Tracking as the Language of Belonging: A Journey with Craig Foster | Ep 20 Live Free Ride Free

Craig Foster, renowned naturalist, filmmaker, and co-creator of the Academy Award-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher, joins Rupert Isaacson for a second captivating discussion. This episode dives deeper into the ancient human art of tracking, its profound connection to mental health, and how it can rewire the brain for resilience, belonging, and joy. Craig shares stories of his immersive tracking experiences in Cape Town’s kelp forests and beyond, emphasizing the healing and unifying power of this primal practice.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Tracking as a Pathway to Belonging (Starts at [00:03:00]):Craig reflects on how tracking helps humans reconnect with nature and themselves, fostering a deep sense of purpose and security.Mental Health and the Oldest Language (Starts at [00:10:00]):Explore the psychological benefits of tracking, from reducing stress to fostering curiosity and joy through close observation of the natural world.Empathy Through Tracking (Starts at [00:25:00]):Rupert and Craig discuss how tracking builds empathy, not only for animals but also for fellow humans and the environment, bridging the gap between nature and human well-being.How to Begin Tracking Anywhere (Starts at [00:45:00]):Craig offers simple strategies for tracking in urban and suburban settings, showing how even observing a single species like a dragonfly or a slug can transform one’s connection to the world.The Transformative Power of One Creature (Starts at [01:33:00]):Craig explains how focusing on just one animal can fundamentally change your perspective, foster curiosity, and bring happiness. By observing a single species, you gain insight into its world, which, in turn, transforms your own psyche.Curiosity: A Key to Happiness (Starts at [01:25:00]):Learn why curiosity must be cultivated to experience joy and fulfillment. Tracking and stepping into an animal’s world provide a deeply satisfying and transformative experience that reconnects you with nature and yourself.Tracking as a Tool for Cognitive Health (Starts at [01:25:00]):Learn how tracking can potentially stave off mental decline, improve neural plasticity, and become an integral part of education, workplace wellness, and elder care.Step into the Animal’s World (Starts at [01:35:00]):Craig emphasizes the importance of immersing yourself in an animal’s life to feel your psyche change and grow. Whether it’s a dragonfly, slug, or bird, this intimate connection fosters mental health and a sense of belonging.The Importance of a Tracking Journal (Starts at [01:45:00]):Documenting your observations in a tracking journal allows you to grow your knowledge and deepen your understanding of the natural world. This simple yet profound practice sharpens curiosity and creates a personal record of your evolving relationship with nature.Creating a Group for Tracking and Journaling (Starts at [01:50:00]):Craig and Rupert discuss the power of connecting with others to share tracking experiences and observations. Collaborative efforts enrich the learning process and foster community, bringing additional layers of fulfillment to this practice.Memorable Moments from the Episode:Craig recounts an extraordinary day of tracking baboons, cocktail ants, and lizards in Cape Town, unraveling a complex ecosystem story ([00:04:00]).A discussion on how urban environments, like London or airports, can still offer fascinating tracking opportunities, from slug trails to human behavioral patterns ([00:13:00]).Craig reveals the transformative power of immersing oneself in a biodiverse environment, sharing how it radically impacts mental health ([00:46:00]).Rupert proposes the intriguing question of whether the natural world observes and empathizes with humans in return ([01:59:00]).Books, Films, Causes & Contact:Books:Amphibious Soul: https://amzn.to/3WrMJ6LThe Great Dance: https://amzn.to/3Y6YeBOFilms:My Octopus Teacher: Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s0LTDhqe5ANetflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81045007Causes & Organizations:Sea Change Project: https://seachangeproject.comSee All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:🌐 Website: https://rupertisaacson.comFollow Us:Long Ride Home🌐 Website: https://longridehome.com📘 Facebook: facebook.com/longridehome.lrh📸 Instagram: instagram.com/longridehome_lrh🎥 YouTube: youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems🌐 Website: https://ntls.co📘 Facebook: facebook.com/horseboyworld📸 Instagram: instagram.com/horseboyworld🎥 YouTube: youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystemsAffiliate Disclosure:Links to books and products may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support the podcast.

