The Conscious Rising – Details, episodes & analysis

Join our next adventure: https://bit.ly/conscious-retreats

What if the path to collective healing begins with facing our inner wounds... not bypassing them?

In this episode, Sean Lee-Davies speaks with Buddhist psychotherapist, author, and teacher Dr. Miles Neale, who blends Tibetan Buddhism, depth psychology, and trauma healing to offer a radically grounded path toward inner transformation. From the crisis of meaning in the West to the commercialization of mindfulness, this is a sobering yet empowering exploration of what it means to truly wake up.

Miles is the author of Gradual Awakening and Return with Elixir, founder of the Contemplative Studies Program, and a long-time student of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. With over two decades of clinical and contemplative training, he is a sought-after voice at the intersection of Eastern wisdom and modern psychology.

In this conversation, Miles shares:

• Why spiritual growth requires staying present with your pain, not bypassing it
• The psychological costs of Western culture’s obsession with speed and avoidance
• How trauma fragments our sense of self and why storytelling is essential for repair
• The dangers of stripping Buddhist wisdom from its ethical and philosophical roots
• Why patience, practice, and inner narrative are the real keys to lasting healing
• How ancient myths offer a roadmap for the modern spiritual journey

Follow The Conscious Rising:

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theconsciousfestival/?hl=en

Website – https://www.theconsciousfestival.com/

Connect With Sean:

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/seanleedavies/?hl=en

Connect With Miles Neale:

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/milesneale/?hl=en

Website – https://linktr.ee/milesneale

00:00 Episode Trailer

01:16 Why trauma, not pleasure, is the root of suffering

04:42 The “spiritual bypassing” trap in the West

09:31 The real purpose of mindfulness—and how it’s been distorted

13:54 Miles’ path from psychology to Tibetan Buddhism

17:45 The inner split: healing the fragmented self

22:09 Why our culture avoids the hero’s journey

25:34 Initiation, suffering, and transformation

29:12 What Tibetan Buddhism offers modern psychology

32:08 Facing discomfort vs. chasing enlightenment

35:17 Creating safe containers for emotional work

39:50 Reclaiming the wisdom in sacred myths

44:06 From therapy to dharma: integrating ancient maps

47:51 Why commercial mindfulness isn’t enough

51:10 The long arc of gradual awakening

55:44 Final thoughts: courage, compassion, and coming home

Join our next adventure? ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/conscious-retreats⁠

What happens when you expose the hidden truth behind plastic pollution… and discover it’s not just killing the oceans, but changing your DNA? Environmental filmmaker Louie Psihoyos reveals the disturbing reality we’re all living in.

Louie Psihoyos is a visionary filmmaker, activist, and media strategist known for documentaries like The Game Changers and Racing Extinction. From launching global environmental campaigns to exploring the health effects of microplastics, Sean has spent his life using storytelling to shift systems.

In this conversation, Sean shares:

• The dark truth about how microplastics are already inside us
• Why the recycling movement needed a media revolution
• The hidden cost of our clothes, cosmetics, and canned drinks
• What eco-anxiety really means and how to survive it
• Why documentaries might be the last hope for saving our planet

Follow The Conscious Rising:

Instagram – ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/_theconsciousrising⁠⁠

Website - ⁠⁠https://theconsciousrising.com/⁠⁠

Connect With Sean:

Instagram – ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/seanleedavies/?hl=en⁠⁠

YouTube - ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Sean-Lee-Davies

LinkedIn - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanleedavies88/⁠

Connect With Louie:

Instagram – ⁠https://www.instagram.com/psihoyos/

Website – ⁠https://www.opsociety.org⁠

YouTube – ⁠Oceanic Preservation Society⁠

00:00 The dark truth about how microplastics

00:53 The Garbage Story That Changed His Life

02:01 The Role of Storytelling in Environmental Movements

02:47 Building Films and Campaigns in Sync

03:20 Plastic in Your Brain, Body and Children

05:04 The Truth About “Green” Choices Today

06:12 Microplastics in Your Makeup, Clothes and Bottles

07:35 What Can the Public Really Do?

