Curious about stepping into connected self-leadership and embracing everyday spirituality? Welcome to the Connection Matters Podcast, where we explore the transformative power of nature, spirituality, and personal growth. Hosted by Leona Johnson, this podcast delves into the sacred weave of cultural emergence, ecopsychology, and personal transformation. With more than a decade of experience guiding people through deep, life-changing experiences, Leona brings you thought-provoking conversatio ...
…
continue reading

1
Bearing Witness to Whats Happening in Palestine Without Shutting Down: Sacred Practices for Processing Collective Grief
50:20
50:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:20This isn't your typical Connection Matters episode, but it might be one of the most important conversations we'll have. I'm sharing how to navigate the collective trauma of witnessing genocide in real-time while staying connected to your own healing and capacity for meaningful action. Key Themes and Topics: We explore why witnessing collective trau…
…
continue reading

1
Stripped Back, Tuned In: Simplicity, Spirituality & Self-Leadership with Vicky Mateu
1:06:35
1:06:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:35https://pages.leonajohnson.life/beyond-self-helpWhat does it look like to live in deep alignment, with nature, with purpose, and with your own inner compass? In this rich and nourishing conversation, Leona sits down with long-time friend, teacher, and collaborator Vicky Mateu, whose life’s work bridges spiritual ecology, parenting, nature connectio…
…
continue reading

1
The Ripple Effect: How Your Inner Work Transforms Everything (And Everyone) Around You
31:08
31:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:08Join me for an intimate exploration of how personal transformation creates ripples that touch every relationship, community, and space you enter. You'll discover practical tools for emotional awareness, authentic connection, and joyful learning that transform reactive patterns into connected self-leadership. In this heart-centered episode, we dive …
…
continue reading

1
How Nature Questing Awakens Your Inner Compass and Everyday Spirituality
40:14
40:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:14In this inspiring episode, you'll learn how to design your own nature quest ceremony - whether you have four hours or four days - and discover how this ancient practice becomes a gateway to connected self-leadership and integrated living. Join me as I share intimate stories from my own questing journey, including my transformative 40th birthday sol…
…
continue reading

1
Finding Your True North: Balancing Vision, Presence & Purpose in a Noisy World
30:04
30:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:04So many of us feel caught between two extremes—trying to enjoy the present moment while also feeling pressure to figure out the future. In this heartfelt and practical episode, I dive into the deeper reasons traditional goal-setting often leaves us feeling stuck or unfulfilled, and why cultivating a “Life Compass” rooted in your values and purpose …
…
continue reading

1
Rooted in Healing: How One Woman’s Herbal Journey Inspires Authentic Living - With Jane Christie
1:20:43
1:20:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:20:43What You’ll Discover Join Leona and herbalist Jane as they explore the inspiring journey from speech therapy to a soul-led life of plant medicine, self-trust, and deep nature connection. Discover how everyday herbs, intuitive practices, and simple living can support personal growth and healing. Key Themes and Topics Jane’s transition from speech th…
…
continue reading

1
Beauty in Breakdown: 4 Resilience Practices for When Life Falls Apart
31:32
31:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:32In this heartfelt episode, I share my personal journey through breakdown and the four essential practices that became my lifelines, helping you build your own resilience toolkit for life's inevitable challenges. Key Themes and Topics Join me as I explore the counterintuitive wisdom that our most painful breakdowns often contain hidden gifts, if we …
…
continue reading

1
When Nobody Gets Your Connection Path: Finding Your Spiritual Tribe in a Disconnected World
33:43
33:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:43In this soul-nourishing episode, I share personal stories and practical wisdom for anyone feeling alone in their passion for connection, nature, and spirituality. You'll discover four powerful approaches to honor your path while navigating relationships with loved ones who may not understand your practices or interests. Key Themes and Topics Explor…
…
continue reading

