Futuresteading

Jade Miles

This is a conversation about the future. About creating a culture that values tomorrow. We reckon a slower, simpler, steadier existence is the first step - one that’s healthier for humans and the planet. We call it Futuresteading. Each week we chat to community builders, ritual makers, food growers, health wizards and environmental wisdom keepers, gathering practical advice and epic solidarity - so we can all nut this thing out together. Join our nitty, gritty, honest and hopeful convo every Monday during our 16 episode seasons. Support the pod by shouting us a cuppa >>> buymeacoffee.com/futuresteading

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20 episodes
Updated January 25

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Episodes20

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January 25 · 56 min
Ep 215 Jodi Wilson - Learning to See the Earth with Your Body, Not Just Your Eyes. Summer Days Throwback 2026
Author of Practicing Simplicity, Jodi Wilson faced a fear of complacently which grew bigger than her fear of change and it prompted her to pack her 4 young chillins into a caravan for a life on the road and the building of a whole new rhythm. Over the coming years, they got comfortable in the discomfort of change, uncertainty and discovered that the ritual of stirring porridge shouldn’t be underestimated, nor should the remarkability of the ordinary. She encourages us all to take small steps and make brave choices. We need to step outside our front doors, go for a walk and chat to our neighbours. *Recorded pre federal election Deciding, on a whim to take her 4 children around Australia in a caravan Letting her intuition dominate her decisions towards a leap of faith Consciously close mental tabs Unravelling the sense of obligation to time frames and social norms If we are privileged enough to make choice, we have a responsibility to make change Why it’s important we don't get stuck in our bell jar How a life on the road in a caravan with 6 people helped refine what we really need in our life. Making conscious decisions Sustainability as humans - constantly running, Creating a life she believed in not one she was wedged into Intuition led - heart and gut. If it doesn't feel right it can’t be continued Why she cant access her intuition or gut instinct if she is anxious Spending time in nature, barefoot on sand, in deserts, Finding a sense of belonging and connection in ancestral landscapes Making major decisions via a woven path of experiences The romance of a roadtrip was appealing but the reality was that I had to get dirty You carry the dirt of your travels are carried in the crevices of your skin Reminiscent stories of they’re 2.5 years on the road Settling in Tassie in a 1950’s bungalow Defining what it is you DO WANT Creating ritual and time for self while on the road Looking at the stars and basking in the silence of the night Creating more time in your life because of the choices we’ve made Simplicity starts where you are with what you have - simplicity is an attitude and a mindset Simplicity ebbs and flows with the demands of our lives Collective heartache and collective exhaustion We haven't evolved from the primal beings we are but we have been distracted. Nothing gets done unless you take small steps towards it Replacing the perfectionist hurdles of ‘shoulda’ with the compassionate reality of “I will when I can” Feeling like a local when the neighbours stop for a chat and the shop owners know your name Living with little and raising her kids to see this gives her hope References Practicing Simplicity - book, blog and socials of Jodi Wilson Kirsten Bradley Futuresteading conversation Radical Hope Club Buy the Book - Futuresteading - Live Like tomorrow matters Support the show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Support the show
January 18 · 58 min
Ep 214 Billa - The Woman At The Wild School Shares Her Earth Wisdom. Summer Days Throwbacks 2026
SHOW SUMMARY Join Billa, co founder of the Wild School, as we navigate back into our custodial selves. Where we use head, hands & heart to rebuild the connective processes that help us become deeply connected people to place & each other. This process requires us to not only think but to really feel, 'It needs to be remembered in the body at a cellular level. “In our bones as women we have generations of wisdom & the sisterhood brings this to life” 'We are designed to live in tribal sized groups & to take care of country but we lack the skills so it's time to unlearn & relearn.' The right environment will trigger the hard wired settings to make us what we are designed to be & the process of relearning how to live together will be more than just building houses & spaces or owning land. Billa & her husband Chief have been doing this earth connection & village making work their entire lives & she is measuring her experiences against something in her bones. She is doing this via 5 sacred pathways - these being food as medicine, nature connection, ceremony & ritual, village making & art is medicine. A pedagogy you cannot be schooled on, you need to embody them through experience. The most potent experience of all she says is to have gratitude for the mother. Us two-legged humans form a story - “we are merely the current fruiting mushroom of the ancestral mycelium”. its time to be reminded of this in our modern day story. Things we chatted about Wildschool Gaia University 8 shields movement - Jon Young Tyson Yinkaporta - right story, wrong story Support the Show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Buy the Book - Futuresteading - Live Like tomorrow matters Show Notes: Moving towards a life that moves in circles rather than being square & rigid - finding the sisterhood, herbal medicine, permaculture. Women need women but we specifically need sisterhood where we share wisdom & DO together - craft, learn, share, DIY-ing her own home at 24 Intentional communities - are they a study in failure or can we really do this? Permaculture has been foundational alongside womens wisdom Being alive ‘in village’ Finding our way back through the cultural repair journey via the 8 shields movement & the 64 cultural elements Connecting to country to continue as a species Reconciling our history is foundational to rebuilding culture You can’t ground community without the land but you can’t just buy land & assume the community will come - the truth of the land needs to be reconciled. What we eat is our relationship to the earth mother - it plugs us back in Rebuilding deep connection requires all five sacred pathways to be present Are we existing in captivity Decolonising our body through food Building next level connection with our ancestors We’ve stopped knowing our bodies What else comes with your DNA? More than height or eyes colour The humble shall inherit the earth Check in with what your ‘baseline’ is - very high in western culture Taking care of the baseline & being able to appreciate it is freeing because you can let go of the noisy material things which takes up all the space & consume you. White privilege blinkers - question what was taken in order for us to have this Support the show
January 11 · 46 min
Ep 213 - Sarah Andrews - Huddling by design + doing what it says on the box - Summer Days Throwback 2026
Sarah Andrews has this way of stripping back the noise & replacing hustle with humility. A gentle woman, who describes herself as '90% introvert', she has crated beautiful spaces by considering them her palette to tell stories & then inviting in a global community of folk to share her special space. The key, she says, to creating spaces that are warm, nurturing and supportive of the community they are designed to hold, is to be sure that “beautiful is not the ‘budget”. “My plan was to teach a few what I knew and then go sailing but it didn't happen like that because what was being taught was so special & it really did what it said on the box” Today the futuresteading pod invites you to open the box and learn ways to create spaces that nurture togetherness. Things we talked about: Hosting masterclass - Sarahs online program The Poetry of Spaces - Sarah Andrews Captains Rest - Sarah's Accommodation Support the show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Buy the Book - Futuresteading - Live Like tomorrow matters Show Notes How a tumultuous life has lead her to creating spaces that make her feel safe Spaces that make you feel the way you want to feel & be the best we can Finding your medium to create stories - art, verbal words, design, written words, Walking the line of being a hermit that is alone but not wanting to be alone Understanding her ratio for a happy life - for her its 90% introverted Attracting people together but without the obligation of having to hold them all. “I’d found an internal happiness as a host and wanted to gift that to others” “Hosting & creating spaces is a science which can be broken down into a process? Frustration with the creative world using words that don't have meaningful measure. Building tools that could be taught to people who don't think they're creative. It’s easy to copy something if you've got a big budget but if you’re creating something that’s creative & individual then the real beauty is uncovered “For many reasons captains rest should not have been a success but when it was I was inundated with people asking me to help them do the same for them” Humility in creating a global network of minded individuals "I don’t have the energy for it to be all about me so it’s lovely to see a community of people connecting from the comfort of my couch" Every year I just do what I can - which is different every year - there’s no strategy but it feels good & works for me. Enough is not about doing more, having more, seeing more, it’s about how much you can give to the world. Building a meaningful community of people she loves & trusts I’m a three friend type of person - they’ve seen me through every part of my life Being part of a community that is protective of one another & generous Inner huddles & outer huddles Our community is a success because it’s genuine - it’s not a side hustle or a business venture - I’d be doing it anyway. The thing that always links to success is ‘realness’ - when it lights up people’s eyes you know it's true. It’s those who have the bravery to follow that A better way of being a community of people interacting with one another is when we sidestep division. Being led by kindness - one of the hardest but most rewarding things about being alive. Support the show
January 4 · 50 min
Ep 212 - Ginny 1000 Hours Outside - Replacing Screen Time with Green Time. Summer 2026 Throwback
What if all the memories you made as a kid had been replaced by screens? When an aha moment makes you realise that its time to reframe childhood and embrace an analogue life - one that stimulates creativity, imagination and experiences that instil a need to fight for the natural world over technification. With a biological need for at least 3 hours outside every day...the time to replace screen time with green time is now. Show notes Feeling like she was failing as a mum Breaking the cycle of raising children on full schedules “Kids are supposed to be outside for 4-6 hours a day when the weather is good” - Charlotte Mason Her first good day as a mum was spent outside as part of a challenge in order to make friends. How outdoor play enhances every development for children which gives lifelong benefits Setting our kids up for success simply by spending time outside Busting screen time statistics On average kids are on screens for 7 hours a day but only outside for 7 minutes 1200 hours a year outside creating rather than on screen 3 hours of outdoor play for kids of all ages Keeping children balanced Rescheduling early childhood Raising kids who were ruddy, tough, sleeping better Outdoor play enhances childhood developing in every sense = cognitive, sensorial, emotional Laying the groundwork so they keep it up Play that stretches their body and teaches them to trust their bodies and builds endurance, stamina, alertness Filling our life with the important things first and push out the time that's left over for screens It’s never easy to make this your committed approach but it’s worth it Creating rituals that are intentional The benefits of being uncomfortable Why time slows down when you are doing something new and your senses wake up Building identity via time in the outdoors If they don’t love an analogue life, they won’t fight for it Building a foundation in kids that they can resist the tech pull Success is living a fulfilling life that is balanced, connected, maintained ground on values and illusions but grounded and taken day by day If we live well today then tomorrow will take care of itself Clothes for the season: Wonders of wool to enable the kids to play for so much longer Passing down the things = less stuff Imagination over screens Nature is enough - it meets us all at the stage we are at Start right now and be happy to bloom at your own pace which follows your instinct Trust your kids to create their own path References 1000 hours outside- book, podcast Charlotte Mason - Childhood educator Balanced and barefoot - Angela Hanson Rewilding the urban soul - Claire Dunn The Comfort Crisis - Michael Easter The singularity is near - Ray Curswhile Support the show
Dec 21, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Ep 211 Julie Brams - The Call of the Earth To Create a Kinship with Nature
Do you ever feel a profound connection with nature? Dive into a captivating conversation with Julie Brams - American forest therapy guide and author of "The Nature Embedded Mind". Julie emphasizes the necessity of reclaiming our relationship with nature, "We are never separated from nature; it’s time to reclaim that connection!" To truly embrace our connection with nature, we must acknowledge the ties that bind us to the Earth and each other. By fostering kinship with the natural world, we can find comfort, wisdom, and healing. Julie's insights remind us that our mental and emotional well-being is intertwined with the health of our planet. As we reclaim our nature-embedded minds, we pave the way for a more harmonious existence with the Earth, ultimately leading to a more just and sustainable world. Throughout the conversation we explore the deep kinship we hold with the natural world and how this connection can lead to healing and understanding. From the emotional landscapes of joy and grief to the transformative power of observation and presence. Pod Partners Rock: Australian Medicinal Herbs Code: Future5 Loved this? Try these: Alice Irene Whitaker - Finding Seeds of Presence in the Woods Leah Rampy - The Trees Teach Resilience, Beginning and Ending in Silence Support the Show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Buy the Book - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togetherness We talked about: - Remembering our belonging to land, life, and each other - We are inherently interconnected; separation from nature is a learned narrative that can be unlearned - Reclaiming a nature-embedded way of being is essential for personal and collective healing - Observation, presence, and attentiveness deepen our relationship with the living world - Curiosity and play open pathways for reconnection, learning, and resilience Joy naturally emerges as we reweave ourselves into ecological rhythms Grief is a valid and necessary response to loss, signalling care and commitment to life - Healing the earth and healing ourselves are reciprocal, inseparable processes - A heart-centred approach to relationships strengthens communities and future possibilities Support the show
Dec 14, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep 210 The Togetherness Blueprint. Multigenerational life with Jeremy Pryor
Step into the deeper currents of what it means to build a life that lasts beyond a single generation. Explore multi-generational living not just as a practical arrangement, but as an antidote to the fragmentation of modern society—a way of returning to rootedness, continuity, & shared purpose. Reflect on the power of family rituals, enduring traditions & the slow transmission of wisdom that strengthens the family ecosystem. Through personal stories & cultural insight, Jeremy reveals how honouring ancestral lineage has cultivated belonging & identity, and how intentional gatherings have helped reweave the connections frayed by hyper-individualism. Jeremy speaks to the beauty & complexity of holding the responsibility of caring for aging parents, & the steady vision of togetherness that shapes their family’s choices. This conversation touches on the importance of building community with both kin & chosen family, redefining success in relational rather than material terms, & rediscovering what “enough” truly means in a world bent toward consumption. It is a conversation about stewardship, resilience, & designing a life that honours both our roots & our future. Find Jeremy online Loved this? Try another: Nat Wilmot - Living her Dream Support the Show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Buy the Books - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togetherness Pod Partners Rock:Australian Medicinal Herbs Code: Future5 Show Notes: Embracing multi-generational living as a resilient response to the rhythms of modern life Rooting the household in foundational rituals &traditions that anchor future generations Honouring ancestral lineage as a compass for long-term stewardship Weaving intergenerational wisdom into daily life to strengthen the family ecosystem Recognizing how hyper-individualism fractures connection & belonging Practising deep long-termism as a cornerstone of sustainable, life-supporting futures Caring for aging parents through intentional, dignity-centred practices Crafting a shared vision of togetherness to guide family decisions across decades Cultivating community that extends beyond bloodlines into chosen kin & local networks Redefining success by elevating relationships, contribution, & coherence over consumption Understanding what “enough” means in a world shaped by excess & scarcity mindsets Preserving generational knowledge as a critical asset for family resilience & adaptability Living intentionally through long-range planning, transparent communication, & shared purpose Designing a lifestyle that prioritizes stewardship, regeneration, & sustainable prosperity Support the show
Dec 7, 2025 · 53 min
Ep 209 Jamin Heppell - Lessons from the Mountains: Resilience and Leading with Conviction
In this episode, we sit down with Jamin Heppell to dive into the edges where personal growth, leadership, and nature all meet. We talk about what it means to move through fear, to listen to our intuition, and to find clarity in the moments that challenge us most. Jamin opens up about his own life initiations, the experiences that have shaped who he is and how he leads and shares the practices and rituals that help him stay grounded and resilient. Together, we explore what heart-centered leadership really looks like in today’s world, and how the mountains — both literal and metaphorical — can teach us about courage, authenticity, and alignment. We talked about: The mountains are unforgiving, teaching us resilience. Life is a mirror for our personal growth. Clarity, clearing, and creation are essential in leadership. Fear can be a guide if we learn to listen to it. Daily rituals support our resilience and well-being. Leadership starts with self-awareness and authenticity. Nature provides profound lessons for personal development. Initiations in life help us grow and expand. Heart-centered leadership is crucial for community well-being. Mountains symbolise the challenges and triumphs of life. Links You'll Love: Jamin's offerings: https://linktr.ee/jaminheppell Jamin's Website: https://mountainsandmarathons.world/aligneverest26/ Article on the Patagonia story mentioned in the pod: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/26/australian-hikers-chilean-mountain-blizzard-survival-stories Pod Partners Rock: Australian Medicinal Herbs Code: Future5 Support the Show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Buy the Book - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togetherness Support the show
Nov 30, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
Ep 208 Manda Scott - Pondering how we became accidental gods of this land & seeking connection to it with humility not control
Summary If we are going to lay the foundations of a world we are proud to leave as a legacy we need to be comfortable to move into elderhood - for Manda Scott this is about getting comfortable with emergence and asking the living web “what is mine to do”. We’ve created a world where separation, anxiety & powerlessness have become the underlying defaults instead of a world of security, belonging & agency. We are addicted to dopamine &exist in a world of trauma rather than initiation so how are we to rewrite these patterns? By listening to the heart-mind - its very shy & quiet but the head mind will whisper if it needs you to really listen. Links You'll Love Any Human Power - Manda Scott Accidental Gods - Manda Scott program & podcast Right story, Wrong story - Tyson Yunkaporta Sand talk - Tyson Yunkaporta Mans search for meaning - Victor Frankel Francis Weller - The Wild Edge of Sorrow Loved this? Try these: Tyson Yunkaporta Damon Gameau Support the Show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Buy the Book - Futuresteading - Live Like tomorrow matters We talked about: Learning to live as functioning members of the earth community Why she writes fiction not non fiction Receiving shamanic instruction How to be in connection with the web of life in all its complexity Being born into a trauma culture rather than an initiation culture Why seeing truth without self projection is hard. Her decades of shamanic teaching - still learning to discern the difference between what her ego is saying and what the energy is saying Returning to a sit spot to receive instructions to write a book “Skin Listening” - an ability to be felt with all your senses without pre conceived ideas Sit spots - what can I see, what can I feel, what does my heart say Why some languages say “I am other” and some say “I am intrinsically part of what is happening. Initiation culture is capable of holding contained encounters with death We live in a dopamine culture - addicted to turning oil into adrenaline Yearning for a serotonin mesh of connection of meaning & purpose The four stages of Adulthood Undoing our head mind dominance Offering yourself in service and waiting for your path. The chaos of our culture is that we think we can plan ahead We live in an insane world & ourselves its sane One of the key measures of adulthood is being prepared to walk against the tide Support the show Support the show
Nov 23, 2025 · 37 min
Ep 207 Tammy Huynh - Plants CAN be Companions and bridge us back to who we are!
As a new Mum, living in a new home, having just released a new book and fertilising the idea of reconnecting back to her Vietnamese heritage Tammy Huyhn is a light hearted joy. This lass knows a thing or two about plants - you may have seen her face on ABC's Gardening Australia and she runs her own hortucultural business Leaf an Impression which delivers garden talks and workshops...she has even been awarded horticulturist of the year! Todays conversation though, mostly asks "how does gardening bridge us back to our ancestral roots and remind us who we are". Post recording, Tammy thanked us for the unexpected therapy session - so its a short and sweet ep that still manages to dig beyond the top soil. We talked about: How Tammy's Vietnamese heritage influences her gardening practices Initially pursuing a career in agriculture before transitioning to writing Troubleshooting plant care effectively. How Motherhood brings both joy and challenges, impacting identity The crucial role of Community in sharing gardening knowledge The power of gardens to connect people across cultures & generations Starting with one plant can enhance mental well-being. The value of rest and self acceptance Loved this? Try another: Tim Pilgrim - Creating Wild Spaces; The Art Of Natural Design Pod Partners Rock: Australian Medicinal Herbs Code: Future5 Support the Show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Buy the Book - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togetherness Support the show
Nov 9, 2025 · 50 min
Ep 206 James McLennan From Playground to Paddock: Farming the Future of Education by creating 2.2 kms of garden bed in 24 hours
Come with us for a wander through the fertile grounds of possibility with James McLennon, the visionary behind Farm My School. Todays ep unearths how a patch of school soil can become so much more than a playground—it can nourish bodies, minds, and entire communities. From the thriving farm at Bellarine Secondary College to the ripple effects it’s having on students, neighbours, and local food systems, James shares how education and regeneration can thrive side by side. This is a story about reimagining our schools as living, breathing ecosystems—places where compost becomes curriculum and connection becomes the harvest. Tune in for a hopeful glimpse of a future where every school grows food, community, and a deep sense of belonging. We talked about: School grounds can become fertile community hubs—places that feed both bellies and belonging When locals roll up their sleeves together, school gardens become living lessons in connection Building a farm in a single day can spark a groundswell of hope, pride, and shared purpose Food production isn’t separate from education—it is education in its most delicious form Regenerative farming principles can take root in classrooms, teaching care for soil and soul alike Local food systems are the backbone of resilient communities and thriving futures When students grow food, they also grow confidence, calm, and mental well-being Partnering with local growers deepens food diversity and strengthens community ties The Farm My School model offers a blueprint for rewilding education from the ground up The vision ahead: a network of school farms growing food, connection, and a future of togetherness Pod Partners Rock: Australian Medicinal Herbs Code: Future5 Links You'll Love Farm My School online Loved this? Try these: Jamie Loveday - Sowing Seeds for Food Deserts in the City Support the Show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Buy the Book - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togetherness Support the show
Nov 2, 2025 · 2 hr 7 min
Ep 205 Dalee Ella - Connecting Humanity to the Inward and Outward Energies of Creativity
Jade and Dalee wander through the tender terrain where creativity, womanhood, and everyday life meet. Speaking openly about the way our inner cycles shape what we make and how we show up in the world — and how hard it can be to hold space for both art and livelihood. Together they explore the slow evolution of Dalee’s creative path, the courage it takes to collaborate, and the quiet emotional work of home-schooling while running a small business. Their chat drifts into community — the messy beauty of shared living in an intentional community, the texture that neurodiversity brings to family life, and the lessons learned from leaning into interdependence. It’s a conversation about connection — to self, to others, and to place. About boundaries that protect passions, creativity and community so we are reminded of who we each are and what our individual work is to do - within the collective. Today we ask what it means to live a life guided by values — to curate something meaningful, slow, and true. Buy their co-created perennial Futuresteading calendar Links You'll Love Dalee Ella Substack Loved this? Try another: EP 151, Dani Wolf, Mashing Together Mama Wisdom and Earth Wisdom Support the Show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Buy the Book - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togetherness Pod Partners Rock: Australian Medicinal Herbs Code: Future5 We talked about: Creativity rises and falls with our cycles; honouring them deepens the work Flat moods are quiet ground where truth takes root Art reminds us we belong to something vast Balancing commerce and creation asks for courage and clarity Our art shifts as we do — mirroring each inner season Collaboration thrives on bravery, honesty, and deep listening Homeschooling stirs chaos, wonder, and unexpected insight When values lead, both life and art hold meaning Creativity wanders, retreats, and blooms anew Awareness keeps our creative fires tended Simplicity and making offer a gentle kind of wealth Neurodiversity brings texture, colour, and grace to family life Community living teaches patience, humility, and belonging Shared spaces grow empathy and reciprocity Boundaries make tenderness possible Home reveals itself slowly, like a seed choosing where to root Living together reminds us how to give and receive with care Discomfort is the soil where growth begins Intentional living ripples outward in quiet legacy A meaningful life is curated through focus and gentle discernment Support the show
Oct 26, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
EP 204 The Passage of Self: Dance, Grief, and Heart Wisdom with Eclectica (Demi Lee)
