Every so often, I have a conversation on the podcast that really sticks with me, inspires me, and makes me grateful to have a platform to share it. This was one of those conversations. This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tenijah Hamilton of Bring Birds Back, a podcast about the joy of birds and the way humans can help them through simple, everyday actions. Tenijah is a writer, and executive and creative producer with a passion for using the transformative art of storytelling to instigate change.

For this week's episode, I’m speaking with Michael Washington. Michael is the founder of Usal Project, an LA-based community offering experiences and goods for the modern nature enthusiast. Usal hosts over 20 monthly experiences that (in addition to forest therapy) include: foraging and herb walks, falconry, oceanic species dives, incense-making workshops, flower arranging classes, community hikes, and more. In this conversation, Michael and I talk about the importance of cultivating community in a world where people are struggling with loneliness. We also discuss his relationship with nature growing up in Texas, how the music industry shaped his path, the origin story of Usal, why diverse perspectives and voices are essential in the outdoor space, and Michael’s perspective on failure, self-doubt and building a rapidly growing business. Resources:Usal ProjectArticle: How Loneliness is Damaging Our Health Subscribe to the Our Nature Monthly Newsletter  -  full of special announcements, resources, recommendations and tools and practices for your expansionShow Notes:Michael’s relationship to nature growing up as a child in San Antonio “the biggest little city”How being in the music industry planted the seed for Michael’s current pathMichael shares the insight and opportunity that inspired him to create Usal ProjectMichael’s invitation to listeners that will fundamentally improve your lifeThe common barriers that prevent people from exploring the outdoorsMichael’s intention when it comes to the curation of nature-based classes for UsalLife lessons that come from trying new activitiesThe unconventional way Michael structures his business and what it means to be “Usal”Michael Washington gets real about perfectionism, self-doubt, creative output, growing a businessFailure as the greatest gift - “I’m more happy failing with something I really liked than failing with something I really tried to make other people like…because then you’re just lost.”What people may be surprised to learn about Michael 

What does a healthy, fulfilling partnership look and feel like? How can we navigate the trials and tribulations of romantic relationships with grace? This episode, part 2 of the relationship series, explores the lessons and experiences that shape what I’m referring to as a “conscious relationship.” The first part of this series, episode 62, revealed the types of relationships and patterns that my partner David and I were in before we met. This episode brings you into our current relationship dynamics and what we’ve learned about ourselves and each other in the four and a half years of our partnership.

Welcome to the wild ride that is the Relationship Series. In this conversation, my partner David and I embrace radical honesty to share our often challenging journeys with romantic relationships and how these experiences have shaped our relationships with ourselves and each other. P.S. - stay tuned to the end of the episode for a big announcement ;)

What is horticultural therapy? And what are the lessons that the garden teaches us about ourselves. In this episode, Horticultural Therapist Erik Keller brings us into the world of plants, soil and possibility ~

If you’re a city person who is curious about rural living, this episode is for you. If you’re a budding home cook interested in being more intentional about the ingredients you use, this episode is for you. If you’re interested in reducing food waste as a way to make an impact, I think you'll like this episode.

RESOURCES:EP 58: Flipping the Script: (Hard Won Lessons from the Past Year) with Alyssa BenjaminReturn to Nature BookEmma’s WebsiteSHOW NOTES:Emma’s relationship to nature as a childWhat inspired Emma to write her book “Return to Nature”The reasons she organized “Return to Nature” by a series of eight distinct landscapesThe intention around using the word “return” in the titleCrafting a new definition of “wellness”An overview and practice for each of the 8 landscapes (parks and gardens, oceans, mountains, forests and trees, ice and snow, desert, rivers, cities and built environments)Why accessibility matters when it comes nature relationshipAll about aweHow we can all find our “desert eyes”How people living in cities can still have powerful experiences in natureMicro-dosing on nature: How small is too small when it comes to building deeper nature-relationshipA passage from “Return to Nature” that represents kinship and belongingHow writing the book changed Emma’s relationship with the more-than-human-worldThe last five questions>>> For the full show notes, head to: www.ournaturepodcast.com/episodes

We're back! In the first episode of Season 5, Alyssa's partner David interviews her about what it's been like to pause this podcast and her business for almost a year. Topics include: burnout, working in tech, forest therapy and adhd.

This week, I’m speaking with Farmer Rishi, a farmer, educator and consultant based in Los Angeles working in the field of regeneration. Everything Rishi does is with the intention to help people understand the basic principles behind healing of our bodies: both our physical bodies and our Earthen body.Resources:Sardovaya FarmsHealing GardensRishi’s WebsiteHomecoming courseConnect with Alyssa> Homecoming is a four-day retreat in Ojai, California and 6-week course. If you're feeling burnt out, stuck and/or going through a major transition in your life, Homecoming is an experience that will supercharge your intuition, help you build an inner stability and clarify your path forward. You'll walk away from Homecoming feeling more joy, ease and spaciousness in your life. I have two spots left, claim yours by applying below:APPLY to Homecoming (application will take you less than five min.!)Learn more about HomecomingFor the full show notes, head to: www.ournaturepodcast.com/episodes

This week I’m speaking with Regina Rocke, a breathwork teacher, and healer who uses many modalities including yoga, tarot, Ayurveda, and movement practices to help people in their spiritual journeys.Regina knows firsthand what the healing path requires. They say: “It was through great discomfort, emotional upheaval, and a lot of self-loathing that I came to this life of offering up ways for people to heal through connection to their bodies.” Their work is an invitation and they truly believes that you can (and should) decide what is right for you in any given moment. In this conversation, we discuss: Regina’s relationship with nature as a child, the experience that reconnected Regina to the natural world, what brought Regina to Ayurveda, Regina’s healing journey: what it’s been and what it is now, why healing is layered and more complex for some people than others, what breathwork has brought to Regina’s life, and advice for people looking to cultivate more awareness when it comes to breathing deeply and more fully.What I really appreciate about Regina is how real they are about what healing has looked like and continues to look like for them. I really trust a guide who is continuously growing and evolving, who doesn’t pretend like they have it all figured out, and that is Regina.So, let’s dive into my conversation with Regina Rocke.ResourcesJacob Riis BeachAbsolute Beauty book by Dr. Pratima RaichurKripalu’s ayurveda programHomecoming courseConnect with Alyssa> A four-day retreat in Ojai, California and 6-week course.APPLY to Homecoming (application will take you less than five min.!)Learn more about HomecomingFor the full show notes, head to: www.ournaturepodcast.com/episodes