The Nature Connection Podcast

This podcast is for the wild people of the earth yearning to come home to nature and themselves. In the podcast we explore ways in which nature and ancient earth skills can enrich modern life, how it can support our wellbeing and the regeneration of our planet.

The creation of this podcast is a labour of love. It takes about 8 hour per episode to create, edit and post online. Sharing of the podcast or supporting the podcast financially means the world to me!

2025 episodes

Heading for grid item

Welcome to a truly special episode of The Nature Connection podcast, where host Sanne speaks with Kelly Wendorf, a renowned leadership coach, author, and spiritual mentor. Dive into a transformative conversation about natural leadership, the profound lessons we can learn from horses, and how to apply this ancient wisdom in modern settings, even in the boardroom. Kelly introduces her compelling book, Flying Lead Change: 56 Million Years of Wisdom for Leading and Living, explaining how it serves as a guide for living in alignment with nature-based principles and making evolutionary leaps in your life. Discover how horses teach us to move from a "power over" to a "power with" paradigm, fostering a society rooted in care, presence, safety, connection, peace, freedom, and joy. This episode offers invaluable insights for anyone yearning to build resilience, cultivate authentic leadership, and contribute to a more just and sustainable world. Plus, don't miss Kelly's generous offer of a free online course for listeners at the end of the episode.

100% off of Kelly’s online course How to Lead a Transformative Life - worth $457!

Use EQUUS100KW

Two consecutive Saturdays for two hours (four hours total)

https://www.equusinspired.com/how-to-lead-a-transformative-life

2024 Episodes

Episode 29: Summoned by the Earth with Cynthia Jurs

In this episode we'll welcome Cynthia Jurs, who speaks about her journey to heal and protect the Earth. Inspired by an old lama in Nepal, Cynthia shares her experiences with Earth Treasure Vases, ritual objects filled with prayers and symbolic offerings. She shares more about the global community who are dedicated to planting these vases in places that need healing. The conversation centers on her book, Summoned by the Earth, which chronicles her journey and calls for a communal awakening and the discovery of each person’s unique contribution to a better world. Cynthia offers practical advice on how to begin connecting with Gaia through meditation, ritual, and interaction with nature.

Find Cynthia here

https://earthtreasurevase.org/

https://gaiamandala.net/

https://www.summonedbytheearth.org/

Episode 28: Rewild Your Wellbeing

In this episode, Amber Rose and George Knight from Beyond Domestication join us to talk about the seven principles of well-being. These principles are: food, water, air, sunlight, movement, mindfulness, and sleep. Amber and George share insights into how these practices can benefit us physically and mentally. They also discuss how reconnecting with nature can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Find Amber-Rose and George here

Website: https://beyond-domestication.com/
Instagram: @beyond_domestication
YouTube: @beyond_domestication

Episode 27: Earth and Soul with Leah Rampy

It has been a hot minute - but we are back! A combination of illness and an intricate process around securing the land we live on but the podcast on the backburner. In the upcoming weeks there will be three juicy episodes from last year that still needed to be published.

This episode features a conversation between Leah Rampy and The Nature Connection Podcast host Sanne about Rampy's book, Earth and Soul: Reconnecting amid climate chaos, and the importance of reconnecting with nature and oneself.

Find Leah here

Instagram: @leahrampy
Website: https://www.leahmoranrampy.com/

Episode 26: Human Nature Connection with Carleigh Fairchild

What does friction fire and shelter building teach us about everyday situations? Carleigh Fairchild shows us how survival skills translate into basic human needs in everyday life and how this influences how we show up in the world.

In this podcast episode Carleigh shares more about her experience on the Alone show and how her knowledge of the nervous system helped her in the experience.

Find Carleigh here
Instagram @carleighfairchild
Website www.humannatureconnection.com

Mentioned resources
Notes of Complexity by Neil D Theise
All books by Jon Young
Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown Body by breath by Jill Miller

School
www.wildernessfusion.com

Airs on May 28th

Episode 25: Mindful Rewilding with Micah Mortali

What do yoga, mindfulness and nature connection have in common? This is something we explore with our guest Micah Mortali. Micah is the founder of the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership and author of the book Rewilding.

In this episode we explore our relationship with nature, intuitive archery and meditative practices in the wild.

Find Micah here
Instagram: @micah_rewilding
Website: www.micahmortali.com
www.kripalu.org

Mentioned resources
David Wagoner Poem Lost
Smoke hole by Martin Shaw
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louve
Sand Talk by Tyson Yunkaporta


Daniel Vitalis' Rewild Yourself Podcast

Alone TV Show

Instagram: Man of Tanith

Episode 24: Nature’s Intelligence for Optimum Health with Lars van den Nieuwenhoff

Nature contributes massively to our collective health - in this episode we uncover the physiological reasons why this statement is more important now than ever.

With my guest Lars van den Nieuwenhoff we explore two core pillars of health optimizations (which aren't food or movement) and how nature secretly lures us in to seasonal living if we want to be as healthy as possible.

Find Lars here
Instagram @larsvandennieuwenhoff
Website www.ikiguides.nl

Mentioned resources
Professor Douglas Wallace

Episode 23: Big Life Adventures with Michan Biesbroek and Heleen Vogels

Michan and Heleen are two outdoor enthusiasts who found each other in their love for mountains, exploring and adventure. She is the gear geek who likes to explore what's off the map, he the nature nerd with a love for tracking and primitive skills.

Last year Heleen and Michan had an incredible nerve-wracking adventure in the mountains. In this episode you'll hear what happend, how they managed to get out. We also speak about adventure and nature in everyday life, choosing life off the beaten track and the importance of good quality gear and building your connection with nature.

Find Heleen and Michan on Instagram

@hilly_goes_on_an_adventure

You can also find Michan on Instagram and Facebook

@tallmanhiking

and www.onderdeberk.online

Mentioned resources
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Secret World of Weather by Tristan Gooley
What the Robin Knows by Jon Young
The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling by John Muir Laws
Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger
Entering the Mind of the Tracker by Tamarack Song
The Rise of the Wolf 8 - Rick McIntyre

Podcasts
The Wild with Chris Morgan
Ologies with Allie Ward
For the Wild
The Wolf Connection

Episode 22: The Story is in Our Bones with Osprey Orielle Lake

What if we could change the dominant narrative on our connection with earth and the way we view success? I'm feeling deeply honoured to have had the opportunity to speak with Osprey Orielle Lake about indigenous wisdom, grassroot and personal change and redesigning modern society through rights of nature and systemic interventions.

Osprey is the founder of the Women's Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN). She works internationally with grassroots, BIPOC and Indigenous leaders, policymakers, and diverse coalitions to build climate justice, resilient communities, and a just transition to a decentralized, democratized clean energy future.

Her book The Story is in Our Bones will be available in all major bookstores on January 30th.

Resources mentioned:
Women's Earth and Climate Action Network https://www.wecaninternational.org/ Women Speak https://www.wecaninternational.org/womenspeak

2023 Episodes

Episode 21: Building Community and Knitting as Activism with Ilse Donker

The last podcast episode of 2023 is a special one! Our guest is Ilse Donker. She is at the forefront of the skillsharing movement in The Netherlands, and shares her views on community, capitalism and activism. In this episode you’ll discover how nature is deeply woven into her work and ways of being - and the importance of knitting socks as holiday gifts.

This year of making a podcast has fulfilled me in more ways than I could ever thought possible. It allowed me to have many amazing conversations with experts in the field of nature connection and rewilding and meeting such wonderful people. If you supported the podcast this year, I want to send you heartfelt thank you. ❤️

Mentioned resources
Books
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Sand Talk by Tyson Yunkaporta
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
The Gift by Lewis Hyde
The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Marie Auel

Podcasts
The Rewilding Podcast by Peter Michael Bauer
For the Wild

Find Ilse at
Instagram @ ilse.aarde.donker
Website https://www.ilsedonker.nl/

Episode 20 Gender Dynamics and the Parallels with Nature with Nienke Thurlings

Trigger warning: S*xual abuse

This episode will rattle your bones, or should I say g*nitals? With social psychologist and adrenal expert Nienke Thurlings we dive into the field of societal norms, gender and how these are deeply intertwined with how we care for nature. Nienke also shares more about finding and building great relationships and learning what your full body YES feels like.

Mentioned books
When God was a Woman by Merlin Stone
In Defence of Witches by Mona Chollet
Pleasure Activism by Adrienne Maree Brown
Bitch by Lucy Cooke

Find Nienke at
Instagram: @nienkethurlings
www.nienkethurlings.com

Episode 19: The Rewilding of Self, Family and Community with Jessica Carew Kraft

Revolution might look different than you’d always thought. While being fully submerged in the field of tec Jessica realized that happiness and progress doesn’t lay in modern tec-derived solutions. In her rewilding journey she took a deep dive learning hunter-gatherer skills, from foraging, crafting to building community.

