TreeActions

Summary
Yoga instructor and retreat leader Stephanie Cullen joins hosts Dwayne and Tony to explore the “human forest” metaphor: how trees and people grow through seasons, respond to stress, and depend on community. Cullen also shares how yoga helped her move through grief, her nearly 25 years of teaching, and the restorative role of nature in her retreats. Hosts Dwayne and Tony wrap up their conversation with yoga teacher Stephanie Cullen, exploring how cold plunges can interrupt mental clutter, how movement and meaningful work can become meditation, and why meditation need not look one particular way. They also discuss yoga styles, listening without judgment, and the value of following ideas and books in their own time.

Find out more abut Stephanie at Blissful Energy Yoga

Chapters
00:00 Stephanie Cullen’s childhood among trees
04:01 Tree-to-tree traverses and the “human forest”
07:08 People, trees, and life’s seasons
10:00 How trees seal wounds and respond to stress
13:01 Forest canopies, cooperation, and shared resources
19:01 Cathedral Grove as a living community
22:03 Yoga, family influence, and moving through grief
27:00 Meditation among trees and the Golden Spruce
32:01 Nature-based retreats, travel, and the healing role of water
35:58 Why time in green spaces matters
39:15 Dwayne traces his cold sensitivity to an early childhood memory
41:30 Taking the plunge at Ireland’s Forty Foot
42:28 How cold water interrupts mental clutter
44:42 Cold plunges, new scenery, and doing hard things
47:25 When tree work, yoga, and movement become meditation
52:12 Teaching, healing, and Stephanie’s working notebooks
54:23 Tony on trusting the timing of books and creative work
57:08 Meditation can happen in everyday moments
58:48 Breath awareness without judging a wandering mind
01:01:31 Yoga nidra, yin, vinyasa, and different ways to practice
01:08:30 Tree Pithy Points and the reminder not to insult your audience

Blissful Energy Yoga

In this episode, Brian Johnston shares his journey from childhood tree climbing in Ontario to managing trees in the iconic town of Banff. He discusses the unique challenges of working in a national park, the resilience of trees, and his tips for affordable living and traveling in Maui.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Brian Johnston and his background
01:54 First childhood memories of climbing trees in Ontario
04:12 Experiences with water snakes and nature in childhood
06:05 Travel and work in Ontario and the transition to Banff
10:02 Managing trees in Banff and unique park challenges
15:11 Tree resilience and the phenomenon of girdled trees
20:00 Career path from food service to arboriculture
25:12 Learning tree work and working with Jeff and others
29:54 Working for the town of Banff and managing its trees
35:10 Living and working in a world-famous resort town
39:48 Reflections on decision-making and career choices
45:02 The changing work ethic and modern challenges
50:03 Traveling to Maui and living affordably
55:01 Experiences during the Lahaina fire and storm in Hawaii
59:52 The diversity of Banff and its international community
01:05:04 Balancing adventure, work, and life in mountain environments
01:09:51 The importance of resilience and making bold decisions
01:15:00 Closing thoughts and future plans for travel and work

In this episode, Doug shares his journey from working in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne to becoming an expert in arboriculture and tree care. He discusses the evolution of tree climbing techniques, innovative practices in tree management, and the unique aspects of Australian arboriculture. In this episode, Doug and Dwayne explore the deep connections between trees and people, sharing personal stories, insights into arboriculture, and reflections on life's challenges and resilience. They discuss the importance of community, the evolution of tree work, and the philosophical lessons learned from nature.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and guest introduction
04:33 Starting at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
08:20 Memorable trees and early climbing experiences
16:38 Introduction of advanced climbing techniques in Australia
24:36 Innovations in cavity filling and habitat creation
33:54 Contemporary practices and future trends in tree care
42:06 Living in different cultures and social spaces around buildings
43:52 Active parks and large trees in urban environments
44:23 Challenges in finding suitable locations for tree competitions
45:15 Historical sites and the impact of weather events on planning
46:12 The upcoming ITCC event and its significance
47:09 Judging at the ITCC and international connections in arboriculture
48:25 The human connection to trees and the influence of mentors
49:11 Memories of Dr. Shigo and his impact on tree biology
50:24 The universal language of trees and personal observations
51:15 Birds, wildlife, and the natural environment around us
52:04 Experiences with possums and raccoons in trees
52:32 Luck, opportunity, and career development in arboriculture
54:20 Life challenges, health issues, and resilience
56:40 Reflections on life's unpredictability and acceptance
01:00:12 Sharing personal stories of adversity and hope
01:04:36 The evolution of climbing techniques and tools
01:06:36 The passion for learning and innovation in arboriculture
01:09:43 The importance of connection and community in tree work
01:12:22 Travel, friendships, and the global arboriculture community
01:16:57 The philosophical message: Pursuing the wonders of nature
01:18:19 The health journey of Dr. Shigo and his legacy
01:21:34 The reality of life's tough moments and moving forward
01:23:18 Final thoughts on life, resilience, and the human forest