In this episode, Demi Lee takes us deep into the story of Eclectica — a movement, a community, and a living expression of embodiment and transformation. Together, we explore how dance becomes a language for healing, how grief can serve as an elder and sacred teacher, and how true empowerment begins with self-responsibility. Demi shares the evolution of Eclectica from a creative experiment into a profound rite of passage — one that invites people to come home to their bodies, their emotions, and their truth. Through honest reflections on community, relationships, and heart-centered living, this conversation reveals how we can turn life’s challenges into initiations that reconnect us with purpose and love. It’s an exploration of what it means to live embodied, to honor our inner seasons, and to build communities that hold us through the cycles of becoming. Key Takeaways: - Grief is not just loss — it’s an initiation into depth, compassion, and the full spectrum of love. - Movement and dance can reconnect us with intuition, release stored emotion, and ground us in presence. - The Power of Community: holding people in the dark. - Self-Responsibility in Relationships: Owning our patterns and triggers allows for more authentic, heart-based connection. - Rites of Passage: rituals that mark transformation. - Choosing love, responsibility, boundaries, and honesty as guiding principles transforms how we show up in the world. - A journey into remembering who you are beneath the noise — embodied, empowered, and whole. Show Notes Eclectica - https://www.eclecticahub.com/ Passage of Self Online Course - https://www.eclecticahub.com/passage-of-self Support the Show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Buy the Books - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togetherness Support the show
Oct 19, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
Ep 203 Meg Ulman - The Beautiful Weight Of Living a Neo Peasant Life
In this conversation, Jade sits down with Meg Ulman (sadly not in person) — heart led writer, mother, educator, maker & one part of Artists as Family — to unpick what it really means to live on your own terms. They trace the winding road toward a neo-peasant life — one defined less by nostalgia & more by intention. They talk about living with a fundamental trust in yourself to make decisions, parenting within community & the grit & grace of staying true to your values. Meg describes herself as cash poor but time rich, together they explore what that trade-off really feels like. They talk about the ache of impermanence — how everything we love we will lose — what it means to become good at grief rather than trying to outrun it. What it feels like to feel alive, trusting your instinct to survive & holding a desire to be part of that holding — the invisible web that keeps us tethered to one another & to the earth itself. Meg shares her reflections on solitude, on listening deeply to the land beneath her feet & on the quiet privileges of aging — not as decline, but as initiation. There’s talk of ritual, of story & of the small daily acts that remind us who we are. It’s a conversation that doesn’t romanticise simplicity but celebrates the beauty & honesty of a life well noticed. Links You'll Love Artist As Family You Tube Loved this? Want More of Meg: Artist as family - rites of passage and grief Pod Partners Rock:Australian Medicinal Herbs Code: Future5 Show notes: The path to a neo-peasant life begins with tiny, conscious seeds — small shifts that grow into whole new ways of being To live authentically is to let your values lead, even when the world is shouting for you to do otherwise Raising kids in a web of real connection builds belonging that no algorithm can match To feel the full weight of love, we have to make peace with loss — grief is proof that we’ve lived deeply Parenting (and life) gets easier when we trust the quiet tug of intuition more than the noise of advice Simple living isn’t always easy — the work is real, but so is the satisfaction None of us are meant to do this alone; community is the net that catches us Feeling the whole spectrum — joy, ache, awe — is what it means to be truly alive Sometimes self-discovery starts with walking away from the script you were handed. Rites of passage & initiations remind us where we’ve been, and mark who we’re becoming Listening with your body — not just your head — tunes you into the language of the earth Solitude isn’t loneliness; it’s the quiet space where truth grows roots Moving from maiden to elder Aging is a privilege — each wrinkle a story of survival & grace Being time-rich beats being time-poor every single day Support the Show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Buy the Books - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togetherness Support the show
Oct 12, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
Ep 202 Navigating community - Life in an eco village with Suzie Brown
What does it really look like to live inside the dream of community? To share walls & gardens, decision-making & dinner tables — & to raise children in a village that actually lives its values? In this conversation, we sit down with Suzie Brown, long-time advocate for sustainable living & proud resident of the Narara Eco-Village. Suzie opens the gate & lets us wander through the realities of intentional community life — from the joy of shared purpose & spontaneous connection, to the inevitable challenges of governance, regulation & difference. She shares how Narara’s unique decision-making structures help navigate conflict, why research & planning matter long before the first foundation is laid & what it takes to keep a community diverse, accessible, & truly alive. This chat is as much about belonging as it is about building — about the quiet power of volunteering, the laughter that spills from community events & the deep satisfaction of knowing you’re part of something larger than yourself. So settle in & join us as we explore what happens when a group of humans decides to live more lightly — & more together. Pod Partners Rock: Australian Medicinal Herbs Code: Future5 Support the Show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Buy the Books: Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togetherness We talked about: How children benefit from growing up in a supportive environment Sociocracy allows for effective decision-making in communities Conflict resolution is crucial for the success of eco-villages Research into successful eco-villages informs best practices Accessibility and affordability are challenges for eco-village living Community events help integrate new members into the village Pets can be a contentious issue in community living Participating in an eco-village requires active engagement Community members are joint owners of the cooperative Building a sustainable community involves significant effort & collaboration The concept of 'pulsing' allows for shared leadership & energy levels Joy & fun are essential for community cohesion. Governance models like sociocracy help manage community dynamics Financial planning is crucial for the sustainability of eco-villages Regulatory challenges can hinder the building process in eco-villages Volunteering is a key aspect of community involvement Living in an eco-village fosters a deep sense of belonging Support the show
Oct 5, 2025 · 59 min
Ep 201 Tim Pilgrim - Creating Wild Spaces: The Art of Natural Design & The Interplay of Landscape & Storytelling
