In this episode, Kevin chats with Evan and Dani Benton who have renovated two Akiya (empty homes) on the island of Omishima in Ehime Prefecture in Japan. They have a wonderful website and YouTube channel called “Benton Homestead” that documents their journey. They have renovated these two buildings, turning one into a guesthouse and the other, their home. They are also diving into the world of natural agriculture and bee keeping. They are living in an extremely sustainable way, often using DIY methods to improve their houses, farming, and helping to reinvigorate their local community. They discuss the process of buying and renovating these old homes as well as how they were able to get visas to stay in Japan to complete this project.

Benton Homestead:

https://bentonhomestead.com/

Follow their YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@bentonhomestead

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/bentonhomestead

Follow Kevin O’Shea (host) on social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-o-shea-48419073/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatureTalksPodcast/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/MadForMaple

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shizenwildlifedocumentingbeekeeping

In this episode, Kevin chats with Tokyo-based marketing specialist and consultant, Rochelle Kopp. Rochelle has spent more than 30 years living in Japan and working in business. She is also a passionate environmental activist focusing on saving trees and parks in the Tokyo area. In a time when we are feeling the burn of climate change more than ever, we need trees, but many in Japan don’t think that way! Listen to Rochelle’s story and how you can help protect trees across Japan.

Follow Rochelle Kopp on Twitter (X):

https://x.com/JapanIntercult

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochellekopp/

See some of the change.org petitions Rochelle was discussing in the episode:

Jingu Stadium (Tokyo)

Hibiya Park (Tokyo)

Osaka City

Kobe Oji Park

Follow Kevin O’Shea (host) on social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-o-shea-48419073/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatureTalksPodcast/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/MadForMaple

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shizenwildlife

In this episode, Kevin O’Shea chats with Alexa Rose Pettinari, an American working in Malaysia as the Sustainable Engagement Specialist for the International Schools Partnership. We learn about how she went from being a classroom educator to working as an SES and her role. We also discuss the education for sustainable development, the Global Schools Program, and the benefits of educators joining this program. Alexa also gives advice to educators who are hoping to make a positive and sustainable impact in their own schools.

Follow Alexa on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-rose-pettinari-7270049a/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/alexarosepettinari

Follow Kevin O’Shea (host) on social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-o-shea-48419073/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatureTalksPodcast/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/MadForMaple

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shizenwildlife