In this episode we talk about how her inspiring book “Why We Need to be Wild” came to be, how rewilding challenges the status quo and that our greatest act of reciprocity might be something completely different than what you think it is.

Mentioned resources
Why We Need to be Wild by Jessica Carew Kraft
Local guide books
A New Path by Arthur Haines
The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods by Nicole Apelian
Civilized to Death by Christopher Ryan

Find Jessica here
Instagram @whyweneedtobewild
Website www.jessicacarewkraft.com

Episode 18: Animism, Natural Crafts and the Council of Plants with Janina from Wilder Medicines

What if the whole world was alive and could be your supportive council in your life? In this episode Janina from Wilder Medicines and I talk deeply about the idea of animism and plant allies. Janina shares her personal journey of uncovering, that has led her to South America, Berlin and the Black Forest in Germany.

We also dive into the healing potential of engaging in natural crafts, the land-based rituals from our ancestors and you'll come to know a deeply soothing nature practice for moments of despair.

Mentioned resources
Poems Lost by David Wagoner
Mary Oliver

Books
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Mirrors in the Earth by Asia Suler
Return by Lynx Vilden
The Spell of the sensuous by David Abram

Podcast
Mythic Medicine

Find Janina here
Instagram @wherethewildflowersblossom
Website www.wildermedicines.earth

Episode 17: Play and Connection through Forest Bathing and Eco Arts with Summer Lajoie

Forest bathe anywhere, anytime. In this episode Summer shares her journey of how one powerful question and five minutes of nature a day transformed her whole postpartum life. We’ll take a deep dive in what forest bathing is and what it can do for you and the importance of connecting with our own ancestors and the stories of the land.

Through the lens of art, creativity and connection we reevaluate what it means to create with nature. And the importance of encouraging our children to engage in rest, play and nature connection. In this episode you’ll learn a couple of Summer’s favourite ways to connect with nature, even as a busy mom!


Resources mentioned
Documentary
Andy Goldsworthy’s Rivers & Tides

Find Summer at
Instagram and facebook @listeningpines
Website www.listeningpines.com

Episode 16: Trauma and the power of Breathwork with Jiska van den Brink

What if you wouldn’t need any external tool for your healing? Just your breath and learning to be with your emotions and experiences? With my guest Jiska van den Brink (breathwork and mindfulness coach an trainer) we’ll dive into the power of the breath and mindfulness and it’s impact on our wellbeing and trauma resolution.

As cherry on top Jiska shares a guided calming breathwork practice in this episode, to bring you back to a state of regulation and relaxation.

You can find Jiska at
Website www.mindlove.nl
Podcast Mindful Navigeren (Dutch)
Instagram @jiska_vandenbrink

Mentioned resources
Podcasts
HubermanLab

Books
Love Revolution by Nadja van Osch (Dutch)
De Fontein, vind je plek by Els van Steijn (Dutch)
Books by Gabor Maté
The Molecule of More by Daniel Z. Lieberman

Episode 15: Wilderness for Personal Growth with Sam Gravestock

What do bushcraft skills and personal development have in common? In this episode we dive in deep in the therapeutic context of the wild - and how you can use it to improve your mental wellbeing.

My guest for this episode is Sam Gravestock, a therapeutic wilderness guide with a background in bushcraft skill. Sam shares how nature became a part of his life when going through a rough time. We talk about the danger of comfort and perceived safety, outdoor skills and Sam's favourite ways of infusing the everyday with nature.

Resources mentioned
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter
Forest Bathing by Dr. Qi Ling
Outdoor Survival Handbook by Ray Mears
Bushcraft by Mors Kochanski
Field Guide to Wilderness Survival by Tom Brown Jr.
Field Guide to Living with the Earth by Tom Brown Jr.
Chronicles of Ancient Darkness by Michelle Paver
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
14 Peaks (Documentary)

You can find Sam Gravestock on
Instagram @man_of_tanith
& @the_forest_path_uk
Website www.theforestpath.co.uk

Sam will be hosting his next men's guided therapeutic wilderness retreat on October 13th and 14th.

