Writing with Purpose – Inspiring Journallers, Writers, Readers and Nature Lovers

#60 Embracing the Creative Process: Writing with Authenticity and Courage with Joanna Penn

What if I told you that writing a book could transform not only your career but also your entire perspective on life?

As Joanna says, "Writing a book will change you."

In this episode, I’m joined by Joanna Penn, award-winning author, podcaster, and creative entrepreneur, who shares her incredible journey from IT consultant to international best-selling author.

Joanna has sold over a million books in 176 countries and 5 languages, and her podcast, The Creative Penn, has been downloaded over 10 million times, and accessed across 229 countries.

Joanna’s passion for creating value for her readers and listeners shines through as she discusses the transformative power of writing, her multi-faceted approach to income streams, and how loving what you do can lead to lasting success.

“I walk along the canal to clear my mind and let ideas flow.”

In this episode:

• Insights from Joanna’s two podcasts, where she shares actionable tips for writers and explores the intersection of creativity and travel
• How Joanna’s meticulous research process enriches her books with authenticity and detail
• What simple habits like walking along the canal can unlock creativity and help ideas flow
• How reading widely influences a writer's style and genre choices
• Enhancing the depth and relatability of a writer's work through personal experience
• Discover the tools Joanna uses to streamline her writing process, from Scrivener to Kobo

"I am creative. I am an author."

Discover how embracing the creative process can unlock new opportunities, deepen the connection to your audience, and help you build a thriving business around your passion. Joanna shares practical tips for aspiring writers, insights into managing multiple income streams, and her philosophy on staying authentic in your work.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a seasoned author, or simply someone seeking creative inspiration, this conversation will leave you motivated to take the next step in your journey.

Connect with Joanna

Please connect with Joanna online to explore her books, author resources, and what’s to come.

• The Creative Penn Website
• The Creative Penn Podcast
• Books and Travel Podcast
• Fiction Books by J.F. Penn
• Successful Self-Publish Fourth Edition Out Now
• Free Author Blueprint
• Become a Patreon Member
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• X

Joanna is the author of 16 non-fiction books offering expert advice for writers, including workbook companions, as well as a diverse collection of fiction. Her works span standalone novels, novellas, short story compilations, and popular series like Arkane, Brooke and Daniel, and the Mapwalker trilogy. She’s also penned a travel memoir. Joanna’s books are available in hardback, paperback, audio, and Ebook formats, with options to purchase individually or in bundles.

Also mentioned in this podcast:

• Andrew Ziminski Church Going
• Beth Kempton The Way of the Fearless Writer
• ‘Things’ App on Apple
• Elizabeth Gilbert Big Magic
• Capital Crime – A Crime and Thriller Festival
• ‘Scrivener’ writing software
• ‘Kobo’ books and e-readers

Podcast Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Joanna Penn's Journey

03:50 The Evolution of Writing and Authenticity

07:08 The Importance of Sharing Your Journey

09:54 Navigating the Writing Process and Personal Growth

12:48 The Role of Nature in Creativity

16:02 Transitioning from IT to Full-Time Author

18:48 Exploring Diverse Genres and Writing Styles

22:02 Building a Sustainable Writing Career

24:46 Advice for Aspiring Indie Authors

 _ _ _

A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.

If Joanna’s story inspired you to start your own creative journey, I’d love to hear about it. Please leave a review or share your thoughts.

• Please connect with me on your preferred platform by ⁠visiting my links page
• Access a free journal planner and journalling entrance meditation
• Join my bi-weekly Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

What if I told you that trees have stories to tell, and thatlistening to them could transform your life?

In this episode, I’m joined by Holly Worton, a publishing strategist, podcaster, and author who’s made it her mission to reconnect people with nature, and themselves, through the power of writing and tree communication.

"Trees have stories and people need to hear the stories."

Discover how reconnecting with nature can transform your writing, your wellbeing, and your perspective on life. Holly Worton shares her journey from London’s corporate world to becoming an advocate for tree communication and nature connection. Learn practical tips for incorporating nature into your daily routine, the surprising lessons trees can teach us, and how following your intuition can lead to a more fulfilling life.

"I started writing my own books because I ran out of books toread."

In this episode:

• How a single Facebook message to a favourite author changed Holly’s life forever, leading her from London’s corporate grind to a fulfilling career helping authors share their stories
• The magical moment during a forest bathing session when a yew tree ‘spoke’ to Holly, inspiring her book How to Talk to Trees and her mission to share the stories of nature
• Holly’s journey across continents, from California to England, where she finally felt the gut-level certainty of being ‘home’
• How trail running during COVID unlocked a deeper connection to nature, turning every run into an adventure and a source of inspiration
• Simple, actionable tips for reconnecting with nature – like stepping outside for just five minutes each morning to reset your mind and energise your day
• Holly’s groundbreaking studies in psychedelics and her commitment to environmental stewardship, and how they shape her vision for a more connected world.

"When you feel that excitement, you just know something'sright."

This conversation beautifully illustrates how following our intuition and staying open to unexpected opportunities can lead us toward more fulfilling, nature-connected lives.

Connect with Holly

Please connect with Holly online to explore her books, guided journeys, publishing support and what’s to come.

• Website
• Publishing
• Goodreads
  
• 
  Amazon
• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest

Whether you're curious about tree communication, looking to deepen your relationship with nature, or seeking inspiration for your own writing journey, this episode offers valuable insights and practical wisdom for anyone ready to step outside and reconnect with the natural world around them.

Also mentioned in this podcast:

• Book, Drug Use for Grown Ups
• Zendo SIT (Zendo project in America)
• Psyche

Podcast Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Holly Worton and Her Journey

03:40 The Role of Nature in Personal Fulfilment

06:35 Holly's Writing and Publishing Journey

09:32 Connection with Trees and Nature

12:05 Childhood Memories and Nature's Influence

15:00 The Importance of Mindfulness in Nature

17:27 Running and Its Connection to Nature

20:21 Environmental Awareness and Action

22:52 The Power of Journaling for Wellbeing

25:32 Future Aspirations and the Master's Journey

 _ _ _

A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.

If this nature connection episode inspired you to reconnect with nature or explore your own writing journey, I’d love to hear about it.

Leave a review or share your thoughts here or on social media – your feedback helps others discover the podcast and keeps the conversation going.

Please connect with me on your preferred platform by ⁠visiting my links page

Access a free journal planner and journalling entrance meditation

Join my bi-weekly Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

#58 From ‘Plotting to Pantsing’ – Exploring the Writer’s Journey with Author Sarah Ward

In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I speak to Sarah Ward, a versatile writer known for her crime novels and gothic thrillers.

Sarah shares her journey from being a passionate reader to becoming a published author. She talks about her personal approach to the writing process, the importance of setting, the evolution of characters, and the value of reading widely to enhance writing skills.

In this episode:

• How setting plays a crucial role in writing, influencing the atmosphere of stories
• Writers should write for themselves first before considering their audience
• Seeing writing as a flexible process
• Embracing changes to enhance a story without collapsing it
• Encouraging aspiring authors to finish their first drafts and not fear revisions

Sarah has been a published writer since 2015 and is involved in judging many writing competitions. She shares insights into her experiences in different genres, future projects and how nature serves as a significant source of inspiration for her writing.

Sarah identifies as a 'pantser', preferring to write without a strict outline. We discuss the contrasting processes of ‘plotting versus pantsing’, the role of nature as inspiration, and advice for aspiring authors.

Connect with Sarah

Please connect with Sarah to learn more about her event signings, books available and writing/reading community.

• Crime Pieces Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Gwisgo Bookworm Indie Bookshop

Sarah is the author of the DC Childs crime series set in the Peak District, two gothic thrillers under the name of Rhiannon Ward, the Mallory Dawson books set in West Wales, and Death Rites: A New England-based series.

Sarah has been involved in various literary and writing associations as vice-chair and trustee and is currently the treasurer of the Wesh crime writing collective, Crime Cymru.

Also mentioned in this podcast:

• Crime Cymru
• Crime Rights Association
• Dylis Owen
• Sarah Hilary
• Ellie Griffiths
• 750words.com
• Sue Graft
• Sarah Paretsky
• Enid Blyton
• Who Do You Think You Are Magazine
• Georges Simenon

Soundbites from Sarah

"Let’s see if I can write a book."

"I wrote my first book more or less in isolation."

"How is that more organised?"

"I find the landscape really inspiring."

"You have to write your own personality."

"My problem is I've got really terrible handwriting."

"The best thing you can do is try and finish a book."

Podcast Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Ward's Literary Journey

05:01 Exploring Genres: Crime, Gothic, and Beyond

10:07 The Writing Process: Plotting vs. Pantsing

20:20 From Reader to Writer: The Evolution of a Novelist

23:03 Character Development and Series Evolution

28:55 Writing for Self vs. Readers

35:17 Nature as Inspiration

43:36 Upcoming Works and Future Plans

_ _ _

A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.

Please remember to subscribe, share and leave your thoughts as a review. This generous act helps other listeners find the podcast on their chosen platform and allows me to continue providing valuable insight and resources for you to gain from.

Please connect with me on your preferred platform by ⁠visiting my links page

Access a free journal planner

Join my bi-weekly Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

#57 The Healing Power of Nature and Nature-Based Practices for Mental Health with Amanda Bailey

In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I chat with Amanda Bailey, certified International Forest Therapy Guide, accredited ACCP Advanced Transformation Coach and Meditation Teacher, and Cacao Facilitator.

Amanda shares her journey as a nature-based wellbeing practitioner, from childhood memories of nature, the impact of city life on her mental health, to her eventual reconnection with nature through forest therapy.

In this episode:

• Childhood memories of nature

• Shinrin-Yoku – forest bathing practice, originating in Japan in the 1980s
• The biophilia hypothesis and the fundamental need for connection to nature
• Bringing elements of nature into urban environments to enhance wellbeing
• Enhancing our connection to nature through forest therapy
• Supporting mental health with the gentle plant medicine, cacao
• Altering our perception of time in nature
• Learning from indigenous practices to enrich our understanding of nature and navigate modern challenges.

The conversation delves into the origins of forest bathing in Japan and its mental and physical health benefits. Amanda reveals her experiences with forest therapy, the benefits of cacao as a plant medicine, and her transformative journey to Guatemala to learn about cacao from the Mayan people.

Connect with Amanda

Please connect with Amanda to learn more about her nature-based practices, events and experiences.

• Website
• Shop
• Events
• Instagram

Amanda blends ancient nature-based practices with transformational coaching, offering practical steps for individuals to connect with nature in their daily lives.

Also mentioned in this podcast:

• Shinrin-Yoku
• The Mayan Civilisation
• Cacao
• Guatemala
• Mow Cop Wellbeing Day

Soundbites from Amanda

"Nature therapy has proven mental health benefits."

"The biophilia hypothesis suggests a need for nature."

"How can I honour this?"

"Cacao is the food of the gods."

"These ancient practices are coming up for a reason."

"Just to get out in a way that is easy."

Podcast Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Amanda Bailey and Her Work

01:29 Childhood Memories of Nature

07:05 Reconnecting with Nature After City Life

12:41 The Impact of Nature on Mental Health

16:31 Journey into Forest Therapy

22:31 Understanding Forest Bathing and Its Origins

28:14 The Responsibility of Caring for Nature

31:30 Reconnecting with Nature through Forest Therapy

34:19 The Magic of Cacao: A Journey into Plant Medicine

39:52 Exploring Cacao's Roots in Guatemala

46:39 Integrating Ancient Practices into Modern Life

53:26 Simple Steps to Connect with Nature

_ _ _

A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.

Please remember to subscribe, share and leave your thoughts as a review. This generous act helps other listeners find the podcast on their chosen platform and allows me to continue providing valuable insight and resources for you to gain from.

Please connect with me on your preferred platform by ⁠visiting my links page

Access a free journal planner

Join my bi-weekly Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

#56 Exploring the Benefits of Forest School and Outdoor Education with Nina Whalley

In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I chat with Nina Whalley, a forest school practitioner and founder of Nurtured Through Nature. Nina supports children, young people and adults to spend time in nature and benefit from connecting with the great outdoors by creating transformative outdoor learning experiences.

Nina explains how her passion lies in fostering wellbeing through connection with the natural world, with a special focus on helping children thrive in outdoor settings.

This passion evolved from Nina’s personal journey to becoming a forest school practitioner, which revealed that adults, just like children, deeply benefit from intentional time in nature, play-based learning, and forest school principles.

