Kiersten McCartney, “Coach K”, the program director and co-founder of Arena Adaptive, shares her journey and passion for engaging people with disabilities in exercise, fitness, and sport. She discusses the origins of her passion and the intentional community-building approach she takes in her work.  The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to adaptive fitness, healthcare challenges for people with disabilities, and the importance of inclusion and understanding. Coach K shares insights on her work, the impact of her programs, and the need for greater awareness and support for ..read more

In our latest episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of nature and its profound effects on the brain with Amy McDonnell, a research fellow at the University of Utah Applied Cognition Lab. Meet Our Guest: Amy McDonnell Amy McDonnell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from her background in neuroscience and environmental psychology. Her research at the University of Utah Applied Cognition Lab focuses on the intersection of wilderness therapy, neuroscience, and environmental neuroscience. Amy's quest to identify biomarkers and neural signatures of the nature experience is groun ..read more

Deciding how to Decide This conversation between Open Circle Founders, Miriam Jones and Adam Rumack, explores the topic of decision-making and challenges the assumptions we have about how and why decisions are made. It discusses the definition of decisions and power, both at an individual and group level. The conversation encourages questioning the structures and methods of decision-making and provides a framework for deciding how to decide. It explores different types of decision-making methods, factors to consider in decision-making, and the pitfalls and benefits of each method. The conversa ..read more

Purpose and values. These simple words hold huge meaning, and potential impact, for how we act in the world. Welcoming a kindred spirit this week, Adam and Brandon are joined by fellow wilderness expedition leader and founder of leadership development organization StoneWater, Phil Kornachuk. Phil’s work is rooted in purpose and values, recognising its importance for his own development and his work mentoring, coaching and inspiring growth in individuals, leaders, sports teams and elite military units. Reflecting on his journey, he reveals the steps he took to starting StoneWater, the lessons h ..read more

How do we become optimistic about uncertainty? The modern world can be scary. AI is making its mark, anxiety levels are rising, and leaders are faced with more uncertainty than ever. Enter John Sanei: futures strategist, bestselling author, international keynote speaker, adviser to Fortune 100 companies, global expert at Singularity University and much more. A tireless educator, John is passionate about using practical neuroscience to elevate consciousness and build a brighter tomorrow. In the discussion, he outlines his story, dissects the meaning of purpose, reflects on AI, and casts a revea ..read more

Welcome, for a fascinating insight into a truly singular human - international conflict mediator, college professor, senior consultant and facilitator for the Arbinger Institute, and NBA analyst for ESPN, Chad Ford. Chad has experienced a lot personally and professionally, and pours these experiences into his writing - fuelling a dedication for helping humanity overcome our differences and reconcile together. In the discussion with hosts Miriam and Brandon, we learn of his story, recounting the steps in life that led him to writing the vital conflict-management book Dangerous Love. Amidst the ..read more

Resiliency, compassion, community, safe haven, mentorship. These are just some of the fruits of a powerful conversation shared with two committed and inspiring individuals, Coach Ellis and Coach Moore of More Than Fitness. Founded in 2018, More Than Fitness seek to serve the young people of their local community through mindfulness and exercise - creating a program that pushes physical limits, shares meaningful discussion and forges positive life experiences. Having recently partnered with WeAreOpenCircle on a wilderness expedition, Coach Ellis and Coach Moore share insights into their own jou ..read more

Welcome to a reflection on the process of change. Three years after the pandemic, it’s important to take a step back and take stock.  What on earth just happened? And how can we move on? Adam and Miriam fly solo again this week, sharing a candid discussion on how to reintegrate after disruption to our routines, philosophies, organizations and in the world as a whole. They share their own experiences of evolution within We are Open Circle, and the key reintegration lessons of group wilderness retreats, to reveal the steps you can take to battle cynicism and create lasting change in your or ..read more

Integrity, capability, commitment. Welcome to a rounded reflection on the role of trust within our communities, organizations and in society as a whole. Trust is a practice, not a skill - a lifelong process of evaluation and maintenance.  Sharing reflections on the ‘three kinds of trust’ and the cyclical parallels of our professional lives and the natural world, today’s discussion reveals the inner tenets of the We are Open Circle methodology. Join us, as hosts Adam and Miriam share experiences from their careers educating and developing leaders - shining a light on the intrinsic need for ..read more

We are all one human tribe, travelling on the journey of life together. This message reveals itself as central to today’s discussion between Adam, Brandon Harding and guest Mike Waldron, founder of 23rd Veteran. Speaking candidly on his own experiences as a young adult in the Marine Corps, Mike reveals the scale of the difficulty he experienced when re-integrating into society, his journey toward hope and the calling he answered in setting up the not-for-profit organisation and sharing his methodology with both veterans and civilians alike. In outlining the 14-week 23rd Veteran process, Mike r ..read more