The Living Project

Welcome to Episode 37. Today we’re joined by Brad Booker; an educator from British Columbia, Canada. We recorded this conversation remotely between the Chimp, on a hectic sunny Thames, Basecamp Swindon & Dawson Creek Canada.

 

So who is Brad?

Brad's spent significant time facilitating outdoor youth education programs in remote wilderness, and has more recently transitioned to setting deeper roots with the wild on his family farm. He currently works as a high school vice principal. 

In this episode we find Brad in a reflective space in which he considers his evolving relationship with the wild, as he says, moving from guest to family member. 

It is important to note that our conversation starts with an acknowledgement of the very poignant news of that day, namely the finding of the buried bodies of 215 indigenous children on the site of a former residential school in Kamloops, Canada. Our love and thoughts are with everyone effected by this tragic news.

In our conversation today we were inspired to hear about Brad’s passion as an educator to foster a love of the wild with people, particularly young people. He says that this is critical to individual wellbeing and nature conservation.  He highlights that education is also the key to bringing healing and reconciliation between all people’s across Canada.  While this is a very Canadian story, it provides some insight for us all as we navigate our relationship with the wild within and without and our cultural context wherever we are.

We are honoured to share this special chat with Brad

Loads of love, Us x

Want to do something powerful and Wild? Join one of our Wild journeys

We're on Insta @itsthelivingproject - we'd love to see you there x

Original Music by Nigel Lacey @delaceynigel 

BE TRUE. LIVE WILD

Welcome to Episode 36. Today we’re joined by horse whispering adventurist and mental health champion Izzy De Santis. We recorded this conversation in Izzy’s adventure filled attic, shortly after she guided us on a beautiful hike in her local Wild in county Durham.

 

So who is Izzy?

 

Izzy’s an international expedition leader, a former member of her local Mountain Rescue team, and a passionate veterinary nurse. As we discover in this chat, her real passion is horses. She grew up with them and they’re an integral part of her life and her being. In 2022 she plans to combine her passion for horses with her love of adventure and she takes part in the epic Mongol Derby.

 

In this episode we hear all about Izzy’s love of adventure, and she bravely shares with us her mental health journey. She’s open in sharing her biggest challenge; her struggle with her mental health and her reality that the wild and adventurous path she’s followed and continues to pursue, has been a key part of her recovery and it continues to sooth and nurture her.

 

In our conversation with this special, thoughtful human we were inspired to hear such truth, and are privileged to hear Izzy’s message for others. 

 

This conversation is an inspiring and brave gift to us all as we walk our own paths. Thanks Izzy.

Loads of love, Us x

Want to do something powerful and Wild? Join one of our Wild journeys

We're on Insta @itsthelivingproject - we'd love to see you there x

Original Music by Nigel Lacey @delaceynigel 

BE TRUE. LIVE WILD

Welcome to Episode 35. Today we’re joined by mountaineering environmentalist Paul Lewis. We recorded this conversation in Dave the Wild bus, just after Paul took us for a little yomp in his local Wild – the Peak District National Park, specifically; stanage edge and Robin Hood’s caves.

Paul lives with his family in the Peak district where he runs his own outdoor business, Peak Mountaineering. An outdoor enthusiast and life-long adventurer, Paul’s been rock climbing since he was a teenager in the peaks and further afield. Unsurprisingly the climbing bug led him on a different journey of education and his graduation came when he achieved his Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Award, no mean feat! Paul’s a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Leading Practitioner of the Institute of Outdoor Learning. 

In this episode we hear that Paul, above all describes himself as a teacher and an educator and that wild places are his classroom. Both Josh & I have worked with Paul and can testify to his passion for supporting and mentoring other aspiring professionals, as well as young people and adults on their wild adventures. 

 

In our conversation with this special, thoughtful human we were inspired to hear about his crucial life learnings found in Wild places, his organisation of annual litter picks in the Peak District and his deep care and commitment to look after the environment that has given him so much.

 

We were honoured to share time and conversation with Paul up in the Peaks, enjoy the chat.

