Earthkeepers: A Circlewood Podcast on Creation Care and Spirituality

• Standing Up for Nature: The Power of Ordinary People, with Jennifer Godfrey | Ep. 136

  In this conversation, Jennifer Godfrey shares her journey of advocacy for the Southern Resident Killer Whales and the broader ecological health of the Puget Sound region. She discusses her emotional connection to nature, the challenges she faced in filing the Orca Appeal, and the importance of community engagement in environmental issues. Jennifer emphasizes the need for urban planning to consider endangered species and the role of individuals in making a difference, regardless of their background or position.Info on The Orca Appeal and how you can support itEarthkeepers episode on orcas, with Joe OlsonTakeawaysJennifer moved to Seattle in 1999 and was inspired by the local ecology.The Orca Appeal was initiated due to the lack of consideration for endangered orcas in urban planning.Jennifer filed the appeal just before the deadline, highlighting her commitment to the cause.Community support has been overwhelming, with many offering help and expertise.Urban planning often overlooks ecological health due to various pressures.Jennifer's early experiences with nature shaped her advocacy work.The importance of educating the public about environmental issues is crucial.Creativity in advocacy can engage the community and raise awareness.Facing opposition can be a sign of being on the right track in advocacy.Anyone can make a difference, regardless of their background.KeywordsOrca Appeal, environmental advocacy, Seattle, endangered species, community engagement, urban planning, ecosystem health, Southern Resident Killer Whales, public awareness, nature connectionFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

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• Psychedelics, Nature, and Spiritual Transformation, with Ron Cole-Turner | Ep. 135

  SummaryIn this conversation, Forrest talks with Ron Cole-Turner about his journey from traditional theological education to exploring the intersection of psychedelics and spirituality. In particular, they address themes in Ron’s new book Psychedelics and Christian Faith: Exploring an Unexpected Pathway to Healing and Spirituality. Ron emphasizes the potential of psychedelics to enhance spiritual experiences and foster a deeper connection with nature. The discussion also touches on the importance of respecting indigenous practices, the risks of cultural appropriation, and the need for the church to adapt and embrace these transformative experiences for spiritual renewal.TakeawaysRon Cole-Turner reflects on his journey from traditional theology to exploring psychedelics.Psychedelics are substances that alter perceptions and can lead to spiritual experiences.Research shows a link between psychedelics and mystical experiences.Psychedelics can enhance feelings of connection to nature and others.Indigenous practices offer valuable insights into the use of psychedelics.Cultural appropriation is a concern when adopting indigenous practices.Personal stories highlight the healing potential of psychedelics.The book aims to encourage clergy to engage with the topic of psychedelics.The church must adapt to the changing spiritual landscape.Psychedelics may play a role in the future renewal of Christianity.Keywords: psychedelics, spirituality, Christianity, mental health, indigenous practices, connection to nature, cultural appropriation, healing, personal stories, church renewalFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

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• Plundered: The Tangled Roots of Racial and Environmental Injustice, with David Swanson | Ep. 134

  As we are all aware, so many of the issues that seem to dominate the headlines these days have to do with either racism or the climate crisis. On the face of it, these two major areas of strife and struggle don’t always seem to have a lot to do with one another, but in fact, they are fundamentally connected, sharing the very same root causes that drive them. In his book Plundered: The Tangled Roots of Racial and Environmental Injustice, David Swanson makes the case that we really can’t fully understand these two seemingly disparate issues apart from one another, and that both are inextricably linked by issues of culture, geography, history, and even theology. In this conversation, David and Forrest discuss the book, as well as his experiences living in a predominantly African American neighborhood in Chicago and how his journey has shaped his understanding of racial and environmental justice. He emphasizes the importance of community, belonging, and the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues. Swanson also explores the role of Jesus in creation and redemption, advocating for a broader understanding of hope that transcends wishful thinking and engages with the realities of the world.TakeawaysDavid Swanson emphasizes the importance of staying in one place to truly understand and connect with the community.The interconnectedness of racial and environmental justice is a central theme in Swanson's work.Swanson's experience as a white pastor in a predominantly Black neighborhood highlights the complexities of racial dynamics in church leadership.The concept of belonging to a place is essential for addressing systemic issues.Swanson argues that the church must engage with both individual transformation and systemic change.Hope should be rooted in reality and not just wishful thinking, according to Swanson.The role of Jesus in creation is pivotal to understanding redemption and hope.Communities of caretakers are essential for nurturing relationships with the land and each other.Swanson advocates for a vision of hope that is active and engaged with the present world.The importance of storytelling and sharing experiences within communities is highlighted as a means of fostering connection. Keywords: David Swanson, racial justice, environmental justice, community, belonging, church leadership, hope, creation care, indigenous, social justiceFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

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• Earthkeeping for Families: A Forest Restoration Story | Ep. 133

  In this episode, Forrest engages with the DeJong family, who have been pivotal in the restoration of the Cheasty Greenspace in Seattle, WA. The conversation explores their journey of transforming a neglected urban forest into a thriving community space, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, ecological restoration, and the integration of indigenous knowledge. The DeJongs share their experiences of working together as a family and the impact of their efforts on the local community and environment. They also discuss the challenges posed by climate change and the hope they hold for future generations to connect with and care for nature.Guests: The Dejong Family Mary Dejong Joel Dejong  Mentions: Earthkeepers Episodes 2, 40, and 78 Cheasty Greenspace Green Seattle Partnership Duwamish Tribe Check out these photo albums of Cheasty Greenspace/Mt. View and Cheasty trails! TakeawaysThe DeJong family has been involved in the Cheasty Greenspace restoration for 17 years.Community engagement is crucial for successful ecological restoration projects.Listening to the land and its history is essential in restoration efforts.The project has transformed a neglected space into a vibrant community hub.Indigenous knowledge plays a vital role in understanding and restoring ecosystems.Family involvement in community projects fosters deeper connections and shared values.Access to nature is a right that should be available to all communities.Climate change poses challenges, but local actions can lead to positive change.Building community around shared environmental goals enhances collective action.The transformation of the Cheasty Greenspace serves as a model for other urban restoration efforts.Keywords: environmental restoration, trails, accessibility, recreation, ecosystem, ecology, invasive species, deforestation, settlers, native species, wildlife, nature, spirituality, spiritual ecology, community, cultural restitution, cultural restoration, stewardship, connections, relationships, climate change, Cheasty Greenspace, community restoration, ecology, environmental advocacy, urban nature, indigenous knowledge, climate change, family involvementFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

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• 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)BONUS CONTENT: 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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