Best Forestschool Podcasts (2026)

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Episode 147 - Should you raise prices in January 11:55

Play Pause

2h ago11:55

11:55

January is often seen as the time for price increases and is something that is top of mind for many people. In this vlog, I reflect on the pressures that come with the start of a new year and tackle the question of whether or not to raise your prices, how pricing links to sustainability, and the work you want to keep doing If you’re wrestling with …

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Episode 146 - Richard Harpham on a Life of Adventure 1:02:53

15d ago1:02:53

1:02:53

In this video, I interview Richard Harpham. Richard is an outdoor instructor, author, co-director and founder of Canoe Trails, and a long-term adventurer and expedition leader with over 15,000 miles of human-powered travel under his belt. We talk about helping the next generation, the simplicity of expeditions, building an adventure sports and expe…

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Episode 145 - Do you need Forest for Forest School? 14:24

15d ago14:24

14:24

Do you really need a forest to run Forest School, outdoor learning, or wilderness therapeutic sessions? In this episode, I explore how different spaces — from urban green spaces to wild woods — shape the kinds of experiences, connections and progression that become possible. Rather than a simple yes or no, this is a reflection on how place influenc…

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Episode 144 - Hitting Low Points 18:57

23d ago18:57

18:57

In this episode, I share what life can look like as a self-employed outdoor leader when low points are hit. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodland…

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Episode 143 - Content Marketing for Forest School and Bushcraft Leaders 14:25

30d ago14:25

14:25

Content marketing isn’t about being an influencer — it’s about showing your work so the right people get to know you, trust you, and eventually book with you. In this vlog, I explore how content marketing can support outdoor leaders, Forest School practitioners, and bushcraft instructors, not by shouting louder, but by sharing the stories, moments,…

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Episode 142 - The changing face of Bushcraft 21:18

2M ago21:18

21:18

Bushcraft is changing — and in many ways, it needs to. In this episode, I explore the growing split between wilderness bushcraft, focused on survival and expedition skills, and lifestyle bushcraft, which brings those same principles into everyday life for enjoyment, wellbeing and connection. I share some thoughts on: How the bushcraft community can…

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Episode 141 - Forest School Q&A Knife Sharpening, 1:1 Session Pricing, SEN Accessibility and more... 1:33:53

2M ago1:33:53

1:33:53

In this special episode of the Bracken Outdoors podcast, I team up with Asa from Forest School Support to answer your questions on Forest School, Business and more. We cover - Tool sharpening - Pricing private 1:1 sessions - Is there a price cap in the outdoor sector - Marketing without relying on social media - Value-based pricing Find out more ab…

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Episode 140 - Kaizen and the Forest School Mindset 12:58

2M ago12:58

12:58

In this episode, I explore the idea of Kaizen — the Japanese practice of continuous improvement through small, consistent steps and how it applies to every area of your Forest School practice. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the grea…

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Episode 139 - How a Growth Mindset Changed the Way I See Learning 18:44

3M ago18:44

18:44

How does mindset shape the way we learn, grow, and recover from failure? In this episode, I reflect on how understanding the difference between a fixed and growth mindset changed my own approach to learning — and how we can help children make that same shift through Forest School and outdoor education. The book that sparked these reflections: Minds…

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Episode 138 - The Ancestral Lens: What Hunter-Gatherers Teach Us About Modern Life 12:04

3M ago12:04

12:04

On the inside, we’re still hunter-gatherers — yet every day we live in a world of screens, schedules, and supermarkets. In this episode I explore the idea of the ancestral lens: looking to our evolutionary past to understand what really supports our bodies and minds today. We can’t go back to the Stone Age, but we can borrow wisdom from it. Through…

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Episode 137 - Does Forest School Support Academic Achievement? 14:04

3M ago14:04

14:04

Does Forest School support academic achievement? In this episode, I explore the relationship between forest school and academic learning, and why supporting the development of the whole child is a vital foundation for later academic success. I look at: - The difference between forest school learning and classroom academics - How time in nature supp…

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Episode 136 - Robin Sheehan on Wilderness Therapeutic Interventions 1:28:24