In this episode, Mark Gaudet shares his journey from scouting and tree climbing to a career in arboriculture, emphasizing the importance of foundational skills, adaptability, and understanding the history of techniques. Discover how early experiences and diverse training shape expertise and safety in tree work. In this episode, Mark Gaudet shares insights on evolving techniques in tree climbing, safety gear management, and industry safety culture, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and safety awareness.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and episode overview
00:03 Introduction to industry safety and technique evolution
00:07 Changes in training methods and skill retention
00:20 Use of tools like Blake's hitch and rope wrench
00:29 Safety protocols and safety gear management
00:33 Mark Gaudet's early connection to trees and scouting
00:42 History and development of safety rules in industry
00:45 Impact of technology and reliance on devices
01:01 Decision-making, humility, and safety consciousness
01:10 The importance of continuous learning and adaptation
01:26 Industry safety culture and future outlook
01:50 Experiences with tree climbing and tree planting as a youth
02:15 Scouting badges, permits, and skill development
03:08 Transition from scouting to professional arboriculture
03:58 Learning from arborists and hands-on training
06:08 Building skills through school and work experience
08:07 The importance of understanding knots and techniques
10:01 Adapting to new tools and methods in tree climbing
11:55 The value of historical knowledge and technique preservation
13:54 Balancing old and new systems for safety and efficiency
16:05 The role of continuous learning and adaptability
17:47 Reflections on career development and industry evolution
20:00 Closing thoughts and key takeaways

A Conversation with the Aging Arborist

This episode of the treeActions podcast is a little different.

I recently had the pleasure of being a guest on The Aging Arborist podcast, where we had a wide-ranging conversation about trees, arboriculture, and some of the experiences and ideas that have shaped my work.

The hosts of The Aging Arborist were kind enough to share the audio from our conversation with us, so we’re pleased to be able to bring the episode to the treeActions audience as well.

It’s always interesting to step into the guest chair. Rather than leading the conversation, I had the opportunity to reflect on my own experiences, talk through some of the issues facing arborists and the wider tree-care profession, and explore where our industry may be heading.

A big thank-you to the hosts of The Aging Arborist for inviting me onto the podcast, for the enjoyable conversation, and for generously allowing us to share it here.

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

In this episode:
We discuss arboriculture, professional experience, the realities of working with trees, lessons learned over the years, and thoughts about the past, present, and future of the profession.

🎧 Originally recorded for The Aging Arborist podcast and shared here with their kind permission.

Summary
Ian McDermott joins Dwayne and Tony for a wide-ranging conversation about trees, arboriculture history, education, humor, and the human side of working in and around forests. The episode moves from his personal path into tree work to bigger reflections on safety, training, and how trees shape culture, religion, and community.

Timestamps
00:00 - Welcome to the Human Forestry Podcast and introduction of Ian McDermott