Rebecca Didier is the managing editor of Trafalgar Square  Books, the premier publisher of equestrian and horse-related books in the United States. With over 23 years of experience, Rebecca has been instrumental in shaping the world of equestrian publishing, blending her love of literature, design, and horses. From her early days learning to ride in Vermont to becoming a key figure in the publishing world, Rebecca’s journey is a testament to her dedication and passion.In this episode of Live Free, Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson explores Rebecca’s path into publishing, her thoughts on the importance of books in preserving horse culture, and the unique challenges of publishing high-quality equestrian literature in a digital age. Rebecca also shares anecdotes from her life, insights into working with authors, and the magic of creating books that bring joy to readers and honor the equestrian world.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeRebecca’s Journey to Trafalgar Square  Books (Starts at [00:02:00])Rebecca shares her journey from growing up horse-obsessed in Vermont to becoming a key figure in equestrian publishing. She recounts her early love of writing, her college years, and her path to joining Trafalgar Square  Books .The Role of Horses in Literature (Starts at [00:12:00]Rebecca discusses the vital role that books play in preserving and celebrating equine culture and history, and how she helps authors bring their stories to life.Challenges of Publishing in the Digital Era (Starts at [00:30:00])Rebecca talks about balancing tradition and innovation in publishing, the impact of AI on editing and writing, and the enduring appeal of printed books in a screen-dominated world.Creating Meaningful Stories (Starts at [00:50:00])Rebecca reflects on her most memorable projects, including collaborations with equestrian legends and producing books that blend practical knowledge with emotional storytelling.Connecting People Through Horses (Starts at [01:10:00])Rebecca shares personal insights into how horses foster emotional connections, inspire creativity, and bring communities together.Memorable Moments from the EpisodeRebecca recounts her early days as a rider in Vermont and how those experiences shaped her love of horses ([00:03:00]).Reflections on working with authors like Linda Tellington-Jones and creating books that resonate deeply with equestrians ([00:25:00]).Insights into the unique challenges of editing practical horse-care books and ensuring accessibility for readers ([00:40:00]).A discussion on the importance of preserving horse traditions while embracing modern storytelling methods ([00:55:00]).Rebecca’s heartfelt story about finding joy and healing through riding and literature ([01:15:00]).Books Mentioned in This EpisodeRecommended by Rebecca Didier:H is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald (https://amzn.to/4fUa6MJ)Wyoming Summer by Mary O'Hara (out of print) (https://amzn.to/4ahtS3K)Never Burn Your Moving Boxes: A True Tale of a Real-Life Cowboy Wife by Jolyn Young (https://amzn.to/42iM3UD))Distant Skies: An American Journey on Horseback by Melissa Chapman (https://amzn.to/40zUvhd)The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson (https://amzn.to/42gEqyc)Additional Titles Mentioned:To Borrow Freedom: Riding Down a Dream on the Coast of Portugal by Sheila Greenfield (https://amzn.to/42gxroO)How To Be A Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals by Sy Montgomery (https://amzn.to/40kT04W)The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery (https://amzn.to/3WIewQn)Liberty Biscuit by Melanie Sue Bowles (https://amzn.to/3DSoKqu)Little Pearl by Melanie Sue Bowles (https://amzn.to/4hdzTAI)Contact Rebecca Didier and Trafalgar Square Books 🌐 Website: https://trafalgarbooks.com/pages/about-us📇 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccadidier/See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows🌐 https://rupertisaacson.comFollow UsLong Ride Home🌐 Website: https://longridehome.com📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems🌐 Website: https://ntls.co📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystemsAffiliate DisclosureLinks to books and products may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support the podcast.

