Tracking Connections

• 45. Brush Your Teeth with a Plant: Alexis Burnett on Core Routines, Mentoring, and Nature Connection

  "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 AlexisVisit 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 InstagramAbout Alexis BurnettAlexis 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 moreThe transcript for this episode is available here.

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• 44. Slow Living, Reciprocity, and Wild Homesteading with Julie Stonefelt

  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 LivingIf 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 StonefeltJulie 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 moreThe transcript of this episode is available here.

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• 43. Motivation in Mentoring with Jack Durtnall

  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 DurtnallJack 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:Cultivating Curiosity - Children's Nature Connection Programs Learn moreKinship in Nature - Forest School in East London Learn moreChildren's Forest - A movement to inspired and enable children to plant healthy forests Learn moreThe Earth Stewardship Apprentice youth program at Sacred Earth Learn more--Tracking Connections Podcast is a production of Connection 1st, an organization that helps you deepen your connection with nature, other people and yourself. Learn moreThe transcript for this episode is available here.

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• 42. Leaving a Conscious Legacy with Peter W Johnson

  Today’s episode is all about relationships, and how putting people first and valuing connection helps us build a conscious legacy in our families and in our work. Our guest, Peter Johnson, is a long time financial and estate planner, the co-founder of Family Nature Retreats, and the author of The Little Book of Family Treasure. He joins us to share how the principles of Connection 1st have influenced his work, helping him to heal families and build loving legacies that last.“We’re all ancestors in training, meaning, we’re all either leaving a conscious legacy or we’re leaving a shadow legacy.”We discuss how our legacy is our culture, the wake that we leave behind our boat, and how the wellbeing of our family culture is so influential on the wellbeing of the individual that it’s indistinguishable. Peter shares about the power of nature connection to put us into a peaceful state of being, which enables us to successfully navigate the difficult conversations that come up in families around legacy. Most of all, you will feel the loving kindness that emanates from Peter and informs all of his work with people, and be moved and inspired by what it is possible to heal when we come together from that place of love.“Money comes and goes, but the relationships and the skills and the knowledge, and the wisdom, and the desire to be of service to others, these are the things that really drive human behavior and determine outcomes.”The Little Book of Family TreasureWhat if the greatest threat to your family's legacy isn't poor investments or estate taxes, but the invisible walls that keep family members from truly connecting? Learn more about Peter's book here.Family Nature RetreatsFamily Nature Retreats rekindles the magic of life and connection for families seeking to create sustainable legacies and design purposeful estate plans. We assist client families in discovering and realizing their highest aspirations and potential — together — by combining facilitated conversations led by world-class, inter-disciplinary teams with proven healing nature connection practices.Estate PlanningIf you are interested in working with Peter and his team for your own family, visit https://pwjohnson.com/ to learn more.About Peter W. JohnsonFor over 25 years, Peter has served individuals and families with their wealth and financial planning needs. His own experiences with his family of origin fuel his commitment to family peacemaking, mentoring and connection. Peter’s deep respect and passion for nature connection and awareness, as well as other transformative practices, has led to the creation of Family Nature Retreats℠, which creatively combine proven, multi-disciplinary practices in a uniquely rich, integrated program. Peter has been an active leader in the development of Collaborative Practice Trusts & Estates since it began in 2012, and his writing has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Journal of Practical Estate Planning, The Journal of Financial Planning, and Black Enterprise.Visit https://www.livingconnection1st.net/ to learn more about our work.

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• 41. Nature Immersion for Deep Connection with Richie Rivera Booth

  Since he was a child, Richie Rivera Booth has dreamed of being a protector of the natural world. In 2007, he embarked on a journey that would lead him to becoming just that, when he discovered a nine-month intensive program at Wilderness Awareness school, called The Immersion.In this episode, we discuss the transformation that is possible through immersing ourselves in deep nature and people connection with a small group of people that depend on each other. Participants often sign up for the program because of their interest in nature and the outdoors, but wind up getting so much more than they expected, including a lifelong community, and a sense of purpose and service to the future generations and the natural world. We explore how pushing the boundaries of our knowledge and comfort zones together in nature, combined with witness each other's stories, leads to a deep self assuredness and healing connection to each other. We discuss how participants emerge as natural leaders and mentors, and share stories of what graduates have gone to create in their communities. Finally, we discuss the legacy of Wilderness Awareness School over 40+ years, Ingwe's vision for the sacred fire on their land, and how that connection has rippled out to thousands and thousands of people over the years. About RichieRichie Rivera-Booth has been a core instructor for The Immersion program for 11 years, and he finds this work to be the most meaningful way he can give back, by empowering others on their own path. Read his full bio here.The Immersion at Wilderness Awareness School - accepting applications for Fall 2025 Imagine waking up in the morning, excited to go to class where you'll deeply connect with the natural world and see yourself evolving into a new kind of human.Imagine being an important part of a nature-connected community committed to supporting your growth.Imagine yourself after nine months of connecting with the natural world on physical, intellectual, and emotional levels, after expanding your comfort zone—leaving you capable of so much more than you've ever imagined.The Immersion is a transformative, holistic learning experience focusing on eight core areas of study. The power of The Immersion lies in the integration of these subjects as an immersive experience.Students finish this training with an end-of-year rite of passage, resulting in a greater understanding of their purpose and a lucid awareness of their passions and vision for their lives. Based in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, The Immersion is a nine-month transformative journey of deep nature connection, wilderness skills, and self-discovery within a supportive community.Learn MoreEmpowering the Connection JourneyFree Online Event - Mon, Mar 24, 6-8pm PDTJoin Jon Young for an evening to learn what nature can teach us when we hone our awareness, and how to empower this connection while finding a deep sense of purpose in relationship with the natural world. Sign Up Now

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