4M ago1:28:24

1:28:24

In this episode, I sit down with Robin Sheehan of eQe Outdoors, one of the UK’s only trained Wilderness Vision Quest Guides, to explore the depth and power of wilderness therapeutic interventions. 🌿 We discuss: Why many so-called “therapeutic” outdoor sessions fall short — and how they can even cause harm if not done properly What a *true therapeut…

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Episode 135 - Cancelling Forest School sessions 12:15

4M ago12:15

12:15

Running outdoor sessions or events isn’t always straightforward — sometimes you have to decide whether to go ahead or cancel. In this episode, I share the three key factors every forest school leader and outdoor educator should consider before making that call. These three lenses will help you make clearer decisions about when to run with fewer boo…

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Episode 134 - Thinking about starting a Forest School business? Part 9 - Finding your feet in the first year 18:16

5M ago18:16

18:16

In this series of podcast episodes, I explore the steps behind starting your own Forest School business. In this final instalment, I talk about what to expect from your first year as a Forest School leader, including tips and advice on making it through the setup phase of a Forest School business. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodla…

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Episode 133 - Thinking about starting a Forest School business? Part 8 - Getting your finances straight 21:41

5M ago21:41

21:41

In this series of episodes, I explore the steps behind starting your own Forest School business. In this penultimate episode, I take a deep dive into getting your financial systems set up, including tips and advice on bank accounts, invoicing, cash flow and more. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructo…

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Episode 132 - Thinking about starting a Forest School business? Part 7 - Starter Equipment 19:18

5M ago19:18

19:18

In this series, I explore the steps behind starting your own Forest School business. In part 7, I look at the ten items of equipment you need to get started with your Forest School sessions. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great …

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Episode 131 - Thinking about starting a Forest School business? Part 6 - Build your audience 12:40

6M ago12:40

12:40

In this series of episodes, I explore the steps behind starting your own Forest School business. In part 6 of this series, I look at how to create a customer base for your sessions. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors.…

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Episode 130 - Thinking about starting a Forest School business? Part 5 - Setting your rates 19:38

6M ago19:38

19:38

In this series of episodes, I explore the steps behind starting your own Forest School business. In part 5 of this series I look at the biggest question that Forest School leaders have, which is "What do I charge for my sessions?". Get help with finding your rate at: https://brackenoutdoors.com/forestschoolrates/ The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is des…

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Episode 129 - Ellie Lloyd-Jones - where business and nature meet 57:13

6M ago57:13

57:13

In this episode, I interview Ellie Lloyd-Jones. Ellie, the founder of @elevatenetwalking , brings 20 years of experience working with diverse teams in corporate settings and small businesses. Known for her passion for fostering genuine connections, Ellie blends her expertise in leadership and nature-based coaching to create a supportive space for l…

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Episode 128 - Thinking about starting a Forest School business? Part 4 - Getting all your documents in order 14:50

6M ago14:50

14:50

In this series, I explore the steps behind starting your own Forest School business. In part 4, I tackle the boring but vital policies, procedures and training you need to run safe and effective sessions. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life…

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Episode 127 - Thinking about starting a Forest School business? Part 3 - Finding a Forest School Site 13:28

7M ago13:28

13:28

In this series, I explore the steps behind starting your own Forest School business. In part 3 of this series, I take a look at one of the most challenging aspects of setting up a Forest School: finding a venue. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build…

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Episode 126 - So you're thinking of starting a Forest School Business - Part 2: Finding Your Audience 15:26

7M ago15:26

15:26

In this series of episodes, I explore the steps behind starting your own Forest School business. In part 2 of this series, I discuss the importance of finding your unique audience and the benefits of having a customer avatar. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, hel…

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Episode 125 - Tom Bardon on The Wild Passport Programme 1:25:43

7M ago1:25:43

1:25:43

In this episode, I interview Tom Bardon on his WILD Passport Programme. We discuss child vs adult led education, defining quality Forest School provision and much more... Tom Bardon started work in community health development before transitioning to outdoor education for increasing physical activity in Primary-aged children. He then set up Green M…

