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About My Business

The Seed Pod is a social enterprise I founded in March 2023. Initially conceived as a nature connection podcast to address my personal challenges in articulating my passions as a neurodivergent individual (ADHD, aphantasia), The Seed Pod quickly evolved into a hub encompassing two of my biggest passions: environmental education and the arts. On the Seed Pod.(cast), together with guests we explore nature connection on a deeper level, sharing stories from childhood, adventures, experiences and nature facts, all in the hopes that we can collectively have a place to share in the awe of nature. In a world full of challenges, this is a space to celebrate connection to the environment, people, and wellbeing through storytelling. We take listeners with us, sparking curiosity, admiration and care for nature, in turn creating a base for positive action. Since its inception, The Seed Pod has experienced remarkable growth, now capturing over 1240 hours of listener engagement. Extending beyond the initial nature connection podcast, The Seed Pod has become a prominent figure in the environmental education resource space through our free education resource, 'Learning Pods'. These brand-new resource collections aimed at engaging students aged 10-14 have been developed to follow on from podcast stories, engaging our younger audiences in creative ways, inspiring positive action and nature connection through high-quality, innovative, and engaging science communication and playful design. As part of these Learning Pods, The Seed Pod has joined forces with Maya Templer (contracted Lead Illustrator) to extract the most impactful stories from each of the first 12 podcast episodes to transform them into visually stunning science communication comics (these are being released throughout 2024). Community is central to The Seed Pod. We take the time to engage with our community personally, constantly improving the accessibility of resources for diverse learning needs, collaborating locally, nationally, and globally, and celebrating nature connection stories and successes through our blog and social media. We have also been providing our services to the wider community through youth leadership events, education and leadership consulting, design, and photography to enhance and strengthen the way we collectively provide environmental education in Aotearoa and beyond. By merging environmental education with the wonderful world of the arts, we aim to captivate our audience's imagination, strengthen their emotional ties to nature, encourage introspection, inspire awe and compassion, and, most importantly, spur them into positive action on the ground to protect nature for current and future generations.

Why We Should Win The Peoples Choice Award

The Seed Pod isn't just a social enterprise; it's a journey of personal discovery and community impact. A Personal Journey to Inspire Many: The Seed Pod began as a way for me to share my passion for nature and overcome personal challenges. As someone who is neurodivergent, articulating my interests wasn't always easy. Through The Seed Pod, I've found a platform to connect with others who share a love for the environment. This journey has resonated with many, creating a space where diverse voices can unite to celebrate and protect our natural world. Innovative and Engaging Education: Education should be engaging and accessible to all. Our 'Learning Pods' offer creative educational resources tailored for students aged 10-14. These resources build on our podcast stories and are brought to life through audio sound bites, visually captivating comics (created in collaboration with lead illustrator Maya Templer), educational games, and cross-curricular nature activities that highlight learning success through interconnected nature-connection and educational opportunities. By simplifying complex environmental concepts, we make learning about nature both enjoyable and impactful, encouraging young minds to take positive steps towards conservation. Community-Centric Approach: Community lies at the heart of The Seed Pod. We actively engage with our audience through social media, celebrate their stories, and ensure our resources cater to diverse learning needs. Collaborating with local and national community groups enhances our impact, fostering shared learning and collective action. Through our podcast, design and photography, educational workshops, youth leadership events, and consulting services, we extend our reach and deepen our connections within the community. A Commitment to Environmental Guardianship: At The Seed Pod, we're dedicated to fostering a strong connection between individuals and nature. Our mission is to foster deep connections between individuals and nature through immersive storytelling, collaborative education, and artistic expression. Guided by our kaupapa/values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), whanaungatanga (connection), tuakana-teina (intergenerationtional mentorship), ako (reciprocal teaching and learning), and auahatanga (creativity), we strive to cultivate a lasting appreciation for our natural environment. Proven Success and Future Vision: Since our launch in March 2023, The Seed Pod has grown significantly. Our podcast has amassed over 1240 hours of listener engagement, and our educational initiatives continue to reach and inspire young learners and teachers globally. Looking ahead, we aim to expand our educational programmes within schools, provide professional development for teachers, and host engaging public events that blend learning with fun. By strengthening collaborations and amplifying our impact, we aim to uphold The Seed Pod as a beacon of inspiration and environmental advocacy. Join Us in Making a Difference: By voting for The Seed Pod, you're endorsing a movement that values connection, creativity, and positive change. Together, we can empower individuals as kaitiaki of the environment and foster a brighter future for generations to come. Join us on this journey of discovery, learning, and environmental action. Together, we can make a real difference!