Speaking Engagements
Having intimately studied the ways of the Kalahari San Bushmen for over a decade, Nicole now speaks on the importance of connection to nature (and to each other) based on the indigenous philosophies and knowledge the Bushmen passed down to her.
A leader in the field of transformative natural health education, Nicole has helped thousands of people discover and implement real strategies for living a healthier, more connected life. In her teachings, Dr. Apelian sheds light on what Nature Deficit Disorder is and how even with our busy, modern lives we can use indigenous knowledge to heal ourselves and our communities to achieve true natural wellness.
A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 2000 led Nicole to apply her research skills towards her own personal wellness. She developed a healthy living strategy, focusing on health and wholeness. Through simple changes in her lifestyle and eating habits, Nicole restored her vitality and she moved on to become a founder and primary guide for her own tracking and wildlife safari company, Eco Tours International where Nicole merges her love of teaching with her deep love and respect for Africa and the Naro San Bushmen organizing, leading, and guiding groups on adventures in Western Botswana, the Western Kalahari, and the Okavango Delta, one of the most diverse and wildlife-rich places on Earth.
Back at home in the Pacific Northwest, Nicole makes herbal medicines from scratch for her apothecary. A passionate educator for many years, Nicole has worked as an adjunct professor at Prescott College, an adult educator for the Audubon Society of Portland, and as an instructor at various schools, universities, and leading conservation education programs. She currently teaches others how to make their own natural medicines and coaches private clients as well as group classes on natural health and wellness. Dr. Apelian also leads wilderness survival skills courses all over the country.
Please get in touch for rates, availability, and booking information.
Possible speaking topics include but are not limited to:
Tales from the African Bush
Lifeways & lessons of the San Bushmen
During her early work as a field biologist in Botswana, Nicole fell in love with the African landscapes and the local San Bushmen’s way of life. Years of visiting the Bushmen has developed a strong, even familial relationship with the tribe that has allowed Nicole to learn many of their ancestral skills and ways, especially those linked to healing, which she practices and teaches.
Health & the Art of Deep Nature Connection
Cultivating holistic health in our disconnected lives
A leader in the field of transformative nature education, Dr. Apelian shares her experience and expertise on deep nature connection, indigenous wisdom and natural wellness. In this inspiring and thought-provoking talk, Nicole helps us answer the question: How do we cultivate sustainable holistic health in our busy, modern, disconnected lives?
Wilderness Living & Survival Skills
Personal survival & wilderness living strategies
Do you know the #1 priority for any survival situation? It’s our psychological state. Mindset impacts our choices and actions, which in turn are reflected in our quality of life. Nature can be the greatest teacher of this lesson. Dr. Apelian speaks from her expertise and experience as a wilderness living instructor and from her time on the History Channel’s ‘Alone’.
Guest Appearances
Dr. Apelian frequently guests on BlogTalk Radio and various podcasts, and has spoken at numerous conferences, workshops, and events including:
- Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors Convention, Keynote Speaker, Toronto CA, 2018
- Northwest Naturopathic Convention, Keynote Speaker, Vancouver BC, 2017
- Sustainable Holistic Health and the Art of Deep Nature Connection, BNCA, Keynote Speaker, Vancouver BC. Spring 2017
- PrepperCon, Keynote Speaker and Presenter, Salt Lake City, Utah, Spring 2017
- Workshops – Various, REI, Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon
- Workshops – Various, Tabor Space, Portland, Oregon
- Workshops – Various, Trackers Earth, Portland, Oregon
- Lifeways of the Naro Bushmen, Keynote Presenter, Rewild Portland, 2014
- Tracking Safaris in the Kalahari, The Art of Tracking Radio Show, 2014
- Applied Anthropology, Guest Lecturer, Portland State University, 2011, 2017
- The Art of Mentoring, Presenter, 8-Shields Institute, 2011, 2013
- Music, Nature Connection, and Healing, Workshop, 8-Shields Institute, 2011
- Travel and Words Conference, Panelist, Travel and Words, Portland, Oregon, May 2010
- Sustainability Education at the Edge Presenter, Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Denver, 2010
The Alone Podcast – Episode 17 – Dr. Nicole Apelian
New interview with Nicole on The Alone Podcast Check out the newest episode of The Alone Podcast - a show "dedicated to the participants of the History Channel show, Alone." This week we hear from Dr. Nicole Apelian, a participant on seasons 2 and 5 of Alone on...
The Sustainable Wild Podcast | Being Prepared for Wilderness Survival
Unfortunately, it appears that this podcast is no longer available. You can explore other interviews & podcasts with Nicole Apelian here and additional press items here. On this episode of The Sustainable Wild Podcast, I address the following questions: Are you...
Journey of Possibilities Podcast | Medicinal Plants, Multiple Sclerosis, Natural Wellness
Listen in to this enlightening discussion on holistic wellness with Journey of Possibilities podcast host Sheryl Sitts. Sheryl and I discuss the following topics and more: Raising children with a healthy connection to nature and the outdoors Balancing the demands of...
Rewild Yourself Podcast: On Lions, The San, and Being Alone
Dr. Nicole Apelian joins Daniel Vitalis's Rewild Yourself podcast to share her experience living with lions and the San Bushmen in southern Africa. In this episode, Nicole gives us a peek inside the world of the San Bushmen tribe. We learn who they are, how they...
Contact Nicole Apelian
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We are unable to respond to requests for medical answers, advice, or other items of a personal nature. Your local Naturopathic doctor is your best resource for these issues.