Brackish - S6 E12: Helen Bowkett & Hireth

In this episode, Katie speaks with Helen Bowkett, a jack-of-all-trades craftswoman, Cornish Hedging Trainer, co-founder of the Cornwall Rural Education and Skills Trust (CREST), and Director of the Landwise Collective CIC.“The hedge is a portal to the wild and to deep time. It holds stories and seeds and something we’re on the edge of remembering.” - Helen BowkettHelen is a woman of many hats (and muddy boots). With a background spanning traditional craft, coach education, regenerative agriculture, and community project development, Helen brings a rare depth to her work, blending ancient skill with modern ecological thinking. At the heart of it all is a deep reverence for land, people, and place.In her 50s and loving it, Helen reflects on a life shaped by doing, not just dreaming. From milking cows before school on her family smallholding, to years spent at sea as a gig rower and coach, to training as a boat builder and restoring old cottages with her husband—her story is one of soulful graft, craft, and stewardship.Helen now stewards 13 acres of land in West Penwith, the most ancient hedging system in Cornwall. Through her teaching at Hillside Farm and the Landwise Collective, she offers training that’s not just about skill but about reconnection. Her approach to hedging is slow, relational, reflective, and rooted in community. It’s about empowering people to become active stewards of their places, to honour craft as a living lineage, and to rewild their hearts while tending the land.We cover:- What a Cornish hedge really is a stone-faced earth bank with roots in ancient farming, not just a wall or a hedgerow- The cultural, ecological and spiritual weight of the craft, from 3,800-year-old hedges to modern day biodiversity corridors- Why working with stone is an act of meditation, healing and reconnection and how it supports flow, rhythm, and mental well-being- What makes a good hedger (spoiler: it’s more mindset than muscle)- Being a woman in a male-dominated craft and how Helen’s approach invites women to work with their bodies, not against them- The difference between a craft hedge and a field hedge and why her work at Landwise is building something slower, wider, and more regenerative for the future- Hedges as metaphor, for boundaries, belonging, biodiversity, grief, legacy, and hopeIf you’ve ever felt the tug of the land, the need to slow down, or the quiet call to do something meaningful in the face of uncertainty, this conversation will move you. Tune in now and meet the woman who’s quietly weaving craft, care, and hope into the Cornish landscape, stone by stone.More from Helen:Website: https://crestcornwall.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550482445752More from Katie:Instagram: @katietreggiden.1Website: https://katietreggiden.com/Blue Health Coaching: https://makingdesigncircular.org/coaching Nature-inspired poetry: https://brackishbykatietreggiden.substack.com/t/poetryResources mentioned:Active Hope by Joanna Macy (this is an affiliate link)Theory U by Otto Scharmer (this is an affiliate link)WWF’s Living Planet Report – referenced for biodiversity loss statsWhat next?If all this talk of defiant hope has got you wondering where you can find some, I have something for you. Cultivating Hope is my three-part mini-course and it’s the three steps I move through whenever I start to feel despair tugging at my edges.You will move out of ‘fight, flight or freeze’ mode and into a calm and connected state, reconnect with nature, and find aligned actions that you can take now to keep you to remind you that you can make a difference.In the current climate, hope is an act of defiance, and it’s one I hope you’ll take with me.Click here to find out more here This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brackishbykatietreggiden.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Katie speaks with Sarah Hakewill, a Coastal Coach, Culture & Change Strategist, and Londoner turned seaside dweller, about the power of cold water, community, and the sea as a space for reimagining our lives.“Being in the water is one of the only times my neurodivergent brain powers down. It’s like being transported to another universe.” - Sarah HakewillAfter 40+ years in London, Sarah moved to Margate during a time of personal upheaval and discovered the life-changing magic of daily tidal pool swims. Her journey from burnout to blue health led her to train as a certified Blue Health Coach in 2024 and combine 20+ years of culture change work with nature-based facilitation. Through her work, Sarah helps people and purpose-led businesses reconnect with what matters — through strategic retreats, coaching, and community-building by the sea.We cover:- How the stillness of the sea created space for healing and self-connection- Why midlife can be the perfect time to rewild yourself and ask what truly matters- The concept of “Naturehood” and building thriving ecosystems of people, purpose, and place- Blue health and “blue mind” as an antidote to burnout and digital overload- The power of tidal pools, cold water, and coastal community- Creative clarity, beginner’s mind, and noticing everyday magic- Making purpose-led work feel joyful, hopeful, and grounded in natureMore from Sarah:Website: https://seaofpurpose.com/More from Katie:Instagram: @katietreggiden.1Website: https://katietreggiden.com/Blue Health Coaching: https://makingdesigncircular.org/Nature-inspired poetry: BrackishResources mentioned:Exeter University Research about coastal space being more accessible for people in lower socio-economic groups: https://news-archive.exeter.ac.uk/featurednews/title_754908_en.html#:~:text=Coastal%20living%20benefits%20mental%20health,those%20more%20than%2050km%20away.Blue Mind by Wallace J Nichols (affiliate link)Going Coastal Blue (Blue Health Coach Training)What next?If all this talk of defiant hope has got you wondering where you can find some, I have something for you. Cultivating Hope is my three-part mini-course and it’s the three steps I move through whenever I start to feel despair tugging at my edges.You will move out of ‘fight, flight or freeze’ mode and into a calm and connected state, reconnect with nature, and find aligned actions that you can take now to keep you to remind you that you can make a difference.In the current climate, hope is an act of defiance, and it’s one I hope you’ll take with me.Click here to find out more here This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brackishbykatietreggiden.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Katie speaks with Lucy Beckley, a writer, poet, and creative writing facilitator based in Cornwall, about creativity, motherhood, and defiant hope. “We don’t always get what we’re expecting when we pay attention. But often, we find something just as beautiful.” - Lucy BeckleyLucy holds an MA in Professional Writing from Falmouth University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Creative Writing from Cambridge University. Her poetry has been shortlisted for multiple awards, including the Benjamin Zephaniah Future Writers Competition, and she runs workshops, retreats, and creative spaces that invite others into the joy and magic of writing.We cover:- How becoming a mother sparked Lucy’s decision to take her writing more seriously- Why writing often happens "in the seams" of daily life and how to honour that- Creating space to write as a form of resistance and healing- The powerful practice of metaphorically “emptying your pockets” before writing- How co-writing sessions and creative communities can combat the loneliness of writing- Lucy’s Small Acts of Attention cards and the magic of playful prompts- Embracing liminal spaces, the present moment, and the everyday poetry of life- The role of writers in cultivating “defiant hope” in a noisy worldThis conversation with Lucy is a gentle reminder that creativity doesn’t require grand gestures or perfect conditions; it thrives in the small moments, the quiet observations, and the spaces we carve out for ourselves.Whether you’re writing in the margins of your day, capturing ‘flapping thought ribbons’, or simply noticing the light through your window, you’re engaging in a deeply human, hopeful act. Lucy’s words invite us to slow down, pay attention, and honour the magic in what might otherwise go unseen. In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, this kind of intentional noticing and the creative expression that flows from it is a radical, defiant kind of hope.More from Lucy:Website: www.lucybeckley.comInstagram: @lucybeckleyLinkedIn: Lucy Beckley | LinkedInX: Profile / XSubstack: https://lucybeckley.substack.com/More from Katie:Instagram: @katietreggiden.1Website: https://katietreggiden.com/Blue Health Coaching: https://makingdesigncircular.org/Nature-inspired poetry: https://brackishbykatietreggiden.substack.com/t/poetryResources mentioned:Books:Small Acts of Attention Cards – a creative prompt tool for writers of all levels:Professional Writing MAPostgraduate Certificate in Teaching Creative WritingAnaïs Nin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ana%C3%AFs_Nin and Bio — The Anaïs Nin FoundationTrying with Emma BarnettOn Connection by Kae Tempest (this is an affiliate link)Matrescence by Lucy Jones (this is an affiliate link)Everyday Wonder by Sophie Howarth (this is an affiliate link)Instructions for Life by Mary Oliver, PoetWhat next?If all this talk of defiant hope has got you wondering where you can find some, I have something for you. Cultivating Hope is my three-part mini-course and it’s the three steps I move through whenever I start to feel despair tugging at my edges.You will move out of ‘fight, flight or freeze’ mode and into a calm and connected state, reconnect with nature, and find aligned actions that you can take now to keep you to remind you that you can make a difference.In the current climate, hope is an act of defiance, and it’s one I hope you’ll take with me.Click here to find out more here This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brackishbykatietreggiden.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Katie speaks with Sas Petherick, a self-belief coach, writer, speaker, and podcast host whose work explores the connection between self-doubt, self-trust, and meaningful living.  “Every small thing you do to create the world you want to live in has epic ripple effects that you may not see.” – Sas PetherickSas believes that healing our self-doubt is one of the most important contributions we can make to ourselves, our families, our work, and the world. She holds a Master's degree from Oxford, and their research on self-doubt was published in the International Journal of Coaching and Mentoring. She has developed an evidence-based, trauma-informed, ICF-accredited coaching methodology for cultivating self-belief.Over the past decade, she’s supported hundreds of women navigating self-doubt in their personal and professional lives. Their top 1% rated podcast, Courage & Spice, has over half a million downloads, and she’s worked with high-profile organisations like BBC Worldwide and Pinterest. Now living by the beach in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, with their partner Ash and pooch Bodhi, Sas spends their time imagining a post-capitalist world, exploring consciousness, and listening to obscure UFO podcasts. Sophie’s work spans theatre, film, and audio, and she is passionate about amplifying voices from both marginalised human and more-than-human communities. She is the founder of Teatro Vivo and SHH Productions, and currently serves as Creative Director at CHANGE Festival.“You’re going to experience failure and rejection anyway, why not do it while doing something you actually care about?” - Sas PetherickWe cover:- The personal and collective cost of self-doubt and how to recognise its disguises- Sas’s own journey from City burnout to self-belief coaching and sobriety- Why exquisite self-care is a radical act of defiance against capitalism- Reframing success through the lens of meaning, joy, and compassion- What it means to live a brave life and why discomfort is not the enemy- The connection between midlife, the inner wild, and returning to nature- The power of small actions and ripple effects in a world of despair“Taking exquisite care of yourself is not indulgent. It’s an act of rebellion.” - Sas PetherickThis episode is an invitation to pause, to ask better questions of ourselves, and to cultivate self-trust as an anchor through uncertainty. Whether you’re in a season of burnout, transition, or craving more meaning in your work and life, Sas’s insights offer a grounded, hopeful compass for what’s next.More from Sas:Website: https://www.saspetherick.comInstagram: @saspetherickSubstack & Podcast: Courage & SpiceMore from Katie:Instagram: @katietreggiden.1Website: https://katietreggiden.com/Blue Health Coaching: https://makingdesigncircular.org/Nature-inspired poetry: BrackishResources mentioned:Books:Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown (this is an affiliate link)Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit (this is an affiliate link)If Women Rose Rooted by Sharon BlackieAll Fours by Miranda July (this is an affiliate link)The Middle Passage by James Hollis (this is an affiliate link)Falling Upward by Richar Rohr (this is an affiliate link)SubstackThings to do when you feel s**t, To Reality With Love by Nora PopovaJoeli Caparco & The Crumb, Brackish with Katite TreggidenWhat next?If all this talk of defiant hope has got you wondering where you can find some, I have something for you. Cultivating Hope is my three-part mini-course and it’s the three steps I move through whenever I start to feel despair tugging at my edges.You will move out of ‘fight, flight or freeze’ mode and into a calm and connected state, reconnect with nature, and find aligned actions that you can take now to keep you to remind you that you can make a difference.In the current climate, hope is an act of defiance, and it’s one I hope you’ll take with me.Click here to find out more here This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brackishbykatietreggiden.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Katie speaks with Sophie Austin, a multidisciplinary director, writer and producer, about how storytelling can become an act of regeneration, resistance, and community building. Sophie’s work spans theatre, film, and audio, and she is passionate about amplifying voices from both marginalised human and more-than-human communities. She is the founder of Teatro Vivo and SHH Productions, and currently serves as Creative Director at CHANGE Festival.“I want to find the people I trust in the long grass. That’s where I choose to make my work.” - Sophie AustinIn this conversation, Sophie she reflects on what it means to live and create at “the edge”—of comfort, of fear, and of systems—and how reconnecting with wonder can unlock new ways of seeing, sensing, and showing up in the world. You’ll hear how Sophie’s storytelling was transformed through motherhood, why she invites people to walk with her in the dark, and how improvisation, play, and community shape every project she leads. From her collaborative writing desk in the Oxford Botanic Gardens to her powerful film Climate Criminals, Sophie shares how she brings people together to co-create stories of hope and courage, even in the face of crisis.We cover:- How Sophie went from running immersive theatre in supermarkets and high streets to storytelling for environmental and social justice- Why she describes herself as a “wild storyteller” and