Ep 23: Robin’s Story – Nature, Recovery, and Radical Attention

Episode Overview; In this candid conversation, Robin Harford—forager, ethnobotanical researcher, and founder of Eatweeds—sits down with host Helen Valentino to explore how the wild can help us heal. Robin traces a life arc that begins in a violent, addiction‑scarred childhood, detours through the DIY punk scene and guerrilla self‑publishing, collapses under the weight of substance abuse, and finally finds refuge—then purpose—in mindful foraging. Along the way he unpacks the Buddhist concept of Dhamma, explains why “attention is the greatest form of generosity,” and invites us onto his Green Path audio course, where plant ID becomes plant relationship. The result is a masterclass in turning survival into thriving by slowing down, engaging the senses, and letting nature mirror our own potential for renewal.

Robin Harford is one of the UK’s leading authorities on wild edible and medicinal plants. He established his foraging school in 2008, and his courses were later ranked #1 by BBC Countryfile. Robin created Eatweeds.co.uk, listed in The Times “Top 50 Websites for Food & Drink”, and is the author of several bestselling field guides, including Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants of Britain & Ireland. His latest project, The Green Path, is a seven‑day audio journey into sensory plant connection Domei Life.

Keywords thriving, surviving, foraging, nature connection, addiction recovery, self-publishing, personal growth, mindfulness, community support, healing, Dhamma, plant connection, nature relationships, attention practices, Green Path, sensory approach, mindfulness, foraging, well-being, simplicity

Key Takeaways

· Thriving isn’t always easy: it’s about having tools—and a community—to meet hard moments.

· Foraging can move from “free food” to a mindfulness practice that feeds body, heart, and mind.

· A punk, DIY ethos taught Robin to self‑publish and to teach outside conventional systems.

· Recovery starts with radical self‑acceptance and the courage to face past choices.

· Slowing down and offering generous attention deepens our relationship with the more‑than‑humanworld.

· The Green Path reframes plant ID as an invitation to ongoing, reciprocal conversation with the land.

Memorable Quotes

· “Attention is the greatest form of generosity.”

· “Keep it simple. Let nature do the heavy lifting.”

· “Don’t think you know it all—let the plants surprise you.”

Robin’s website & blog: www.eatweeds.co.uk

- www.domei.life

- Book: Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants of Britain & Ireland https://shop.eatweeds.co.uk/

- The Green Path audio course

- Book: In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Maté (on addiction)

Connect with Robin on Social Media

IG: @robinharfordofficial

FB: @robinharfordofficial

YT: @robinharfordofficial

TT: @robinharfordofficial

Connect With Helen

Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk

IG: @helens_inspired_healing

LinkedIn: Helen Valentino

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

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