Four Gardens Podcast

Four Gardens Podcast

5.0 (7)
Self-Improvement

The Four Gardens Podcast hosted by Jake Ifshin features conversations with inspiring people making contributions in the areas of service, creativity, health, and nature. In addition to exploring the work of each guest, the podcast looks at how specific personal practices have contributed to their success. Guests are also invited to share about a current personal challenge and how they are growing through it.

11/20/2024

51: Johann Klaassen - What is Socially Responsible Impact Investing?

The Four Gardens Podcast returns after a long hiatus with an interview of Johann Klaassen, the CEO and CIO of Horizons Sustainable Financial Services. I am thrilled to be working at Horizons as an investment advisor representative. One reason I enjoy my work so much is that I get to collaborate with Johann and learn from him every day. In our conversation, Johann explains what we mean by Socially Responsible Impact (SRI) investing, how we practice it at Horizons, and common misconceptions about this approach to investing. We discuss the ongoing intergenerational wealth transfer occurring. Johann shares about his background and how his study of philosophy shapes his approach to investing and working with clients. Links: https://horizonssfs.com/expanding-horizons-jake-ifshin/ KLD 400: https://www.msci.com/documents/10199/255599/msci-kld-400-social-index.pdf The Deep Impact Investing Podcast: https://horizonssfs.com/our-podcast/ Johann's Bio Johann A. Klaassen, PhD, is CEO and Chief Investment Officer for Horizons Sustainable Financial Services, where he develops asset allocation strategies and oversees investment policy for Horizons’ individual and institutional clients. As a passionate advocate for SRI, a skilled navigator of its intricacies, and an enthusiastic early adopter of just about every new communication tool and technology, Johann is informed, informative, and far more accessible than his many commitments might imply. He directly serves clients across the nation, tending to specialize in serving unusual and special circumstances or needs. Johann is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. He was among the first in the nation to embrace the now-standard certification of Accredited Investment Fiduciary™ and holds the 70th such accreditation ever issued. He holds a B.A. from St. John’s College, Annapolis/Santa Fe, and Masters and PhD degrees from the Philosophy Department of Washington University, St. Louis, where he specialized in Ethics and Social Philosophy. He served on the faculties of Washington University, Webster University, Millikin University, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, the University of Central Arkansas, and the University of Idaho. He has published and lectured on many topics, including areas of environmental ethics, business ethics, and social bias in finance. The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for personalized professional investing advice. Only you and your financial advisor can determine what the right investments are for you. Jake Ifshin is an Investment Advisor Representative of Horizons Sustainable Financial Services, Inc., an SEC-registered investment advisor. The information covered and posted represents the views and opinions of the host and or guest and does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Horizons. Horizons Sustainable Financial Service’s financial professionals do not render tax, accounting, or legal advice. Full disclosures are available at the Disclosures and Disclaimers link located at the bottom of the Horizons website at https://horizonssfs.com. Full disclosures are available at: https://horizonssfs.com/about-horizons/disclosures-and-disclaimers/ Correction: I mistakenly referred to Aaron Garza as the current Chief Compliance Officer. Although there are plans to make that official in 2025, on the date of the posting he did not hold that title. Because that's what he does, it was in fact Mr. Garza who made sure I corrected this to make sure everything was in compliance with applicable rules and regulations.

1h 5m
02/02/2023

Celebrating and Reflecting on 50 Episodes of the Four Gardens Podcast

In this conversation, we reflect on the 50 episodes of this show that we have created in collaboration with so many incredible guests. We revisit our intentions behind making this podcast, and discuss a handful of our favorite episodes. We identify the key lessons we have learned and track the huge impacts this project has had on both of our lives. Whether you are brand new to the podcast, or you have been with us from the beginning, this will be a great place to start, or restart, your Four Gardens journey. Learn more about Jake Ifshin and the Four Gardens: https://www.fourgardenspodcast.com/ For people new to the show, we recommend watching the short reels on our instagram page to find guests and episodes that inspire them. https://www.instagram.com/fourgardenspodcast/ Connect with Ari Rubens at https://www.arirubens.com/ https://www.instagram.com/arirubensfitness/ Episodes we discuss in this conversation: Sarah Miller https://youtu.be/1ioQ6SmQnvs Becca Salky https://youtu.be/h0ZpvvfCA88 Sonia Zilberman ep. 39: https://youtu.be/AkVexFX6UDM ep. 50: https://youtu.be/rpw93ya63wU Omar Aena ep. 13: https://youtu.be/itL0wxwWUfYep. 38: https://youtu.be/iCOGg2f59YM Mallory Combemale https://youtu.be/7vjR6eTkt8s Lexi Mondot https://youtu.be/kUijmvYt1V8 Lyrra Magda https://youtu.be/vtSUoZF8O7Q Lunar and Solar Creativity with Zach Townesmith: https://youtu.be/3jByauolGDM Follow the Gold-Mining Men's Circle YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gold-miningcircle15

