When I mention the phrase “climate change,” does your mind immediately go to doom and gloom? I think we’re all plagued by a bit of fatalism when it comes to the subject... I know I tend to be. But there may just be hope on the horizon! Through a combination of ingenious technology, our climate future might just look a little brighter today than it did yesterday.&nbsp; In this episode, I’ll share with you the story of Bill Gross, a US businessman who uses his shrewd acumen for the business and tech worlds for a greater good. Bill has put his incredible business skills to great use in the fight against climate change and has tackled some of the issue’s most important problems.&nbsp; Did you know that in 2017, the cost of solar energy actually became cheaper than fossil fuel? Listen to find out how it may just be possible to fix the solar energy storage conundrum and switch to a cleaner, more renewable system.&nbsp;Tune in to Episode 24 of Flowerhood, to hear my musings on the relationship between natural growing patterns and the start-up world and to hear Bill Gross’s story and his achievements in climate technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;In this episode, you will learn:<ul><li>About Bill Gross and his fascinating backstory (5:20)</li><li>How Bill became interested in alternative energy sources (6:52)</li><li>What factors go into successful startups-- and which ones matter the most (9:37)</li><li>About the similarities I find between natural, seasonal winters and an “economic winter” (13:05)</li><li>How our CO2 emissions are affecting our climate (15:18)</li><li>About Moore’s Law and how it might be useful in designing cheaper, more efficient energy storage (17:50)</li><li>About Bill’s strategy for solar energy storage (20:20)</li><li>The future possibilities of solar energy (21:08)</li></ul> &nbsp;Let’s Connect!<ul><li><a href="https://www.flowerhood.co.nz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Website</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Flowerhoods" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/Flowerhoods/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li></ul> Resources Mentioned<ul><li><a href="https://youtu.be/bNpx7gpSqbY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&nbsp;The Single Biggest Reason Startups Succeed - Bill Gross</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EKx7aEzXb0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Replacing Fuels With Sunlight</a></li><li><a href="https://heliogen.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Heliogen</a></li><li><a href="https://energyvault.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Energy Vault - Enabling a Renewable World</a></li></ul>

Bill Gross, Renewable Energy, Our planet and Hope

Do you find yourself muddling through sleepless nights and groggy days? Constantly frazzled, feeling anxious and exhausted? I’d love to share with you my techniques for a restful, full night’s sleep, as well as a tip for correcting your circadian rhythm. In this episode, I want to share with you a guided meditation journey through nature. Think of it as a reset for a stressful day or the perfect start to a tranquil night. I also discuss some of the modern technology standing between us and optimal rest.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tune in to Episode 23 of Flowerhood, to learn how to trade our smartphones, tablets, and artificial light for peace, calm, and rejuvenation.&nbsp; Join me for a guided meditation starting at 10:55. (But please make sure you’re not driving while listening! You might be a little too relaxed for that!)&nbsp;In this episode, you will learn:<ul><li>How camping can be beneficial to resetting your circadian rhythm (1:28)</li><li>How the last 150 years of electricity has manipulated our natural rest patterns (2:01)</li><li>The ways meditation can enhance neuroplasticity and what that means for you and your sleep (5:53)</li><li>About my own successful sleep practices (6:34)</li><li>The surprising (and quantifiable!) benefits of an afternoon nap (8:04)</li><li>Guided meditation (10:53)</li></ul> &nbsp;Let’s Connect!<ul><li><a href="https://www.flowerhood.co.nz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Website</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Flowerhoods" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/Flowerhoods/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li></ul> Resources Mentioned<ul><li><a href="https://www.flowerhood.co.nz/2020/11/18/handy-tips-for-a-good-nights-sleep-head-into-nature" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Flowerhood Episode 14: Sleep &amp; Nature</a></li><li>Book: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Visualization-Power-Imagination-Create/dp/1577312295" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shakti Gawain- Creative Visualization&nbsp;</a></li><li>YouTube Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPYhcdFgrlUXiGmPRAej1w" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jason Stephenson- Guided Sleep Meditations</a></li></ul>

Guided Meditation in Nature

Have you ever observed something in nature that led you to a realization about your own life? Maybe you, too, have seen Earth’s beautiful resiliency in the face of adversity.&nbsp; In this episode, I want to share some of the incredible beauty right here in my avocado orchard and explore what we can learn from it. The last year has left so many of us feeling anxious, stressed, and down, but maybe we’re all just pumpkins waiting to flourish in a patch of weeds.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tune in to Episode 22 of Flowerhood, to learn how the only constant in life is that there is no constant, and how we can use that to our advantage.&nbsp;In this episode, you will learn:<ul><li>The event that brought me to becoming a podcast host, one year ago this week. (01:13)</li><li>A quick update on my avocado orchard. (4:36)</li><li>The beauty and balance of the orchard’s environment. (7:29)</li><li>How we can learn about overcoming adversity and setbacks by observing natural ecosystems (13:15)</li></ul> &nbsp;Let’s Connect!<ul><li><a href="https://www.flowerhood.co.nz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Website</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Flowerhoods" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/Flowerhoods/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li></ul> Resources Mentioned <a href="https://www.michelle-sorro.com/masterclass?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fmichelle-sorro.mykajabi.com%2Fa%2F44861%2FYGmLFKzZ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Podcast Accelerator Course</a> Join a free live masterclass on podcasting with Michelle and Ginni the following dates using the link below: Masterclass #1: Thursday, March 4 2021 @ 5pm PST (8pm EST)Masterclass #2: Tuesday, March 9 2021 @ 5pm PST (8pm EST)Masterclass #3:&nbsp; Wednesday, March 10 2021 @ 5pm PST (8pm EST)Masterclass #4: Thursday, March 11 2021 @ 12pm PST (3pm EST)

Weeds, Adversity, and Strength

Have you ever wondered what power the plant world holds for your skin? Are you fed up with being marketed creams and potions filled with God-only-knows-what? Oftentimes, even if we’re nourishing our bodies with whole foods, exercise, and mindfulness, we’re still missing out on nurturing our largest organ: our skin.&nbsp; In this episode, I speak with skin therapist and plant-based skincare expert Lisa Goodeve to get to the bottom of what’s really lurking in the products we put on our face and learn how our daily lifestyle can affect everything from acne to aging.&nbsp; Tune into Episode 21 of Flowerhood to learn about the tenets of great skin and to see how closely they align with the principles of great overall health.&nbsp; In this episode you will learn:<ul><li>The biggest factor in your skin’s premature aging (9:00)</li><li>Why it’s so important to look for the words paraben-free on our cosmetics and skincare (10:16)</li><li>How to decipher the label natural in the world of beauty (17:03)</li><li>How to read past phony marketing and why commercial skincare can sometimes do more harm than good&nbsp; (26:40)</li><li>Why diet and environment are the two greatest hurdles for great skin (32:58)</li></ul> Let’s connect!<ul><li><a href="https://www.flowerhood.co.nz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Website</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Flowerhoods" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/Flowerhoods/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li></ul> Connect with Lisa:&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="http://www.lisagoodeve.co.nz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lisa Goodeve 100% Natural Skincare</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lisagoodeveskincare" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lisa Goodeve Facebook</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lisagoodeveskincare/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lisa Goodeve Instagram</a></li></ul> Resources Mentioned:<ul><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/theplantpowercoach" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kerryn Sawyer- The Plant Power Coach</a></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenlights-Matthew-McConaughey/dp/0593139135" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey</a></li></ul>

Plant Based Skincare with Lisa Goodeve

Have you seen the beautiful image captured by photographer Tobias Baumgartner last year? The one with two penguins holding hands? That is one of the most touching photos I’ve ever seen, and there’s an incredible story tied to those penguins, that proves empathy is all around us. In this episode, I want to share with you an amazing incident that happened right here, in my orchard, that got me thinking about empathy in nature. Believe me, if anyone told me the story you’re going to hear, I wouldn’t have believed it, but it happened, and it taught me a great lesson about leading with empathy and just showing kindness to those around you.&nbsp;Tune in to Episode 20 of Flowerhood, to learn the impact empathy has on anyone, whether it’s a chicken, a penguin, or an employer at work.&nbsp;In this episode, you will learn:<ul><li>The experience I had that got me thinking about empathy in nature. (01:56)</li><li>There’s always a lesson in everything in life. (11:15)</li><li>The story behind Tobias Baumgartner’s photo of two penguins holding hands. (12:21)</li><li>The importance of being an empathetic leader. (15:38)</li></ul> &nbsp;Let’s Connect!<ul><li><a href="https://www.flowerhood.co.nz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Website</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Flowerhoods" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/Flowerhoods/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li></ul> Resources Mentioned:<ul><li><a href="https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2020/12/27/picture-of-the-year-2020/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tobias Baumgartner's photo</a></li></ul>