01:11 - Retirement on the Isle of Man and returning to work

02:34 - First connections to trees through childhood woods and The Forest Ranger

03:44 - Olive harvesting in Crete and ancient trees

04:24 - Muir Woods and the emotional power of giant trees

04:54 - Growing up around Wally Woods and playing in the woods

07:03 - Isle of Man heritage, Viking identity, and tree symbolism

08:27 - Yggdrasil and trees of life in religion

09:05 - Wind, storms, and the loss of trees on the Isle of Man

10:07 - Traditional olive harvest methods and Ian’s affinity for olive trees

12:14 - From teaching ambition to park department work and horticulture training

14:02 - Early arboriculture education, branch walking, and old gear

16:43 - The first arboriculture book and how pruning ideas have changed

18:00 - Old pruning experiments, tree wounds, and cauterizing cuts

19:57 - Fire seasons, arson, and the role of forest management

21:02 - Tree paint, wound dressing, and old job-site habits

25:35 - Shigo, flush cuts, and why old traditions were challenged

27:33 - Working with Alex Shigo and Judy and the impact of his teaching

28:12 - The decline of arboriculture education in the UK

31:21 - Teaching as stimulation, edutainment, and keeping energy up

33:33 - Humor, religion, and the perspective joke about a penguin and a nun

36:42 - Trees in major religions and Ian’s Christmas talk on the subject

40:48 - From tree work into crew management and the ISA connection

42:14 - The famous “it’s a dog turd” misdiagnosis at a TRACK panel event

45:38 - Overthinking tree work and missing the simplest solution

46:39 - Taking time to observe the whole site before acting

47:40 - Mindfulness, response, and the human condition in tree work

49:03 - Aging, physical changes, and the darker jokes that come with experience

53:45 - Managing municipal tree crews and the importance of safety

54:14 - The Arbormaster tour and the spread of new equipment ideas

55:37 - Micro pulleys, slack tenders, and the purple pulley moment

58:08 - Port-a-wrap history, fair leads, and the loss of context

59:24 - Hitch climber systems and the evolution of climbing hardware

62:46 - The 1998 Birmingham conference and the first ISA event outside North America

63:57 - Fatality statistics, neighboring jobs, and why data can mislead

66:34 - One small mistake can end a career in arboriculture

67:36 - Aging climbers, lost strength, and changing perspective

68:08 - Body thrusting, footlocking, and the risk of losing basic technique

71:20 - Joe Hedger’s first footlock and breaking the world record

72:49 - Pete Donzelli, barefoot practice, and climbing balance

73:55 - German climbers and the early competition era in the UK

75:35 - The challenge of keeping up with all the changes in arboriculture

77:37 - Ian’s answer on the human forest and why volunteers matter most

78:22 - Birmingham Tree People and the idea that trees and people cannot be separated

80:08 - Town planning, canopy cover, and making cities livable

81:04 - Trees as a solution to air pollution and urban well-being

82:38 - Signed copies of Shigo’s books and the pithy points tradition

85:27 - Pithy point 666 and humic acids slowing decomposition in soils

86:23 - Tree pithy picture point 9 and autumn canopy color

86:51 - Trees, shade, and humans seeing so many shades of green

87:52 - The chemistry of chlorophyll and the link between people and trees

88:23 - Closing reflections on humor, conversation,

In this episode, Tiger Devine shares his journey from childhood stories to becoming a passionate arborist and storyteller. We explore lessons from trees, the importance of storytelling in learning, and the adventures that shaped his life and career. In this episode, Tiger Devine and Dwayne explore the importance of mindfulness, passion, and humility in arboriculture, sharing insights from their experiences and the legacy of Jamz Luce. They discuss how embracing challenges, continuous learning, and respecting nature can lead to growth both personally and professionally.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest introduction
04:01 Parenting stories and the power of imagination
08:44 Benefits of dyslexia and unique perspectives
14:04 Assessing trees for growth and health
18:34 The importance of storytelling in learning
22:27 Memorable stories from childhood and family
26:22 Journey from Hobart to becoming a tree professional
33:20 A pivotal moment climbing a tree at age 18
37:51 Traveling for growth and learning in arboriculture
43:32 Climbing giant trees and the awe of nature
48:18 Passion, love, and the risk of losing sight of the craft
52:35 Jamz Luce as a wise and imperfect mentor
56:37 Reflections on Jamz Luce’s influence and passing
01:01:08 The metaphor of climbing and the tree of life
01:05:04 The importance of seeding education and content creation
01:09:01 The spread of disease and tool sanitation
01:13:53 The sensory signals of trees and insect behavior
01:15:08 The challenge of industry standards and public perception
01:17:03 The importance of integrity and professionalism in social media
01:18:08 The value of accountability and constructive critique
01:18:54 The influence of social media and algorithms on industry standards
01:19:58 The role of content in shaping industry perceptions
01:20:55 The importance of verifiable sources and education
01:22:07 Using social media as a tool, not a crutch
01:22:48 The balance of passion, perseverance, and humility
01:24:05 Acceptance of industry realities and continuous learning
01:24:56 The legacy of mentorship and the cycle of knowledge
01:25:53 The impact of legacy and the importance of humility
01:27:02 The future of industry content and education
01:28:01 The importance of humility and sharing knowledge
01:28:58 The ongoing challenge of industry standards and social media
01:29:58 The constant of change and the value of humility

Summary
In this episode, Pete Nieves-Sosa shares his journey from crane operator to expert in tree work and crane safety, highlighting the importance of skill, safety, and business acumen in the industry. In this episode, Tony and Peter discuss the importance of safety, insurance, and training in the tree care and crane industries. They share insights on industry regulations, the value of hands-on experience, and the evolution of the Crane School.

