Earthkeepers: A Circlewood Podcast on Creation Care and Spirituality

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Forrest, the Earthkeepers podcast host, also works for the Pacific Rim Institute for Environmental Stewardship on Whidbey Island, off the coast of Washington State. This episode focuses on one of PRI's partners, an organization called the Au Sable Institute, which serves undergraduate students whose vocational interests lie in some form of earthkeeping work. Have a listen to Au Sable’s Executive Director, Jon Terry, as well as two Au Sable alumni—Sarah and Carson--about the faith-shifting, mind-and-heart-expanding influence of this organization. These students offer honest reflections about why they've chosen an earth-keeping vocational path, and on how they maintain motivation in the face of climate change and ecological degradation.

Guest: Jon Terry 

• Au Sable Institute Executive Director 
• Staff Profile 
• Humans of Au Sable 
• LinkedIn 

Mentions: 

• Pacific Rim Institute 
• Au Sable Institute 

 Keywords: youth, nature, outdoors, education, field work, field experience, outdoor education, students, teachers, environment, animals, diversity, wildlife, sustainability, water, creation, science, creation care, God, sacred, kin, relationships, perspective, purpose, passion, jobs, vocation, despair, inspiration, church, community, utilitarian, intrinsic value, resources, hope, public information, ignorance, future, plan 

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In recognition of the recent summer solstice, we are releasing an episode from the podcast archives. This is in fact an episode from season one, a conversation with Randy Woodley. Out of all the episodes we’ve done, this episode has been listened to more than any other—and for good reason! 

As you listen to this conversation, you might ask yourself a practical question: What is a specific practice that I can embrace in this solstice season, to help me to become a better relative in the family of creation?

Guest: Dr. Randy Woodley

Eloheh Indigenous Center for Justice

Eloheh Seeds

Dr. Woodley's book: Shalom and the Community of Creation

Dr. Woodley’s book: Decolonizing Evangelicalism

Dr. Woodley's article - The Fullness Thereof

Earthkeepers' interview with Tri Robertson

Richard Twiss - author & teacher

Keywords: Indigenous theology, indigenized, indigenization, decolonizing, evangelicalism, empire, dualism, dualistic thinking, Native, Native American, Randy Woodley, Richard Twiss, Terry LeBlanc, Tri Robinson, colonization, Eloheh, George Fox University, creation care, kinship theology, ecotheology, intercultural studies, environmental justice, Native theology

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In this episode (part two of the conversation begun in the last episode) Forrest and Wes focus more directly on the overarching theme of season five: the idea that every vocation can somehow be made greener—and that in almost every job we can find ways to practice the values of earthkeeping. As a real estate agent in Philladelphia, Wes has given lots of thought to how his work of helping people to find homes is essentially ecological work and an expression of creation care. That’s where they pick up part two of their conversation, where they  turn to questions of home, and land, and ownership.

Guest: Wes Willison 

• Keller Williams Philadelphia 
• How to Get Home podcast 
• LinkedIn 
• Instagram 

Mentions: 

• Pacific Rim Institute 
• Camas 
• Princeton Farminary 
• PFAS 
• Philadelphia Beekeepers 

Keywords: youth, climate anxiety, climate crisis, home, land, ownership, real estate, earthcare, church, politics, theory, theology, systemic injustice, social justice, indigenous, traditions, camas, community, restoration, commons, ecology, generations, homeowners, mortgages, unions, renting, owning, interdependency, communal life, co-ownership, PFAS, green space, belonging, accessibility, ethics, affordability, environment, safety, resources, landlords, property management, love, hope, change, Jesus, kingdom of God, bees, beekeeping, walkable communities, physical closeness 

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In this podcast we speak often of the particular concerns of younger generations—including Gen X, Millennials and Gen Alpha. We try to pay attention to voices representing these generations, knowing that they are the ones who will ultimately suffer more as the climate changes—bringing increasing environmental and social disruption in the coming years.  In this, the first of two episodes, Forrest speaks with Wes Willison—a guy in his early 30s who has given a lot of thought to the particular struggles that he shares in common with many other Millennials. 

Guest: Wes Willison 

• Keller Williams Philadelphia 
• How to Get Home podcast 
• LinkedIn 
• Instagram 

Mentions: 

• Princeton Farminary 
• Wendell Berry 
• Norman Wirzba 
• John Calvin’s worm theology 
• Earthkeepers Episode 73 
• Shane Claiborne 
• RAWtools 

Keywords: climate crisis, climate anxiety, younger generations, millennial, gen Z, earthcare, radicalization, politics, ecology, seminary, farming, worms, faith, government, policy, violence, social media, news, anxiety, depression, hope, future, children, parenting, guns, gun conversion, gun violence, gun control, sacrament, Christianity, community, ritual, tradition, cross, crucifixion, church 

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Back in 2001, Brian McLaren wrote a book called A New Kind of Christian. For many, it turned out to be a revolutionary book that explored a kind of faith outside the boxes of mainstream Christianity—a faith that challenged tired, unhelpful ways of thinking and doing, and raised exciting possibilities for a reinvigorated postmodern Christianity.  His latest book, called Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart he again challenges readers (of any faith, or no faith) to see the world in a fundamentally new way that acknowledges the dire challenges that face the planet, and to become the sort of people who can speak truth and offer solace in the difficulties to come.

In this cohosted episode, Forrest Inslee and Christine Sine talk to Brian about this new book, and about its profound implications for how we live and love in the face of the profound environmental and social changes facing our planet.

