As we are all aware, so many of the issues that seem to dominate the headlines these days have to do with either racism or the climate crisis. On the face of it, these two major areas of strife and struggle don’t always seem to have a lot to do with one another, but in fact, they are fundamentally connected, sharing the very same root causes that drive them. In his book Plundered: The Tangled Roots of Racial and Environmental Injustice, David Swanson makes the case that we really can’t fully understand these two seemingly disparate issues apart from one another, and that both are inextricably linked by issues of culture, geography, history, and even theology. In this conversation, David and Forrest discuss the book, as well as his experiences living in a predominantly African American neighborhood in Chicago and how his journey has shaped his understanding of racial and environmental justice. He emphasizes the importance of community, belonging, and the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues. Swanson also explores the role of Jesus in creation and redemption, advocating for a broader understanding of hope that transcends wishful thinking and engages with the realities of the world.

Takeaways

• David Swanson emphasizes the importance of staying in one place to truly understand and connect with the community.
• The interconnectedness of racial and environmental justice is a central theme in Swanson's work.
• Swanson's experience as a white pastor in a predominantly Black neighborhood highlights the complexities of racial dynamics in church leadership.
• The concept of belonging to a place is essential for addressing systemic issues.
• Swanson argues that the church must engage with both individual transformation and systemic change.
• Hope should be rooted in reality and not just wishful thinking, according to Swanson.
• The role of Jesus in creation is pivotal to understanding redemption and hope.
• Communities of caretakers are essential for nurturing relationships with the land and each other.
• Swanson advocates for a vision of hope that is active and engaged with the present world.
• The importance of storytelling and sharing experiences within communities is highlighted as a means of fostering connection.

Keywords: David Swanson, racial justice, environmental justice, community, belonging, church leadership, hope, creation care, indigenous, social justice

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple

In this episode, Forrest engages with the DeJong family, who have been pivotal in the restoration of the Cheasty Greenspace in Seattle, WA. The conversation explores their journey of transforming a neglected urban forest into a thriving community space, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, ecological restoration, and the integration of indigenous knowledge. The DeJongs share their experiences of working together as a family and the impact of their efforts on the local community and environment. They also discuss the challenges posed by climate change and the hope they hold for future generations to connect with and care for nature.

Guests: The Dejong Family

• Mary Dejong
• Joel Dejong

Mentions:

• Earthkeepers Episodes 2, 40, and 78
• Cheasty Greenspace
• Green Seattle Partnership
• Duwamish Tribe
• Check out these photo albums of Cheasty Greenspace/Mt. View and Cheasty trails!

Takeaways

• The DeJong family has been involved in the Cheasty Greenspace restoration for 17 years.
• Community engagement is crucial for successful ecological restoration projects.
• Listening to the land and its history is essential in restoration efforts.
• The project has transformed a neglected space into a vibrant community hub.
• Indigenous knowledge plays a vital role in understanding and restoring ecosystems.
• Family involvement in community projects fosters deeper connections and shared values.
• Access to nature is a right that should be available to all communities.
• Climate change poses challenges, but local actions can lead to positive change.
• Building community around shared environmental goals enhances collective action.
• The transformation of the Cheasty Greenspace serves as a model for other urban restoration efforts.

Keywords: environmental restoration, trails, accessibility, recreation, ecosystem, ecology, invasive species, deforestation, settlers, native species, wildlife, nature, spirituality, spiritual ecology, community, cultural restitution, cultural restoration, stewardship, connections, relationships, climate change, Cheasty Greenspace, community restoration, ecology, environmental advocacy, urban nature, indigenous knowledge, climate change, family involvement

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple

This episode considers how much of the current language around nature therapy can actually distance some people, and focuses on the need for better ways to talk about earth care and connection to the earth for men in particular. Jason Lyle shares with Forrest about Adventures in Recovery, an organization in the state of Georgia that uses wilderness experience to facilitate healing and personal growth for men. He discusses the profound impact of wilderness therapy on mental health, the importance of reconnecting with the body and nature, and the evolving landscape of spirituality in modern society. The conversation emphasizes practical strategies for individuals to immerse themselves in nature, and highlights the significance of community connection recovery processes.

Adventures in Recovery (soon to be rebranded as AIR Georgia)

Freeology Podcast (soon to be rebranded as Sacred Grit podcast)

BONUS CONTENT: Jason coaches Forrest about cold water immersion

Takeaways

• Jason shares his deep connection to nature and its impact on his life.
• Adventures in Recovery focuses on healing through nature and community.
• The importance of personal experiences in shaping one's purpose.
• Nature immersion helps individuals reconnect with their bodies and emotions.
• Spirituality can be practical and rooted in everyday decisions.
• The body and mind connection is crucial for personal growth.
• Community support plays a vital role in recovery processes.
• Nature teaches resilience and adaptability in challenging situations.
• Practical strategies for reconnecting with nature include immersion and foraging.
• The future of spiritual communities may focus on personal experiences rather than traditional structures.

Keywords

nature, healing, recovery, spirituality, wilderness therapy, personal growth, men's mental health, adventure, community, connection, nature-based therapy, redneck culture, adoption trauma, cold water immersion

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple