The Wild Minds Podcast

The Outdoor Teacher
The Wild Minds Podcast

What if wild, not domesticated, should be our normal instead of factory-farmed lives? What if you could cultivate fulfilling lives and contribute to a healthy natural world? The Wild Minds podcast is brought to you by me, Marina Robb, an author, entrepreneur, Forest School and Nature-based Trainer and Consultant, and pioneer in developing Green programmes for the Mental Health service in the UK. I am the founder of Circle of Life Rediscovery CIC and The Outdoor Teacher and creator of practical online Forest School and nature-based training for people working in mental health, education and business. Tune in for interviews, insights, cutting-edge and actionable approaches to help you to improve your relationship with yourself, others, and the natural world. Music by Geoff Robb

  1. What Really Matters

    3 DE MAR.

    What Really Matters

    This is our final episode of the season, and today, I’m asking: What really matters? As we approach the Spring Equinox, a time of balance, renewal, and reflection, I  dive into the different dimensions of health - physical, mental, social, environmental, and spiritual, and ask: Are the values we live by truly our own? Do we give ourselves time to reflect, to listen, and to follow what truly matters? In this episode, Marina: Reflects personally on how the natural seasonal cycles represent our own opportunity to re-parent.Considers how Nature acts as a "third teacher," alongside parents/carers and educators.Explores the importance of reclaiming our own internal values—when we lose touch with our inner world, we struggle to set boundaries, leading to saying “yes” when we mean “no.”Recognises that true learning happens in relationships and through co-creation, not by filling children as empty vessels or leaving them entirely to their own devices.Acknowledges that quick fixes, like adding Forest School once a week, do not resolve systemic issues in education.Challenges the dominant measures of success—productivity and status—by valuing creativity, relationships, and emotional intelligence.Engages with the idea that learning is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about how we relate to the world and each other (Nora Bateson's "Warm Data").Recognises the role of creativity, play, and experimentation in helping us develop a deep sense of what feels right for us in life.Highlights the importance of slowing down, listening deeply, and creating the right conditions for people to be who they truly are. Show Notes: https://theoutdoorteacher.com/podcasts/episode-56-what-really-matters/ Music by Geoff Robb: www.geoffrobb.com Please Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you have enjoyed today's episode, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This really helps me to spread the word to more people like you, and to empower more people to take their practice outdoors! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, "follow" the podcast, as if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out.  Mentioned in this episode: Free Course in Forest School Activities Try our online training for free: https://theoutdoorteacher.com/free

    38min
  2. Reimagining Learning: Creativity, Attunement, and Slow Pedagogy with Debi Keyte-Hartland

    24 DE FEV.

    Reimagining Learning: Creativity, Attunement, and Slow Pedagogy with Debi Keyte-Hartland

    Today I am speaking with Debi Keyte-Hartland, a passionate Early Childhood Consultant, trainer, author and speaker, who’s experienced in developing creative environments that invite rich learning and complex thinking.  I so enjoyed the depth of thinking and permission to re-evaluate the image of the child and development of pedagogies of observation, listening and reflection! In this episode, Debi pulls together so much of her own creative thinking to enable us to really bring new possibilities to our teaching practice as well as enabling us to value children’s capacity to learn and think for themselves, when given the attunement and listening of a supportive adult. In this episode we discuss: Debi provides an extensive dive into a wide range of pedagogy – from the current thinkers (see all the resource links) to Loris Malaguzzi as a huge influence on early childhood pedagogy.We discuss the importance of following what matters to children and how this inevitably leads to a much richer educational experience, one which an educator can link to the Early Year curriculum without any effort!Debi presents the image of the child informed by various perspectives – offering us the listener to consider how each image deeply implicates the kind of education we support and offer young people – this has a huge impact on the child, the adult and how we value ourselves as unique learners.This conversation presents a deep dive into the relationship between humans and the natural world, influenced by the great thinker Gregory Bateson (see below) and many others. Once again Debi helps us understand how much the vitality of materials influences our learning and opens us up to the possibility of relationships that are influential and change how we perceive the world around us.We both share the desire for an ecological, educational paradigm that begins with adults valuing our direct participation in the world around us and how this creates an empathy for all of life.She effortlessly describes how an adult’s attunement and observation creates a permissive container for a child to discover the life of a woodlouse and develop their own thinking, which as a side impact creates vast amounts of valuable more traditional knowledge.We get a real sense of the value of playful inquiry and the place of art and creativity in both education and our lives.Finally Debi introduces us to ‘Warm Data’ developed by Nora Bateson (see below) and follows an inquiry into what we measure really matters! Show Notes: https://theoutdoorteacher.com/podcasts/episode-55-debi-keyte-hartland-podcast/ Music by Geoff Robb: www.geoffrobb.com Please Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you have enjoyed today's episode, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This really helps me to spread the word to more people like you, and to empower more people to take their practice outdoors! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, "follow" the podcast, as if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out.

    1h8min
  3. Lessons from the Natural World

    17 DE FEV.

    Lessons from the Natural World

    In this episode, I explore the deep connections between nature, energy, and the way we live and learn. Although navigating the hidden costs of our modern lives often weighs heavily. I reflect on how we can develop greater awareness and resilience together and here are some of the areas I discuss: How our daily lives are built on fossil fuels, from transportation to everyday products, making us deeply reliant on resource extraction.While electric vehicles seem like a solution, their production still depends on intensive mining, impacting both communities and ecosystems.Different perspectives, such as those shared by Nate Hagens, offer insights into energy, society, and the challenges of systemic change.Coming to terms with how true sustainability difficult to achieve, without a massive and unlikely shift in our structures and belief systems.How Nature teaches us about sustainability, balance, and resilience, offering models like biomimicry to guide our choices.Lasting change requires both external actions and an internal shift in mindset, aligning with what Stephen Bruner calls the "internal climate of mind."Education often ignores the complexity of real learning, which thrives on sensory, interconnected experiences rather than rigid structures.Deep learning and meaningful connections with people or nature require time, space, and presence.Thriving systems are built on balance, reciprocity, and leadership that values nature, relationships, and community over endless growth. Show Notes: https://theoutdoorteacher.com/podcasts/episode-54-lessons-from-the-natural-world Music by Geoff Robb: www.geoffrobb.com Please Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you have enjoyed today's episode, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This really helps me to spread the word to more people like you, and to empower more people to take their practice outdoors! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, "follow" the podcast, as if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out.  Mentioned in this episode: Free Course in Forest School Activities Try our online training for free: https://theoutdoorteacher.com/free

    50min
  4. Unleashing the Power of Imagination with Rob Hopkins

    10 DE FEV.

    Unleashing the Power of Imagination with Rob Hopkins

    My guest today is Rob Hopkins, cofounder of Transition Town Totnes and Transition Network, and the author of The Transition Handbook, The Transition Companion, The Power of Just Doing Stuff, 21 Stories of Transition and most recently, From What Is to What If: unleashing the power of imagination to create the future we want. In 2012, he was voted one of the Independent’s top 100 environmentalists and was on Nesta and the Observer’s list of Britain’s 50 New Radicals. In this episode we discuss: The power of mass movements (e.g., Civil Rights Movement, COVID-19 responses, wartime efforts like Dig for Victory).The need for a more cohesive and alternative narrative to the dominant one.Moving beyond cheap energy – implications for food, education, and the economy.2024 CO₂ levels surpassing 1.5°C threshold (10th January 2025).The need to shift the burden from individual carbon footprints to corporate accountability (e.g., Chevron, Exxon).The need for structural wake-up calls – governments and corporations driving large-scale change.Example: Concrete alone accounts for 9% of global emissions.The economy’s success is measured by its size, but should we use different metrics?The Degrowth Movement – shifting focus from GDP to wellbeing and sustainability.Fridays for Future – reflections on organising and impact.What did our towns look like before global energy dependence?Proof that governments can listen to science and find funding overnight.‘The Greta Effect’ – a measurable drop in air travel and meat consumption.A mayor’s radical food system redesign: 80% of food grown locally at the same price as imports. The importance of rethinking, reimagining, and equipping ourselves with better models for sustainable futures. Show Notes: https://theoutdoorteacher.com/podcasts/episode-53-rob-hopkins-unleashing-the-power-of-imagination/ Music by Geoff Robb: www.geoffrobb.com Please Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you have enjoyed today's episode, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This really helps me to spread the word to more people like you, and to empower more people to take their practice outdoors! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, "follow" the podcast, as if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out.  Mentioned in this episode: Free Fire Webinar Watch my free mini-webinar on working with fire: https://theoutdoorteacher.com/fire

    1h5min
  5. The Advanced Certificate in Forest School and Outdoor Learning

    3 DE FEV.

    The Advanced Certificate in Forest School and Outdoor Learning

    Welcome to Episode 52! In this episode Marina talks about her online course 'The Advanced Certificate in Forest School and Outdoor Learning'. Why Forest School and Outdoor Learning is a game changer for educatorsInsights from masterclasses on sensory integration, mental health and deep nature connectionThe support from the UK Health & Safety Executive for well-managed riskHow access to the outdoors brings so many physical, cognitive and emotional benefits as well as developing a healthy psychological 'attachment' to nature.Our online training that packs sessions underpinned by research across the seasons - the one stop place.Topics included in the 16 MasterclassesThe benefits of spending time outdoors for self regulationHow to manage risky activities with your groups Show Notes: https://theoutdoorteacher.com/podcasts/episode-52-my-advanced-certificate-online-training Music by Geoff Robb: www.geoffrobb.com Please Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you have enjoyed today's episode, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This really helps me to spread the word to more people like you, and to empower more people to take their practice outdoors! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, "follow" the podcast, as if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out.  Mentioned in this episode: The Advanced Certificate in Forest School and Outdoor Learning https://theoutdoorteacher.com/certificate/

    35min
  6. Nature Based Revolution with Amie Andrews

    27 DE JAN.

    Nature Based Revolution with Amie Andrews

    My guest today is Amie Andrews, and in this episode, we dive into the transformative potential of nature-based solutions for health, wellbeing, and community resilience. In this episode we discuss: The role of Small Woods National Charity, including their history and mission to connect people with woodlands.What social forestry is and how it supports both woodland health and human wellbeing.The growing appetite for nature-based activities and the evolving partnership between people and the environment.Insights on balancing human benefits from woodlands with the need to enhance biodiversity and sustainability.Tackling funding challenges in social forestry and how to create sustainable models for the future.The health benefits of nature-based activities, including green prescriptions and their role in healthcare.How policy-makers, researchers, and communities are collaborating to create evidence-based, scalable solutions.Connecting local grassroots efforts to larger policy changes and economic shifts. Show Notes: https://theoutdoorteacher.com/podcasts/episode-51-nature-based-revolution/ Music by Geoff Robb: www.geoffrobb.com Please Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you have enjoyed today's episode, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This really helps me to spread the word to more people like you, and to empower more people to take their practice outdoors! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, "follow" the podcast, as if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out.

    48min
  7. Reclaiming Values Beyond Capitalism

    20 DE JAN.

    Reclaiming Values Beyond Capitalism

    Welcome to Episode 50! In this episode Marina talks about minimizing harm, critiquing neoliberalism, and exploring land ownership, indigenous perspectives, and sustainable practices. In this episode, Marina struggles with many topics that include: Visioning in the new year as a physical expression of intention and future aspirations.Conversations on creating mindsets that minimize harm to others, oneself, and the natural world.Critique of neoliberalism's disconnection from a respectful land ethic.Reflections on the right to roam and land ownership paradigms.Insights from indigenous perspectives on land ownership and the The Law of Discovery and Terra Nullious (see links).Corporate and political accountability and the need for political will to legislate sustainable practices.Questioning impartiality in climate education within a context of ecological harm.Encouragement for self-care, forgiveness, and accountability in personal growth.Insights from thinkers like Jeremy Lent and Vanessa Andreotti on moving towards an eco-civilization. Show Notes: https://theoutdoorteacher.com/podcasts/episode-50-reclaiming-values-beyond-capitalism/ Music by Geoff Robb: www.geoffrobb.com Please Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you have enjoyed today's episode, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This really helps me to spread the word to more people like you, and to empower more people to take their practice outdoors! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, "follow" the podcast, as if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out.  Mentioned in this episode: Free Course in Forest School Activities Try our online training for free: https://theoutdoorteacher.com/free

    58min
  8. Right to Roam, Right to Learn with Lewis Winks

    13 DE JAN.

    Right to Roam, Right to Learn with Lewis Winks

    In this episode, I explore themes of environmental education, behaviour change, and empowerment with researcher, writer, and campaigner Lewis Winks. In this episode we discuss: Rewilding, nature connection, and why advocacy is essential for creating meaningful change. The interplay between individual actions and systemic mandates, such as public health or environmental regulations. How models like "nudging" or educational approaches influence societal transformation. Insights from the Education at a Time of Emergency project, including the role of imagination, storytelling, and values in fostering young people's agency.Consider thematic curriculums inspired by local landscapes (e.g. the River Dart).The Right to Roam campaign and its fight for equitable access to nature amidst England’s stark land ownership disparities.How restricted access to land impacts community empowerment and environmental connection.Exploring alternative worldviews that focus on reciprocity with nature rather than extraction.Identifying leverage points to accelerate momentum for cultural and ecological transformation. Show Notes: https://theoutdoorteacher.com/podcasts/episode-49-lewis-winks-right-to-roam/ Music by Geoff Robb: www.geoffrobb.com Please Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you have enjoyed today's episode, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This really helps me to spread the word to more people like you, and to empower more people to take their practice outdoors! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, "follow" the podcast, as if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out.

    56min
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Sobre

What if wild, not domesticated, should be our normal instead of factory-farmed lives? What if you could cultivate fulfilling lives and contribute to a healthy natural world? The Wild Minds podcast is brought to you by me, Marina Robb, an author, entrepreneur, Forest School and Nature-based Trainer and Consultant, and pioneer in developing Green programmes for the Mental Health service in the UK. I am the founder of Circle of Life Rediscovery CIC and The Outdoor Teacher and creator of practical online Forest School and nature-based training for people working in mental health, education and business. Tune in for interviews, insights, cutting-edge and actionable approaches to help you to improve your relationship with yourself, others, and the natural world. Music by Geoff Robb

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