Connection Matters Podcast

Leona Johnson

Curious about stepping into connected self-leadership and embracing everyday spirituality? Welcome to the Connection Matters Podcast, where we explore the transformative power of nature, spirituality, and personal growth. Hosted by Leona Johnson, this podcast delves into the sacred weave of cultural emergence, ecopsychology, and personal transformation. With more than a decade of experience guiding people through deep, life-changing experiences, Leona brings you thought-provoking conversations, solo insights, and actionable practices. Tune in to unlock your potential, live with purpose, and help create a regenerative culture for future generations. Invitation: Let's create a world where everyone is supported to live authentically and aligned with their true purpose. With deep gratitude for all of life, this podcast is dedicated to the future seven generations, inspiring positive change for generations to come. Email-connection@leonajohnson.life www.leonajohnson.life

  1. What Can Nature Teach Us Today? Biomimicry, Community & Regenerative Design with Deborah Benham

    14H AGO

    What Can Nature Teach Us Today? Biomimicry, Community & Regenerative Design with Deborah Benham

    Guest BioDeborah Benham is a marine biologist, nature connection practitioner, and biomimicry educator based in Dorset, England. She works with Transition Network International supporting community-led action across 60+ countries and is co-creating the Living Systems Alliance—a collaboration bringing biomimicry, permaculture, and regenerative design to communities worldwide. Deborah lives in the UK's largest cohousing community and is passionate about helping people reconnect with nature, learn from living systems, and become positive keystone species in their ecosystems. Resources MentionedDeborah's Work & Resources: Becoming Ecological Citizens Framework: www.deborahbenham.comLiving Systems AllianceRestoring Your Ecological Awareness Course (Biomimicry Institute)- AskNature Learning: Restoring Your Ecological Awareness: How Deep Reconnection Can Guide Nature-Based Wisdom and Solutions, will be facilitated by Dr. Deborah Benham an ecologist, accredited Biomimicry Educator, and global leader in regenerative community design, with nearly 30 years of experience across conservation, education, and community resilience. Many people feel disconnected from nature and overwhelmed by the scale of the ecological, climate, and biodiversity crises. This course offers a different starting point: one rooted in deep nature reconnection as a source of empathy, belonging, and positive action. Through simple, applied practices, participants strengthen their sensory and observational skills and begin building meaningful relationships with local places, species, and ecosystems. In doing so, they learn how living systems work and how humans can become a positive, regenerative force within them.Deborah has offered the Connection Matters Podcast Listeners a 20% discount code: COURSE20. Course details: Thursdays, March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th | 11-12:30pm PTRecordings availableNo biomimicry experience requiredRegistration Link: https://lnkd.in/gNVBhcQsCode: COURSE20Organisations & Networks: Transition Network International: www.transitionnetwork.orgBiomimicry Institute & Ask Nature Database: www.asknature.orgPermaculture Association (UK): www.permaculture.org.ukGlobal Ecovillage Network: www.ecovillage.orgLearn Biomimicry: Self-guided courses and educator resourcesBooks & Influences: Rob Hopkins' work on imagination and transitionDr Lila June: Indigenous perspectives on regenerative human presenceJanine Benyus: Biomimicry pioneer and founderJohn Young: Deep Nature Connection and 8 Shields modelResearch: Zelensky et al. (2023): "Nature Connection as a Pathway to Personal and Planetary Health" (open access)Media & Inspiration: Fix the News Newsletter: Weekly global good news storiesNature Culture Camp: Annual nature connection gathering (UK)Connect with DeborahWebsite: www.deborahbenham.com LinkedIn- Deborah Benham Email: Available via website Connect with LeonaWebsite: www.leonajohnson.life Instagram: @connection.matters.leona Free Life Compass Assessment  Call to ActionTake Deborah's closing question on your next walk: What can I learn from nature today? Then share what you discover—tag us on social media or leave a comment on the blog. Want to go deeper? 📖 Read the full blog post with three practices you can start today 🎁 Take the free Life Compass Assessment to see where you're thriving and where you're longing for more 🌿 Join us at Nature Quest Weekend for an immersive nature connection experience- email dircetly for info 💫 Explore the Life Compass Curriculum for 6 months of connected self-leadership Thank You for Listening! I am so grateful to you for tuning into this episode of Connection Matters Podcast. This is my passion and where I share my hope for a better world. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing the podcast on your preferred platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and spread the message of connection, healing and growth! Stay Connected: Join the Community: Be part of our growing community by signing up for my newsletter here. You'll receive updates on new episodes, resources, and exclusive offers!Read the Blog for all the actionable tips, journal prompts and a deeper read of my thoughts and perspectives on connected self-leadership.Follow Me: Stay inspired and connected on social media:  Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn , PintrestConnect with Me: Have thoughts or questions about the episode? I'd love to hear from you! Reach out at connection@leonajohnson.life. I always respond.Find out more about working with me here. Upcoming Events: Don't miss out on upcoming workshops, courses, or events! Stay informed by visiting the website here for more details for details.

    1h 3m
  2. Why Your Inner Critic Isn't the Enemy (And What to Do Instead) with Jo Bell

    FEB 4

    Why Your Inner Critic Isn't the Enemy (And What to Do Instead) with Jo Bell

    Jo Bell is a trauma-informed coach who works with women ready to stop editing themselves and enter a new era of living unfiltered. She is the creator of Rise, her signature group experience, where women move from overthinking, people-pleasing and self-doubt into a deep trust in themselves, emotional steadiness and a life that feels like it fits. Key Topics Explored The protective origins of your inner critic – Discover why that critical voice developed and how childhood conditioning shapes your self-talkThe science of rewiring your brain – Learn how neuroplasticity proves you can create new patterns of self-compassion at any ageSelf-compassion as self-leadership – Understand why the strongest leaders aren't the harshest critics, and how choosing yourself creates ripples of changeFrom self-doubt to self-trust – Explore practical approaches to transform your relationship with yourself and live more authenticallyLinks 📖 Read the complete blog post with practical takeaways. 📥 Access Jo Bell's free Sel -Talk script book here. See Jo's offerings on her website here.  🌿 Join Designing A life Aligned with Your True North - FREE Masterclass with Leona Johnson   Thank You for Listening! I am so grateful to you for tuning into this episode of Connection Matters Podcast. This is my passion and where I share my hope for a better world. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing the podcast on your preferred platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and spread the message of connection, healing and growth! Stay Connected: Join the Community: Be part of our growing community by signing up for my newsletter here. You'll receive updates on new episodes, resources, and exclusive offers!Read the Blog for all the actionable tips, journal prompts and a deeper read of my thoughts and perspectives on connected self-leadership.Follow Me: Stay inspired and connected on social media:  Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn , PintrestConnect with Me: Have thoughts or questions about the episode? I'd love to hear from you! Reach out at connection@leonajohnson.life. I always respond.Find out more about working with me here. Upcoming Events: Don't miss out on upcoming workshops, courses, or events! Stay informed by visiting the website here for more details for details.

    1 hr
  3. JAN 28

    Strengthening the Web: Why Gathering Matters Now

    Over the past few weeks on the podcast, we’ve been talking about orienting. About wintering well. Slowing down. Consolidating. That still matters. But in this episode, I can feel a shift, and I wanted to follow it. This conversation is about gathering. Not the grand, impressive kind, but the small, ordinary, life-giving kind that quietly strengthens our web of connection before we need it to hold us. In this episode, I explore: Why so many people feel relationally under-nourished, even when they’re doing a lot of inner and personal growth work How adult life leads to quiet drift rather than dramatic rupture, and why that matters Simple, doable ways to create warmth, rhythm, and reliability in your relationships A personal story about how my own world became narrower, and what helped widen it again Why joy, laughter, and shared experience matter just as much as depth Practical guidance on how to listen and reflect well in groups, without fixing, bypassing, or rushing to solve At the heart of this episode is a simple truth: we don’t strengthen our webs in crisis. We strengthen them before we need them. Read the full blogThis episode is accompanied by a longer written reflection, which you can read here: Free live masterclassIf this episode resonates, you might also like to join me for a free live masterclass: Designing a Life Aligned with Your True North Wednesday 11th February 10.30am UK time Free, live This masterclass is for people who’ve done a lot of inner work, but whose lives still feel a bit off. Not because anything is wrong with you, but because growth doesn’t automatically tell us how to live. We’ll explore a grounded, wholistic approach to healing and leadership that honours heart, mind, body, and spirit. You’ll experience a simple practice to reconnect with your inner compass, alongside real examples from my work with people navigating change and transition. 👉 Register for free here:  Thank you for listening, and for the care you bring to how you live and relate. And if this episode lands, consider sharing it with someone who might need it too. Thank You for Listening! I am so grateful to you for tuning into this episode of Connection Matters Podcast. This is my passion and where I share my hope for a better world. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing the podcast on your preferred platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and spread the message of connection, healing and growth! Stay Connected: Join the Community: Be part of our growing community by signing up for my newsletter here. You'll receive updates on new episodes, resources, and exclusive offers!Read the Blog for all the actionable tips, journal prompts and a deeper read of my thoughts and perspectives on connected self-leadership.Follow Me: Stay inspired and connected on social media:  Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn , PintrestConnect with Me: Have thoughts or questions about the episode? I'd love to hear from you! Reach out at connection@leonajohnson.life. I always respond.Find out more about working with me here. Upcoming Events: Don't miss out on upcoming workshops, courses, or events! Stay informed by visiting the website here for more details for details.

    25 min
  4. Consolidation: How to Set This Year Up Well (Without Burning Out)

    JAN 21

    Consolidation: How to Set This Year Up Well (Without Burning Out)

    It's mid-January, and somewhere between the first week and now, something shifted. Not collapse, not panic—just a low-grade fatigue and a wondering: "I thought this year would feel different by now." In this episide; you'll hear about the three patterns that keep people stuck, the discipline of saying no to create meaningful yeses later, and practical ways to build rhythm before ambition. This isn't about doing more. It's about inhabiting your life more fully. In this episode: What consolidation actually means (and why we've forgotten it)The year I didn't know I was having—my journey through rupture to integrationWhy incomplete endings drain energy and how to end wellThree practices for navigating January and February with intentionQuestions to help you discern where you're being called to consolidateLinks mentioned: Read the full blog post:Explore the Life Compass Curriculum: Thank You for Listening! I am so grateful to you for tuning into this episode of Connection Matters Podcast. This is my passion and where I share my hope for a better world. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing the podcast on your preferred platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and spread the message of connection, healing and growth! Stay Connected: Join the Community: Be part of our growing community by signing up for my newsletter here. You'll receive updates on new episodes, resources, and exclusive offers!Read the Blog for all the actionable tips, journal prompts and a deeper read of my thoughts and perspectives on connected self-leadership.Follow Me: Stay inspired and connected on social media:  Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn , PintrestConnect with Me: Have thoughts or questions about the episode? I'd love to hear from you! Reach out at connection@leonajohnson.life. I always respond.Find out more about working with me here. Upcoming Events: Don't miss out on upcoming workshops, courses, or events! Stay informed by visiting the website here for more details for details.

    30 min
  5. Wintering Well - How Nature Teaches Us to Begin the Year Gently Begin Your Year

    JAN 14

    Wintering Well - How Nature Teaches Us to Begin the Year Gently Begin Your Year

    January has a lot of opinions about how we're meant to begin the year — and most of them are loud, fast, and not especially kind to our nervous systems. But nature tells a very different story. In this episode: Why January culture and January nature are telling us completely different thingsThe relationship between winter and your nervous systemSimple daily practices for letting nature guide your beginning (nothing fancy required)A powerful shift from "what do I want to make happen?" to "what wants me this season?"Why you're not behind — you're winteringIf you're longing for permission to begin this year differently — gently, in relationship with the season you're actually in — this episode is for you. Mentioned in this episode: The Life Compass Curriculum & Community — now open for enrollment with special bonuses including a Spring Nature Quest weekend and a one-to-one deep dive. Details at connectionmatters.co.uk Thank You for Listening! I am so grateful to you for tuning into this episode of Connection Matters Podcast. This is my passion and where I share my hope for a better world. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing the podcast on your preferred platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and spread the message of connection, healing and growth! Stay Connected: Join the Community: Be part of our growing community by signing up for my newsletter here. You'll receive updates on new episodes, resources, and exclusive offers!Read the Blog for all the actionable tips, journal prompts and a deeper read of my thoughts and perspectives on connected self-leadership.Follow Me: Stay inspired and connected on social media:  Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn , PintrestConnect with Me: Have thoughts or questions about the episode? I'd love to hear from you! Reach out at connection@leonajohnson.life. I always respond.Find out more about working with me here. Upcoming Events: Don't miss out on upcoming workshops, courses, or events! Stay informed by visiting the website here for more details for details.

    21 min
  6. How to Orient Your Life (Instead of Making Resolutions That Fail)

    JAN 7

    How to Orient Your Life (Instead of Making Resolutions That Fail)

    In this episode, we explore: What orientation actually means (and why it works when resolutions don't)The three questions that help you orient your year: What am I releasing? What am I protecting? What am I committing to?Why choosing support before you're burnt out changes everythingRead the full blog post with complete insights and practices: Mentioned in this episode: Opening the Year Ceremony - January 11th (online nature ceremony)Life Compass Curriculum - begins January again for the next cycle in January Thank You for Listening! I am so grateful to you for tuning into this episode of Connection Matters Podcast. This is my passion and where I share my hope for a better world. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing the podcast on your preferred platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and spread the message of connection, healing and growth! Stay Connected: Join the Community: Be part of our growing community by signing up for my newsletter here. You'll receive updates on new episodes, resources, and exclusive offers!Read the Blog for all the actionable tips, journal prompts and a deeper read of my thoughts and perspectives on connected self-leadership.Follow Me: Stay inspired and connected on social media:  Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn , PintrestConnect with Me: Have thoughts or questions about the episode? I'd love to hear from you! Reach out at connection@leonajohnson.life. I always respond.Find out more about working with me here. Upcoming Events: Don't miss out on upcoming workshops, courses, or events! Stay informed by visiting the website here for more details for details.

    28 min
  7. New Year Special- A ceremonial journey from snake wisdom to horse power

    12/31/2025

    New Year Special- A ceremonial journey from snake wisdom to horse power

    What if the crossing from one year to the next isn't meant to be rushed through with resolutions and champagne, but honoured as a sacred threshold where transformation actually happens? In this special New Year's Eve episode, I'm inviting you into something different—a ceremonial journey to honour the Year of the Snake (2025) and welcome the Year of the Horse (2026). This isn't your typical podcast episode. This is a guided threshold experience for anyone who feels the weight of what this past year asked of them and is ready to step into the new year with intention, clarity, and authentic purpose. We explore why liminal spaces are where real transformation happens, how to witness your year without judgement, and the power of release ceremonies to let go of what you're no longer meant to carry. I share insights about working with the snake's teaching of descent and shedding, and how the horse is now calling us to rise, reclaim our direction, and move with bold action towards what our spirits have been longing for. Drawing from my decade of ceremonial training and work as an ecotherapist and life coach, this episode offers a complete threshold practice—from witnessing what was, to releasing what's done, to calling in what's ready to be born. Whether you're a heart-centred entrepreneur, nature connection practitioner, or simply someone seeking everyday spirituality and connected self-leadership, this ceremonial journey is for you. Ready to go deeper? Read the full blog post for expanded insights, written practices, and a blessing for the crossing. Visit https://www.leonajohnson.life/resources for free downloads including the Purpose Foundations guide to support your journey into 2026. Thank You for Listening! I am so grateful to you for tuning into this episode of Connection Matters Podcast. This is my passion and where I share my hope for a better world. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing the podcast on your preferred platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and spread the message of connection, healing and growth! Stay Connected: Join the Community: Be part of our growing community by signing up for my newsletter here. You'll receive updates on new episodes, resources, and exclusive offers!Read the Blog for all the actionable tips, journal prompts and a deeper read of my thoughts and perspectives on connected self-leadership.Follow Me: Stay inspired and connected on social media:  Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn , PintrestConnect with Me: Have thoughts or questions about the episode? I'd love to hear from you! Reach out at connection@leonajohnson.life. I always respond.Find out more about working with me here. Upcoming Events: Don't miss out on upcoming workshops, courses, or events! Stay informed by visiting the website here for more details for details.

    32 min
  8. How Do You Know When You're Living Your Truth? A Winter Solstice Reflection

    12/24/2025

    How Do You Know When You're Living Your Truth? A Winter Solstice Reflection

    Key Themes We Explore: The thread that's been there all along – What my children taught me about the essence that never changes, and how you can recognise yours (even when life has layered stories and trauma on top of it)Why growth doesn't always look like comfort – The question Mary Oliver asks that changes everything, and what it takes to rock the boat when life is ticking along just fineThe surprising research about what actually predicts our happiness – And why we're not finding the support we need in the places we've been told to lookWhat a client discovered on her personal fire quest – Sally's story of transformation and what became possible when she stopped doing it aloneWant the full depth? Head to the blog post where I share three tangible practices you can use at this threshold moment, the complete client story that will inspire you, and the research findings that explain why connection matters more than you think. Resources Mentioned:Purpose Foundations training (£27) – mentioned in the episodeOne-to-one coaching (£97 introductory session) – details in the blog postCall to Action:This threshold moment is asking something of you. The question is: are you ready to answer? Listen now, then dive into the blog for the full journey. Thank You for Listening! I am so grateful to you for tuning into this episode of Connection Matters Podcast. This is my passion and where I share my hope for a better world. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing the podcast on your preferred platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and spread the message of connection, healing and growth! Stay Connected: Join the Community: Be part of our growing community by signing up for my newsletter here. You'll receive updates on new episodes, resources, and exclusive offers!Read the Blog for all the actionable tips, journal prompts and a deeper read of my thoughts and perspectives on connected self-leadership.Follow Me: Stay inspired and connected on social media:  Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn , PintrestConnect with Me: Have thoughts or questions about the episode? I'd love to hear from you! Reach out at connection@leonajohnson.life. I always respond.Find out more about working with me here. Upcoming Events: Don't miss out on upcoming workshops, courses, or events! Stay informed by visiting the website here for more details for details.

    28 min

About

Curious about stepping into connected self-leadership and embracing everyday spirituality? Welcome to the Connection Matters Podcast, where we explore the transformative power of nature, spirituality, and personal growth. Hosted by Leona Johnson, this podcast delves into the sacred weave of cultural emergence, ecopsychology, and personal transformation. With more than a decade of experience guiding people through deep, life-changing experiences, Leona brings you thought-provoking conversations, solo insights, and actionable practices. Tune in to unlock your potential, live with purpose, and help create a regenerative culture for future generations. Invitation: Let's create a world where everyone is supported to live authentically and aligned with their true purpose. With deep gratitude for all of life, this podcast is dedicated to the future seven generations, inspiring positive change for generations to come. Email-connection@leonajohnson.life www.leonajohnson.life

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