Episode 14: Earth Magick and Witchcraft with Madame Formtastica

This nourishing inspiring episode is filled with Madame Formtastica's incredible knowledge on Witchcraft, Crystals and Earth-Based Magick. In our conversation you'll learn the creation story behind House of Formlab, the Winti roots of Madame Formtastica, as well as the conscious story behind the products.

We'll dive in deep into gemstones, working with nature and how you can live an intentional magickal life. And also, discover if Sanne is a Witch in the broom closet.

You can find Madame Formtastica on
Instagram @house_of_formlab
Website www.houseofformlab.com 

Episode 13: Herbal Wisdom with Kara Swenson

Trigger warning for eating disorders.

In this nourishing episode we dive into herbalism, nutrition and foraging for a greater connection with the land. With my guest Kara Swenson (Thistle Patch Wellness) we explore how we can learn from plants and how we can incorporate them into our lives to enhance our health and wellbeing.

I hope this episode inspires you to get more attuned to the plants growing around you and get to know how they could support you.You can find Kara on Instagram @thistlepathwellness or check out her website thistlepatchwellness.com 

Kara's recommended books
The holistic herbal – David Hoffman
All books by Matthew Wood
Plants have so much to give us, all we have to do is ask - Mary Siisip Geniusz

Kara's recommended podcasts
The Holistic Herbalism Podcast
The Homegrown Podcast
The Herbal Womb Wisdom Podcast
Are You Menstrual?

Episode 12: Finding Freedom with Melissa Grace

In this episode we’ll explore emotional regulation, nature connection and permaculture. With my guest Melissa Grace (Sacred Spring Coaching), we go on a journey to uncover the parallels between nature, emotional regulation and building community.

I hope that in this episode you’ll find hope for a brighter future ahead, feel seen and supported where you are at and get inspired to create your own community - or even your own secret garden!

You can find Melissa on Instagram @sacredspringspodcast or check out her Sacred Springs Podcast

Melissa’s Recommendations
Books

Braiding Sweetgrass - Robin Wall Kimmerer
Hunt, gather, parent - Michaeleen Doucleff
Evolutionary Herbalism - Sajah Popham
Wild Remedies - Rosalee de la Forêt and Emily Han
Gaia’s Garden - Toby Hemenway

Podcasts
The Permaculture Podcast
The Modern Homesteader

Episode 11: The Four Portals of Rewilding

In this episode you get a taste of the four doors of rewilding. We'll cover what the doors are, why they are important and how you can weave this ancient knowledge back in your own life.

I'm gathering a group of amazing folks that feel curious about Rewilding and Nervous System work to join me on The Rewilding Project.

Episode 10: Explore the Body and Nature Connection with Judith Binias

How are our bodies and nature connected and how can we tap into the language that's at the core of both again. In today's episode you'll meet Judith Binias, a nature therapist who dedicated her life and work to restore the connection between our bodies and nature. In the episode we explore the nourishing power of movement, the importance of nature and body connection, eco anxiety and inclusiveness in the outdoor-world. 

Episode 9: Let Nature Nurture Your Nervous System

 
In this bite-size episode we'll discuss the different aspects of nature that can have a soothing and healing effect on your nervous system. From sunlight, sounds, patterns and the grounding electrical current of the earth. Herbs are a profound way in which nature can help us to take care of our bodies and minds. In this episode we explore different herbs and mushrooms that are amazing for the nervous system. You'll also learn a little bit more about how to incorporate herbs into your daily life and how to work with them.





Episode 8: Embrace the cycles of life | Somatic coaching and nature connection

This episode is all about how nature can help us to find balance in between the highs and lows of life. We'll have a look at things society labels as "unwanted", like anxiety and pests, and look at what the role of these aspects are in the bigger ecosystem. Nature helps us to understand the time and place of everything and this wisdom enables us to grow more resilient.

Engaging in this continuous dance is really where somatic coaching and nature connection meet. Somatic modalities can help us to create space to track our inner world and become aware of the whatever is going on within - and how this affects the interaction with our outerworlds. As a nourishing bonus this episode starts with a felt sense practice that can be done wherever you are at, to feel the benefits of this glorious mix of nature and somatics first hand.




Episode 7: How can we grow slow | Seasonal living in spring

In this short episode we explore slowness and seasonal living as the antidote to modern hustle culture. What can we learn from nature when life feels too slow or too quick. Why can seasonal living be an antidote to stress and how can it boost our collective performance.

