Tracking Connections

May 15 2024 2
Tracking Connections Podcast artwork

We feature voices from around the world, sharing stories of working intentionally with deep nature connection in ways that transform lives, families, projects, and communities. We are excited and honored to lift up the voices of people working toward the best for all beings and the future generations.Topics we plan to include:• Designing with Natural Cycles & the 8 Shields Model• Cultural Elements of Connection & the 512 Project• Naturalist Training & the Natural Mind Journey• Holistic Tracking• Art of Mentoring• Village Builders• Ancestral Skills• Bird & Animal Language & Concentric Rings• Forest Schools• Community Helpers• Elders• More Topics Emerging...

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13. Reflecting on Tracking Connections —Jon, Sarah, and Aidan

May 15 2024 29 mins  
"There's a moment, as a mentor, where you have to recognize, 'I'm more interested in this than they are. And in that moment, if you push, you can actually push them in the opposite direction.'"In this conversation, Jon, Sarah, and Aidan reflect on what it means to be "tracking connections." They share about what connection feels like in different situations, how to notice it in oth

12. Tracking Club Stories & Design —Brian Knittel

May 08 2024 52 mins  
In this conversation, Brian Knittel shares stories and design principles learned from his ten years at the Bay Area Tracking Club. Brian shares what it was like to experience the 8 Shields principles at work from the student perspective in the beginning, and then his observations as he grew to be a station guide and then leader of the club. We hear from Brian and Jon about the fine

11. Culture Repair & Suburban Village Building - Joël Dubois

May 01 2024 33 mins  
Learn more about what Joël is up to:Connect with Joël by email: [email protected]"Acorn Assembly" Backyard Naturalists https://acornassembly.wordpress.com/This is the very simple wordpress site we use to inform people about our local “Backyard Naturalists” meetings, mentioned in the podcast, which also has a way for people to contact me. (FYI, the name “Acorn Assembly” was

10. Adaptation of the Coyote & Finding Unity - Rick Berry

Apr 24 2024 35 mins  
“The coyote’s on the edge of your awareness. Where’s your edge? Where is your student's edge? That’s what you’re trying to find and push gently out.”In this episode Jon, Sarah, and Aidan are joined by Rick Berry from 4 Elements Earth Education. Rick shares his story of nature connection and how that has led to mentoring others over the past 30 years. He shares about how

9. Stories of our Nervous System - Kathleen Lockyer

Apr 17 2024 50 mins  
“You can’t rehabilitate someone that hasn’t been habilitated in the first place.”In this conversation with Jon and Aidan, Kathleen shares her journey to becoming an occupational therapist, the role nature played in raising her own children, and how nature connection principles facilitate healthy sensory development. We also discuss the science behind story catching and the

8. A Way of Living & Forest Schools in Ireland - Ciara Hincksman

Apr 05 2024 47 mins  
“I'd been working for an organization trying to connect people to nature, who were walking past everything. And it made me kind of slow down and notice the tiny things.”In this wide ranging conversation, Ciara shares about the challenges of working in an organization that lacks a connected culture and leadership, and finding that culture through nature connection. Jon, Aidan, a

7. Bringing it Home with 8 Shields Principles - Peter Cow & Sky Maria Buitenhuis

Apr 05 2024 24 mins  
Connecting to nature and following natural cycles has a profound positive impact...In this episode, we’re joined by Sky Maria Buitenhuis from the west of Ireland and Peter Cow from Dartmoor, UK. They share about the programs they have designed around the 8 Shields and their impact on individuals and communities. We learn about the effects of designing in alignment with the lunar

6. Embodied Awareness - Nate Summers

Mar 27 2024 32 mins  
In this episode, Sarah and Jon host their friend and colleague at Living Connection 1st, Nate Summers. Jon begins by sharing stories of when Nate and Jon first met in Washington State in 1996 right when the Designing with Natural Cycles model shift from 6 Shields to 8 Shields.The conversation explores the Profile Journey and Natural Learning Cycle through a variety of examples incl

5. Regenerating Connection Culture & Deep Nature Connection - Arnaud Gagné

Mar 27 2024 39 mins  
Ancient cultures prioritized connecting children to nature for survival and well-being.In this wide-ranging and personal Episode, Jon Young has a conversation with Arnaud Gagné about deep nature connection and cultural norms. Arnaud is a graduate of the Kamana Naturalist Training Program, an experienced mentor and leader in the Art of Mentoring and a passionate holistic tracker an

4. Village Building & Designing Community Events with Natural Cycles - Deborah Benham & Root Cuthbertson

Mar 27 2024 38 mins  
Connection 1st principles can be applied to wedding planning, and other community events, with each archetype contributing in a valued way.In this episode, Deborah and Root share their origin stories, Village Building experiences, and how they used 8 shields principles with help from their community, to design an unforgettable wedding. Jon reflects on where Village Building comes f