Nurture with Nature

Iona Andean
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Iona Andean chats to an array of guests about their incredible experiences in the outdoors and how time spent in nature can be so beneficial for our physical and mental health and overall wellbeing. This is a deep dive in to the many ways we can all be nurtured by nature - it will make you laugh, cry and reflect on your own life and the way you prioritise time in nature.

Episodes

  1. 09/09/2024

    Series 1 Highlights

    Send us a text In this special episode of 'Nurture with Nature,' host Iona Andean shares her highlights from the series, reflecting on her journey and the wonderful conversations she’s had with various inspiring guests. From Lorna Bray’s cathartic nature expedition to Laura Smith’s fundraising in memory of her son, and Leanne Chlosta's experience with outdoor judgement, each story is a testament to the healing power of nature. Iona also announces a temporary break as she prepares for the arrival of her second child, while expressing gratitude to listeners and looking ahead to an exciting Series 2. This episode is sponsored by Seasgair Lodges You can follow all of the series 1 guests using the links below: Lorna Bray - @gurl_on_the_hill Laura Smith - @mymessylifeinphotos Leanne Chlosta - @teamchlosta Jess Parson - @bumpsbairnsbuggies Anna Gill - @aberdeenshirewalks Anna Hardie - @annaxhardie Follow host Iona Andean @iona.adventuring to keep up to date with her own outdoor adventures and time spent in nature, as well as being the first to hear about the upcoming second series of Nurture with Nature 00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature 00:47 Reflecting on the Journey 01:44 Series Highlights and Future Plans 03:45 Sponsor Shoutout: Seasgair Lodges 04:40 Lorna Bray: Rediscovering the Outdoors 10:26 Laura Smith: Outdoor Healing and Mental Health 18:46 Leanne Closta: Embracing the Outdoors 25:11 Jess Parson: Pre and Post Natal Fitness 31:26 Anna Gill: Building Outdoor Communities 34:32 Anna Hardie: Hiking with Little Ones 39:30 Series Conclusion and Gratitude

    40 min

  2. 09/02/2024

    Anna Hardie - Walking the West Highland Way with her 3 year old

    Send us a text In this episode of 'Nurture with Nature,' host Iona Andean speaks with Anna Hardie, an adventure enthusiast and mother, about her challenging yet inspiring experience of trekking the 96-mile West Highland Way with her three-year-old daughter. Anna shares the physical and mental struggles they faced, the initial missteps, and how they overcame doubts and logistical challenges to complete their journey. This heartfelt conversation highlights the importance of perseverance, adjusting expectations, and the incredible potential of children when given the space to explore. Anna also discusses her motivations for creating a supportive community for parents and families who wish to embrace outdoor adventures. Follow Anna's ongoing journey on Instagram @annaxhardie and join her Facebook group 'Little and Large Explorers' for more inspiration. Follow host Iona Andean on Instagram @iona.adventuring to keep in touch and find out about upcoming episodes 00:00 Introduction to Nurture with Nature 00:22 Meet Adventure Mum Anna Hardie 00:29 Anna's Journey on the West Highland Way 00:40 Struggles and Triumphs on the Trail 01:28 Inspiring Kids to Embrace the Outdoors 02:39 Anna's Outdoor Beginnings 04:04 Balancing Motherhood and Adventure 06:36 Daily Life and Outdoor Adventures 13:29 Planning and Preparing for Long Hikes 15:05 Challenges and Realities of Hiking with a Toddler 28:47 Unexpected Challenges on the Trail 29:41 Dealing with Limited Supplies 32:29 Facing Doubts and Comments from Others 37:17 Struggles and Decision to Go Home 42:44 A New Beginning: Restarting the Journey 48:30 Overcoming Physical Setbacks 50:36 Finishing Strong with Family Support 52:37 Reflecting on the Experience 54:21 Encouraging Outdoor Adventures for Families 58:04 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

    1h 2m

  3. 08/26/2024

    Anna Gill - Shining a light on 'Aberdeenshire Walks'

