Flowerhood

You’re probably wondering how sleep relates to our connection with nature, right? 

Well, in today’s episode I’ll be sharing exactly why our sleeping habits are so inherently connected to the world around us! I’ll be discussing the science I’ve learned in regards to our circadian rhythms, our brain’s perception of light signals, the negative effects of artificial light and so much more in regards to getting a good night’s rest.   

To learn more, tune in to Episode 14 of Flowerhood! 

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• How my cat, Braveheart, came into my life (1:56)
• Statistics on cat ownership and why it reduces our risk of cardiovascular issues (4:41)
• My personal history with poor sleeping patterns (6:22)
• Why studies on the brain and its connection to sleep have increased (7:46)
• How our sleeping habits have evolved over time (8:53)
• How circadian rhythms and melatonin affect our sleep (10:56)
• What happens to our brains when we introduce artificial light & How we can counteract its negative effects (14:10)
• Why getting out into nature helps us to get our sleep schedules back on track (17:06)

Let’s Connect!

• Website
• Facebook 
• Instagram

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Today’s episode is going to be a little different. 

Because reading has been an integral part of my upbringing and has helped me further my own education on the world around us, I thought it would be a good idea to read a few passages from my favorite book series, The Little House, and another much-loved childhood book The Secret Garden!

The nine-volume series consists of many stories that enrich our understanding of and appreciation for nature. One book, in particular, The Little House in the Big Woods, is one example of this, as the stories presented in this book informed my opinions and romantic ideals of American farmland. These books also introduced me to new and exciting things outside of my New Zealand bubble and were a fantastic learning opportunity on the value of our environment.

In contrast, The Secret Garden is a much-loved childhood book set in the English countryside. In contrast to vast prairies and woods, this book focuses on a walled and contained garden.

To hear The Little House and The Secret Garden excerpts, tune in to Episode 13 of Flowerhood! 

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• The types of plants I’m currently growing in my Orchard (1:12)
• How the books from my childhood impacted me throughout my life (4:10)
• An excerpt from, The Little House in the Big Woods (6:19)
• An excerpt from The Little House on the Prairie
• An excerpt from The Secret Garden where Mary discovers a coveted and beautiful garden (12:37)
• How these stories connect us to our environment (23:47)

Let’s Connect!

• Website
• Facebook 
• Instagram 

Resources:

• Book Series: The Little House (9 Volume Set) - Author, Laura Ingalls Wilder
• Book: The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett

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There are so many things to appreciate when it comes to rural living. 

Joining me on the show today is someone who has taken in those wonders first hand, Peter Kinnaird! Peter is a long time Managing Director and Marketing Director within the car manufacturing industry and made the move to greener pastures, now residing comfortably in the English countryside.  

In this episode, we dive into his background within the vehicle industry, having worked at many notable companies such as, ‘British Leyland’ , ‘BMW’, ‘Alfa Romeo’ and Landrover, the contrast of his life now having disconnected from the hustle and bustle of city life, as well as the many benefits that living close to nature has brought both of us.  

To hear more, tune in to Episode 12 of Flowerhood!

Some Questions I Ask:

• Where did you grow up as a child? (4:53)
• What were your holidays like living in England? (9:02)
• What did you do after you left school? (13:03)
• What is one of the business techniques you’ve carried over from your more difficult days in the car industry? (18:00)
• When did you move towards the English countryside? (21:59)
• When did you buy, Moat Farm? (29:19)
• Do you ever think about the contrast of your Essex upbringing to the life you have now in the countryside? (36:11)
• What do you love about where you’re living currently? (45:50)
• Does Worcestershire sauce really originate in Worcestershire? (52:00)

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• The relationship England has had historically with France and Spain (10:44)
• Some background on ‘British Leyland’ & what Peter learned from his tenure at the company (14:13)
• What Peter’s transition to ‘BMW’ was like after working for ‘British Leyland’ (19:00)
• Peter’s take on the architectural and aesthetic aspects of rural England (24:16)
• Peter’s proximity to the farm connected to J.R.R. Tolkein (26:16)
• How rural living detaches us from materialism (39:54)

Resources:

• The Only Way is Essex
• Dovecote Barn on AirBNB
• Dents Glove Factory
• The Archers - Radio Show - BBC
• The Good Life - TV Show - BBC

Let’s Connect!

