Where Wild Souls Heal: Finding Home on Kangaroo Island
Manage episode 482261714 series 3647754
In this episode, host, Debra the Experient Explorer reconnects with Susi, an inspiring woman who left the hustle and bustle coastal city of Adelaide to create a vibrant haven on the wild nature, remote preserved shores of Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Susi is the heart behind KI Dragonfly Guesthouse, a cozy, art-filled retreat that welcomes travelers, migrant workers and new residents from all over the world. She shares her deeply personal journey of chasing authenticity, and starting over — not just geographically.
“Being stuck in one place is more stressful to me than change.”
— Susi, KI Dragonfly Guesthouse
🌿 Kangaroo Island isn’t just a tourist spot; it’s a living canvas of resilience, nature, and an aging local culture. From bushfires and furry friends to personal transformation and porch swings, Susi’s story is one of courage, purpose, and soul-rooted living.
One of the most important lessons Susi shares is the need to slow down when visiting Kangaroo Island. It’s easy to rush through the landmarks like Flinders Chase National Park, but doing so misses the essence of this unique place. Kangaroo Island isn’t about ticking off tourist destinations; it’s about immersing yourself in its quiet beauty, the untouched landscapes that invite you to pause, reflect, and truly connect.
We’ll also delve into the history of Kangaroo Island and the effects of colonization on the island’s culture and land. We discuss how their presence shaped the island’s landscape and cultural identity—
The challenges Australia faces in protecting its wildlife are intertwined with its past, and as Susi shares, much of this is about balance: respecting the land, the animals, and the local culture in the face of colonial history.
🔑 Takeaway: What would it look like to uproot and make a new home? Share with me.
🎧 Listen now and join us on a journey to the edge of Australia —
00:00 Introduction to the Journey
03:27 Transitioning to Kangaroo Island
09:40 Creating a Home and KI Dragonfly Guest House
15:24 The Importance of Connection and Community
19:29 Reflections on Life and Aging on the Island
20:25 City vs. Country Life: Finding Balance
23:13 The Unique Experience of Kangaroo Island
25:07 Hidden Gems: Exploring Kangaroo Island's Beaches
30:09 Colonization and Its Impact on Kangaroo Island
39:07 The Importance of Ecosystem Preservation
Susi -KI Dragonfly Guesthouse
Website - https://www.kidragonfly.com/
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12 episodes