08:20 How Films Build Global Movements

09:06 Why Most Chemicals in the U.S. Are Untested

09:41 Eco-Anxiety and How to Cope With It

10:36 Sean’s First Electric Car in 2002

11:08 People Laughed at Solar Power. Now Look at It

11:53 What Gives Him Hope for the Future

12:34 The Shocking Impact of The Game Changers

13:08 Why Media Still Has the Power to Save Us

#plastic #polution #microplastic #documentary #gamechangers

You can watch the YouTube version here

In Our Future Nature's latest episode, Sean interviews Christina Dean, who is a sustainable fashion advocate and the visionary founder of the social impact business, The R Collective.

With a background in dentistry and a transition into journalism, Christina's journey led to the establishment of Redress in 2007, marking Asia's pioneering NGO dedicated to reshaping the fashion industry. Her commitment to sustainability and innovative approaches have positioned her as a driving force in the fashion world, and she's here to shed light on the environmental impact of fashion and share insights on how we can make the industry more sustainable. Christina's unique blend of expertise and passion makes her an invaluable voice in the movement towards a more eco-conscious fashion landscape.

Episode Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction
(01:43) - Impact of Black Friday on Sustainable Fashion
(04:36) - Fashion Industry's Impact on Climate Change
(09:12) - Environmental Impact of Fashion Production
(12:00) - Distinguishing Fast Fashion and Luxury
(14:38) - Solutions to Fashion's Crisis
(15:55) - Embracing Fashion Trends
(20:40) - Realistic Sustainability
(24:15) - Journey into the Circular Economy
(29:28) - The Reality of Fashion Supply Chain
(32:01) - Fashion Industry's Influence on Sustainable Development Goals
(33:08) - Identifying Sustainable Fashion
(35:44) - Balancing Sustainability Efforts in Fashion Industry
(40:08) - R Collective's Sustainable Business Model
(42:56) - The Role of Technology in Fashion Sustainability
(45:36) - Impact of Fashion Shows on the Environment
(48:35) - The Rise of Digital Fashion
(51:24) - Circular Economy and Sustainable Fashion Practices
(54:26) - Consumer Care and Impact on Clothing
(56:49) - Sustainable Clothing Practices
(01:00:02) - Solutions for Synthetic Fibers
(01:03:42) - Making Sustainable Fashion Aspirational

Our Future Nature is powered by ⁠⁠Awethentic Studio ⁠⁠and ⁠Green Is The New Black.

Watch the Youtube version here

We are thrilled to extend a warm invitation to the Director of TEDxLondon, Maryam Pasha, to be a guest on our podcast. As a trailblazing advocate for gender equality, women's empowerment, and climate change, Maryam's unwavering commitment to driving positive change has made a profound impact on countless lives. Her unique perspective, deep insights, and invaluable experiences are sure to inspire and enlighten our listeners. Maryam's remarkable journey as a champion for environmental restoration, social justice, and gender equity spans multiple domains, from her influential role as a renowned speaker and writer to her strategic involvement in various international organisations. Her engaging storytelling and thought-provoking ideas have sparked meaningful conversations and drive tangible progress in our society. Throughout her career, Maryam has fearlessly tackled complex issues such as women's rights, intersectionality, and inclusive leadership. Her unwavering dedication to dismantling societal barriers and amplifying marginalised voices has earned her widespread recognition and respect as a true agent of change. Join us as we embark on an enlightening conversation with Maryam Pasha, a visionary leader, and a catalyst for social change.

Episode Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(01:04) - Impact of Marginalized Communities

(07:47) - Overcoming Eco Anxiety
(10:39) - Generational Perspectives on Climate Change
(12:43) - Changing Human Behavior and Perception
(14:53) - Convincing People Climate Change is Real
(16:03 )- Governmental Responsibility vs. Individual Responsibility
(21:15) - Importance of In-Person Connection and Purposeful Travel
(24:56) - Hope and Examples of Global Collaboration
(29:26) - Authentic Journeys and Women Empowerment
(30:40)- Supporting Women for Change
(33:04) - The Importance of Climate Adaptation
(34:57) - Big Oil's Role in Climate Change
(41:52) - Western Media Bias and Global Crises
(44:21) - The Role of Technology in Solving Climate Change
(45:18) - The Power of Distributed Energy Resources
(46:36) - Technology's Role in Climate Solutions
(47:56) - Tips for Creating Impactful Content
(49:09) - Getting on TEDx

Our Future Nature is powered by ⁠Awethentic Studio ⁠and Green Is The New Black.

