The Wilderness and Wellness Podcast

Join me and co-host Fil Tkaczyk for a “proper yarn” with Tyson Yunkaporta about:·      The idea of what it means to live within and through multiple associations, ideals, and ways of thinking.·      Tyson’s indigenous and cultural roots.·      How everything that is real about who we are is not necessarily only within ourselves, but within the connections of our relations.·      What a “proper yarn” is and means.·      Developing a relationship with place and society’s ideas of who should have a voice based on perceived identities and social fragmentation.·      The idea of emergence for cultural change and tracking patterns.·      How everything in the world is surrounded by sex and death.Connect with Tyson:Deakin University Faculty ProfileBook Recommendations:Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World,  by: Tyson YunkaportaConnect with Fil:Pathwithaheart@hotmail.comAnimism: Listening to the Land Podcast on AppleAnimism: Listening to the Land Podcast Facebook PageAnimism: Listening to the Land Podcast Instagram Page

A short episode discussing the lyrics of the song "Alie Nation" written by the late John Trudell and performed by the musical group "The Halluci Nation" (formerly "A Tribe Called Red"). I offer a personal interpretation of the lyrics, discussing the two different mindsets one may adopt, that of an indigenous way of thinking which may lead to healing, connection, and sacredness, or that of a post-modern western societal way of thinking which embraces separateness, numb, trauma, and materialism.Alie Nation Youtube VideoHalluci Nation ArticleHalluci Nation ArticleJohn Trudell Wikipedia Page

In this eighth episode of my tracking series I had the fortune to catch up with avid hunter, tracker, and CyberTracker evaluator Brian McConnell. In our discussion we cover a lot of ground (pun intended). Brian fills us in on his background as a young man being taught by his dad how to hunt in the Arkansas woods, then learning intuitively to trail deer, and finally, later in life, connecting with a class offering formal training in tracking techniques which helped him refine his craft to the point of earning a specialist level on his second ever trailing evaluation, then becoming an evaluator shortly after. Brian shares his knowledge on:·      How a trailing evaluation unfolds and what the evaluator is scoring the tracker on·      How he uses tracking to inform and support his hunting activities, especially for deer and elk·      Tells us some hunting stories, showcasing how 90% of the elk he takes are done so by trailing right to the animal·      Gives us some practical tips on how to begin learning the art of trailing, especially for hunting purposesConnect with Brianhttps://trackercertification.com/evaluators/Book RecommendationsDersu the Trapper, by: V.K. ArsenievThe Jim Corbett Omnibus, by: Jim Corbett (Includes “Man-eaters of Kumaon”, “The Temple Tiger and More Man-eaters of Kumaon”, and “The Man-eating Leopard of Rudraprayag”)

In response to a question from a listener, I tell the story of where the coyote howl recording from my intro came from. It is a very special story, near and dear to my heart, and discusses my experience with a pair of coyotes while searching for a quality sit spot area.  Stick around after the outro music to hear a 5 minute sample of all the coyote vocalizations from the story.

In this Wilderness and Wellness “Short”, I introduce the inaugural episode for a new format that I plan to start releasing and delve into a passage from Eckhart Tolle's "Oneness With All Life". Based on Eckhart's teachings in this passage I discuss the way that the thinking mind perceives organic natural spaces as chaos, whereas the quiet mind of "being" perceives a sacred order. I offer commentary on the importance of the "being mind" while in nature to develop a participatory relationship with other living beings and garner the personal and planetary health and wellness benefits that will ensue.

Join me for a discussion with Dr. Doug Tallamy about a simple yet revolutionary way that we can save nature while building a relationship with it and gaining the health benefits of such an activity at the same time. With his extensive research background on the interactions of the plant and insect world, Dr. Tallamy skillfully teaches us:·      The ecology of native vs. non-native plants and why maintaining native plants matters to the insect population.·      how the health of the insect population is foundational for the health of the ecosystem, especially birds. ·      Why it is important not just to protect places where people aren’t inhabiting, such as national parks and preserves, but to also maintain suitable habitat in the places people do inhabit. ·      How we can cut our lawns in half to create a “Homegrown National Park” and shatter the almost universally accepted myth that humans and nature cannot coexist in the same areas. ·      How to approach prohibitive homeowners’ associations to advocate for the planting of more native species.·      The three historical missteps that modern western humans have made that have disconnected us from nature and helped to create the ecological crisis we now face.·      Ideas for getting started creating your own “Homegrown National Park”.Connect with Dr. Tallamy and “Homegrown National Park”:Homegrown National Park WebsiteDr. Tallamy’s Presentation to The National Wildlife FederationBook Recommendations:Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard, by: Douglas TallamyBringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants, Updated and Expanded, by: Douglas TallamyThe Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees , by: Douglas Tallamy (Available March 30, 2021)Garden Revolution: How Our Landscapes Can Be a Source of Environmental Change, by: Larry Weaner & Thomas ChristopherEssential Native Trees and Shrubs for the Eastern United States: The Guide to Creating a Sustainable Landscape, by: Tony Dove & Ginger Woolridge