In this episode:

• Promoting child-led learning in nature through forest school
• Engaging with nature to significantly improve mental wellbeing
• Getting dirty and exploring the great outdoors
• Encouraging relaxation and creativity by forest bathing
• Embracing nature to regulate emotions and reduce stress
• Seeing foraging as a fun and educational family activity
• Improving overall quality of life by living in harmony with nature

Nurtured Through Nature programmes blend traditional forest school methodology with diverse enrichment activities, creating transformative experiences for children, young people, and adults alike. The programmes help participants reconnect with nature, discover new perspectives, and find joy in outdoor learning.

Connect with Nina

Please connect with Nina to learn more about forest school and outdoor learning experiences and to book events and activities across Staffordshire and Cheshire.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Tik Tok
• Website

Choosing simple outdoor activities can foster a deeper connection with the environment – try it!

Also mentioned in this podcast:

• Jackee Holder
• National Trust – Little Moreton Hall
• The Woodland Trust
• Emma Cronin, Wild Pickle

Soundbites from Nina

"Every child should have forest school provision."

"Forest bathing helps with creativity."

"Nature is a source of calm and relaxation."

"We need to get back in touch with nature."

"I absolutely love living here, surrounded by nature."

"You won't feel worse for being in nature."

Podcast Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Forest School and Its Benefits

06:30 Forest School in the Curriculum

10:11 Personal Connection to Nature

19:00 Nature and Mental Wellbeing

28:07 The Importance of Natural Foods

33:40 Living in Harmony with Nature

36:53 Practical Tips for Engaging with Nature

_ _ _

A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.

Please remember to subscribe, share and leave your thoughts as a review. This generous act helps other listeners find the podcast on their chosen platform and allows me to continue providing valuable insight and resources for you to gain from.

• Please connect with me on your preferred platform by ⁠visiting my links page
• Access a free journal planner
• Join my bi-weekly Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

#55 The Joy of Navigating Nature & Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival with Austin Knott

In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I chat with Austin Knott, an outdoor enthusiast, founder of Walk the Moorlands, and facilitator of the annual Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival.

We dive into the revival of the festival, which runs from Friday, 25 April to Monday, 5 May 2025, the types of walking and outdoor activities available, and how these events can serve as a canvas for community expression and engagement.

Austin shares insights into his active lifestyle, which revolves around walking and outdoor navigation. He discusses the growing popularity of outdoor activities, the health benefits of spending time in nature, and his early memories of exploring the outdoors. Austin also provides tips for those looking to embrace nature in their daily lives and delves into the history and revival of the Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival as a response to local outdoor activity gaps.

In this episode:

• Transitioning from a desk job to outdoor activities afterretirement
• Seeing nature exploration as simple as stepping outside your front door

• Involving the community to ensure the success of outdoor events
• Enhancing outdoor experiences by embracing landscape diversity
• Remembering nature helps shape our appreciation for the outdoors
• Providing a supportive community for open-air activities.

Outdoor activities are becoming increasingly popular as national and local governments invest in initiatives promoting nature's physical and mental wellbeing health benefits.

The Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival has grown year on year since 2022, with 2024 seeing over 900 attendees, 50 activities, more than 30 collaborating organisations, and over 70,000 website visitors. Future aspirations for inclusivity and community bonding, the festival serves as a canvas for community expression and engagement.

Please connect with Austin and the team to learn more about the events and activities available during the festival. Away from the Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival, contact Austin about leisure walks across the Moorlands and navigation training courses.

• Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival
• Festival Events Page
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Walk the Moorlands
• Discover Staffordshire Moorlands

Freelancing in the outdoors allows for a flexible and enjoyable career. Austin is also an Associate at Peak Navigation Courses and a National Navigation Award Scheme Course Director.

Also mentioned in this podcast:

• Staffordshire Moorlands District Council
• MyActive
• Merlin Bird App
• Mind Over Mountains
• Blaze Trails
• Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
• Staffordshire CPRE
• Mozaic
• Outside Arts
• Stuart Maconie
• Penny Anderson

Soundbites from Austin

"I should be retired, but I'm still active."

"There are quite a few different strings to my bow, but it'salmost one-dimensional… it all involves the outdoors and walking."

"I got a crazy idea to offer walks."

"Long walks and Sunday saunters."

Podcast Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Austin

03:01 A Day in the Life of an Outdoor Enthusiast

05:02 Navigating the Outdoors: Skills and Experiences

07:32 The Growing Popularity of Outdoor Activities

09:48 Early Memories of Nature

12:37 Tips for Embracing Nature in Daily Life

14:38 The Festival: History and Revival

21:32 The Birth of the Walking Festival

24:34 Growth and Community Engagement

27:37 Inclusivity and Accessibility in Events

30:05 Mental Health and Nature

30:19 Festival Logistics and Participation

38:34 Personal Connection to Nature

_ _ _

A new episode is released every Saturday at 8 am.

Please remember to subscribe, share and leave a review. This generous act helps other listeners find the podcast and allows me to continue providing valuable insight and resources.

• Please connect with me on your preferred platform by ⁠visiting my links page
• Access a free journal planner
• Join my bi-weekly Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

#54 Exploring the Depths of Journal Therapy & Reflective Writing with Kay Adams

In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, the last in my current journalling conversations, I chat with Kay Adams, a licensed psychotherapist and pioneer in the field of journal therapy for forty years. Kay has written fourteen books on writing and healing, including her New York best-seller, and debut, Journal to the Self.

We discuss Kay's love for storytelling from childhood to the evolution of therapeutic writing techniques, and the importance of reflection in the journalling process. Kay introduces the concept of the Journal Ladder, which provides a structured approach to journalling, and emphasises how the practise can be a bridge between your current self and your desired self.

In this episode:

• The benefits of structure, pacing, containment, balance and permission
• Using the ‘reflection write’ technique to harvest insights from journal entries
• Balancing the emotional content of journalling with captured moments
• Journalling as a gentle way to confront difficult emotions and find new insights

• Planning a reunion tour celebrating 40 years of journal writing workshops.

Please connect with Kay and visit her websites to learn more about journalling techniques, events, and training opportunities. Discover a library of resources, including articles, writing prompts, downloadable reports and tips to help your pen start moving.

• Centre for Journal Therapy
• Therapeutic Writing Institute
• Email Kay
• Download Kay's Journal Ladder paper

Kay refers to journalling as self-directed change through writing that can lead to personal growth. There is no wrong way to journal; it's about personal expression.

Also mentioned in this podcast:

• Tristine Rainer
• James Pennebaker
• Dr Ira Progoff
• Carl Jung
• Deborah Ross
• Dan Siegel
• Jackee Holder
• Sarah McLachlan
• Lapidus
• Poetry Therapy Association
• International Federation for Biblio Poetry Therapy
• Dr Megan C Hayes

Soundbites from Kay

"I am as passionate about it today as I was 40 yearsago."

"I started my first diary when I was 10 years old."

"Articulate the wisdom."

"Writing as a form of self-directed neuroplasticity."

"A poem-a-day practice."

"Be an experiment of one."

Podcast Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Journal Therapy and Kay Adams

02:12 Kay's Journey into Journaling and Writing

04:58 The Reflection Write: Harvesting Insights

08:12 Understanding the Mind: Conscious, Subconscious, andUnconscious

11:07 The Evolution of Kay's Writing Career

14:49 The Science Behind Expressive Writing

19:48 The Journal Ladder: A Structured Approach to Writing

26:05 Finding Balance in Journaling Practices

31:36 The Power of Self-Directed Change through Writing

39:42 Imagining Success Through Journaling

43:02 The Journal Ladder: Techniques for All Levels

47:54 Nature's Role in Creativity

54:22 Future Projects and Aspirations

01:00:11 Connecting with the Journaling Community

_ _ _

A new episode is released every Saturday at 8 am.

Please remember to subscribe, share and leave your thoughts as a review. This generous act helps other listeners find the podcast on their chosen platform and allows me to continue providing valuable insight and resources for you to gain from.

• Please connect with me on your preferred platform by ⁠visiting my links page
• Access a free journal planner
• Join my bi-weekly Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

Where do you find joy and curiosity in life?

In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I chat with Dr Megan C Hayes, a researcher, writer, mentor and relentless optimist.

We explore how creative writing can serve as a tool for self-discovery and emotional expression. Megan shares her personal journey, the importance of curiosity in the creative process, and the significance of reconnecting with one's inner child.

Megan has published four books, numerous journal articles and research papers, founded the Joyful School of Writing, an online school of all things creative writing, and developed The Positive Journal®, an approach to personal writing combining the science of positive psychology and the power of the page.

