The Forest Floor Podcast

The Forest Floor Collective

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NATURE
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A series of conversations from the forest floor that offers a unique ecological lens on life, making complex concepts accessible through natural metaphors and real-world applications.

FEB 9

Warn Marin: Matt Wicking

On Healing, Horizons and the Songs That Guide Us Home In this episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, host Simon Wong visits Somers Beach on Western Port Bay, discussing its ecological diversity and personal significance with guest Matt Wicking. An accomplished singer, songwriter and environmental activist, Matt shares how his move to this serene location on Boonwurrung Country facilitated his healing journey from chronic fatigue. He discusses his connection with the landscape, the importance of finding peace amid environmental work and how music and nature can inspire reconnection and cultural transformation. The conversation also explores broader themes of ecological appreciation, the impact of capitalism and the role of arts in embodying and communicating ecological harmony. Host: Simon Wong Episode Length: 1:16:03 01:00 Meet Matt Wicking 02:23 A Special Connection to Warn Marin 05:24 The Journey of Chronic Fatigue 07:22 Belonging to a Place 10:02 The Healing Power of Natural Places 19:24 The Role of Music in Connection & Healing 29:29 Importance of Arts in Environmental Activism 31:13 Reflections on Caring for the World 34:48 Finding Harmony with Nature 38:52 The Power of Gratitude 41:15 Metaphors & Meaning 54:08 The Role of Music in Connection 1:00:13 Composting Old Mindsets 1:07:02 Final Reflections and Gratitude 1:09:06 "New Morning" by The General Assembly

1h 16m
11/06/2025

Fern Gully: Jan Dwipa

On Feeling, Death and Relational Becoming In this episode of the Forest Floor podcast, host Simon Wong explores the temperate rainforest of Endeavour Fern Gully in Red Hill, located on the traditional lands of the Boonwurrung People. His guest, Jan Dwipa, shares his profound connection with nature, and the conversation delves deeply into the emotional and spiritual ties to the forest, the lessons it offers and how it intertwines with Jan's personal experiences of grief and mental health. The discussion also touches on Jan's global initiative 'Plant It For The Planet' and the symbolic wisdom provided by bees. Join them as they walk through the ancient Fern Gully, uncovering the interwoven stories of nature, human emotion and community. Host: Simon Wong Episode Length: 51:37 00:56 Meet Jan Dwipa 03:57 The Interconnection of Qigong and Nature 05:43 Beekeeping and Emotional Connections 07:13 The Healing Power of Nature 20:43 Reflections on Life, Death and Emotions 29:54 Plant It For The Planet: A Story of Action 32:34 Lessons from Bees: Community and Presence 45:54 The Philosophy of Borders and Ownership 48:54 Final Reflections and Gratitude

52 min
10/04/2025

Østmarka: Reidar Oksavik

On Belonging, Presence and the Wisdom of Proximity In this episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, recorded in the Østmarka wilderness area near Oslo, Norway, host Simon Wong engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Reidar Oksavik, a Norwegian designer and co-founder of the agency Keep Oslo. They explore the landscape's rich geological history and its significance to Reidar's family life and creative work. Reidar shares insights into how nature's rhythms and textures inform his environmentally conscious packaging designs, discuss the Norwegian cultural value of 'friluftsliv' and its impact on community and mental well-being, and reflect on the intrinsic connection between nature and personal reflection. This heart-warming conversation weaves through topics of family, culture, and the profound peace found in nature. Host: Simon Wong Episode Length: 39:21 00:59 Exploring Østmarka with Reidar Oksavik 06:39 Nature's Influence on Reidar's Life 10:23 Norwegian Culture and Nature 11:22 The Concept of Friluftsliv 12:49 Artistic Inspiration from Nature 18:35 Teaching Kids to Respect Nature 23:20 Sustainable Packaging and Nature 25:41 The Forest's Lessons and Mystical Presence 31:23 Connecting with Others Through Nature 37:12 Final Reflections and Farewell

39 min
06/17/2025

Darebin Parklands: Kate McCready

On Transformation, Authenticity and Sacred Reciprocity In this episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, host Simon Wong takes a meaningful walk with Kate McCready, an integrative coach and founder of Leading Beings, through the Darebin Parklands. The conversation explores Kate’s connection to the parklands, her coaching philosophy and the importance of living and working in ways that are true to oneself. Through reflections on the natural cycle of the parkland's regeneration and the metaphorical parallels to personal and professional growth, this episode offers insightful perspectives on meaningful work, personal fulfilment and the role of nature in our lives. Host: Simon Wong Episode Length: 44:30 00:58 Introduction to Kate McCready 02:20 Kate's Connection to Darebin Parklands 05:19 Special Moments in the Parklands 06:40 Kate's Philosophy on People and Potential 10:43 Transformation and History of the Parklands 16:29 Mindful Goals and Personal Growth 22:25 Capitalism and Modern Society 29:48 Final Reflections and Gratitude 43:12 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

45 min
05/11/2025

Organ Pipes National Park: Dr Jen Frahm

On Stillness, Beauty and Transformation In this episode of the Forest Floor Podcast, host Simon Wong explores Organ Pipes National Park with Dr. Jen Frahm, an expert in organisational change. Together, they discuss the importance of stillness, empathy, and the nuances of organisational change. Dr. Jen shares her insights on how nature inspires personal and professional growth, the power of 'test and learn' approaches in change management and the value of slowing down to appreciate life's moments. As they follow the stream, they reflect on the lessons nature offers in terms of resilience, fairness, and interconnectedness. Host: Simon Wong Episode Length: 49:45 01:00 Meet Dr. Jen Frahm - Organisational Change Expert 02:06 Exploring Organ Pipes National Park 04:30 The Value of Stillness in Nature and Life 08:38 Navigating Organisational Change 12:50 Lessons from Nature: Resilience and Fairness 29:12 Imagination and Knowledge in Nature 35:54 Understanding and Empathy in Organisational Life 47:16 Final Reflections and Gratitude 48:41 Closing Remarks and Credits

50 min
04/14/2025

Wilson's Prom: Selma Lunde Fjæstad

On Belonging, Connectedness, and Remembering Our Place In this episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, host Simon Wong speaks with Selma Lunde Fjæstad, a Norwegian nature enthusiast and PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne. The episode takes place at Wilson's Promontory, where Selma shares her experiences and insights on the therapeutic potential of nature, her connection to Australian and Norwegian landscapes, and the importance of nature connectedness for mental and planetary health. Topics covered include foraging, cultural differences, mindfulness, the impact of urbanisation on nature access and the need for a shift away from materialism towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle. The discussion highlights the deeper psychological and physiological benefits of spending time in nature, emphasising the urgency of fostering these connections for overall well-being. Host: Simon Wong Episode Length: 40:15 00:45 Meet Selma Lunde Fjæstad 01:43 Selma's Connection to the Australian Bush 03:22 Foraging Memories and Cultural Differences 08:20 The Importance of Nature Connection 10:01 Selma's Research and Personal Values 11:30 Norwegian Upbringing and Nature Excursions 17:59 Mindfulness and Nature's Lessons 21:12 Challenges of Modernity & Nature Deficiency 35:24 Personal Practices for Nature Connection 37:44 Gratitude and Closing Remarks

40 min
03/15/2025

Henry Littledyke Reserve: Francesca Varney

On Knowledge, Belonging, and Reciprocity In this episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, host Rowena Morrow takes a walk through the Henry Littledyke Reserve with guest Francesca Varney. Francesca, an accredited counsellor and equine-assisted therapist, shares her insights about the transformative power of nature and her work with horses. They discuss the significance of the local forest, Francesca's experiences growing up in Germany, and the deep connection humans can have with nature. The episode delves into themes of authenticity, emotional regulation and reconnecting to the land, offering a profound reflection on what it means to create spaces where people can truly meet themselves. Host: Rowena Morrow Episode Length: 56:00 00:36 Meet Francesca Varney 01:34 Exploring Henry Littledyke Reserve 05:08 The Silent Walk: Connecting with Nature 09:16 Reflections on Human-Nature Relationship 17:33 Cultural Perspectives on Land and Nature 22:48 Personal Stories and Reflections 26:15 The Significance of Local Knowledge 27:33 Finding Our Way Home: Ecological Metaphors 29:09 Indigenous Connections & Cultural Heritage 31:00 The Concept of Composting Ideas 33:16 Embracing Stillness and Inner Awareness 35:08 The Profound Connection with Horses 42:53 Lessons from Personal Experience 53:37 Reverence for Nature and Final Thoughts

56 min
03/15/2025

Bushrangers Bay: Sarah Patterson

On Listening, Loving and Belonging In this episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, host Simon Wong takes a walk with Sarah Patterson at Bushrangers Bay, Cape Schanck. Sarah, a strategic designer and founder of The Good Cartel Collective, shares insights on collaboration, connection and the power of love in driving societal change. As they traverse the coastlines and heathy woodland ecosystems, they explore the importance of non-extractive interactions with nature, reflect on the significance of community and discuss how nature can teach us about learning, unlearning and coexisting harmoniously. The episode delves into the need for collective imagination, the re-evaluation of regulatory frameworks, and the potential of innovative collaboration inspired by unexpected contexts, such as cartels. Host: Simon Wong Episode Length: 32:32 00:32 Meet Sarah Patterson 01:19 A Walk on the Coastline with Sarah 02:37 The Importance of Love and Connection 07:14 Learning and Unlearning from Nature 09:30 Reflections on Community 18:20 The Great Myth of Alignment 28:33 Insights from Cartels: Power and Innovation 29:56 Conclusion and Gratitude

33 min
03/15/2025

Sherbrooke Forest: Dr Peter Hayward

On Memory, Cycles and Belonging In the inaugural episode of The Forest Floor Podcast, Simon Wong and Dr. Peter Hayward, a leading Australian futurist and foresight academic, take a walk through the Sherbrooke Forest in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. As they discuss the significance of the forest and its history, they explore themes of memory, resilience and sustainability. Peter shares his insights on the value of foresight, the impact of human activities on natural systems and his vision for a more sustainable future. The conversation also touches on the Kokoda Memorial and the broader implications of historical narratives and memorials. Listeners are invited to consider the lessons nature teaches and how small changes, like reducing meat consumption, can have a large impact on the environment. Host: Simon Wong Episode Length: 21:47 00:34 Meet Dr. Peter Hayward 01:22 Exploring Sherbrooke Forest 02:43 The Kokoda Memorial 04:25 Reflections on War and Memory 10:25 Lessons from the Forest 18:17 The Impact of Meat Consumption 19:53 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

22 min

9 Episodes

A series of conversations from the forest floor that offers a unique ecological lens on life, making complex concepts accessible through natural metaphors and real-world applications.

Creator

The Forest Floor Collective
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

9
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© The Forest Floor Collective
Show Website

The Forest Floor Podcast