Afleveringen
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Welcome to Dear Grandchildren: A Tracker’s Tale. I’m Michael Douglas, and today we’re peeling back the layers of what it means to truly awaken your primal self.
What if everything you needed to thrive was already inside you? What if your instincts, your awareness, and your resilience were not lost to time, but just waiting to be reactivated? In this episode, I explore what it means to unlock the skills coded into your DNA—tracking, foraging, survival, and the deep-rooted intuition that connects us to the natural world.
We’ll talk about the Triune Brain and how it shapes the way we move through the world. I’ll show you how to manage the "crocodile brain"—that primal, reactive part of you—and how to cultivate real strength, not just in the body, but in mind and spirit.
This isn’t just about survival. It’s about how to live in a way that honors your wild heart. Whether it’s tending your sacred fire, challenging yourself to grow, or rewilding your modern life, the path is there. You just have to step onto it.
Join me as we break it down. Because once you start living like this, everything changes. -
In this unscripted episode of Dear Grandchildren: A Tracker’s Tale, I dive into breaking survival patterns and redefining what it really means to live. Too often, we think of survival as just enduring hardship, but that’s not the whole story. Survival is a temporary state, and if you find yourself stuck in it for more than a year, something needs to change.
I talk about awareness as the foundation of survival—not just situational awareness, but a deeper, intuitive understanding of the world around you. Awareness isn’t about projecting outward; it’s about receiving information before your logical mind can even process it. Whether you’re tracking in the wilderness or navigating daily life, this skill is essential.
I also explore the four pillars of survival: shelter, water, fire, and mindset—and how each one is deeply connected. Plus, I share personal stories of how embracing the natural world, learning from elders, and choosing the right attitude can shift your entire perspective on survival and success.
Awareness is everything. True survival isn’t just about skills—it’s about tuning in to the world in a way that most people don’t. Your mindset defines your reality. Are you living in a battlefield or a playground? Your attitude determines how you experience life.
Master the core elements of survival. Shelter, water, fire, and food aren’t just physical needsthey shape how we thrive. Comfort is the enemy of growth. If you never push your limits, you’ll never know what you’re truly capable of.
Trust your intuition. Your gut feeling is real. Learn to listen to it before your logical mind even catches up. -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Dancing Through the Minefield – Navigating Life’s Hidden Traps
In this episode of Dear Grandchildren: A Tracker’s Tale, I take you on a journey through the seven stages of human development, using the medicine wheel as a guide to understanding where we stand in our own lives. Life is full of unseen pitfalls—emotional traps, societal conditioning, and personal struggles that can throw us off course. But like any skilled tracker, we can learn to read the signs, avoid the hazards, and move with awareness and intention.
I share insights from Tom Brown Jr. and lessons from elders who noticed something striking in the late 1800s and early 1900s—indigenous children who were taken from their communities to be educated in boarding schools often returned as young adults without the characteristics of a well-adjusted person. They had lost something essential, something that connected them to the land, their people, and themselves. This episode explores those missing pieces and how we can reclaim them in our own lives.
I walk through the eight directions of the compass rose, each representing a different stage of life. From the explosive curiosity of childhood in the east to the wisdom and stillness of old age in the north, every direction teaches us something about how we grow, struggle, and evolve. I also break down the difference between a healthy, whole life and one that is fragmented and disconnected. Without balance, we end up stuck in a broken wheel—caught in cycles of anger, fear, or isolation. But when we can recognize where we are on the path, we can make conscious choices to move toward wholeness.
Some key takeaways from this episode:
The cycle of life and how it mirrors the natural world, moving through seasons of birth, growth, challenge, and wisdom.
The signs of a whole human being—joy, stillness, connection, and resilience—and the symptoms of imbalance that keep us from thriving.
How trauma, disconnection, and self-doubt can keep us trapped in a broken wheel, and what we can do to step out of it.
The transition from an us vs. them mindset to a life of service, peace, and deeper understanding.
How to track our own patterns, emotions, and choices the same way we track the movements of animals in the wild.