Guest: Brian McLaren 

• Website 
• Twitter 
• Instagram 

Mentions: 

• Christine Sine 
• Life After Doom 
• Miguel De La Torre 
• Václav Havel 

Keywords: climate, climate change, anxiety, doom, future, ecological overshoot, resources, waste, energy, life, fossil fuels, civilization, faith, advocacy, contemplation, action, being, transformation, resilience, church, scripture, Bible, hope, truth, reality, oppression, indigenous 

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Every now and then, Earthkeepers features an interview with an author about a new book,  but only ones that we recommend . That is certainly the case with Leah Rampy’s new offering, called Earth and Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate Chaos. In the book, she explores what lies beneath our unwillingness to change how we interact with the natural world, but also what we can do to nurture deeper connections to our places. 

Guest: Leah Rampy 

• Website 
• Bio 
• Author of Earth and Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate Chaos and more 
• LinkedIn 

Mentions: 

• Save Our Soil 
• Climate Reality 
• Biodiversity for a Livable Climate 
• Shalem Institute for Spiritual Foundation 
• Species loneliness 
• Eco/climate anxiety 
• Solastalgia 
• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer 
• Honorable harvest 
• HeartMath 
• Merlin Sheldrake 
• Suzanne Simard 
• The Book of Turtles by Sy Montgomery 
• Church of the Wild: Two Rivers 

Keywords: climate, biodiversity loss, ecosystem, soil, native plants, living world, grief, loss, joy, compassion, connection, earthcare, place, nature, oneness, othering, separation, unity, species loneliness, eco anxiety, solastalgia, climate chaos, hope, reconnection, awareness, intention, attention, heart, listening, eyes of the mind, eyes of the heart, relationship, church 

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On this podcast, we talk often about the importance of creative, out-of-the box thinking when it comes to making a difference in promoting earth care and fighting against climate change. In this conversation, we find out what such innovative problem-solving can look like when it comes to educating young kids. Shauna Causey confronted the need for formational, quality preschool education for her own children by designing a solution that included integrating her love of nature and her interest in ocean conservation. The innovative, environmentally-focused preschool that she founded also helps her friends, neighbors, and the entire community. We hear Shauna's story through her interview with James and Forrest on-site at the South Whidbey Preschool.

Guest: Shauna Causey 

• South Whidbey Preschool 
• Weekdays 
• SPU graduate 
• LinkedIn 
• Twitter 

Mentions: 

• Orca Behavior Institute  
• Salish Sea School 
• Earthkeepers Episode 91 with Joe Olson 
• Social enterprise 

Keywords: youth, kids, school, preschool, education, early education, teaching, nature, stewardship, entrepreneurship, business, technology, environment, community, problem solving, change, hope, teachers, orcas, creation care 

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Earthkeepers has been deeply affected by A Rocha because of the profound formational influence of the organization’s founders, Peter and Miranda Harris.  On the podcast we’ve frequently featured A Rocha voices, including that of  Leah Kostamo of A Rocha Canada, way back in episode 5. In episode 62, we talked about carbon offsetting with Brittany Michalski of Climate Stewards, a nonprofit in the A Rocha family of organizations. And in episode 79, we spoke about hospitality and community with Jo Swinney, Communications Director at A Rocha International and daughter of the organization’s founders. In this episode, James and Forrest talk with Ben Lowe, the executive director of A Rocha USA about his first year on the job and about his future vision for helping people seek God’s heart for the places where they live. 

Guest: Ben Lowe 

• Executive Director at A Rocha  
• LinkedIn 
• Twitter 
• Website 

 Mentions: 

• A Rocha BC Centre (previously the Brooksdale Environmental Center) 
• A Rocha Projects 
• Lilly Endowment 
• Love Your Place 
• Wendell Berry 
• Steven Bouma-Prediger 
• Indian River Lagoon 
• Braiding Sweetgrass 
• Doing Good Without Giving Up 

Keywords: creation care, faith, religion, conservation, climate, evangelical, climate action, environment, biodiversity, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, restoration, community, harmony, creation, right relationships, ecosystems, extinction, place, Jesus, environmental footprint, environmental handprint, love, hope, youth, activism 

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Recently, Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke asked Earthkeepers host Forrest Inslee  to be a guest on THEIR podcast, called Think Global, Do Justice. Among other things, they wanted to ask about a book he edited recently with Angel Burns, called Re-Imagining Short-Term Missions. They also talked about COP 28, evangelical attitudes toward creation care, poverty and environmental justice, Star Trek, and even the story of how Forrest came to adopt his daughter. So, for a change of pace, here is an abridged version of Phil and Brandon’s interview of Forrest.

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This is the 100th episode of the podcast! In keeping with this landmark episode, we’ll be doing something special: We’re launching a NEW Circlewood podcast called Youth in Climate Action! As you might imagine, this podcast will focus on the needs and questions of younger folks about earthcare and the climate future. Importantly, it will also feature young voices, and highlight innovative approaches to inspire a new generation of earth activists and advocates. In this episode of the Earthkeepers podcast, James and Forrest will be in conversation with the two founders of the Youth in Climate Action podcast—Michael Matchell and Kinsley Rawson. 

Guest: Kinsley Rawson 

• Cocreator of the Youth in Climate Action podcast 
• LinkedIn 
• Instagram 
• Design and Environmental Science student at Biola University 

 Guest: Michael Matchell 

• Cocreator and cohost of the Youth in Climate Action podcast 
• LinkedIn 
• Instagram 
• Director of Strategic Initiatives & Recruitment at Biola University 

Mentions: 

• Faith. Climate. Action Workshop at Westmont College 
• COP 28 
• Youth in Climate Action Podcast 
• Instagram 
• Email: [email protected] 
• Available wherever you get your podcasts. Episode 1 is out now! 

Keywords: environment, youth, climate action, creation care, podcast, community, climate change, climate crisis, UN, climate change conference, COP 28, fossil fuels, stewardship, faith, religion, Christianity, environmental advocacy, stories, hope 

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