In this episode:

• Using writing as a simple way to incorporate wellbeing into life.
• Embracing curiosity is a vital strength for creative individuals.
• Seeing creative writing as a joyful process of reunion with lost parts.
• The metaphor of journalling as flexible, just like friendships.
• The blank page can be intimidating but it is also a mirror.
• Trust in the writing process takes time.

The conversation delves into the emotional depth of writing, the challenges posed by external pressures, and the therapeutic aspects of writing, likening it to a flexible friendship that evolves with time and personal growth.

Please connect with Megan to follow her work, download a free set of writing tools, enrol in online courses, book a one-to-one session or purchase numerous writing resources.

• Megan C Hayes
• Joyful School of Writing
• Positive Journal
• Megan’s books
• Instagram

Also mentioned in this podcast:

• James Pennebaker
• Dr Celia Hunt
• Dr Sophie Nicholls
• Martin Seligman
• VIA Character Strengths
• Katherine May ‘Enchantment’
• Laurie Lee ‘Cider with Rosie’
• The Happiness Project by Light Box, Bristol
• The Natural Academy

Soundbites from Megan

"It's a real privilege to be a mentor."

"We can often surprise ourselves."

"We meet those parts of ourselves again."

"The blank page is like a mirror."

"Trust takes time in any relationship."

"I feel most myself in natural spaces."

"Nature mirrors how we're feeling inside."

Podcast Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Writing and Wellbeing

02:49 The Journey of Writing and Wellbeing

06:04 Exploring Creative Writing and Identity

08:48 The Emotional Depth of Writing

11:50 Curiosity and Creativity in Writing

15:09 Reconnecting with the Inner Child

17:52 The Relationship with Self through Writing

20:58 Navigating External Pressures and Inner Whispers

29:29 The Therapeutic Nature of Writing

32:36 Writing as a Flexible Friendship

35:53 Overcoming the Blank Page

39:39 Trusting the Writing Process

43:26 Nature's Influence on Creativity

54:12 Connecting with Megan C. Hayes

_ _ _

A new episode is released every Saturday at 8 am.

Please remember to subscribe, share and leave your thoughts as a review. This generous act helps other listeners find the podcast on their chosen platform and allows me to continue providing valuable insight and resources for you to gain from.

• Please connect with me on your preferred platform by ⁠visiting my links page
• Access a free journal planner
• Join my bi-weekly Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

#52 The Healing Power of Writing & Nature with Writer andCoach, Jackee Holder

Just how connected are you to nature? Where is your go-to natural environment?

This episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast is part two of a wonderful deep conversation with Jackee Holder, writer, coach, and nature enthusiast whose work bridges the gap between storytelling, self-reflection, and the healing power of the natural world.

We explore the profound connection between writing and nature, and how sitting in nature can help us become more present and grateful for the smallest aspects of life.

We discuss the benefits of nature (or nurture) journalling, walking for enhancing creativity and share personal stories of times when nature has supported us.

In this episode:

• Meet ‘Sanctuary’ the tree.
• Increasing creativity and ideation from walking.
• Finding inspiration and guidance in nature.
• Discovering personal expression, connection with the environment, and transformative experiences with nature journalling.
• Gaining valuable life lessons from nature's resilience.

Our conversation emphasises the importance of finding answers within ourselves through nature and the resilience of the natural world. Jackee shares some practical journalling tips for those new to the art of journalling and for seasoned journallers.

Please connect with Jackee to learn more about her coaching, weekly writing circle, events and The School of Journaling.

• Website
• Instagram
• Women’s Journaling & Writing Circle

Jackee is the author of four inspiring non-fiction books, including ‘49 Ways to Write Yourself Well’, ‘Be Your Own Best Life Coach’, and ‘Soul Purpose’. Her illustrated writing maps invite readers to explore the restorative connection between nature, eco-psychology, and creativity through tree-inspired journalling prompts.

All Jackee’s books, cards and writing maps can be purchased from her website.

Also mentioned in this podcast:

• Bonnie Smith Whitehouse
• Daniel L. Schwartz
• John Muir Laws
• Robin Wall Kimmerer
• Isabella Trees

Soundbites from Jackee

“You have to grow through what we go through.”

“One of the biggest blockers to journalling is the blank page.”

“The land always has the answer.”

“Nature gives us so many lessons.”

“What do you need in that space?”

“Walking and writing really are companions.”

Podcast Chapters

00:00 Revisiting Wisdom: A Second Conversation

03:46 The Power of Walking and Creativity

06:52 Nature Journalling: Connecting with the Environment

09:35 Personal Relationships with Nature

12:45 Transformative Experiences in Nature

15:30 Nature as a Source of Insight

18:31 The Role of Nature in Personal Growth

21:17 Finding Answers Within Nature

24:12 Lessons from Nature's Resilience

26:52 Journalling Techniques for Connection

29:37 Embracing Creativity in Journalling

32:25 Final Thoughts and Reflections

_ _ _

A new episode is released every Saturday at 8 am.

Please remember to subscribe, share and leave your thoughts as a review. This generous act helps other listeners find the podcast on their chosen platform and allows me to continue providing valuable insight and resources for you to gain from.

• Please connect with me on your preferred platform by ⁠visiting my links page
• Access a free journal planner
• Join my bi-weekly Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

Do you see metaphors in nature as important messages in life?

In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I speak with Jackee Holder, a writer, coach, and nature enthusiast whose work bridges the gap between storytelling, self-reflection, and the healing power of the natural world.

Jackee shares her journey from aspiring teacher to leadership coach, and how journalling has always played a significant role over the years.

We talk about the importance of writing by hand, and the role of nature in enhancing creativity and wellbeing. Jackee shares various journaling techniques, the science behind writing, and several seminal studies that prove the beneficial outcome for our wellbeing.

In this episode:

• Bridging storytelling, self-reflection, and nature healing for personal growth.
• Embracing the metaphors of the trees symbolising growth and branching out in life.
• Boosting memory retention and creativity writing by hand.
• Journalling for insight, clarity and productivity.
• Enriching the journalling experience through community support.

The discussion covers Jackee’s collection of e-books and free writing tools available to support individuals on their personal and creative journeys. We chat about her free weekly writing and journalling circle and the launch of The School of Journaling in the UK.

As a leadership coach and coach trainer, Jackee has facilitated programs in financial services, education, and health sectors, focusing on leadership, resilience, and wellbeing. Her love for nature and writing has led her to spend countless hours journalling while walking through London’s urban green spaces, accompanied by her trusty notebook and pen.

Please connect with Jackee to learn more about her coaching, weekly writing circle, events and The School of Journaling.

• Website
• Instagram
• Women’s Journaling & Writing Circle

Jackee is the author of four inspiring non-fiction books, including ‘49 Ways to Write Yourself Well’, ‘Be Your Own Best Life Coach’, and ‘Soul Purpose’. Her illustrated writing maps invite readers to explore the restorative connection between nature, eco-psychology, and creativity through tree-inspired journalling prompts.

All Jackee’s books, cards and writing maps can be purchased from her website.

Also mentioned in this podcast:

• James Pennebaker
• Julia Cameron
• Ryder Carroll
• Prof Robert Emmons
• Kay Adams    
• Dorothy Randell Gray
• Deborah Ross
• Holly Worton    
• The Great Diary Project

Soundbites from Jackee

• “You’re already onto a winner because you’ve gone offline.”
• “Something happens to their state when they grab a pen.”
• “I wouldn't write the sky is grey. I would say it's a linen white with speckles.”
• “Journalling … has the ability to be such a sacred process in our modern world.”

• “I remember one client said, ‘my God, I’ve worked out what I need to do.’”

Podcast Chapters

04:03 The Journey to Becoming a Writer and Coach

07:13 The Transformative Power of Coaching

10:00 The Role of Nature in Personal Growth

12:51 Using Metaphors in Coaching

15:45 The Impact of Journalling on Self-Reflection

19:07 Exploring the Relationship with Nature

21:49 The Importance of Presence in Coaching

24:33 Journalling Techniques and Practices

27:25 The Science Behind Journalling

30:25 Gratitude and Its Benefits

33:13 Integrating Journalling into Coaching

46:32 Exploring Journalling Tools and Techniques

49:34 The Importance of Reflection in Journalling

58:56 Creating Community Through Journalling

01:08:36 Engaging Men in Journalling Practices

_ _ _

A new episode is released every Saturday at 8 am.

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