Today we wander into the layered world of Tim Pilgrim—a landscape architect and gardener who sees soil, water, and wildness as teachers. Tim invites us to connect with the land rather than control it, to design gardens that honour both human need and ecological integrity. Together we explore the art of observation and the quiet discipline of water management, learning how these practices build truly sustainable landscapes. Tim shares how gardens evolve over time, shaped by climate change and by the gentle hands—and sometimes heavy footprints—of people. We tackle the prickly debates too: lawns that demand more than they give, the dance between native and non-native plants, and the cultural stories that every planting choice can tell. Tim also speaks to the community side of gardening: how diversity—of species, of people, of ideas—creates resilience; how food can slip seamlessly into ornamental spaces; how the rhythm of a gardener’s life becomes a legacy of naturalistic design. This is a conversation for anyone ready to see gardens not just as pretty spaces but as living narratives—places where history, ecology, and our shared future root down together. We chatted about: Landscapes shape the stories we tell & vice versa A holistic approach to gardening fosters biodiversity Designing for wildness requires sensitivity & observation. Gardens should evolve with the needs of their inhabitants Climate change necessitates adaptable gardening practices Water management is crucial for sustainable gardening Human influence can coexist with natural ecosystems Saying phooey to lawns "I'm not a purist; I embrace all plants that look good" Gardens as spaces for community connection Gardening to build a rhythm that aligns with nature's cycles Gardens as places that reflect personal & cultural histories Gardens as inclusive spaces for all living things Links You'll Love Find Tim online including his book "Wild By Design" Loved this? Try another Shane Simonsen - Taming the apocalypse, exploring a post industrial world & maize making people mad Pod Partners Rock: Australian Medicinal Herbs Code: Future5 Support the Show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Buy the Book - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togetherness Support the show
Sep 28, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
Ep 200 Sarah Firth - The Polyhuman Experience: Embracing Complex Curiosity as a Catalyst for Connection
Today we wander into the wild tangle that is Sarah Firth’s world—a place where curiosity is currency and difference is pure gold. Sarah calls herself a polyhuman, and you’ll feel why as she opens up about neurodivergence, the grit and grace of making art, and the small, daily rituals that stitch meaning into our messy lives. This is a conversation about courage and kindness, about owning our impact while staying tender enough to connect. It’s an invitation to question the systems around us, take responsibility for the ripples we make, and revel in the glorious complexity of being human. We talked about: Being a polyhuman & adapting identity based on context How curiosity drives her interactions, leading to meaningful connections Neurodivergence has shaped her understanding of herself & her creativity Why art in all its forms serve as a medium for exploration & expression of complex emotions Courage is found in embracing differences & challenging mainstream narratives The creative process is iterative, involving learning from peers & experiences Humanity is complex, understanding this complexity fosters empathy Rituals in daily life can create meaning & connection to the world Finding 'enoughness' involves balancing personal joy with systemic responsibilities. Pod Partners Rock: Australian Medicinal Herbs Code: Future5 Links You'll Love Eventually Everything Connects - by Sarah Firth Sarah Firth Instagram Loved this ep? Try another Emily Ehlers - Hope is a Verb Support the Show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Buy the Book - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togetherness Support the show
Sep 21, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Ep 199 Debra Silverman - Understanding Nature Through the Four Elements & Knowing 'The Angels Aren't Having Orgasms!
Summary Today we slip into a cosmic campfire chat with Debra Silverman based in Colorado—where psychology shakes hands with the stars & the four elements (wind, earth, fire and water) become our guides. Debra’s journey weaves scepticism with wonder, showing how astrology (despite its esoteric nature can actually ground us in community and help us really see ourselves through practical, lived experience. Together Jade & Debra dig into the pull of ritual & nature, the strange hum of technology in our relationships, & the quiet wisdom our elders carry. It’s a conversation that asks us to honour the sacred in everyday life while daring to imagine what AI might mean for the humans we’re remembering to be. Links You'll Love Debra Silverman online Loved this? Try another: Fleur Chamber - Riding the Waves of Life with the Essence of Presence Cynthia Jurs - The Art of Sacred Activism We talked about The power that asserts itself when Astrology & psychology complement each other The four elements of Earth, Air, Wind & Fire are fundamental to understanding personalities. How scepticism about astrology can be addressed through practical application The role of Community in personal growth & learning The incredible role that Eldership brings to wisdom holding & the sense of responsibility that it entails Rituals & connection to nature are essential for well-being Why technology hinders genuine human connection Navigating change w awareness & adaptability How her personal growth has been a lifelong journey influenced by astrology The future of AI if it considers human values & compassion Pod Partners Rock Australian Medicinal Herbs Code: Future5 Support the Show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Buy the Book - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togetherness Support the show
Sep 14, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
Ep 198 Stephen Jenkinson -The Mother of a Culture, When You’re Asked to Make it "Real"
In this episode, we welcome Stephen Jenkinson—writer, teacher, storyteller, and founder of the Orphan Wisdom School. Stephen is known for breaking open the marrow of language and returning it in all its poetic weight. His work on elderhood, grief, dying wise, and the making (and unmaking) of culture has touched people all over the world. His newest book, Matrimony: Ritual, Culture, and the Heart’s Work, takes on what he calls the “mother of a culture”—the wedding. In a time when so many weddings risk becoming performances, spectacles, or non-events, Stephen asks: what would it mean to make a wedding real? In this conversation we explore: Why vows are not the same as promises How families, friends, and communities become witnesses rather than spectators Why weddings matter in a culture of high divorce rates and discredited rituals What it means for the union of two people to implicate everyone present The difference between a ceremony that entertains and a ceremony that truly happens This is not just a conversation about marriage. It’s about consequence, culture, and what it might take to make our ceremonies—and our lives—real. Links You'll Love Orphan Wisdom Matrimony the Book Arc + Craft: An Exploration of Creativity and Culture Making Event Loved this ep? Try this one: 160 Manda Scott - Pondering how we became accidental gods of this land & seeking connection to it with humility not control Pod Partners Rock: Australian Medicinal Herbs Code: Future5 Support the Show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Buy the Book - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togetherness Support the show
Sep 7, 2025 · 42 min
Ep 197 Gregg Muller - Creating Climate Resilience with Community Saved Seeds!
