Holistic Nature of Us: Recent Episodes
Judith Dreyer
My intent is to take us, you and I, into a better understanding of the concepts behind our holistic nature and how that ties directly to the holistic nature of the world around us. How can we connect the dots in practical ways that we are nature and nature is in us? Sharing a Passion for Sustainable, Regenerative, Growth Solutions: I feature a broad range of authors and educators, practitioners and others whose passion for this earth help us create bridges. We'll see what's trending, what's relevant to our world today not just for land use but to connect the dots between ourselves and nature. It's time for practical action and profound inner change so our natural world is valued once again.
Description: Sara Daves shares a heartwrenching yet incredible story that demonstrates how unexpected life events shape us. Together we talk about how we can learn, grow, thrive, and become more through seemingly incomprehensible circumstances. I can't tell you more except to say that Sara is articulate and clear about her journey.
Today she is an Intuitive Purpose Coach, helping clients to clarify their true life's purpose so they can stop into their authenticity and manifest the magnificent life that is waiting for them. She relates the depths of her programs and encourages us to be daring, step into the unknown. Don't wait.
Sara is also a conflict resolution facilitator, helping others resolve their internal and external conflict at the core so they can heal their wounds and experience supportive, loving relationships.
We are in a time of social unrest, seeking solutions to centuries-old paradigms that need to shift for the benefit of ourselves on this planet.
I am excited to share with you a summary of the many organizations reflected in many of these podcast interviews. Dedicated folks, a part of organizations that seek ways to help with climate change, be a messenger of solutions each in their own way. They inspire and give me hope that when each of us contributes however big or small the step, we make a difference. Join me now for a summary of their mission and their talents. I enjoyed making this summary because each one reminds me that passion, doing what we love, taking a chance, looking outside the box is invigorating and rewarding.
My guests for this podcast series come from many locations and offer so many resources. I hope you enjoyed Part 1 which summarized 10 books mostly in the sustainable agriculture field whether home garden, farm, or ranch. Today's podcast summarizes 10 more books, some fiction, non-fiction, one for children's, and one for teens. And don't forget to play. Linda Wiggen Craft, one fo my first guests, is a garden designer and artist. She offers unique mandalas to color, another form of meditation. The transcript below contains the list of books mentioned in this podcast. Most are available through Amazon or their websites. Enjoy!
Reading opens doors not only to our imagination but prods our inner worlds. We travel to unfamiliar landscapes. We explore new ideas, creative thoughts, and learn. Hopefully, we evolve within ourselves too, relating to the human condition through stories both fact and fiction. and lastly, we can emerge changed. We use our inner senses to feel and know the heart of things, the trials, and the suffering. some even ask us to question more.
Through the written word we can explore, evaluate, and embrace new values, connections, and maybe expand our inner horizons so that we may make a difference in the outer world. Books! I am a bibliophile, a deep lover of books, and the power of the written word.
As producer and host of the podcast series, Holistic Nature of Us, I talk to folks all over our country, Canada, and even South Africa. I come away inspired by tireless efforts to make a difference here on our planet, one action step, one community, one organization at a time. So, I thought it would be fun to create a podcast that highlights several books from so many outstanding and inspiring guests. My guests come from all over the US but also the Netherlands, Australia, Poland, Ireland, and more. It's truly been an exciting project.
So here goes: a podcast created in two parts. There are so many authors and books that I had to divide the list into two and create two podcasts. I hope you enjoy these summaries, why I liked them. I hope you will send us your likes and preferences too. So many of you have written comments and I am really grateful. Who inspires you? We'd love to know. Enjoy and thanks. Judith
Ayana Young is deeply concerned about environmental issues, including social justice, ecology, and land-based restoration. She has been the force behind a native species nursery and research center, including the establishment of the 1 Million Redwoods Project, and the film when When Old Growth Ends. Ayana is a podcast host on “For the Wild,” a weekly show featuring thought-leaders at the forefront of an environmental, artistic, scientific, political, and cultural shift.
Join us for discussions about her projects and how nature is teaching her and her team to have patience, slow down, and immerse within the community of plants.
I invited Ajamu Ayinde back to chat with him about what he is seeing in his clients at this time and what tips he can offer us. Mental health, and mental stamina are needed as we all support and help each other today. Join us for a thoughtful discussion.
