Nurture with Nature

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In this special episode of 'Nurture with Nature,' host Iona Andean shares her highlights from the series, reflecting on her journey and the wonderful conversations she’s had with various inspiring guests. From Lorna Bray’s cathartic nature expedition to Laura Smith’s fundraising in memory of her son, and Leanne Chlosta's experience with outdoor judgement, each story is a testament to the healing power of nature. Iona also announces a temporary break as she prepares for the arrival of her second child, while expressing gratitude to listeners and looking ahead to an exciting Series 2.

This episode is sponsored by Seasgair Lodges

You can follow all of the series 1 guests using the links below:
Lorna Bray - @gurl_on_the_hill
Laura Smith - @mymessylifeinphotos
Leanne Chlosta - @teamchlosta
Jess Parson - @bumpsbairnsbuggies
Anna Gill - @aberdeenshirewalks
Anna Hardie - @annaxhardie

Follow host Iona Andean @iona.adventuring to keep up to date with her own outdoor adventures and time spent in nature, as well as being the first to hear about the upcoming second series of Nurture with Nature

00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature
00:47 Reflecting on the Journey
01:44 Series Highlights and Future Plans
03:45 Sponsor Shoutout: Seasgair Lodges
04:40 Lorna Bray: Rediscovering the Outdoors
10:26 Laura Smith: Outdoor Healing and Mental Health
18:46 Leanne Closta: Embracing the Outdoors
25:11 Jess Parson: Pre and Post Natal Fitness
31:26 Anna Gill: Building Outdoor Communities
34:32 Anna Hardie: Hiking with Little Ones
39:30 Series Conclusion and Gratitude

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In this episode of 'Nurture with Nature,' host Iona Andean speaks with Anna Hardie, an adventure enthusiast and mother, about her challenging yet inspiring experience of trekking the 96-mile West Highland Way with her three-year-old daughter. Anna shares the physical and mental struggles they faced, the initial missteps, and how they overcame doubts and logistical challenges to complete their journey. This heartfelt conversation highlights the importance of perseverance, adjusting expectations, and the incredible potential of children when given the space to explore. Anna also discusses her motivations for creating a supportive community for parents and families who wish to embrace outdoor adventures. Follow Anna's ongoing journey on Instagram @annaxhardie and join her Facebook group 'Little and Large Explorers' for more inspiration.

Follow host Iona Andean on Instagram @iona.adventuring to keep in touch and find out about upcoming episodes

00:00 Introduction to Nurture with Nature
00:22 Meet Adventure Mum Anna Hardie
00:29 Anna's Journey on the West Highland Way
00:40 Struggles and Triumphs on the Trail
01:28 Inspiring Kids to Embrace the Outdoors
02:39 Anna's Outdoor Beginnings
04:04 Balancing Motherhood and Adventure
06:36 Daily Life and Outdoor Adventures
13:29 Planning and Preparing for Long Hikes
15:05 Challenges and Realities of Hiking with a Toddler
28:47 Unexpected Challenges on the Trail
29:41 Dealing with Limited Supplies
32:29 Facing Doubts and Comments from Others
37:17 Struggles and Decision to Go Home
42:44 A New Beginning: Restarting the Journey
48:30 Overcoming Physical Setbacks
50:36 Finishing Strong with Family Support
52:37 Reflecting on the Experience
54:21 Encouraging Outdoor Adventures for Families
58:04 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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In this episode of 'Nurture with Nature,' host Iona Andean welcomes Anna Gill, the digital marketing consultant and outdoor enthusiast behind the popular Instagram account @aberdeenshirewalks. Anna shares her journey of fostering a love for the outdoors from childhood to adulthood, navigating motherhood, and building a supportive online community. The conversation delves into coping with self-esteem issues, the benefits of outdoor activities for mental and physical health, and practical tips for accessible walking routes. Sponsored by Out and About, this episode highlights the importance of integrating nature into family life and supporting local businesses through shared adventures.

