Nurture with Nature

Send us a textIn this special episode of 'Nurture with Nature,' host Iona Andean shares her highlights from the series, reflecting on her journey and the wonderful conversations she’s had with various inspiring guests. From Lorna Bray’s cathartic nature expedition to Laura Smith’s fundraising in memory of her son, and Leanne Chlosta's experience with outdoor judgement, each story is a testament to the healing power of nature. Iona also announces a temporary break as she prepares for the arrival of her second child, while expressing gratitude to listeners and looking ahead to an exciting Series 2.This episode is sponsored by Seasgair LodgesYou can follow all of the series 1 guests using the links below:Lorna Bray - @gurl_on_the_hillLaura Smith - @mymessylifeinphotosLeanne Chlosta - @teamchlostaJess Parson - @bumpsbairnsbuggiesAnna Gill - @aberdeenshirewalksAnna Hardie - @annaxhardieFollow host Iona Andean @iona.adventuring to keep up to date with her own outdoor adventures and time spent in nature, as well as being the first to hear about the upcoming second series of Nurture with Nature 00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature00:47 Reflecting on the Journey01:44 Series Highlights and Future Plans03:45 Sponsor Shoutout: Seasgair Lodges04:40 Lorna Bray: Rediscovering the Outdoors10:26 Laura Smith: Outdoor Healing and Mental Health18:46 Leanne Closta: Embracing the Outdoors25:11 Jess Parson: Pre and Post Natal Fitness31:26 Anna Gill: Building Outdoor Communities34:32 Anna Hardie: Hiking with Little Ones39:30 Series Conclusion and Gratitude

Send us a textIn this episode of 'Nurture with Nature,' host Iona Andean speaks with Anna Hardie, an adventure enthusiast and mother, about her challenging yet inspiring experience of trekking the 96-mile West Highland Way with her three-year-old daughter. Anna shares the physical and mental struggles they faced, the initial missteps, and how they overcame doubts and logistical challenges to complete their journey. This heartfelt conversation highlights the importance of perseverance, adjusting expectations, and the incredible potential of children when given the space to explore. Anna also discusses her motivations for creating a supportive community for parents and families who wish to embrace outdoor adventures. Follow Anna's ongoing journey on Instagram @annaxhardie and join her Facebook group 'Little and Large Explorers' for more inspiration.Follow host Iona Andean on Instagram @iona.adventuring to keep in touch and find out about upcoming episodes00:00 Introduction to Nurture with Nature00:22 Meet Adventure Mum Anna Hardie00:29 Anna's Journey on the West Highland Way00:40 Struggles and Triumphs on the Trail01:28 Inspiring Kids to Embrace the Outdoors02:39 Anna's Outdoor Beginnings04:04 Balancing Motherhood and Adventure06:36 Daily Life and Outdoor Adventures13:29 Planning and Preparing for Long Hikes15:05 Challenges and Realities of Hiking with a Toddler28:47 Unexpected Challenges on the Trail29:41 Dealing with Limited Supplies32:29 Facing Doubts and Comments from Others37:17 Struggles and Decision to Go Home42:44 A New Beginning: Restarting the Journey48:30 Overcoming Physical Setbacks50:36 Finishing Strong with Family Support52:37 Reflecting on the Experience54:21 Encouraging Outdoor Adventures for Families58:04 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Send us a textIn this episode of 'Nurture with Nature,' host Iona Andean welcomes Anna Gill, the digital marketing consultant and outdoor enthusiast behind the popular Instagram account @aberdeenshirewalks. Anna shares her journey of fostering a love for the outdoors from childhood to adulthood, navigating motherhood, and building a supportive online community. The conversation delves into coping with self-esteem issues, the benefits of outdoor activities for mental and physical health, and practical tips for accessible walking routes. Sponsored by Out and About, this episode highlights the importance of integrating nature into family life and supporting local businesses through shared adventures.This episode is sponsored by Out 'n' AboutStay connected with host Iona Andean on Instagram @iona.adventuring00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature00:23 Introducing Our Sponsor: Out and About01:05 Meet Our Guest: Anna Gill from Aberdeenshire Walks02:15 Anna's Outdoor Adventures and Family Life02:58 Recording Challenges and Episode Setup03:46 Anna's Childhood and Early Outdoor Experiences05:39 University Life and Meeting Matthew06:25 Exploring Aberdeenshire During Lockdown07:08 Discovering New Walks and Local Gems09:50 Supporting Local Businesses Through Social Media14:02 Building a Community on Social Media21:04 Hosting a Successful Singles Walk22:03 Organizing a Singles Walk22:52 Event Success and Social Media Impact23:32 Future Plans and Family Life24:34 Balancing Family and Outdoor Adventures29:10 Support Systems and Social Media Choices31:12 Encouraging Outdoor Activities36:51 Confidence and Personal Growth39:26 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Send us a textIn this episode of Nurture with Nature, host Iona Andean introduces Jess Parson, a pre and post-natal fitness trainer who shares her inspiring journey of balancing family life, fitness, and a shocking medical diagnosis. Sponsored by Out 'n' About, the conversation explores Jess's love for outdoor activities, her approach to family adventures, and the mental and physical health benefits of spending time in nature. Jess discusses her passion for helping mothers incorporate exercise into their lives and the importance of slowing down to appreciate life's small moments. Follow Jess on Instagram @bumpsbairnsandbuggies for more inspiration.This episode is proudly sponsored by Out 'n' AboutFollow host Iona Andean on Instagram @iona.adventuring to keep in touch and hear about upcoming episodes00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature01:05 Introducing This Week's Guest: Jess Parson03:36 Jess's Journey to Outdoor Adventures06:11 Balancing Family Life and Outdoor Activities10:02 Transitioning Careers for a Balanced Life17:42 The Importance of Mental Health and Exercise25:27 Managing Outdoor Activities with Kids33:52 Creative Play with Simple Materials34:06 Encouraging Imagination and Independence34:37 Sponsor Message: Out and About35:17 Mental Health Benefits of Outdoor Activities40:24 Personal Story: Health Challenges and Outdoor Impact54:00 The Importance of Slowing Down58:19 Conclusion and Future Plans

Send us a textIn this episode of 'Nurture with Nature,' host Iona Andean interviews Leanne Chlosta, known as @teamchlosta on Instagram, a passionate advocate for outdoor accessibility. Leanne discusses overcoming mental health challenges and societal stigmas through outdoor activities, including wild swimming and solo adventures. Her journey underscores the importance of balancing adventure with self-care and fostering a supportive community. Leanne's inspiring story encourages listeners to embrace nature, prioritize well-being, and pursue personal growth, regardless of societal judgments.Follow host Iona on Instagram @iona.adventuring to stay connected.This episode has been kindly supported by Seasgair Lodges00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature00:33 Introducing Leanne Chlosta00:48 Support from Seasgair Lodges01:36 Leanne's Outdoor Adventures02:34 Mental Health and Body Positivity03:48 Leanne's Journey into the Outdoors04:40 Joining Outdoor Groups15:34 The Great Glencoe Challenge21:16 The Mad Piranhas Swimming Group27:41 Solo Adventures and Personal Growth35:18 Finding Strength in Parenting Choices35:55 Recognizing and Managing Anxiety37:46 The Role of Medication in Mental Health39:17 Nature as a Healer45:46 Balancing Work and Adventure51:26 Making Time for Yourself58:21 Leanne's Future Plans and Reflections

Send us a textNurture with Nature: Laura Smith's Journey from grief to growth and mental health advocacy through the outdoors In this heartfelt episode of 'Nurture with Nature,' host Iona Andean interviews Laura Smith, @mymessylifeinphotos, a healthcare support worker and mental health advocate who has found healing and purpose in the great outdoors after losing her eldest son, Robbie, to suicide in 2020. Laura shares her transformative journey of embracing outdoor adventures, from hiking and wild swimming to running and paddle boarding, which have helped her cope with grief and support mental health causes. She speaks candidly about her family's experiences, the importance of mental health awareness, and her plans to influence policy changes within the Scottish government. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, healing, and the profound impact nature can have on our well-being.Follow host Iona on Instagram @iona.adventuring to stay connected.00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature00:55 Introducing Laura Smith03:34 Laura's Outdoor Journey Begins05:25 Robbie's Influence and Tragic Loss09:28 Fundraising and Healing Through Adventure16:35 Family Support and Outdoor Challenges26:15 Embracing Adventure with Kids27:04 Navigating Parenting Challenges28:12 The Power of Social Media Connections28:58 Overcoming Anxiety and Finding Community30:25 Diving into New Adventures35:18 Mental Health and the Outdoors39:51 Addressing Suicide and Mental Health Stigma43:38 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Send us a textNurture with Nature: Rediscovering the Outdoors with Lorna BrayJoin host Iona Andean on the inaugural episode of 'Nurture with Nature' as she delves into the life of her first guest, Lorna Bray. Lorna, a fervent lover of the outdoors known as @gurl_on_the_hill on Instagram, shares her journey from a childhood filled with adventure to reconnecting with nature later in life. The episode touches on Lorna's experiences as a single mother, her passion for the outdoors, and her awe-inspiring adventures, including encounters with grizzly bears and scaling via ferratas. Lorna also discusses the profound impact of nature on mental health, the importance of grounding, and how she fosters a love for the outdoors in her daughter Jessica, who has a rare bone condition. This heartfelt conversation is a testament to the healing power of nature and the incredible bonds formed through shared adventures.Follow host Iona on Instagram @iona.adventuring to stay connected.00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature00:22 Introducing Lorna Bray01:24 Lorna's Outdoor Adventures03:21 Rediscovering the Outdoors08:43 Finding Community and Friendship16:33 Balancing Life and Adventure19:54 Settling into Highland Life24:17 Midweek Adventures26:37 Jessica's Ultra Rare Bone Condition27:08 Adapting Adventures for Jessica27:32 Early Adventures and Paddleboarding28:03 Jessica's Growing Passion for Adventure29:18 The Healing Power of Nature30:29 Passing on the Gift of Adventure31:25 Jessica's Choices Reflect Her Upbringing37:20 Grounding and Emotional Healing38:43 The Profound Impact of Nature47:11 Daily Walks and Stress Management50:34 Cutting Out the Noise52:20 Conclusion and Future Adventures

Send us a textNurturing Yourself with Nature: An IntroductionJoin Iona Andean in the first episode of 'Nurture with Nature' as she introduces her passion project podcast focused on using the outdoors to enhance physical and mental wellbeing. Iona shares her personal journey from police officer to outdoor enthusiast, her experiences forming a community walking group, and the profound impact nature has had on her life. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Iona's dedication to connecting people with nature endures. She invites listeners to find inspiration and motivation through the stories of everyday people who have discovered the healing powers of the great outdoors.00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature00:37 The Meaning Behind Nurture with Nature01:39 Personal Journey: From Police Officer to Nurse02:37 Discovering a Love for the Outdoors03:52 Building a Community: Iona's Adventures04:38 Achievements and Recognition05:38 Adapting to Change: Lockdown and Beyond07:14 Motherhood and Outdoor Adventures08:11 Starting the Podcast and Call to Action09:05 Final Thoughts and Inspiration