• E23: Meli Tanuku - iTaukei Mental Health Advocate
    Jan 12 2025

    Meli Tanuku Nakauvadra is a Counselling and Education student at Fiji's National University and a strong advocate for mental health awareness.

    Tom and Meli talk about why trees and natural spaces matter so much in a developing country with a rich indigenous heritage to protect and discuss the concept of 'dominion' in traditional Christian teaching.

    Find links to all The Meaning of Trees Podcast channels and content here: https://linktr.ee/themeaningoftreespodcast


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    26 mins
  • E22: *Mini Feature* - The Mythical Seacraft
    Jan 5 2025

    Na Waqa Drua is a revolutionary project to create a giant twin-hulled, fully wind-powered ocean canoe that combines ancient and cutting edge technologies in a shared mission to sail around the world.

    Tom interviews Carson Young and his diverse team of innovators to learn more about how they are bringing this Fijian odyssey back to life and ensuring it's fully fit for the future.

    Find links to all The Meaning of Trees Podcast channels and content here: https://linktr.ee/themeaningoftreespodcast

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    15 mins
  • E21: Sanjana Lal - Ministry of Forestry Official
    Dec 8 2024

    Sanjana Lal is Fiji’s national Conservator of Forests and heads up the Fijian Government’s Ministry of Forestry department, advocating for sustainable forest stewardship in a country with 61% tree cover and where 80% of the land is owned and inhabited by indigenous communities.

    Tom and Sanjana explore her personal philosophies and thoughts on pristine rainforest and its protection and discuss why a community-centred approach remains vital to a future-proof mindset.

    Find links to all The Meaning of Trees Podcast channels and content here: https://linktr.ee/themeaningoftreespodcast

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    26 mins
  • E20: Simione Sevudredre - Intangible Heritage Ambassador
    Dec 1 2024

    Simione Sevudredre is one of Fiji’s best-known advocates when it comes to protection and awareness of indigenous heritage and human rights.

    Tom chats with him in depth about Fijian totem trees, the humble coconut and the many virtues of living a nature-based identity.

    Find links to all The Meaning of Trees Podcast channels and content here: https://linktr.ee/themeaningoftreespodcast

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    49 mins
  • E19: Pita Yee - Sentinels Videographer
    Nov 24 2024

    Season 2 kicks off with guest host Arifah interviewing Tom on his return from Fiji alongside talented Videographer and Woah Studios Director, Pita Yee.

    We learn all about the making of their new documentary - 'Sentinels: Protecting Fiji's Heritage Trees' - and Pita shares some personal insights into his life and art.

    Find links to all The Meaning of Trees Podcast channels and content here: https://linktr.ee/themeaningoftreespodcast

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    54 mins
  • E18: *End of Season Special* - Let's Flip the Script!
    Jul 6 2024

    Guest-host and friend of the podcast, Arifah Sheikh, takes charge of this end-of-series special with Tom turning guest for the day before interviewing his 10 year old daughter to round off the season.

    Find links to all The Meaning of Trees Podcast content here: https://linktr.ee/themeaningoftreespodcast

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    59 mins
  • E17: Reg Harris - Tree Doctor
    Jun 29 2024

    Reg Harris is Director of Urban Forestry Ltd and an Arborist and Veteran Tree Consultant who works with highly prestigious trees like the famous Major Oak at Sherwood Forest.

    Tom and Reg chat about the lifelong impressions that a chance meeting with an indigenous North American man made upon him as a child, what it is about ancient trees that makes him so passionate about his work and how he ended up running the London Marathon bare foot.

    Find links to all The Meaning of Trees Podcast content here: https://linktr.ee/themeaningoftreespodcast

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    56 mins
  • E16: Wyl Menmuir - Nature Writer
    Jun 22 2024

    Wyl Menmuir is the award-winning author of The Heart of the Woods, a new book uncovering our deep cultural associations with trees and the traditional crafts and rituals that continue to bind us to them today.

    Tom and Wyl meet up at the Ankerwycke yew to chat about the legendary Green Man, discuss Wyl’s reflections on ancient forest cultures in Japan and get to the bottom of why he undertook a planned trespass.

    Find links to all The Meaning of Trees Podcast content here: https://linktr.ee/themeaningoftreespodcast

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    48 mins