In this seventh episode of my tracking series I get out in the field with Bryon Lichtenhan of Sky Island Alliance to volunteer doing some work in gathering data for a border wall study that the conservation organization is conducting. In this journalistic style episode we learn from Bryon and the Executive Director of Sky Island Alliance, Louise Misztal, why wildlife migration corridors along the border are important, the threat that the looming border wall poses to these corridors, and how tracking supports SIA’s efforts in collecting data to bolster conservation work towards preserving the area and the migration corridors used by many species. You’ll also have an opportunity to learn tracking knowledge from Bryon and get a peek into the minds of trackers as Bryon and I attempt to decipher tracks and sign in real time. Connect with Sky Island AllianceSIA Website

In this sixth episode of my tracking series I had the privilege to sit down and talk about bird language and animism with tracking author, instructor, and podcaster Filip Tkaczyk. Fil teaches us the intricacies of bird language, sharing foundational principles, stories, and examples of how we can tap into, and become a part of the communications of nature. The following topics, and more, are discussed:-The art of bird language, what it is, how it works, and how we can learn the secrets of the landscape using it.-The specifics of bird vocalizations and what they mean.-How bird language fits into the art of tracking.-A few stories from Fil and I about our experiences with bird language and interpreting the mechanics of what birds are saying with their vocalizations and behavior within those stories.-Animism as it relates to communications in the natural world.-The practice of interspecies honoring (species giving space to one another) and how we can practice honoring with other animals as a part of being in relationship with nature.-The concept of reciprocity with the land as all species give and take and how this relates to humanity’s current state of relationship with the land.-How to begin learning bird language and building reciprocity-based relationships with the natural world.Connect with Fil:Pathwithaheart@hotmail.comAnimism: Listening to the Land Podcast on AppleAnimism: Listening to the Land Podcast Facebook PageAnimism: Listening to the Land Podcast Instagram PageBook Recommendations:Track and Sign of Reptiles and Amphibians of North America by: Filip TkaczykWhat the Robin Knows: How Birds Reveal the Secrets of the Natural World, by: Jon YoungBecoming Animal: An Earthly Cosmology, by: David AbramsBraiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants, by: Robin Wall KimmererMedia Recommendations:Merlin Bird ID App

In this fifth episode of my tracking series I had the privilege of discussing the topic of mantracking and its applications with European mantracking instructor Kyt Lyn Walken. Kyt and I delve into the many ways that mantracking can be utilized, from survival scenarios to anti-poaching operations and so much more. We talk about the differences and similarities between wildlife tracking and mantracking, some historical situations where mantracking has been employed, and some resources for people to begin learning the art of mantracking.Connect with Kyt and “The Way of Tracking” Mantracking School:The Way of Tracking WebsiteThe Way of Tracking’s Facebook PageThe Way of Tracking’s Instagram PageKyt Lyn Walken’s YouTube ChannelBook Recommendations:Tracking: A Blueprint for Learning HowSign and the Art of Tracking: A Guide to Support Law Enforcement Tracking and Anti-Poaching Operations Booklist Link from Kyt’s Website (With many free downloads including the two books listed above)Complete Guide to Tracking: Concealment, Night Movement, and All Forms of Pursuit Following Tracks, Trails and Signs, Using 22 SAS Techniques