My guest this week, Nate Liebenberg, co-founder of idiveblue.com, is passionate about bringing awareness to the problem we have created with throwaway plastics. They harm so many ocean species. They pollute these precious waters. They harm us.
Ayana Young is deeply concerned about environmental issues including social justice, ecology, and land-based restoration. She has been the force behind a native species nursery and research center including the establishment of the 1 Million Redwoods Project, the film when Old Growth Forests Die.
What food sources can you place in the landscape? Observation is the key to the best results. Bettylou gives us many practical tips for adding edibles to our landscape. Have fun, explore and experiment. Tune in for many practical how to's.
Dr. Seneff has devoted over 12 years to understand what has been skyrocketing autism rates in the US and around the world. When COVID-19 pandemic began she considered whether glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) might play a role.
Michael Judd is the author of Edible Landscaping with a Permaculture Twist: How to have a yard and eat it too? Join us for an engaging and practical discussion about creating mulch, adding small fruit trees, plant diversity and more.
Dr. Jean Shinoda Bolen world-renown author, speaker. Dr. Bolen, a psychiatrist, a Jungian analyst known for her contributions to our understanding of archetypes, symbolism, and her activism by working for women's rights globally.
Brother Mark's message is timely. Through the stories of St Francis of Assisi and St Clare, he engages us in a timeless message that our world is Holistic. We are a part of this world, interrelated to all species and a part of the organism we call home.
Gail Reynolds, coordinator for the University of Connecticut's Composting Program, returns to share her tips and insights on what creates good composting practices.
Join us for an engaging discussion through the science and art of sound as a healing modality.
Join us for an engaging discussion. Lana shares her story, how the subconscious mind works and why using our intuitive capabilities to choose our foods works. Happy eating.
Join us for a fascinating journey into bogs where Gail highlights some plants useful in the wet areas on your property. At the very least, Gail opens our eyes to the variety of plant species that are found here, ones we can look for on future hikes.
No one likes the doom and gloom yet we are facing some very serious ecological issues. Nature has solutions and if we pay attention today, improve our own yards with sustainable plants and growth, we can make a difference.
Agneta Borstein, a professional astrologer, talks about astrology as a science and a language. What do the planets and signs say to us this year? Agneta believes this is a year to implement what we believe in, the time is now.
Susan Hoffman-Fishman, artist and writer was deeply moved by the Fukushima, Japan nuclear accident. She and art partner Elena Kalman have partnered up to create hands-on art dedicated to raising awareness about our precious water and homelessness.
So many of us are concerned about the declining monarch populations. Montreal Canada Insectarium has a 3-year program, Mission Monarch, part of an international research and education effort aimed at saving the migratory populations of monarchs.
Technology surrounds us. We place our phones near our computers while we watch big screen TVs. My guest this week, Sara Banta, returns with more information about the detrimental health effects technology is causing and gives us some solutions.
Can plants help us with our physical therapy? Do plants clean air, add moisture, and lift the mood? Meet Jeff, the plant guy, who offers therapeutic horticulture. He describes the joy, and the memories they stir up for us in so many ways.
Planting trees is one of the main focuses for the Arbor Day Foundation. Today's guest, Woodrow Nelson, tree lover, and planter, talks about the Arbor Day Foundation's initiative to plant 100,000,000 trees by 2020.
Sara Banta relates her story of family illnesses and her journey to bring foundational health back to her family. Through nutrition studies, understanding complementary medicine she helped each one find health.
Dr. Pasternak talks about spring allergens, our body's response and how naturopathic/integrative medicine work together to achieve an approach that supports our body's natural intelligence.
Plant-based eating that minimizes processed foods, meats and increases organic, purchases for fruits, veggies, legumes, and grains make a difference. Join us for an enlightening discussion where Kathleen shares her story benefits of plant-based eating.
Join Chris Salem and me for an engaging and inspiring discussion on how looking at our limiting beliefs, how getting to the root cause of our problems leads to more sustainable solutions.
She describes how urban families often struggle with the care of young infants and children. Housing insecure, food insecure, and job insecure doesn't leave much energy for their care. Her holistic approach fosters more consistent nurturing and considers a mind, body, spirit approach
Energy Medicine is another spoke on the wheel of health and healing. Several modalities like color and sound are medicines of the near future. Dr. Gordon Pedersen joins us to discuss energy medicine from the point of view of bioelectric medicine.