 Resources

OSHA Crane Safety Standards - https://www.osha.gov/cranes
Crane Safety in Tree Work - Industry Guidelines - https://www.treesafety.org
Pete Nieves-Sosa - LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/petenievesosa
Crane Safety Climber School - https://cranesafetyclimber.com
Craneman Inc. - https://cranemaninc.com
Dr. Shygo's Pithy Points - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XYZ1234

Come along as we dive into the amazing bond between people and trees, sharing stories, learning about history, and uncovering scientific secrets. Our guest, Jack Harris, will tell us some amazing stories from Newfoundland, talk about how forests have changed over time, and show us why trees are so important to both our spirits and the environment.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tree Connections
01:51 Childhood Memories and Early Connections to Trees
10:19 Newfoundland's Unique History and Cultural Context
18:28 The Impact of Forestry Policies and Practices
27:41 Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Practices
34:37 The Impact of Deforestation and Reforestation Efforts
37:34 The Role of Trees in Newfoundland's History
40:29 Exploring Tree Communication and Consciousness
43:15 The Political Landscape and Unity in Canada
47:40 Celebrating Newfoundland's Lumber Heritage
51:44 The Newfoundland Pony Society and Conservation Efforts
56:18 The Connection Between Nature and Human Well-being
01:01:24 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality
01:02:11 The Importance of Forests in Climate Regulation
01:03:33 Political Dynamics in Environmental Conservation
01:05:25 Community Engagement in Forest Management
01:06:27 California's Environmental Challenges and Innovations
01:07:11 Cultural Diversity Across American States
01:07:54 Tree Memories and Childhood Experiences
01:12:40 Influential Figures in Arboriculture
01:14:49 The Impact of Glyphosate on Nature
01:17:30 The Joy of Tree Bathing and Nature Connection

Resources
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U0X7U4A
Canadian Forest Service - https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science-data/environment/forest-data/10052
Newfoundland Pony Society - https://newfoundlandponysociety.com/
Dr. Alex Shigo's Tree Biology Books - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Dr.+Alex+Shigo&ref=nb_sb_noss
Suzanne Simard's Research on Tree Communication - https://www.ubc.ca/

Guest links
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackharris
Website - https://newfoundlandponysociety.com/

Discover the fascinating journey of Michael Oxman, a seasoned professional tree surgeon, as he shares his extensive experiences spanning from childhood tree carving antics to leading-edge arboricultural practices. This episode covers everything from historic milestones in tree care to innovative rigging techniques used in old-growth logging and tree climbing competitions.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tree Actions Podcast
01:04 Michael's Early Connection with Trees
02:44 Growing Up in North Hollywood
04:17 The Transformation of Los Angeles
05:56 Transitioning to Oregon
07:18 Experiences at Beverly Hills Parks Department
10:51 Establishing the Rogue Valley Arborist Association
12:49 Networking and Learning in Arboriculture
14:11 Influential Figures in Arboriculture
16:33 Writing and Publishing in Arboriculture
20:05 Technical Difficulties and Communication Challenges
22:03 The Journey of Tree Climbing Events
27:03 Heritage Trees and Their Significance
34:37 The Evolution of Arboriculture and Marketing
39:16 The Joys of Working with Trees
44:47 The Legacy of Arborists
48:56 Connecting Through Community
53:21 Experiences in Tree Climbing Competitions
55:43 The Importance of Knowledge Sharing
01:02:22 The Historical Significance of Trees
01:06:41 Conversations as a Learning Tool
01:11:12 Pithy Points and Tree Biology

Resources
Tree Dr. Website - https://treedr.com
ISA Conference and Resources - https://www.isa-arbor.com
Tree Climbing Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/treeclimbing
Arb Climber Magazine - https://arbormagazine.com

Guest Links
Website - https://treedr.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/treedr
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TREEDr