Valerie Hart is a coach, guide and company co-founder. She has coached me, hypnotized me, led me on hikes and introduced me to such concepts as QiGong and reframing. In the course of our work together over the past 3 years, she has become my good friend, as well.

Valerie’s Wisdom Journey from Science to Serenity

Valerie Hart is a former FBI forensic scientist who gave up a coveted, big-city career path in favor of the narrower, wooded paths and moss-lined trails deep in the Monongahela Forest.

In this deep, authentic wisdom conversation, you will discover why Valerie made that transition. Plus you’ll learn about:

• The incredible power of intuition
• How to listen for and connect with your inner voice
• Tapping into the inner wisdom that’s already present deep within your soul
• An upcoming guided nature event with a special discount for listeners

More About Our Wise Guest - Valerie Hart

A lifelong nature enthusiast, Valerie grew up exploring the wild, wonderful woods of West Virginia. As co-founder of Wonder and Grow and coordinator of Randolph County Outdoors, Valerie helps others cultivate awareness, trust their inner wisdom and deepen their connection with the natural world.

This former FBI forensic scientist is now a certified mindful outdoor guide, certified interpretive guide, mindful communication facilitator, yoga instructor and West Virginia master naturalist. In her free time, Valerie finds joy in climbing trees, singing, backpacking, fossil hunting, petting moss and savoring coffee on her front porch. Valerie and her family live in Elkins, West Virginia.

Now, a deep, cleansing breath in … and release—slowly exhaling. Over the next 25 minutes you will discover why Valerie Hart is one of the wisest people I know.

 

Resources

Wonder and Grow website

Wild Edge Retreat - Spruce Knob - Aug. 7-10, 2025 - registration page

Connect with Valerie on LinkedIn

 

Credits

Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss

Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski

PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell

Marketing, Social Media and Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg

 

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1. Become a subscriber.
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4. Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store.
5. Buy a book from our curated wisdom collection on bookshop.org.
6. Become a patron and support us on Patreon with funding.

 

Episode Chapters

[0:04:30] - How Skip and Valerie are connected

[0:05:30] - Working at the FBI

[0:10:58] - Valerie shares her main thing

[0:12:00] - Intuition - what is it; and how to tap into it?

[0:14:08] - Why surprise is not a bad thing

[0:18:07] - All about the upcoming Wild Edge Retreat - Aug. 2025

[0:20:58] - Journaling and noticing