Best Vision Quest Communications Podcasts (2025)

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Connection Over Chaos - A Parent's Guide to Surviving Summer at Home 30:50

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6h ago30:50

30:50

In this honest episode, I take you inside our family's summer experiment and share the practical wisdom I've learned about staying connected to yourself and your children when everything feels unstructured and intense. Key Themes and Topics: We explore why self-care isn't selfish but essential for summer survival, how to create anchoring practices …

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DIGNITY, CONTROL…& STIGMA. 45:50

4d ago45:50

45:50

This episode opens up a medical conversation about MAiD and about Indigenous perceptions and feelings about MAiD through the lens of intergenerational trauma and medical racism. Sometimes it is understood as a loving, beautiful humane process, and other times viewed through the experiences of colonial systems around death. Dr. Cornelia (Nel) Wieman…

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All Eyes on Gaza - Real Lives, Real People 29:55

7d ago29:55

29:55

In this deeply moving episode, I share a story about my recent video call with Noorhan, a 25-year-old mother in Gaza, and explore how personal healing work and collective action are inseparably connected. We'll journey through the cost of speaking truth in today's world, the magic that happens when we gather in solidarity circles, and why your sens…

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MY RIGHT TO CHOOSE. 42:59

18d ago42:59

42:59

This week’s conversation is a difficult one. After caring for and witnessing the illness and death of her mother and sister, Marion has come to a decision regarding the use of MAiD. Everyone listening will have strong feelings and opinions on the subject. Marion and Dani set the tone with a discussion that is gentle, respectful, holding space throu…

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Bearing Witness to Whats Happening in Palestine Without Shutting Down: Sacred Practices for Processing Collective Grief 50:20

22d ago50:20

50:20

https://www.leonajohnson.life/blogpodcast/staying-awake-without-shutting-down This isn't your typical Connection Matters episode, but it might be one of the most important conversations we'll have. I'm sharing how to navigate the collective trauma of witnessing genocide in real-time while staying connected to your own healing and capacity for meani…

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Stripped Back, Tuned In: Simplicity, Spirituality & Self-Leadership with Vicky Mateu 1:06:35

29d ago1:06:35

1:06:35

https://pages.leonajohnson.life/beyond-self-helpWhat does it look like to live in deep alignment, with nature, with purpose, and with your own inner compass? In this rich and nourishing conversation, Leona sits down with long-time friend, teacher, and collaborator Vicky Mateu, whose life’s work bridges spiritual ecology, parenting, nature connectio…

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UNTIL MY LAST BREATH I’M LIVING 33:36

1M ago33:36

33:36

Welcome to the first episode of BEFORE I GO…Embracing the Journey of MAiD. Meet our hosts, Danielle Wilson Brown and Marion Brown as they share who they are, their Indigenous heritage and evolution, the story of their family, of loss, pain and lessons that heal. Allowing us to get to know grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and siblings, Dani and …

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The Brain vs AI: Dr. Doris Tsao & Why the Brain is More Efficient than AI 23:16

1M ago23:16

23:16

Join Dr. John Foxe, Director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, as he welcomes renowned neuroscientist Dr. Doris Tsao to Neuroscience Perspectives. Dr. Tsao shares how her pioneering research has transformed our understanding of how the brain processes visual information. Her lab helped discover that it only…

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The Ripple Effect: How Your Inner Work Transforms Everything (And Everyone) Around You 31:08

1M ago31:08

31:08

Join me for an intimate exploration of how personal transformation creates ripples that touch every relationship, community, and space you enter. You'll discover practical tools for emotional awareness, authentic connection, and joyful learning that transform reactive patterns into connected self-leadership. In this heart-centered episode, we dive …

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Before I Go TRAILER 3:36

1M ago3:36

3:36

“Death is not an ending but a change of worlds.” Indigenous nations have a long history with ceremony and tradition around death. A member of the Gitxaala Nation in BC, Marion Brown has Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). PH is a chronic progressive condition which will, as with other members of her family, eventually take her life. And so, Marion has mad…

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How Nature Questing Awakens Your Inner Compass and Everyday Spirituality 40:14

1M ago40:14

40:14

In this inspiring episode, you'll learn how to design your own nature quest ceremony - whether you have four hours or four days - and discover how this ancient practice becomes a gateway to connected self-leadership and integrated living. Join me as I share intimate stories from my own questing journey, including my transformative 40th birthday sol…

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Finding Your True North: Balancing Vision, Presence & Purpose in a Noisy World 30:04

2M ago30:04

30:04

So many of us feel caught between two extremes—trying to enjoy the present moment while also feeling pressure to figure out the future. In this heartfelt and practical episode, I dive into the deeper reasons traditional goal-setting often leaves us feeling stuck or unfulfilled, and why cultivating a “Life Compass” rooted in your values and purpose …

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Rooted in Healing: How One Woman’s Herbal Journey Inspires Authentic Living - With Jane Christie 1:20:43

2M ago1:20:43

1:20:43

What You’ll Discover Join Leona and herbalist Jane as they explore the inspiring journey from speech therapy to a soul-led life of plant medicine, self-trust, and deep nature connection. Discover how everyday herbs, intuitive practices, and simple living can support personal growth and healing. Key Themes and Topics Jane’s transition from speech th…

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RE-RELEASE: Kia Nobre, PhD - How Is the Brain Organized for Adaptive Thinking and Behavior? 42:51

2M ago42:51

42:51

Kia Nobre, PhD, is the director of the Center for Neurocognition and Behavior at the Wu Tsai Institute at Yale University. Her discoveries have revolutionized our scientific understanding of the human mind and brain. This episode was originally released on 6/20/2024. She tells John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, ab…

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Beauty in Breakdown: 4 Resilience Practices for When Life Falls Apart 31:32

2M ago31:32

31:32

In this heartfelt episode, I share my personal journey through breakdown and the four essential practices that became my lifelines, helping you build your own resilience toolkit for life's inevitable challenges. Key Themes and Topics Join me as I explore the counterintuitive wisdom that our most painful breakdowns often contain hidden gifts, if we …

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When Nobody Gets Your Connection Path: Finding Your Spiritual Tribe in a Disconnected World 33:43

2M ago33:43

33:43

In this soul-nourishing episode, I share personal stories and practical wisdom for anyone feeling alone in their passion for connection, nature, and spirituality. You'll discover four powerful approaches to honor your path while navigating relationships with loved ones who may not understand your practices or interests. Key Themes and Topics Explor…

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Creating Sacred Space at Home: It’s a Way of Being 27:27

3M ago27:27

27:27

We explore the four essential elements of sacred space - intention, connection, presence, and evolution - and I guide you through practical, heart-led ways to declutter, create meaningful rituals, and invite beauty into your home, no matter the size or stage of life you’re in. Whether you're a soulful entrepreneur, a busy parent, or someone craving…

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The Art of Gathering - From Small Talk to Soul Talk 47:45

3M ago47:45

47:45

Join me in exploring how simple intentional shifts can transform ordinary gatherings into powerful spaces of genuine connection and growth. In this warm and engaging episode, we dive deep into the elements that make gatherings meaningful—whether in your home, community, or workplace. You'll learn how to create safety and structure, incorporate beau…

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Cultural Emergence Explained: Conscious Living & Connected Leadership 27:21

3M ago27:21

27:21

Ever wondered what exactly "Cultural Emergence" means, and how it could make a tangible difference in your daily life? Join me, Leona Johnson, as we dive deeply into this powerful practice, exploring how intentional culture-making influences everything from our personal well-being to collective transformation. You'll learn about the essential role …

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Exploring the Impact of Environmental Chemicals on Brain Health 42:01

3M ago42:01

42:01

Dr. Deborah Cory-Slechta is a leading researcher at the University of Rochester. She is a professor with appointments in Environmental Medicine, Neuroscience, and Public Health Sciences. She co-leads the University’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center Animal Behavior and Neurophysiology Core. She has chaired the Department …

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Neuroscience & RNA Biology: How mRNA Decay Shapes Health & Disease 33:55

4M ago33:55

33:55

How does RNA biology influence cell function, gene expression, and disease mechanisms? In this episode of Neuroscience Perspectives, host John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester (UR), sits down with Lynne Maquat, PhD, director of the Center for RNA Biology at UR, and J. Lowell Orbison Endo…

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Cultivating Connected Self-Leadership in a Disconnected World 33:32

4M ago33:32

33:32

This episode explores the transformative practice of connected self-leadership through journeying through the elements of presence and self-awareness as foundations for authentic leadership. Discover how to distinguish between the voice of fear and your inner wisdom, and learn how nature connection can strengthen your self-leadership practice. We e…

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The Elemental Connection: How Earth, Water, Fire & Air Deepen Your Everyday Spirituality 38:02

4M ago38:02

38:02

Through storytelling, science, and practical wisdom, we’ll uncover: ✨ The unique lessons and energies each element offers ✨ Simple, everyday practices to integrate elemental connection into your life ✨ How tuning into the elements can bring clarity, balance, and renewal ✨ Why nature-based wisdom is essential for heart-centred living By the end of t…

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Your Brain & Perception: Using Science to Understand How We See the World 35:26

5M ago35:26

35:26

How brain dynamics, perception, and neural processing offer a deeper understanding of how brain activity shapes our understanding of the world. Christopher Moore, PhD, associate director of the Carnegie Institute of Brain Science and professor of Neuroscience at Brown University, joins Neuroscience Perspectives host John Foxe, PhD, director of the …

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Recovering From Stroke - How Physical Therapy & Neuroscience are Advancing Care 16:50

6M ago16:50

16:50

The intersection of stroke rehabilitation & neuroscience research is transforming our understanding of the brain and recovery after a stroke. Catherine Lang, PT, PhD, Barbara J Norton Professor of Physical Therapy, Professor of Neurology and Occupational Therapy, and Associate Director of the Movement Science Program at the University of Washington…

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What Happens When You Combine AI and Neuroscience? 28:05

7M ago28:05

28:05

Can we predict brain health across a lifetime? Just as a knee injury at 20 might cause problems later, researchers are exploring how early brain experiences shape future brain health. In this episode of Neuroscience Perspectives, Dr. Randy McIntosh, Professor and Director at the Institute for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology at Simon Fraser Univers…

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Unlocking the Brain's Communication Hub: The Power of the Thalamus with Dr. S. Murray Sherman 26:16

8M ago26:16

26:16

In this special episode of Neuroscience Perspectives, host John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, sits down with S. Murray Sherman, PhD, Maurice Goldblatt Professor of Neurobiology at the University of Chicago, in Chicago at the annual Society for Neuroscience (SfN) conference. Sherman i…

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How nature connection can help us find focus and flow 14:54

9M ago14:54

14:54

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with fresh strategies to bring ease and clarity into even the busiest days. Plus, don't miss the Flow with Nature: Daily Guide to Expanding Time and Focus . It's a FREE Nature-Based Time Management Guide to help you start a nature-connection practice that can reshape your days. Check out the full write-u…

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Any Human Power with Manda Scott 1:22:18

9M ago1:22:18

1:22:18

To dive deeper into these themes and explore detailed podcast notes inclduing more about Manda's new novel Any Human Power, check out my latest blog post here. More about Manda Scott Manda Scott is an award-winning novelist and host of the acclaimed Accidental Gods podcast. Best known for the Boudica: Dreaming series, her previous novels have been …

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Exploring the Genetic Dance of Neurons: What Roundworms Reveal About Behavior 32:51

9M ago32:51

32:51

In this episode of Neuroscience Perspectives, we dive into the microscopic world of C. elegans—tiny roundworms that are revolutionizing our understanding of genetics and behavior. Join host John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester as he chats with Doug Portman, PhD, the Donald M. Foster Pro…

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Healing Ancestral Family Patterns for Personal Growth 16:01

9M ago16:01

16:01

In this episode you’ll learn practical tools like journaling prompts, nature-based practices, and rituals for release—all designed to help you navigate and transform inherited patterns with compassion and intention. We also explore ways to tap into the strengths and wisdom of your lineage, turning ancestral connection into a source of healing. Tune…

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Re-wilding Our Nervous System For Connection with Jon Young 1:17:08

10M ago1:17:08

1:17:08

To read more about the episode read the full blog post here. Jon Young’s personal journey into nature connection and cultural mentoring The influence of Indigenous communities like the Bushmen of the Kalahari The impact and legacy of Jon’s mentor, Tom Brown Jr., and his teachings on peace, love, joy, and purpose. The role of sensory integration and…

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How a quest to find solutions for vision loss- turned a clinician into a scientist 27:55

10M ago27:55

27:55

José Alain Sahel, MD, is a distinguished professor, eye and ear foundation professor, and chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is also the director of the UPMC Vision Institute. Dr. Sahel is a leading expert in retinal diseases and vision restoration research and is a pioneer in optogenetic…

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What helped launch leaders in neuroscience into a lifetime of learning 9:04

11M ago9:04

9:04

Is there a defining moment that set you on your current path? In this episode of Neuroscience Perspectives, we’re revisiting origin stories – what launched leading neuroscientists into a lifetime of learning and interest in the brain. Host: John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience Guests (in order of appearance): Nathan …

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Neuroscience insights: How to steer toward success in science 16:54

12M ago16:54

16:54

How often do you think about science fits into your lifeand how you fit into the field? For our 20th episode we are looking back at some of the advice that’s been shared by our guests on Neuroscience Perspectives. Host: John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del MonteInstitute for Neuroscience Guests (in order of appearance): Katalin Gothard, PhD, profess…

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How are the brain systems that support adaptive human cognition and behavior organized? 42:36

1y ago42:36

42:36

Kia Nobre, PhD, is the director of the Center for Neurocognition and Behavior at the Wu Tsai Institute at Yale University. Her discoveries have revolutionized our scientific understanding of the human mind and #brain. She tells John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, about the great gift she acquired as a child that le…

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The magic of immersive connection experiences with Looby Macnamara and Leona Johnson 45:03

1y ago45:03

45:03

In this inspiring and enriching conversation Leona and Looby talk about the Model of The Eight Shields and how following the natural patterns of flow from daily and seasonal, to life stages and their corresponding energies, can create the optimum conditions for connection, healing and growth. Using this model powerful fields of connection and emerg…

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How do early life experiences shape brain function and critical periods of brain development? 30:11

1y ago30:11

30:11

Takao Hensch, PhD, is a professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School at Boston Children’s Hospital and a professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard’s Center for Brain Science. He leads the National Institute of Mental Health Silvio Conte Center on Mental Health Research at Harvard and the International Research Center for Neurointel…

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How are injury and illness monitored in the brain? And how can scientists diversify the bench? 26:13

1+ y ago26:13

26:13

How are injury and illness monitored in the brain? Once thought of as the glue of the brain, glia cells have been proven to play a key role in brain health with astrocytes acting as important messengers. These star-like cells are at the center of the research of Nathan A. Smith, PhD, associate dean for Equity & Inclusion for Research and Research E…

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How do we learn? How does our brain change between different mental states? 24:19

1+ y ago24:19

24:19

What changes happen at the cellular level in the cerebral cortex between concentration and daydreaming? Jessica Cardin, PhD, associate professor and vice chair of the Neuroscience Department at Yale School of Medicine, joins John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, on NeURoscience Perspect…

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How does the brain perceive touch? How does it process pain? 24:47

1+ y ago24:47

24:47

How does the brain perceive touch? How does it process pain?Could what we know about pain better inform treatments for addiction? Fan Wang, PhD, professor in the Brain and Cognitive Sciences department at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, joins John Foxe, PhD, director of the DelMonte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of …

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What does the spontaneous activity in the brain tell us? 22:54

1+ y ago22:54

22:54

Lucina Uddin, PhD, professor-in-residence of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at University of California, Los Angeles, joins John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester for this engaging discussion in NeURoscience Perspectives. Hear her journey to research, how she’s taking on diversity …

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NeURoscience Perspectives: Brian Boyd, PhD 19:00

1+ y ago19:00

19:00

How a paragraph in a textbook and a summer camp were pivotal to the career of Brian Boyd, PhD, William C. Friday Distinguished Professor of Education Interim Director of the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina (UNC). Boyd has dedicated his career to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). He trained in specia…

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Working With Men with Piers Cross 1:06:26

2y ago1:06:26

1:06:26

Things we talk about in this episode Working with Men, We can be vulnerable, i can thrive in relationships, Boarding school trauma Life in a monastery- Falling apart and putting self back together again Mens work- Andy’s man club- it's ok to speak. The Work- Folsom Prison- Vulnerability is a super power. By talking we give permission for others to …

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NeURoscience Perspectives: Yoland Smith, PhD 27:32

2y ago27:32

27:32

In this episode of NeURoscience Perspectives, John J. Foxe, PhD, the director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, is joined by Yoland Smith, PhD, Division Chief, Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Emory National Primate Research Center. Dr. Smith [https://bit.ly/43TGPwG] seeks to understand the pathop…

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NeURoscience Perspective: Dean Salisbury, PhD 17:19

2y ago17:19

17:19

In this episode of NeURoscience Perspectives, John J. Foxe, PhD, the director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, is joined by Dean Salisbury, PhD, a professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Salisbury [https://www.cnrl.pitt.edu/] helped to change theconceptualization of schizophrenia as a …

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Integrative medicine, psychedelic well-being retreats and the power of nature connection with Dr Duncan Still 1:04:43

2y ago1:04:43

1:04:43

Things we talk about in this episode How the mainstream medical establishment is opening to integrative medicine 5 Ways to wellbeing- New Economic Foundation Phil Hammond-What causes your health issues. CLANGERS Connect-Learning-Active-Noticing-Gratitude-Eating well-Resting-Sleeping Nature as a way to better health Green social prescribing Psychede…

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NeURoscience Perspectives: Katalin Gothard, MD, PhD 21:08

2y ago21:08

21:08

In this episode of NeURoscience Perspectives, John J. Foxe, PhD, the Director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, is joined by Katalin Gothard, MD, PhD, a professor of Physiology and Neuroscience at the University of Arizona. Dr. Gothard's lab [https://gothardlab.org/] studies the neural basis of emotion and …

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Sacred Breath with Kerry Veitch 51:13

2y ago51:13

51:13

Things we talk about in this episode Many different ways to breath Breath as a way to access pure presence and consciousness. Many health and wellbeing benefits to breathing The rise in awareness due to breathwork and technology and lockdown A way to help us come back to our essence and connect to ourselves as natural beings, one with life. Out of …

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Mother's as Leaders with Emma Gorbutt 58:17

2+ y ago58:17

58:17

Things we talk about in this episode Living at Earth worm- radical routes housing co-op. Humans as interdependent beings. Radical Routes- National Network of intentional communities. The importance of supportive Networks Mother Nature Project- International Project- Mother Nature Card Decks and Mother Nature Circles- Personal growth. A global need …