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A single word can open a whole landscape, and today that word is return. We set out along the Pigeon Hill Trail—where this show first began—to see how cycles in nature, story, and daily life shape who we become when we come back. What looks like a loop is actually a spiral: the place may seem familiar, but your eyes are not the same.

We dig into the tension between awakening and routine. Mindfulness is powerful, but it isn’t a finish line to live on forever; it’s a practice that keeps us from sleepwalking through our days. Thomas Merton’s guidance—that reflection should ripple into action—nudges us to bring insight back into ordinary choices, conversations, and commitments. Along the way, we reexamine the Prodigal Son. The father’s love never changes; the son’s capacity to recognize it does. That shift reframes "return" as a moment of seeing rather than a moral about never leaving, while the older brother’s quiet constancy reveals a different kind of growth that rarely gets a party.

We widen the lens with the Odyssey. Hero myths celebrate departure and homecoming, but they also carry the cost of return—the risks, losses, and hard tradeoffs. The lotus eaters tempt us to forget, yet meaning requires friction. We talk about ruts, low seasons, and why resistance is the raw material of growth. Parenting brings it close to home: letting our kids risk, fail, and return is an act of love, not negligence. Nature keeps the score honestly. Forests, seasons, and soil show that decay feeds renewal, and that coming back is less about sameness and more about regeneration.

Walk with us through boulders, stories, and memory to consider where you’re being called to return—and how you might see it differently this time. If this conversation sparked something for you, follow us on Instagram for episode clips, then rate and review the show to help more people find the trail. Subscribe, share with a friend, and tell us: what are you ready to return to now?

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What happens to our minds when we step away from constant connection? In this immersive conversation with Eric Graves, Executive Director of the Len Foote Hike Inn, we discover the profound mental health benefits that emerge when we disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and each other.

Walking through the Chattahoochee National Forest near Amicalola Falls, Eric reveals how the backcountry lodge he oversees has become more than just a destination—it's a sanctuary for mental well-being. For 23 years, he's witnessed thousands of guests transform as they complete the five-mile hike to this rustic retreat where cell phones stay in pockets and strangers become friends around the dinner table.

The conversation takes us beyond mere digital detox philosophy into the tangible reality of what happens when people truly unplug. We explore how face-to-face communication has startlingly become a skill rather than a given, especially for younger generations raised on screens. Eric shares observations about his own daughters—one raised before smartphones dominated, the other fully immersed in digital culture—and the stark differences in their ability to connect with others in person.

Perhaps most compelling is the discussion about how technology is reshaping our problem-solving abilities. Eric notes how younger staff members approach challenges differently, often seeking pre-packaged solutions rather than working through problems with critical thinking. At the hike-in, where situations rarely have cookie-cutter answers, this generational shift becomes particularly evident.

What emerges isn't a wholesale rejection of technology—Eric himself uses bird identification apps and fitness trackers—but rather a call for intentional balance. The hike-in represents a model where technology serves as a tool rather than a master, where the process of experiencing nature matters as much as capturing the perfect sunset photo.

Whether you're feeling mentally drained from constant connectivity or simply curious about how nature affects our psychological well-being, this episode offers both scientific insights and practical wisdom. Join us for this thoughtful exploration of what it means to be healthy in mind and spirit in our increasingly digital world.

Check out the Len Foote Hike Inn by exploring their website at www.hike-inn.com.  You can make reservations to stay directly from this site!

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The humble mushroom might be the most misunderstood organism on our planet. Walking Arabia Mountain with mycology expert Darling Ngoh reveals a hidden world of intelligence networks pulsing beneath our feet—without a single brain cell in sight.

Mushrooms are reshaping how we understand intelligence itself. While exploring the unique granite landscape of this Georgia landmark, we discover that fungal networks operate with startling efficiency, solving complex problems that baffle human engineers. Scientists in Japan and the UK have found that slime molds—relatives of fungi—can design transportation networks more efficiently than urban planners. These organisms, despite having no central nervous system, showcase problem-solving abilities that challenge our understanding of cognition.

The conversation winds through unexpected territory as we explore how 80-90% of trees worldwide connect through underground fungal networks in cooperative relationships. Trees actually lower their cellular defenses to invite mycelium inside their roots—a partnership that has sustained forest ecosystems for millions of years. This natural cooperation model raises profound questions about human systems that prioritize competition over collaboration.

Ranger Darling's own journey bridges two seemingly disconnected worlds: data science and forest ecology. Through his organization Hikes of Georgia, he's creating innovative conservation strategies while teaching beginners how to safely identify mushrooms. 

The beautiful granite outcrops of Arabia Mountain, with their endangered plant species growing in solution pits formed over centuries, provide the perfect backdrop for contemplating how we might better align human innovation with nature's proven success strategies.

Join us to discover why fungi might hold solutions to our most pressing challenges—from healthcare to climate change to technological advancement. 

Follow Hikes of Georgia on social media or visit Arabia Mountain on weekends for a chance to meet Ranger Darling in person and explore this hidden gem just outside Atlanta.

Hikes of Georgia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikesofgeorgia/?hl=en

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What if history isn’t just something we remember, but something we carry, share, and keep alive through stories?  Walking through Austin, Texas's Zilker Park with award-winning Chickasaw storyteller Amy Bluemel transforms a conversation about history into a profound exploration of human connection, cultural preservation, and the universal language of storytelling.

Amy immediately challenges our modern assumptions by revealing how storytellers functioned as historians before written language existed. "We kept the history of battles or illnesses, or moons and years and where people went and where they came from," she explains, highlighting how oral traditions preserved essential community knowledge across generations. Science confirms this approach works—our brains retain information more effectively through stories.

Amy shares the Chickasaw migration story, featuring divine twins, a sacred pole that pointed their direction, and a protective white dog who eventually became the Milky Way. These narratives aren't just entertaining—they're sophisticated vehicles for cultural knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and ancestral connections that have survived despite systematic attempts to silence Native voices.

Amy then provides a timeline of cultural suppression: "It was illegal for Native Americans to practice their religion until 1978," she reveals. "I was 12." This places modern Native American cultural revitalization in proper context—not as ancient history but as ongoing resistance against very recent oppression. As we witness current political movements attempting to remove uncomfortable historical narratives from museums and educational spaces, Amy's insights become even more urgent.

The episode culminates with Amy sharing a traditional trickster tale about Rabbit trying to convince Creator to give him more brains—a story that perfectly demonstrates how Native American storytelling incorporates humor, moral lessons, and cultural values simultaneously. As she explains, these stories adapt with each telling while preserving essential truths, much like cultures themselves must adapt while maintaining their core identities.

Ready to experience storytelling that bridges cultures and centuries? Subscribe now to join our journey exploring the powerful stories that connect us all, and follow Amy's work at https://amybluemelstoryteller.com/

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Dr. Rick Diamond joins me on a sunlit morning walk around Austin's beautiful Mueller Lake Park to explore a concept that fundamentally changes how we move through the world: Awakening.

"We are really asleep a lot of the time," Rick shares as we begin our conversation, explaining how most of us operate from "scripts" we've inherited or created without ever questioning their validity. As a Story Healer, Rick works with individuals and organizations to examine the narratives that drive their lives and find healing through greater self-awareness.

The power of our discussion lies in Rick's accessible approach to awakening—not as some mystical achievement requiring mountain-top meditation, but as simple moments of clarity that happen when we're willing to pause and look inward. He shares a touching example of helping a client transform anger toward his father into compassion through one simple question: "What do you think your father was struggling with?"

Our conversation weaves through the distinction between experiencing emotions versus identifying with them. "We have all these feelings that are in response to our experience, but we're not our feelings," Rick emphasizes. This shift in perspective—from "I am angry" to "I am experiencing anger"—creates liberating space between ourselves and our momentary feelings.

We discuss how modern life's constant stimulation makes this inner work challenging, yet even more essential. The metaphor of "repairing a roller coaster while riding it" perfectly captures the difficulty of examining our programming while still living our busy lives.

Whether you're curious about personal growth, struggling with recurring patterns, or simply feeling there must be more to life than running on autopilot, this conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking to live more consciously. Listen now to discover what might be possible when you recognize yourself as what Rick beautifully describes as "an eternal soul having a human experience."

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Walking through a cemetery in Marietta, Georgia creates the perfect backdrop for contemplating time – that elusive concept we all experience yet struggle to understand. What happens when we recognize that our past and future exist only as stories we tell ourselves?

During this solitary walk among thousands of gravestones, I share a recent dream where I met both past and future versions of myself, sparking profound questions about how we perceive time. Drawing from philosophers like Alan Watts, I explore how time functions as a relative concept – much like musical notes that only make sense in relation to other notes. The cemetery itself becomes a powerful metaphor, with each gravestone representing someone whose eternal present moments have ended, while ours continue.

The revelation that emerges from this cemetery walk is both simple and transformative: the stories we create about our past experiences and future expectations dictate nearly every present decision we make. But in any given moment, we possess the remarkable power to change these narratives. When we become aware of the eternal nature of the present moment, we can observe our thoughts, recognize how our self-created stories influence us, and consciously choose which narratives truly serve us.

This episode marks the beginning of a new season exploring how our individual stories connect to something larger – like waves in an ocean crashing against the same shore. While perfect presence may elude us, those moments when we can step back and observe our thoughts with clarity offer us freedom from the limitations of stories we no longer need to believe.

Follow the podcast on Instagram for shorter clips about words and join me on these walks where we take one word and go deep into its meaning and connections to our lives.

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Deep in the Woods – Season 3, Episode 1: Freedom

Welcome to Deep in the Woods with Andrew McEntyre, where storytelling meets the mysteries of life. Season 3 begins with a powerful episode on freedom, exploring personal and political liberties through the firsthand experiences of Tessie Peace.

Walking through Swift Cantrell Park in Kennesaw, Georgia, Tessie recounts her time living in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, a period that reshaped an entire nation overnight. She shares deeply personal insights into what happens when human rights, free speech, and women’s rights are stripped away under an authoritarian regime. Her words serve as a stark reminder of how fragile freedom can be:

🔹 “I have seen freedom taken away, and I know how serious it is.”
🔹 “You had to be very careful about what you said in public because they would put you in prison—or worse.”
🔹 “Freedom isn’t just a word. It’s something we must protect.”

Through compelling stories of Iranian culture, from the hospitality of its people to the richness of its food and Persian rugs, Tessie contrasts the beauty of a nation with the dark reality of government control, religious oppression, and the loss of personal autonomy.

This episode is a must-listen for those interested in history, global politics, human rights, and the ongoing fight for democracy. It also draws parallels to current discussions about religious influence in government, personal freedoms in the U.S., and the importance of civic engagement.

As the conversation unfolds, we ask: What does freedom mean in today’s world? How can we protect it? And are we, like the proverbial frog in boiling water, ignoring the warning signs of its erosion?

Join us on this walk as we explore these crucial questions. If you’re passionate about freedom, democracy, civil rights, and the power of storytelling, this episode will challenge you to think deeper.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations on the words that define our lives.

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In this special bonus episode of Deep in the Woods, I take a unique approach—stepping into the kitchen with Damiao Wang as we prepare a meal for the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year. Damiao shares the word homage and reflects on the traditions, ancestral reverence, and cultural stories that make this celebration so meaningful.

As we cook dishes like shrimp stir-fry, dumplings, and Guobao Rou, Damiao recounts childhood memories of fireworks, family gatherings, and honoring ancestors through rituals passed down for generations. We also explore the connection between storytelling and remembrance, touching on poetry, history, and the importance of keeping traditions alive.

For the first time, Deep in the Woods is also available in video format! Watch the full cooking experience on YouTube at https://youtu.be/xs-3HtAldIY?si=qYLXn26DJe6PD4Kn

Season 3 of Deep in the Woods launches in March, focusing on the power of storytelling. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations and immersive walks through the stories that connect us all.

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In this thoughtful season finale, Andrew McEntyre returns to the East Palisades with Eugene O'Donnell to finish a conversation filled with reflections on faith, resilience, and life’s challenges. Together, they explore the valleys we face and the transformative growth that can emerge from them.

Eugene reflects on his recovery from an injury on this very trail: "At the time, I thought it was just a stupid ankle thing. Now I realize there was a lot more loaded into that, and God had some amazing things to unpack." His story highlights how setbacks can reveal deeper opportunities for change and perspective.

Andrew opens up about his journey of deconstruction and rebuilding his view of spirituality: "When someone asks, ‘Do you believe in God?’ it’s a loaded question for me. My brain automatically goes to fear—fear of answering wrong, fear of the consequences. That’s why it’s no longer about answering the question but about having a relationship rooted in love, not fear or guilt." It is no longer about checking a box; no longer based on ritual but now on relationships.

Andrew and Eugene also delve into Joseph Campbell's hero’s journey. "It's like the leaves we're walking on—they have to die to grow back. It's a cycle," Eugene reflects, connecting the struggles of life to broader spiritual narratives.

As the clouds part during their hike, Andrew captures the significance of the moment: "First, it’s dark, but then the light pokes through—a reminder that perspective can change everything."

Join us for this inspiring conclusion to Season 2, a conversation about comebacks, faith, and the beauty of finding meaning in life’s challenges.

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Andrew McEntyre takes us deeper into the theme of "Comebacks" in part two of his conversation with Eugene O'Donnell as they continue their walk on the Whitewater or East Palisades Trail in Atlanta, GA. This episode connects the dots between historical resilience, personal growth, and the powerful reconstruction of faith.

Reflecting on Atlanta's journey from devastation to a global hub, Eugene shares, "Sometimes those trials can really make a huge difference in your life." 

The duo weaves this perspective into personal stories, with Andrew adding, "Deconstruction requires reconstruction. Like Atlanta rising from the ashes, sometimes faith must be broken down to be rebuilt stronger."

The walk is not only about physical trials but also about exploring life's deeper questions. "You can't raise Him from the dead if he doesn't die," Eugene observes, tying the idea of loss to renewal. Along the way, they discuss the value of moments in nature, as Andrew notes, "The wild is where I see God the most—raw, untamed, and true."

With vivid descriptions of the Chattahoochee River and insightful reflections on faith, fear, and resilience, this episode invites listeners to pause, reflect, and embrace the power of comebacks.

🌲✨ Join the journey and check out behind-the-scenes moments, beautiful trail snapshots, and more on Instagram:
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