This episode is sponsored by Out 'n' About

Stay connected with host Iona Andean on Instagram @iona.adventuring

00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature
00:23 Introducing Our Sponsor: Out and About
01:05 Meet Our Guest: Anna Gill from Aberdeenshire Walks
02:15 Anna's Outdoor Adventures and Family Life
02:58 Recording Challenges and Episode Setup
03:46 Anna's Childhood and Early Outdoor Experiences
05:39 University Life and Meeting Matthew
06:25 Exploring Aberdeenshire During Lockdown
07:08 Discovering New Walks and Local Gems
09:50 Supporting Local Businesses Through Social Media
14:02 Building a Community on Social Media
21:04 Hosting a Successful Singles Walk
22:03 Organizing a Singles Walk
22:52 Event Success and Social Media Impact
23:32 Future Plans and Family Life
24:34 Balancing Family and Outdoor Adventures
29:10 Support Systems and Social Media Choices
31:12 Encouraging Outdoor Activities
36:51 Confidence and Personal Growth
39:26 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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In this episode of Nurture with Nature, host Iona Andean introduces Jess Parson, a pre and post-natal fitness trainer who shares her inspiring journey of balancing family life, fitness, and a shocking medical diagnosis. Sponsored by Out 'n' About, the conversation explores Jess's love for outdoor activities, her approach to family adventures, and the mental and physical health benefits of spending time in nature. Jess discusses her passion for helping mothers incorporate exercise into their lives and the importance of slowing down to appreciate life's small moments. Follow Jess on Instagram @bumpsbairnsandbuggies for more inspiration.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Out 'n' About

Follow host Iona Andean on Instagram @iona.adventuring to keep in touch and hear about upcoming episodes

00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature
01:05 Introducing This Week's Guest: Jess Parson
03:36 Jess's Journey to Outdoor Adventures
06:11 Balancing Family Life and Outdoor Activities
10:02 Transitioning Careers for a Balanced Life
17:42 The Importance of Mental Health and Exercise
25:27 Managing Outdoor Activities with Kids
33:52 Creative Play with Simple Materials
34:06 Encouraging Imagination and Independence
34:37 Sponsor Message: Out and About
35:17 Mental Health Benefits of Outdoor Activities
40:24 Personal Story: Health Challenges and Outdoor Impact
54:00 The Importance of Slowing Down
58:19 Conclusion and Future Plans

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In this episode of 'Nurture with Nature,' host Iona Andean interviews Leanne Chlosta, known as @teamchlosta on Instagram, a passionate advocate for outdoor accessibility. Leanne discusses overcoming mental health challenges and societal stigmas through outdoor activities, including wild swimming and solo adventures. Her journey underscores the importance of balancing adventure with self-care and fostering a supportive community. Leanne's inspiring story encourages listeners to embrace nature, prioritize well-being, and pursue personal growth, regardless of societal judgments.

Follow host Iona on Instagram @iona.adventuring to stay connected.

This episode has been kindly supported by Seasgair Lodges


00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature
00:33 Introducing Leanne Chlosta
00:48 Support from Seasgair Lodges
01:36 Leanne's Outdoor Adventures
02:34 Mental Health and Body Positivity
03:48 Leanne's Journey into the Outdoors
04:40 Joining Outdoor Groups
15:34 The Great Glencoe Challenge
21:16 The Mad Piranhas Swimming Group
27:41 Solo Adventures and Personal Growth
35:18 Finding Strength in Parenting Choices
35:55 Recognizing and Managing Anxiety
37:46 The Role of Medication in Mental Health
39:17 Nature as a Healer
45:46 Balancing Work and Adventure
51:26 Making Time for Yourself
58:21 Leanne's Future Plans and Reflections

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Nurture with Nature: Laura Smith's Journey from grief to growth and mental health advocacy through the outdoors