Watch the Youtube version here

In our latest podcast episode, we invited supermodel and environmental activist Arizona Muse to Our Future Nature Podcast.

Arizona Muse is not your typical supermodel. Alongside her impressive modeling career, she is a passionate environmental advocate and founder of her charity, DIRT Charity. With a focus on sustainability in the fashion industry, Arizona has become a leading voice in promoting the importance of soil in fashion. Through her work, she highlights the connection between agriculture and fashion, emphasizing that every thread of clothing has its roots in the ground. Arizona's journey towards environmental activism has transformed her perspective on self-worth and well-being, leading her to advocate for change and inspire others to make a positive impact. With her unique insights and commitment to sustainability, Arizona Muse brings a fresh perspective to the intersection of fashion and environmental consciousness.

Episode Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(00:54) - Importance of Intersection

(02:48) - Fashion and Soil

(04:18) - Sustainable Fabrics

(06:08) - Personal Journey and Activism

(14:01) - The Importance of Taking Action

(14:51) - Bringing Joy and Inspiration to Activism

(15:43) - Embracing our Human Experience

(16:25) - Making a Meaningful Impact

(22:24) - Exploring Plant Medicine

(28:15) - The Power of Essential Oils

(29:00) - Childhood and Influences

(29:43) - Waldorf Education and open-mindedness

(31:40) - Divine Feminine and Conditioning

(36:17) - Donating to Dirt Charity

(41:43) - The Problem with Greenwashing

(42:35) - Fashion Industry Waste

(43:33) - Luxury Brands and Accountability

(44:48) - Taking Accountability and Making Changes

(46:33) - Sustainable Supply Chains and Certifications

(54:44) - The Importance of Community in Activism

(55:33) - Trusting Your Intuition

(56:53) - Respecting Different Life Paths

(57:54) - Climate Migration and the Need for Compassionate Response

(01:58) - Female Representation in Leadership

Follow DIRT Charity: https://www.dirt.charity/

Our Future Nature is powered by Awethentic Studio and 

Green Is The New Black.

In this newly released episode, get to know Melissa Garvey who is the Global Director of Nature Bonds from The Nature Conservancy. She is a leader driven by her sheer passion to conserve ocean ecosystems. Her lawyer-turned-conservationist journey bears testimony to her resolve and innovative approach, from developing conservation strategies to protect and restore the ocean's most vital ecosystems to pioneering the concept of blue bonds for ocean conservation. 

If you never heard of what a blue bond is and want to learn how to play a role to invest in ocean sustainability, listen to this episode.

Episode Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction
(01:50) - Melissa's Background and Passion for Ocean Conservation
(03:39) - The role of oceans in climate change
(06:48) - Protecting and restoring coastal wetlands and mangroves
(08:57) - Carbon credits and the integrity of market mechanisms
(13:45) - The Nature Conservancy's approach
(14:24) - Conservation efforts in the Solomon Islands
(15:56) - Enforcing marine reserves
(18:15) - Using technology to protect our oceans
(20:46) - Citizen science and community engagement
(27:16) - The opportunity of blue bonds
(28:21) - Designing protected Areas
(29:31) - Success stories protecting our oceans
(32:20) - Emerging Finance Tools
(35:16) - Finding hope in nature and people
(40:47) - Exploring other areas and protecting our planet
(41:15) - The adventure of going to space
(41:46) - Super reefs and climate resilience
(43:25) - Insurance policies for reefs
(47:03) - Treating the ocean as a legal entity
(54:38) - Layering Solutions for coral reefs
(55:10) - Global commitments
(55:30) - Excitement for the Future
(55:41) - Contacting The Nature Conservancy
(56:03) - Closing remarks and call to action

Our Future Nature is powered by ⁠Awethentic Studio and 

⁠Green Is The New Black.⁠

Can you imagine a world without glaciers? Craig Leeson, an award-winning filmmaker, passionate climate advocate and intrepid entrepreneur, joins us today to illuminate some crucial truths about the environmental crisis we are facing. Born and raised amidst the wild beauty of Tasmania, profound connections to nature were woven into the fabric of his life from an early age. Heeding the call to share this connection and the critical realities of our world, Craig founded his production company, Ocean Vista Films. His cinematic work includes significant pieces like the highly impactful A Plastic Ocean, which unveils the devastating environmental impacts of plastic pollution. In this episode, we delve into his latest gripping documentary, The Last Glaciers, where Craig courageously braves the heights, literally, to spotlight the dire urgency of climate change on our glaciers.

