Earthkeepers: A Circlewood Podcast on Creation Care and Spirituality

• Finding Wholeness in Wilderness Adventure, with Jason Lyle | Ep. 132

  This episode considers how much of the current language around nature therapy can actually distance some people, and focuses on the need for better ways to talk about earth care and connection to the earth for men in particular. Jason Lyle shares with Forrest about Adventures in Recovery, an organization in the state of Georgia that uses wilderness experience to facilitate healing and personal growth for men. He discusses the profound impact of wilderness therapy on mental health, the importance of reconnecting with the body and nature, and the evolving landscape of spirituality in modern society. The conversation emphasizes practical strategies for individuals to immerse themselves in nature, and highlights the significance of community connection recovery processes. Adventures in Recovery (soon to be rebranded as AIR Georgia)Freeology Podcast (soon to be rebranded as Sacred Grit podcast)Jason coaches Forrest about cold water immersion TakeawaysJason shares his deep connection to nature and its impact on his life.Adventures in Recovery focuses on healing through nature and community.The importance of personal experiences in shaping one's purpose.Nature immersion helps individuals reconnect with their bodies and emotions.Spirituality can be practical and rooted in everyday decisions.The body and mind connection is crucial for personal growth.Community support plays a vital role in recovery processes.Nature teaches resilience and adaptability in challenging situations.Practical strategies for reconnecting with nature include immersion and foraging.The future of spiritual communities may focus on personal experiences rather than traditional structures. Keywordsnature, healing, recovery, spirituality, wilderness therapy, personal growth, men's mental health, adventure, community, connection, nature-based therapy, redneck culture, adoption trauma, cold water immersion  Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

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• Our National Parks Under Attack: A Federal Worker Speaks Truth About Power | Ep. 131

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

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• 130. Jobs in the Climate Space: Earthkeeping and Vocation, with Brennan Ziegler

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

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• 129. Being a Good Relative in the Community of Creation, with Randy Woodley

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

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• 128. Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees, with Leah Rampy and Beth Norcross

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

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