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22 Aug 2022
Soil Health Does Not Matter
00:26:43
In this episode, we introduce Denusion (Denuding the Illusion) and outline Season #1: On Being Wild Like Flowers. We discuss the role of being and relationship in regeneration and regenerative agriculture and how soil health is a by-product of relationship, not a virtue in and of itself.
Follow along with Season 1, On Being Wild Like Flowers by picking up a copy of the book! Go to www.robiniainstitute.com and use the coupon code "denusion" to get 50% off your order and get free shipping! This gives you the book at cost, a blessing, we hope.
29 Aug 2022
Rewilding Communities to Co-Create Resillience with Clara Zander of Wild Way Farm
00:48:26
In this episode, Daniel shares a beautiful moment with Clara Zander of Wild Way Farm, an integrated rewilding landscape just outside of Ashville, NC. Clara and Daniel discuss the role of wildness in food production, how regenerative needs resillience in order to be sustainable, and much, much more!
Follow along with Season 1, On Being Wild Like Flowers by picking up a copy of the book! Go to www.robiniainstitute.com and use the coupon code "denusion" to get 50% off your order and get free shipping! This gives you the book at cost, a blessing, we hope.
The Nourishment of Limits and the The Finite Contained within the Infinite
00:32:04
In this episode, Daniel, Morgan and Jalene discuss the health of limits, natural bounds within natural systems, and how nourishment, to be nourishing, must be hope. We discuss the idea that production and the producion mindset reducing that which is produced from a communion into a commodity.
Follow along with Season 1, On Being Wild Like Flowers by picking up a copy of the book! Go to www.robiniainstitute.com and use the coupon code "denusion" to get 50% off your order and get free shipping! This gives you the book at cost, a blessing, we hope.
In this episode, Daniel shares a live conversation with Doniga Markegard, author of Dawn Again and regenerative farmer from California.
Follow along with Season 1, On Being Wild Like Flowers by picking up a copy of the book! Go to www.robiniainstitute.com and use the coupon code "denusion" to get 50% off your order and get free shipping! This gives you the book at cost, a blessing, we hope.
Helpful links: Dark Cloud Country Kickstarter: URL.
Wild Like Flowers: What Stones Have to Say About Regeneration
00:22:05
In this episode, we take a break from interviews and conversations to listen to Chapter 4 of Daniel's book, Wild Like Flowers, titled: To Be A Stone, which challenges the notion that dirt is dead and soil is living.
Follow along with Season 1, On Being Wild Like Flowers by picking up a copy of the book! Go to www.robiniainstitute.com and use the coupon code "denusion" to get 50% off your order and get free shipping! This gives you the book at cost, a blessing, we hope.
Helpful links: Dark Cloud Country Kickstarter: URL.
Eli Mack and The Intimacy Required for Regeneration
00:58:26
In this episode, Daniel converses with a dear friend and fellow regenerator, Eli Mack of Mack Farms in Brush Valley, PA. They talk all things regeneration, intimacy and the need for monitoring to nuture a truly regenerative an nourishing future.
Follow along with Season 1, On Being Wild Like Flowers by picking up a copy of the book! Go to www.robiniainstitute.com and use the coupon code "denusion" to get 50% off your order and get free shipping! This gives you the book at cost, a blessing, we hope.
Helpful links: Dark Cloud Country Kickstarter: URL.
Zachary Angelini of Timberland and How Big Brands Can Facilitate Big Change
00:51:12
In this episode, Daniel converses with a new friend and fellow collaborator, Zachary Angelini, who was the Environmental Stewardship Manager of Timberland and is a GreenBiz 30 Under 30 awardee. Zach talk about how, if big brands are to truly make a difference in co-creating a more beautiful world, they need to transpose their age-old systems of competition into visions of collaboration.
Follow along with Season 1, On Being Wild Like Flowers by picking up a copy of the book! Go to www.robiniainstitute.com and use the coupon code "denusion" to get 50% off your order and get free shipping! This gives you the book at cost, a blessing, we hope.
Judith Schwartz and the Heart of Wildness in Regeneration
00:56:03
In this episode, Daniel converses with Judith D. Schwartz about wildness and the role of wild animals in the creation and nurturing of ecosystem function. The conversation goes deep into the heart of what regeneration is, concluding that, to regenerate, we must trust nature and have hope in her wonderous world.
Follow along with Season 1, On Being Wild Like Flowers by picking up a copy of the book! Go to www.robiniainstitute.com and use the coupon code "denusion" to get 50% off your order and get free shipping! This gives you the book at cost, a blessing, we hope.
Abbey Smith and the Power of Pain to Birth New and Mindful Frameworks of Regeneration
00:57:45
In this episode, Daniel converses with Abbey Smith of UVE, a center of regeneration and holistic management in Northern California, about the power of pain in her health journey that has and is currently bearing a new and very mindful framework of regeneration in her life. One that centers around mindset and a change toward community.
Follow along with Season 1, On Being Wild Like Flowers by picking up a copy of the book! Go to www.robiniainstitute.com and use the coupon code "denusion" to get 50% off your order and get free shipping! This gives you the book at cost, a blessing, we hope.
Charles Eisenstein and the Powerful Patience of Being Urgent
00:17:24
In this episode, Charles and I discuss everything from the State of Separation and Interbeing; the role of patience in regenerating ecosystems and communities; how that patience is really also hope and trust that nature has your back, and SO much more! Charles is one of the leading minds in this emerging space and it is a true blessing to have had him with us!
Follow along with Season 1, On Being Wild Like Flowers by picking up a copy of the book! Go to www.robiniainstitute.com and use the coupon code "denusion" to get 50% off your order and get free shipping! This gives you the book at cost, a blessing, we hope.
Tre' Cates and the Need for Regeneration in Human Organizations
00:20:37
In this episode, Tre' and I discuss everything from the expansion of the term "regeneration" into the full world of human action (not just agriculture); how ideas in organizations require a death process; why organizations need holism and management, which means design, intentionality, and purpose; and so much more!
Follow along with Season 1, On Being Wild Like Flowers by picking up a copy of the book! Go to www.robiniainstitute.com and use the coupon code "denusion" to get 50% off your order and get free shipping! This gives you the book at cost, a blessing, we hope.
We are thrilled to be releasing Season 2 of Denusion with you all! We pray this season will mean as much to you as it does to us.
Follow along with Season 2, Dark Cloud Country by picking up a copy of the book! Go to https://robiniainstitute.com/dark and use the coupon code "denusion" to get 50% off your order and a FREE and SIGNED copy of Wild Like Flowers! This gives you the book at cost, a blessing, we hope.
Rewilding the Land by Rewilding Ourselves with Mary Reynolds Thompson
00:52:56
What if consciousness is a regenerative act? Like no-till drills and animal impact and holistic grazing systems ... rewilding our consciousness.
Follow along with Season 2, Dark Cloud Country by picking up a copy of the book! Go to https://robiniainstitute.com/dark and use the coupon code "denusion" to get 50% off your order and a FREE and SIGNED copy of Wild Like Flowers! This gives you the book at cost, a blessing, we hope.
Gabe Brown and Why Regeneration Starts with Commmunity, not the Soil.
00:53:06
Does regenerative agriculture start in the soul or the soil? Is holism required in regenration? In this episode, Daniel speaks with Gabe Brown, one of the founders of the MODERN regenerative movement and, to be quite honest, we think you will be surprised what the conversation goes toward: community health over soil health and the need for foods to be kept locally.
Follow along with Season 2, Dark Cloud Country by picking up a copy of the book! Go to https://robiniainstitute.com/dark and use the coupon code "denusion" to get 50% off your order and a FREE and SIGNED copy of Wild Like Flowers! This gives you the book at cost, a blessing, we hope.
Does Regeneration Need Commercial Acquisition? A Fieldcast with South 30 Farm
00:52:56
What is more important: commercial acquisition or communal support? Does regeneration really need scaled? Do we need to build CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) companies that then get acquired by the world's largest food organizations to "save" the modern regenerative movement?
This Denusion Fieldcast is with Brian Gallatin, the Land Steward of South 30 Farm in Virginia Beach, Virginia. We talk about all this and more!
Follow along with Season 2, Dark Cloud Country by picking up a copy of the book! Go to https://robiniainstitute.com/dark and use the coupon code "denusion" to get 50% off your order and a FREE and SIGNED copy of Wild Like Flowers! This gives you the book at cost, a blessing, we hope.
Precious Phiri on the Wisdom of the Elders and the Role of Regeneration at the Communal Level
00:48:25
Can regeneration stand in the modern century? What is the connection between the modern modes of Regenerative Agriculture and the traditions of indiginous wisdom? In this episode, Daniel has one of the most pivotal conversations with his friend, Precious Phiri, that Denusion has yet to air! Precious talks about her early and hard life in Zimbabwe, her work to heal the communal rural lands of her peoples, and the wisdom of the elders that bring hope to the past, present, and that which is still to come. This is an episode you won't want to miss!
Follow along with Season 2, Dark Cloud Country by picking up a copy of the book! Go to https://robiniainstitute.com/dark and use the coupon code "denusion" to get 50% off your order and a FREE and SIGNED copy of Wild Like Flowers! This gives you the book at cost, a blessing, we hope.
In this episode, Clara and Daniel open Season 3 with a bang! What is Regeneration, really? Or, a better question ... is Regeneration even possible?
31 May 2023
Unification or Community? ‘Regenerative’ Agriculture is Disunifying, and that is Okay
00:28:54
Join us as we read a truculent and fiesty article that Daniel wrote for Resilience.org, the Journal of the Post Carbon Initiative, about the deconstruction of the "regenerative" food system.
Is Curiosity Required for Regeneration? with Clara Zander
00:56:42
16 Jun 2023
Holistic Management and The Need for Roots with Clara Zander
00:45:54
Join Clara and Daniel as they discuss all things holistic management and the role of roots to ground us in place. We also discuss the difference between inputs and community. That is, while resilient systems require the workings of community, they may not require external and consumable inputs. Maybe.
Does Our Agriculture Need Regenerated? w/ Clara Zander
00:57:22
Join Clara and Daniel as they discuss the linguistics behinds the "regenerative agricultural" movement. When we say "regeneration," do we mean it as a verb or an adjective? Dive in with us as we explore the ridiculously potent ramifications of your answer.
We discuss the importance of unity and diversity in agriculture and how curiosity and asking questions can lead to personal and professional growth. We also touch on the importance of dialogue and community, emphasizing the value of listening to different viewpoints and being open to learning from others. Alongside these larger conversation, we dive into the limitations of social media and the need for more intimate connections, reflecting on the potential impact of viewing the “climate problem” as a lack of invited dialogue, only worsened by technology’s supremacy.
The conversation concludes touches on the linguistic roots of agriculture and the idea of being versus doing. Love is highlighted as the ultimate goal in life.
Join us for this amazingly enriching conversation!
In this episode, Daniel Griffith and Rupert Dunn discuss the inspiration of peasant baking and wilding and the impact both of these paradigms have on their lives. They explore Rupert's background and journey, including his move to Lithuania with his family. The conversation delves into the tension between wild and agricultural food production and the importance of the alchemy and transformation, the basis of relationship and food.
Daniel and Rupert also discuss the heart of the harvest and the difference between being and doing. They explore the impact of property rights on food production; the relationship between transformation and time, emphasizing the need for a holistic understanding of the world; the negative effects of maximizing production and the importance of how food is produced; and the nuances of nutrient density in meat, highlighting the impact of stress and biodiversity.
The conversation also touches on the occupation of consumerist values and the desire for freedom and choice. The difference between independence and interdependence. It concludes with the need to de-mechanize our understanding of food production and the importance of intentionality through the metaphor of the washing machine.
Rupert is available to support farmers, individuals and organizations with advice, mentoring and support with sourcing, growing, milling and baking with heritage grains as well as the design for regenerative cultures for organizations. He can be contacted at panisvita@protonmail.com where you can also pre-register for a copy of the 'Peasant Bakery Toolkit'.
Takeaways
Peasant baking can inspire a simpler, more connected way of life.
The alchemy and transformation of food is a meaningful and important process.
The tension between wild and agricultural food production can be explored and understood.