In this fourth episode of my tracking series I sit down with tracking practitioner, educator and CyberTracker evaluator, George Leoniak, to explore the concept and practice of “inner tracking”. Through his 20+ years of tracking, and mentoring with some of the world’s most skilled trackers, George has gained an in-depth understanding of tracking both the outer, and inner landscape. George guides us through the shady and sunny parts of our inner landscape, and along the trails of our souls, unfolding the concepts of how a tracker follows oneself using the same principles they may use to follow a trail, allowing the maker of the trail to reveal him or herself instead of forcing a preconceived idea or projection. George discusses the practice of inner tracking in relation to other traditions of self-inquiry, pointing to inner tracking as a method that utilizes the land and the natural world as a conduit through which to explore the self. We reflect on how tracking, deep nature connection, and inner tracking can facilitate a powerful healing journey as one identifies baggage and begins unloading it to move on through the world in a lighter way. George also explains the process of openness, spaciousness, and that where we put our attention and love, our energy flows out and is reciprocated by the world and the people around us. All this and much more.Connect with GeorgeMindful Tracker WebsiteMindful Tracker Facebook PageInner Tracking Facebook Group PageKnew Spirituality Facebook PageKnew Spirituality Instagram PageLeoniakTracking YouTube Channelgeorge@mindfultracker.comBook Recommendations“Tracking and the Art of Seeing” and “The Wild Within”, by: Paul RezendesAdditional Recommended Links/Resources8 Shields Institute – Mentoring, Tracking, and Naturalist Training ProgramsThink Radio Interview – George Leoniak: Tracking Animals to Find OneselfThe Mindful Trackers Youtube Playlist – Videos of George and Paul Rezendes exploring tracking and self-awareness ideas and principlesTracking Related Education/EventsNortheast Wildlife Trackers 2020 ConferenceTracker Mentoring Online courses from Kersey Lawrence and Lee Gutteridge

In this episode I sit down for a chat with mother, wife, survivalist, fishing and big game hunting guide, and Alone Show Season 6 contestant Michelle Wohlberg. Michelle talks about growing up in the Canadian bush hunting and trapping, the events leading up to and how she prepared for her time on the Alone show. Michelle gives us more details about her experience on the show and the mental and physical recovery she went through afterwards. She fills us in on her recent adventures as a backcountry hunting and fishing guide in Canada, with her 7 year old son in tow. Michelle fills us in on her school “Legacy Survival Training”, and offers some tips on how we can more easily incorporate a preparedness mindset into our lives.Connect with Michelle and her school Legacy Survival TrainingLegacy Survival Training WebsiteLegacy Survival Training Facebook PageLegacy Survival Training Instagram PageBook RecommendationsMy Side of the Mountain SeriesHatchet SeriesThe Alice NetworkOther LinksThe History Channel's Alone Show

In this episode of my tracking series I am privileged to speak with Kersey Lawrence, who is currently the only female in the world that holds the certified highest level of skill with the title of “Senior Tracker” through the CyberTracker system. Kersey and I talk about her journey into a deep connection with the natural world and her foray into the world of tracking. Kersey discusses how the very practical, African style of tracking really resonated with her learning style and drew her to move to and seek mentorship through trackers from Africa. Kersey describes her journey towards becoming the highest certified female tracker in the world and the humbling responsibility that comes with that title and the naturalist knowledge that she has garnered over the years. Kersey describes the capabilities of a skilled tracker and how tracking and immersion in the natural world can instill within people a desire to protect and preserve the earth and its living creatures. Kersey shares more information about the programs offered by her company, Original Wisdom. Finally, Kersey offers an in-depth look at the CyberTracker system, expounding on its genesis, methods of evaluation to determine the expertise of trackers through its “track and sign” and “trailing” evaluations, and the ways that an evaluation is just as much a tracking workshop as it is a test of skill. Kersey teaches us what characteristics and skills are looked for in a good tracker by CyberTracker evaluators, and offers some advice on beginning to learn the art and skill of tracking.Connect with Kersey and her company “Original Wisdom”:Original Wisdom WebsiteOriginal Wisdom Facebook Page Original Wisdom Instagram Page Book Recommendations: A Sand County AlmanacBraiding SweetgrassThe Art of Tracking: The Origin of ScienceMammal Tracks and SignTracks and Sign of Insects and other InvertebratesBird Feathers: A Guide to North American SpeciesPractical Tracking: A Guide to Following Footprints and Finding AnimalsBooks by Lee Gutteridge

In this second episode of my tracking series I delve more specifically into the ways that tracking contributes to human wellness. I talk about humans’ evolutionary roots within the cradle of the natural world and how this existence predisposes our bodies, minds, and spirits for more natural ways of being. I make the bold statement that it is my belief that tracking, and wildlife tracking specifically, is the most effective activity for reconnecting with the natural world and garnering the health and wellness benefits of such a reconnection. I qualify this statement with some reviews of academic theories such as “attention restoration theory”, the Bar-On model of “emotional-social intelligence”, and the introspective self-analysis that come from inner-tracking, with its resulting life inventory that often causes sometimes painful but necessary life upheavals. I weave a few personal tracking stories into the mix for an episode that is sure to offer some insight into the healing power of tracking. References:Metaphyscial Tracking: The Oldest Ecopsychology by: David KowalewskiThinking in animal signs: Tracking as a biosemiotics exercise, ecopsychological practice, and a transpersonal path by: Jorge Conesa-Sevilla

