Episode Title: The Light Reborn: Reflecting on the Winter Solstice

Episode Number: 019

Release Date: December 24, 2024

Hosts: Allison and Kimberly

In this episode, we dive into the themes of light, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life as we approach the winter solstice. We reflect on how this time symbolizes new beginnings, contrasting it with the consumerism often associated with modern celebrations. Sharing our insights on the struggles of winter and the importance of rest, we emphasize the necessity of embracing a slower pace and using this reflective period to foster creativity and connection. We explore historical traditions like Yule and Saturnalia, highlighting their communal spirit and significance in connecting us to nature's rhythms. This conversation serves as an invitation for us to honor our roots, engage in meaningful rituals, and celebrate the promise of light that follows the darkest days.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/869603.The_Return_of_the_Light

Reach out to us at [email protected]

Episode Title: Home as a Sanctuary: Creating Spaces for Calm and Clarity

Episode Number: 018

Release Date: December 17, 2024

Hosts: Allison and Kimberly

Episode Summary In this episode, we explore the concept of home as a sanctuary, emphasizing the importance of creating a cozy, intentional environment that nurtures mental health and well-being. Drawing inspiration from Cicero's timeless reflections on home comfort, we delve into clutter management, biophilic design, and sensory experiences that foster safety, connection, and relaxation. Practical advice is shared to help listeners transform their living spaces into personal retreats, with an emphasis on mindfulness and the Danish practice of hygge.

Key Takeaways

1. The Value of a Cozy Home 1.1 Home environments can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote relaxation. 1.2 Personalizing your home reflects your unique values and fosters emotional well-being.

2. Practical Tips for Cozy Living Spaces 2.1 Start small by creating a "cozy corner" tailored to your needs. 2.2 Use natural elements like plants, water features, and natural light to evoke tranquility (biophilic design). 2.3 Integrate sensory elements—soft blankets, calming scents, or subtle sounds.

3. Mindfulness and Hygge 3.1 The Danish concept of hygge celebrates coziness, simplicity, and the joy of the moment. 3.2 Practicing mindfulness in your home environment enhances happiness and reduces anxiety.

4. Environmental Psychology and Intentional Design 4.1 Studies reveal the positive mental health effects of well-designed spaces that emphasize safety and comfort. 4.2 Choosing natural materials and colors can enhance connection to your environment.

5. Sustainability and Awareness 5.1 Avoid artificial scents and candles to maintain a healthier living space. 5.2 Embrace slow living by savoring simple pleasures, like a cup of tea or quiet moments by an LED "fireplace."

Referenced Studies and Resources

1. Biophilic Design and Mental Health Benefits: Insights into how natural elements in the home reduce stress and enhance well-being.

2. The Role of Personalized Decor in Mental Health: Research on how personalizing spaces increases feelings of control and comfort.

3. Effects of Scents on Cognitive Function: Study linking exposure to natural scents with improved memory and reduced neurodegenerative risks.

4. Hygge and Happiness: Exploration of Danish coziness practices and their impact on life satisfaction.

Chapters 1:10 Embracing Home Comfort 3:19 Benefits of a Cozy Home 5:02 Personalizing Your Sanctuary 8:14 The Power of Decor 10:26 Crafting Your Cozy Space 13:46 Intentional Home Environments 18:56 Creating a Sense of Safety 19:52 Sensory Experiences for Comfort 21:48 Nature's Influence on Home 28:49 Natural Materials Matter 31:58 The Importance of Touch 39:39 The Role of Scents 46:05 Understanding Hygge 48:36 Mindfulness in Coziness

Episode Title: Tracks in the Snow: Rewilding Your Winter

Episode Number: 017

Release Date: December 3, 2024

Hosts: Allison and Kimberly

In this episode, we challenge the notion of winter as a mere transitional phase, highlighting its unique joys and sensory experiences that deserve recognition. Through personal anecdotes, we reflect on how our perceptions of winter have evolved and encourage listeners to engage actively with the season's elements. We discuss winter activities such as skiing, sledding, and stargazing, emphasizing the importance of being present in nature. Practical tips for dressing warmly and planning outdoor excursions enhance the winter experience while ensuring safety. Additionally, we celebrate the communal aspect of winter, advocating for gatherings and rituals that foster connection. Ultimately, this episode invites listeners to embrace winter as a remarkable season worth celebrating, filled with potential and wonder amidst the chill.

Episode Title: The Power of Gratitude: Small Practices, Big Impact

Episode Number: 016

Release Date: November 26, 2024

Hosts: Allison and Kimberly

In this episode, we explore gratitude as a deliberate daily practice and discuss its power to transform our lives. We emphasize how nurturing gratitude—regardless of external circumstances—can help us stay grounded and resilient, especially during challenging times. We reflect on gratitude's many forms, from deep existential reflections to appreciating the small comforts in daily life.

We also share research that links gratitude to greater happiness, improved psychological well-being, and better sleep quality, as well as the positive effects of practices like gratitude journaling. Personal anecdotes illustrate how gratitude strengthens relationships and enhances our sense of connection to others. We also offer practical strategies to help listeners cultivate a consistent practice of gratitude, fostering appreciation for both people and possessions. Ultimately, this episode encourages the powerful choice to focus on gratitude every day as a path to a richer, more fulfilling life.

Episode Title: The Gift of Meaning: Emerson, Connection, and the True Value of Giving

Episode Number: 015

Release Date: November 19, 2024

Hosts: Allison and Kimberly

This episode dives into the multifaceted world of gift-giving, inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson's reflection that true gifts are pieces of oneself. We explore whether gifts should primarily reflect the giver's identity or cater to the recipient's preferences. Research supports the idea that recipients often value gifts that showcase the giver's personality and effort, emphasizing emotional connection over monetary value.

