Unshod with D. Firth Griffith

This conversation with Leah Rampy, author of Earth and Soul, emphasizes the importance of connecting deeply with the Earth amidst climate chaos. By exploring themes of kinship, responsibility, and deep listening, we uncover ways to foster relationship with nature that can lead to sustainable solutions for our planet.  Learn more about Leah HERE. Buy Leah's book, Earth and Soul HERE.Learn more about Daniel and Unshod HERE.Leah Rampy is a writer, speaker, and retreat leader who weaves ecology, spirituality, personal stories, and practices to help others deepen their relationship to the natural world. She is the author of the award winning Earth & Soul: Reconnecting amid Climate Chaos and a frequent speaker on spiritual ecology and leadership in these uncertain times. Leah co-authored and co-facilitated with Beth Norcross the six-part video series on The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees: Insights from Our Elders in collaboration with the award-winning film maker Jane Pittman and sponsored by The Center for Spirituality in Nature. Leah and Beth are co-authoring a book, Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees, to be published by Broadleaf Books in April 2025.​She has led over a dozen pilgrimages to sacred places in the US and internationally for the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation where she previously served as the Executive Director and continues as an adjunct staff member. She is the founder and leader of Church of the Wild Two Rivers, affiliated with the Wild Church Network, that meets regularly to deepen spirituality through time in the natural world. Leah also offers retreats through Friends of Silence, a nonprofit honoring the work and intent of the late, well-loved author, Nan Merrill. Through Shepherd University’s Lifelong Learning Program, Leah teaches classes on ecology through the lens of current writers. Her essays on living more fully connected to Earth in these uncertain times have appeared in the Anthology of Appalachian Writers (Barbara Kingsolver edition), The Cardinal Anthology Vol 1, and Soul Food; Nourishing Essays on Contemplative Living and Leadership. She is a member of West Virginia Writers.Leah holds a doctorate in Curriculum from Indiana University. She has extensive leadership experience as an executive in Fortune 100 organizations and in nonprofits and has offered executive coaching and consulting to individuals and organizations through the business she founded in 2001, Illumined Way, LLC.She lives with her husband in a cohousing community in Shepherdstown, WV, where members collaborated to build and now to run their village with a focus on community, environmental responsibility, and Earth care. She co-founded Save Our Soil, a volunteer organization to promote soil health, local food, native plants, and regenerative agriculture in the Eastern Panhandle and beyond. The Rampys have two adult children who live in Virginia, and two dogs who live at home.

Ever wondered if our technological advancements are truly making life better or just more complicated? Join Alex of the Human Nature Odyssey podcast and me as we kickstart our return with a whirlwind of reflections beginning with our reminiscing about the hands-on expertise of past generations ... contrasting true ability with the digital era.The metaphor of the Tower of Babel serves as a philosophical lens through which we examine civilization's complexities and our relationship with technology. Are we building a society without understanding its true purpose, and how does this impact our local engagements? Alex and I also reimagine classic narratives, pondering if true heroism lies not in saving the world, but in developing a reciprocal relationship with nature and ourselves. This is a candid exploration of humanity's environmental role, challenging the notion that we're merely defenders of a world in peril.Inspired by Daniel Quinn’s “Ishmael,” our conversation turns to humanity’s impact on Earth, from ancient health paradigms to modern civilization's paradoxes. The conversation dives into embracing diverse worldviews, especially indigenous perspectives, and exploring the cultural narratives shaping our interactions with nature.Pre-Order my novel, The Plain of Pillars HERE.Learn more about Alex and his podcast HERE.

Explore the fascinating intersection of food systems and climate change with Mark Easter, author of the book The Blue Plate: A Food Lover’s Guide to Climate Chaos. Mark illuminates the unpredictable ways our food production impacts greenhouse gas emissions and how agricultural practices have both contributed to and buffered against climate change. You'll discover the complex history and evolution of agriculture, from the introduction of fossil fuels and chemical fertilizers to the innovative solutions that attempt a more sustainable future.Join our online community to discuss this episode with us directly!In this conversation, Mark unravels the powerful role of methane and the transformative impact of fossil fuel-dependent farming practices that emerged in the 20th century. He sheds light on agriculture's dual role as both a contributor to and a preventer of climate chaos, and how practices like the Haber-Bosch process have changed the landscape of farming. Mark discusses pioneering strategies for sustainable food production, from integrating livestock into farming systems to enhancing soil health with organic matter. Learn about his creative journey in writing "The Blue Plate" and the profound connections fostered between farmers and consumers through sustainable practices.Buy Mark's book HERE.Buy Daniel's new book HERE. 

Join us as we sit down with my dear friend and powerful musician, Joydah Mae, who shares her intimate journey of transformation and self-reclamation, weaving together themes of creativity, vulnerability, and authenticity: of becoming the medicine.Join our online community to discuss and dialogue with us about this episode and more HERE!The conversation explores the concept of being medicine and the importance of embracing darkness and uncertainty. Joydah shares her experience of releasing an album and the self-doubt and insecurity that comes with it. We discuss the sacredness of ceremony and the need for authenticity in spiritual practices both in our hearts and around us in community and culture. The conversation also touches on the significance of darkness in indigenous, traditional, and ancient cultures and the importance of embracing the cycles of the life: from the moon to the seasons to our own creative journies. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and honoring one's own gifts and path.This conversation dives deep into the emotional rollercoaster of releasing personal art into the world. We unpack the complexities of creative vulnerability, touching on insecurities, comparisons, and the inevitable search for validation. We also delve into the empowering concept of "You are Medicine," emphasizing the importance of nurturing oneself amidst external pressures. Joydah's website HERE.All things You Are Medicine HERE.Listen to Joydah's Music HERE and HERE.Watch Joydah's YouTube HERE and Instagram HERE.Buy Daniel's latest book HERE.Joydah Mae is a gifted artist with a powerful voice. Walking the pathway of truth through her music. Her songs stem from deep personal experiences and an intimate relationship with nature and the divine. As a channel she chooses to speak up for the voiceless, for humanity and for the earth. She continues to remind us of who we are, through her dedication to leaving love everywhere. 

Have you ever wondered if our society's obsession with control is writ in the stories we tell? Perhaps, even, carried in our stories themselves?Join Manda Scott and D Firth Griffith as we humbly challenge conventional thought-beliefs and unravel the tapestry of community and cooperation that could very well reshape our modern lives and relationship as  nature, with nature.Join our online community HERE to discuss this episode with us!Our conversation spans the cultural evolution from trauma to an initiation-oriented society and culture, drawing inspiration from thinkers like Francis Weller and Tyson Yungaporta. We ponder the spiritual resonance of ancient sites and their ties to the cosmos, offering a fresh perspective on how we might realign with natural cycles in our control-driven world. As we navigate the narrative of a mytho-political thriller and thrutopic novel, Any Human Power, Manda's latest book, we uncover the creative journey sparked by shamanic visions and the emerging concept of Thrutopia—a harmonious future that we would be proud to leave behind.With a thoughtful examination of generational divides and the dual nature of technology, we share stories of digital innovation and connection. Our discussion features compelling anecdotes, including a grandmother's gaming bond with her grandchild, illustrating technology's potential for both connection and existential pondering. We explore the delicate balance between dopamine-driven instant gratification and serotonin-fueled communities of respect, urging a shift towards gratitude, compassion, and presence in our digital age.Read Manda's book HERE. Learn more about Thrutopia HERE.Read Daniel's latest book HERE. Pre-Order Daniel's next book HERE.

