Something In The Woods Loves You with Jarod K. Anderson

Trigger Warning: Dear Warriror, this episode centers on discussion around Mindfulness and Mental Health and Coping with Suicidal Thoughts. Please take care of yourself as needed.

Summary

Hey yall its me, Queen J back with another episode of The Let's Get Uncomfortable podcast, where I engage in a deep and reflective conversation with Jarod K. Anderson, exploring themes of mental health, vulnerability, and the healing power of poetry and nature. We discuss the complexities of depression, the importance of authenticity, and the journey of self-discovery. Jarod shares insights from his own experiences and his book, 'Something in the Woods Loves You,' emphasizing the significance of embracing vulnerability and the ongoing process of healing.

About the Guest:

Jarod K. Anderson has three best-selling collections of nature poetry, Field Guide to the Haunted Forest, Love Notes from the Hollow Tree, and Leaf Litter. His memoir Something in the Woods Loves You (Timber Press/Hachette 2024) explores his lifelong struggle with depression through a lens of love and gratitude for the natural world. Jarod created and voices The CryptoNaturalist podcast, a scripted show about real adoration for fictional wildlife. He lives in Ohio between a park and a cemetery.

Learn more at: JarodKAnderson.com purchase his book here.

Chapters

00:00 Mindfulness and Healing Space

02:24 Understanding Depression and Its Manifestations

05:14 The Journey of Writing and Sharing

08:34 The Power of Poetry in Healing

10:37 Challenging the 'Shoulds' in Life

12:38 Vulnerability and Authenticity

14:36 Accepting Mental Illness

16:35 Navigating Mental Health and Nature

20:29 Coping with Suicidal Ideation

23:57 The Importance of Meaning Making

26:21 The Value of Vulnerability

30:21 The Complexity of Mental Health Conversations

33:33 The Ongoing Healing Journey

39:08 Finding Balance in Mental Health

44:32 The Process of Self-Discovery

Takeaways

Mindfulness is essential for healing and self-acceptance.

Depression can manifest in various ways, including feelings of shame and isolation.

Writing and sharing personal stories can be a powerful tool for healing.

Vulnerability allows for authentic connections with others.

Challenging societal 'shoulds' can lead to greater self-acceptance.

Nature can play a significant role in mental health and healing.

It's important to acknowledge and accept mental illness as part of one's identity.

Coping with suicidal ideation requires understanding and support.

Finding meaning in life is a personal journey that can empower individuals.

The healing journey is ongoing and requires patience and self-compassion.

Socials: @_officiallyqueenj

@cryptonaturalist

@letsgetuncomfortablepod

Thanks for seeing and hearing me,

your fellow Warrior,

Queen J.