We’re all moving through minefields in life, but if we know where to step, we don’t have to live in fear of them. By developing awareness, we can learn to dance through the challenges instead of being paralyzed by them.
Are you moving through life with intention, or are you caught in a loop of reaction and struggle? Are you following a healthy path, or are you stuck in a broken cycle?
Join me in this episode as we explore how to navigate the complex terrain of life with the awareness and adaptability of a seasoned tracker. Let’s walk this path together. -
In this podcast, host Michael Douglas shares ancient skills and modern insights to help listeners reconnect with nature and find mindfulness, resilience, and purpose. In this episode, titled "Scripting Your Hero's Journey," Douglas discusses the importance of creating a foundation for success in life by embracing the initial premise and peacemaker principles. He also encourages listeners to be mindful of their thoughts and emotions, as they have the power to shape their reality. The concept of the "shadow eight directions" model is explained, which is a tool for understanding the hero's journey and how it applies to our lives. The model is based on the four directions of the compass, with their corresponding archetypes and lessons: East for vision and planning, South for challenge and lessons, West for community and relationships, and North for the bigger picture and our legacy. It is important to have depth in our friendships and to use both the light and shadow aspects of the The eight directions of the compass rose can be viewed as a metaphor for the hero's journey. Each direction represents a different stage of life, and understanding this progression can help you navigate your own personal growth. In the East, you start off wide-eyed and full of wonder, eager to learn and explore. This is a time of new beginnings and discovery. The Northeast represents the adolescent stage, where you begin to question the world and develop your identity. It can be a difficult and confusing time, This story is about the hero's journey, which is the oldest story. The journey begins with the foundations of the initial premise, where we believe that all living beings are good and have a need to feel needed and loved. This allows us to communicate with ourselves and the world in a healthy manner. The next foundations are the Peacemaker principles, which involve having a peaceful mindset and spreading a positive message from the heart. These principles also include the unity principle, which recognizes that we are all.
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Having a good attitude, being calm, making a plan, and taking action help you to improve your situation. Use a journal to track your progress and make plans for the future. Pay attention to your body's rhythms and take breaks when needed, but also be prepared to push through difficulties.: This is a podcast about learning ancient survival skills and reconnecting with nature. The host, Michael Douglas, shares his own experience of seeing the destruction of the environment as a teenager and how it led to the creation of this podcast. The focus is on making mindful choices and tracking the feedback from those choices in order to improve our daily lives. It is important to first start by assessing our attitude, rest, hydration, clothing, and shelter in order to get a sense of balance and awareness. Use old programming to your advantage, surf waves and modify old ideas to suit you. Be present in the moment, use and modify old ideas and routines to fit your needs. Look for patterns and listen to your emotions and feelings to understand yourself better. Assess where you are currently and then decide where you want to be. Utilize natural rhythms and contexts to help you grow and reach your potential. Journal and share your progress and experiences. Email Central School at Primitive Skills for more information and opportunities.
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This episode discusses the importance of mastering fundamental skills and habits, such as mindfulness, sleep, and physical health, in order to live a fulfilling, intentional life. It encourages listeners to define their goals and envision their desired outcomes in order to move from a survival mindset to a proactive one. The host also mentions upcoming topics and invites listeners to subscribe and support the podcast. The TL;DR is: Take control of your life by mastering key skills and defining your goals. Dear grandchildren, in this episode we will discuss the pre-flight checklist for embarking on a journey into nature and self-discovery. The checklist includes making sure you have enough sleep, hydration, and quality nutrients. After that, it's important to cultivate a sense of sacred silence and stillness in your mind to be present in the moment and absorb information about yourself and your surroundings. This can be achieved through various methods, such as relaxing your muscles and focusing on your breath. By tuning into your In this podcast, the speaker discusses how to use a system's approach to become more in tune with nature and develop a deeper connection with yourself and your surroundings. This approach involves four main elements: sleep, water and calories, sacred silence, and tracking. By getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and properly fueling your body, you can be more present and grounded. The sacred silence is a meditative state that helps you tune into your senses and focus on the subtle sounds and movements around you.