The discussion also examines societal expectations, such as holiday gifting and teacher gifts, and the tension between thoughtful and obligatory exchanges. We advocate for meaningful gestures, such as shared experiences, heartfelt letters, or acts of service, which carry deeper intimacy and connection than commercial items.

Finally, we tackle the concept of "dead weight" in gifting—unwanted presents that create waste. From nostalgic tokens like Breaking Bad's ramen noodles, to personal anecdotes of gifting missteps, we emphasize the power of intentionality, communication, and creativity in transforming gift-giving into a profound act of love and understanding.

Contact us at [email protected]

Episode Title: Rethinking Education: Rachel Tidd on the Power of Wild Learning

Episode Number: 014

Release Date: November 12, 2024

Hosts: Allison and Kimberly

In this episode, Rachel Tidd, founder of Wild Learning, shares her inspiring journey from traditional education to nature-based learning. Rachel's commitment to outdoor learning led to the creation of "Wild Math" and "Wild Reading," resources that incorporate natural elements into fundamental subjects like math and reading. Initially focused on homeschooling, these tools have now been embraced by some public schools, allowing for flexible, engaging ways to meet academic standards while promoting outdoor exploration.

Rachel highlights the many benefits of nature-based learning, from sensory integration to enhanced motivation and critical thinking. She offers practical tips for parents and educators on integrating outdoor learning, even in urban settings, and shares her passion for fostering sustainability. Her current research focuses on weaving sustainability concepts into language arts for elementary students, advocating for a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to education that not only imparts knowledge but empowers students with problem-solving skills and an appreciation for the natural world. Rachel's work encourages educators to use local resources creatively to make nature accessible for all, fostering a lifelong love of learning and the environment. For more resources, visit Discover Wild Learning or follow her on social media!

https://discoverwildlearning.com

Instagram: @discoverwildlearning

Episode Title: Breaking Up with Sugar: Final Sugar Challenge Reflections

Episode Number: 013

Release Date: November 5, 2024

Hosts: Allison and Kimberly

In this episode, we conclude our 30-day sugar challenge and reflect on the deeper, natural connections we have with sugar. We explore the tangled roots of emotional attachments to sugary foods and how these bonds can cloud our understanding of addiction—particularly when celebrations and traditions are entwined with sweet treats. We share personal stories of navigating family dynamics and the challenges of abstaining from sugar, while critiquing its pervasive presence in our modern world. This conversation invites listeners to reconnect with their natural instincts, reconsider their relationship with sugar, and join us on a journey toward a more balanced, mindful lifestyle.

Episode Title: The Simply Rewilding Halloween Special

Episode Number: 012

Release Date: October 29, 2024

Hosts: Allison and Kimberly

In this episode, we explore the psychological and cultural significance of Halloween, highlighting its role as a celebration of imagination and a communal experience that invites adults to reclaim their childlike wonder. We discuss how Halloween allows us to confront our fears within a safe context, serving as a 'parade of fears' that reflects our collective anxieties. The conversation delves into themes of mortality, reflecting on traditions that encourage appreciation for life, and the discomfort surrounding death. We also examine the uncanny connections between mythical creatures and real-life phenomena, fostering a deeper understanding of our fears and fantasies. Finally, we touch on natural burial practices, emphasizing the importance of ecological balance and cultural traditions that honor the cycle of life and death. This episode invites reflection on how Halloween encapsulates timeless human experiences and themes.

Links:

Suiting Dennis: A Family Story of a Green Funeral https://vimeo.com/145882693?__cf_chl_f_tk=YSCL.J8Jsq9Q6cLEPxZnGlV5abDYXboys7i3LOa2GV4-1730163384-1.0.1.1-hBcV6k1SSblMt_dIJtUjha6p5eKvHgAy5wkfTUHUH5A

The Positive Power of Negative Thinking by Oliver Burkeman https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/05/opinion/sunday/the-positive-power-of-negative-thinking.html

We Croak App. https://www.wecroak.com/

Roger Williams. https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2210

Episode Title: The Mystery of Awe: Nature's Enigma Explored

Episode Number: 011

Release Date: October 22, 2024

Hosts: Allison and Kimberly

In this episode of Simply Rewilding, we reflect on our No Added Sugar Challenge, sharing personal struggles and insights. We explore the emotional implications of cutting out sugar, discussing self-soothing behaviors and how high aspirations can lead to both frustration and growth. Our conversation reveals personal revelations about our relationship with sugar, highlighting the hidden sugars in everyday foods and the psychological manipulation behind cravings. We emphasize the importance of mindful consumption and the need to break ingrained food habits, setting intentions for sustainable changes moving forward. Listeners are encouraged to join us on this transformative journey toward a healthier relationship with food.

Episode Title: House Plants: An Interview with Kelly Kruger of Petal and Spade

Episode Number: 0010

Release Date: October 15, 2024

Hosts: Allison and Kimberly

In this episode of Simply Rewilding, hosts Allison and Kimberly interview Kelly Kruger, founder of Petal and Spade. Kelly shares her journey from aspiring park ranger to passionate gardener, discussing her boutique garden business and the artistry of container gardening. She emphasizes the importance of using native plants in Florida's subtropical climate and encourages beginners to embrace mistakes in their gardening journey. Highlighting the therapeutic benefits of plant care, Kelly inspires listeners to connect with nature, recommending beginner-friendly plants like snake plants and pothos. Her enthusiasm fosters a deeper appreciation for nurturing greenery in everyday life.

Make sure your house plants are safe for pets! To check, visit

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

Petal and Spade

https://www.instagram.com/petalandspadetampa/