The Forest Floor Podcast

On Healing, Horizons and the Songs That Guide Us Home

In this episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, host Simon Wong visits Somers Beach on Western Port Bay, discussing its ecological diversity and personal significance with guest Matt Wicking. An accomplished singer, songwriter and environmental activist, Matt shares how his move to this serene location on Boonwurrung Country facilitated his healing journey from chronic fatigue. He discusses his connection with the landscape, the importance of finding peace amid environmental work and how music and nature can inspire reconnection and cultural transformation. The conversation also explores broader themes of ecological appreciation, the impact of capitalism and the role of arts in embodying and communicating ecological harmony.

Host: Simon Wong

Episode Length: 1:16:03

01:00 Meet Matt Wicking

02:23 A Special Connection to Warn Marin

05:24 The Journey of Chronic Fatigue

07:22 Belonging to a Place

10:02 The Healing Power of Natural Places

19:24 The Role of Music in Connection & Healing

29:29 Importance of Arts in Environmental Activism

31:13 Reflections on Caring for the World

34:48 Finding Harmony with Nature

38:52 The Power of Gratitude

41:15 Metaphors & Meaning

54:08 The Role of Music in Connection

1:00:13 Composting Old Mindsets

1:07:02 Final Reflections and Gratitude

1:09:06 "New Morning" by The General Assembly

On Feeling, Death and Relational Becoming

In this episode of the Forest Floor podcast, host Simon Wong explores the temperate rainforest of Endeavour Fern Gully in Red Hill, located on the traditional lands of the Boonwurrung People. His guest, Jan Dwipa, shares his profound connection with nature, and the conversation delves deeply into the emotional and spiritual ties to the forest, the lessons it offers and how it intertwines with Jan's personal experiences of grief and mental health. The discussion also touches on Jan's global initiative 'Plant It For The Planet' and the symbolic wisdom provided by bees. Join them as they walk through the ancient Fern Gully, uncovering the interwoven stories of nature, human emotion and community.

Host: Simon Wong

Episode Length: 51:37

00:56 Meet Jan Dwipa

03:57 The Interconnection of Qigong and Nature

05:43 Beekeeping and Emotional Connections

07:13 The Healing Power of Nature

20:43 Reflections on Life, Death and Emotions

29:54 Plant It For The Planet: A Story of Action

32:34 Lessons from Bees: Community and Presence

45:54 The Philosophy of Borders and Ownership

48:54 Final Reflections and Gratitude

On Belonging, Presence and the Wisdom of Proximity

In this episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, recorded in the Østmarka wilderness area near Oslo, Norway, host Simon Wong engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Reidar Oksavik, a Norwegian designer and co-founder of the agency Keep Oslo. They explore the landscape's rich geological history and its significance to Reidar's family life and creative work. Reidar shares insights into how nature's rhythms and textures inform his environmentally conscious packaging designs, discuss the Norwegian cultural value of 'friluftsliv' and its impact on community and mental well-being, and reflect on the intrinsic connection between nature and personal reflection. This heart-warming conversation weaves through topics of family, culture, and the profound peace found in nature.

Host: Simon Wong

Episode Length: 39:21

00:59 Exploring Østmarka with Reidar Oksavik

06:39 Nature's Influence on Reidar's Life

10:23 Norwegian Culture and Nature

11:22 The Concept of Friluftsliv

12:49 Artistic Inspiration from Nature

18:35 Teaching Kids to Respect Nature

23:20 Sustainable Packaging and Nature

25:41 The Forest's Lessons and Mystical Presence

31:23 Connecting with Others Through Nature

37:12 Final Reflections and Farewell

On Transformation, Authenticity and Sacred Reciprocity

In this episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, host Simon Wong takes a meaningful walk with Kate McCready, an integrative coach and founder of Leading Beings, through the Darebin Parklands. The conversation explores Kate’s connection to the parklands, her coaching philosophy and the importance of living and working in ways that are true to oneself. Through reflections on the natural cycle of the parkland's regeneration and the metaphorical parallels to personal and professional growth, this episode offers insightful perspectives on meaningful work, personal fulfilment and the role of nature in our lives.

Host: Simon Wong

Episode Length: 44:30

00:58 Introduction to Kate McCready

02:20 Kate's Connection to Darebin Parklands

05:19 Special Moments in the Parklands

06:40 Kate's Philosophy on People and Potential

10:43 Transformation and History of the Parklands

16:29 Mindful Goals and Personal Growth

22:25 Capitalism and Modern Society

29:48 Final Reflections and Gratitude

43:12 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

On Stillness, Beauty and Transformation

In this episode of the Forest Floor Podcast, host Simon Wong explores Organ Pipes National Park with Dr. Jen Frahm, an expert in organisational change. Together, they discuss the importance of stillness, empathy, and the nuances of organisational change. Dr. Jen shares her insights on how nature inspires personal and professional growth, the power of 'test and learn' approaches in change management and the value of slowing down to appreciate life's moments. As they follow the stream, they reflect on the lessons nature offers in terms of resilience, fairness, and interconnectedness.