Find out more about Paul and Peak Mountaineering at the website above or on Insta @peakmountaineering

Loads of love, Us x

Want to do something powerful and Wild? Join one of our Wild journeys

We're on Insta @itsthelivingproject - we'd love to see you there x

Original Music by Nigel Lacey @delaceynigel 

BE TRUE. LIVE WILD

Welcome to Episode 34. Today we’re joined by the effervescent energy of Emma Burrows. We recorded this chat with Emma in her home, near Lake Vyrnwy in mid Wales, just after she’d taken us for a SUP and a Swim in the Wild she calls home.

 

So who is Emma?

 

Emma’s an international expedition leader. She’s also an outdoor facilitator working with vulnerable young people to build trust, resilience and a remembering of a natural child-like state.

She’s also a bastion of her local community, passionately committed to engaging those around her in the Wild she loves, and simply knows, is good for us as humans.

 

In this episode we hear just how much Emma loves being outside having adventures and embracing whatever mother nature throws at her.

 

She tells us that the wild can be her escapism, her energy boost, and the space that calms her and gives her clarity.

 

Emma speaks about the opportunity she had at a young age to become involved in paddlesports and how much she loved it! And about how this early love led her to begin her coaching journey, studying Adventure Tourism Management at university and working both winter and summer seasons raft guiding, instructing and finding jobs which would allow her to see more of the world.

Emma shares how her experience led her to working with vulnerable young people, working with the outdoors to build trust and re-connection and the evidence she sees of how vital this experience can be for those who don’t have access to the Wild as part of their every-day life.

 

Throughout our conversation today what shines brightly in Emma is her passion for empowering other people to get involved in the benefits of getting outside, and to have adventures, no matter how big or small.

Loved this chat round Emma's kitchen table - we're sure you will too.

 

Loads of love, Us x

Want to do something powerful and Wild? Join one of our Wild journeys

We're on Insta @itsthelivingproject - we'd love to see you there x

Original Music by Nigel Lacey @delaceynigel 

BE TRUE. LIVE WILD

 

Welcome to Episode 33 of The Living Project Podcast. Today we’re joined by James Briscall. While we’d have loved to record this episode in person, James lives in Wanaka, New Zealand which was a little out of our reach, so we recorded this one remotely. It’s a corker.

 

So who is James Briscall?

 

James lives and plays amongst the hills and lakes surrounding a small town in New Zealand. He’s usually found trailing far behind either his dog or his children while trying not to fall off his mountain bike or tumble down a ski trail. Professionally he’s passionate about supporting others in their transformation to reach their next level in life and business. There's a link below to find out more...

In today’s episode James shares a snapshot of his journey and the role the Wild has played. From his beginnings in the garden of England, Kent – to where he finds himself now in the Wilds of New Zealand. James describes the magic of what he describes as “average” adventures and the joy in not always seeking the “epic”. James also bravely shares with us his experience of an auto-immune disease, a condition which at times he blamed the Wild for causing. James tells us of his recovery, and the re-building of a connection with that which is natural through an introduction to Chinese medicine. James shares with us his love of sharing the Wild with his children, and a clear passion for the environment in which he lives. This wide-ranging conversation was a gift to be a part of.

For more on James check out: https://corpus.nz/from-bitterness-to-gratitude/

Loads of love, Us x

Want to do something powerful and Wild? Join one of our Wild journeys

We're on Insta @itsthelivingproject - we'd love to see you there x

Original Music by Nigel Lacey @delaceynigel 

BE TRUE. LIVE WILD

Welcome to Episode 32 of The Living Project Podcast. Today we’re joined by Abbi Naylor, and excitingly for us we’re recording together, in real life, aboard Josh’s boat – The Chimp. We’ve been away for a while putting together a slightly different approach for season 4 which, as well as welcoming people onto the boat studio in the Wild, sees us travel the UK (in-line with government guidance) to visit people in their Wild and record the telling of their journey in person. We can’t wait to share it with you in the coming weeks.

 

So, to today’s conversation with Abbi. Who I hear you ask is Abbi?