1
Creating Sacred Space at Home: It’s a Way of Being
27:27
27:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:27We explore the four essential elements of sacred space - intention, connection, presence, and evolution - and I guide you through practical, heart-led ways to declutter, create meaningful rituals, and invite beauty into your home, no matter the size or stage of life you’re in. Whether you're a soulful entrepreneur, a busy parent, or someone craving…
…
continue reading

1
The Art of Gathering - From Small Talk to Soul Talk
47:45
47:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:45Join me in exploring how simple intentional shifts can transform ordinary gatherings into powerful spaces of genuine connection and growth. In this warm and engaging episode, we dive deep into the elements that make gatherings meaningful—whether in your home, community, or workplace. You'll learn how to create safety and structure, incorporate beau…
…
continue reading

1
Cultural Emergence Explained: Conscious Living & Connected Leadership
27:21
27:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:21Ever wondered what exactly "Cultural Emergence" means, and how it could make a tangible difference in your daily life? Join me, Leona Johnson, as we dive deeply into this powerful practice, exploring how intentional culture-making influences everything from our personal well-being to collective transformation. You'll learn about the essential role …
…
continue reading

1
Cultivating Connected Self-Leadership in a Disconnected World
33:32
33:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:32This episode explores the transformative practice of connected self-leadership through journeying through the elements of presence and self-awareness as foundations for authentic leadership. Discover how to distinguish between the voice of fear and your inner wisdom, and learn how nature connection can strengthen your self-leadership practice. We e…
…
continue reading

1
The Elemental Connection: How Earth, Water, Fire & Air Deepen Your Everyday Spirituality
38:02
38:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:02Through storytelling, science, and practical wisdom, we’ll uncover: ✨ The unique lessons and energies each element offers ✨ Simple, everyday practices to integrate elemental connection into your life ✨ How tuning into the elements can bring clarity, balance, and renewal ✨ Why nature-based wisdom is essential for heart-centred living By the end of t…
…
continue reading

1
How nature connection can help us find focus and flow
14:54
14:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:54By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with fresh strategies to bring ease and clarity into even the busiest days. Plus, don't miss the Flow with Nature: Daily Guide to Expanding Time and Focus . It's a FREE Nature-Based Time Management Guide to help you start a nature-connection practice that can reshape your days. Check out the full write-u…
…
continue reading
To dive deeper into these themes and explore detailed podcast notes inclduing more about Manda's new novel Any Human Power, check out my latest blog post here. More about Manda Scott Manda Scott is an award-winning novelist and host of the acclaimed Accidental Gods podcast. Best known for the Boudica: Dreaming series, her previous novels have been …
…
continue reading

1
Healing Ancestral Family Patterns for Personal Growth
16:01
16:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:01In this episode you’ll learn practical tools like journaling prompts, nature-based practices, and rituals for release—all designed to help you navigate and transform inherited patterns with compassion and intention. We also explore ways to tap into the strengths and wisdom of your lineage, turning ancestral connection into a source of healing. Tune…
…
continue reading

1
Re-wilding Our Nervous System For Connection with Jon Young
1:17:08
1:17:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:17:08To read more about the episode read the full blog post here. Jon Young’s personal journey into nature connection and cultural mentoring The influence of Indigenous communities like the Bushmen of the Kalahari The impact and legacy of Jon’s mentor, Tom Brown Jr., and his teachings on peace, love, joy, and purpose. The role of sensory integration and…
…
continue reading

1
The magic of immersive connection experiences with Looby Macnamara and Leona Johnson
45:03
45:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:03In this inspiring and enriching conversation Leona and Looby talk about the Model of The Eight Shields and how following the natural patterns of flow from daily and seasonal, to life stages and their corresponding energies, can create the optimum conditions for connection, healing and growth. Using this model powerful fields of connection and emerg…
…
continue reading
Things we talk about in this episode Working with Men, We can be vulnerable, i can thrive in relationships, Boarding school trauma Life in a monastery- Falling apart and putting self back together again Mens work- Andy’s man club- it's ok to speak. The Work- Folsom Prison- Vulnerability is a super power. By talking we give permission for others to …
…
continue reading

1
Integrative medicine, psychedelic well-being retreats and the power of nature connection with Dr Duncan Still
1:04:43
1:04:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:43Things we talk about in this episode How the mainstream medical establishment is opening to integrative medicine 5 Ways to wellbeing- New Economic Foundation Phil Hammond-What causes your health issues. CLANGERS Connect-Learning-Active-Noticing-Gratitude-Eating well-Resting-Sleeping Nature as a way to better health Green social prescribing Psychede…
…
continue reading
Things we talk about in this episode Many different ways to breath Breath as a way to access pure presence and consciousness. Many health and wellbeing benefits to breathing The rise in awareness due to breathwork and technology and lockdown A way to help us come back to our essence and connect to ourselves as natural beings, one with life. Out of …
…
continue reading
Things we talk about in this episode Living at Earth worm- radical routes housing co-op. Humans as interdependent beings. Radical Routes- National Network of intentional communities. The importance of supportive Networks Mother Nature Project- International Project- Mother Nature Card Decks and Mother Nature Circles- Personal growth. A global need …
…
continue reading

1
NVC and Compassioante Communication with Sarah Ludford
52:30
52:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:30What is NVC? A consciousness, a mindset, way of being Compassion and connection Pactical tool- listening, open questions Clear and simple structure to help us communicate with curiosity and compassion Marshall Rosenburg talked about it as a spiritual practice A choice a way I live life Ahimsa- sanscrit- non-violence - a=absence of -violence NVC a t…
…
continue reading

1
A world where everybody sings- with Kate Valentine
1:13:33
1:13:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:33Things we talk about in this episode Everyone has what it takes inside them to become a song sharer The realisation that everyone can sing including me Singing needs to be for everybody Vision for a world in which everybody sings What a singing circle is like The voice- X factor gives us the idea we are or not a singer The power of the effect on ch…
…
continue reading

1
Bringing It Home with Sky Buitenhuis
1:07:54
1:07:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:54Things we talk about in this episode The Journey from disconnection to nature connection Pivotal moments of change and how they show up The Art of Mentoring Eight Shields Community a culture of nature connection Mentoring Conscious Eldering- James Stark- living from deep compassion and joy Our struggles to be human beings Regenerative Design in Nat…
…
continue reading

1
Creating and Understanding Meaning with Sal Gencarelle
1:36:15
1:36:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:36:15Links mentioned in this episode Helpers Mentoring Society Links https://www.helpersmentoringsociety.net/ https://www.instagram.com/helpersmentoring/ https://www.facebook.com/helpersmentor https://helpersmentoringsociety.mykajabi.com/bisonproject Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast My personal instagram is https://www.instagr…
…
continue reading

1
Womens Blood Mysteries with Jill Kettle
1:05:53
1:05:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:53Things we talk about in this episode The Womens mysteries Jane Hardwick Collins- Moon Song Birth as a portal- rites of passage How we as women manifest things Blood mysteries Welcome at the thresholds. Women In Power- Predator within Wild Power Cycles of life Working with the current Honouring and recognising the potency to take time to process, dr…
…
continue reading

1
Deep Nature Connection and Culture Repair with Jon Young and Looby Macnamara
1:18:49
1:18:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:18:49Things we talk about in this episode Why are there certain groups who are not connected? Jon's story about family and connection observations Research project- Tom Brown jar- Apache teacher San Bushmen of the Kalihari- oldest Culture on the planet- the cradle of connected culture Common Elements of connection Gratitude Customs Connection Practices …
…
continue reading

1
Plant Communication with Klaudia Van Gool
1:07:33
1:07:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:33Things we talk about in this episode How we are educated out of connection with the other than human world. The way language separates us Connective language Connective practices to deepen our relationships Relationships need to be tended Why we would want to open the channels of connection to plants and other beings Multi dimensional world St John…
…
continue reading

