The Forest Understory

In this episode, Lacey chats with Dr. Amy Wotherspoon, a forest ecologist and professor in British Columbia. Amy and Lacey have been Instagram friends for years, sharing a love of travel, trees and books. Now, they finally get the chance to connect beyond the comments and messages, talking about climate change and its impact on forests, teaching in China, travel adventures, and the many things that make them curious about the world around them.Follow along with Amy's adventures: Insta: @weatherforkLinkedIn: Amy Wotherspoon

In this episode of The Forest Understory, Lacey sits down with childhood friend Lisa Murphy to explore her journey from growing up in Labrador, to serving in the Canadian military and deploying to Afghanistan, and later becoming a teacher with a focus on land-based learning.Lisa reflects on the early experiences that sparked this interest, and how working in northern, primarily Indigenous communities transformed her approach to education. She talks about learning from Elders and Indigenous knowledge holders, and bringing students onto the land through activities such as hunting, trapping and berry picking.Through stories of students gaining confidence and a deeper connection to land and community, Lisa reflects on the lasting impact of teachers and outdoor experiences - and what the land can teach us when we take the time to listen.This episode was recorded and edited on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people.

In this episode of Forest Understory, host Lacey Rose interviews her husband and camping partner Mike Machin about their nearly 20 years of camping adventures together. They share stories of their early camping experiences, the challenges of backcountry camping, and the lessons learned from various mishaps, including epic tent failures and water purification woes. The couple discusses their favorite camping meals, gear upgrades, and the transition to trailer life, all while reflecting on the beauty of nature and the joy of making memories together in the great outdoors. We're practically babies in the cover of this episode!Special thanks to Jacob Rotblatt for sound quality control on this episode. 🙌

What happens when a forester, biologist, and wilderness enthusiast spends months surviving alone in the wild?This episode of The Forest Understory features Megan Hanacek, professional forester and biologist, whose experiences range from helping landowners manage forests to testing her limits on the reality series Alone. But this conversation isn't just about survival.We explore how time spent in forests can build mental resilience, reduce stress, sharpen focus, and help us navigate uncertainty.Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsperson or someone who simply enjoys a walk in the woods, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the connection between forests and human resilience.

Fred Blackstein, a physicist turned outdoor enthusiast, shares his lifelong passion for backcountry camping, survival skills, and volunteerism. Discover how his unique perspective as a scientist enhances his appreciation of nature and hear his thoughts on why everyone should know how to use a compass. Learn about Fred's Order of Canada award here: https://www.pembrokeobserver.com/news/ottawa-valleys-success-power-of-community-fred-blacksteinLearn about Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre here: https://www.shawwoods.ca/