The Forest Floor Podcast

• Fern Gully: Jan Dwipa

  On Feeling, Death and Relational BecomingIn 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 WongEpisode Length: 51:3700:56 Meet Jan Dwipa03:57 The Interconnection of Qigong and Nature05:43 Beekeeping and Emotional Connections07:13 The Healing Power of Nature20:43 Reflections on Life, Death and Emotions29:54 Plant It For The Planet: A Story of Action32:34 Lessons from Bees: Community and Presence45:54 The Philosophy of Borders and Ownership48:54 Final Reflections and Gratitude

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• Østmarka: Reidar Oksavik

  On Belonging, Presence and the Wisdom of ProximityIn 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 WongEpisode Length: 39:2100:59 Exploring Østmarka with Reidar Oksavik06:39 Nature's Influence on Reidar's Life10:23 Norwegian Culture and Nature11:22 The Concept of Friluftsliv12:49 Artistic Inspiration from Nature18:35 Teaching Kids to Respect Nature23:20 Sustainable Packaging and Nature25:41 The Forest's Lessons and Mystical Presence31:23 Connecting with Others Through Nature37:12 Final Reflections and Farewell

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• Darebin Parklands: Kate McCready

  On Transformation, Authenticity and Sacred ReciprocityIn 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 WongEpisode Length: 44:3000:58 Introduction to Kate McCready02:20 Kate's Connection to Darebin Parklands05:19 Special Moments in the Parklands06:40 Kate's Philosophy on People and Potential10:43 Transformation and History of the Parklands16:29 Mindful Goals and Personal Growth22:25 Capitalism and Modern Society29:48 Final Reflections and Gratitude43:12 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

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• Organ Pipes National Park: Dr Jen Frahm

  On Stillness, Beauty and TransformationIn 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 WongEpisode Length: 49:4501:00 Meet Dr. Jen Frahm - Organisational Change Expert02:06 Exploring Organ Pipes National Park04:30 The Value of Stillness in Nature and Life08:38 Navigating Organisational Change12:50 Lessons from Nature: Resilience and Fairness29:12 Imagination and Knowledge in Nature35:54 Understanding and Empathy in Organisational Life47:16 Final Reflections and Gratitude48:41 Closing Remarks and Credits

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• Wilson's Prom: Selma Lunde Fjæstad

  On Belonging, Connectedness, and Remembering Our PlaceIn 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 WongEpisode Length: 40:1500:45 Meet Selma Lunde Fjæstad01:43 Selma's Connection to the Australian Bush03:22 Foraging Memories and Cultural Differences08:20 The Importance of Nature Connection10:01 Selma's Research and Personal Values11:30 Norwegian Upbringing and Nature Excursions17:59 Mindfulness and Nature's Lessons21:12 Challenges of Modernity & Nature Deficiency35:24 Personal Practices for Nature Connection37:44 Gratitude and Closing Remarks

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