Here at Nature Unplugged, we are hugely passionate about the importance of mental health. That’s a big reason why we do what we do. While our focus is more on the preventative (upstream) side of things we know how important it is to be prepared and to know what to do in a mental health crises. Our guests today are from the San Diego Suicide Prevent…

Do you know where your food comes from? It’s an important question and one that's becoming increasingly difficult to answer. Now, you don't have to be a maniac in the grocery store scrutinizing every label and ingredient, but it is important to be curious about what goes into your body. That's one of the reasons why we’re huge proponents of gardeni…

We’re very excited to have the musician, surfer, and nature enthusiast, Matt Lamkin, on the podcast. Matt has just released his latest album, Dirty Job, the second of his solo career. In addition to talking about his new album we’re going to explore the role nature plays in his creative process and how both nature and music can play a positive role…

We are so excited to be teaming up with an awesome nonprofit, 2B-Rad, for a great cause this October. Our month-long Hike-A-Thon (called the ENU Challenge: Hike 2B-RAD) has a dual purpose: to help you experience nature unplugged and help others participate in outdoor adventures. It's a win win! Raised funds from this year's event will benefit indiv…

One of the most important aspects of living well in the digital age is to develop a spirit of play. We’re not talking about video games or digital games, we’re talking about unplugged play and moving our bodies. Our guest today, Stephen Jepson, is a world renowned expert on health, wellness and play.SHOW NOTES:BIO:Stephen Michael Jepson was born Ma…

What’s your stance on social media? Do you love it? Hate it? Or, are you somewhere in between? For most of us, our relationship with social media is complicated. We recently read Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now by Jaron Lanier. We found this book to be informative and inspiring and we’re excited to share our thoughts…

Living in the digital age can be stressful. With nonstop information, to-do lists, news cycles, notifications, accessibility...it can easily feel overwhelming. What happens when you get stressed? Do you go into a survival mode (fight or flight) response? Or, do you have a different way to respond? Of course, how we deal with stress plays a huge rol…

Have you had your mind blown recently? Perhaps you had an opportunity to visit a place of epic natural beauty like the Grand Canyon or Yosemite. Or, maybe you spent some time looking up at the stars on a clear night. There is a word to describe this complex and mysterious feeling, awe. In this episode, we are going to dive into what awe is and the …

Here at Nature Unplugged, we are all about wellness in the digital age. And, we look at the work we do as preventative (upstream) mental health work - getting outside, healthy boundaries with tech, exercising, etc. Our guest today has dedicated his life to helping people with addiction recovery and mental health issues. We have the privilege of spe…

A big part of wellness in the digital age is using technology with intention. While we talk a lot about the importance of boundaries with our screens and devices, it’s also important to get in touch with what aspects of technology we love and appreciate. As a reminder, we’re not anti-tech! In this episode, we’re going to talk about some of our very…

“What would our lives be like if our days and nights were as immersed in nature as they are in technology?” - Richard Louv. This is one of our favorite quotes by one of our favorite authors. And, it’s a great question to ponder as we get ready for summer. In this episode we explore some of our favorite tips on how to have a fun, engaging, balanced,…

We’re living in an incredible age, with access to technology that makes our lives more convenient and comfortable. However, the countless benefits come with a cost. When things are overly comfortable and convenient it can make it very hard to be intentional. It’s easy to find ourselves on auto pilot and just going through the motions. Happiness and…

What comes to mind when you hear the word nature? Do you envision mountains and forests and other wild, remote, and untouched wilderness? Or, do you think about suburban parks or gardens? Or, perhaps something totally different. In this episode we look at reframing our definition (and mindset) around what nature is.SHOW NOTES:ENU Wellness Membershi…

This episode is dedicated to all the mom’s out there. With Mother’s Day right around the corner (on Sunday, May 9th) we want to highlight motherhood in the digital age...the good, the bad, and the ugly. We speak with our good friend and all star mom, Liz Bandy. Liz shares some of her experience raising two little ones, working remotely full time an…

Earth Day...it’s almost here! With Earth Day coming up on April 22nd, this is the perfect time to explore how we can enjoy Mother Earth and do it in a caring and sustainable way. One of the best ways to do this is by following the Leave No Trace principles which we’ll dive into in this episode.SHOW NOTES:Earth Day: https://www.earthday.org/Leave No…

Do you want to get out and experience nature more often but aren’t sure where to go? Or, are you looking to mix up your nature adventures? This episode is all about how to get more green time (nature time) into your life...and by default less screen time. We start off by talking about the benefits of nature (it’s always good to remind ourselves of …

In this episode we have the chance to speak with our very own Luke Humphrey. Luke is new to the Nature Unplugged team currently working as a guide in training. We’re going to explore the iGen experience and hear about his perspective on wellness in the digital age. We will also dive into his journey of working through being overwhelmed with the tec…

Are you looking for some practical tools and resources for staying balanced in our noisy digital world? Our philosophy and contract for wellness in the digital age are designed to do exactly that. And, they are now available to you for free on our website. These are great tools to help keep ourselves accountable and in balance. In this episode we’r…

It’s almost here! In this episode we’re excited to talk about the launch of our latest book, Experience Nature Unplugged: A Guide to Wellness in the Digital Age. We’re going to give an overview of the book and share about the ENU (Experience Nature Unplugged) Method. Experience Nature Unplugged comes out in paperback on Amazon.com and wherever book…

In this episode we explore new ways to get more green time in your daily life. Hear about our gardening successes and failures, tips to move your indoor activities outside and how to bring more nature into your home. We also have a guest interview with our good friend and gardening guru, Kiyonna Navarro, who gives us insight into her home-gardening…

In this episode we have the pleasure of speaking with Michelle Abbey, a certified forest therapy guide and nutritionist whose work is deeply inspired by nature. We explore the practice of forest therapy (also called forest bathing) and many of the positive physical, emotional, and psychological health benefits that come from deep connection with na…

In this episode we have the opportunity to speak with award winning journalist and author Richard Louv about his newest book Our Wild Calling: How Connecting with Animals Can Transform Our Lives — and Save Theirs. Louv is the author of ten books, including Last Child in the Woods; The Nature Principle; and Vitamin N. Translated into 22 languages, h…

We often talk about tips, tricks, and different ways to create a healthy relationship with technology and reconnect to nature, like turning off notifications, getting your phone out of your bedroom, and scheduling unplugged time. While these practices are critical for wellness in the digital age, there is also a lot we can do in terms of our inner …

The Social Dilemma is a recently released documentary on Netflix which explores the dangerous human impact of social networking. Have you seen it? If not, it’s a must-see. If you have seen it, has it changed your relationship with social media? This movie is so up our alley that we felt compelled to share our take on the film.…

What boundaries do you have with the technology in your life? With summer coming to an end and school back in session (some in person, some virtual), it’s a great time to reexamine our tech boundaries. In this episode we’re going to dive into what boundaries are and how to help put them in place as we transition into a new season…

At Nature Unplugged we’re all about wellness in the digital age. And, a big part of wellness is movement. We know that with the rise of screen time and tech use often comes more sitting and a more sedentary lifestyle. Movement is key and running is one of the most simple and accessible ways to get wonderful movement. But here’s the thing about runn…

Summer is here! It's an amazing time to get out and mix it up in nature. It’s also key to be safe while having fun in the sun. The question is, what’s your go to sunscreen and what’s in it? In this episode we have the opportunity to speak with Maxine Chapman, Co-Founder of SurfDurt reef safe sunscreen. We explore how to stay safe and protected whil…

How has nature inspired your path in life? In this episode we have the opportunity to speak with author James Thompson. He is the author of Create Your Own Path, and he currently lives and works around Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada. Thompson’s path has been deeply inspired by his time exploring the great outdoors. He believes in the transformat…

Do you find yourself spending more time on news and social media among the pandemic and all the uncertainty? If so, you may be doomscrolling. And, you're not alone. It turns out that many of us are spending much more time on social media and news platforms. In this episode we explore doomscrolling, what it is, why it’s so hard to look away, and wha…

As humans we crave security and a sense of control. And, we’re living in a time full of uncertainty and fear. There is uncertainty about the state of our country and the world, the economy, political situation, race relations, and of course our health and wellbeing in the midst of this pandemic. How do we live well while we’re in times of uncertain…

What are your thoughts on remote living? Are you enjoying this newfound freedom and flexibility (no commute, zooming with pajama bottoms on) with working and schooling from home? Or, has it been a struggle (do you feel zoomed out)? These times are wild and together (but also very separately) we’re all exploring a new virtual frontier. In this episo…

Looking for more adventure in your life? In today's episode we have the pleasure of speaking with outdoor guide and enthusiast Kelly Sloan. Kelly works at The University of San Diego as Program Coordinator for the Outdoor Adventures Department. She also teaches Wilderness First Aid and leads backpacking expeditions for NOLS in addition to volunteer…

Feeling lost? Maybe it’s time to reconnect with yourself. Welcome to the final segment of our three part series on ‘Lost Connections during COVID-19’. In this series we explored: connection with each other, connection with nature, and connection with self. In today's episode, we’re going to explore connection with ourselves, how this has been impac…

