Earthkeepers: A Circlewood Podcast on Creation Care and Spirituality

Send us a voice note

In this insightful interview, Drew, an army chaplain with nearly 19 years of service, shares his unique perspective on the intersection of faith, culture, nature, and military service. Discover how his approach to relational encounters and understanding diverse backgrounds enhances his support for soldiers and fosters healing through nature and community.

 Drew’s LinkedIn

Drew’s YouTube channel

Drew’s Insta

 key  topics

• The role of military chaplains in supporting religious liberties
• The concept of I-Thou versus I-It relationships and its application in military and nature 
• The impact of cultural understanding and diversity training for chaplains
• How outdoor activities and nature foster healing and trust among soldiers
• The environmental considerations in military operations and training

keywords

Military chaplain, faith and culture, nature and healing, relational spirituality, diversity in the military, environmental consciousness, community development, spiritual support, military service, ecological impact, Elwha dam removal, Elwha people

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple 

Send us a voice note

In this conversation, guest host Noah Guthrie interviews Ciro Flores Cabrera about the vital work of A Rocha in environmental conservation across Peru. They consider A Rocha’s prioritization on helping to preserve traditional culture of native peoples in connection to their work of protecting native flora and fauna. Their conversation highlights community engagement, ecosystem restoration, and the spiritual connection to caring for God's creation.

  A Rocha

A Rocha Peru

Noah Guthrie’s essay regarding his time in Peru, on The Ecological Disciple

Key  Topics

·      Ecosystem restoration in dry forests and the Amazon

·      Community involvement and indigenous knowledge

·      The spiritual and biblical basis of environmental care

 Keywords

Machiguenga, Environmental Conservation, Peru, Amazon, Dry Forest, Community Engagement, Ecosystem Restoration, Indigenous Knowledge, Biofauna, Sacred Nature, Christian Ministry, acacia, carob, entrepreneurship, environmental education, tilapia

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple 

Send us a voice note

In this insightful interview, Forrest and Brendan McClenahan discuss the launch of TEND, a free creation care curriculum rooted in faith and community. They explore the barriers and opportunities for integrating creation care into church life, emphasizing relational healing, indigenous wisdom, and practical actions that reconnect people with their place and creation.

The TEND curriculum website

Plant with Purpose

Key  topics

Creation care as spiritual practice

Barriers to environmental engagement in churches

Opportunities for community-based creation care

The role of indigenous wisdom in environmental stewardship

 Keywords

creation care, faith, community, indigenous wisdom, environmental restoration, spiritual formation, church, sustainability, relational healing

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple 

Send us a voice note

In this episode, Forrest Inslee and Jo Swinney spend time with Ruth Padilla deBorst of A Rocha Costa Rica, sharing experiences and insights on creation care and community living. Ruth highlights the organization's growth, and its commitment to creation care, community engagement, and environmental justice. In particular, she describes the ways that her intentional community, called Casa Adobe, works to foster deep connection between people and nature, and people with other people. The conversation delves into the challenges of seeking such environmental restoration, addressing issues like river pollution, greenwashing, and the need for a more profound understanding of our particular places. Ruth also emphasizes the importance of caring for creation alongside others in community, advocating for a shift from an individualistic, consumption-orientation to shared responsibility and mutual support. The episode concludes with practical advice for listeners on how to engage in meaningful environmental action, and the ways that we can balance lament for the current state of the planet while at the same time remaining hopeful for the future.

Keywords

creation care, environmental justice, intentional community, A Rocha International, A Rocha Costa Rica, storytelling, ecological stewardship, community living, environmental activism, hope, indigenous wisdom, composting, theology of creation

Takeaways

•  Jo Swinney: "I am primarily a storyteller, trying to inspire people to do what they can where they are."
• Ruth Padilla DeBorst: "It's hard for me to imagine caring thoroughly for creation if we don't get off that train of consumption and accumulation."
• Ruth Padilla DeBorst: "The most powerful possibility of transformation is communal."
• Ruth Padilla DeBorst: "Recognizing the river as our sister is an expression of worship of God, not of the river, but of the creator."