 

Well firstly there’s the “doing”. Abbi’s an international expedition leader, an ultra-athlete and a mental health advocate to name but a few potential labels for this magical human.

And secondly, there’s the “being”, the stuff we’re really interested in. Abbi grew up in the wilds of Dartmoor which provided the foundations of the wild being part of her being and her pathway.  Abbi's journey has not always been the easiest path, but she has overcome obstacles with a vigour for life and a fundamental care for others and the natural world. She is equally happy taking people to the edge of their dreams through exciting adventures or curling up with a good book or furiously writing stories and poems. She is currently training hard for an ultramarathon and finding as much time as possible to connect with nature.

 

In our conversation today Abbi gives us a magical snapshot into her relationship with the Wild, and what it means to her both within and without. She shares some of her mental health journey and how the Wild has played and continues to play a significant role in that, as well as providing her with a platform to support others on their own human journey. We hear about epic endeavours – including completing 30 endurance challenges in her 30th year to raise money and awareness for mental health charity young minds – and we hear how the past 12 months has challenged Abbi to find presence in the Wild around her as the expedition world which had formed such a huge part of her life was put on hold indefinitely.

You can find out more about Abbi on Insta @abbi.naylor

It's a special conversation this one, with loads of goodness for us all to take away and think about on our own human journey. Enjoy x 

Loads of love, Us x

Want to do something powerful and Wild? Join one of our Wild journeys

We're on Insta @itsthelivingproject - we'd love to see you there x

Original Music by Nigel Lacey @delaceynigel 

BE TRUE. LIVE WILD

In the final episode of this season we honour and reflect on the brave guests who joined us this season to share their stories as they seem them in the now, and we consider our own human journey and our learning as podcasters and human beings throughout winter here in the UK.

We also share some exciting plans as we roll into spring and summer in this part of the world, and how we're planning to get Wild with anyone who's keen - in real life!

And lastly - we launch a simple and very cool competition to win a free place on one of our Wild24 events this year!

So, gratitude to our magical guests in season 3 - Adam + Laura of Yellow Matilda, Clare Osborn of One Life. One Planet. One You, Sarah Lister of about the adventure, Jason Le Masurier, and last but not least Ali Hollest of the Evolve Wellbeing Group. Gratitude to you the listeners, it's been a fun season and we can't wait to share season 4 with you in Spring. The Living Project's all about the journey and we're really looking forward to the next evolution of this podcast - connecting and recording with people in real life!

In the meantime - if you're getting Wild as the opportunity opens up again - let us know - share it with us on socials, we'd love to hear about it and celebrate the Wild with you x 

Thanks for joining us - we hope it provides some thought, and some inspiration for you as you walk your path. We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Loads of love, Us x

Want to do something powerful and Wild? Check out our WILD 24 

We're on Insta @itsthelivingproject - we'd love to see you there x

Original Music by Nigel Lacey @delaceynigel 

BE TRUE. LIVE WILD

Our guest today is Ali Hollest, father, husband, business owner and athlete.  

Ali’s a huge advocate for the outdoors, the wild and the power of reconnecting with nature.  

In this deep and honest conversation we find out more about Ali and his human journey. He tells us that while he didn’t thrive in academia at school or university, he has always been a keen sportsperson. Sport has been crucial in his journey. Ali says that his love of sport, mostly Triathlon and Ultra Running, has helped him manage his destructive, addictive behaviours, and proved vital in supporting his mental health.  

While not a linear journey he has slowly found his why, and right now his fire’s burning bright. Becoming a husband and father has also given him focus and a responsibility for others. 

Ali’s now very much on a journey to help and inspire both individuals and businesses to  become the very best versions of themselves.  

He does this through his Podcast - Evolve Pod, his triathlon coaching and his new business - The Evolve Wellbeing Group - check out the show notes for more details.

A key experience for Ali has been devising and doing an ultra run he's called the Snowdon Six Ways Challenge. Through his own efforts, and supported by a wider community, he’s succeeding in raising awareness and crucial funds to support Oxfordshire Mind. 

