Connection Matters Podcast

Ever feel like you just can't be bothered? When even the things you love feel exhausting and the idea of change feels overwhelming? This episode reveals why that feeling isn't a character flaw, it's actually a sign that you're in the sacred space between who you've been and who you're becoming.

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In this deeply honest conversation, we explore the patterns of transformation that show up for heart-centered e...

In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of grief work and ritual practices that reconnect us to our wild souls and the natural world. John shares his journey from investment banking to becoming a spiritual translator and grief ritualist, drawing on teachings from influential figures like Robert Bly, Michael Mead, Malodoma Some, and Martin Prechtel.

We explore why unexpressed grief manifests as exhaustion and addi...

This episode explores the importance of connected self-leadership during times of transformation and uncertainty. We dive into why feeling fear is essential rather than something to push down, how contraction shows up when we're afraid, and why focusing only inward disconnects us from the interconnected web of life. I'll guide you through practical exercises for clarifying your values, crafting a personal vision grounded in everyda...

Brief Overview:
In this episode of Connection Matters, Annette Knopp shares her transformative journey from restlessness and spiritual searching to embodied awakening and authentic connection. Together, we explore how to navigate inner wounds, avoid spiritual traps, and cultivate a life grounded in belonging, purpose, and meaning.

Key Themes & Topics:

• Recognising authentic spiritual guidance versus spiritual bypassing
• How early lif...

Hugh shares his personal journey from emotional numbness to wholeness, revealing how patriarchal conditioning restricts men's emotional capacity while perpetuating cycles of trauma. We discover the quiet revolution of men choosing love over competition, the importance of men's groups in creating profound brotherhood, and why foundational healing work often needs to happen in same-gender spaces first. This conversation challenges us...

In this episode, we explore what it really means to live authentically in a world full of expectations. I'll take you behind the scenes of my unconventional choices: why I converted a van and how it became my sanctuary during challenging times, why I've invested in coaches and mentors for over 14 years straight, and how I've never worked a full-time job in my entire career.

We dive deep into the courage required for connected self-l...

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.

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We explore why self-care isn't selfish but essential for summer survival, how to create anchoring practices that ground you when routines disappear, and finding the sweet spot between st...

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 sensitivity isn't weakness—it's exactly what the world needs. Learn practical ways to sta...

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 meaningful action.

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We explore why witnessing collective trauma affects...

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 connection, and embodied living.

Vicky brings a unique tapestry of training in emotional intell...

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 deep into the interconnected web of personal growth, exploring how emotional resilien...

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 solo ceremony and facilitating wild women in the Spanish wilderness. We explore the art o...

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 can be far more empowering than rigid life plans.

We explore how vision and purpose ar...

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 therapist to herbalist and entrepreneur

Early inspirations and her grandmother’s rose gard...

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 have the courage to move through rather than around our pain. I'll guide you through fo...

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

Explore how to practice nature connection and everyday spirituality purely for yours...

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 more everyday spirituality, this episode offers grounded inspiration and gentle pract...

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 beauty and gratitude, and cultivate authentic sharing. Drawing from personal stories, eve...

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 of vision, discover practical tools and principles for communicating authentically, a...