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Episode 124 - So you're thinking of starting a Forest School Business - Part 1: Is Forest School for you? 17:34

8M ago17:34

17:34

In this series of episodes, I explore the steps behind starting your own Forest School business. In part 1 of this series, I tackle the challenges and realities of the outdoor industry and how to decide whether a woodland business is for you. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School p…

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Episode 123 - The 5 levels of nature connection 17:02

8M ago17:02

17:02

In this episode, I take a look at the different levels of nature connection through the lens of a Woodland Leader. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance W…

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Episode 122 - Are you the single point of failure in your Forest School business 14:50

8M ago14:50

14:50

In this episode, I talk about the realities of being a one-man Forest School enterprise and dealing with burnout and illness. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a …

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Episode 121 - Beyond Behaviour Management: Interviewing Lewis Ames of The Forest School Podcast. 1:08:36

8M ago1:08:36

1:08:36

In this episode, I interview Lewis Ames of the Forest School Podcast and Children of the Forest. We talk about transitioning from teaching to Forest School, breaking free of traditional 'behaviour management' and much more. Resources The Forest School Podcast Children of the Forest Lewis' Forest School books The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed…

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Episode 120 - Balancing emotional bank accounts in Forest School 10:00

9M ago10:00

10:00

In this episode, I talk about carefully managing when and where you say no. The Forest School Podcast: Episode 209 - Forecasting’ or being ‘Triggered’? How do you react to uncomfortable play? -https://open.spotify.com/episode/37b4i8H1STybgbjKTLs9rg?si=cfa40be284c340d2 The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft inst…

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Episode 119 - Creating a Framework for Woodland Hire 9:49

9M ago9:49

9:49

In this episode, I take a look at a potential framework for working out how much to pay for woodland hire. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodland …

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Episode 118 - Using AI as a Woodland Leader 19:58

9M ago19:58

19:58

In this video, I explore how I use ChatGPT as a tool to enhance the admin work I do as a Forest School leader. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodl…

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Episode 117 - The expedition skillset with Stephan Kesting 1:23:55

10M ago1:23:55

1:23:55

Stephan Kesting is a Canadian outdoorsman, firefighter, martial artist and author and in this interview, we talk on building expedition skills, cultural differences between Europe and North America, his expeditions, setting up as an outdoorsman and more. Resources mentioned Book - https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Death-Subarctic-Stephan-Kesting/…

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Episode 116 - Did changing the prices of my Forest School sessions work? 9:40

10M ago9:40

9:40

In this episode, I review my progress in Bracken Outdoors this year so far. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodland Leader, from business tips and …

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Episode 115 - The beginning of the end of the education system 11:34

10M ago11:34

11:34

In this episode, I talk about the possible paths of a system in decline. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodland Leader, from business tips and adv…

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Episode 114 - What Forest School leaders wish parents knew 25:00

10M ago25:00

25:00

In this episode, I look behind the veil and at what the costs actually are for running a Forest School for minimum wage. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freel…

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Episode 113 - Should you run an Open Day for your Forest School 17:50

11M ago17:50

17:50

In this episode, I go over my thoughts and lessons learned from my recent Forest School open day. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodland Leader, f…

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Episode 112 - What I wish I knew when I first started out as a Forest School Leader 12:08

11M ago12:08

12:08

The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodland Leader, from business tips and advice to philosophy of outdoor education, as well as monthly deep dives int…

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Episode 111 - How to tailor your Forest School activities to different ages and abilities 12:39

11M ago12:39

12:39

In this episode, I discuss how to modify your activities to accommodate different participants. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodland Leader, fro…

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Episode 110 - Building your Forest School Brand -Support Call with Asa Part 5 29:24

12M ago29:24

29:24

In this final installment of my call with Asa, we go into website and branding tips, how to expand your offer, and how to grow an online course-based business. Find out more about how Asa can help you take your Woodland Leader business forward at https://www.forestschoolsupport.com/ Asa's recommended resources: - Quick Tips on Pricing: The Game Pod…

