In this conversation, Victoria Loorz connects with speaker, writer, and mentor Mac Macartney, founder of Embercombe, a UK educational charity and 50-acre retreat and rewilding site dedicated to the flourishing future of all species. In Victoria’s words, Mac is one of our generation’s true elders. He speaks from decades of lived apprenticeship, shaped by not fitting the dominant culture, by failure that became a gift, and by a lifelong search for home. His voice carries the embodied wisdom of someone who has moved through exile, betrayal, and the seduction of power, and chosen integrity.

Mac reflects on decades of learning and on the unlearning required to remember the value of the miracle we were born into. He speaks of decency over brilliance, of integrity in the face of power, and of offering one’s gifts for the sake of future generations. At its heart, this is a conversation about integrity, about remaining in the field as long as one is able, and about creating places where there is no hiding truth.

Connect with Mac:

• Website: macmacartney.com
• Talk Video: The Children's Fire

Mentioned in the episode:

• Organization: The Earth Elders theearthelders.org

Connect with the Center:

• Website: wildspirituality.earth
• Victoria's Website: victorialoorz.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Linktree: linktr.ee/ctrforwildspirituality
• Instagram: @center_for_wild_spirituality

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 05:15 – Interview Begins
• 12:09 – Embercombe
• 18:57 – Finding the Teachings We Need
• 24:30 – Letting the Gurus Go
• 26:58 – The Cycles of Human Becoming
• 29:53 – Born Into Cosmic Ceremony
• 32:14 – The Grief of Worldview Shifts
• 34:48 – Visited by Earth Elders
• 40:22 – A Benediction for Being Human
• 44:11 – Wild Invitation
• 46:12 – Credits