The Forest Floor Podcast

On Feeling, Death and Relational BecomingIn 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

On Belonging, Presence and the Wisdom of ProximityIn 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

On Transformation, Authenticity and Sacred ReciprocityIn 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

On Stillness, Beauty and TransformationIn 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

On Belonging, Connectedness, and Remembering Our PlaceHost: Simon WongEpisode Length: 40:1500:45 Meet Selma Lunde Fjæstad01:43 Selma's Connection to the Australian Bush03:22 Foraging Memories and Cultural Differences08:20 The Importance of Nature Connection10:01 Selma's Research and Personal Values11:30 Norwegian Upbringing and Nature Excursions17:59 Mindfulness and Nature's Lessons21:12 Challenges of Modernity & Nature Deficiency35:24 Personal Practices for Nature Connection37:44

On Knowledge, Belonging, and ReciprocityHost: Rowena MorrowEpisode Length: 56:0000:36 Meet Francesca Varney01:34 Exploring Henry Littledyke Reserve05:08 The Silent Walk: Connecting with Nature09:16 Reflections on Human-Nature Relationship17:33 Cultural Perspectives on Land and Nature22:48 Personal Stories and Reflections26:15 The Significance of Local Knowledge27:33 Finding Our Way Home: Ecological Metaphors29:09 Indigenous Connections & Cultural Heritage31:00 The Concept of Composting

On Listening, Loving, and BelongingHost: Simon WongEpisode Length: 32:3200:32 Meet Sarah Patterson01:19 A Walk on the Coastline with Sarah02:37 The Importance of Love and Connection07:14 Learning and Unlearning from Nature09:30 Reflections on Community18:20 The Great Myth of Alignment28:33 Insights from Cartels: Power and Innovation29:56 Conclusion and Gratitude

On Memory, Cycles, and BelongingHost: Simon WongEpisode Length: 21:4700:34 Meet Dr. Peter Hayward01:22 Exploring Sherbrooke Forest02:43 The Kokoda Memorial04:25 Reflections on War and Memory10:25 Lessons from the Forest18:17 The Impact of Meat Consumption19:53 Closing Thoughts and Farewell