• Website
• Facebook 
• Instagram 

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This one is for the dreamers! 

It recently came to my attention through someone I’d met that I never really learned how to operate an orchard. There was really no official class that I could take on how to approach this exciting and sometimes daunting new venture, but that didn’t stop me from taking it on with curiosity and perseverance. I’ve learned so much throughout this journey and felt the need to share some of those lessons with you all today, particularly for those out there wanting to nurture their own orchard one day. 

I’ll be sharing some of my most important tips and tricks in relation to growing, how different types of soil are utilized in the ground, and the impact that photosynthesis has on a plant’s growth rate. I’ll also be discussing what I think are some of the main aspects to look for when ‘designing our dream’ and how we can use the right mindset to achieve our goals. 

Tune in to Episode 11 of Flowerhood, to find out more! 

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• A message to any listeners who are in need of an escape (5:01)
• What my ‘office’ looks like in the orchard (5:53)
• How your work life can be dictated by nature and the seasons (7:05)
• Tips for those out there who are pursuing or manifesting their dream (7:32)
• Questions to ask yourself when ‘designing your dream’ (8:54)
• Why size is important to consider in relation to your orchard (11:54)
• The process of photosynthesis in growing (14:16)
• Why you may eventually need to sacrifice some trees in your orchard in order to gain the most sunlight (17:58)
• My tips on adapting soil types to your individual orchard (19:04)
• Why mulching is such a vital component to your gardening process (22:13)
• How ‘companion planting’ helps to break down compacted soil in your orchard (23:07)
• Why you need to have a toolbelt on hand when gardening (25:23)

Let’s Connect!

• Website
• Facebook 
• Instagram 

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After taking a couple of weeks away from the podcast, I’ve had some time to reflect on my own perceptions and opinions surrounding failure. It’s an interesting one, as taking a break away from something I really love doing should never be seen as a personal loss. However, it’s brought up a lot of thoughts on how I view myself when I do feel like I’ve quote, unquote, failed. 

In today’s episode, I want to share my advice on how we can all reframe these concepts in our minds and ‘de-clutter’ the thoughts that run rampant in our own brains. A lot of our busyness and stress can often come from a need we have to constantly bite off more than we can chew, and many times it leads to us overworking ourselves and feeling those effects tenfold. 

I also share how the current books I’ve been reading relate to our current environmental crisis and give some insight into what we can learn from nature and apply to our own lives. If you’re keen to learn more, then tune in to Episode 10 of Flowerhood! 

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• Why I’ve taken some time away from the podcast (2:12)
• Why I tend to take on more projects when I’m already busy (3:28)
• What I’ve asked myself in regards to my own workload (4:26)
• How we can interpret the actions that our parents have modeled growing up, in our adult lives (5:25)
• What I’m going to do to resolve my stress moving forward & How nature has helped me stay grounded (7:20)
• Why busyness is a symptom of our own ‘mental clutter’ & What we can learn from our lack of judgment towards nature (10:08)
• Why I passionately believe in reframing the idea of failure (13:11)
• Some background on the books I’m currently reading, ‘Consequences of Love’ and ‘Our House is on Fire’ (17:05)
• My thoughts on where we choose to place our focus both environmentally and personally (21:49)

Let’s Connect!

• Website
• Facebook 
• Instagram 

Resources:

• Book: ‘Consequences of Love’ Author, Gavanndra Hodge
• Book: ‘Our House is on Fire’ Author, Malena Ernman, Greta Thunberg, Beata Ernman & Svante Thunberg

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Usually, when we’re asked to introduce ourselves, we start by stating our name and our profession. But the truth is, we are so much more than just these two attributes. We are born in a certain place, we’re surrounded by all these amazing natural beauties, and we’re connected to all our ancestors. That’s something that’s worth mentioning when someone meets us for the first time, don’t you think?

Imagine how our perception to everything would change if we focused on our natural environment first and how it would form our decisions going forward if we looked to our mountain, our ocean, our stream, our lake, and honor them, give them the respect they deserve - and then honor all those people who came before us.

Today, I wanted to take you through a bit of history of the Te Reo language, spoken by the Māori people in New Zealand - particularly, their way of introducing themselves. I’m sure you’ll find it fascinating how they acknowledge nature’s role in our existence.

Tune in and listen to Episode 9 of Flowerhood, to learn more about this amazing language and the people who speak it.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The correct way to harvest your avocados. (01:23)
• How the industry tests a kiwi fruit. (04:45)
• My new project that entails creating an organic orchard. (06:19)
• My involvement in the Tony Robbins’ Unleash the Power Within virtual event. (06:56)
• How languages play an important role in truly knowing someone & the history of the Te Reo language spoken by the Māori people. (07:44)
• The traditional Māori way to greet or introduce yourself. (09:20)

Let’s connect: 

• Instagram
• Website
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

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This week, we’re taking a dive under the sea! 

Joining me in this episode is a long-time developer, contractor, engineer, designer of eco-friendly construction - ‘Vitruvian’ and sailing aficionado, Duane Heil! Duane shares the incredible story of how he packed up his former life and traded it in to sail around the world on a boat. The decision was not one he made lightly, having uprooted everything around him and shifting the relationships between him and the people he loved, but it was a trek that has changed his life for the better and made him into the person he is today. 

We chat about what led Duane to make such a huge life decision and how living on the ocean has given him a greater appreciation for the elements. He also gets candid on the vulnerability behind missing your children while being so far away from them and how his daily routine looks compared to how it used to be on land.  

If you’re interested to hear more, then have a listen to Episode 8 of Flowerhood!

Some Questions I Ask:

• Could you give a bit of background on where you’re calling from and your boat’s name? (4:08)
• What landed you on the decision to leave California? (6:00)
• During your lowest moment, what made you shift your mindset towards knowing you were going to sail the world? (25:23)
• What does a day living on your boat look like compared to your life before? (37:25)
• Could you describe the connection you have to nature and the ocean? (44:59)
• What is your current mantra & what was the mantra you used to live by? (51:57)
• Do you know what’s next for you? (55:44)
• Is there anything you’d like to leave my listeners with? (58:58)

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• Some background on Duane Heil (1:58)
• The true meaning of Duane’s surname (3:04)
• The camping trip that made Duane realize he wanted to sail around the world (8:55)
• Duane’s experience building ‘Vitruvian’ (13:04)
• How much Duane has changed since appearing in the ‘Vitruvian’ documentary (14:09)
• The effect notoriety had on Duane’s career & Duane’s reflection on his younger years as a builder (15:39)
• Duane’s perspective on materialism & and the compromises one makes for family (16:50)
• Where Duane’s fear of letting go stemmed from (19:54)
• Duane’s memories with lemon orchards & what it taught him about giving attention to the things he wanted to flourish (23:10)
• What made Duane realize he was going to live his dream now (24:52)
• The impact of identity & advice given to Duane by the Coach of the ‘Cal Berkeley’ Football Team  (31:33)
• The story behind the name ‘Grateful’ on Duane’s boat (42:57)
• How living on the ocean gave Duane a deeper appreciation for nature (47:36)

Let’s Connect!

• Website
• Facebook 
• Instagram 

Connect With Duane Heil:

• Instagram
• Website
• Youtube Channel
• Facebook

Resources:

• Youtube Video: ‘Vitruvian: Building Responsibility for the Future’
• Website: ‘Crew Bay’
• MEMO Marcia’s Enthusiastic Masters of Oakland - Masters Swim Team

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If there’s one thing I’m grateful isolation has brought us, it’s time. Time to reflect, and more importantly be present in the moments we’ve been given. On a recent trip, I took to Hanmer Springs, New Zealand I learned the value of just this, by engrossing myself in the world of ‘forest bathing’ and discovering a new appreciation for trees! 