1
Global Social Leaders With Amy Mander
1:06:28
1:06:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:28Links mentioned in this episode https://www.globalsocialleaders.com/ www.future-foundations.co.uk #gslfest #gslgoals #smallactions #bigimpact Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ My personal instagram is https://www.instagram.com/leona.connection.matters/ The …
…
continue reading

1
Restoring Inner Peace with Keli Carpenter
1:22:44
1:22:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:22:44Things we talk about in this episode The benefits of meditation for the different stages and ages of your family How and when to introduce meditation to kids The number one tool to come into the present moment and build mental and emotional wellbeing Discover how to respond versus react so you can become more present and engaged with your children …
…
continue reading
Things we talk about in this episode How such words of clarity and insight come through Where the journey to a more spiritual perspective began Seeking connection and meaning Ingspacka- community- a place of seekers, healing, inspiring journeys, singing together sense of home. I’m not weird any more, people who are similar to me Finding a place whe…
…
continue reading

1
Cultural Emergence with Looby Macnamara
1:08:26
1:08:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:26Things we talk about in this episode Activating Cultural Emergence Eight Shields and Jon Young People and Permaculture Challenge and Awaken Connection Practices Move and invigorate There is no bin Disrupting patterns Challenge our conditioning to shift mindset. Designing for life from consciousness Who is this work for? What are the practical appli…
…
continue reading

1
Concious Evolution with Manda Scott
1:14:05
1:14:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:05Things we talk about in this episode Remembering our ancestors and the rich tapestry that has gone before us. What practices support us when times are hard. How do people manage to uphold dignity and connection in times of extreme hardship Jordan hall, Jaimie Wheal -Self-organising networks Jem Bendel- We are in Climate crisis What is resiliency an…
…
continue reading

1
Practicing to live our most authentic life with Steph Magenta
1:06:31
1:06:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:31Things we talk about in this episode How practices make a difference Breath embodiment, shamanism, How have practices changed during lockdown Life- No accidents, no blame, be with what is and let the wind blow through you and Many Paths to connection and relationship Products of our ancestors beliefs and world views How we stay in a space of non du…
…
continue reading

1
Community, Collaboration and Connection with Danny English
1:09:34
1:09:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:34Things we talk about in this episode The value of experiencing community and nature connection as a young adult USA- Interlocken- centre for experiential education Finding connection and healing. From lost teen to purposeful adult. Louise Chawla - Research on Significant life experiences Positive, meaningful and memorable experiences being a cataly…
…
continue reading

1
The therapeutic power of play and nature with Ali Chown
1:14:18
1:14:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:18Things we talk about in this episode Importance of politics in the whole of the idea of nature connection The journey from the indoors to the outdoors Last child in the woods The Collaboration of Outdoor Play Therapists conference Animal assisted therapy Children who show us the way.risk-averse Lessons from nature Ways to understand transitions and…
…
continue reading

1
Taking Responsibility - Personal agency and consciousness in a time of global crisis with Beth Creedon
1:10:41
1:10:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:41Things we talk about in this episode Connection to our lineage and ancestors How to live a more intentional life Choosing how we want to feel and that energy we want to create rather than being fixed on specific ideas The importance of being able to notice and name your needs and longings How we can evolve from the paradigm of right and wrong into …
…
continue reading

1
Create The World You Want To See with Adrian Kowal
1:12:13
1:12:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:13Things we talk about in this episode How do we create a nature connected culture Way of nature UK Free to learn- Peter grey The Visionaries- an organisation that creates nurturing school communities that support young people into healthy adulthood The way of council Adrian's old life living in London working towards having a porsh Engineering a vil…
…
continue reading

1
The Power of Mentoring with Victoria Mew
1:24:17
1:24:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:24:17Things we talk about in this episode Journey into Nature Connection Thomas Schorr-Kon- Trackways Wilderness Awareness School The Art of Mentoring The power of long term mentoring The Forest School Associations- Nature Premium Campaign FSC- Forest School Camps Red Squirrel Resources Links mentioned in this episode www.patreon.com/connectionmatterspo…
…
continue reading