To connect with Ali you can find him at:

www.evolvewellbeinggroup.com

Insta @evolve_wellbeing_group + @snowdon6wayschallenge

LinkedIn @evolvewellbeinggroup

Facebook @Ali.hollest

Thanks for joining us - we hope it provides some thought, and some inspiration for you as you walk your path. We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Loads of love, Us x

Want to do something powerful and Wild? Check out our WILD 24 

We're on Insta @itsthelivingproject - we'd love to see you there x

Original Music by Nigel Lacey @delaceynigel 

BE TRUE. LIVE WILD

Our conversation today is with Jason Le Masurier who takes the time to chat to us from his home in Donegal on the wild west coast of Ireland.

It’s a miracle that we’re having this conversation at all. In 2007, Jason had a kite surfing accident, which resulted in a severe brain injury that has a 95% mortality rate.  His story of recovery is truly inspirational. 

In an instant his life and that of his family changed forever.  He says (metaphorically speaking) that he went from surfing the top of the wave of life to crashing down to the bottom.  

The Wild, particularly, water has been his passion & teacher throughout his journey.  He’s a self described adrenaline adventure seeker. Before his accident Jason’s professional life was flying. As an Engineer and academic, he worked in New Zealand where he taught Construction Management at Canterbury University. There he focussed on post-disaster reconstruction, which was particularly relevant following the Christchurch earthquake.  

As it turns out his logical mind, life saving surgery and the rock of his family - his wife Liz and his children - were the critical factors as he first responded and then they began their long road to recovery.

Jason went from a coma to walking down the aisle to marry Liz and, 5 years after leaving hospital he went back and asked the neurologist who told him he’d never walk again, to sponsor him in a triathlon!  He’s since gone on to run the Dublin Marathon too.

Today Jason seeks to use his crisis in a positive way, as a catalyst to come back stronger and give hope to individuals and organisations facing seemingly impossible challenges. There’s  wisdom in this story and relevance to us all in our current predicament.

You can find Jason, and explore him working with you and your people at www.jasonlemasurier.com 

And he's on Insta @jasonlemasurier 

Thanks for joining us - we hope it provides some thought, and some inspiration for you as you walk your path. We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Loads of love, Us x

Want to do something powerful and Wild? Check out our WILD 24 

We're on Insta @itsthelivingproject - we'd love to see you there x

Original Music by Nigel Lacey @delaceynigel 

BE TRUE. LIVE WILD

Hello and welcome to Episode #28!

In this episode we're joined by Sarah Lister. Sarah’s a career coach, podcaster and trail runner living and working in the Peak District. The wild is her inspiration and her coaching is often done through walking, and her podcasts are almost always recorded outside. Sarah hasn’t always lived where she does, or how she does though.

Today Sarah shares her very human journey. She tells us that while living & working in London she felt unfulfilled. She posed herself a question: "if not this, then what?" She didn't have any immediate answers and felt lost.

With the help of a life coach, she started to explore the question with curiosity. Drawing on past memories of growing up on a farm in Norfolk, and spending a lot of time outside, she slowly started to bring a sense of adventure back into her life.

It started with a short local walk, extending into finding new places further afield.  One particular escape to the Peak District was hugely significant. Simply put she fell in love with the Edale valley and Kinder Scout and with the loving support of her family eventually relocated there.

The positive impact she experiences from being outside, observing nature, and meeting passers by, has inspired her approach to working with others, which focuses on connection, playfulness, and simplicity.

Ultimately Sarah’s story tells us that change is not a linear process, you can’t just flick a switch. Change can can be messy, and it takes time.  In Sarah’s story it's clear that when she started being what she loved, life started to flow again and things she had to work at, like relationships, came naturally into her life.

You can find Sarah at:

www.abouttheadventure.com

and on Insta @about.the.adventure

Thanks for joining us - we hope it provides some thought, and some inspiration for you as you walk your path. We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Loads of love, Us x

Want to do something powerful and Wild? Check out our WILD 24

We're on Insta @itsthelivingproject - we'd love to see you there x

Original Music by Nigel Lacey @delaceynigel

BE TRUE. LIVE WILD