Biophilic Solutions: Nature Has the Answers

This week, we’re sitting down with Rebecca Magee to discuss the importance of seasonal living, the need to honor periods of rest, and how reconnecting with nature can lead to a more thoughtful and invigorating way of life.  Rebecca is the founder of Sister Seasons,  an impact company that helps changemakers work with nature’s cycles to develop the skills they need to be thriving, regenerative leaders on a rapidly changing planet. With a background in social impact and women’s leadership at companies like EILEEN FISHER and Echoing Green, Rebecca explores the deep connections between gender equity and climate change, highlighting how women are disproportionately affected by environmental challenges. She shares insights on embracing natural cycles—both in nature and within ourselves—to foster resilience, avoid burnout, and promote personal and collective sustainability.  We really enjoyed this thought-provoking conversation on balance, sustainability, and the wisdom of the seasons–and we hope you will, as well.  Show Notes: * The Biophilic Leadership Summit [http://biophilicsummit.com] * Sister Seasons [https://www.sisterseasons.com/] * Sister Seasons Newsletter [https://www.sisterseasons.com/newsletter] * Field Notes | FREE Introductory Course from Sister Seasons [https://www.sisterseasons.com/field-notes] * Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May [https://bookshop.org/p/books/wintering-the-power-of-rest-and-retreat-in-difficult-times-katherine-may/16519711?ean=9780593189481&next=t] Keywords: Sister Seasons, gender equity, climate change, menstrual cycles, sustainability, women's wellbeing, regenerative cycles, cultural perspectives, wintering, burnout, winter phase, cycles, leadership, self-care, nature, anxiety, regenerative leadership, mindfulness, cultural reflections, responsive leadership The Biophilic Leadership Summit is the only multi-day conference entirely focused on biophilic projects, research & principles, bringing together top industry thought-leaders in an intimate natural setting to network, build partnerships and learn from each other.  Join us in Serenbe for the 7th Annual Summit on March 30 - April 1, 2025. Register today! [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-biophilic-leadership-summit-tickets-951658876317?aff=oddtdtcreator] Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biophilicsolutions/] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/biophilic-solutions-nature-has-the-answers/] and learn more on our website [https://www.biophilicsolutions.com/]. #NatureHasTheAnswers

As we launch Season 5, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the vital role of nature in uncertain times. Our connection to the natural world isn’t just about aesthetics – it profoundly shapes our mental health, strengthens community bonds, and influences our cultural identities. In this episode, we explore how technology can either distract us or serve as a tool for deeper engagement and examine how our consumption habits affect our relationship with nature and each other.  In a world of constant change, how can we foster a future where both nature and human connection flourish? Join Monica and Jennifer for this essential conversation. Questions or comments? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us at contact@biophilicsolutions.com Show Notes * Join Monica & Jennifer  at the The Biophilic Leadership Summit [https://biophilicsummit.com/], March 30 - April 1 in Serenbe * Biophilia Discovers Its Missing Father [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/biophilia-discovers-its-missing-father-jon-neiditz-jxxje/?trackingId=RIkxxT6qRa2CYtMOeo%2B4zw%3D%3D] (The Hybrid Intelligencer) * ‘’This is garbage’ – Step aside influencers, we’re now in the era of de-influencing [https://www.npr.org/2024/03/25/1239897929/influencers-deinfluencing-tiktok-instagram-shopping-environment] (NPR) Keywords: biophilia, nature, community, technology, overconsumption, mental health, hope, spirituality, design, environmental awareness, empathy, DEI, nature, cycles, consciousness, indigenous wisdom, anti-influencer, biophilia, human connection, audience engagement The Biophilic Leadership Summit is the only multi-day conference entirely focused on biophilic projects, research & principles, bringing together top industry thought-leaders in an intimate natural setting to network, build partnerships and learn from each other.  Join us in Serenbe for the 7th Annual Summit on March 30 - April 1, 2025. Register today! [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-biophilic-leadership-summit-tickets-951658876317?aff=oddtdtcreator] Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biophilicsolutions/] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/biophilic-solutions-nature-has-the-answers/] and learn more on our website [https://www.biophilicsolutions.com/]. #NatureHasTheAnswers

Season 5 of Biophilic Solutions premieres on Tuesday, March 4th! This season, we're taking a broader approach to biophilia—going beyond architecture and design to examine nature’s role in culture, politics, and spirituality. We’ll tackle pressing issues like the rise of AI, the influence of social media, and the current political climate, all through the lens of nature and balance. With a focus on hope and possibility, we’ll paint a vision of a biophilic future—one that fosters connection, trust, and harmony. Join us as we seek answers and reimagine a world where nature guides the way forward! Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biophilicsolutions/] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/biophilic-solutions-nature-has-the-answers/] and learn more on our website [https://www.biophilicsolutions.com/]. #NatureHasTheAnswers

This year, we’re embracing the slower pace of winter and our mantra is less rush, more cheer. More time with family and friends, more warm cups of tea, more long walks in the woods, and of course more time spent curled up with a good book. So, as the holiday season approaches, we’re back with more nature-inspired and uplifting reads. So whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone special in your life or are in need of some inspiration yourself, keep listening.  Show Notes: * The Biophilic Leadership Summit [https://biophilicsummit.com/] * Less Rush, More Cheer: What We’re Reading This Winter (Full List on Bookshop) [https://bookshop.org/lists/less-rush-more-cheer-holiday-reading-2024??new-list-page=true] * How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen [https://bookshop.org/lists/less-rush-more-cheer-holiday-reading-2024??new-list-page=true] by David Brooks * A Philosophy of Walking [https://bookshop.org/lists/less-rush-more-cheer-holiday-reading-2024??new-list-page=true] by Frederic Gros and John Howe * Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading [https://bookshop.org/lists/less-rush-more-cheer-holiday-reading-2024??new-list-page=true] by Chris Anderson * Slow Down: The Degrowth Manifesto [https://bookshop.org/lists/less-rush-more-cheer-holiday-reading-2024??new-list-page=true] by Kohei Saito * All the Beauty in the World: THe Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me [https://bookshop.org/lists/less-rush-more-cheer-holiday-reading-2024??new-list-page=true] by Patrick Bringley * Restorative Cities: Urban Design for Mental Health and Wellbeing [https://bookshop.org/lists/less-rush-more-cheer-holiday-reading-2024??new-list-page=true] by Jenny Roe and Layla McCay * Georgia O’Keeffe & Henry Moore at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston [https://www.mfa.org/exhibition/georgia-okeeffe-and-henry-moore#paragraph--152746] The Biophilic Leadership Summit is the only multi-day conference entirely focused on biophilic projects, research & principles, bringing together top industry thought-leaders in an intimate natural setting to network, build partnerships and learn from each other.  Join us in Serenbe for the 7th Annual Summit on March 30 - April 1, 2025. Register today! [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-biophilic-leadership-summit-tickets-951658876317?aff=oddtdtcreator] Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biophilicsolutions/] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/biophilic-solutions-nature-has-the-answers/] and learn more on our website [https://www.biophilicsolutions.com/]. #NatureHasTheAnswers

Does the natural world bear witness to history? What lessons can nature teach us about survival, adaptation, and connection? This week, we’re exploring those questions and so much more alongside Erin Sharkey. Erin Sharkey is the editor of A Darker Wilderness: Black Nature Writing From Soil To Stars, an acclaimed anthology that weaves together history, personal narrative, and imaginative storytelling in order to explore the profound relationship between nature and Black identity. Each essay is connected through the use of archival objects, anchoring each piece to a shared past and nodding to the complicated history of nature writing as a discipline.  Erin is a writer, arts and abolition organizer, cultural worker, and film producer based in Minneapolis. She is the cofounder, with Junauda Petrus, of an experimental arts collective called Free Black Dirt and is the producer of film projects including Sweetness of Wild and Small Business Revolution. Erin is also a founding coop member of the Fields at Rootsprings, a retreat center that focuses on healing, learning, and connection for individuals, community and Earth and that centers BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists, activists, and healers. In this episode, we delve into the inspiration behind A Darker Wilderness, the intersections of race and ecology, and how Erin’s creative practice brings healing and hope to the communities she serves. Show Notes * A Darker Wilderness: Black Nature Writing From Soil to Stars [https://bookshop.org/shop/biophilicsolutions] * Erin Sharkey on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/erinjaws/?hl=en] * Erin Sharkey Website [https://www.erinsharkeywrites.com/] * The Fields at Rootsprings [https://rootspringsmn.org/] * Rochester Arts Center [https://www.rochesterartcenter.org/] The Biophilic Leadership Summit is the only multi-day conference entirely focused on biophilic projects, research & principles, bringing together top industry thought-leaders in an intimate natural setting to network, build partnerships and learn from each other.  Join us in Serenbe for the 7th Annual Summit on March 30 - April 1, 2025. Register today! [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-biophilic-leadership-summit-tickets-951658876317?aff=oddtdtcreator] Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biophilicsolutions/] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/biophilic-solutions-nature-has-the-answers/] and learn more on our website [https://www.biophilicsolutions.com/]. #NatureHasTheAnswers