In this heartfelt episode of 'Nurture with Nature,' host Iona Andean interviews Laura Smith, @mymessylifeinphotos, a healthcare support worker and mental health advocate who has found healing and purpose in the great outdoors after losing her eldest son, Robbie, to suicide in 2020. Laura shares her transformative journey of embracing outdoor adventures, from hiking and wild swimming to running and paddle boarding, which have helped her cope with grief and support mental health causes. She speaks candidly about her family's experiences, the importance of mental health awareness, and her plans to influence policy changes within the Scottish government. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, healing, and the profound impact nature can have on our well-being.

Follow host Iona on Instagram @iona.adventuring to stay connected.

00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature
00:55 Introducing Laura Smith
03:34 Laura's Outdoor Journey Begins
05:25 Robbie's Influence and Tragic Loss
09:28 Fundraising and Healing Through Adventure
16:35 Family Support and Outdoor Challenges
26:15 Embracing Adventure with Kids
27:04 Navigating Parenting Challenges
28:12 The Power of Social Media Connections
28:58 Overcoming Anxiety and Finding Community
30:25 Diving into New Adventures
35:18 Mental Health and the Outdoors
39:51 Addressing Suicide and Mental Health Stigma
43:38 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

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Nurture with Nature: Rediscovering the Outdoors with Lorna Bray

Join host Iona Andean on the inaugural episode of 'Nurture with Nature' as she delves into the life of her first guest, Lorna Bray. Lorna, a fervent lover of the outdoors known as @gurl_on_the_hill on Instagram, shares her journey from a childhood filled with adventure to reconnecting with nature later in life. The episode touches on Lorna's experiences as a single mother, her passion for the outdoors, and her awe-inspiring adventures, including encounters with grizzly bears and scaling via ferratas. Lorna also discusses the profound impact of nature on mental health, the importance of grounding, and how she fosters a love for the outdoors in her daughter Jessica, who has a rare bone condition. This heartfelt conversation is a testament to the healing power of nature and the incredible bonds formed through shared adventures.

Follow host Iona on Instagram @iona.adventuring to stay connected.

00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature
00:22 Introducing Lorna Bray
01:24 Lorna's Outdoor Adventures
03:21 Rediscovering the Outdoors
08:43 Finding Community and Friendship
16:33 Balancing Life and Adventure
19:54 Settling into Highland Life
24:17 Midweek Adventures
26:37 Jessica's Ultra Rare Bone Condition
27:08 Adapting Adventures for Jessica
27:32 Early Adventures and Paddleboarding
28:03 Jessica's Growing Passion for Adventure
29:18 The Healing Power of Nature
30:29 Passing on the Gift of Adventure
31:25 Jessica's Choices Reflect Her Upbringing
37:20 Grounding and Emotional Healing
38:43 The Profound Impact of Nature
47:11 Daily Walks and Stress Management
50:34 Cutting Out the Noise
52:20 Conclusion and Future Adventures

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Nurturing Yourself with Nature: An Introduction

Join Iona Andean in the first episode of 'Nurture with Nature' as she introduces her passion project podcast focused on using the outdoors to enhance physical and mental wellbeing. Iona shares her personal journey from police officer to outdoor enthusiast, her experiences forming a community walking group, and the profound impact nature has had on her life. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Iona's dedication to connecting people with nature endures. She invites listeners to find inspiration and motivation through the stories of everyday people who have discovered the healing powers of the great outdoors.

00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature
00:37 The Meaning Behind Nurture with Nature
01:39 Personal Journey: From Police Officer to Nurse
02:37 Discovering a Love for the Outdoors
03:52 Building a Community: Iona's Adventures
04:38 Achievements and Recognition
05:38 Adapting to Change: Lockdown and Beyond
07:14 Motherhood and Outdoor Adventures
08:11 Starting the Podcast and Call to Action
09:05 Final Thoughts and Inspiration