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Episode 109 - Building a pricing model for Forest School sessions - Support call with Asa part 4 40:09

12M ago40:09

40:09

In this penultimate instalment of my support call with Asa, we take a deeper dive into pricing sessions, including how to anchor pricing, cost brackets and more. View the full support call playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-nuCl2_kGl57QYuRdF1bgnl8peyL3EDd Find out more about how Asa can help you take your Woodland Leader busine…

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Episode 108 - Adjusting your Forest School pricing - Support Call with Asa Part 3 39:27

1y ago39:27

39:27

In part 3 of my support call with Asa, we dig into the world of pricing and how and when to adjust your prices to reflect worth and value. Find out more about how Asa can help you take your Woodland Leader business forward at https://www.forestschoolsupport.com/ The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructor…

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Episode 107 - Phases of a Growing Outdoor Business - Support Call with Asa Part 2 20:12

1y ago20:12

20:12

In part 2 of my support call with Asa, we take a look at the different phases a business goes through and how to approach income and risk-taking within your Forest School or Bushcraft business. Find out more about how Asa can help you take your Woodland Leader business forward at https://www.forestschoolsupport.com/ The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is …

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Episode 106 - Forest School business structure: Support Call with Asa - Part 1 23:54

1y ago23:54

23:54

In part 1 of my support call with Asa, we take an in-depth look at how I structure the back end of Bracken Outdoors and manage my time and content production. View the full support call playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-nuCl2_kGl57QYuRdF1bgnl8peyL3EDd Find out more about how Asa can help you take your Woodland Leader business …

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Episode 105 - Doing what needs to be done for your Forest School Business 13:09

1y ago13:09

13:09

In this episode, I share my struggle to keep an outdoor business financially sustainable and moving forward. Forest School Support with Asa - https://www.forestschoolsupport.com/ Forest School Assistance and Support Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/forestschoolas/ The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bus…

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Episode 104 - Perspectives as a Male Forest School Leader - International Men's Day 25:37

1y ago25:37

25:37

In this episode, I talk a bit about the challenges and opportunities I have seen working as a man within the sphere of education and more specifically outdoor education. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly…

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Episode 103 - Don't underprice your Forest School sessions 5:35

1y ago5:35

5:35

In this episode, I talk about how to avoid a key pricing trap when deciding on the number of places for your sessions. Check out the complete guide to setting your rates as an outdoor leader: https://brackenoutdoors.com/forestschoolrates/ The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School pract…

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Episode 102 - The double edge sword of social media as a Woodland Leader 13:08

1y ago13:08

13:08

In this episode, I cover some things you should think about when you are designing your social media presence as a Forest School leader or Bushcraft Instructor. Take the struggle out of setting up tarps with the Essential Tarps and Knots Course for Forest School Leaders, find out more at: https://brackenoutdoors.com/essentialtarps The Bracken Outdo…

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Episode 101 - Is a revenue share agreement for you? 10:13

1y ago10:13

10:13

In this episode, I discuss ways to build woodland partnerships and sustainable growth. Take the struggle out of setting up tarps with the Essential Tarps and Knots Course for Forest School Leaders, find out more at: https://brackenoutdoors.com/essentialtarps The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to…

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Episode 100 - Child to adult: Progressing in Forest School and Bushcraft 7:28

1y ago7:28

7:28

Welcome to episode 100 of the Bracken Outdoors Podcast, In this episode, I take a look at creating progression through the sessions you provide and creating a lasting legacy. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With w…

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Episode 99 - How to organise your week for maximum productivity 11:32

1y ago11:32

11:32

In this episode, I look at how utilising blocks of similar tasks can transform your efficiency and bring order to the chaos. Helping you to achieve more or free up time. Applying Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to Forest School - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-nuCl2_kGl7wlDjjHcC6HmBksAGGj4UN&si=Xm8KYoTyzrCkdnwC The Woodlan…

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Episode 98 - Reflections on a year outside 10:10

1y ago10:10

10:10

In this episode, I look back on a full year outdoors as a woodland leader. The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodland Leader, from business tips and a…