Earthkeepers: A Circlewood Podcast on Creation Care and Spirituality

Forrest Inslee
  • 5.0 (38)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Monthly

The Earthkeepers Podcast promotes global connection among ecological-minded people who believe that earth care is an integral part of spiritual life. Through conversations about topics like ecology, climate change, gardening, farming, social enterprise, theology, environmental justice, outdoor recreation, conservation and community development, we aim to inspire a movement of ordinary earthkeepers who will help heal the world.

  1. 1d ago

    “A Solar Panel is a Symbol of Love”: Telling It on the Mountain, with Bill McKibben | Ep. 153

    Send us a voice note In this engaging interview, Bill McKibben shares insights on climate change, renewable energy, and the role of faith communities in fostering cultural and technological change. Discover practical solutions, spiritual perspectives, and inspiring stories that motivate collective action for a sustainable future.  McKibben’s writing has appeared in countless publications like The New Yorker and Rolling Stone, and he has written many books over the last few decades. In this perspective-broadening interview, Bill shares insights on climate change, renewable energy, and the role of faith communities in fostering cultural and technological change. This conversation covers practical solutions, spiritual perspectives, and inspiring stories that motivate collective action for a sustainable future. In particular, he claims that now more than ever we need creative thinking about implementing renewable energy strategies. And faith communities, he says, do have a special role to play. This episode, cocreated by Circlewood and our partner organization A Rocha USA, is cohosted by James Amadon, executive director of Circlewood, and by Deb Rienstra, a writer, speaker, and professor who serves on A Rocha USA’s advisory board.  Links  Bill McKibben’s website Here Comes the Sun by Bill McKibben A Rocha USA Deb Rienstra’s website Earthkeepers Episode 85: Becoming Hope: Debra Rienstra on Her Book Refugia Faith The Vatican’s solar project Third Act: Harnessing generational power to safeguard our climate and democracy. 350.org: Fighting climate change for people and planet A Rocha USA: Ways to get involved TEND: Cultivating faith-based, creation-focused community Advocating for plug-in solar   Key  Topics  The economic shift towards renewable energy The spiritual and cultural role in environmental change Practical steps for individuals and communities Older generations and their special capacities Churches who choose to pursue renewables as acts of love   Keywords  climate change, renewable energy, faith communities, cultural change, environmental activism, solar power, policy, spirituality, sustainability, environmental justice; Laudato Si, Pope Francis, Pope Leo, plug-in solar, agrovoltaics, solar farms and ecological diversity, wind turbines as ocean reefs, Think Global Do Justice Podcast    Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

    27 min

  2. Jun 3

    The Time to Act is Now: The Case for Renewable Energy, with Bill McKibben | Ep. 152

    Send us a voice note Our guest is well-known author, journalist and environmentalist, Bill McKibben. His writing has appeared in countless publications like The New Yorker and Rolling Stone, and he has written many books over the last few decades. In this engaging interview, Bill shares insights on climate change, renewable energy, and the role of faith communities in fostering cultural and technological change. This conversation covers practical solutions, spiritual perspectives, and inspiring stories that motivate collective action for a sustainable future. This episode, cocreated by Circlewood and our partner organization A Rocha USA, is cohosted by James Amadon, executive director of Circlewood, and by Deb Rienstra, a writer, speaker, and professor who serves on A Rocha USA’s advisory board. Links Bill McKibben’s websiteHere Comes the Sun by Bill McKibbenA Rocha USADeb Rienstra’s websiteEarthkeepers Episode 85: Becoming Hope: Debra Rienstra on Her Book Refugia FaithThe Vatican’s solar projectThird Act: Harnessing generational power to safeguard our climate and democracy.350.org: Fighting climate change for people and planetA Rocha USA: Ways to get involvedTEND: Cultivating faith-based, creation-focused communityAdvocating for plug-in solarKey  Topics The economic shift towards renewable energyThe spiritual and cultural role in environmental changePractical steps for individuals and communities Keywords climate change, renewable energy, faith communities, cultural change, environmental activism, solar power, policy, spirituality, sustainability, environmental justice; Laudato Si, Pope Francis, Pope Leo, plug-in solar Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

    30 min

  3. May 13

    Grieving for a Suffering Planet: The Climate of Lament, with Michael Ferber and Philip Mingay | Ep. 151

    Send us a voice note Summary Explore the profound role of poetry and lament in addressing climate change, grief, and community resilience through the insights of authors Philip Mingay and Michael Ferber. In this episode, we take a look at their new book—a collection of poems and essays they have edited called Climate of Lament: Reflections on Ecological Grief. Mike and Philip—and the many other contributors to this volume—model for us a way to enter into the pain of letting our hearts be broken…and show us ways in which poetry can serve as a means of expressing both individual and collective sorrow. Importantly, in its inclusion of a range of authors from diverse vocational and cultural backgrounds, Climate of Lament shows us that poetry as an expressive form can be accessed by anyone—by professional poets, but also by those average folks for whom poetry is a new language we are learning to speak. Climate of Lament book website   Key Topics The role of art and literature in climate change discourse The significance of lament and grief in environmental activism Diversity of voices in climate poetry and reflections The process of creating and sharing poetry of lament The impact of community and place on environmental expression   Keywords: climate change, lament, poetry, community, environmental grief, art and activism, climate of lament, storytelling, community resilience, environmental poetry Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

    40 min

  4. Apr 29

    The Rewilded Heart: Kathleen Audet Interviews Forrest Inslee | Ep. 150

    Send us a voice note In this special 150th Earthkeepers episode, Kathleen Audet of the Styled Clean podcast and Forrest Inslee discuss the ways in which faith and ecological are intertwined. Niki Hardy of the Wildly Known Life podcast helps frame this conversation, in which Kathleen and Forrest consider such topics as sensing God in nature, deepening relationships to the ecologies of our places, and even shifting our paradigms to see the connections between creation care and missions work.  Resources & Links:  ·      Christine Sine’s Walking in Wonder substack ·      A Rocha US, Churches of Restoration ·      Norman Wirzba books, including Agrarian Spirituality         ·      Seminary of the Wild ·      Niki Hardy’s Wildly Known Life podcast ·      Kathleen Audet’s Styled Clean podcast Keywords: creation care, spirituality, ecology, earthworms, community, environmental stewardship, faith-based environmentalism, sustainable living, nature listening, climate change, fast fashion, missions, community development  Main Topics:  The spiritual dimension of caring for creation and its roots in faith traditionsThe story of Rachel’s worm rescue as a metaphor for spiritual transformation and environmental consciousnessHow listening to creation and understanding local stories foster environmental awarenessPractical ways to begin living more earth-honoring lives, including outdoor practices and community involvementThe relationship between decolonization, indigenous knowledge, and ecological restorationChallenges and community strategies for overcoming resistance to sustainabilityThe importance of a worldview rooted in creation-centered spirituality and simple daily acts     Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

    26 min

  5. Apr 15

    I and Thou: Nature, Resilience, and Healing for Soldiers, with Drew McGinley | Ep. 149

    Send us a voice note In this insightful interview, Drew, an army chaplain with nearly 19 years of service, shares his unique perspective on the intersection of faith, culture, nature, and military service. Discover how his approach to relational encounters and understanding diverse backgrounds enhances his support for soldiers and fosters healing through nature and community.  Drew’s LinkedIn Drew’s YouTube channel Drew’s Insta  key  topics The role of military chaplains in supporting religious libertiesThe concept of I-Thou versus I-It relationships and its application in military and nature The impact of cultural understanding and diversity training for chaplainsHow outdoor activities and nature foster healing and trust among soldiersThe environmental considerations in military operations and trainingkeywords Military chaplain, faith and culture, nature and healing, relational spirituality, diversity in the military, environmental consciousness, community development, spiritual support, military service, ecological impact, Elwha dam removal, Elwha people   Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