In this episode, I’ll be discussing the genuine effect that trees have on our mental wellbeing, exploring the traditional Japanese and Māori practices, ‘Shinrin Yoku’ and ‘Rongoā Māori’, as well as share some useful lessons from Biologist and Professor of Forest Ecology, Susanne Simard. Her research, based within critical and scientific aspects of ecology, also expands on the altruistic and mutually beneficial ecosystem that functions amongst tree and forest life.   

To learn more about this fascinating topic, tune in to Episode 7 of Flowerhood! 

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• Some background on my recent trip to Hanmer Springs, New Zealand and the resort (2:02)
• The resort’s connection to WWII & Psychological treatments they offered Veterans (3:31)
• What hiking through Hanmer Springs made me realize about the power of nature and it’s authentic beauty (5:04)
• Why trees have made me feel so good lately (6:41)
• The Japanese practice of ‘Shinrin Yoku’ and its relation to the 5 senses (7:11)
• How trees’ aroma improves mental wellbeing (8:21)
• The traditional Māori healing system, ‘Rongoā Māori’ (9:15)
• How essential oils support the human immune system & Evidence from a 2005 Japanese study (10:37)
• Statistics on our interactions with nature (12:41)
• Why a trees’ ecosystem is referred to as ‘The Wood Wide Web’ (15:44)
• A breakdown of ‘Mycorrhizal Fungi’ & why it’s a mutually beneficial element to a tree’s ecosystem (17:26)
• The work that researcher, ‘Susanne Simard’ has contributed to the field of Forest Ecology (20:00)
• How trees send ‘defense signals’ to each other (21:35)
• Why our forests should be diverse (24:25)

Let’s Connect!

• Website
• Facebook 
• Instagram 

Resources:

• TED Talk: ‘How Trees Talk To Each Other’ Susanne Simard 
• Research Article: ‘Resource for Assessing Exposure to Environmental Pollutants’ 
• Research Article: ‘Forest Bathing Enhances Human Natural Killer Activity and Expression of Anti-Cancer Proteins’ 

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As someone with such a deep-rooted connection to nature and having been brought up with a foundational appreciation for rural living, it’s always a treat getting to speak with someone who has made that discovery later on in life. Joining me today is Nicole Saucier, a city-dwelling Banking and Finance Expert, former Vice President of one of the most well-known branches in America, Merryl Lynch, and current Yoga Teacher. 

In this episode, Nicole shares the incredible story of how she undertook her journey trekking through twenty-three National Parks across three different countries. She also gives advice to those out there looking to take on similar physical and emotional challenges, as well as compare her lifestyle in the city with what she has learned on the road.    

She also gives her perspective on how Yoga has been so life-changing for her and how developing this newfound relationship with nature was so necessary. To hear more, tune in to Episode 6 of Flowerhood!

Some Questions I Ask:

• What was your upbringing like in Massachusetts? (3:05)
• Were you training to become a Yoga Teacher while also working in Finance? (4:56)
• How did the idea formulate for you to start trekking twenty-three national parks? (6:58)
• Did you ever go tramping or trekking as a child? (9:06)
• What were some of the things that you feared before embarking on your trip? (10:42)
• Where do you think your fear of cliff edges came from? (16:13)
• Were there any new practices that you incorporated on the road while undergoing so many physical and emotional endurances? (17:07)
• Was there ever a point where you felt overwhelmed to the point where you wanted to stop? (19:03)
• Are there any parallels between the mental hurdles you overcame within your Banking career and the physical challenges you faced on this trip? (21:04)
• What were some of the things that you really missed from back home & What was it like leaving your Shi-Tzus during that time? (23:13)
• What was your experience of the plant and animal life in New Zealand (26:57)
• Did you do any of the tramps around New Zealand? (30:18)
• Where do you think you're going to go from here? (33:52)

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• Some background on Nicole Saucier (1:08)
• Why Yoga created such a huge shift in Nicole’s life & Allowed her to develop a deeper connection with herself (3:37)
• How Nicole met her travel partner and fellow New Zealander, who helped her to develop the relationship she now has with nature (5:30)
• The juxtaposition of my upbringing around nature compared to Nicole’s (8:13)
• Where Nicole started on her travel expedition (9:44)
• Nicole’s retelling of her hike through the Grand Canyon & What it taught her about courage and determination (12:08)
• What the New Zealand leg of Nicole’s trip working with the ‘SPCA’ consisted of (25:32)
• How adjusting to farm life was an opportunity for Nicole to slow down in comparison to the hustle and bustle of her city life (31:20)

Let’s Connect!