Empathy In Nature

“The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself.” - Michel de Montaigne&nbsp;Mother Earth is constantly giving us wonderful gifts to connect with ourselves, but in order to do that, we first need to connect with nature to see those magical wonders that it has to offer.&nbsp;In the midst of the city rush and our daily hustle, sometimes it’s hard to find that quiet, still space that allows us to calm our bodies and our minds. That’s why in today’s episode I focused on suggesting to you 12 ways in which you can connect with nature and see those gifts that Mother Earth generously shares with us. These simple suggestions include walking barefoot in the grass, capturing the beauty of nature with your smartphone, boosting your immune system by going plant-based, finding the wonders of waking up at dawn, and so much more.&nbsp;Tune in to Episode 19 of Flowerhood, and learn simple, but life-changing tips that will help you live a healthier and happier life. After trying them, you will feel more connected to yourself and to the ground that gives us life.&nbsp;In This Episode, You Will Learn:<ul><li>A great surfing metaphor that applies to our daily lives. (02:04)</li><li>The importance of belonging to oneself. (05:17)</li><li>12 ways to connect with nature. (08:22)</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;Let’s Connect!<ul><li><a href="https://www.flowerhood.co.nz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Website</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Flowerhoods" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/Flowerhoods/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li></ul>&nbsp;Resources and mentions:<ul><li><a href="https://www.michelle-sorro.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Michelle Sorro</a></li><li><a href="https://earthinginstitute.net/research/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Earthing Institute</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/geemarks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gee Marks – Real and simple photographing nature</a></li><li><a href="https://youtu.be/G1sJYZS81Zk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jason Stephenson – Guided Sleep Meditations</a></li><li><a href="https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/features-of-a-good-birdhouse/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Build a Birdhouse Plans</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/theplantpowercoach" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kerryn Sawyer – Plant Power Health Coach</a></li><li><a href="https://www.flowerhood.co.nz/2020/08/19/busting-myths-plant-based-eating-guest-kerryn-sawyer/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Episode 5: Busting the Myths on Plant-Based Eating with Kerryn Sawyer</a></li><li><a href="https://www.flowerhood.co.nz/2020/09/08/episode-7-forest-bathing-funghi-networks-and-a-holistic-approach-to-ecology/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Episode 7: Forest Bathing, Funghi Networks, and a Holistic Approach to Ecology</a></li><li><a href="https://www.flowerhood.co.nz/2021/01/01/living-wall-bringing-nature-indoors/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Episode 16: Living Wall - Bringing Nature Indoors</a></li></ul>&nbsp;The recipe for Almond MilkSoak 1 cup raw almonds in 2 ½&nbsp; cups spring water overnightDiscard water and blitz almonds with 3 ½ cups fresh waterStrain through muslin or fine sieve - keep in fridge 3-4 days

12 Ways to Connect with Nature

2021 is the year to work smarter, not harder. It is the year to create time in your schedule for dreaming, envisioning, breathing, and getting out into nature. To do that, we have to first get clear on our why, and then prioritise what we know makes us happier, healthier, and more fulfilled.&nbsp;In today’s episode, I encourage you to reflect on 2020 and see what you can take with you in the new year, and what needs to be let go of. To get you started, I share the three key takeaways I learned from my reflection, and how I’m going to apply them moving forward.&nbsp;Tune in to Episode 18 of Flowerhood, to learn how you can use the Pareto principle to your advantage, how to regroup and re-energize yourself if you’ve been running on fumes, and why you should look at everything around you with curiosity instead of judgment.&nbsp;In This Episode You Will Learn:<ul><li>The benefits of reflecting on the year that has passed. (02:18)</li><li>The three lessons learned in 2020 that I’ll be taking forward into 2021. (03:52)</li><li>The importance of embracing disparity: the 80/20 principle and how to apply it. (05:49)</li><li>Why you should take the time to tend to your roots to get stronger. (10:10)</li><li>How to drop the judgment and focus on progress over perfection. (13:52)</li></ul> Let’s Connect!<ul><li><a href="https://www.flowerhood.co.nz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Website</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Flowerhoods" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/Flowerhoods/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>

