Show Notes
In this episode, Sarah and Jon host their friend and colleague at Living Connection 1st, Nate Summers. Jon begins by sharing stories of when Nate and Jon first met in Washington State in 1996 right when the Designing with Natural Cycles model shift from 6 Shields to 8 Shields. The conversation explores the Profile Journey and Natural Learning Cycle through a variety of examples including an individual's journey from inspiration to embodiment of a complex skill, in this case that of a practitioner of deep nature connection, tracking and awareness and how these skills eventually lead to a form of invisibility and sense of awe and wonder. Other ways Nate discusses Designing with Nature Cycles include writing books, designing classes and even an impromptu scout mission at Sarah's request. ... Designing with Natural Cycles and the 8 Shields model can be applied in a wide variety of ways with powerful and predictable outcomes.
About Nate Summers Nate Summers, author of Shadow Survival: A Guide to Tactical Awareness, Evasion, Advanced Survival and More has been a survival skills instructor for over 20 years with a background in anthropology, Asian studies, and natural medicine. He taught and directed at the Wilderness Awareness School for over 15 years, and has served as faculty for the Desert Institute of Healing Arts, the Asian Institute of Medical Studies, and as adjunct faculty for Prescott College. He has taught Scout Skills, Natural Movement, and Survival Skills to people of all ages all over the world. Nate's passions include martial arts, natural movement, foraging, survival, ethnobotany, and going on adventures with his family. You can find Nate at his website primalnate.com and at Living Connection 1st. Visit https://www.livingconnection1st.net/ for more information about our work in nature connection and people connection.
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: