Carolyn recalls romanticizing the woods after spending time with her father among the majestic Redwoods.

Her connection to the forest deepened when she later, within her studies, traveled to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Surrounded by their rich forests, she was struck by a profound realization that changed her career path: these forests and their biodiversity were deeply intertwined with agriculture.

This insight revealed to her how Western culture often approached growing food incorrectly, while some local communities used practices that regenerate the environment, doing the exact opposite.

What was her experience there? What is agroforestry? And how can agriculture help nature regenerate itself? Join Carolyn Hirshon, a PhD student at the University of Rhode Island and the host of The Farmers I Know podcast, as we explore the world of sustainable food systems.

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Gabriela has always felt at home where she grew up, on a guest house farm on the Portuguese coast. Despite often leaving her land to travel and work, deep down she knew that, like indigenous trees, she belonged to that place.

But one summer day, a wildfire swept through her father's land, devouring everything around. Her father was evacuated, leaving the fire time to pass. And when he returned to his lands, thinking that everything would be gone, his house was nearly intact.

If we tell you this story today, it's not only a testimony to the resilience of nature but Gabriela's own journey. Gabriela started to explore wildfires and understand the cultural issues behind these events, changing her vision of this element.

Join us as we follow Gabriela, a photographer, event curator, and coach, exploring the intersections of art, creativity, and ecology as we uncover the stories hidden within forests and wildfires, illuminating important issues that we once forgot.

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Dorcas grew up in Kenya, where her father instilled in her the value of planting trees—his farm was full of trees and coffee plants. Dorcas also recalls the generational stories that were passed along: they once had forests full of trees that have now been cut down. These stories sparked a deeper appreciation for nature within her. While she once overlooked tree-cutting on farms, believing it would bring other benefits, Dorcas's perspective shifted over time.

With eye-opening studies in marine science management, Dorcas founded the Mazingira Pamoja Initiative, dedicated to empowering women and girls. Among its projects, the initiative focuses on restoring mangroves on Funzi Island.

What are Dorcas's experiences in planting mangroves with local communities, and why does she view forest ecosystems as essential?

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Rūta's upbringing was enriched by her mother's presence and the wisdom of her grandmother, a passionate geologist deeply connected to the natural world and its spiritual essence.

When her grandmother faced a grave illness, Rūta found herself pondering: “If we were able to present the diagnosis with a very different approach, how would people heal?” This question ignited her journey into psychology, intertwined with her understanding of biology.

As a dedicated researcher, writer, and facilitator of multi-species imagination, Rūta immersed herself in interpreting the human psyche through the lens of nature. Exploring the innate mechanisms of regeneration and embracing co-creation with the natural world, she sought to unravel the mysteries of the psyche and promote healing.

What symbolism does the forest hold? And what profound insights does nature offer about ourselves?

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Ana was raised in Venezuela with her family, who had been cattle farmers for generations. They, from whom she inherited Indigenous ancestry, maintained a deep connection to the land.

However, due to increased governmental pressure, she was compelled to leave with her parents for Canada, thus becoming separated from her family, homeland, and culture.

Growing up far from her ancestors' lands, Ana found solace through meaningful encounters and the nature around her. By exploring the forest whenever possible, observing her surroundings, foraging, and learning the names of the trees, she cultivated a sense of belonging to her new environment. Embracing her Indigeneity, Ana's worldview evolved.

How did she forge this profound bond with the forest, and what experiences did she encounter there? Follow Ana's journey as a forager, activist, and influencer.

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After a long journey that took her from writing poems to strangers, to the Shakespeare & Company bookstore café in Paris, and to an immersive writing experience in a forest in Sweden, Billimarie found herself back in her mother's garden. "This is a man-made woods," Billimarie recalled a phrase that had struck her during her time in Sweden. "Man-made," she thought.

Meanwhile, her mother, wise and attuned to nature, understood the needs of her plants instinctively, without relying on science or other methods. Witnessing her mother's connection with nature, Billimarie felt compelled to pass on this knowledge to her own daughter.

What could be more beautiful than nurturing the dream of a greener world, where such a connection is not only cherished but also achievable?

This is why she decided to create her own dream, a forest oasis in the desert.

How did she reach this point? Join us as we dive into Billimarie's creative journey.

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Welcome to Season 2 of Terra Stories.

What’s on the agenda? FORESTS. 🪲🌳🌲🪵🍄 Specifically, “Reviving Forests Roots” explores forest ecosystems and their wisdom, deepening the intrinsic links between nature and humanity through the people who live and listen to it. It’s a journey to our roots, steeped in stories, to imagine, rediscover, and reconnect with the natural world and our ancestral origins.

This first episode is a brief introduction to the series. I wanted to share something with you, focusing on forests, my connection to them, and how my perspective has evolved. Whether my words resonate with you or not, that’s the beauty and purpose of this series. It acknowledges that our experiences with nature differ due to cultural backgrounds and perspectives. I reflect on the stories I’ve been told by those around me, the myths and folklore that shaped me, and explore alternative narratives to deepen our connection with our rooted selves.

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Naima's father has always taken care of his garden as if he were hiding a secret within it. Naima couldn't help but wonder, 'how could such a tough person have such a tenderness to care for the plants, the fruits that grew on the trees, and the birds that latched on them.'

It wasn't until she re-entered that sacred space, a few years after painful events, that Naima began to unravel the precious mysteries her father nurtured within his garden.

In the midst of pain, that garden became the doorway to her interest in nature, caring for the little things, the simple things. She found life lessons hidden in the trees, discovered comfort in its presence, and drew meaning from its richness.

What did she learn and what is the wisdom hidden in every garden?

Join us as we immerse ourselves in the soft words of Naima's poetry, where, as a writer, poet, performer, and nature advocate, she unravels the emotions hidden within the heart of her father’s garden.

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