaSalleMusic by: Nick Ceglia

This week on Our Nature, I spoke with Molly Steele, a Los Angeles-based analog photographer who whose work evokes an emotional discourse of intimacy, nature and alternate lifestyles separate from the status quo. I first came across Molly’s photographs in 2015 on Instagram and fell in love with the very personal way she captures the natural world. What also struck me about Molly was watching her embark on solo excursions into the wilderness, something I could never fathom doing out of fear of being alone with nature. Aside from talking about courage and inspiration, we discuss many things: Molly’s path to becoming a photographer, why she doesn’t keep plants in her home, what it’s like to go solo into nature, why people are so unfulfilled today, why we sometimes resist nature even though we know it can be healing for us, and what photographing the natural world has taught her about herself. This conversation was so interesting and eye opening for me, I know it will make you reconsider the way you interact with nature and with other people going forward. Enjoy the wonderful and wise Molly Steele.RESOURCES:Molly Steele’s WebsiteThe Owens ValleyStanding RockCity of Quartz BookFeed by M.T. AndersonSHOW NOTES:What it was like to grow up isolated on an herb farmHow living in a city has changed the way she thinks about connecting with the natural worldWhy Molly doesn’t have plants in her homeHow a life changing event shifted the way she explores the natural worldWhy checking want and desire is the key to wasting lessWhy millennials have to work extra hard to connectWhy we resist nature even though we know it would be healing for usHow being at Standing Rock changed Molly’s perspective on LA and living the way she livesWhat photographing the natural world has taught Molly about herselfWhat inspires Molly’s photographyThe Last 5 Questions!Connect with Molly Steele: Molly’s InstagramMolly’s WebsiteConnect with The Our Nature Podcast:Follow Our Nature on InstagramSign up for the Our Nature Newsletter: www.ournaturepodcast.comGratitude List: This podcast would not be possible without the group of talented individuals below. I offer them my sincerest thanks and love.Graphics by: Tim LaSalleMusic by: Nick CegliaTHE LAST 5 QUESTIONS:What is your favorite place in nature? The Northern California coastline - the lost coast. What is the animal, mineral or plant that resonates with you the most? Bryophytes - mosses really thrive in wet environments and are humble presenting. What is one thing we can do right now to connect with the natural world and bring more harmony into our lives? Put down your phone, step outside your door and look up for five minutes. If you feel good having done that, go further because it’s worth it. What’s the greatest lesson nature has taught you? That humans are trash and it’s all our fault. Nature brings me…Life.

For this week’s episode of Our Nature, I chat with Vaastu Consultant Hunter Cressman. I’m guessing you’ve probably never heard of Vaastu before. I know I hadn’t until Hunter spoke about it during a vedic meditation class at the Spring Meditation Center back in June. Vaastu is the architecture of nature. It is incredibly precise and specific. It’s designed to create well-being in a space through a series of mathematical principles that are applied to determine the direction a building is facing, its measurements, the materials its made of, etc. “Each one of us, we have a fundamental frequency inside of ourselves,” says Cressman. “And what we want to do is align our frequency with the frequency of the building, so that they resonate together in harmony.”In this episode, you’ll learn the core principles of Vaastu, how it differs from Feng Shui, where to see examples of vaastu buildings, why measurements need to be within the width of a hair, how to pay tribute to the culture and people that are the originators of Vaastu, how to conceptualize and contextualize the ancient texts of Vaastu within our modern society, and how to create Vaastu energy even if you don’t have the means or desire to construct a Vaastu building. I’m so excited for you to hear about Vaastu from Hunter. I think he’s on the forefront of a new way of building and imagining our spaces and I’m thrilled to bring you this knowledge before it reaches the masses! Please enjoy my conversation with Vaastu Consultant Hunter Cressman.QUOTES:“The Veda is a body of wisdom that has been around for thousands of years. It's knowledge of nature, knowledge of our central nature as humans, and understanding our nature through practices such as meditation, yoga and ayurvedic medicine.” - Hunter Cressman“Vaastu is a series of mathematical principles that are followed in order to bring about a resonance inside of a contained space that contains qualities of well-being, so that any inhabitants in that contained space, will resonate with those qualities and benefit from the design of the space.” - Hunter Cressman“Vaastu is pure, unmanifest energy – and that pure consciousness contains all qualities of consciousness.” - Hunter Cressman“Each one of us has a fundamental frequency inside of ourselves. And what we want to do is align our frequency with the frequency of the building so that they resonate together in harmony.” - Hunter Cressman“There’s a subtle geometry to our central nature and Vaastu mimics that geometry in order to create this resonance between the two from our inner nature to the outside. Vaastu is a way of using the containment of space or architecture to awaken us from the inside out.” - Hunter CressmanRESOURCES:EP 01 of Our Nature With Ayurvedic Chef Divya AlterTen Thousand WavesBandelier National MonumentGeorgia O'Keeffe's home and studioHunter Cressman Vedic MeditationEP 04 of Our Nature With Feng Shui Expert Susan BalabanAmerican University of Mayonic Science and TechnologySHOW NOTES:The difference between vedic meditation and VaastuThe main principles of Vaastu architectureThe difference between Vaastu and VaastuHow Vaastu architecture developed from the ancient textsExamples of Vaastu Architecture - the Taj Majal and the pyramidsThe four main aspects of VaastuWhy topography is a critical factor in VaastuThe reason measuring within an inch is still not enough in a Vaastu buildThe Vaastu mandala and how it is used to create customized measuresThe difference between Feng Shui and VaastuWhat is subtle nature?Why Vaastu does’t have “cures” for energy like in Feng ShuiWhy Vaastu matters for people right nowHow we can pay tribute to the culture and people that are the originators of VaastuHow we can conceptualize and contextualize the ancient texts of Vaastu within our modern societyWhy the materials of building factors into determining the life of the Vaastu energy in the buildingWhat’s ahead for Hunter now that he graduated from the Vaastu programHow to create Vaastu energy if you don’t have the means or capacity to build a Vaastu homeThe Last 5 Questions!Connect with Hunter Cressman:Hunter’s InstagramWell Design Co.’s InstagramConnect with Alyssa and The Our Nature Podcast:Follow Our Nature on InstagramAlyssa Benjamin's InstagramGet in touch! Suggest a guest, reach out about collaborations or just say hi: ournaturepodcast@gmail.comSign up for the Our Nature Newsletter: www.ournaturepodcast.com

In nature, flowers exist for reproductive purposes. But, for humans, they’ve been a source of awe and inspiration for centuries. For Georgia O’Keefe, they were her ever-generous subjects. In “A New Earth,” spiritual teacher and author, Eckhart Tolle, writes: “When you are alert and contemplate a flower, crystal or a bird without naming it mentally, it becomes a window for you into the formless. There is an inner opening, however slight, into the realm of the spirit.” The giving and receiving of flowers has traditionally symbolized love and a positive gesture towards intimacy. But, as with anything that is produced en masse, the floral industry has negative implications on human health and the health of our planet. So, the next time you go to the bodega, or the supermarket or even your local florist to buy flowers, I invite you to ask - where have these come from?That mystery is revealed this week during my conversation with Elena Seegers, a designer, botanist and florist, and an advocate for slow flowers, a movement started by florist Debra Prinzing for people who are interested in supporting local, domestically-sourced flowers. In this episode we discuss the dark side of imported flowers, why most conventionally grown roses don’t have a scent, the little-known, but toxic monopoly that is floral foam, the slow flower movement and the leaders of sustainable florals who are making a difference, and how to shop for flowers in an ethical way. You’ll also learn why Valentine’s Day is actually the worst time to buy flowers.This conversation blew my mind in the best way and I know you’ll appreciate this knowledge the next time you have the power to choose what and how you buy flowers!QUOTES:“You have to be a very peculiar person to work with flowers and not be fundamentally nice.” - Elena Seegers“If you have a band around the center of the world, that’s where most of the floral production happens.” - Elena Seegers“If you want a peony in January, they all come from Australia.” - Elena Seegers“Scent is costly to a flower in that it takes a lot of energy for it, so that the more a flower smells, the less long it will last.” - Elena SeegersConnect with Elena Seegers:Le Fleuriste WebsiteLe Fleuriste InstagramConnect with The Our Nature Podcast:Follow Our Nature on InstagramSign up for the Our Nature Newsletter: www.ournaturepodcast.comRESOURCES:New York Botanical GardensDebra Prinzing’s Slow Flowers PodcastMaterials for the ArtIn Defense of Plants PodcastPreston BaileyGarbage Goddess InstagramPsychology Today: Why Flowers Make Us HappyEmily Thompson’s Sustainable FloristrySHOW NOTES:On growing up in a small town in Southwest FranceThe story behind the creation of her blog - Le FleuristeHow an internship at the Ritz turned Elena away from traditional floristryBotanical Agency - Elena’s artistic practice working with plants on an exhibition-type basisAn introduction to the Slow Flower MovementWhat’s floral foam? And why is it so toxic?How the American government encouraged the rose industry in Columbia in order to dissuade people from cultivating cocoa for cocaineWhy the global rose industry is detrimental to local populationsWhy most conventionally grown roses don’t have scentThe most wasteful parts of the design and agricultural aspects of the floral industryHow Garbage Goddess is creating a low waste option for floral designHow Elena ensures that she wastes as little as possible when she produces eventsWhy there isn’t more of a public outcry about waste and pesticide use in the floral industryHow to shop for flowers in a sustainable wayThe Slow Flower Movement and the American Grown dinner seriesFloral foam - the worst!!!Little known facts about indoor plantsFlowers make us feel goodWhy buying flowers during Valentine’s Day is the worst time to buy flowersDid you some flowers are GMO?Elena’s hack for inexpensive, sustainable flowersElena’s favorite flowerWhere to go if you’re interested in learning more about slow flowers and the Slow Flower MovementElena and Simon’s original idea for Le FleuristeThe difference between native and non-native flowers and where to find themThe Last Five Questions!THE LAST 5 QUESTIONS:1. What is your favorite place in nature? My parent’s in the south of France.2. What is the animal, mineral or plant that resonates with you the most? Salt!3. What is one thing we can do right now to connect with the natural world and bring more harmony into our lives? Use the greens on the top of your vegetables.4. What’s the greatest lesson nature has taught you? Interconnectivity. The fact that each being is a big multicellular bag of different organisms and bacteria.5. Nature brings me…Home.