40 min
09/26/2022

50: Sonia Zilberman on Growing Personal Sovereignty By Taking Ownership Over Challenging Feelings

Sonia Zilberman is somatic therapy practitioner, relationship coach, and sacred medicine facilitator helping people cultivate authentic self-expression, intimate relationships, and ease in their lives. She joins the podcast to share about emotional health. I currently work with Sonia as one of her coaching and therapy clients, and have felt the transformative effects of her work. In our conversation, Sonia begins by sharing about the nature of emotions, and what they teach us. We discuss escaping the trap of victimhood, and what it means to take ownership of our feelings. We also consider how setting boundaries and how they can bring us closer in relationships Sonia talks about why we check out in the hardest emotional moments. She shares useful practices for people experiencing emotional collapse. Sonia ends by introducing her new group coaching program focused on intimate relationships. Link to our first episode with Sonia: https://youtu.be/AkVexFX6UDM Find out more about Sonia: https://www.therisingjourney.com Follow Sonia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonia_rising_journey/ Her flagship four week Conscious Relationships course: https://mailchi.mp/494c326b59f9/afj7c03pg7 Get in touch regarding her unique 1:1 somatic therapy container: https://www.therisingjourney.com/work-with-me For information on her breakthrough 1:1 somatic micro-dosing container: https://mailchi.mp/5366b2ce74b2/psilocybin-transformation-journey Schedule a Free Clarity Call to see if this work is right for you: https://calendly.com/sonia-devi/30min?month=2022-09 Learn more about Jake Ifshin and the Four Gardens at https://www.fourgardenspodcast.com/ Follow Ari Rubens at https://www.arirubens.com/ Sonia’s Full Bio Sonia Zilberman is somatic therapy practitioner, relationship coach, and sacred medicine facilitator helping people cultivate authentic self-expression, intimate relationships, and ease in their lives. She works with 1:1 clients, couples, and groups to break through old patterns, stories, and defense mechanisms within the mind-body construct in order to build a life of deep connection, empowerment, and abundance. Sonia’s brilliance lies in her ability to connect to her clients in ways that feel safe and easeful to each individual. She is an empathetic listener, and enjoys bringing light hearted humor into her practice. Her integrated approach to working with the mind, body, and spirit works on both conscious and unconscious levels to facilitate powerful, lasting change. She employs body based techniques that allow for a deeper and quicker healing then regular talk-therapy. She is trained in in somatic therapy at the Core Energetics Institute, in sacred sexuality with the International School for the Temple Arts, and with numerous teachers in Shamanic modalities of healing and empowerment. Sonia has been practicing Vipassana meditation for over 20 years, is a Certified Yoga Teacher, and feels deeply connected to Nature.

57 min
09/21/2022

49: Nil Akselioglu on Cultivating Deeper Pleasure, Healthy Sexual Roots, and Self-Love

Nil Akselioglu is a Sex, Love, and Relationships Coach who supports people to “reclaim their joy, pleasure, love and safety.” Nil how having healthy, rooted sexuality can be incredibly supportive to overall health and feeling truly alive. Shame can often block our sexual expression, and Nil shares how practices of embodiment, witnessing, and affirmation allows us to bring those parts into light and integrate them into our being. She talks about how slowing down while being intimate can create a deeper experience of pleasure and connection. We explore the challenge of body image issues and how practices such as mirror work can be healing. Follow Nil on Instagram: @kyssmyblyss Listen to our first episode together: https://tinyurl.com/mry8vpw5 Learn more about Jake Ifshin and the Four Gardens at https://www.fourgardenspodcast.com/ Follow Ari Rubens at https://www.arirubens.com/ Nil’s Bio: "I believe that our greatest power is LOVE, and that joy and pleasure are our birthright. I guide my clients to get out of their heads and into their bodies to awaken their innate joy, pleasure and aliveness within. We take a journey together to uncover deeply rooted conditioning, programming, and limiting belief systems that have been holding them back from living in their fullest expression. I am a Sex, Love and Empowerment Coach trained in the VITA Methodology which combines modern science and somatic work with the ancient teachings of Tantra and Taoism. I hold a strong, grounded container rooted in radical self love, compassion and honoring. Through embodiment practices, we create space for the integration of trauma, shame, and lived experiences to better access love, joy and pleasure within. I look forward to sharing these powerful practices with my beloved community and 1:1 coaching clients as a pathway to empower, reclaim and live in our full aliveness around love and sexuality."

53 min
09/13/2022

48: Victoria Wolfgang on Autism, ADHD, and the Yoga and Creative Practices that Help Her Thrive

Victoria Wolfgang is passionate about studying and teaching the ancient insight practice of yoga and helping other neurodivergent people find self-acceptance and holistic wellness. In our conversation, she shares about the bullying and isolation she experienced growing up with undiagnosed autism and ADHD, as well as the unique strengths that her different neurology gives her. She shares essential information about autism, as well as helpful ways to supportively relate to neurodivergent people. Victoria talks about how yoga changed her life, and how it can particularly be helpful for ADHDers and people on the spectrum. We dive deep into what yoga means to both of us and the lessons we've learned from practicing. Victoria shares how her commitment to creative expression has helped her feel healthy and connected. Stay to the end for a health tip from Ari Rubens on proprioception. Victoria's Links: Website: VictoriaWolfgang.com Ig: @Diary.of.a.yogi Learn more about Jake Ifshin and the Four Gardens at https://www.fourgardenspodcast.com/ Follow Ari Rubens at https://www.arirubens.com/ Resources: Dr. Tony Attwood's Website https://tonyattwood.com.au/what-is-high-functioning-autism/ Books: Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn't Designed for You by Jenara Nerenberg Autism in Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum by Jennifer Cook Victoria's Full Bio: Victoria Wolfgang is a yoga teacher (ERYT-200, Functional Ashtanga 500-hr, Rocket Vinyasa 100-hr) ipec certified wellness coach (CPC) artist, and writer. She has bachelor's degrees in both biology and psychology and has always been fascinated by the mind-body connection. Her passion for movement practices such as martial arts began as a child and in 2015 she discovered that yoga helped her find relief from chronic social anxiety and sensorimotor challenges related to childhood trauma and undiscovered autism/ADHD. Today, Victoria is passionate about continuing to devote herself to studying and teaching the ancient insight practice of yoga and helping other neurodivergent people find self-acceptance and holistic wellness.

59 min
09/06/2022

47: Shirin Biswas on Practicing Self-Love and Playful Self-Care

Shirin Biswas's mission is to co-create a community where people practice Self-Care, daily. He shares his knowledge of Engineering Design tools to help people discover Self-Care activities that are meaningful to them and he empowers them to apply these practices in their daily routine. In our conversation, Shirin shares about his own healing journey and his practical approach to Self-Love and Self-Care. He sees his daily focus on Self-Care as a powerful preventative practice and essential to him thriving and enjoying his life. Shirin talks about his playful and creative approach to his routines, which include a wide variety of activities including singing karaoke in the bath (my personal favorite). I enjoy the way he brings his systematic, engineer mind to this topic while also keeping a consistently joyful attitude. He also shares about his new gender-neutral Self-Care community circle in Charlotte, NC. Stick around to the end of the episode for health tip on Metta Meditation from Ari Rubens that will help you cultivate self-love. For a video of a guided Metta Meditation led by Ari click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrSgF8ILzWA Shirin Biswas IG: @5hirinbiswas Healing Panda IG: @healing.panda Gender-Neutral Community in Charlotte: Applied Self-Care Community (ASC) https://meetu.ps/c/4YhFl/G8j3b/d on Meetup Upcoming in-person workshop in Charlotte on 9/25: https://solharmonyfest.com/schedule#section-tgCyUhpGY Learn more about Jake Ifshin and the Four Gardens at https://www.fourgardenspodcast.com/ Follow Ari Rubens at https://www.arirubens.com/ Shirin's Full Bio: Shirin is a Mechanical Design Engineer who graduated with a Masters Degree from Duke University. Besides Engineering, Shirin is fluent in the field of Martial Arts and Mental Arts, and he practices these philosophies in his work with Men’s circles. He is associated with The ManKind Project where he works with the Gold Mining Men’s Circle and the Gold Mining King Building Circle to co-create a world of purpose and peace. Shirin embodies the spirit of a Healing Panda and his mission is to co-create a community where people practice Self-Care, daily. He shares his knowledge of Engineering Design tools to help people discover Self-Care activities that are meaningful to them and he empowers them to apply these practices in their daily routine. Shirin also hosts a gender-neutral circle called Applied Self-Care Community in Charlotte, NC where he brings a calming and playful energy to this mission work to co-create a space where people can embark on their own Self-Care journeys together.

51 min
08/29/2022

46: Lyrra Magda on Intimacy with Nature as a Path of Resilience and Beauty

Lyrra Magda is a folk botanist, hide tanner, and teacher based in the Southeast & Mid-Atlantic regions. She studies the plants and animals of these landscapes through the simple immersion of living close to them— cutting wood, carrying water, living in simple structures like tents and cabins, cultivating wild and domestic plants into a blur that erases their distinctions, raising animals, and processing roadkill. She has taught nature based classes since 2014, and has facilitated plant walks since 2009. She mainly teaches adults, in both public & private classes, both indoors & outdoors. Lyrra’s special focuses include resilient, bio-regionally sensible plant foods, an animistic approach to animal dismemberment that involves using nearly all the parts of the body, bioregional hide tanning, and fiber crafts. Lyrra is also a spinner, writer, primitive tattooer, occasional goatherd, herbalist, and lover of walking. She is driven by a bottomless love for the plants and creatures of the Southeast, as well as a profound urgency to help human communities to reweave relationships with the land—in order to envision village life, and to act in resistance to systems of exploitation. I met Lyrra a number of years ago when I attended my first ever plant walk which she led, and I was blown away by the depth of knowledge and connection Lyrra clearly had with plants. In our conversation Lyrra shares how her intimacy with plants, animals, and the land is essential to her survival and well-being. An important part of that intimacy for Lyrra is processing wild animals for food and other products. This involves working with all the parts of the animal including the ones most humans today may find revolting. We also reflect on the shadows and limitations of many spiritual and land based communities we have encountered, and how we can learn from these experiences. Link to Lyrra’s fall class schedule: https://www.stormsofdaylight.com/fall-fiber-series Follow Lyrra on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/heymagdamagda/ Learn more about Jake Ifshin and the Four Gardens at https://www.fourgardenspodcast.com/ Follow Ari Rubens at https://www.arirubens.com/ Stick around to the end for a health tip from Ari

1h 3m
08/22/2022

45: Umair Ahsan on Connecting to the Healing Within Hands Reach

Umair Ahsan is the founder of Aquanimous, a company that markets sustainable cork-based yoga, recovery and self-massage tools. Aquanimous also organizes classes for recovery practices using self-massage tools. Aquanimous was founded to bridge personal wellness practice and environmental consciousness, and aims to shift the normalization of plastics and artificial materials in the fitness industry. Umair and I discuss his vision behind Aquanimous. We reflect on creating together as part of the Low-Hanging Fruit collective, which is based on the philosophy that the answers for our life questions and the medicine for our wounds are within hands reach. Umair shares about myo-fascial release and gives two tips that listeners can integrate right away. Shop at Aquanimous with our affiliate link here: https://www.aquanimous.com?aff=55 Follow Umair on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airumair/ Learn more about Jake Ifshin and the Four Gardens by visiting https://www.fourgardenspodcast.com/ Connect with Ari Rubens at https://www.arirubens.com/ Umair's Full Bio: Umair holds a Masters in Electrical Engineering and 12 years of experience in the wireless communication technology and intellectual property. While interested and continuing to work in the evolution of technology Umair’s life passion lies with the technology in each of our bodies which Umair continues to research personally through somatic practices including yoga, meditation, conscious dance and improvisational movement. Umair is the founder of Aquanimous, a company that markets sustainable corkbased yoga, recovery and self-massage tools. Aquanimous also organizes classes for recovery practices using self-massage tools. Aquanimous was founded to bridge personal wellness practice and environmental consciousness, and aims to shift the normalization of plastics and artificial materials in the fitness industry. Umair co-founded the Low Hanging Fruit (LHF) community based on the philosophy of a world where the answers for our life questions and the medicine for our wounds are within hands reach. LHF is a ceremonial wellness space literally adorned with fresh fruit, shares accessible wellness practices, creates connection and builds community that is both silly and sacred. It is a place for community ritual, facilitated wellness practices, and an open mic to celebrate the diversity of our voices. LHF is currently on pause while the organizers are focused on developing other projects. Umair recently became Director Conscious Dance Program for Interfusion Festival. Umair has been dancing Contact Improvisation, Ecstatic Dance and 5Rythms since 2017 and has witnessed the power of conscious dance through his own transformation and growth. Umair is motivated to thread together a deep and enriching Conscious Dance Program for Interfusion Festival and incorporate his research from LHF. Umair is also a certified yoga teacher and has taught meditative, vinyasa, restorative and yoga classes incorporating self-massage. Umair has stepped back from actively teaching to focus on Aquanimous and other projects.

45 min

5

out of 5

7 Ratings

The Four Gardens Podcast hosted by Jake Ifshin features conversations with inspiring people making contributions in the areas of service, creativity, health, and nature. In addition to exploring the work of each guest, the podcast looks at how specific personal practices have contributed to their success. Guests are also invited to share about a current personal challenge and how they are growing through it.

Creator

Four Gardens Podcast
Years Active

2021 - 2024
Episodes

51
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Four Gardens Podcast
Show Website

Four Gardens Podcast