    Send us a text In this episode of 'Nurture with Nature,' host Iona Andean welcomes Anna Gill, the digital marketing consultant and outdoor enthusiast behind the popular Instagram account @aberdeenshirewalks. Anna shares her journey of fostering a love for the outdoors from childhood to adulthood, navigating motherhood, and building a supportive online community. The conversation delves into coping with self-esteem issues, the benefits of outdoor activities for mental and physical health, and practical tips for accessible walking routes. Sponsored by Out and About, this episode highlights the importance of integrating nature into family life and supporting local businesses through shared adventures. This episode is sponsored by Out 'n' About Stay connected with host Iona Andean on Instagram @iona.adventuring 00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature 00:23 Introducing Our Sponsor: Out and About 01:05 Meet Our Guest: Anna Gill from Aberdeenshire Walks 02:15 Anna's Outdoor Adventures and Family Life 02:58 Recording Challenges and Episode Setup 03:46 Anna's Childhood and Early Outdoor Experiences 05:39 University Life and Meeting Matthew 06:25 Exploring Aberdeenshire During Lockdown 07:08 Discovering New Walks and Local Gems 09:50 Supporting Local Businesses Through Social Media 14:02 Building a Community on Social Media 21:04 Hosting a Successful Singles Walk 22:03 Organizing a Singles Walk 22:52 Event Success and Social Media Impact 23:32 Future Plans and Family Life 24:34 Balancing Family and Outdoor Adventures 29:10 Support Systems and Social Media Choices 31:12 Encouraging Outdoor Activities 36:51 Confidence and Personal Growth 39:26 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

    44 min

  4. 08/19/2024

    Jess Parson - Balancing Family, Fitness and Nature

    Send us a text In this episode of Nurture with Nature, host Iona Andean introduces Jess Parson, a pre and post-natal fitness trainer who shares her inspiring journey of balancing family life, fitness, and a shocking medical diagnosis. Sponsored by Out 'n' About, the conversation explores Jess's love for outdoor activities, her approach to family adventures, and the mental and physical health benefits of spending time in nature. Jess discusses her passion for helping mothers incorporate exercise into their lives and the importance of slowing down to appreciate life's small moments. Follow Jess on Instagram @bumpsbairnsandbuggies for more inspiration. This episode is proudly sponsored by Out 'n' About Follow host Iona Andean on Instagram @iona.adventuring to keep in touch and hear about upcoming episodes 00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature 01:05 Introducing This Week's Guest: Jess Parson 03:36 Jess's Journey to Outdoor Adventures 06:11 Balancing Family Life and Outdoor Activities 10:02 Transitioning Careers for a Balanced Life 17:42 The Importance of Mental Health and Exercise 25:27 Managing Outdoor Activities with Kids 33:52 Creative Play with Simple Materials 34:06 Encouraging Imagination and Independence 34:37 Sponsor Message: Out and About 35:17 Mental Health Benefits of Outdoor Activities 40:24 Personal Story: Health Challenges and Outdoor Impact 54:00 The Importance of Slowing Down 58:19 Conclusion and Future Plans

    1 hr

  5. 08/12/2024

    Leanne Chlosta - Self care and body positivity in the outdoors

    Send us a text In this episode of 'Nurture with Nature,' host Iona Andean interviews Leanne Chlosta, known as @teamchlosta on Instagram, a passionate advocate for outdoor accessibility. Leanne discusses overcoming mental health challenges and societal stigmas through outdoor activities, including wild swimming and solo adventures. Her journey underscores the importance of balancing adventure with self-care and fostering a supportive community. Leanne's inspiring story encourages listeners to embrace nature, prioritize well-being, and pursue personal growth, regardless of societal judgments. Follow host Iona on Instagram @iona.adventuring to stay connected. This episode has been kindly supported by Seasgair Lodges 00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature 00:33 Introducing Leanne Chlosta 00:48 Support from Seasgair Lodges 01:36 Leanne's Outdoor Adventures 02:34 Mental Health and Body Positivity 03:48 Leanne's Journey into the Outdoors 04:40 Joining Outdoor Groups 15:34 The Great Glencoe Challenge 21:16 The Mad Piranhas Swimming Group 27:41 Solo Adventures and Personal Growth 35:18 Finding Strength in Parenting Choices 35:55 Recognizing and Managing Anxiety 37:46 The Role of Medication in Mental Health 39:17 Nature as a Healer 45:46 Balancing Work and Adventure 51:26 Making Time for Yourself 58:21 Leanne's Future Plans and Reflections

    1 hr

  6. 08/05/2024

    Laura Smith - Grief to growth and mental health advocacy through outdoor adventures