Lets dig into the quiet, radical world of seeds with plant breeder & seed keeper Gregg Muller. Gregg’s journey has been about more than growing food — it’s about safeguarding diversity, resilience & flavour in the face of a changing climate. From his work on the Cross Hemisphere Dwarf Tomato Project to the community breeding groups he champions, Gregg shows how ordinary gardeners can become part of something much bigger: shaping plants that thrive where we live. We talk about the simple, practical steps of saving seed, but also about the deeper shift in perspective — moving away from industrial uniformity & back towards local adaptation, community sharing & seed sovereignty. It’s a conversation that reminds us that resilience starts in our own backyards, one seed at a time Links You'll Love from Gregg: Food Security through Biodiversity and Promiscuous Pollination by Joseph Lofthouse Breed Your Own Vegetable Varieties: The Gardener's and Farmer's Guide to Plant Breeding and SeedSaving By Carol Deppe https://goingtoseed.org/ https://osseeds.org/ Central Victorian Adaptive Crop Breeding Project His online seed shop https://www.seedsavers.org.au/ Pod Partners Rock:Australian Medicinal Herbs Code: Future5 Support the Show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Buy the Book - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togetherness Loved this ep? Try this one: Shane Simonsen - Taming the apocalypse Pod Partners Rock: Australian Medicinal Herbs Code: Future5 We chatted about: Saving seeds from homegrown vegetables. Creating new varieties through cross-pollination. The Cross Hemisphere Dwarf Tomato Project Genetic diversity is crucial for resilient crops in changing climates. Diversity in crops helps ensure food security. Breeding as a community effort Community, fostering local adaptation & resilience Genetic diversity is crucial for climate resilience in crops Modern seed production often limits genetic diversity Rethinking agricultural practices can lead to better outcomes. Seed banks play a vital role in food security. Individuals can take practical steps to save seeds. Support the show
Aug 31, 2025 · 55 min
Ep 196 Angela Clifford - Long Term Thinking in a Short-Term World, Empowering Food Citizens for Change
Today we’re pulling up a chair with Angela Clifford — farmer, food activist & founder of Eat New Zealand — to talk about the stuff that really matters: food, culture, community & the future our kids will inherit. Together we wander through big ideas & very real feelings — from the responsibility of feeding a nation to the grief & hope that come with caring deeply for place. Permaculture principles, family dynamics, natural systems & the wisdom that lives beyond humans all get a look-in. This one’s about finding steadiness in uncertain times & remembering that the way we eat, grow & gather can be an anchor for resilience, connection & joy. Links You'll Love Eat NZ The Food Farm Loved this ep? Try this one: Osprey Oriel Lake - the story is in our bones Pod Partners Rock:Australian Medicinal Herbs Code: Future5 Support the Show Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee Regular Support - Patreon Buy the Book - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togetherness We chatted about: It's not just one person's work; it's a collective responsibility. Feeling a deep sense of obligation for future generations. Natural systems provide inspiration and strength. Small changes can shift large systems. Understanding food systems is crucial for meaningful contributions. Food citizenship empowers individuals to affect change. Cultural acknowledgment is essential in a national context. Permaculture principles guide long-term thinking. Community sufficiency is prioritized over self-sufficiency. Navigating family dynamics requires courage and shared values. Community thrives when the community thrives. In uncertain times, community becomes essential. Grief can lead to meaningful action. Natural landscapes offer grounding and wisdom. Personal experiences shape our understanding of the world. We can make a difference in our local environments. Elders can be found in nature, not just in humans. Facing grief allows for growth and perspective. Connection to the land is vital for our existence. We have a role to play in regeneration. Support the show