Nature...nice to look at and a fantastic multivitamin. Nature can help boost our immune system and protect us from all sorts of disease. Welcome to part two of our three part series on ‘Lost Connections during COVID-19’. In today's episode we’re going to look at how our connection with nature is being impacted by the crisis and more importantly wha…

How has living with COVID-19 impacted your connections with friends, family, and loved ones? Welcome to part one of our three part series on ‘Lost Connections during COVID-19’. We’re living in challenging times and one of the things that is most impacted by this crisis, is the quality of our connections. In this three part series we’re going to be …

This episode is all about how to stay healthy and balanced during a pandemic. We explore some of our favorite tips for how to build structure into your day during a time of uncertainty. We also look at ways of staying balanced with our tech use and screen time knowing we’re much more dependent on tech and screens than ever before. Additionally, we …

What can we learn from the Amish way of life? More than you may think. In this episode we explore the practice of Engaged Living and why it is more important now than ever. Also, Sonya is back in the mix as co-host and we look at some upcoming events and adventures in store for Nature Unplugged…including our retreat to Peru in May!…

In this episode we speak with Monica Stapleton about her work as a Marriage and Family Therapist and in creating support groups for parents. We explore the importance of building community and the importance of practicing ‘Trustful Living’ in the digital age.Av Nature Unplugged Podcast

In this episode we speak with the co-founders of Gr8ful Connections, Heather Dugdale and Stephanie Kowack. We explore the power of gratitude, the importance of being connected with your local community, and about the wonderful work they are doing with their organization.Av Nature Unplugged Podcast

In this episode we speak with Julie Chambers, founder of Rios Music Project. We know that music improves brain health and function in many ways and that it’s just plain good for us. We’re going to talk about the work she does and explore the benefits of creativity and music for individuals and families in the digital age.…

In this episode we speak with Jontue Koff founder of At Play Occupational Therapy Services. We explore the power of movement and play and why it’s so important for you and your family.Av Nature Unplugged Podcast

In this episode we speak with Dr. Lorri Sulpizio. Dr. Sulpizio is Director of the Conscious Leadership Academy at the University of San Diego. We explore leadership and how to be a more effective team (or family) in the digital age.Dr. Sulpizio is a certified leadership coach and a certified practitioner in the Leadership Circle Profile, the Meyers…

In this episode we speak with Dr. Larry Rosen. Dr. Rosen is a research psychologist with specialties in multitasking, social networking, generational differences, parenting, child and adolescent development, and neuropsychology, and is recognized as an international expert in the "Psychology of Technology."Over the past 30-plus years, Dr. Rosen and…

In this episode we speak with Linda Vazin about the power of our breath. Linda has been working with alternative healing modalities for the past 35 years. We explore a variety of breath practices and why breath work is so important (especially in this digital age which is often fast-paced and full of distraction).SHOW NOTES:Linda Vazin has been wor…

Is over connection to technology and disconnection from nature a technical problem, an adaptive challenge, or both? In this episode we explore our relationship with technology and nature from an adaptive leadership perspective.SHOW NOTES:Short Video: Ronald Heifetz on technical vs adaptive challenges: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYafOEtvLnIVide…

In this episode we explore FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and how embracing the idea of missing out or JOMO (Joy Of Missing Out) can be a wonderful shift in perspective.SHOW NOTES:Short Video: BBC: Why You Should Embrace the Joy of Missing Out: https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p07qchmm/why-you-should-embrace-the-joy-of-missing-outArticle: What Does FOMO …

In this episode we speak with Alexa Mendes about her recent book #Unsubscribed: How I am thriving in high school without social media (and you can, too). Alexa is a 16-year-old high school junior. Her ​is available on Amazon. For more information check out her website, www.unsubscribedbook.weebly.com. You can also contact her at unsubscribedbook@gm…

In this episode we share some highlights from our recent road trip and tips for taking an awesome adventure...on a budget.SHOW NOTES:Free Campsites: https://freecampsites.net/BLM Camping: https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/campingCREDITS:Intro and Outro Song: The Soft Pack - MexicoAv Nature Unplugged Podcast

What’s the right dose of nature? In this episode we explore how much nature time is enough to get the benefits. Is it better to have lots of little nature experiences or fewer longer nature experiences? Or, both?Av Nature Unplugged Podcast

In this episode we talk with artist, musician, and all around amazing dude, Matt Lamkin, and explore the role nature and wellness plays in his creativity process.SHOW NOTES:Matt Lamkin on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/39w5Sb2ixdewzZAX6MJ6JwCREDITS:Intro and Outro Song: The Soft Pack - Mexico…