1
Spirit Communication, Death, Life and what comes after with Martha Hunt Handler
1:18:43
1:18:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:18:43Books Mentioned in this episode The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker Signs by Laura Lynne Jackson Untamed by Glennon Doyle Links mentioned in this episode https://marthahunthandler.com/ Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ My personal instagram is https://www.i…
…
continue reading

1
The Choose Love Movement with Scarlett Lewis
1:16:55
1:16:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:55Things we talk about in this episode The Sandy Hook Tragedy and Scarletts experience of losing her son. Forgiveness is a choice then a process The Choose Love Movement Why do we need a Social and Emotional Learning programme in Schools PTSD and Post Traumatic Growth The courageous Rwandan Genocide orphans who reached out to the brother of Jesse Lew…
…
continue reading
Things we talk about in this episode Talbarou a French retreat centre in France Nature Culture- An Introduction to the Art of Mentoring and the Eight Shields Earth Culture- An introduction to Permaculture Similarities between Eight Shields and Permaculture Differences between Eight Shields and Permaculture The nature connected earth based cultures …
…
continue reading

1
How Would Nature Change Leadership with Andres Roberts
1:05:53
1:05:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:53Things we talk about in this episode It is possible to have a business that has a mission that is much more than making money Asking great questions to get better results In some instances, as humans, as communities, we are further away from each other than we’ve ever been What are the patterns of how a healthy natural system flows and what can we …
…
continue reading

1
The connective power of stories, music and nature with Chris Holland
1:03:43
1:03:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:43Things we talk about in this episode The rise of the field of nature connection and Forest School The internet as a forum to reach more people even in nature connection work Family camps as a way of creating connection and community The importance of holistic play and learning for all ages The benefits of risk taking and play for children as they g…
…
continue reading

1
SOULand; Making the world of earth's longing with Azul-Valerie Thome
1:10:05
1:10:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:05Links mentioned in this episode www.patreon.com/connectionmatterspodcast https://www.souland.org/ Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ My personal instagram is https://www.instagram.com/leona.connection.matters/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ra…
…
continue reading

1
Orgasmic Embodiment - personal power, pleasure and healing connection with jem Ayres
1:05:17
1:05:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:17Things we talk about in this episode Connection work in all the many fields is ultimately the same thing Science, spiritual and soul Tuning into our bodies to allow our capacity for pleasure Connection to our self is is a devotional act to yourself Connection to our body comes first and is the foundation The benefits of understanding the pleasure s…
…
continue reading

1
The Wisdom of an Elder with Annie Spencer
1:16:02
1:16:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:02Things we talk about in this episode Only through filling up with joy can we be generous medicine wheel teachings - seeded Native American teachings Spirituality comes through the natural world Earth based spiritual trainings for women Martine Prechtel- Guatamala, Vermont Initiation - meeting with the natural world- understanding of the source of a…
…
continue reading

1
Music as medicine with Damien Mahoney - Conversations about community, healing, transformation, unity and growth
1:15:40
1:15:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:15:40Things we talk about in this episode Gratitude for technology that allows us to connect and create Womens and mens circle - connecting and unifying The power of transforming space through dance Music is a leveller Music as a way of bringing community, social justice, togetherness How can we bring accessibility to music and creativity? Music as medi…
…
continue reading

1
Good Grief with Rebecca Card - Conversations about personal and cultural grief and routes to healing
1:13:45
1:13:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:45Things we talk about in this episode The Art of Mentoring Cultural Healing The power and magic in catching storie The Eight Shields Model for nature connection The Village- the many elements of the Art of Mentoring that make a well held and healthy, safe and happy gathering Grief Ceremony - a place to be witnessed, supported and to release whatever…
…
continue reading