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Michael Douglas shares a personal story from his youth and how he was introduced to the four worlds of humanity. These four worlds are a map of the human experience that Tom Brown Jr. learned from his Apache elder, Stalking Wolf. In modern neuro research, these four worlds correlate to different brainwave frequencies and associated behaviors. Douglas goes into detail on each world and explains how the ability to slow or speed up our internal pace is the vehicle to access these worlds and ultimately, choose our In this podcast, the host discusses the concept of brainwaves and their different frequencies and how they relate to different states of consciousness and brain activity. He discusses how these frequencies can be measured and how they can be affected by the environment and one's focus. He also talks about the importance of setting personal goals and finding balance in one's life.
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In this episode, we dive into the heart of survival: understanding your core operating system and reprogramming it for resilience and purpose. Think of yourself as an antenna array—constantly radiating and absorbing information faster than thought. We'll explore how to align your genetic gifts, emotional intelligence, and logical mind to shift from reactive survival to proactive thriving.
Learn how ancestral wisdom, supported by modern neuroscience, can help you create your "ecological ideal"—the life and environment you truly want to cultivate. Together, we'll break free from the limiting narratives crafted by external forces and instead reclaim our natural purpose: to grow, provide, and radiate wellness into the world.
Join me as we map the path to becoming the best version of ourselves, living with curiosity, purpose, and connection to the global community of nature and humanity. -
In this podcast, Michael Douglas, a tracker, shares two primary tools for cultivating awareness: the Thanksgiving address and tracking energy. The Thanksgiving address, traditionally given by the Mohawk people, focuses on appreciating and developing empathy for people and the earth. Tracking energy involves observing body language, nonverbal communication, bird language, geology, water, plants, animals, and weather patterns to gain insights into the interconnectivity of the natural world.
These skills can help us sharpen our survival instincts The Thanksgiving Address is a Native American tradition used to give thanks to the Earth and all living creatures. It is a tool for increasing awareness and
appreciation of nature. The address consists of two parts: understanding patterns and plugging in your appreciation for the elements in your life. Understanding patterns involves recognizing the rhythms and breaks in natural patterns, which can help us better understand the world around us. Plugging in
appreciation involves acknowledging and giving thanks for the people and things in our lives that we may take for: The Thanksgiving Address is a Native American practice that helps people become more aware of and connected to their surroundings. It involves expressing gratitude for the things around us
that we often take for granted, such as our ancestors, the Earth, water, plants, animals, and the sky. By appreciating these elements and understanding patterns in nature, we can become better trackers and more mindful of our impact on the world. The Address is a reminder to be grateful and to leave a positive
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In this episode of Dear Grandchildren: A Tracker’s Tale, I delve into the "Eight Points of Awareness" and explore why reconnecting with nature—and ourselves—is so vital. These points are:
Sacred Silence
Situational Awareness
Predator Awareness
Energy Management
Self-Awareness
Tracking
Gratitude
Appreciation
I emphasize how these principles help us maintain mental clarity and balance. The art of observation, which involves engaging all our senses with our environment, plays a key role in heightening our awareness. By practicing techniques like sacred silence, wide-angle vision, fox walking, total sensory awareness, and breaking free from the ruts of routine, we can become more present and connected to the world around us.
In this episode, I also touch on the importance of being mindful of our focal points and the transformative power of expressing gratitude and appreciation. Drawing from ancient skills of survival, tracking, and foraging, I weave these timeless practices with modern insights to help you rediscover a sense of mindfulness, resilience, and purpose.
Together, we’ll explore how quieting the mind, using our senses to their fullest potential, and embracing wide-angle vision can enrich your daily life and deepen your connection with the natural world. Let’s embark on this journey of awareness, presence, and rediscovery. -
In this episode of Dear Grandchildren: A Tracker’s Tales, I take you on a journey through the foundational elements of survival: choice, awareness, and adaptation. These aren’t just tools for the wilderness—they’re principles for navigating life’s challenges. Drawing from my decades of experience in survival skills and ancestral wisdom, I share stories of growth through discomfort, the importance of embracing adaptability, and how mindset shapes everything. Whether it’s learning from failure, finding joy in the process, or balancing ancient knowledge with modern living, this episode is about much more than staying alive—it’s about thriving. Join me as we explore what it truly means to climb your own mountain.
