In this episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, recorded in the Østmarka wilderness area near Oslo, Norway, host Simon Wong engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Reidar Oksavik, a Norwegian designer and co-founder of the agency Keep Oslo. They explore the landscape's rich geological history and its significance to Reidar's family life and creative work. Reidar shares insights into how nature's rhythms and textures inform his environmentally conscious packaging designs, discuss the Norwegian cultural value of 'friluftsliv' and its impact on community and mental well-being, and reflect on the intrinsic connection between nature and personal reflection. This heart-warming conversation weaves through topics of family, culture, and the profound peace found in nature.
00:59 Exploring Østmarka with Reidar Oksavik
06:39 Nature's Influence on Reidar's Life
10:23 Norwegian Culture and Nature
11:22 The Concept of Friluftsliv
12:49 Artistic Inspiration from Nature
18:35 Teaching Kids to Respect Nature
23:20 Sustainable Packaging and Nature
25:41 The Forest's Lessons and Mystical Presence
31:23 Connecting with Others Through Nature
37:12 Final Reflections and Farewell
On Transformation, Authenticity and Sacred Reciprocity
In this episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, host Simon Wong takes a meaningful walk with Kate McCready, an integrative coach and founder of Leading Beings, through the Darebin Parklands. The conversation explores Kate’s connection to the parklands, her coaching philosophy and the importance of living and working in ways that are true to oneself. Through reflections on the natural cycle of the parkland's regeneration and the metaphorical parallels to personal and professional growth, this episode offers insightful perspectives on meaningful work, personal fulfilment and the role of nature in our lives.
Host: Simon Wong
Episode Length: 44:30
00:58 Introduction to Kate McCready
02:20 Kate's Connection to Darebin Parklands
05:19 Special Moments in the Parklands
06:40 Kate's Philosophy on People and Potential
10:43 Transformation and History of the Parklands
16:29 Mindful Goals and Personal Growth
22:25 Capitalism and Modern Society
29:48 Final Reflections and Gratitude
43:12 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes
On Stillness, Beauty and Transformation
In this episode of the Forest Floor Podcast, host Simon Wong explores Organ Pipes National Park with Dr. Jen Frahm, an expert in organisational change. Together, they discuss the importance of stillness, empathy, and the nuances of organisational change. Dr. Jen shares her insights on how nature inspires personal and professional growth, the power of 'test and learn' approaches in change management and the value of slowing down to appreciate life's moments. As they follow the stream, they reflect on the lessons nature offers in terms of resilience, fairness, and interconnectedness.
Host: Simon Wong
Episode Length: 49:45
01:00 Meet Dr. Jen Frahm - Organisational Change Expert
02:06 Exploring Organ Pipes National Park
04:30 The Value of Stillness in Nature and Life
08:38 Navigating Organisational Change
12:50 Lessons from Nature: Resilience and Fairness
29:12 Imagination and Knowledge in Nature
35:54 Understanding and Empathy in Organisational Life
47:16 Final Reflections and Gratitude
48:41 Closing Remarks and Credits
On Belonging, Connectedness, and Remembering Our Place
In this episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, host Simon Wong speaks with Selma Lunde Fjæstad, a Norwegian nature enthusiast and PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne. The episode takes place at Wilson's Promontory, where Selma shares her experiences and insights on the therapeutic potential of nature, her connection to Australian and Norwegian landscapes, and the importance of nature connectedness for mental and planetary health. Topics covered include foraging, cultural differences, mindfulness, the impact of urbanisation on nature access and the need for a shift away from materialism towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle. The discussion highlights the deeper psychological and physiological benefits of spending time in nature, emphasising the urgency of fostering these connections for overall well-being.
Host: Simon Wong
Episode Length: 40:15
00:45 Meet Selma Lunde Fjæstad
01:43 Selma's Connection to the Australian Bush
03:22 Foraging Memories and Cultural Differences
08:20 The Importance of Nature Connection
10:01 Selma's Research and Personal Values
11:30 Norwegian Upbringing and Nature Excursions
17:59 Mindfulness and Nature's Lessons
21:12 Challenges of Modernity & Nature Deficiency
35:24 Personal Practices for Nature Connection
37:44 Gratitude and Closing Remarks
On Knowledge, Belonging, and Reciprocity
In this episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, host Rowena Morrow takes a walk through the Henry Littledyke Reserve with guest Francesca Varney. Francesca, an accredited counsellor and equine-assisted therapist, shares her insights about the transformative power of nature and her work with horses. They discuss the significance of the local forest, Francesca's experiences growing up in Germany, and the deep connection humans can have with nature. The episode delves into themes of authenticity, emotional regulation and reconnecting to the land, offering a profound reflection on what it means to create spaces where people can truly meet themselves.
Host: Rowena Morrow
Episode Length: 56:00
00:36 Meet Francesca Varney
01:34 Exploring Henry Littledyke Reserve
05:08 The Silent Walk: Connecting with Nature
09:16 Reflections on Human-Nature Relationship
17:33 Cultural Perspectives on Land and Nature
22:48 Personal Stories and Reflections
26:15 The Significance of Local Knowledge
27:33 Finding Our Way Home: Ecological Metaphors
29:09 Indigenous Connections & Cultural Heritage
31:00 The Concept of Composting Ideas
33:16 Embracing Stillness and Inner Awareness
35:08 The Profound Connection with Horses
42:53 Lessons from Personal Experience
53:37 Reverence for Nature and Final Thoughts
On Listening, Loving and Belonging
In this episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, host Simon Wong takes a walk with Sarah Patterson at Bushrangers Bay, Cape Schanck. Sarah, a strategic designer and founder of The Good Cartel Collective, shares insights on collaboration, connection and the power of love in driving societal change. As they traverse the coastlines and heathy woodland ecosystems, they explore the importance of non-extractive interactions with nature, reflect on the significance of community and discuss how nature can teach us about learning, unlearning and coexisting harmoniously. The episode delves into the need for collective imagination, the re-evaluation of regulatory frameworks, and the potential of innovative collaboration inspired by unexpected contexts, such as cartels.
Host: Simon Wong
Episode Length: 32:32
00:32 Meet Sarah Patterson
01:19 A Walk on the Coastline with Sarah
02:37 The Importance of Love and Connection
07:14 Learning and Unlearning from Nature
09:30 Reflections on Community
18:20 The Great Myth of Alignment
28:33 Insights from Cartels: Power and Innovation
29:56 Conclusion and Gratitude
On Memory, Cycles and Belonging
In the inaugural episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, Simon Wong and Dr. Peter Hayward, a leading Australian futurist and foresight academic, take a walk through the Sherbrooke Forest in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. As they discuss the significance of the forest and its history, they explore themes of memory, resilience and sustainability. Peter shares his insights on the value of foresight, the impact of human activities on natural systems and his vision for a more sustainable future. The conversation also touches on the Kokoda Memorial and the broader implications of historical narratives and memorials. Listeners are invited to consider the lessons nature teaches and how small changes, like reducing meat consumption, can have a large impact on the environment.
Host: Simon Wong
Episode Length: 21:47
00:34 Meet Dr. Peter Hayward
01:22 Exploring Sherbrooke Forest
02:43 The Kokoda Memorial
04:25 Reflections on War and Memory
10:25 Lessons from the Forest
18:17 The Impact of Meat Consumption
19:53 Closing Thoughts and Farewell
