Lifeworlds

With Derek Gow & Kris Tompkins.The rewilding movement is currently sweeping across the world’s landscapes, restoring ecologies and species, re-naturalising rivers and forests.Our two guests are trailblazers in this space – first we hear from Kristine Tompkins, ex-CEO of Patagonia who, together with her late husband Doug Tompkins, have protected over 14 million acres of wildlands and national parks across Latin America, along with over 30 million acres of marine areas. Kristine is Chair of the National Geographic Society’s Last Wild Places campaign and was the first conservationist to be awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy.Then we speak with Derek Gow, who is infamous amongst insider rewilding circles for his leadership in the re-introduction of the beaver back into European landscapes. Through Derek, and his delightfully funny and informative book 'Bringing back the Beaver', I’ve become somewhat obsessed with beavers. He’s been one of the most vocal actors in the reintroduction of missing keystone species in England such as the beaver, the water vole and the white stork, butting heads with obnoxious lobbyists and government officials. He is currently rewilding his 300-acre farm on the Devon/Cornwall border where the Eurasian lynx, wild boar and harvest mice make home.This episode covers the basics of rewilding and goes into different models of restoring ecosystems into their rightful states, all the while discussing the mental impediments and frustrations that can occur in the attempt to rewild the most stubborn species of all — the human being.Episode Website Link: lifeworld.earth/episodes/rewilding Show Links:Lifeworlds Resource Page: RewildingTompkins ConservationKristine Tompkins: Let's make the world wild again | TED Talk An Ark For Vanished Wildlife: Derek Gow in the New Yorker Derek’s Books ‘Bringing Back the Beaver’ & ‘Birds, Beasts and Bedlam’ Look out for meditations, poems, readings, and other snippets of inspiration in between episodes.Music: Electric Ethnicity by Igor Dvorkin, Duncan Pittock, Ellie Kidd & The Rising by Tryad CCPLPhoto of flower: Maewenn Bourcelot @maochan.talamoni Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive deep into the practice of grounding yourself in your environment. Discover techniques to enhance your connection with the world around you through mindfulness and art. Engage in fascinating exercises like mapping ecosystems and following natural water trails. Learn to tune into the subtle rhythms of nature and reflect on your personal and shared histories with the land. This journey encourages a richer relationship with your local ecosystem and the living world.

Michael Ableman is a farmer, author, photographer and urban food systems activist. Michael has been farming organically since the early 1970s and is considered one of the pioneers of the organic farming and urban agriculture movements.He founded North America’s largest urban farm in downtown Vancouver, that employs people who are experiencing long term addiction and mental illness. Michael lives on his farm on Salt Spring Island, which I can only describe as the most glorious farm I have ever visited.His story will inspire you to get dirt under your nails, to communicate and walk with the land in a whole new way, and to gain a greater understanding of how the act of farming can heal a divided society. Michael is exceptionally rare in his ability to blend the most pragmatic and captivating elements of farming with profound reflections on philosophy and life.Enjoy this soulful and illuminating interview.Episode Website Link: lifeworld.earth/episodes/unexpectedagriculturesmichael Show Links:Lifeworlds Resource Page: Agriculture Michael AblemanSole Food Street FarmsFoxglove FarmLook out for meditations, poems, readings, and other snippets of inspiration in between episodes.Music: Electric Ethnicity by Igor Dvorkin, Duncan Pittock, Ellie Kidd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lyla June Johnston is an Indigenous public speaker, artist, and scholar focused on food systems revitalization. In this enlightening chat, she delves into the rich history of Indigenous food systems and their cultural significance. Johnston discusses the ecological roles of various species and the necessity of viewing humans as stewards of the Earth. She highlights the importance of reclaiming food sovereignty and the interconnections within ecosystems. With a blend of personal narratives and historical examples, she advocates for sustainable practices that restore our relationship to food and land.

Lyla June Johnston, an Indigenous scholar focusing on Food Systems Revitalization, and Michael Ableman, an organic farming pioneer, discuss the profound connections between humans and agriculture. Lyla shares insights on ancient Indigenous methods that foster sustainable practices and ecological health. Michael delves into urban farming, illustrating its role in community healing and purpose. Both guests emphasize the importance of stewardship and re-establishing our relationship with nature, challenging modern agricultural norms to promote a more reciprocal and ethical approach.

Welcome to Lifeworlds - a podcast series that explores how to orient your life around nature. Join me on this intimate journey into the eyes and minds of other species; learn from our guests how they’re living deeply in relationship with ecologies; be electrified by the possibilities of partnering with nature and the beauty it can bring to your life. Episodes launch fortnightly from 19th July, with meditations, poems, readings, and other snippets of inspiration in between.There's also a website brimming with resources at lifeworld.earth.Music: The Rising by Tryad CCPL & Electric Ethnicity by Igor Dvorkin, Duncan Pittock, Ellie Kidd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.