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In this episode of Dear Grandchildren: A Tracker's Tale, I, Michael Douglas, take you beyond the basics of survival to explore how primal skills can transform your life. Together, we’ll dive into six essential tools—effectiveness, efficiency, craftsmanship, purpose, priorities, and gratitude—that can help you thrive in both the wilderness and the modern world. This isn’t just about building shelters or making fire; it’s about reconnecting with your ancestral wiring, finding balance, and rediscovering what it means to truly live. Whether you’re an adventurer or just seeking more meaning in your daily life, join me for this journey into the heart of nature—and yourself.
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In this thought-provoking episode, I dive deep into the foundational elements of survival—shelter, water, fire, and food. Together, we’ll explore ancient tools and modern strategies that help us reconnect with nature, reclaim personal sovereignty, and truly thrive in harmony with the natural world. I challenge modern conveniences and distractions, offering timeless wisdom and practical insights for anyone seeking resilience, independence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Grab a notebook, I intend for this to be an episode you’ll want to revisit again and again.
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Survival: Approaches and OutcomesIn this debut episode, Michael Douglas invites listeners to rethink survival—not as suffering, but as a journey of empowerment and growth. Drawing on over 30 years of experience and ancestral wisdom, Michael explores how our perceptions, choices, and adaptability shape our outcomes in life and in the wild.Through compelling stories and practical insights, this episode reveals how survival is more than just staying alive; it's about thriving, finding clarity, and reconnecting with our primal instincts. Listeners will discover the transformative power of nature immersion, the importance of mindset, and how small, intentional changes can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts for exclusive content, bonus tales, and Q&A sessions. Learn more at Maine Primitive Skills School.
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Welcome to Dear Grandchildren: A Tracker’s Tale. This is a special bonus track where I, Michael Douglas, your host, get to share a bit about myself—how I came to live this life, and why I’m here telling these stories.
I was raised in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, where my first mentor, Tom Brown Jr., opened my eyes to the world of tracking and survival. I thought every Scout leader wore moccasins and taught kids how to sneak through the woods, but it turns out my experiences were rare and transformative. Those early lessons shaped me into the person I am today.
From the Marine Corps to survival schools around the world, I’ve spent a lifetime walking paths less traveled, searching out skills and wisdom that connect us to our shared humanity. These experiences have taken me from Arctic tundras to the jungles of the Philippines, each place teaching me more about what it means to live, not just survive.
Through this podcast, I want to share the stories and lessons that shaped my journey. These aren’t just tales of adventure—they’re about what it means to thrive in the face of challenges, to embrace curiosity, and to pass on what you’ve learned in a way that helps others flourish.
Every day, I wake up feeling like a beginner, excited by the possibilities ahead. That joy and curiosity are what I hope to bring to you through Dear Grandchildren. Thank you for joining me by the fire—I look forward to sharing these stories with you. -
Step into the world of Dear Grandchildren: A Tracker’s Tale, where host Michael Douglas weaves ancestral wisdom with modern insights to help us reconnect with the natural world and ourselves. This podcast explores how skills like tracking, foraging, storytelling, and survival can cultivate mindfulness, resilience, and a profound sense of wellness.
Through immersive narratives and actionable guidance, Michael delves into the science of nature immersion, from reducing stress and activating focus to reigniting our primal instincts for growth and connection. With nearly 40 years of teaching these life-changing skills, he invites you to rediscover the wild part of yourself—a part that thrives in harmony with the rhythms of the earth.
Join us for engaging stories, transformative lessons, and tools to nurture your mind, body, and soul. Each episode lights the way to clarity and purpose, keeping the flame of ancestral wisdom alive for future generations. Pull up by the fire—your journey begins here.
