Show Notes
“We’re in this time when the earth is activating this awakening, we’re part of the immune system of the earth. So then, what do the kids need to hear? Do they need to hear the battles of the Civil War, the names of the Egyptian pharaohs, the capitals of the States? Or do they need to hear that they’re magical beings, threaded to a living earth? That’s what they need to hear everyday from us adults, and we need to give them the evidence for that.” This week, we are joined by Paul Astin and Jenny Griffiths, the co-founders of Manzanita School & Institute, a nature-based school in Southern California. Founded in 2014, Manzanita challenges educational paradigms and nurtures the whole child through its unique indoor-outdoor curriculum blending rigorous academics, land stewardship (including a working organic farm), and the study of local ecology on its 21-acre campus and the protected lands that surround it. This is an incredibly inspiring conversation that you won't want to miss. Jon, Aidan, and Sarah were all moved to tears on multiple occasions. We discuss the genesis of the school, what they believe the role of teachers is in helping students at different stages, what the latest research says about the role nature connection plays in education, and how we help students create and reinforce an empowering narrative about themselves and the role they have to play as members of our society and stewards of the earth. About Paul & Jenny Dr. Paul Astin, Ed.D. and Jenny Griffiths, M.A., are longtime educators and Topangans who founded Manzanita in 2014 with the intention to create a new and meaningful alternative to the existing education system—one that honors the unique community and landscape of the Santa Monica Mountains, while preparing students to become independent thinkers and confident, embodied leaders in a rapidly changing world. Dr. Paul has worked in education for over 30 years. He has been a teacher and administrator in both public and private schools, as well as the founder of a health-education nonprofit and a jazz pianist. He has a BA degree in Prehistoric Studies, a bilingual and bicultural teaching credential, an MA in Latin American Studies, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from UCLA, where his dissertation focusing on adolescent development and middle school reform won the Dissertation of the Year Award in the Educational Leadership Program. Jenny has a master’s degree in Art Education and has taught art and organized community art events for more than two decades. She has also designed and delivered courses for mothers in building mother-daughter groups, a project supporting networks of mentors for adolescent girls. She now oversees the Seeds (K-2) early childhood program at Manzanita. Jenny has also received training in leading council and has been leading our parent council group at Manzanita since 2014. They continue to be inspired and humbled by the Manzanita community, and their dedication to educating the next generation of thoughtful and effective leaders and creators. Learn more about Manzanita School & Institute here https://manzanitaschool.org/
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More from Tracking Connections
We're going to take a little break this summer and we plan to resume episodes in September. We've got exciting stuff planned and we look forward to coming back and sharing all kinds of new ideas with you in the fall. In the meantime, if you can't get enough Tracking Connections, we definitely recommend you go back and listen to some of our older episodes because every episode is timeless, and maybe you'll hear something that you didn't hear last time. If you're interested in checking out what else we've got going on, you can always visit us at Living Connection 1st. We've got some really cool free stuff as well as courses, videos, books, and audio products. Thanks a lot for listening! Visit the Tracking Connections Podcast Page to join our mailing list and see browse our episodes.
What if the birds outside your window were telling a story—and you could understand it? In this rich and deeply practical episode, we explore the timeless practice of bird language: an ancient skill of awareness, empathy, and interspecies communication. We share stories from sit spots, backyards, and wild landscapes where birds, bobcats, and even our dogs, help shape our understanding of what's happening in the natural world around us. Jon shares insights from decades of study and teaching, including lessons from his book What the Robin Knows, and describes how tuning in to the “Five Voices” of the birds can open a deeper relationship with the world. Sarah and Aidan add stories of personal encounters—from backyard alarms to bobcat tracking—that show how learning bird language can help us see more of our wild neighbors, enrich daily life, and even change how we move through social spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned tracker or just stepping outside with a cup of tea, this episode invites you to slow down, listen closely, and find magic in the everyday movement waiting just outside your door. "Birds talk to each other, we can learn to understand it, and it's fun."
"Nature doesn’t judge. It just invites you to show up and be yourself." In this wide-ranging conversation, we’re joined by Alexis Burnett—naturalist, tracker, herbalist, and founder of Earth Tracks in Ontario, Canada. Alexis takes us on a journey through three decades of nature connection, beginning with a longing for deeper meaning after high school and leading to a life of wilderness mentoring, community building, and raising a family rooted in the rhythms of the land. We explore Alexis’s learning journey, early influences from indigenous elders and mentors, and the humble beginnings of Earth Tracks, born out of curiosity, commitment, and a deep love for the land. Along the way, Alexis shares the transformative power of long-term mentoring, the quiet magic of gratitude circles, and the importance of routines like sit spot, tracking, and plant observation—simple practices that create space for awe, healing, and purpose. Whether you’re new to nature connection or decades into the journey, this episode is a rich reflection on what it means to walk a path that’s guided not by goals, but by listening, presence, and the willingness to follow what calls. Connect with Alexis Visit Earth Tracks to learn more about Alexis' programs and join his newsletter. Alexis also has a great blog on his website. Follow Earth Tracks on Facebook or Instagram About Alexis Burnett Alexis Burnett is a Naturalist, Tracker, Herbalist, Wilderness Skills Practitioner and Canoe Guide from Orangeville, Ontario. He currently resides in the Owen Sound area with his two children, spending his days tracking, wild-crafting and running his Outdoor School and Wilderness Canoe Tripping company, Earth Tracks. Alexis is lead guide for the wilderness canoe trips and head instructor for all the programs and classes. He is committed to mentoring and teaching others the skills that help us to re-connect with the natural world in an ancient and powerful way. By learning from nature through immersion and direct experience we begin to see and more importantly ‘feel’ the inter-relation of all things in the natural world. And from here we can begin to understand the important role that we all can play in protecting and preserving the Earth for future generations. View Alexis' full bio on his website. -- Tracking Connections Podcast is a production of Connection 1st, an organization that helps you deepen your connection with nature, other people and yourself. Learn more The transcript for this episode is available here.
In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, we reconnect with Julie Stonefelt of Wild Homestead Living—park ranger, nature mentor, cancer survivor, and long-time member of the deep nature connection community. Julie shares her powerful personal story of transformation, from teenage struggles and early mentorship with Jon to her path through illness, healing, and the creation of a slow, connected life on a rural homestead. We explore the roots of Wild Homestead Living, a vision born not just of longing for simplicity, but of intentional reciprocity with the land and the more-than-human world. Julie offers intimate reflections on how nature supported her through life-altering challenges and how she now supports others in their own reconnection journeys—whether through sit spot practice, gardening alongside local wildlife, or simply noticing the breeze on your skin. We also talk about ego, control, and decolonizing our approach to land and learning. Julie shares how observation, curiosity, and story are at the heart of her teaching—and how small acts, like growing sprouts in a jar, can spark a deeper relationship with life itself. If you've ever wondered how to begin (or begin again) in relationship with nature—especially in our fast-paced world—this episode is your invitation to slow down, listen, and remember. "Slowing down and having those connections—it's simple, but it's not easy." About Wild Homestead Living If you’re craving a life that’s more connected to nature, rooted in simplicity, and aligned with your values, you’re in the right place. Founded by Julie Stonefelt and Kevin Mack, Wild Homestead Living offers practical tools, heartfelt inspiration, and a supportive community to help you create a sustainable lifestyle—whether you live in the city, the suburbs, or off the grid. From patio gardens to permaculture homesteads, you’ll find resources to help you start small, grow slow, and live deeply. Ready to begin? Explore their free courses and guides » About Julie Stonefelt Julie grew up with salt in her hair and sand between her toes, falling in love with nature along the shores of Puget Sound in the Great Pacific Northwest. That love led her to The Evergreen State College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree specializing in environmental education, cultural history, and wildlife rehabilitation. For over 28 years, she’s been helping people connect with the wild world around them, whether through her work as a Park Ranger or here at Wild Homestead Living. She believes that nature isn’t just something out there—it’s part of who we are. And no matter where you live, there’s always a way to bring a little more of it into your life. -- Tracking Connections Podcast is a production of Connection 1st, an organization that helps you deepen your connection with nature, other people and yourself. Learn more The transcript of this episode is available here.
This episode is all about motivation. How do we motivate our students, and ourselves, to practice our skills, be more consistent in our routines, and deepen our connection to the natural world? Jon and Sarah are joined by Jack Durtnall, based in the UK, and an experienced naturalist, musician, and mentor, to explore these questions and share stories about what Tom Brown Jr did when mentoring Jon and his peers, and what Jon, Jack, and Sarah have applied in their own work, and in their own routines. Enjoy! About Jack Durtnall Jack Durtnall is a musician and nature connection facilitator living in the south east of England. His music can be found under his solo name and also as part of the band Shoal and the Seabird. Jack enjoys the rich musical and nature connection culture locally, and founded Hopjam, a long running groove-based jam night in 2022. Jack also gets to play at folk night with dear friend and colleague Anna Richardson frequently! Jack has been inspired by 8 Shields, Connection 1st, and the Art of Mentoring camps (2017 at Burnicombe Farm, Devon, and 2019 in Scotland) and loves the world that has opened up by being part of this wider collective culture. Jack works with the following organizations: