Dùthchas – Belonging to place, land and home

Dùthchas – Belonging to place, land and home

‘In Gaelic, it's called ‘duchas’. It's that connection to place and belonging and heritage and land. And I thought, wow, what a beautiful word, why have I not had that in my own language? There's this actual word to describe this sense of belonging to place’ - JK, Coach & Creator of The Burrow at Little Seed Farm What does it mean to truly belong to a place, community and yourself? In our conversation, JK reflects on identity, heritage and the journey back to the wildness that lives within us all. From her Gaelic roots and the concept of dùthchas, a profound sense of place and belonging to her childhood spent feral, JK explores how our names, landscapes and life experiences shape who we become. Together they discuss the pressures of high achievement, burnout amongst mental health leaders and the irony that those caring for others often neglect their own wellbeing and self-care. JK describes how rediscovering walking became a pathway back to joy, guiding her from a life driven by external validation to one rooted in curiosity, stewardship and trust in the more-than-human world. The conversation explores coaching as an emergent practice, learning from landscapes rather than simply working inthem, and her creation of ‘The Burrow’ at Little Seed Field near Ripon which is a space for reflection, confidentiality and renewal. They also delve into grief, ritual, seasonality and our often-fractured Western relationship with endings, asking what nature can teach us about loss, regeneration and hope. This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen deeply and remember that sometimes the simplest act of being present with the land is enough to begin coming home. Bio:  Jennie-Kate (JK) McQuinn is the founder, coach and facilitator behind Where the Mind Grows, a nature-led coaching organisation helping individuals and teams reconnect with the wild and rediscover their true nature. She delivers trauma-informed, regenerative approaches from woodland in North Yorkshire and other wild spaces across the UK.  With a background in mental health and employability service leadership across the voluntary, private and public health sectors. JK found her own path back to nature, not simply by being in it, but by learning from it and designing life and work to belong as the natural world.  She launched her coaching venture in 2017, the same year she lost her father. Over time, she recognised that grief and loss were present in much of her work with people and teams.  Drawing on ecopsychology, nature reconnection and traditional coaching approaches, JK supports others to navigate life, work and adversity, including bereavement, change and the turbulence of life with compassion & courage. Just like the wild! Website: www.wherethemindgrows.co.uk [http://www.wherethemindgrows.co.uk/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wherethemindgrows?igsh=MTc4cGh4M3F5OWx4Mg==] LinkedIn - Personal Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jk-jennie-kate-mcquinn-7b0696105/] LinkedIn - Where the Mind Grows [https://www.linkedin.com/company/where-the-mind-grows] To find out more: www.rootedrisingpodcast.com [https://www.rootedrisingpodcast.com]

Imagine if - Regeneration, identity and coaching beyond the threshold

‘How can we overcome this polycrisis, if you like, the sort of disconnect with nature, the disconnect with each other, and the disconnect with self. How can coaching play a part in that?’ - Paul Rodwell, Regenerative Thinker & Coach From the stunning Tramuntana Mountains of Mallorca, surrounded by Holm Oak and plum trees Paul Rodwell reflects on a life of service that has taken him from the luxury hotel industry in Chile’s Atacama Desert and Morocco’s Marrakech to the diplomatic world of the UK Civil Service and Foreign Office.  Throughout his life encounters with Indigenous communities, sacred rituals and powerful landscapes have sparked a profound shift in how he understands identity, place and our relationship with the natural world. Together, Anna-Marie and Paul explore themes of colonialism, belonging, spirituality and regeneration, and discuss how awe, silence and connection to place have shaped Paul's coaching philosophy. They examine the discomfort and possibility of liminal spaces, the growing movement towards coaching for nature, and how regenerative thinking might transform the future of the profession. The conversation also explores professional coaching standards, Paul's alignment with the International Coaching Federation, the evolving role of AI in coaching, and a provocative question for the profession: Is coaching still fit for purpose in a world facing ecological, social and spiritual challenges? Bio Paul Rodwell is a coach, coaching mentor and outdoor facilitator exploring how deeper connection — with nature, with each other, and with ourselves — might help both people and planet heal and thrive. Born in Kent, England, and now also a Spanish national, his life has been shaped by deep roots, movement and a quiet spirit of exploration. Over the last thirty years, he has lived and worked across Europe, North Africa and Latin America, first through hospitality and wilderness travel — including managing the explora lodge in Chile’s Atacama Desert and also Aman in Marrakech — and later through sixteen years as a diplomat with the UK Foreign Office. Encounters with remote landscapes, indigenous cultures and people from very different walks of life deepened his curiosity about simplicity, presence and what human beings need in order to feel connected and alive. Now rooted in Mallorca’s Tramuntana mountains with his family, Paul’s work centres on nature-connected coaching, retreats, regenerative leadership and co-creating a foundation exploring how reconnecting people with place might help villages in Mallorca flourish once again. Website [ http://www.paulrodwell.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/parodwell/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/paul_rodwell_inspires] @paul_rodwell_inspires Resources Laura Storm / Regenerators Academy [https://www.regenerators.academy/]- Regenerative Leadership Journey, a year-long journey Presencing Institute / Otto Scharmer [https://www.presencing.org/]  u-school [https://www.u-school.org/programs#offers] - courses such as Leading from the Emerging Future Outdoor Facilitation course — Change in Nature [https://www.changeinnature.org/] The Outdoor and Nature Coaches’ Handbook [https://www.routledge.com/The-Outdoor-and-Nature-Coaches-Handbook-The-Complete-Guide-to-Theory-Research-and-Practice-for-Professional-Coaches/Passmore-Jefferies-Watson-Burn/p/book/9781032953939] Imagine If… [https://www.sirkenrobinson.com/product/imagine-if-creating-a-future-for-us-all/]by Sir Ken Robinson and Kate Robinson Coaching Outdoors Podcast [https://coaching-outdoors.com/2000-2/] - Giles Hutchins  To find out more: www.rootedrisingpodcast.com [https://www.rootedrisingpodcast.com]

Episode Thirteen - Rooted & Rising reflections: Insights from season one

‘I feel really touched. I feel really blessed. There's an element of sadness that season one is coming to a close. I set out on this journey and I didn't know where I was going at all. It was just such an unknown. Each conversation, has carved arc and now it's ending. How can I do the season justice and draw it to a close, have a pause, and then come back for series two. There is definitely going be a series two. That's not a spoiler alert’ - Anna-Marie Watson From the autumn to spring equinox eleven guests have kindly shared insights and stories from their lives that trace their roots and what rises within them as coaches or psychotherapists and human beings in connection with our natural world.  In our thirteenth episode Anna-Marie and Rob who’s usually behind the scenes as podcast producer reflect on their journey over the last seven months and share their thoughts on the main themes that have emerged with transformation, change, purpose, play and notice the gaps that have also arisen. Anna-Marie offers her perspectives as podcast host and how each podcast guest has influenced her work and life. Season one draws to a close for Anna-Marie with a mixture of pride, joy, sadness and gratitude.  About Change agent, connector, coach, collaborator and podcaster Anna-Marie combines her passion and curiosity for peak performance across her work and life. She brings a wealth of over twenty-five years’ international experience to craft a portfolio career.  She is a self-certified learning junkie with a Post Graduate Certificate in Applied Coaching from the University of Derby and Master’s in Teaching from the University of Sydney; amongst other psychological and psychometric based coaching tools. Happiest outdoors Anna-Marie loves to escape the confines of four walls and co-create coaching conversations with nature.  Anna-Marie is on a mission to encourage a different approach to work where our natural environment is valued within the business world. She facilitates outdoor coaching supervision circles; co-hosted the biweekly ‘Coaching Outdoors’ podcast for five years; co-wrote chapters in ‘The Coaches Handbook’ and ‘Succeeding as a Coach’ on eco-coaching and was a driving force behind the two successful Coaching Outdoors Podcast LIVE @ Henley Business School festivals. Former British Army Officer, she has worked in challenging environments from snowy Arctic tundra to hot and sandy deserts though currently resides within the rolling countryside of Somerset. Alongside her passion for performance and coaching Anna- Marie has a severe ultra-running habit and has raced competitively at an international level. LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/awatson4/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rfmcoaching/] To find out more: www.rootedrisingpodcast.com [https://www.rootedrisingpodcast.com]

Episode Twelve - Bridging the gap: Removing barriers to outdoor coaching

‘When I started looking at all of this, I did have that presumption that everyone can access nature. Nature is there for everyone, and unpacking that unconscious bias is really powerful and really important, and recognising, wow, I didn't know that, but now I do know that. And, I'm going to try to do something about that, because that's really important to me’  Ruth Geddes, coach & supervisor with a passion for equity  ‘Is outdoor coaching an accessible and equitable practice?’ Driven by the threads of nature, equity and outdoor coaching Ruth Geddes posed this question for her Masters research project at the University of East London despite considerable personal and professional discomfort. Her conversations with coaches and clients revealed the gap which exists with seen and unseen, spoken and unspoken conscious and unconscious needs. She invites coaches to ponder the following questions:  * Who may feel excluded from my coaching practice and why? * How could I be proactive in adapting my marketing and coaching practice to increase accessibility? * When looking around a local nature space, see it with fresh eyes. Can everyone access this space? If not, why not? The roots of her mantra ‘informed by psychology, inspired by nature’ can be traced back to a wee village on the east coast of Scotland with fond memories from the beach, rock pools and sea. Ruth is on a mission to spread awareness on equity, inclusivity, safety and belonging within the outdoor coaching realm.  Bio: Ruth Geddes is a Positive Psychology practitioner with an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, a Senior Practitioner Coach accredited by the EMCC and an accredited supervisor. Her research explored barriers to participation in outdoor coaching, with a particular focus on accessibility and inclusion. Ruth’s coaching integrates evidence-based positive psychology with nature-based approaches, helping people reconnect with themselves and nature through the often-overlooked magic of everyday outdoor spaces. Alongside her coaching practice, Ruth works in Higher Education as a Wellbeing Team Manager. Her work is informed by psychology, inspired by nature. Ruth Geddes Coaching [https://www.ruthgeddescoaching.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-geddes-862ab1176/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nature_coaching_southsea] Resources:  Conceptual article in Journal of Positive Psychology - Outdoor Coaching – an Accessible and Equitable Practice? Ruth Geddes, MSc., Alison Bishop, PhD - Journal of Positive Psychology Coaching (JPPC) Vol 3, 2026 [https://www.journal.theippc.com/article/157520-outdoor-coaching-an-accessible-and-equitable-practice] Dr Alison Bishop [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-alison-bishop-a08907235/] To find out more: www.rootedrisingpodcast.com [https://www.rootedrisingpodcast.com]

Episode Eleven - When life gives you lemons - Life after a spinal injury

'In 2018, I had a spinal injury. I just stopped making artwork for, about 18 months, I was completely stuck. I couldn't… couldn't do anything. And funnily enough, when lockdown came, I sort of became unlocked. I don't know what it is. I think it was because I felt I wasn't the only one trapped indoors. I wasn't missing anything, because there was nothing to miss anymore’. Tracey Falcon, Life Coach, Artist Educator and Wheel Chair User  Artist and creative life coach Tracey Falcon joins us from Whitstable, Kent where she lives with her youngest son, dog and a steady stream of refugees. In 2018, her spinal injury prompted an inner search to redefine value within herself and discover ‘who she is’ and ‘what she does’. How she navigated this huge life transition and relationship with grief is a testament to her perseverance and determination. Tracey speaks openly about the challenges she faces as a wheel chair user from accessibility, vulnerability and her enemy otherwise known as mud.  Discover the pun behind her business name ‘Still Life Coaching’ and her strap line based on the concept of ‘lemonading’ that brings an element of playfulness and resilience into her work. Plus, the influence of philosophical enquiry that enters her coaching; ‘what do I think I know?’, ‘why do I think know it, and can I be certain? If not, then what other possibilities could there be?’ From tadpoles to prosthetic tree limbs our conversations are filled with metaphors, perspectives, possibilities…  Bio As an artist educator working in galleries, museums and even in a forest, also teaching at universities, Tracey creatively worked with vulnerable groups and individuals, igniting curiosity and connecting to places, people, objects and ideas. A spinal injury in 2018 limited what she can now cope with physically and subsequently had to rethink her career. She learned a great deal through her major life change experience. A disabled, single parent, she is no stranger to a struggle. Drawing on this and her creative project work helping people gain confidence and problem solve, she decided to retrain, first gaining two counselling qualifications and then as a life coach. She has a passion for nature, especially trees and continues to make art.  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-falcon-4617865a/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/tracey.falcon/] Instagram - Still Life Coaching [https://www.instagram.com/stories/still.life.coaching/] Instagram - Tracey Falcon [https://www.instagram.com/tracey_falcon/] Instagam - Treesee Falcon Artwork [https://www.instagram.com/treeseefalcon] Resources Disability Rights UK [https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org]  Moving Social Work [https://getyourselfactive.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Moving-Social-Work-Summary-PE.pdf] The Polyphony [https://thepolyphony.org] Give Us a Shout [https://giveusashout.org] - text 85258  Refugees at Home [https://refugeesathome.org]  The Conversation Agency [https://www.theconversationagency.co.uk]  Blog – Lemons and Lemonade [https://stilllifecoaching.com/lemonading/f/lemons-and-lemonade] Concept ‘lemonading’ from research by Shen X and Crawley Z (2025) How does playfulness (re)frame the world? Evidence for selective cognitive and behavioral redirecting in times of adversity. Front. Psychol. 15:1462980. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1462980 [https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1462980/full#cite]   To find out more: www.rootedrisingpodcast.com [https://www.rootedrisingpodcast.com]