Bridging Divides Through Art and Connection with Ari HonarvarAri Honarvar is an award-winning writer, speaker, artist, and peacebuilder. As the founder of Rumi With A View, she uses art, music, and Persian mystical poetry to create healing spaces and build bridges between communities divided by conflict and trauma. Ari’s work has been featured in publications such as The Guardian, Teen Vogue, and The New York Times, and she serves as the Iranian Musical Ambassador of Peace.Ari facilitates "Resilience through Joy" workshops for refugees and volunteers on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border and in Europe. Her critically acclaimed debut novel, A Girl Called Rumi, interweaves Persian mythology with a deeply personal narrative of survival, resilience, and healing, earning accolades such as being a Nautilus Award Winner and one of Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2022. Additionally, Ari is the creator of Rumi's Gift Oracle Deck, an inspiring blend of her translations, meditations, and artwork.In this episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson reconnects with Ari after many years to explore her transformative journey. Together, they discuss the intersection of art and activism, the healing power of Persian poetry, and the unique ways Ari inspires unity in a divided world.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Ari’s Journey to Rumi With A View (Starts at 1:00)Ari shares their path from growing up in Iran to founding Rumi With A View, combining their love for art, poetry, and community healing.The Role of Art in Healing Divides (Starts at 6:00)Ari discusses how Persian poetry and music have become tools to bridge cultural and personal divides, fostering unity.Creating Safe Spaces for Healing (Starts at 15:30)Ari elaborates on their work with war-affected communities, highlighting the importance of creating spaces where art and conversation can lead to transformation.Intersection of Mysticism and Activism (Starts at 25:00)Learn how Ari’s work intertwines mystical Persian traditions with modern activism to inspire hope and action.The Power of Dance and Movement (Starts at 33:15)Ari and Rupert reflect on their shared history in ecstatic dance and its role in fostering connection and joy.Memorable Moments from the Episode:Ari shares the story of founding Rumi With A View and its mission to heal divides through art (1:30).An inspiring account of using Persian poetry in workshops to help individuals reconnect with their inner selves (20:45).Rupert and Ari reminisce about their ecstatic dance experiences and the unique bonds formed through movement (35:00).A touching story about a war survivor finding solace in poetry during a challenging time (42:15).Reflections on how mystical traditions can inform modern approaches to activism and healing (50:00).Contact Ari Honarvar:🌐 Website: https://rumiwithaview.com📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/rumiwithaview🖋️ Substack: https://arihonarvar.substack.com/📖 A Girl Called Rumi: https://amzn.to/40iLyIXSee All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:🌐 https://rupertisaacson.comFollow Us:Long Ride Home🌐 Website: https://longridehome.com📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems🌐 Website: https://ntls.co📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems

Finding Balance: Technology, Racehorses, and Thrilling Stories with Victor BahnaVictor Bahna is a tech industry veteran, thoroughbred racing enthusiast, and the author of the gripping new thriller, Heliacal Star. Based in Seattle, Victor has seamlessly blended his passions for technology and racehorses into a life filled with discovery, balance, and storytelling. In his debut novel, Heliacal Star, Victor explores the thrilling yet darker sides of the racing industry, creating a narrative that captivates and informs. In this episode, Victor shares his unique journey, insights into horse racing and the tech world, and lessons learned from the therapeutic bond with his retired racehorses.About Heliacal StarHeliacal Star is an exhilarating and emotional novel centered on the rich history and thrilling atmosphere of thoroughbred racing. It offers gripping moments of suspense that build at a great pace as the plot thickens, keeping readers on edge. Learn More at https://victorbahna.comWhat You’ll Learn in This EpisodeVictor’s Journey from Tech to Racehorses and Writing (Starts at 1:00) Victor discusses growing up in Long Island, his transition into the tech world, and how a passion for racehorses rekindled his creative pursuits.Life Lessons from the Track (Starts at 12:30) From his first experiences with racehorses to founding Royal Victory Thoroughbreds, Victor shares the challenges and joys of owning and breeding thoroughbreds.The Writing Process for Heliacal Star (Starts at 25:00) Victor dives into the inspirations for his novel, how he self-published it, and its message about reform in the racing industry.Balancing Tech Stress with the Healing Power of Retired Racehorses (Starts at 35:45) Victor reveals how working with retired racehorses has profoundly influenced his approach to leadership, emotional regulation, and personal growth.The Future of Horse Racing and Ethical Breeding (Starts at 50:15) A deep dive into Victor’s hopes for the racing industry, including reforms and the importance of giving racehorses meaningful lives beyond the track.Memorable Moments from the EpisodeThe transformative impact of riding and caring for retired racehorses on Victor’s approach to stress and relationships (36:00).How Heliacal Star highlights issues within the racing industry while honoring its legacy (26:30).Victor's humorous yet insightful story of his early foray into betting and racehorse ownership (10:15).The therapeutic lessons racehorses taught Victor, from de-escalation to building trust (38:45).Contact Victor Bahna🌐 Website: victorbahna.com📖 Purchase Heliacal Star on AmazonSee All of Rupert's Programs and Shows🌐 Rupert IsaacsonFollow UsLong Ride Home🌐 Website | 📘 Facebook | 📸 Instagram | 🎥 YouTubeNew Trails Learning Systems🌐 Website | 📘 Facebook | 📸 Instagram | 🎥 YouTube