    35 min

  6. Apr 1

    Trusting Indigenous Ecological Wisdom, with Ciro Flores and Noah Guthrie | Ep. 148

    Send us a voice note In this conversation, guest host Noah Guthrie interviews Ciro Flores Cabrera about the vital work of A Rocha in environmental conservation across Peru. They consider A Rocha’s prioritization on helping to preserve traditional culture of native peoples in connection to their work of protecting native flora and fauna. Their conversation highlights community engagement, ecosystem restoration, and the spiritual connection to caring for God's creation.   A Rocha A Rocha Peru Noah Guthrie’s essay regarding his time in Peru, on The Ecological Disciple Key  Topics ·      Ecosystem restoration in dry forests and the Amazon ·      Community involvement and indigenous knowledge ·      The spiritual and biblical basis of environmental care  Keywords Machiguenga, Environmental Conservation, Peru, Amazon, Dry Forest, Community Engagement, Ecosystem Restoration, Indigenous Knowledge, Biofauna, Sacred Nature, Christian Ministry, acacia, carob, entrepreneurship, environmental education, tilapia Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

    25 min

  7. Mar 18

    Churches Loving Their Places: Brendan McClenahan of TEND | Ep. 147

    Send us a voice note In this insightful interview, Forrest and Brendan McClenahan discuss the launch of TEND, a free creation care curriculum rooted in faith and community. They explore the barriers and opportunities for integrating creation care into church life, emphasizing relational healing, indigenous wisdom, and practical actions that reconnect people with their place and creation. The TEND curriculum website Plant with Purpose Key  topics Creation care as spiritual practice Barriers to environmental engagement in churches Opportunities for community-based creation care The role of indigenous wisdom in environmental stewardship  Keywords creation care, faith, community, indigenous wisdom, environmental restoration, spiritual formation, church, sustainability, relational healing Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

    27 min

  8. Mar 4

    Intentional Community for Human and More-than-Human Beings, with Ruth Padilla deBorst | Ep. 146

    Send us a voice note In this episode, Forrest Inslee and Jo Swinney spend time with Ruth Padilla deBorst of A Rocha Costa Rica, sharing experiences and insights on creation care and community living. Ruth highlights the organization's growth, and its commitment to creation care, community engagement, and environmental justice. In particular, she describes the ways that her intentional community, called Casa Adobe, works to foster deep connection between people and nature, and people with other people. The conversation delves into the challenges of seeking such environmental restoration, addressing issues like river pollution, greenwashing, and the need for a more profound understanding of our particular places. Ruth also emphasizes the importance of caring for creation alongside others in community, advocating for a shift from an individualistic, consumption-orientation to shared responsibility and mutual support. The episode concludes with practical advice for listeners on how to engage in meaningful environmental action, and the ways that we can balance lament for the current state of the planet while at the same time remaining hopeful for the future. Keywords creation care, environmental justice, intentional community, A Rocha International, A Rocha Costa Rica, storytelling, ecological stewardship, community living, environmental activism, hope, indigenous wisdom, composting, theology of creation Takeaways  Jo Swinney: "I am primarily a storyteller, trying to inspire people to do what they can where they are."Ruth Padilla DeBorst: "It's hard for me to imagine caring thoroughly for creation if we don't get off that train of consumption and accumulation."Ruth Padilla DeBorst: "The most powerful possibility of transformation is communal."Ruth Padilla DeBorst: "Recognizing the river as our sister is an expression of worship of God, not of the river, but of the creator."Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

    47 min
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5
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

The Earthkeepers Podcast promotes global connection among ecological-minded people who believe that earth care is an integral part of spiritual life. Through conversations about topics like ecology, climate change, gardening, farming, social enterprise, theology, environmental justice, outdoor recreation, conservation and community development, we aim to inspire a movement of ordinary earthkeepers who will help heal the world.

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