Episode 6: Working with the wisdom of nature

In this episode we'll explore five nourishing ways in which you can deepen your relationship with nature. From stories, to elements, reflection and rituals - this episode is loaded with inspiration and practical invitations to get even more out your time in nature. And we'll dabble lightly in why spending time outdoors is not only good for your wellbeing, but for the wellbeing of our planet as a whole.

As a nature connection coach I'm lucky enough to work with many people in nature, and you'll find some wonderful stories in this episode that illustrate how powerful this work can be - and how you can give it a try yourself.

Episode 5: Wildcrafting as Rebellion

In this episode we explore wildcrafting as rebellion: How it can be a gateway for a deep sense of nature connection and how it can bring back power to the people. In this podcast I share a bit more on how to start wildcrafting, how to do so ethically and what you'll need.

In the episode you'll find seven easy to recognize widespread plants to kick of, or deepen, your wildcrafting adventures. Let's the Musks and Bezos rule the air, while we roam the earth.

Episode 4: Building a Tiny Dome House

In this forth episode I'll take you along our house building process. You'll come to know how we ended up at an offgrid permaculture community and how we settled for the dome house design.

In this episode you'll also find my experience with minimalizing and a common red thread I've heard in the stories of people that live tiny or offgrid.

Are you ready for a wild ride?

Episode 3: Winter's Dance with Darkness

In this episode we will dive into wintering, darkness and riding the waves of emotions - and how nature can support you on this journey.

Join the revolution of mending the part of the world that is within our reach. I share with you two nature connection practices for the winter season and the transition into spring.

Episode 2: Embrace the Cold

In this episode we explore direct and gradual cold exposure and how you can befriend the cold so you can enjoy nature year round.

In this episode I'll share with you why I think direct cold exposure alone is overrated, I'll tell you all about my first ice bath with Jiska from mindlove.nl, and you'll get to know my complete clothing set up - that allows me to stay warm outdoors.

Episode 1: Nature as tool for healing

In this episode we dive deep into nature's healing powers and how you can work with them for your own health and well being.

In this episode I share my personal healing story, 9 healing powers of nature and 2 wonder nature connection practices.

Guest appearances

The last years I've had the honour to be a guest at some wonderful podcast episode. Let's put on some walking shoes, leave one ear bud out and enjoy nature while listing to the episodes.

The Spiritual Feminist

#60 Nature-Based Spirituality and her Healing Powers ~ w/ Sanne Giesen

We talk about Sanne’s health journey and how immersing herself in nature has helped her healing process. She touches on the reciprocal relationship with nature we can all have: nature gives back if you give too! The abundance of the land is magical if you choose to see and feel it. We also reflect on two of Sanne’s favourite nature-based practices: the ‘sit-spot meditation’ and the ‘medicine walk’. She mentions how ‘every step is a prayer’, tying in nature and spirituality and inviting us to prioritise our connection to the land. It will give you so much in return! Sanne also talks about how nature can acts as a mirror and how she uses this in her work as a coach as well.

Mentioned books
  • Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
  • If Women Rose Rooted by Sharon Blackie

Mindful & Miljonair (Dutch)

In gesprek met Sanne Giesen van The Wild Roots Guide

Over hoe de natuur je inzicht en richting kan geven, op welke manier je dat voor jezelf en/of je werk in kunt zetten en wat er nodig is om te kunnen doen wat je wilt.

“Ik geloof echt dat je het recht hebt om je heel goed te voelen en dat je daar heel weinig voor nodig hebt, maar dat de natuur daarin wel echt kan helpen. En ook dat de natuur ons nodig heeft.”

Op Zoek (Dutch)

Meer natuur in je leven met Sanne Giesen

In de 24e aflevering van de OP ZOEK podcast praten wij, Marije en Naomi, met Sanne van Running with Sheep. Op hun website en Instagram laten zij en haar vriend zien hoe ze meer in verbinding met de natuur leven. En vandaag deelt ze dat met ons! Bijvoorbeeld door middel van forest bathing en medicine walks. Ze vertelt wat deze haar brengen, en wat we hier allemaal van kunnen leren. Ze hoopt dat we meer respect voor de aarde krijgen, als we de natuur om ons heen beter leren kennen.

Sanne's boekentips
  • The hidden life of trees van Peter Wohlleben
  • Rewilding van Micah Mortali
  • Het kleine Shinrin-Yoku boek van Natascha Boudewijn