What if there was no wrong way to hold music? No Maths, no charts, just relationship with spirit? What if music was the infiniteness of breath held in Nature's melodies?Join our online community HERE to discuss this episode directly with us!This conversation with Māori storyteller and musician Dane Scott uncovers the profound connection between music, presence, and nature. Playing music, breathing life through living wood and stone and shell, with the rivers, beaches, and forests, receiving responses from birds and our cousins ... this is communion.We also reflect on the enduring relevance of ancient stories and their wisdom in addressing modern ecological challenges, from the plight of New Zealand's indigenous peoples to the artistic transformation of myths into meaningful films. Dane emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, reminds us of the transient beauty of every experience and the growth that arises from both joy and sorrow. Follow Dane HERE.Pickup a copy of my latest book, HERE. Pre-Order my new book HERE.Takeaways:Takeaways Connecting with nature and listening to the sounds of the natural world can bring a sense of peace and connection. Playing traditional musical instruments, such as taonga puoro, can deepen the connection with nature and evoke a sense of oneness. There is a need to trust in the wisdom and animacy of the natural world and to listen to the messages it has to offer. Communication with trees and nature requires being present, still, and open to receiving the responses. The stages of communication with trees involve moving from boredom to surrender and allowing new realities to manifest. It is important to ask the land and nature what they want and to be willing to listen and act accordingly. Listening to nature and acknowledging the animism in all living beings can deepen our connection to the natural world. Ancient stories and myths hold wisdom and can provide guidance in our lives. Photography and film can capture the essence of individuals and nature, allowing us to see ourselves and the world in a new light. Being present and embracing change are essential for personal growth and understanding our interconnectedness with the natural world. Finding morality in our connection to nature and living in harmony with the cycles of life can bring about positive change.

What if adapting to nature's unpredictability could redefine our sense of resilience and beauty? Kinship. Join Anna Borgman and I as we share this raw, visceral journey of blood and harvests to fire and culinary arts. We explore how embracing the honesty of natural forces can lead to a deeper appreciation for the unique trials and unparalleled beauty the land in and around us.Join our online community to discuss this episode with us and more!Anna  also delves into the complex relationship with wildfires, examining historical fire suppression policies and their unintended consequences. We traverse the emotional and psychological aspects of confronting uncontrollable forces, drawing parallels between land management practices and human experiences with life and death. From cathartic irreversible moments to the transformative power of grief, this episode unpacks the importance of respecting natural processes and the interconnectedness of all life forms.Anna Borgman: is a butcher and slaughterwoman living in the Jefferson Valley of Montana. She owns Chaos Farms where her partner and her do mobile slaughter, wild game processing, and butchery classes. They also sell eggs and have a small herd of weed-eating goats.Visit Anna's Instagram HERE and HERE and learn more about Chaos Farms HERE.  

Sophie Strand, an expert in grief, ecology, and storytelling, joins the conversation to explore how our connection to nature influences our emotional landscape. They discuss the interplay of climate grief and resilience while emphasizing the importance of symbiosis in evolution. Sophie shares insights on the language of fungi and its ecological significance, urging listeners to embrace uncertainty as a pathway to deeper understanding. The dialogue weaves together ancient myths and modern ecological wisdom, highlighting the necessity of storytelling in preserving our kinship with nature.

What if the history you thought you knew was wrong? Like, actually and so very wrong... Join us for a powerful conversation with Taylor Keen, a Cherokee Nation citizen, carrier of the name, “Bison Mane” of the Earthen Bison Clan of the Omaha Tribe, The People Who Move Against the Current. He is the author of the book, "Rediscovering Turtle Island: A First People's Account of the Sacred Geography of America." Taylor brings to life the ancient creation myths of his people, indigenous cosmology, and the rise of empires like Cahokia, challenging us to rethink our settler historical narratives. We also explore the seventh generation prophecy and the severe impact of smallpox on indigenous populations, marking significant historical changes with the arrival of European settlers. Taylor shares the transformative story of the white bison calves' birth, a symbol of the end of six generations of hardship and the dawn of a new era where indigenous knowledge is finally recognized and valued. Inspired by works like Vine Deloria Jr.'s Custer Died for Your Sins and God Is Red, Taylor emphasizes the crucial role of indigenous voices in reclaiming and retelling their histories. Dive with us into the intricate web of ancient stories, the legacies of colonization, and the enduring resilience of native peoples. Learn more about Taylor Keen HERE and buy his book HERE!Read Daniel's latest book HERE.

Gunnar Rundgren, a sustainable agriculture advocate, dives deep into humanity's often tumultuous relationship with nature. He challenges the notion that controlling nature has led to progress, revealing how modern farming methods can harm both environment and society. Discussing the dual role of agriculture as both stabilizing and destabilizing, he critiques commodification and consumer demand while advocating for a return to harmony with natural limits. Ultimately, he calls for a nuanced understanding of food production and biodiversity for a sustainable future.