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple 

Send us a voice note

In this episode, Forrest Inslee engages with Ben Lowe (A Rocha USA) and James Amadon (Circlewood) to discuss current environmental challenges and the role of faith communities in addressing these issues. They explore the importance of partnerships, the need for theological reflection and repentance, and the significance of community action in resisting destructive trends. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of love and relationality in ecological advocacy, as well as personal growth in ecological thinking.

A Rocha US

A Rocha International

Take Aways

• The external circumstances regarding climate change are dire, but organizational work is thriving.
• Partnerships between organizations can enhance resilience and impact.
• The church has a critical role in environmental advocacy, but has often been absent.
• Political polarization affects the church's engagement with environmental issues.
• Repentance is essential for the church to align with God's call to care for creation.
• Resistance to harmful practices must be rooted in love and community.
• Local actions can have a significant impact on environmental health.
• Personal connection to nature fosters resilience and hope.
• Theological reflection is necessary for effective environmental action.
• Communal resistance strengthens community bonds and fosters collective action.

Keywords

environment, climate change, church, ecological justice, partnership, community, resilience, repentance, love, action, A Rocha USA, Circlewood, environmental justice

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple 

Send us a voice note

In this conversation, Christy Berghoef talks with Forrest about her book Rooted: A Spiritual Memoir of Homecoming that explores themes of community and the connection to the land, as a foundation for living lives of social and environmental action. She reflects on her journey back to her family farm in Michigan, the challenges of navigating a conservative community with differing views, and the importance of finding a sense of belonging. The discussion also delves into the balance between contemplation and action in social justice work, the dynamics of toxic tribalism versus communal belonging, and the significance of allowing children to experience freedom and wildness. Christy also emphasizes the need for courage in speaking out and finding community.

Christy Berghoef, Doctor of Ministry in The Sacred Art of Writing

Blog: Wheat & Willow

Author of Rooted: A Spiritual Memoir of Homecoming

Author of Cracking the Pot: A Spiritual Memoir of Expansion

Takeaways

• Home is where you can be who you really are.
• The land provides a deep connection and sense of belonging.
• Finding balance between contemplation and action is essential.
• Toxic tribalism creates division; communal belonging fosters connection.
• Speaking out can help others realize they are not alone.
• Children need freedom to explore and learn from nature.
• Political engagement can impact family dynamics and community.
• Adversity can lead to growth and understanding, even and especially in kids.
• Living with less can contribute to environmental justice.
• Community action is vital for systemic change.

Keywords: spiritual memoir, homecoming, community, environmental justice, contemplative photography, social change, toxic tribalism, communal belonging, childhood freedom, political engagement, environmental activism

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple 

Send us a voice note

In this episode, Forrest Inslee talks with Randy Woodley, reflecting on the historical context of democracy in America and emphasizing the need to learn from Indigenous practices that prioritize cooperation and community over competition. He critiques the current political landscape, expressing frustration with Congress's dysfunction and the erosion of democratic principles, while advocating for a return to a more inclusive and equitable form of governance: a truer democracy that draws on Native American history and values. Woodley discusses his Substack series, 'Make Democracy Great Again,' which aims to address systemic issues in housing, education, and healthcare, drawing parallels between past injustices and present challenges.

Randy Woodley’s Make Democracy Great Again Substack series

 The “Iriquois Confederacy”

Getting Started on Substack

Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice

Takeaways

 ·      'Native American peoples had a better way of expressing democracy than the United States has ever come up with.'

·      'The bottom line is that the US has never have been a democracy.'

·      'We're banning books and we're not teaching certain things anymore.'

·      'As long as the power was held by majority white males, it hasn't been a democracy for anyone but them.'

Keywords: democracy, Indigenous rights, political critique, solar energy, community leadership, environmental justice, systemic issues, Substack series, government overreach, social equity, Iriquois Confederacy

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple 

Send us a voice note

In this episode, Forrest Inslee reflects on the past and future of the Earthkeepers podcast, sharing personal experiences and new initiatives aimed at fostering community and addressing urgent environmental challenges. He introduces a new podcast series, Edgewalkers, and emphasizes the importance of asking difficult questions about ecological issues and the role of individuals in creating change.

Earthkeepers website

Reach out to Forrest at [email protected]

Takeaways

• Forrest shares his personal journey and reflections on the podcast.
• The importance of community in environmental efforts is emphasized.
• New initiatives will be launched to foster learning and connection.
• The Edgewalkers podcast will explore faith and relevance in modern times.
• Forrest plans to share a bit about his personal ecological journey of learning the land where he now lives.
• The podcast will address the urgency of the environmental crisis..
• More difficult questions about ecological destruction will be explored in season 7.
• The need for radical action in the face of climate change is highlighted.
• Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts and recommendations.

Keywords

environmental crisis, community action, podcast, ecology, Edgewalkers, climate change, creation care, journey of ecological discipleship, Camano Island

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple 

Send us a voice note

In this engaging conversation, Forrest Inslee, Jason Lyle, and Mark Warren delve into the profound relationship between humans and nature, exploring themes of survival skills, environmental education, and the importance of solitude in reconnecting with the natural world. They discuss Mark's teaching methods, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of ecosystems and the gifts nature provides. The conversation also touches on personal stories, including Mark's experiences living off the grid for two years in a tipi, and the significance of moments shared with wildlife, ultimately highlighting the mystery and beauty of nature.

 Mark Warren’s books

Medicine Bow Wilderness School

Jason Lyle’s organization, Adventures in Recovery

Forrest’s interview with Jason, episode 132 Finding Wholeness in Wilderness Adventure

Takeaways

·      Men struggle to find their identity in today's world.

·      Teaching about nature fosters a deeper connection to the environment.

·      Understanding ecosystems is crucial for conservation efforts.

·      Solitude in nature helps individuals reconnect with their true selves.

·      Experiencing nature can lead to profound personal insights.

·      The relationship between humans and nature is essential for well-being.

·      Teaching survival skills can empower individuals and communities.

·      Nature provides gifts that we often take for granted.

·      Personal stories can illustrate the beauty of nature's mysteries.

·      Environmental education can inspire hope for future generations.

 Keywords

nature, survival skills, ecosystems, human connection, environmental education, solitude, coaching, historical fiction, conservation, personal growth, engaging mystery, stalking skills, hunting, finding unique purpose, calling

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple 

Send us a voice note

In this conversation, Forrest and cohost Lenore Three Stars discuss with author Roberta Paul her new book LISTENING TO THE BIRDS: A Nez Perce Woman’s Journey of Self-discovery and Healing. They discuss themes of intergenerational trauma, the importance of storytelling in shaping identity, and the healing power of nature. The discussion also touches on historical narratives, particularly the Whitman Incident, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives in understanding history. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the journey of healing through personal and collective stories, the role of forgiveness, and the hope found in new beginnings.

Listening to the Birds book site

About Robbie Paul

About Lenore Three Stars

 Takeaways

• The Thanksgiving holiday is viewed differently by Native Americans--often as a time for family gatherings rather than celebration, given the essentially untrue myths surrounding the American holiday.
• Intergenerational trauma affects individuals and communities, stemming from historical injustices.
• Understanding one's own story is crucial for healing and personal growth.
• Cultural stories play a significant role in shaping identity and self-perception.
• Forgiveness is a process that requires time and understanding of historical context.
• Nature serves as a source of healing and spiritual connection for many Native people, and for anyone who seeks deeper connection to the natural world.
• The act of storytelling is a powerful tool for healing and community bonding.
• Historical narratives are often shaped by the perspective of the teller, highlighting the need for diverse voices.
• Healing from trauma involves recognizing and honoring the experiences of ancestors.
• Hope can be found in new beginnings, even after loss. 

Keywords

Native American Heritage Month, intergenerational trauma, storytelling, healing, nature, identity, forgiveness, historical narratives, creation story, Nez Perce, Thanksgiving, cultural stories, Wounded Knee Massacre, Nez Perce War

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple