The Bracken Outdoors Podcast

Bracken Outdoors
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The podcast for outdoor professionals where we deconstruct the skills, attitudes and knowledge you need to help you earn a living in the great outdoors. Join us as we interview Forest School Leaders, discuss bushcraft philosophy, dive into nature as therapy, and dissect business structures. Hosted by Bracken Van Ryssen of Bracken Outdoors.com

  1. 4D AGO

    Episode 151 - Growing Taller than Trees with Charles Wild and Sophie Jones

    In this episode, I sit down with Charles and Sophie from Taller Than Trees to talk about their work in bushcraft, Forest School, and outdoor learning. Between them, they bring a wide range of experience into their practice. Charles comes from a background as a veteran, educator, and bushcraft instructor, with a strong foundation in survival skills and teaching. Sophie brings her experience as a primary teacher, Forest School practitioner, and beekeeper, alongside a creative approach to learning and working with children. In this reflective and wide-ranging conversation, we explore: - Adjusting teaching to the needs of the learner - Building resilience in the outdoors - The power of achievement through bushcraft - Balancing technology and time outdoors as a freelancer - The struggles and rewards of setting up a small business and much more! Find out more about Charles and Sophie: https://www.tallerthantrees.co.uk/ The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodland Leader, from business tips and advice to philosophy of outdoor education, as well as monthly deep dives into larger topics or interviews with inspirational professionals and leaders in the outdoor education space. Take the struggle out of setting up tarps with the Essential Tarps and Knots Course for Forest School Leaders, find out more at: https://brackenoutdoors.com/essentialtarps Free Resources: + How to choose a tarp guide + Forest School Activity Ideas PDF + The complete guide to setting your rates as an outdoor leader To find out more about my mission to help people Belong Outside, head to https://brackenoutdoors.com/

    1h 5m

  2. MAR 11

    Episode 150 - Unlocking Flow With Rebecca Meager

    In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Meager, an experienced Primary School teacher and Forest School Leader who has stepped beyond the classroom to follow her passion for outdoor, child-centred learning. Through her work in Forest School, Rebecca has seen how strongly children respond to learning in nature. Those experiences have led her to question how well our current education systems support the way children actually learn, and whether a broader shift is needed. Our conversation focuses on the idea of flow and why it matters so much for learning. We explore what flow actually is, why it so valuable, and how it can be encouraged through Forest School and outdoor learning. We also talk about the conditions that make flow possible, how educators can create those conditions in practice, and what happens when learning environments become too rigid. If you work in Forest School, outdoor learning, or education more broadly, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at how environment, structure and freedom interact to shape meaningful learning experiences. Rebecca’s book:  Teaching for Flow: Transforming Primary Education for Optimal Learning  https://www.routledge.com/Teaching-for-Flow-Transforming-Primary-Education-for-Optimal-Learning/Meager/p/book/9781041018940 Rebecca on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587381029713 The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodland Leader, from business tips and advice to philosophy of outdoor education, as well as monthly deep dives into larger topics or interviews with inspirational professionals and leaders in the outdoor education space. Take the struggle out of setting up tarps with the Essential Tarps and Knots Course for Forest School Leaders, find out more at: https://brackenoutdoors.com/essentialtarps Free Resources: + How to choose a tarp guide + Forest School Activity Ideas PDF + The complete guide to setting your rates as an outdoor leader To find out more about my mission to help people Belong Outside, head to https://brackenoutdoors.com/

    1h 2m

  3. MAR 6

    Episode 149 - Energy, Burnout and the Winter Season

    Winter is challenging. The days are shorter, the ground is muddier, and the effort it takes to run good outdoor sessions seems to increase. At the same time, there is still the expectation that we show up with the same focus and attention. In this episode, I reflect on the challenge of managing energy rather than just managing time. I also touch on how pricing, workload and expectations all play a role in whether you can show up well for the people you work with. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodland Leader, from business tips and advice to philosophy of outdoor education, as well as monthly deep dives into larger topics or interviews with inspirational professionals and leaders in the outdoor education space. Take the struggle out of setting up tarps with the Essential Tarps and Knots Course for Forest School Leaders, find out more at: https://brackenoutdoors.com/essentialtarps Free Resources: + How to choose a tarp guide + Forest School Activity Ideas PDF + The complete guide to setting your rates as an outdoor leader To find out more about my mission to help people Belong Outside, head to https://brackenoutdoors.com/

    27 min

  4. FEB 4

    Episode 148 - Effort Without Guarantees - Reflections on Work and Results

    One of the hardest things about meaningful work is continuing to put in effort when you don’t know if — or when — the results will show up. In this vlog, I reflect on the relationship between effort and results, and why uncertainty can make even simple actions feel heavy. I explore the idea that no effort is ever truly wasted — but that the quality and focus of our effort matters just as much as the quantity. I talk about: Why it’s difficult to stay motivated without visible outcomesHow effort always produces results, even if they’re indirect or delayedThe difference between scattered effort and focused effortWhy clarity of direction changes how effort compounds over timeThis isn’t about hustle or pushing harder.  It’s a quiet reflection on choosing where to place your energy — and trusting the process long enough for it to take root. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodland Leader, from business tips and advice to philosophy of outdoor education, as well as monthly deep dives into larger topics or interviews with inspirational professionals and leaders in the outdoor education space. Take the struggle out of setting up tarps with the Essential Tarps and Knots Course for Forest School Leaders, find out more at: https://brackenoutdoors.com/essentialtarps Free Resources: + How to choose a tarp guide + Forest School Activity Ideas PDF + The complete guide to setting your rates as an outdoor leader To find out more about my mission to help people Belong Outside, head to https://brackenoutdoors.com/

    16 min

  5. JAN 1

    Episode 147 - Should you raise prices in January

    January is often seen as the time for price increases and is something that is top of mind for many people. In this vlog, I reflect on the pressures that come with the start of a new year and tackle the question of whether or not to raise your prices, how pricing links to sustainability, and the work you want to keep doing If you’re wrestling with pricing decisions at the start of the year, this reflection might help you slow down and think more clearly about what you need — not just what the calendar suggests. Not sure about what to charge? Check out my guide to setting your rates at: https://brackenoutdoors.com/forestschoolrates/ The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodland Leader, from business tips and advice to philosophy of outdoor education, as well as monthly deep dives into larger topics or interviews with inspirational professionals and leaders in the outdoor education space. Take the struggle out of setting up tarps with the Essential Tarps and Knots Course for Forest School Leaders, find out more at: https://brackenoutdoors.com/essentialtarps Free Resources: + How to choose a tarp guide + Forest School Activity Ideas PDF + The complete guide to setting your rates as an outdoor leader To find out more about my mission to help people Belong Outside, head to https://brackenoutdoors.com/

    12 min

  6. 12/17/2025

    Episode 146 - Richard Harpham on a Life of Adventure

    In this video, I interview Richard Harpham. Richard is an outdoor instructor, author, co-director and founder of Canoe Trails, and a long-term adventurer and expedition leader with over 15,000 miles of human-powered travel under his belt. We talk about helping the next generation, the simplicity of expeditions, building an adventure sports and expedition company, sustainability and much more.... Find out more about Richard's work at:  www.canoetrail.co.uk www.richadventure.com/ www.inspiredlife.org/ @canoetrails on social media To get your copy of the Great British Paddling Adventures Guidebook, email admin@canoetrail.co.uk  The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodland Leader, from business tips and advice to philosophy of outdoor education, as well as monthly deep dives into larger topics or interviews with inspirational professionals and leaders in the outdoor education space. Take the struggle out of setting up tarps with the Essential Tarps and Knots Course for Forest School Leaders, find out more at: https://brackenoutdoors.com/essentialtarps Free Resources: + How to choose a tarp guide + Forest School Activity Ideas PDF + The complete guide to setting your rates as an outdoor leader To find out more about my mission to help people Belong Outside, head to https://brackenoutdoors.com/

    1h 3m

  7. 12/10/2025

    Episode 145 - Do you need Forest for Forest School?

    Do you really need a forest to run Forest School, outdoor learning, or wilderness therapeutic sessions?  In this episode, I explore how different spaces — from urban green spaces to wild woods — shape the kinds of experiences, connections and progression that become possible. Rather than a simple yes or no, this is a reflection on how place influences learning, confidence, relationship to nature, and the depth of the work we can offer as outdoor leaders. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodland Leader, from business tips and advice to philosophy of outdoor education, as well as monthly deep dives into larger topics or interviews with inspirational professionals and leaders in the outdoor education space. Take the struggle out of setting up tarps with the Essential Tarps and Knots Course for Forest School Leaders, find out more at: https://brackenoutdoors.com/essentialtarps Free Resources: + How to choose a tarp guide + Forest School Activity Ideas PDF + The complete guide to setting your rates as an outdoor leader To find out more about my mission to help people Belong Outside, head to https://brackenoutdoors.com/

    14 min

  8. 12/03/2025

    Episode 144 - Hitting Low Points

    In this episode, I share what life can look like as a self-employed outdoor leader when low points are hit. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodland Leader, from business tips and advice to philosophy of outdoor education, as well as monthly deep dives into larger topics or interviews with inspirational professionals and leaders in the outdoor education space. Take the struggle out of setting up tarps with the Essential Tarps and Knots Course for Forest School Leaders, find out more at: https://brackenoutdoors.com/essentialtarps Free Resources: + How to choose a tarp guide + Forest School Activity Ideas PDF + The complete guide to setting your rates as an outdoor leader To find out more about my mission to help people Belong Outside, head to https://brackenoutdoors.com/

    19 min
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About

The podcast for outdoor professionals where we deconstruct the skills, attitudes and knowledge you need to help you earn a living in the great outdoors. Join us as we interview Forest School Leaders, discuss bushcraft philosophy, dive into nature as therapy, and dissect business structures. Hosted by Bracken Van Ryssen of Bracken Outdoors.com

Information

  • Creator
    Bracken Outdoors
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    151
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Bracken Outdoors Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Bracken Outdoors Podcast