This Algonquin Water Song expresses loving gratitude for the water and raises the consciousness and connection of women with Mother Nature’s greatest gift. The song is easy to learn, and our hope is that millions of women will sing it, raising their own connection and awareness of the water they interact with daily even in the shower or at the sink.
"Build it and they will come!" Vicki reminds us that every garden plot contributes to their needs. So can you add more? I hope so.
Check out PollinatorPartnership.org regional planting guides for suggestions.
Judith Dreyer is interviewed on the Sustainable Success, Influencers Show on Voice America internet Radio. Her host, Christopher Salem, leads her into an engaging discussion, how can we embrace a more sustainable model for growth.
Mark Shepard returns and goes into more detail about succession only this time he addresses our forest ecosystem makeup. He defines forests as a "phase" in time. Intrigued? I hope so. Join us for an insightful and helpful discussion.
Soil science on this level is relatively new, yet so vital to agriculture Microbes offer so much to soil integrity and microbes offer so much in our biology.
Join Kimberly and me for another engaging discussion about soil and gut health.
Kelly and her group of volunteers polled, presented and accomplished the task of taking plastic bags out of dining services. She and her team offered practical tips, education, and alternatives to the student and faculty.
PIRG,a student advocacy group, non-partisan, non-profit, one where students can join, make a difference in a variety of ways. Kyleigh as Coordinator and her team are celebrating a huge success on campus, taking practical action over the past eight months.
Can we use the holistic model to grow better men? Yes, we can, with diligent effort, consistent parenting and more. My guest this week, Dan Blanchard, special education and social studies teacher in Connecticut's largest inner-city high school was chosen by the AFT-CT as the face and voice of educational reform.
Did you ever wonder what a single tomato's plant potential is? Tune in for specific growing tips and how to's for superb healthy tomato plants with high yield. In today's podcast, we talk about tomatoes, those red luscious fruits that are best eaten freshly picked on a hot summer's day.
Featured in the documentary, Queen of the Sun, he shares his wisdom, expertise and deep caring for the natural world. I am honored to have him here today and I hope you will be as inspired as I am by his wise counsel.
Soils need to be abundantly healthy with a strong biome in order to give us nutrient dense health sustaining food. Sustainability, regeneration are the operative words for soil health and long term maintenance in agriculture. Whether small backyard farming or large scale agriculture, Kim's company is changing how we build soil one farm at a time.
Nature is full of surprises. Walking slowly, with more mindfulness and focus on one aspect in the stillness can bring many surprises. Join us for an enlightening discussion about nature, the art of nature writing and meet a naturalist.
Owen Taylor is a long time community gardener, seed saver and food justice activist whose passion for seed keeping led him to found Truelove Seed Company in 2017.
Do you garden? If so, have you ever wondered what the potential of a single nonhybrid tomato plant could be? My guest this week, Craig Floyd, manages an 11,000+ square foot acre garden for the Denison Peqoutsepos Nature Center in Mystic CT.
Meet Mark Shepard who founded Restoration Agriculture Development, RAD, in order to save viable ecosystems while growing nutrient-rich food. Folks are making a difference!
TIOSN, offers a one-year certification program in Sustainable Health and Nutrition. Joam Palmer, the founder of TIOSN, shares how she is attempting to connect the dots between our health, the health of the planet. through gardens and nutrition.
Agneta Borstein returns to Holistic Nature of Us, with her opinions and expertise about the energy, the feeling for 2019. And as a great treat and honor, she runs down all our sun signs and gives us practical advice. Jam-packed with guidance and takeaways I hope you enjoy this New Year's Day treat. She gives us food for thought for creating our vision boards for 2019, too, all providing inspiration to kick off 2019.
Winter solstice is upon us. Our seasonal wheel turns once again into a new season marked by the path of the sun and the moon. It is said that Grandfather Sun starts his return to Grandmother Moon.
Meet Craig Standing Bear, Storyteller, flute player, moccasin maker tell a story for our Winter time. Winter in indigenous tribal life here in America was a time to fix and mend, a time for stories. The Storyteller was valued and held a place of esteem. After all, he had the news, the gossip, and the tales to pass along from one tribe to the next.
