Simply ReWilding

About Simply ReWilding

Welcome to Simply Rewilding, a podcast that delves into the timeless wisdom of nature to inspire and empower you toward a simpler and wilder way of life. Are you stressed out, disconnected, and feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of modern life? Join hosts Allison and Kimberly in weekly episodes filled with practical tips, thought-provoking conversations, and insights to help you embrace simplicity, create the life you need, and reconnect with nature. From exploring the therapeutic benefits of movement or sunlight, to decluttering your life, each episode is crafted to equip you with actionable knowledge that helps you reduce stress, boost your well-being, or deepen your connection with the earth. This podcast not only provides guidance but also fosters a community of discovery and transformation as we all embark on this journey together. Tune in and embark on this empowering adventure with us as we rediscover the beauty and wisdom of living in harmony with nature. Together, let's explore how rewilding can enrich every aspect of our lives, from physical health to emotional well-being, and beyond.

Publisher

Simply Rewilding

Category

education · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Jul 2024

Latest episode

18 Mar 2025

Latest episodes

30 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Mar 2025

   Women's History Month: Stories of Women Who Turned to Nature for Solace, Inspiration, and Purpose

   Episode Title: Women's History Month: Stories of Women Who Turned to Nature for Solace, Inspiration, and Purpose Episode Number: 029 Release Date: March 18, 2025 In this special episode, we celebrate Women's History Month by highlighting the incredible contributions of women in nature, conservation, and art. From groundbreaking environmentalists to inspiring poets, these women have left an indelible mark on the world. Join us as we dive into the stories of Wangari Maathai, Grandma Gatewood, and Mary Oliver, and explore how their work continues to inspire us today. Key Highlights: Introduction to Women's History Month (0:59) The challenge of narrowing down the many amazing women in nature to feature in this episode. Acknowledgment of the countless women who have made significant contributions to conservation, science, and art. The idea of a potential spinoff podcast series dedicated to highlighting more women in nature. Wangari Maathai: The Hummingbird Who Made a Difference (3:37) Background: Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan environmentalist, political activist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, founded the Green Belt Movement. Key Quote: "No matter who or where we are or what our capabilities, we are called to do the best we can." The Hummingbird Story: A folktale about a hummingbird who, despite being mocked, does her best to combat a forest fire, inspiring others to join her. Impact: Maathai’s work led to the planting of over 30 million trees, empowered local women, and challenged political corruption in Kenya. Legacy: Her story is a testament to the power of grassroots activism and the importance of individual action in addressing global challenges. Grandma Gatewood: The Trailblazing Hiker (15:52) Background: Emma Gatewood, known as Grandma Gatewood, was the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail at the age of 67. Her Journey: Despite a difficult upbringing and an abusive marriage, Gatewood found solace in nature and went on to hike the trail three times, inspiring the ultralight hiking movement. Key Moments: Crossing rivers with the help of strangers, enduring hurricanes, and her fearless attitude toward life. Legacy: Gatewood’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and that small acts of courage can lead to significant change. Mary Oliver: The Poet of Nature (39:37) Background: Mary Oliver, an American poet, is celebrated for her evocative poetry that celebrates the natural world. Key Quote: "To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work." Her Work: Oliver’s poetry explores themes of nature, human experience, and the profound beauty found in everyday life. Personal Connection: The host shares how Oliver’s poetry has been a source of inspiration and comfort throughout her life. Poems Read: "The Sun" and "Wild Geese" — both of which invite readers to pay attention to the world around them and find their place in the "family of things." Closing Thoughts (56:32) The importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women in nature. The idea that even small actions, like the hummingbird’s drops of water, can lead to significant change when communities come together. A call to listeners to explore the stories of more women in nature and to consider the impact of their own actions. Featured Women: Wangari Maathai: Environmentalist, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and founder of the Green Belt Movement. Grandma Gatewood (Emma Gatewood): First woman to hike the Appalachian Trail and a pioneer of ultralight hiking. Mary Oliver: Pulitzer Prize-winning poet whose work celebrates the natural world and encourages mindfulness. Resources Mentioned: Books about Wangari Maathai: Wangari's Trees of Peace : A True Story From Africa by Jeanette Winter. Unbowed: A Memoir by Wangari Maathai. Wangari Maathai : The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees by Franck Prévo Book about Grandma Gatewood: Grandma Gatewood's Walk by Ben Montgomery. Grandma Gatewood : Hikes the Appalachian Trail by Jennifer Thermes. Mary Oliver’s Poetry Collections: Devotions, American Primitive, and Dream Work. Call to Action: Share Your Stories: If you know of other women in nature who inspire you, let us know! Explore Further: Check out the books and resources mentioned in this episode to learn more about these incredible women. Join the Conversation: Follow us on social media and share your thoughts on this episode using the hashtag #WomenInNature. Closing Quote: "Meanwhile, the world goes on. Meanwhile, the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscape, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers. Meanwhile, the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again." — Mary Oliver, Wild Geese

2. 

   11 Mar 2025

   Revisited: Rewilding Your Windowsill: Bringing Nature Indoors with Houseplants

   Episode Title: Revisited: Rewilding Your Windowsill: Bringing Nature Indoors with Houseplants Episode Number: 028 Release Date: March 11, 2025 Key Topics Covered: Introduction to Simply Rewilding Allison and Kimberly introduce the podcast’s mission: focusing on what’s important, relearning lost skills, and reconnecting with nature. They share their personal journeys and how nature plays a role in their lives. The Beauty of Nature Quotes Kelly shares a meaningful quote about nature and patience, sparking a discussion on how it applies to life and gardening. Kelly’s Journey to Gardening Kelly talks about her background and how she transitioned from a geography degree to running her own gardening business. She shares how working with plants brought her peace and joy, leading her to start her own business. Inside Petal & Spade Kelly’s business focuses on creating beautiful, artful gardens with a mix of colors, textures, and patterns. She discusses her love for foliage and the importance of experimenting with different plants. Gardening Tips for Beginners Kelly offers advice for those new to gardening: start with the right plant for the right place, don’t be afraid to fail, and learn as you go. She emphasizes the importance of understanding light, water, and temperature needs for plants. Challenges of Gardening in Different Climates Kelly discusses the unique challenges of gardening in a subtropical climate, including dealing with intense heat, drought, and heavy rain. She highlights the importance of using native plants and understanding your specific environment. The Importance of Observing Nature Kelly shares how observing and understanding your environment is key to successful gardening. She encourages listeners to spend time outdoors, notice changes in nature, and find joy in the little things. Benefits of Indoor Plants Indoor plants can boost mood, improve mental health, and bring life into your home. Kelly debunks the myth that houseplants significantly purify the air and suggests focusing on their mental health benefits instead. Working with Your Hands The mental and emotional benefits of working with your hands, whether it’s gardening, crafting, or other activities. How gardening can be a family activity that builds community and connection. Choosing Your First Houseplant Kelly’s recommendations for beginner-friendly houseplants, including pothos, snake plants, and philodendrons. Tips for caring for these plants, including watering schedules and light requirements. Favorite Houseplants Kelly shares her favorite houseplants and why she loves them. Allison and Kimberly also share their favorite plants and how they incorporate them into their homes. Final Thoughts on Plant Care Kelly’s final message: Bring a little bit of nature into your life, whether it’s one plant or a hundred. The joy and mental health benefits of caring for plants, even if you’re not a “plant person.” Key Takeaways: Start Small: Begin with easy-to-care-for plants and gradually expand your collection. Pay Attention: Observe your plants and your environment to understand their needs. Don’t Fear Failure: It’s okay to make mistakes—learn from them and try again. Connect with Nature: Find ways to reconnect with the natural world, whether through gardening, spending time outdoors, or simply bringing a plant into your home. Houseplants as Friends: Treat your plants as living beings that bring joy and structure to your life. Resources Mentioned: Kelly Kruger’s Business: Petal & Spade – Find her on Instagram and Facebook. Gardening Inspiration: Follow Martha Stewart’s gardener, Ryan McAllister, on Instagram for beautiful gardening ideas. Closing Thoughts: Allison and Kimberly thank Kelly for sharing her wisdom and passion for plants. They encourage listeners to take small steps toward rewilding their lives, whether through gardening, spending more time outdoors, or simply bringing a plant into their home. Follow Simply Rewilding on Instagram @SimplyRewilding for more nature-inspired content!

3. 

   25 Feb 2025

   Rewilding the Blue Ridge: Paula Whyman’s Journey to Restore a Mountaintop Meadow

   Episode Title: Rewilding the Blue Ridge: Paula Whyman’s Journey to Restore a Mountaintop Meadow Episode Number: 027 Release Date: February 25, 2025 Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Paula Whyman, author of Bad Naturalist: One Woman's Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop. Paula shares her journey of restoring native meadows on a 200-acre property in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From her initial idealistic vision to the challenges of invasive species, ecological whack-a-mole, and the delicate balance of ecosystems, Paula’s story is one of perseverance, discovery, and rewilding. We dive into the importance of native plants, the interconnectedness of ecosystems, and how small actions can lead to big impacts in conservation. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a gardener, or someone curious about ecological restoration, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration. Key Topics Discussed: Introducing Paula Whyman Paula’s background and her book, Bad Naturalist, which chronicles her efforts to restore native meadows on a Virginia mountaintop. Her transition from suburban life to managing a 200-acre property, including 75 acres of open meadow. The Pull of the Mountain How Paula’s childhood fascination with nature evolved into a passion for native plants and ecological restoration. The pivotal moment she and her husband decided to take on the challenge of restoring a mountaintop meadow. The Challenges of Ecological Restoration Dealing with invasive species, learning from mistakes, and redefining success. The importance of native plants and their role in supporting pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. Dominion Rock and Human-Nature Relationships The symbolism of Dominion Rock and its connection to the history of human interaction with the land. How the land has been shaped by centuries of agricultural use, from apple orchards to cattle pastures. The Interconnectedness of Ecosystems Examples of mutualism, such as the relationship between black cherry trees, caterpillars, ants, and pollinators. Why invasive species disrupt these delicate balances and the ripple effects on ecosystems. What Can We Do? Practical steps for tackling invasive species in your own backyard. The importance of identifying native plants and supporting local ecosystems. Rewilding Ourselves How Paula’s relationship with nature has evolved through her restoration journey. The value of slowing down, observing, and connecting with the natural world. The Joy of Small Victories Hearing the call of the northern bobwhite quail and spotting a kestrel as signs of progress. The Grassland Bird Initiative and efforts to support declining grassland bird species. Notable Quotes: On Invasive Species:"Invasive plants left their predators back home. They come here and reproduce without pressure, forming monocultures that native wildlife can’t use." On Rewilding:"The more I look at things, the more curious I am about why they’re there and what role they play. It’s motivating and leads to action." On Success:"Start small, think big. It’s okay to be idealistic. Even if the journey is harder than you thought, you’re in it, and that’s what matters." Resources Mentioned: Books: Wilding by Isabella Tree Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy Apps/Tools: Picture This (plant identification app) iNaturalist (crowdsourced species identification) Organizations: Blue Ridge Prism (invasive species management resources) Grassland Bird Initiative Where to Find Paula Whyman: Website: PaulaWhyman.com Newsletter: Subscribe for monthly updates on her mountain restoration journey. Social Media: Instagram: @paulawhymanauthor Blue Sky: @PaulaWhyman Mastodon: @PaulaWhyman LinkedIn: Paula Whyman Call to Action: Read the Book: Bad Naturalist  is available in hardcover, audiobook, and ebook formats wherever books are sold. Engage: Share your own ecological restoration stories or questions with Paula via her website or social media and email us at hello@simplyrewilding.com Take Action: Start small by identifying native plants in your area and replacing invasive species with native alternatives. Closing Thoughts: Paula Whyman’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, persistence, and the profound impact one person can have on the natural world. Whether you’re inspired to plant a native garden, tackle invasive species, or simply take a closer look at the world around you, this episode is a reminder that every small action contributes to a healthier planet.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

84

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.