The Return with Darren Silver

Michael Jospe, founder of the Earth-Based Institute and a wilderness guide, dives into the transformative power of nature in coaching and therapy. He explores wilderness therapy as a ritualized, deep listening practice, emphasizing how it can reshape leadership and personal growth. Jospe discusses the neuroscience of nature’s impact on wellbeing and stresses the need for commitment to change. With insights on integrating nature experiences into daily life, he highlights vision as a guiding force for personal and professional paths.

KeywordsHealing, embodiment, psychology, movement, Wilderness Fusion, adaptability, communication, perception, visionSummaryIn this conversation, Pat Miller discusses her journey of embodiment, psychology, and movement. She explores how our internal experiences shape our physicality and how communication plays a vital role in the healing process. The dialogue also touches on the significance of adaptability, the concept of place, and the relationship between the internal and external worlds. Pat shares insights on the dynamics of teaching alongside her husband and the balance of personal and professional life, ultimately highlighting the power of vision in manifesting change.TakeawaysThe body is a journey of understanding the self.Embodiment is about feeling and experiencing the body in the present moment.Perception shapes our reality and how we interact with the world.Communication with the bodyis key in the healing process.Adaptability is a superpower in healing and bodywork.Understanding client psychology is essential for effective healing.Movement creates an energetic field that reinforces embodiment.Vision is integral to manifesting change in the body and life.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bodywork and Healing04:06 The Journey to Bodywork: Personal Experiences07:02 Understanding Embodiment and Movement10:11 The Connection Between Psychology and Physicality13:10 Perception and Its Role in Healing15:58 The Influence of Communication in Bodywork19:13 The Role of Adaptability in Healing22:08 Psychology in Bodywork: Understanding Clients25:16 The Concept of Place in Healing28:08 Breath as a Tool for Connection31:02 The Earth Within Us: Ecological Perspectives34:05 Movement and Its Energetic Impact39:15 The Dynamics of Movement and the Body43:50 Intent and Identity in Movement48:10 Understanding Core Communication53:15 Vision and Manifestation in Bodywork01:02:09 The Interplay of Personal and Professional Relationships01:13:46 Connecting with Wilderness FusionTo learn more about Darren go to: www.darrensilver.earthTo learn more about Pat go to: www.wildernessfusion.com

Talking Points:Forest gardening, regenerative design, ecological relationships, biodiversity, failure, colonial mindset, healing, interconnectedness, cultural identitySummaryIn this engaging conversation, Tony Troia shares his journey as a gardener, builder, beekeeper, and yogi, emphasizing the importance of beauty and connection to the land. He discusses the evolution of his forest garden, the lessons learned through failure, and the intricate relationships between plants and ecosystems. The dialogue explores the impact of colonial mindsets on our relationship with nature, the healing potential of regenerative practices, and the importance of community and culture in fostering a deeper connection to the environment. Tony also shares practical steps for individuals to reconnect with their surroundings and highlights his current projects in sustainable agriculture and beekeeping.Takeaways:Humans have the potential to be healers of the land.The colonial mindset creates a fragmented worldview, alienating people from nature.Healing the land can also lead to healing oneself.Cultural identity is deeply tied to the land and environment.Rituals and repetition can help us let go of the need for certainty.Practical steps can be taken to reconnect with nature and our surroundings.Emergence in nature is a process that requires patience and observation.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Tony Troia and His Journey04:18 The Evolution of the Forest Garden06:56 Learning Through Failure in Gardening10:08 Understanding Relationships in Nature13:14 The Role of Humans as Caretakers16:08 Cultural Reflections and the State of Society19:11 Deconditioning the Mind and Finding Connection22:03 Practical Steps for Reconnecting with Nature25:15 The Importance of Observation and Experimentation43:51 The Power of Doing Less46:57 Emergence and Complexity in Nature48:57 Creating Conditions for Healing50:47 Dancing with Mystery and Uncertainty53:02 Repetition vs. Certainty58:08 Exploring Colonial Worldviews01:02:10 The Importance of Indigenous Knowledge01:07:40 Returning to Connection with Nature01:09:58 Current Projects and Future AspirationsTo learn more about Darren go to: www.darrensilver.earthTo learn more about Tony go to: www.redsunasheville.com/

