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Your Outside MindsetAuthor: Verla Fortier
Join retired nursing professor Verla Fortier as she shows you that going outside is not just a fun thing to do -- it can save your life. Verla shines the light on aging adults who may have chronic disease as she talks to green space scientists, forest bathing leaders, natural navigators, and all things in-between to get practical tips on how you can get the most out of your time spent close to trees, grass, and shrubs. If you want to live longer, prevent dementia, and control your chronic illness - you will love being a part of this conversation. Language: en-us Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine, Mental Health Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Walking Dad Club with founder Luke Suddards
Saturday, 25 July, 2026
This podcast episode featured Verla Fortier interviewing Luke Suddards about his community-building initiative for new dads called The Walking Dad Club. Luke, a 37-year-old carpenter from Essex living in southwest London, created the walking group after experiencing a lack of community connection as a new dad. The club meets every 1st and 3rd Sunday at 9:30 AM at District Cafe near Battersea Park, where participating dads receive free coffee before taking a 45-minute walk around the park with their babies. Luke also conducts interviews with dads called "The Talking Dads" to share their experiences and struggles, which include sleep deprivation and balancing work and family life. The club has gained popularity with both regular attendees and new participants joining each session, and Luke envisions expanding the concept globally for dads worldwide to connect in nature.Walking Dads Club InterviewVerla Fortier interviewed Luke Suddards about his program for new dads that incorporates green spaces, which was recommended to her by her son Max who lives in London with his new family. The interview was part of Verla's Outside Mindset podcast, which focuses on the benefits of spending time in nature. The conversation began with technical setup and introductions, with Verla explaining her podcast's purpose and Luke confirming his background before diving into details about his program for new fathers.New Dad Walking Club InitiativeLuke explained his motivation for creating a walking club for dads, which originated from his desire to find a community after moving to South West London and becoming a new father. He described how the idea formed while he was looking for a simple, low-barrier activity that new dads could easily participate in, given their busy schedules and tiredness. Luke mentioned that his partner Chelsea owns a cafe near Battersea Park, which would serve as a convenient meeting point for the walking club.The Walking Dad Club DiscussionLuke and Verla discussed the creation of "The Walking Dad Club," a community group for new fathers that Luke founded after noticing a lack of support for new dads compared to mothers. Luke explained that the club's name is a reference to the TV series "The Walking Dead" to represent how new fathers often feel exhausted and "walking dead." Verla shared positive feedback about the group's visibility and impact when they were seen in Battersea Park, with other families expressing interest in joining.Dads Meet-up and Interview InitiativeLuke described a regular meet-up for dads that takes place at District Cafe near Battersea Park in London every 1st and 3rd Sunday at half past nine. The group walks around the park for about 45 minutes starting around quarter to ten, with participants using a WhatsApp group to share live locations and coordinate. Luke also mentioned interviewing some dads through "The Talking Dads" initiative to document their experiences and struggles with work-life balance, sleep deprivation, and adjusting to fatherhood in the UK.Dads Podcast Planning DiscussionLuke discussed plans to create a podcast featuring in-depth interviews with individual dads to share experiences and tips. Verla expressed support for the initiative and highlighted research showing the benefits of outdoor activities for new dads. Luke emphasized how the group provides support, builds confidence, and serves as a positive model for father-child relationships and male community connections.The Walking Dad Club InitiativeLuke discussed his experience creating The Walking Dad Club, expressing surprise at how many people attended the first meeting after a previous book club attempt had no participants. He described the vision of a global movement where dads worldwide take walks at the same time on the first Sunday of each month, starting at 9:30 AM. Luke provided contact information for followers to connect with the club through Instagram @The_Walking_Dad_Club, email luke@thewalkingdadclub.com, or a WhatsApp group.Walking Club Instagram DiscussionLuke discussed his Instagram handle for his walking club, which shares general content about walking with children and updates on specific walks. Verla mentioned she would include the links in the show notes and encouraged listeners to follow the account. Verla thanked Luke for his work and encouraged listeners to reach out to friends for regular walks, emphasizing the benefits of connecting with nature and the mind.For peer reviewed research on how your time spent in green space can change your mindset, balance your nervous system and your heart rate please go to verlafortier.substack.com and check out my books Take Back Your Outside Mindset: Live Longer, Stress Less, and Control Your Chronic Illness and Optimize Your Heart Rate: Balance Your Mind and Body With Green Space