Host: Simon Wong

Episode Length: 49:45

01:00 Meet Dr. Jen Frahm - Organisational Change Expert

02:06 Exploring Organ Pipes National Park

04:30 The Value of Stillness in Nature and Life

08:38 Navigating Organisational Change

12:50 Lessons from Nature: Resilience and Fairness

29:12 Imagination and Knowledge in Nature

35:54 Understanding and Empathy in Organisational Life

47:16 Final Reflections and Gratitude

48:41 Closing Remarks and Credits

On Belonging, Connectedness, and Remembering Our Place

In this episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, host Simon Wong speaks with Selma Lunde Fjæstad, a Norwegian nature enthusiast and PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne. The episode takes place at Wilson's Promontory, where Selma shares her experiences and insights on the therapeutic potential of nature, her connection to Australian and Norwegian landscapes, and the importance of nature connectedness for mental and planetary health. Topics covered include foraging, cultural differences, mindfulness, the impact of urbanisation on nature access and the need for a shift away from materialism towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle. The discussion highlights the deeper psychological and physiological benefits of spending time in nature, emphasising the urgency of fostering these connections for overall well-being.

Host: Simon Wong

Episode Length: 40:15

00:45 Meet Selma Lunde Fjæstad

01:43 Selma's Connection to the Australian Bush

03:22 Foraging Memories and Cultural Differences

08:20 The Importance of Nature Connection

10:01 Selma's Research and Personal Values

11:30 Norwegian Upbringing and Nature Excursions

17:59 Mindfulness and Nature's Lessons

21:12 Challenges of Modernity & Nature Deficiency

35:24 Personal Practices for Nature Connection

37:44 Gratitude and Closing Remarks

On Knowledge, Belonging, and Reciprocity

In this episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, host Rowena Morrow takes a walk through the Henry Littledyke Reserve with guest Francesca Varney. Francesca, an accredited counsellor and equine-assisted therapist, shares her insights about the transformative power of nature and her work with horses. They discuss the significance of the local forest, Francesca's experiences growing up in Germany, and the deep connection humans can have with nature. The episode delves into themes of authenticity, emotional regulation and reconnecting to the land, offering a profound reflection on what it means to create spaces where people can truly meet themselves.

Host: Rowena Morrow

Episode Length: 56:00

00:36 Meet Francesca Varney

01:34 Exploring Henry Littledyke Reserve

05:08 The Silent Walk: Connecting with Nature

09:16 Reflections on Human-Nature Relationship

17:33 Cultural Perspectives on Land and Nature

22:48 Personal Stories and Reflections

26:15 The Significance of Local Knowledge

27:33 Finding Our Way Home: Ecological Metaphors

29:09 Indigenous Connections & Cultural Heritage

31:00 The Concept of Composting Ideas

33:16 Embracing Stillness and Inner Awareness

35:08 The Profound Connection with Horses

42:53 Lessons from Personal Experience

53:37 Reverence for Nature and Final Thoughts

On Listening, Loving and Belonging

In this episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, host Simon Wong takes a walk with Sarah Patterson at Bushrangers Bay, Cape Schanck. Sarah, a strategic designer and founder of The Good Cartel Collective, shares insights on collaboration, connection and the power of love in driving societal change. As they traverse the coastlines and heathy woodland ecosystems, they explore the importance of non-extractive interactions with nature, reflect on the significance of community and discuss how nature can teach us about learning, unlearning and coexisting harmoniously. The episode delves into the need for collective imagination, the re-evaluation of regulatory frameworks, and the potential of innovative collaboration inspired by unexpected contexts, such as cartels.

Host: Simon Wong

Episode Length: 32:32

00:32 Meet Sarah Patterson

01:19 A Walk on the Coastline with Sarah

02:37 The Importance of Love and Connection

07:14 Learning and Unlearning from Nature

09:30 Reflections on Community

18:20 The Great Myth of Alignment

28:33 Insights from Cartels: Power and Innovation

29:56 Conclusion and Gratitude

On Memory, Cycles and Belonging

In the inaugural episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, Simon Wong and Dr. Peter Hayward, a leading Australian futurist and foresight academic, take a walk through the Sherbrooke Forest in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. As they discuss the significance of the forest and its history, they explore themes of memory, resilience and sustainability. Peter shares his insights on the value of foresight, the impact of human activities on natural systems and his vision for a more sustainable future. The conversation also touches on the Kokoda Memorial and the broader implications of historical narratives and memorials. Listeners are invited to consider the lessons nature teaches and how small changes, like reducing meat consumption, can have a large impact on the environment.

Host: Simon Wong

Episode Length: 21:47

00:34 Meet Dr. Peter Hayward

01:22 Exploring Sherbrooke Forest

02:43 The Kokoda Memorial

04:25 Reflections on War and Memory

10:25 Lessons from the Forest

18:17 The Impact of Meat Consumption

19:53 Closing Thoughts and Farewell