Join me for a discussion with ecotherapist, rewildling coach, and outdoor skills practictioner Kimberly Beck as we explore ways to reverse the ill effects of our divorcement from the natural world due to human domestication. Kimberly shares her nature connected background as well as healing experiences and epiphanies she had which led her down the path of learning the principles of therapy and how to facilitate a relational reconnection between people and the natural world. Kimberly expounds specifically on rewilding and how it fits into the ecotherapy conversation of reunifying people with nature. We talk about ways that people project onto the the natural world, and others, and what one can learn by properly observing and asking questions about one’s projections. Kimberly offers stories of experiences with clients, exemplifying ways that nature connecting events can become an anchor for those struggling with mental illness. We also discuss the natural ability of the awareness skills, such as tracking, bird language, and naturalist knowledge, to facilitate ecotherapeutic self-exploration. We explore the importance of play and its role in helping people become fully realized human beings, as well as other nature reconnective activities that can be incorporated into one’s life.Connect With Kimberly:Relational Rewilding Nature Coaching WebsiteE-mail: wild@relationalrewilding.comKimberly’s Instagram PageBook Recommendations:How to Raise a Wild Child, by: Scott D. SampsonDeep Nature Play: A Guide to Wholeness, Aliveness, Creativity, and Inspired Learning, by: Joseph CornellNature and Therapy: Understanding Counselling and Psychotherapy in Outdoor Spaces, by: Martin JordanA New Path: To Transcend the Great Forgetting Through Incorporating Ancestral Practices into Contemporary Living, by: Arthur HainesThe Power of Now, by: Eckhart TolleOther Links:John Stokes and “The Tracking Project”Jon Young, “8 Shields Institute”Wilderness Awareness SchoolShelley Torgove, “Artemisia and Rue: Earth Centered Healing Traditions”

In this introductory episode for a series specifically about tracking, I introduce the concept of tracking by discussing what tracking is, why we as humans are all equipped to be trackers, why our history as trackers contributes to our capability to read words on paper, among other things, and the possibilities and feats of skilled trackers. I also discuss some basic terminology, talk about the meta-level questions of Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How, which outlines the various arts of tracking including identification, interpretation, aging, trailing, ecology, and intuition respectively. Next I discuss some techniques for learning how to track including the prerequisite of curiosity, the importance of dirt time, how to study tracks, utilizing animal forms (moving like the animal), the importance of the sit spot, and the benefits of tracking with a buddy. I also give a short primer on the concept of inner tracking, discuss some resources for getting started, and give a brief overview of what to expect in the coming series.Videos:The Great Dance: A Hunter’s StoryWeb Resources:Jonah Evans’ Website and Tracking Schools Directory – A great place to find a school near you that teaches trackingPrinceton University’s “Guide to Animal Tracking” – A great basic primer on the practical aspects of trackingKim Cabrera’s Bear Tracker Materials – Database of accurate track drawings, videos, links to resources such as the “Animals Don’t Cover Their Tracks” Facebook PageThe Art of Tracking Radio – A free podcast that goes in depth on many tracking topics with many leaders and big names in the tracking world“The Magic of Reading” Blogpost – A blog article describing Bill Hill’s research into the way human’s read and why our millions of years of tracking as a species contributes to our ability to read and imagine images and stories while doing soBook Recommendations:Animal Tracking Basics – by: Jon Young, Tiffany MorganTracker’s Field Guide – by: James LoweryMammal Tracks and Sign: A Guide to North American Species – by: Mark Elbroch & Casey McFarlandBlood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West – by: Hampton Sides

In this episode I reconnect with survivalist, wilderness guide, homesteader, instructor, and many more titles I don’t have time to name, Nikki van Schyndel. We talk about Nikki’s life, homesteading on a remote island in Echo Bay British Columbia, as well as how her story evolved from being a privileged city girl to roughing it while engaging in the world of wilderness living skills. We speak at length about her experience surviving with minimum modern tools on a wilderness island in B.C. with someone who was at first a complete stranger, but became a cherished friend. Nikki offers details about their experiences of starvation and plenty, failure and success, the changes that happen to the body and mind, and the life lessons on relationships, self-care, gratitude, and learning to work with the natural world instead of against it. We also talk about how her 1 ½ year survival journey prepared her for her time on the Alone Show and the overall themes of her Alone Show experience. We also delve into Nikki’s ability to communicate directly with beings in the natural world and her belief that all people have this ability to connect with the unseen world lying dormant within them. Nikki leaves us with a reflection on the importance of understanding how our thoughts and language shape our attitude and understanding of the world around us and how we attract things into our life.Connect with Nikki:Nikki’s Blog - The Chronicles of Daisy Crocket: The Magic, Mastery, and Madness of Wilderness LivingNikki's Becoming Wild Facebook PageNikki’s “Becoming Wild” YouTube ChannelNikki’s InstagramNikki’s Book:Becoming Wild: Living the Primitive Life on a West Coast IslandBecoming Wild TrailerBook Recommendations:The Secret Life of PlantsDo Fish Feel Pain?

In this episode I sit down for a conversation with Mike Masek, community herbalist, and educator who runs “The Forager’s Path School of Botanical Studies”.  We talk about Mike’s journey into the world of herbs and his promotion of the concept of “Community Herbalism”. We talk about the efficacy of herbal medicine and the best way to approach it to gain the most benefits in light of our “cure in a pill” society. We also discuss ways to begin using herbs at home and methods for getting out to identify and collect herbal medicine within 50 miles of one’s home.Contact Mike:The Forager’s Path WebsiteThe Forager’s Path Facebook PageBook Recommendations:Michael Moore’s BooksRosemary Gladstar’s BooksLocal Medicinal Plant Field Guides

In this episode, I engage in an article review of Robin Wall Kimmerer's (author of Braiding Sweetgrass) 2015 article entitled Nature Needs a New Pronoun: To Stop the Age of Extinction, Let’s Start by Ditching “It”. Through Dr. Kimmerer's words we explore the power of everyday language and a way suggested by Dr. Kimmerer to deepen our relationship with the more than human beings (animals, plants, trees) in the natural world by changing one single pronoun.Article LinkRobin Wall Kimmerer's Amazon Author Page

Join me for a discussion with the Pawson-Ryan family as they tell the story of their journey into the world of birds. We learn about David and how his friend Noel introduced him to birding which had a profound effect on him, causing him to do a complete about-face in his education track as a PhD candidate in engineering. We then learn about how David’s newfound obsession for birding slowly rubbed off on his partner Alison, and then quickly bled over to her parents and sister, giving them a new appreciation for this aspect of the natural world and bringing them all closer together through their newfound love of identifying and appreciating the feathered beings around us, especially during this time of social distancing with the coronavirus and the timely opportunity it has provided for delving into the natural world more fully. Enjoy this delightful story of an everyday family who got smitten by the birding bug and became closer to the natural world and each other in the process.Featuring the voices of: David Cuban, mechanical engineer, starting his PhD in Biology at the University of Washington studying birds, the group's gateway into birding; Noel Bond, naturalist, National Park Service Ranger, Peace Corps Volunteer, original birder of the group, and best friend to David; Alison Ryan, public health professional and partner to David; Blair Ryan and Peter Nerothin, sister and brother-in-law to Alison, and the newest bird enthusiasts in the family. Dean Ryan and Lynn Pawson, residents of Ventura, California, and parents to Alison and Blair. Dean's bird photos are available for viewing here:  Dean’s photography pageOther Pertinent Links:Hawk Mountain SanctuaryShaver’s Creek Environmental CenterThe Behavioral Ecophysics Lab websiteSan Diego Natural History MuseumJim Gilbert, WCCO radio's Nature NotesBook Recommendations:Desert SolitaireWhen Breath Becomes AirQuietFind a WayThe Feather ThiefEdge of the SeaSilent SpringA Gentleman in Moscow: A Novel

 Interview with Elena Harder, Bulletproof Mom and mental wellness coach. Elena tells her inspiring story overcoming mental illness and the threads of nature connection that were her support along the way. We talk specifically about Elena’s intuitive use of a sit spot and the importance of creating personal spaces for mental wellness. Elena tells us about her journey, moving from Calgary, Canada to Mexico on a whim with her young son in tow. She also regales us with her story of taking up van life and the adjustments that needed to be made to make van life work with a partner, young son, and dog. Finally, Elena fills us in on her work helping isolated mothers who struggle with stress and anxiety through her program “Bulletproof Moms”. Elena is also the purveyor of the JoyGasmic Life Podcast and a contributing author to the recently released book “Ignite Female Changemakers”Contact Elena:Elena’s Website & ClassesElena’s Podcast (The JoyGasmic Life)Elena’s Facebook PageElena’s InstagramElena’s TwitterElena’s YouTube ChannelIgnite Female Change Makers BookRecommended Books:Optimum Nutrition for the MindThe Dragon Riders of PernResources:Isochronic Tones·       https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX159cvbQYBvMFvpdsbIDdA·       https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA_yWQWKUAFATozqhT4akBg·       https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0YvsRfYfsniGAhjvYFOSA