The Forest Floor Podcast

On Healing, Horizons and the Songs That Guide Us Home

In this episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, host Simon Wong visits Somers Beach on Western Port Bay, discussing its ecological diversity and personal significance with guest Matt Wicking. An accomplished singer, songwriter and environmental activist, Matt shares how his move to this serene location on Boonwurrung Country facilitated his healing journey from chronic fatigue. He discusses his connection with the landscape, the importance of finding peace amid environmental work and how music and nature can inspire reconnection and cultural transformation. The conversation also explores broader themes of ecological appreciation, the impact of capitalism and the role of arts in embodying and communicating ecological harmony.

Host: Simon Wong
Episode Length: 1:16:03

01:00 Meet Matt Wicking
02:23 A Special Connection to Warn Marin
05:24 The Journey of Chronic Fatigue
07:22 Belonging to a Place
10:02 The Healing Power of Natural Places
19:24 The Role of Music in Connection & Healing
29:29 Importance of Arts in Environmental Activism
31:13 Reflections on Caring for the World
34:48 Finding Harmony with Nature
38:52 The Power of Gratitude
41:15 Metaphors & Meaning
54:08 The Role of Music in Connection
1:00:13 Composting Old Mindsets
1:07:02 Final Reflections and Gratitude
1:09:06 "New Morning" by The General Assembly

On Feeling, Death and Relational Becoming

In this episode of the Forest Floor podcast, host Simon Wong explores the temperate rainforest of Endeavour Fern Gully in Red Hill, located on the traditional lands of the Boonwurrung People. His guest, Jan Dwipa, shares his profound connection with nature, and the conversation delves deeply into the emotional and spiritual ties to the forest, the lessons it offers and how it intertwines with Jan's personal experiences of grief and mental health. The discussion also touches on Jan's global initiative 'Plant It For The Planet' and the symbolic wisdom provided by bees. Join them as they walk through the ancient Fern Gully, uncovering the interwoven stories of nature, human emotion and community.

Host: Simon Wong
Episode Length: 51:37

00:56 Meet Jan Dwipa
03:57 The Interconnection of Qigong and Nature
05:43 Beekeeping and Emotional Connections
07:13 The Healing Power of Nature
20:43 Reflections on Life, Death and Emotions
29:54 Plant It For The Planet: A Story of Action
32:34 Lessons from Bees: Community and Presence
45:54 The Philosophy of Borders and Ownership
48:54 Final Reflections and Gratitude

On Belonging, Presence and the Wisdom of Proximity

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.

Host: Simon Wong
Episode Length: 39:21

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