Forest Alchemy is a gathering space for the soulful and the soil-bound, where love lives in the rhythm of the wild. Hosted by Mike and Ally of Soul Fire Forest (intentional co-parenting community)—partners in life, love, and land—this podcast explores the alchemy of community, parenting, permaculture, and creative living on their community forest homestead. From fire-lit workshops and regenerative projects to tender conversations about connection and transformation, Forest Alchemy is a story-rich space rooted in reciprocity and wonder. Come sit by the hearth, walk the wooded path, and join a growing network of wild-hearted listeners weaving a more connected world.
Perfect Unfolding by Kristy Halvorsen: Leaving “Normal” and Following the Call 🌲 Episode 10 From the Forest Edge
Sometimes life falls apart. Sometimes it unfolds.
In this episode of Forest Alchemy, we sit down with author Kristy Halvorsen, whose book Perfect Unfolding explores what happens when you stop trying to control every outcome and start listening for what life is actually asking of you.
Kristy didn’t always live this way. She began her career as a mechanical engineer, later spent fourteen years as a firefighter and paramedic, and eventually felt the pull toward something deeper. In 2017 she sold most of what she owned and set out on a modern-day walkabout, living off-grid in an Airstream and migrating with the seasons.
Since then she’s been writing, traveling, and helping people rediscover who they truly are — not by pushing harder, but by trusting the unfolding.
In this conversation we explore:
• What it really means to follow the call of your life• Letting go of the idea of “normal”• The tension between planning and surrender• Nature as teacher and guide• Freedom, independence, and interdependence
And yes… we also spend a surprising amount of time talking about composting toilets.
Because sometimes the path to spiritual insight runs straight through a conversation about poop.
Welcome to Forest Alchemy.
Learn more at https://soulfireforest.podbean.com
Explore Soul Fire Forest events, workshops, and community offerings at http://www.soulfireforest.com
Learn more about Kristy Halvorsen and Perfect Unfolding at https://perfectunfolding.com
8 Mar 2026
Nature Is the Therapist: A Conversation with author Julie Brams 🌲 Episode 9 from the Forest Edge
After many months away, Forest Alchemy returns with a conversation that feels like a remembering. We sit down with author Julie Brams to talk about her new book The Nature Embedded Mind and the quiet but life-changing idea that nature is not a backdrop to human life, but kin, relationship, and home.
Together we explore separation from nature as a real wound, the healing that becomes possible when we rebuild relationship with the living world, and what shifts when we stop seeing ourselves as apart from the earth. We talk about reciprocity, ancient knowing, children’s natural connection to the more-than-human world, and the hope that comes with remembering we were never meant to do this alone.
Forest Alchemy is the podcast of Mike and Ally from Soul Fire Forest, for people drawn to community, permaculture, nature, healing, practical skills, inner and outer regeneration, and the kind of conversations that make you feel a little more human and a little less alone.
Learn more at https://soulfireforest.podbean.com
Explore Soul Fire Forest events, workshops, and community offerings at http://www.soulfireforest.com
Learn more about Julie Brams and The Nature Embedded Mind at https://www.juliebrams.com/books
10 Sept 2025
Feeding Ourselves with Trees (with author Elspeth Hay) 🌲 Episode 8 from the Forest Edge
🌳 Episode 8 – Feeding Ourselves with Trees (with Elspeth Hay) 🌳
In this episode we sit down with Elspeth Hay — writer, radio host, and author of Feed Us With Trees. What began as a simple curiosity about acorns and eating from trees grew into a conversation that wove together food, history, and healing. 🌰✨
We dive into:🌿 The forgotten role of nut trees in feeding entire communities for thousands of years🔥 Cultural fire practices, biochar, and how humans can act as a keystone species instead of a burden🌳 The history of the commons in Europe and how its enclosure still ripples through our food system today🪵 Basketry, weaving, and traditional ecological knowledge🥖 Food politics, sugar industry myths, and what “healthy food” really means when it comes from a healthy place
Along the way we share our own stories of gathering acorns by flashlight, experimenting with fire and soil building, and re-imagining our relationship with the land as one of kinship instead of domination. Elspeth’s stories remind us that humans are not separate from nature — we are part of the mycelial web of life, capable of bringing more abundance when we step back into our role with care and creativity. 🌎🤝
This is one of those conversations that leaves you seeing the world differently — more hopeful, more connected, and more inspired to try it yourself. 🌲💫
🎥 Prefer to watch? This episode is also available as a video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/UQ1yK0Vi9N8
3 Sept 2025
Root to Rise Reflections 🌲 Episode 7 from the Forest Edge
On this episode of Forest Alchemy, we gather in circle with some of the incredible humans who stayed through Sunday morning of our very first Root to Rise Skillshare weekend. What started as a closing conversation became a heartfelt exploration of what community really means—how it shows up in times of change, how it restores hope, and how it gives us strength to keep creating a new way of living.