Color has a physiological response 24/7 in our bodies. We are activated by color and we can be calmed by color. Join Lisa and I as we explore how color affects us and how art therapy provides a valid and worthwhile dimension to a therapeutic practice.
Deb Sodergren, Energy Body Vibration Expert/ International Speaker, Author reminds us: mindfulness, including nature walks, getting out into the fresh air and being grateful, all keep us centered and grounded as we enjoy family and friends.
Janet Verney reminds us that the holidays are about family, friends, counting our blessings and immersing ourselves in the feelings of gratitude we all share. Janet adds her beautiful spin to healthy eating, Recipes ReDesigned, giving us great alternative suggestions.
Janet's background is in the Ayurvedic system for nutrition and health coaching. She reviews dosha types and how to plan for the seasons and the holidays. Recipe ideas are included. Enjoy.
The oral tradition valued, revered, and served a great purpose during the 1600's time period. Thanksgiving, as told by the native peoples from NE America may surprise you. Enjoy a thought-provoking discussion, stories, and prayer told by Rachel Sayet,
Dr. Lisa Burkman, comes to us from the field of Naturopathy, a licensed physician discipline valid in several states in the USA. She gives her perspective and expertise on strengthening the immune system especially important as we head into the holidays.
As a holistic model, western medicine has much to learn from Ayurveda in the treatment of dis-eases. Dr. Gerson gives us several practical tips and guidance for improving immunity and resistance, all perfect for the upcoming holiday season.
Nigel Palmer is a soil consultant and teaches sustainable and regenerative soil practices with the Institute of Sustainable Nutrition, TIOSN, here in North CT. Join us for an informative discussion on growing nutritious foods from the ground up.
Ayurveda is the "science of Life". My guest this week, Rev. Janet Pagan is an Ayurvedic nutritionist, certified health coach, Reiki counselor. She discusses dosha types and gives practical advice.
Yogis teach us to be grateful for our breath of life. Without our breath, we do not exist. My guest this week, Lois Grasso, explains how we tend to stuff our emotions, especially as children. She encourages us to breathe with intention.
Meet Gunther Hauk, retired Waldorf school teacher and founder of Spikenard Farm, a Honeybee Sanctuary located in Floyd VA. He teaches many classes and is a part of the Documentary: Queen of the Sun. Join our discussion on biodynamic farming.
With a long and rich history of application and science-backed research, hypnosis has a place in complementary and alternative medicine as well as within the western medical model. Meet Ajamu Ayinde who explains the use of self-hypnosis, and the holistic framework for Transpersonal Hypnosis
Complex and even mysterious we have not unlocked the mysteries contained within our own bodies. Tai chi experts suggest we give thanks to each community in our body for the incredible integration that occurs.
We discuss holographic healing.
What's happening to our birds and bees? Essential to the health of our ecosystems, many suffer the loss of habitat, food, and shelter. What do they need and how can we help? Jane's expertise and tips are practical and timely.
She brings a deep understanding of the human energy field and the body, mind, spirit connection, offering Reiki, meditation, chakra balancing, vibrational medicine and more. Join us for a lively discussion and Just Be. (her book and journal)
What is phytoremediation? It's plant-based solutions to healing toxic spills on our land and water. katrina, 'kat' VanDeusen, explains how our plants clean up toxic waste and contamination whether metals, radiation, oils and other contaminants.
The Biomimicry Institue is a non-profit organization that seeks to empower people to create nature-inspired solutions for a healthy planet. Erika gives us examples of innovative designs created through nature's infinite gifts.
Janet Verney shares her journey of seeking a diagnosis for a serious but unsolved lung ailment, undergoing multiple and complicated testing to letting go. She is a certified Integrative Health coach and specializes in women's health.
Carole Cheah, shares her extensive body of research concerning the Eastern Hemlock Tree and a pest that has greatly impacted these trees, wooly adelgid, and elongate scale. These trees, while not a highly sought after timber product, contribute greatly to the forest ecosystem here in the NE America including Nova Scotia.
Rachel Sayet, walks her talk as she travels around our country teaching and sharing Native American traditional cooking and culture. She is a member of the Mohegan Tribe here in SW CT, and a chef with a background in restaurant management and a Masters Degree in Anthropology.