• Website
• Facebook 
• Instagram 

Connect With Nicole Saucier:

• Instagram 
• Facebook 
• LinkedIn

Resources:

• Book: ‘Keys to the Kingdom’ Author, Alison A. Armstrong
• Bailee & Bingo - Shi-Tzu Instagram Account

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Today’s episode is looking at plants from a different angle, we head out of the garden and onto the plate, as I will be diving into the topic of plant-based eating! I’m joined by Certified Plant-Based Nutritionist and Health Coach, Kerryn Sawyer, who shares her knowledge and expertise into this incredibly insightful subject. Kerryn holds a wonderful philosophy on reframing how to approach drastic changes in our eating habits and busts the common myths that are all too present amongst individuals wanting to make those dietary transitions.

There are so many resources out there that can further our education on this and it’s vital that we inform ourselves on the facts when it comes to our food intake. We discuss why a foundational understanding of healthy eating is so beneficial when growing up, the effects that nutrients have on our immune system, and how certain foods can accelerate the production of cancer cells, as well as advice for those who are intimidated or concerned about reducing their meat intake. 

To learn more and to hear Kerryn’s story in more depth, tune in to Episode 5 of Flowerhood!

Some Questions I Ask:

• Could you talk a little bit about your upbringing and how your diet growing up led you to pursuing the work you do now? (5:55)
• Do you think you were leading a nutritionally balanced life in your younger years, before you had the knowledge you do now? (14:19)
• What was the calling you knew you had to pursue in addition to the work you were already doing in your early years? (16:16)
• Could you expand on the control we have over our physical and anatomical environment? (20:43)
• Are plant-based proteins affecting the body in the same way animal products are? (25:03)
• What is the difference between someone who is plant-based and someone who is vegan or vegetarian & can you explain what wholefood means? (26:04)
• What is your personal view on using supplements as a replacement for the nutrients we’re not getting in our diet? (30:34)

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• My thoughts on the ‘vegan revolution’ within the food world (1:31)
• Kerryn’s experience with animal activism and making the transition to veganism with her partner throughout her twenties (10:53)
• Why Kerryn decided she would become a vegan if she were to be diagnosed with cancer (16:53)
• My experience with my melanoma diagnosis & why I feel it is rooted in my calling to transition into plant-based eating (19:46)
• Kerryn’s insights into how our immune system operates in relation to cancer cells & How it responds to environmental toxins and infections (22:46)
• What is contributing to the acceleration process of cancer cells in the body (23:45)
• Kerryn’s advice for those who are concerned that they won’t receive enough protein from a plant-based diet (34:24)
• The first steps to approaching a plant-based diet & How Kerryn’s work helps individuals wanting to transform their diet (40:31)

Let’s Connect!

• Website
• Facebook 
• Instagram 

Connect With Kerryn Sawyer:

• Facebook 
• Email: [email protected]
• ‘Plant Power Health’ - Facebook Group
• ‘The Plant Power Coach’ - Facebook
• ‘The Plant Power Coach’ - Instagram 

Resources:

Documentaries: 

• ‘Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret’ (2014)
• ‘Forks Over Knives’ (2011)
• ‘The Game Changers’ (2018)
• ‘PlantPure Nation’ (2015)

Books:

• ’Your Life In Your Hands’ Author, Jane Plant
• ‘The China Study’ Author, Thomas Campbell & T. Colin Campbell

Websites:

• ‘Forks Over Knives’

Organizations:

• ‘SAFE: Saving Animals From Exploitation’ 

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