Three Key Takeaways from 2020

We all have that one thing we’ve been meaning to cross off our bucket list. Whether it be joining that club we’ve been eyeing, picking up a new hobby, or even booking our dream holiday, we can all definitely relate to the feeling of curiosity when it comes to trying new things.&nbsp; In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing what that leap of faith felt like for me as someone who has been wanting to surf for over twenty years, why I’m so passionate about creating vision boards in the new year, and how this new venture has given me a deeper appreciation for the natural world around me.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tune in to Episode 17 of Flowerhood to hear more! In This Episode You Will Learn:<ul><li>Why I make a vision board at the start of each year (1:38)</li><li>Why I’ve kept a surfing picture on my vision board for over twenty years (4:12)</li><li>Some background on my previous guest, Duane Heil (7:01)</li><li>Where the disconnection to nature and those around us stems from (8:38)</li><li>A brief history of New Zealand's surf scene (10:11)</li><li>Why we should take the leap of faith to try new things we’ve been curious about (12:27)</li><li>What my very first surf lesson was like (14:40)</li></ul> Let’s Connect!<ul><li><a href="https://www.flowerhood.co.nz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Website</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Flowerhoods" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/Flowerhoods/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li><a href="https://houseofsurf.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">House of Surf - Loz (Lauren Ringer)</a></li><li><a href="https://shows.acast.com/flowerhood/episodes/setting-sail-towards-a-life-long-dream-with-duane-heil-show-" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Flowerhood Podcast - Episode 8: Setting Sail Towards a Life-Long Dream With Duane Heil</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gratefulsailor.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Duane Heil - The Grateful Sailor</a></li></ul> People Mentioned:<ul><li>Bing Copeland</li><li>Rick Stone</li></ul>

Align with Nature with Surf, Sea, and Sand

Our relationship with nature is symbiotic.&nbsp; As our lives become increasingly busier, we lose track of our connection to the environment around us and it’s often easy to forget how beneficial being in nature truly is. In today’s episode, I want to share my perspective on why having a relationship with the natural world is so important, the effect that environmental withdrawal has on our bodies, as well as the revolutionary ‘Forest Air Method’, which first originated in Japan.&nbsp;&nbsp; To learn more, tune in to Episode 16 of Flowerhood!&nbsp; In This Episode You Will Learn:<ul><li>The effect that nature withdrawal can have on us (1:17)</li><li>Why fear dictates so many of our interactions with others and the environment (5:09)</li><li>What the Japanese practice of ‘Forest Bathing’ refers to (7:05)</li><li>Why essential oils produced in nature are so beneficial for our immune and parasympathetic nervous systems (8:07)</li><li>How the ‘Baader-Meinhof’ phenomenon has presented itself in my life lately (10:24)</li><li>What the ‘Forest Air Method’ is (11:51)</li><li>Why having a connection to nature can positively impact our energy levels (12:49)</li><li>How plants operate as ‘mini ecosystems’ (18:30)</li><li>The benefits of full-spectrum light as opposed to artificial light (21:54)</li><li>Equipment you will need to build a flower wall (24:36)</li></ul> Let’s Connect!<ul><li><a href="https://www.flowerhood.co.nz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Website</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Flowerhoods" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/Flowerhoods/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;</li></ul> Resources:<ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Skogluft-Norwegian-Bringing-Dramatically-Happiness/dp/0062896229" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book: Skogluft: Norwegian Secrets for Bringing Natural Air and Light into Your Home and Office to Dramatically Improve Health and Happiness - Author, Jorn Viumdal&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/269271141/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NASA 1989 Clean Air Study</a></li><li>Plant: Golden Pothos (Epepremnum aurecum)&nbsp;</li></ul>

Living Wall - Bringing Nature Indoors

Connecting with Nature

Flowerhood a weekly conversation connecting nature with busy lives.&nbsp;A gardening podcast with a difference I’m on a mission to dig up stories that explore the human connection with nature.&nbsp;Come with me as I garner knowledge and inspiration from a wide range of gardeners, scientists, artists and visionaries. Let’s get growing…

Flowerhood

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