If you've ever wondered how the classic animal scenes in movies get made, Terry Kuebler, has has a lifetime of experience behind the scenes in Hollywood.Starting as an animal trainer and horsewoman at home in California she entered the movie industry in the 1980s and helped create some very iconic movies- listen on to hear about that.But there's way more to Terry than simply animal training. After a lesson from a very particular lion - a story that will leave you breathless- Terry realized that she- and the industry- needed a radically different approach. She learned not to train animals but to listen to them- and from that point on her life was transformed. As you're will be too once you hear what the animals have to say.Contact Terry:https://www.terrykuebler.comFind our other shows and programs:https://rupertisaacson.com

If you haven't watched the film My Octopus Teacher, then stop reading this right now and go to Netflix. (Trailer here on YouTube)An extraordinary work, which chronicles the relationship between South African diver and director Craig Foster and, yes, a wild octopus, the film won an Oscar and rightly so. The link between man and nature shown in the movie - or rather the clear reminder that man is nature and not removed from it in some way, as we may erroneously sometimes think, is shown with startling intimacy and  a sense of wonder that brings you straight back to childhood. Just watching My Octopus Teacher is very healing, but there is much much more to Craig Foster and his work than this one extraordinary movie. I have been lucky enough to Craig for...well, a long time. When we first met i was campaigning for the San Bushmen of Botswana as a human rights activist - a story that is told in my books The Healing Land and the Long Ride Home - he and his brother Damon had recently completed a film called The Great Dance, following the firtunes of three master hunters of the San people and capturing seemingly impossible footage of, for example, a hunt in which the hunter must 'become' the animal - effectively shape-shifting. A further film, Cosmic Africa, took us into astronomy through the eyes of a black South African astro-physicist and a journey into the way the universe is interpreted through the African mind. Other movies included scuba diving into a crocodile's lair in the Okavango Swamps, and swimming with man eating sharks...the list goes on. Recently, Craig published a book - Amphibious Soul, about his own relationship with the cold water kelp forest - the African Sea forest - where his encounter with his octopus teacher happened, and also about the fact because our species , homo sapiens sapiens, evolved at the margins of land and water where the most food is, we developed an amphibious nature at the dawn of our evolution. Because of this, water brings out play, joy, exploration, wonder in us and connects us direct to nature, perhaps to the divine, more directly than almost any other means. Then there's tracking, the need for following patterns and signs in nature and beyond, which seems completely linked to happiness and fulfillment... but let's hear this and more from the mouth of the man himself. Listen on, Craig Foster has spent a lifetime doing the impossible and making a living through bringing wonder into the lives of people worldwide. This conversation is no exception. Books, Films, Causes & Contact:Amphibious Soul: https://amzn.to/3WrMJ6LMy Octopus Teacher:Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s0LTDhqe5ANetflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81045007The Great DanceThe Sea Change Project: https://seachangeproject.com/Find our other shows and programs:https://rupertisaacson.com

There are people out there in the world who make good things happen. The good things you see on your news feeds - not the doom scrolling. The good documentaries you might have watched, the projects fighting climate change, AIDS, human rights abuses and the like - its often easy to forget that there are actual individuals behind the scenes making these things happen, then helping them get out to the audiences that need them, and finally leveraging those projects into actual change both at a policy level and for real lives of real people living in those conditions. Ginny Jordan is one of these behind the scenes individuals - whether it was pioneering alternative education in the USA, helping women and children - first in Africa, and then all over the world living with HIV to form businesses, through Bead for Life and Street Business School,  whether it was bringing Climate Change to cinemas and televisions around the world through the groundbreaking movies Chasing Ice and Chasing Coral, and then helping to support the organizations finding the solutions to these pressing issues of our times, or whether...well you'll have to listen to find out what she's up to now.  It can sound like a grand litany of successes, but in ever self actualized life there is, well, a life. Ginny has battled multiple bouts of cancer, crippling fights with Meuniere's Disease, and has had large parts of herself cut away. She knows what it is to be a mother battling these challenges and at the same time trying to make sure the kids are OK. Bottom line, Ginny Jordan is one of the most effective people on the planet, while at the same time living daily with the very human realities of frailty and physical limitation. How do people like her do it? Listen on and be inspired. Books, Films, Causes & Contact:Book: Clear Cut. It's by Ginny Jordan Bead for Life: [email protected]: Social DilemmaChasing IceChasing CoralFind our other shows and programs:https://rupertisaacson.com