Canticle Farm is a community begun one step at a time in an urban neighborhood in East Oakland, CA experimenting at the intersection of faith-based, social justice-based and earth-based non-violent activism.
Meet Pam Montgomery, author, teacher, and practitioner working with plants and investigates plants/trees and their intelligent, spiritual nature for more than three decades. She is a founding member of United Plant Savers and more recently the Organization of Nature Evolutionaries, O.N.E. She and others strive to connect the heart of nature with the heart of humanity. Join us for an engaging and enlightening discussion.
Ellen Moyer, TED talk presenter, author, discusses the socio-economic implications of sustainability or not.
Wet approaches holism from a different perspective, namely astrology. Astrology is embedded in our human experience. If we follow Astrology's history in our development, we see that every era and age has found its own way of "talking with the planets."
Astrology is embedded in the human experience. The science is ancient based on mathematics and the movement of the heavens. Today's guest, Agneta Borstein, reminds us of the practical application of looking to the stars and relating that positioning and movement to what's happening today.
Sound moves us. We are enchanted by the sounds of whales and dolphins as we roam the deep blue seas. Dr. Sklover's recording: Ode to the Arctic Angels is included in this podcast, a beautiful gift.
What is eco-psyche-artistry? Meet Brian Stafford, founder of Wilderness is Medicine in Ojai, California. Brian guides healthcare professionals through nature-based resiliency and visionary leadership retreats. He is a soul-guide with the Animas Valley Institute.
My guests this week, Paul Pribula and Julia Rogers, members and volunteers with Joshua Tract Conservation and Historic Trust here in Eastern Connecticut share the geographic developments and benefits of land trusts preserving woodlands, watershed and more for future generations.
Did you know we can hear the plants sing? Science and technology have advanced so we can capture a plant's vibrations and translate it into music. Their music stirs us to fall in love again with this mysterious realm. At the end of this interview, we hear music from red roses.
Rebecca Wildbear is a river and soul guide, compassionately helping people tune in to the mysteries that live within the wild Earth community, the Dreamtime, and their own wild nature.
The Arbor Day Foundation's, Alliance for Community Trees, helps community tree planting efforts through funding, fostering connections between groups and support. Meet Dana Karcher, Program Director, for this grassroots program, advocate for trees.
Meet Doug Tallamy, who shares his research and extensive knowledge concerning the rapid decline of invaluable species due to our development practices. Can we do something today? Yes. He gives us practical tips for practical sustaining action. Join us for a timely and meaningful discussion.
Dr. Manuel Lizarralde, ethnobotanist, shares his love of indigenous cultures knowledge and respect for the earth mother.
Meet Kris McCue, chapter leader for the BFA in CT discuss soil fertility. Offers soil recipes.
Meet the Reisens, growers, harvesters of medicinal plants and educators sharing their practical wisdom.
Meet Linda Wiggen Kraft, artist and garden designer, creating gardens with mindfulness and respect for our natural landscapes.
Susan Leopold, Executive Director of United Plants Savers, discusses serious issues facing plant populations, their loss of habitat, unsustainable harvesting practices.
Lynne's practice and application of holistic modalities transform lives on body, mind, spiritual levels. She offers practical tips and practical wisdom.
His story begins:” Plants have stopped producing nutrients, the food supply is collapsing. A small group of scientists led by plant geneticist Dr. Bill Harrison race the clock to rejuvenate the world’s dying food chain." Intrigued? I hope so...a different twist to a serious discussion.
Gail Reynolds, Plant Scientist, Master Gardener County Coordinator with a variety of conservation experiences, discuses sustainability. she offers practical tips and practical wisdom.
How can we better understand our link to Nature? We need nature and nature needs us to re-form a more respectful partnership. I feature authors, educators, practitioners, and others whose passion for this earth helps us create bridges of understanding. It's time for action and profound change in our relationship with nature.
Meet Ellen Moyer, author, Ted talk presenter, who talks about her new book: Our earth, Our Species, Our Selves: How to Thrive While Creating a Sustainable World. Ellen’s vast experiences creating green environments offers all of us great creative solutions which we can act upon today. Some simple, some reinforce what we already apply, some inspiring. What can we do as a society? What can we do economically? Join us for an inspiring and transforming discussion with practical action.