Episode 25: Sweetness of A Simple Life and Inspiring Climate Change Solutions with Diana Beresford-Kroeger
I am extremely excited to share this very special episode of On My Mind with you. I have been a super fan of Diana Beresford-Kroeger since I read her book The Sweetness of A Simple Life in 2015. It transformed my life. I’ve long advocated for resiliency and self-sufficiency, but reading her book made it feel achievable.
Diana has been described as “the woman who is like the Jane Goodall of trees.” She is a botanist and medical biochemist and an incredible wealth of knowledge. We all need Diana’s words and wisdom in our lives and I can’t wait for you to hear all that she has to say.
What I find inspiring is her incredible passion for trees and regeneration that is solution-driven and helps protect the environment as well as reverse the ill effects of climate change. We get into a lot in this conversation – including the details of trees, deforestation, the state of our food supply, and what we can each do to be part of the solution to the critical situation we are all in.
It was such a beautiful experience speaking to her. I want to move to the forest and be her neighbour!
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Covered in this episode with Diana Beresford-Kroeger
- Diana’s childhood in Ireland and how that influenced her interest in trees and climate change
- How the Dalai Lama inspired her to simplify her life and write her book, The Sweetness of a Simple Life
- How Diana nourishes the land she’s lived on for the last 40 years, and all the things she grows to support biodiversity and personal health
- The select foods she actually goes to the grocery store to buy
- The dramatic decline of the variety in our food supply, and if Diana thinks it’s possible for us to recover our food supply
- If we can maintain and achieve optimal health through what we find at the supermarket
- Why the old growth forests in Fairy Creek are important, and how they impact the overall environment and biodiversity
- What will be left of our forests by 2030
- Why the pandemic we are living through won’t be the last
- The simple way to protect your immune health while you’re in the forest
- How to help our children manage their relationship with technology
- The importance of community and laughter in building health and resilience
- Key solutions for healing the planet – and how we can all play a role
- Plants and trees you can grow across Canada (the tree Diana has for me is the Hop Tree)
About Diana Beresford-Kroeger
Diana holds a Bachelor of Science in classical botany and medical biochemistry, and a Master’s degree in plant physiology, a PhD in cardiac ischemia (damage due to low levels of oxygen in the heart). She also holds a diploma in experimental surgery together with a fellowship in the effects of radiation on biological systems. She has been published in the top medical journals in the world, such as the American Heart Journal.
Diana invented an artificial blood (stroma-free-hemoglobin) and is an expert on the movement of blood through the heart. She has studied plants for their medicinal properties, especially for cancer treatment.
- Documentary and Resource Hub: Call of the Forest: The Forgotten Wisdom of Trees
- More about Diana: Diana Beresford-Kroeger
- Video Interview: Diana and Jane Fonda Talk Climate Change
- Find Trees Native To Your Area: Find a Tree App
Selection of Diana Beresford-Kroeger‘s Books
- The Sweetness of A Simple Life: Tips for Healthier, Happier and Kinder Living from a Visionary Natural Scientist
- The Global Forest: Forty Ways Trees Can Save Us
- To Speak For The Trees: My Life’s Journey from Ancient Celtic Wisdom to a Healing Vision of the Forest
Learn More and Support Fairy Creek
Additional Resources
- The Health Benefits of Forest Bathing
- Greatest Lessons From My Home Garden
- 6 Reasons to Eat Seasonally
- Healthy Eating is About More Than What’s On Your Plate
- Resilience Masterclass (Online Event Replay)
- Why This All Matters Right Now
Photo credit: Jeff McKay
wondering if you provide a transcript for your podcast. Loved listening to your talk with Diana Beresford-Kroeger, it would be helpful to read information she provided, a gem!