You’ll hear stories of land stewardship, food forests, and visions for intentional community. We talk about intergenerational wisdom, rituals and rites of passage, resilience, and what it means to raise kids in connection rather than isolation. We touch on permaculture, plant communication, health, and the healing that comes from sharing meals, tools, stories, and laughter.
This episode is raw, real, and full of gratitude—for the friendships formed, the lessons shared, and the reminder that none of us are meant to do this alone. Root to Rise was more than a weekend gathering; it was proof that when we show up with open hearts, community grows.
Come sit with us, feel the sparks of reciprocity, and imagine the future we are all building together. 🌱🔥🌳
22 Aug 2025
Healing Trauma & Conscious Parenting with Nikki Janowiak 🌲 Episode 6 from the Forest Edge
In this episode of Forest Alchemy, we sit down with our dear friend Nikki Janowiak—a TRTP (The Richards Trauma Process) practitioner at Land of Light in Paw Paw, Michigan. Nikki shares her journey into trauma healing work, the power of addressing the unconscious mind, and how TRTP helps people rewrite core beliefs and step into empowerment.
We also dive into conscious parenting, the importance of repair, and embracing emotions like anxiety and guilt as guides instead of enemies. Nikki opens up about her family’s adventure of downsizing into an RV, traveling to Florida, and beginning to build their dream home on new land.
This conversation weaves together trauma healing, parenting, community, and the courage to step into a new way of living.
✨ Topics we explore:
What TRTP is and how it works with the unconscious mind
Parenting as a spiritual path and the importance of repair
Befriending anxiety and shifting patterns of guilt and shame
Downsizing, traveling, and starting fresh on new land
The balance of relationships and following creative callings
As always, we close with a Forest Echo, featuring wisdom from Gabor Maté and Dr. Shefali Tsabary on parenting, presence, and the awakened family.
2 Jul 2025
What Does Community Mean to You? Voices from Pyro Music Festival
Musicians Chase Makai, Willie (Pillars of Rome), and Amber Echo discuss community, creative economies, and soul connections at the Pyro Music Festival, revealing the essence of community.
5 Jun 2025
Rooted in Wisdom: A Garden Tour with Keith Johnson🌲 Episode 4 from the Forest Edge
Permaculture teacher Keith Johnson shares stories and practical tips from his lush gardens, food forest, and orchard, offering inspiration for both seasoned permaculturists and beginners in this interview with Mike and Ally.
31 May 2025
Weirdos in the Garden: Soil, Soul, and Starting a Community with Liberty Bane 🌲 Episode 3 from the Forest Edge
Liberty Bane recounts the origins of Soul Fire Forest, discussing permaculture paths, community parenting, and embracing individuality with hosts Mike and Ally in this interview.
22 May 2025
Poop, Preparedness & Power🌲 Episode 2 from the Forest Edge
Hosts Mike and Ally explore regenerative living through discussions on composting toilets, raising animals, weather preparedness, and alternative energy, offering insights into resilient and efficient lifestyles.
16 May 2025
Quacks, Compost, and Community 🌲 Episode 1 from the Forest Edge
Hosts Mike and Ally explore springtime homestead activities like raising ducklings and building compost, while neighbor Keith's visit highlights the joys of community living near the forest; this is not an interview.
Who has been a guest on Forest Alchemy w/ Mike & Ally
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Chase Makai
Willie
Amber Echo
Keith Johnson
Liberty Bane
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5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 9 / 100
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Quality
18
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
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