That the Carradine family is a Hollywood dynasty is common knowledge. Less known is that one of its scions - Kansas Carradine, daughter of legendary actor David Carradine (Kung Fu, Kill Bill et al) has become possibly one of the most self actualized people of her generation and is going around the world helping others to do the same. Kansas Carradine is an amazing talent: a professional trick rider and rope since her childhood, a stunt rider and actress, a therapist with the legendary HeartMath Insititute which conducts research into the electromagnetic fields of hearts and how this affects the human nervous system, brain and immune system, a diplomat and peace broker with the G20...as well as a wife and mother. Kansas Carradine is that rare thing - someone who has come through the maestrom of celebrity life without their ego going supernova, and who has emerged an approachable human being in service to the common good in a level that is frankly breathtaking. Listen on and learn how to look at life through the lens of the heart - it will change your reality.Contact Kansashttps://www.circuscowgirl.com/https://www.facebook.com/circuscowgirl/ https://www.fyera.org Find our other shows and programs:https://rupertisaacson.com

Many of us dream about - or at the very least wonder about - the phenomen of becoming a YouTuber. Actually making a living out of content creation. Many of us also dream of being able to positively influence the lives of others this way and spread knowledge of healing and well being for the common good while, well being successful. Sukie Baxter, whose work on explaining the autonomic nervous system and how it can be harnessed to work more efficiently for health and happiness, has done just that. Her views on YouTube have gone into the millions without having to resort to gossip, trolling celebrities, car crashes or even cute dogs riding bicycles. Sukie's work is just flat out good - helpful, easy to understand and implement and actually helping one feel and do better.It wasn't always this way - Sukie's path to Self Actualization was, like everyone's - hard earned. Becoming a Rolfer (a lesser known but highly effective form of bodywork) in her early 20s she built a practice over almost two decades that while successful, became stressful, over scheduled, and eventually drained her of energy. Then Covid hit and in one instant her whole business evaporated.That's when,  born from a desire to do something productive in that time of universal suffering, Sukie began to put out informative YouTube videos on how to make your body and nervous system your friend not your foe. Now, four years later, Sukie has achieved an enviable level of freedom by doing good.But that isn't all. In this fascinating podcast she shares with us not just her personal and professional journey but also how the autonomic nervous system actually works, what the nuts and bolts of human happiness are, and even how to make YouTube videos that  actually get seen. Listen on people, Sukie has much to teach us.YouTube Tools mentioned:Keywords everywhereTubeBuddyContact Sukie Baxterhttps://wholebodyrevolution.comhttps://youtube.com/[email protected] Find our other shows and programs:https://rupertisaacson.com

Have you ever dreamed of being a filmmaker, a producer? A storyteller of the screen? We all have at some point -anyone who consumes screen entertainment hankers at some point to be the one making the content. Yet how to even get started? Even in these days of YouTubers and independent film making platforms where movies made on cell phones get sold to TV, we know its hard. How do you get the finances, the actors, the costumes, the scripts? How do you put it all together and make a go of it, a successful career of it?Diana Elbaum knows how. Starting as a confused young Belgian girl with a naive desire to tell stories, her two companies, Entre Chien et Loup (between wolf and dog) and Beluga Tree have produced well over ninety films of all genres. She’s done the Hollywood thing – her groundbreaking movie The Congress featured Robin Wright, Danny Huston and Harvey Keitel. But Diana has also explored a side of film that many of us in the English speaking world are largely unaware of – the thriving French, Belgian and European cinematic and television world which produces billions of dollars a year and many works of great quality – a goodly number of which then get bought by Hollywood and put into English language versions.Diana has won a string of awards, started the EP2C Workshop which helps young film makers from around the world – or even older ones – get started. Maybe she can help you.So listen on, if there was ever a woman who has self actualized, and at the same time helped dozens of others do the same, it's Diana Elbaum.Contact [email protected] our other shows and programs:https://rupertisaacson.com