what walking in darkness can teach us- The power of saying “yes, and…” and how it opens doors to deeper creative collaboration- Her interactive public art project What Happens Next and what it taught her about community- The behind-the-scenes story of Climate Criminals, the people it centres, and why its process mattered more than the product- Why the values of curiosity, creativity, bravery, and trust are essential for living and leading in uncertain timesMore from Sophie:Website: https://www.sophiejaneaustin.com/Instagram: @sophiejanesnapsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiejanedoes/Teatro VivoMore from Katie:Instagram: @katietreggiden.1Website: https://katietreggiden.com/Blue Health Coaching: https://makingdesigncircular.org/Nature-inspired poetry: BrackishResources mentioned:https://youtu.be/pjkHtXRpyI4CHANGE FestivalWhat next?If all this talk of defiant hope has got you wondering where you can find some, I have something for you. Cultivating Hope is my three-part mini-course and it’s the three steps I move through whenever I start to feel despair tugging at my edges.You will move out of ‘fight, flight or freeze’ mode and into a calm and connected state, reconnect with nature, and find aligned actions that you can take now to keep you to remind you that you can make a difference.In the current climate, hope is an act of defiance, and it’s one I hope you’ll take with me.Click here to find out more here This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brackishbykatietreggiden.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Katie speaks with Alex Dunkley - a writer, musician, and independent funeral celebrant – about creativity, courage, and the quiet power of ritual.Alex weaves all three aspects of her work in and alongside each other kaleidoscopically, and identifies as being AuDHD. Her work invites stories into the room—whether that's through song, ceremony, or the written word—exploring how narrative can hold space for grief, joy, and everything in between. She’s deeply fascinated by the stories of our land and the songs they inspire. When not leading community choirs or sitting in a library researching rituals, you’ll find her on the coast path, filling her pockets with stones and listening to birdsong on the wind.“We need to live intentionally to really be active in the way we are in the world.” – Alex DunkleyIn this conversation, we explore the liminal – those tender in-between places – and how creativity and ritual help us to navigate them. Alex shares her journey from orchestras in London to community choirs in Cornwall, to her soul-stirring work as a celebrant. We talk about the ritual space between death and funeral, and the need for more honesty and intention in how we grieve and remember.We cover:Alex’s journey through music, community work, and into celebrancyWhy she believes ritual doesn’t need to be grand – just intentionalThe deep significance of the time between someone dying and their funeralHer experience writing beside a sacred fugu and the creative awakening it sparkedThe tension between logic and belief – and what happens when you choose to trust your own experience🎙️ Plus: Alex performs Shapeshifter, a haunting and poetic piece written in the fugu itself – a moment of myth, memory, and music that will stay with you long after listening.This episode is rich with story, personal reflection, and a kind of grounded magic. If you’ve ever struggled to claim a creative identity, yearned for more connection to the seasons or the land, or wondered how to make sense of the unexplainable, this one’s for you.More from Alex:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexdunkleywrites/Website: www.soulfulceremonies.co.ukMore from Katie:Instagram: @katietreggiden.1Website: https://katietreggiden.com/Blue Health Coaching: https://makingdesigncircular.org/Nature-inspired poetry: BrackishResources mentioned:Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererMoth Tales Open Mic Night (Falmouth)Dyski, Creative residential workshops in Cornwall with a focus on immersive, experimental & place-based learningThe Writers’ Block, the writing centre in Cornwall, a place to write and a unique approach to developing confidence and skills in writing for everyone.What next?If all this talk of defiant hope has got you wondering where you can find some, I have something for you. Cultivating Hope is my three-part mini-course and it’s the three steps I move through whenever I start to feel despair tugging at my edges.You will move out of ‘fight, flight or freeze’ mode and into a calm and connected state, reconnect with nature, and find aligned actions that you can take now to keep you to remind you that you can make a difference.In the current climate, hope is an act of defiance, and it’s one I hope you’ll take with me.Click here to find out more and pre-order This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brackishbykatietreggiden.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Katie speaks with Juliet Bennett, to explore how wild swimming, coaching, and nature combine to create powerful, transformative experiences. From the clarity of lake water to coaching on windswept beaches, Juliet shares her journey into blue health, her love for cold water immersion, and how outdoor coaching is opening up new ways for people to find purpose, hope, and connection."I added the word 'broken' to my brand because I needed people to know that there was space for them, however they arrived." – Amy WilsonWhat we cover:- Juliet’s first magical evening river swim- Why lake swimming is her non-negotiable weekly ritual- How volunteering as a water safety guide helped sharpen Juliet’s intuition- What “blue health coaching” is and how it changes the coaching dynamic- Real stories of coaching breakthroughs using natural landscapes- The link between hope, purpose, and taking action in uncertain timesIf you’re craving more meaning and connection in your life, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on the power of nature to ground us, shift our thinking, and bring us back to what matters.More from Juliet:LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-bennett-01918995/More from Katie:Instagram: @katietreggiden.1Website: https://katietreggiden.com/Blue Health Coaching: https://makingdesigncircular.org/Nature-inspired poetry:BrackishResources mentioned:Coaching Outdoors conference: https://www.henley.ac.uk/events/coaching-outdoors-live-2Guardian Article: The Guardian view on rising sea levels: adaptation has never been more urgentA Poem For Every Night of The Year by Allie EsiriWhat next?If all this talk of defiant hope has got you wondering where you can find some, I have something for you. Cultivating Hope is my three-part mini-course and it’s the three steps I move through whenever I start to feel despair tugging at my edges.You will move out of ‘fight, flight or freeze’ mode and into a calm and connected state, reconnect with nature, and find aligned actions that you can take now to keep you to remind you that you can make a difference.In the current climate, hope is an act of defiance, and it’s one I hope you’ll take with me.Click here to find out more and pre-order This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brackishbykatietreggiden.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Katie Treggiden speaks with Amy Wilson. Amy is an artistic and adventurous soul, wielding the epic powers of creativity daily at her studio, Acorn. She is passionate about creating brands, stories, and art in the world that shift paradigms and expand perspectives. Amy advocates for childlike play, the power of the imagination, Mother Earth, and the future - among other things! She is abstract, imperfect, free, and wildly creative."I added the word 'broken' to my brand because I needed people to know that there was space for them, however they arrived." – Amy WilsonWhat we cover:- Our shared experience of the challenges and joys of different seasons, and how the natural world impacts moods and energy levels.- Amy’s journey of transitioning from corporate design work to embracing her identity as an artist and creative. She discusses the importance of looking to nature as a source of inspiration and wisdom.- The concept of "front-end dreamers" - those who are pioneering new ideas and solutions, and the bravery and resilience required to forge that path.- The importance of choosing hope, even when it's challenging, hope is an active choice, not just a passive state.- We share strategies for maintaining hope in the face of adversity.- We reflect on the humbling experience of connecting with nature and the larger cosmic forces at play, and how that perspective can ground and inspire their creative work."I think for a long time, I thought that the answer was to just be more clever, or to work harder or to find a better solution. But actually, I think now the answer is to feel more." – Amy WilsonMore from Amy:Website: https://www.acornacorn.com/More from Katie:Instagram: @katietreggiden.1Website: https://katietreggiden.com/Blue Health Coaching: https://makingdesigncircular.org/Nature-inspired poetry:BrackishResources mentioned:Art is the Highest Form of Hope Hope in the Dark by Rebecca SolnitThe BioLeadership FellowshipWhat next?If all this talk of defiant hope has got you wondering where you can find some, I have something for you. Cultivating Hope is my three-part mini-course and it’s the three steps I move through whenever I start to feel despair tugging at my edges.You will move out of ‘fight, flight or freeze’ mode and into a calm and connected state, reconnect with nature, and find aligned actions that you can take now to keep you to remind you that you can make a difference.In the current climate, hope is an act of defiance, and it’s one I hope you’ll take with me.Click here to find out more and pre-order This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brackishbykatietreggiden.substack.com/subscribe

 In this episode, Katie Treggiden speaks with Kirsty Tanner, a Scottish multi-disciplinary artist, designer and maker, living in Liverpool. She runs design studio Tom Pigeon alongside her personal practice working across paint, textiles and collage. Kirsty's childhood in rural Scotland meets her love of Modernist design and Brutalist architecture, combining abstract expressions of nature with strong architectural line and negative space. Kirsty has worked on collaborative collections with clients including Tate Modern, The Barbican, V&A and Team GB. When not in the studio Kirsty can usually be found in the garden, at a flea market or in the sea! “I love my brain. It goes in all these different directions. I'm not going to beat myself up about it anymore. This is just the way I am.”“I crave being by the water... There is something special about the way you see the land when you're in the water. There's a sense of isolation, a disconnection that I absolutely love.”“My own creativity is giving me joy and hope. The new relationship is exciting. There are possibilities.”"Curiosity is the antidote to hopelessness."What we cover:– Kirsty discusses her childhood growing up in a small town in rural Scotland– What led Kirsty to start exploring painting and the draw to have your hands in nature– The Call of the Wild, when mid-life is cracking you wide open – we reflect on the challenges and opportunities of navigating midlife transitions, including coming to terms with neurodivergent traits, and the creative strengths that a non-linear thinking style can drive– The importance of self-compassion and finding ways to reconnect with nature and creativity.– The power of artist residencies - carving out time and immersing yourself in unfamiliar spaces and locations– Strategies for finding hope and optimism in difficult times, including the power of small daily pleasures.More from Kirsty:Website:  https://www.kirstytanner.com/ and https://www.tompigeon.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kirstytanner_studioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tompigeonstudioPinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/tompigeonstudio/More from Katie:Instagram: @katietreggiden.1Website: https://katietreggiden.com/Blue Health Coaching: https://makingdesigncircular.org/Nature-inspired poetry: https://brackishbykatietreggiden.substack.com/Resources mentioned:Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererWyl Menmuir – multi award winning author based in CornwallBio-Leadership FellowshipCards for Life by Thomas Mansfield / Pale Blue https://paleblueperspective.com/cards-for-lifeThe Lengths / @thelengths_studio – Where Kirsty did her residency in the Highlands What next?If all this talk of defiant hope has got you wondering where you can find some, I have something for you. Cultivating Hope is my three-part mini-course and it’s the three steps I move through whenever I start to feel despair tugging at my edges.You will move out of ‘fight, flight or freeze’ mode and into a calm and connected state, reconnect with nature, and find aligned actions that you can take now to keep you to remind you that you can make a difference.In the current climate, hope is an act of defiance, and it’s one I hope you’ll take with me.Click here to find out more and pre-order  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brackishbykatietreggiden.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Katie Treggiden speaks with Joanne Lamb, an Irish artist based in London, who creates delicate woven vessels inspired by nature and the Celtic Wheel of the Year."I want each of the baskets to tell a story, they are imbued with a sense of time and place for me. The power of telling stories helps us connect with nature, event the earliest humans have done that." – Joanne LambWhat we cover:* Joanne's artistic process and how she creates delicate vessels that look "grown rather than made"* Reconnecting with Irish heritage and Celtic traditions after growing up disconnected from them* Using the Celtic Wheel of the Year as a framework for deepening connections to nature* The importance of storytelling and "creating a new path through old wisdom"* How art can help us notice and appreciate seasonal changes* Finding hope through creativity and community during challenging timesMore from Joanne:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannelambstudio* Website: https://www.joannelambstudio.co.uk/* Exhibit: "Constructed" at Gallery 57 in West Sussex* Workshop: Woven textiles & expressive basketry workshop, April 2025More from Katie:* Instagram: @katietreggiden.1* Website: https://katietreggiden.com/* Blue Health Coaching: https://makingdesigncircular.org/* Nature-inspired poetry:Resources mentioned:* Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer* Slow Seasons by Rosie Steer* Works by Mary Oliver* Works by Nan Shepherd* Gaia by James Lovelock* Deep Work by Cal Newport* Flowers, Flora in Contemporary Art at Saatchi Gallery, 12 Feb - 5 May 2025What next?If all this talk of defiant hope has got you wondering where you can find some, I have something for you. Cultivating Hope is my three-part mini-course and it’s the three steps I move through whenever I start to feel despair tugging at my edges.You will move out of ‘fight, flight or freeze’ mode and into a calm and connected state, reconnect with nature, and find aligned actions that you can take now to keep you to remind you that you can make a difference.In the current climate, hope is an act of defiance, and it’s one I hope you’ll take with me. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brackishbykatietreggiden.substack.com/subscribe