Timestamped summary of this episode:

(00:00) - Introduction
(02:28) - Craig Leeson's return to Hong Kong after a year due to the pandemic.
(04:13) - Filming The Last Glaciers
(09:46) - Understanding Climate Change,
(13:43) - Conquering Fear
(14:55) - The Impact of Glaciers Melting
(19:07) - Global Consequences
(20:33) - Supercharged Weather Events
(24:26) - The Need for Systemic Change
(28:40) - The importance of educating children about our connection to nature
(29:32) - Indigenous wisdom and the need for cultural change
(30:09) - The flawed economic model and the need for resource replenishment
(30:28) - The missed opportunity of the COVID pandemic
(31:19) - Exploring the third way for sustainable growth
(43:47) - The Plastics Industry's Responsibility
(45:15) - Lawsuits as a solution?
(49:01) - The Urgency of Climate Action
(52:24) - The Power of Film
(58:22) - Making Organic Food Accessible,
(01:02:03) - Advice to filmmakers

In this episode, Sean Lee-Davies speaks to Franziska Trautmann, otherwise known as ‘@ecofran’ or ‘the sand girl’ on TikTok, about her viral efforts to recycle glass into sand through her company, Glass Half Full. The duo discuss why glass is better than plastic, whether TikTok is a viable medium for change and tips for other young social entrepreneurs.

As seniors at Tulane University, Trautmann and her co-founder Max Steitz were disappointed by the lack of glass recycling in New Orleans, so they decided to do something about it. Rather than tackle the current system, the duo implemented their own grassroots glass recycling program, calling it Glass Half Full. Glass Half Full is a social enterprise which recycles glass, turning it into sand and gravel for disaster relief sandbags, coastal restoration and eco-construction, amongst other products.

The key moments in this episode are:

(00:00) - Introducing Glass Half Full and Its Mission

(01:05) - How Glass Sand Can Replace Natural Sand

(02:57) - The Business Model of Glass Half Full

(07:27) - The Need for Glass Sand and Climate Crisis Impact

(09:43) - Scaling Glass Recycling and Coastal Restoration

(15:42) - Impact of Coastal Restoration Projects

(16:33) - Funding Needs for Expansion

(17:27) - Environmental Impact of Sand Extraction

(19:13) - Glass vs. Plastic Debate

(27:22) - Influence of TikTok for Environmental Change

(30:59) - Contrasting Social Media Platforms

(31:22) - Misinformation

(33:26) - Individual Action and Community Building

(43:15) - Social Media's Role in Global News Coverage

(47:11) - Shifting Corporate Mindset

(49:10) - Leading by Example

(51:35) - Tips for Young Entrepreneurs

“Conservation used to be about better fences, now it’s about better relationships and I think that is what is going to swing it around. That is where the hope lies” - Peter Allison

In this episode, Sean Lee-Davies speaks to renowned safari guide, best-selling author, and conservationist Peter Allison, about everything from the misogyny and colonialism that runs rampant in the wildlife industry to the importance of running sustainable safaris that align with conservation targets in the region.

Though he’s dedicated his entire career towards conservation, Allison actually grew up far away from wildlife in Sydney, where the most interesting species he saw was a parrot. By aged 19, he packed his bags and moved to Africa to start his career as a safari guide, and has since gone on to author three books about his experiences. Allison also recently co-founded green safari company, Natural Selection.

“Out of all the businesses that I’ve set up in the last 20 years of being an entrepreneur, fundraising [for] a climate change movie has probably been one of the toughest things I’ve had to do.” – Malcolm Wood

An avid adventurer, athlete and well-known entrepreneur, Malcolm Wood is the founder of award winning hospitality group, Maximal Concepts. He is also making waves in the filmmaking space, and was involved in a number of successful film projects such as A Plastic Ocean, which was described by Sir David Attenborough as “the most important film of our time”.

In this podcast episode, Wood speaks to Sean Lee-Davies about his career and the lengths he has gone to raise awareness about environmental issues. The duo discusses what we can do on an individual and societal level to reduce our carbon emissions as well as steps Wood has taken to become a sustainable entrepreneur.