Key Topics:The importance of mentorship beyond parental roles. Creating safe spaces for boys to explore vulnerability.The impact of virtual and in-person programs.Engaging parents in the mentorship process.Success markers for youth in mentorship programsIn this episode of the Return Podcast, join Darren Silver and Trevor Spring as they delve into the transformative power of mentoring and rites of passage for youth. Discover how Trevor's journey from founding Boys to Men Mentoring to leading Rooted Futures has shaped his approach to guiding young men through pivotal life stages. Explore the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces where boys can expand beyond their family units, develop self-awareness, and embrace their unique gifts. Tune in to learn how these programs foster resilience, authenticity, and a deeper connection to self and community.02:15 - Meeting Trevor: Darren shares how he met Trevor and their history.05:30 - Trevor's Work with Youth: Trevor discusses his journey in mentoring boys and the impact it has had on his life.10:45 - Rooted Futures: Trevor talks about his nonprofit organization, Rooted Futures, and its mission.15:00 - Online and In-Person Programs: Discussion on the balance between virtual and in-person mentoring programs.20:30 - Challenges and Growth: Trevor shares insights on the challenges faced by youth today and how his programs address them.25:00 - Parental Involvement: The role of parents in supporting their children's growth through the program.30:00 - Success Stories: Trevor shares success stories and the impact of the program on participants.35:00 - Future Plans: Discussion on future plans for Rooted Futures and how listeners can get involved.40:00 - Closing Remarks: Darren and Trevor wrap up the conversation with final thoughts.Guest Information:Trevor Spring: Director of Rooted Futures, a nonprofit organization focused on mentoring young boys. Visit www. rootedfutures.org to learn more about Trevor's work and how you can support or get involved.

Talking Points:indigeneity, culture, rites of passage, community, youth engagement, mystery, connection, indigenous soul, griefIn this conversation, Darren Silver and Kale Kaalekahi explore themes of indigeneity, culture, and the importance of rites of passage in modern society. They discuss the significance of community, the role of elders, and the connection to nature and ancestry. Kale shares his personal journey into understanding his cultural roots and the importance of engaging youth in these practices. The conversation also touches on grief, legacy, and the wisdom of whales in Hawaiian culture, culminating in a discussion about current projects aimed at fostering community and connection.Takeaways:Indigeneity is a journey of self-discovery and cultural understanding.Rites of passage are essential for personal and communal growth.Engaging youth requires connection and understanding their resistance.Mystery and nature play a crucial role in our perception of life.Elders provide guidance and wisdom that is often overlooked.Grief can be a powerful medicine for healing and remembrance.The songs of whales symbolize the connection to ancestry and the cycles of life.Cultural practices should be embodied and experienced, not just intellectualized.Community is vital for personal development and cultural revival.The Indigenous soul is about perceiving and relating to the world around us.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Connection05:08 Journey to Indigeneity10:54 Cultural Revivification and Modernity15:17 Rites of Passage and Initiation19:09 Engaging Youth in Cultural Practices25:07 Mystery, Danger, and Responsibility31:25 The Quest for Awareness35:02 Embodied Knowledge and Learning37:29 The Role of the Shaman and Belonging41:56 Memory and Place in Indigenous Cultures49:03 The Indigenous Soul and Connection to Ancestors57:21 Community and Self-Improvement01:00:18 Grief and Connection to Ancestry01:03:15 Motherhood and Legacy01:07:56 Whales: The Sun's Chosen01:12:49 Culture as a Context for Life01:16:08 Kale's Work and Community EngagementConnect with Darren and the Return Podcast:www.darrensilver.earthIG: @the_return_podcast Connect with Kale:IG: @kale.kaalekahi

Talking Points: Zen, monastic life, compassion, initiation, technology and AI, sacred relationships, vows In this conversation, Soryu discusses his journey into Zen monastic life, the nature of kindness in teaching, and the importance of initiation in spiritual growth. He explores the challenges of modern technology and its impact, while also addressing the role of AI in shaping humanity's future. Soryu emphasizes the significance of sacred relationships and community living, and concludes with a reflection on the power of vows and intentions in guiding one's life purpose.Takeaways:Kindness in teaching often means challenging students to grow beyond their comfort zones.Spiritual practice begins when one reaches their limits and continues despite it.Modern education often fails to prepare individuals for true spiritual growth.Despair can be a necessary part of the initiation process.Living in community reveals personal attachments and challenges.Sacred relationships with nature and others are essential for spiritual development.Vows and intentions guide individuals in their commitment to serve the world.Chapters00:00 The Journey to Zen: Soryu's Name and Meaning10:01 Understanding Kindness in Teaching and Spiritual Practice19:05 Initiation and the Value of Shedding Old Selves28:07 Secular Humanism: The Religion of Modernity and Its Impact31:07 Technology, Despair, and the Path to Authenticity32:04 Creating the Great Earth School35:01 The Obsolescence of Traditional Education37:13 Merging Wisdom with AI41:12 Sacred Relationships and Agreements44:56 Living Together: The Challenge of Community50:06 The Joy of Being with All Beings52:52 Understanding Vows and Purpose

Talking points:Mary Magdalene, Star House, Gnostic texts, sacred union, initiation, community, nature, spiritual journey, feminine archetypes, personal callingIn this conversation, Darren Silver and Lila Tresemer explore the profound story of Mary Magdalene, her role as the first apostle, and the significance of the Star House as a sacred space. They delve into Gnostic texts, the concept of sacred union, and the importance of personal callings and community in spiritual journeys. Lila shares insights on initiation, the role of nature, and the concentric rings model for understanding experiences. The discussion emphasizes the need for individuals to find their place in the larger mandala of life, respecting diverse paths while honoring the sacred.TakeawaysMary Magdalene is recognized as the first apostle.The Star House serves as a high-energy temple for spiritual exploration.Gnostic texts reveal diverse narratives about Magdalene's teachings.Personal callings are essential for spiritual growth and community building.Initiation can occur through nature and personal relationships.The concentric rings model helps map our experiences and challenges.Community support is vital for navigating spiritual journeys.Finding one's place in the mandala of life is crucial for fulfillment.Respect for diverse spiritual paths enriches collective understanding.Chapters00:00 The Beginning of a Journey06:22 Devotion to the Land and Star House11:30 Callings and Initiations20:00 Sacred Union and Women's Initiation29:54 Exploring Archetypes and Cultural Narratives38:32 Finding One's Place in the Mandala39:58 The Story of Magdalene: A Deep Dive50:59 Archetypes and Their Relevance Today57:43 Concentric Rings: A Model for Understanding Life59:43 Connecting with the Divine FeminineConnect with Darren and the Return Podcast:www.darrensilver.earthIG: @the_return_podcastLearn more about Starhouse and Lila Tresemer:www.thestarhouse.org

Talking points: the power of choice, healing, coyote teaching, relational paradigm, initiation, teaching methods, personal growthIn this conversation, Karl Direske shares his journey as a healer and teacher, detailing his experiences with influential mentors and the philosophies that shape his approach to healing. He emphasizes the importance of contradictions in learning, the relational paradigm in healing, and the art of asking the right questions to facilitate personal growth. We also discusses the concept of Coyote teaching, the significance of initiation, and the various programs offered at Wilderness Fusion, highlighting the fluidity of healing and the need for a personalized approach.Key Takeaways:Karl's journey into healing began in his 20s with Barbara Brennan.Coyote teaching is about planting seeds for future understanding.Healing is a dialogue, not a monologue.The relational paradigm is key to understanding healing.Questions can shift perspectives and facilitate healing.Initiation is about transcending past paths to choose new ones.Safety and discomfort are essential for growth in healing.Healing is fluid; perspectives can change rapidly.Wilderness Fusion offers various programs for personal and professional growth.Chapters:00:00 The Journey to Healing and Teaching11:09 The Philosophy of Choice and Contradiction20:58 Coyote Teaching: Understanding the Relational Paradigm31:07 Tracking Culture and Pressure Releases35:44 The Rigors of Learning and Teaching40:08 Defining Healing and Its Impact47:36 The Fluidity of the Body and Healing Perspectives52:21 Beliefs, Addictions, and the Journey to Change01:02:38 The Art of Asking Questions in Healing01:11:25 Initiation and Transcendence in Healing PracticesConnect with Darren and the Return Podcast:www.darrensilver.earthIG: @the_return_podcast To learn more about Wilderness Fusion: www.wildernessfusion.comIG: @wildernessfusion

Here, host Darren Silver shares what The Return is about, why it is important, and what led him to start a podcast. For more information about Darren:www.darrensilver.earthIG: @the_return_podcast