    Send us a text Nurture with Nature: Laura Smith's Journey from grief to growth and mental health advocacy through the outdoors In this heartfelt episode of 'Nurture with Nature,' host Iona Andean interviews Laura Smith, @mymessylifeinphotos, a healthcare support worker and mental health advocate who has found healing and purpose in the great outdoors after losing her eldest son, Robbie, to suicide in 2020. Laura shares her transformative journey of embracing outdoor adventures, from hiking and wild swimming to running and paddle boarding, which have helped her cope with grief and support mental health causes. She speaks candidly about her family's experiences, the importance of mental health awareness, and her plans to influence policy changes within the Scottish government. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, healing, and the profound impact nature can have on our well-being. Follow host Iona on Instagram @iona.adventuring to stay connected. 00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature 00:55 Introducing Laura Smith 03:34 Laura's Outdoor Journey Begins 05:25 Robbie's Influence and Tragic Loss 09:28 Fundraising and Healing Through Adventure 16:35 Family Support and Outdoor Challenges 26:15 Embracing Adventure with Kids 27:04 Navigating Parenting Challenges 28:12 The Power of Social Media Connections 28:58 Overcoming Anxiety and Finding Community 30:25 Diving into New Adventures 35:18 Mental Health and the Outdoors 39:51 Addressing Suicide and Mental Health Stigma 43:38 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

    48 min

  7. 07/29/2024

    Lorna Bray: Rediscovering the outdoors and the healing powers of nature

    Send us a text Nurture with Nature: Rediscovering the Outdoors with Lorna Bray Join host Iona Andean on the inaugural episode of 'Nurture with Nature' as she delves into the life of her first guest, Lorna Bray. Lorna, a fervent lover of the outdoors known as @gurl_on_the_hill on Instagram, shares her journey from a childhood filled with adventure to reconnecting with nature later in life. The episode touches on Lorna's experiences as a single mother, her passion for the outdoors, and her awe-inspiring adventures, including encounters with grizzly bears and scaling via ferratas. Lorna also discusses the profound impact of nature on mental health, the importance of grounding, and how she fosters a love for the outdoors in her daughter Jessica, who has a rare bone condition. This heartfelt conversation is a testament to the healing power of nature and the incredible bonds formed through shared adventures. Follow host Iona on Instagram @iona.adventuring to stay connected. 00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature 00:22 Introducing Lorna Bray 01:24 Lorna's Outdoor Adventures 03:21 Rediscovering the Outdoors 08:43 Finding Community and Friendship 16:33 Balancing Life and Adventure 19:54 Settling into Highland Life 24:17 Midweek Adventures 26:37 Jessica's Ultra Rare Bone Condition 27:08 Adapting Adventures for Jessica 27:32 Early Adventures and Paddleboarding 28:03 Jessica's Growing Passion for Adventure 29:18 The Healing Power of Nature 30:29 Passing on the Gift of Adventure 31:25 Jessica's Choices Reflect Her Upbringing 37:20 Grounding and Emotional Healing 38:43 The Profound Impact of Nature 47:11 Daily Walks and Stress Management 50:34 Cutting Out the Noise 52:20 Conclusion and Future Adventures

    54 min

  8. 07/27/2024

    An introduction to Nurture with Nature

    Send us a text Nurturing Yourself with Nature: An Introduction Join Iona Andean in the first episode of 'Nurture with Nature' as she introduces her passion project podcast focused on using the outdoors to enhance physical and mental wellbeing. Iona shares her personal journey from police officer to outdoor enthusiast, her experiences forming a community walking group, and the profound impact nature has had on her life. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Iona's dedication to connecting people with nature endures. She invites listeners to find inspiration and motivation through the stories of everyday people who have discovered the healing powers of the great outdoors. 00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature 00:37 The Meaning Behind Nurture with Nature 01:39 Personal Journey: From Police Officer to Nurse 02:37 Discovering a Love for the Outdoors 03:52 Building a Community: Iona's Adventures 04:38 Achievements and Recognition 05:38 Adapting to Change: Lockdown and Beyond 07:14 Motherhood and Outdoor Adventures 08:11 Starting the Podcast and Call to Action 09:05 Final Thoughts and Inspiration

    10 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Iona Andean chats to an array of guests about their incredible experiences in the outdoors and how time spent in nature can be so beneficial for our physical and mental health and overall wellbeing. This is a deep dive in to the many ways we can all be nurtured by nature - it will make you laugh, cry and reflect on your own life and the way you prioritise time in nature.

Information

  • Creator
    Iona Andean
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Nurture with Nature
  • Show Website
    Nurture with Nature