The Nature Based Therapy Podcast

Ep 9. Nature, Health, and Policy with Dr. Matilda van den Bosch

In this episode of the Nature-Based Therapy Podcast, Johan Östberg speaks with Dr. Matilda van den Bosch, a physician and environmental health scientist renowned for her work at the intersection of nature, health, and public policy. With expertise in both medicine and landscape planning, and through her work with ISGlobal and the World Health Organization, Matilda has contributed to shaping global understanding of how natural environments support human health and well-being. The conversation explores the role of urban nature as a public health resource, the importance of equitable access to green spaces, and the challenges of translating scientific evidence into actionable policy and planning strategies. Matilda also shares insights from large-scale research on the health impacts of green and blue spaces, and reflects on how nature-based approaches can be integrated into preventive healthcare and urban development. Join us as we discuss how nature-based therapies can become a central part of global public health efforts, and stay connected with Resonate Horizon on LinkedIn and Instagram for more expert conversations on Nature-Based Therapy.

Ep 8. Global Perspectives on Nature-Based Therapy with Simone Borelli

In this episode of the Nature-Based Therapy Podcast, Johan Östberg speaks with Simone Borelli, Forestry Officer at FAO, who has dedicated his career to urban forestry, agroforestry, and sustainable landscapes. With extensive experience in international projects, policy development, and capacity building, Simone has played a key role in integrating trees and green spaces into cities worldwide. The discussion explores FAO’s role in promoting nature-based therapy (NbT) and how urban forests and green spaces contribute to health, well-being, and climate resilience. Simone highlights key FAO initiatives that support NbT, the challenges of convincing policymakers that urban nature is a necessity rather than a luxury, and the different ways NbT is perceived and applied across regions. The conversation also covers barriers and opportunities for scaling up NbT in urban planning and healthcare. Simone shares insights on the future of NbT, including trends and innovations that could make green spaces a central part of global public health strategies. Join us for an in-depth look at how international collaboration is shaping greener, healthier cities, and stay connected with Resonate Horizon on LinkedIn and Instagram for more expert discussions on Nature-Based Therapy!

Ep 7. Managing RESONATE – An Interdisciplinary Approach with Julia Egger

Managing RESONATE – An Interdisciplinary Approach with Julia Egger In this episode of the Nature-Based Therapy Podcast, Johan Östberg speaks with Julia Egger, Project Manager for RESONATE at the University of Vienna. With a background in linguistics and psycholinguistics, Julia brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to managing this large-scale Horizon Europe project, which explores the role of nature-based therapies (NbTs) in building individual and community resilience. Julia shares her experience stepping into the NbT field and discusses the challenges of coordinating a complex, multi-partner project spanning multiple countries and disciplines. She explains the concept of nature-based social prescribing, the role of resilience hubs, and how RESONATE is working to develop practical tools and guidelines for integrating NbTs into health and social care systems. The conversation also covers the logistical and communication challenges of managing an EU-funded initiative, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and how RESONATE aims to influence policymakers, urban planners, and healthcare providers. Julia reflects on what has surprised her most about working on NbTs and shares her hopes for the long-term impact of RESONATE in promoting evidence-based nature-based solutions. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how large-scale research projects drive innovation in nature-based health interventions, and stay connected with Resonate Horizon on LinkedIn and Instagram for more expert discussions on Nature-Based Therapy!

Ep 6. Urban Forestry, Nature-Based Therapy & the 3-30-300 Principle with Cecil Konijnendijk

In this episode of the Nature-Based Therapy Podcast, Johan Östberg sits down with Professor Cecil Konijnendijk, a leading expert in urban forestry, green spaces, and nature-based solutions. With decades of experience, Cecil has played a key role in shaping urban forestry policies and strategies worldwide. They discuss his journey into urban forestry, his contributions to major EU projects, and the development of the 3-30-300 rule - a widely adopted framework for greener, healthier cities. Cecil shares insights on how this rule relates to nature-based therapy (NbT) and how cities can integrate more trees and green spaces to enhance mental and physical well-being. The conversation also covers the evolution of NbT, its future potential, and practical recommendations for healthcare professionals, urban planners, and individuals looking to incorporate nature into daily life. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of urban forests, health, and sustainability, and stay connected for more expert discussions on Resonate Horizon’s LinkedIn and Instagram.

EP. 5 Nature-Based Interventions & Smellscapes with Dr. Anna María Pálsdóttir

In this episode of the Nature-Based Therapy Podcast, Johan Östberg speaks with Dr. Anna María Pálsdóttir, Associate Professor in Environmental Psychology of Landscape Architecture and Senior Lecturer in Nature-Based Interventions at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Anna María has been at the forefront of conceptualizing and evaluating nature-based interventions, particularly in rehabilitation settings. Since 2007, she has worked at Alnarp Rehabilitation Garden, focusing on individuals recovering from stress-related mental disorders, post-stroke fatigue, and vocational rehabilitation for migrants. The discussion also explores her latest research on "smellscapes"—how scents from nature influence stress reduction in urban environments. She shares insights into the scientific foundations of nature-supported interventions, their role in health recovery, and the expanding potential of NbT in urban settings. Tune in to learn more about the healing power of nature and stay connected with Resonate Horizon on LinkedIn and Instagram for more expert conversations on Nature-Based Therapy! PS. Sorry about the somewhat poor audio quality in this episode! We hade some technical difficulties, but these are fixed for the upcoming episodes. Thank you for your understanding!