The heart of the harvest involves a deep connection to the land and the process of growing and producing food.
The impact of property rights on food production should be considered and understood. Transformation requires time and a holistic understanding of the world.
Maximizing production can have negative effects on nutrient density and health.
The way food is produced impacts its nutrient density and bioavailability.
There is a need for a shift in values and a reconnection with traditional livelihoods.
Consumerist values and the pursuit of freedom and choice can be limiting.
A nuanced understanding of food production and intentional decision-making is crucial. We need to change the way we live and approach the world around us.
Understanding the nuance and complexity of nature is crucial.
Language plays a significant role in shaping our perception of the world.
Living in utopia requires a shift in mindset and embracing interdependency.
In this conversation, Daniel Firth Griffith and Rob Lewis discuss the climate crisis from a holistic and poetic perspective. They explore the role of poetry in understanding the climate crisis and the need for a shift in language and perspective. They also examine the influence of capitalism on climate science and solutions, as well as the importance of taking the time to address the crisis.
The conversation highlights the complexity and unifying nature of the climate crisis and emphasizes the need to talk to Earth on her terms. Rob also discusses the importance of language in our perception of the environment (or nature?) and how it can shape our relationship with nature, explaining how the term 'environment' was created to distance ourselves from nature and how Indigenous people have a more holistic way of talking about the earth.
The conversation concludes with a poem by Lewis titled 'The Making,' which reflects on the joy of good work and the importance of staying connected to the natural world.
Takeaways
Poetry can provide a unique perspective on the climate crisis, allowing us to see the beauty and interconnectedness of the natural world.
The influence of capitalism on climate science and solutions can hinder holistic and sustainable approaches.
Taking the time to understand and address the climate crisis is crucial, as rushing and prioritizing technological solutions may lead to unintended consequences.
Language plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of the climate crisis, and it is important to use language that respects and acknowledges the Earth as a living entity. Language plays a significant role in shaping our perception of the environment. The term 'environment' was created to distance ourselves from nature, while Indigenous people have a more holistic way of talking about the earth.
Water is essential for life and plays a central role in our climate system. The relationship between water and life is interconnected, with water creating the infrastructure for life and life creating the conditions for water.
Plants have a crucial role in climate regulation through the process of transpiration. They release moisture to cool off and absorb heat from the atmosphere, helping to regulate temperature and remove heat from the environment.
The complexity of life and the natural world cannot be fully understood or captured in a single moment. It requires ongoing exploration and reflection to find meaning and appreciate its beauty.
Future conversations with Rob Lewis can be anticipated, and he can be contacted through his Substack and website for further engagement with his work.
In this conversation, Rupert shares his journey of growing heritage grains and the importance of cross-pollination and adaptation in the field. He emphasizes the relationship between wheat fields and forests, highlighting the need for biodiversity and relationship.
Rupert and Daniel also discuss the impact of capitalism on farming and the search for meaning in the face of challenges. They explore the connection between death and capitalism, and the need for emergence and relationship in rewilding and baking. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the transformative power of bread making and the importance of finding meaning and relationship in farming.
Rupert is available to support farmers, individuals and organizations with advice, mentoring and support with sourcing, growing, milling and baking with heritage grains as well as the design for regenerative cultures for organizations. He can be contacted at panisvita@protonmail.com where you can also pre-register for a copy of the 'Peasant Bakery Toolkit'.
Takeaways
Growing heritage grains involves cross-pollination and adaptation in the field, leading to a diverse and ever-changing population of wheat varieties.
The relationship between wheat fields and forests is important, as the presence of trees and other plants enhances biodiversity and flavor in the grains.
The impact of capitalism on farming has led to a loss of meaning and relationship, but there is a growing movement towards regenerative practices and community building.
Finding meaning in farming requires embracing the unknown and being open to emergence, as well as maintaining a deep relationship with the land and the process of growing food.
20 Jan 2024
What World Are We Trying To Save? w/ Hadden Turner
01:16:22
In this conversation, Daniel Firth Griffith and Hadden Turner of Over The Field explores the themes of agrarianism, localism, and the challenges of dismantling the consumeristic system in the face of a climate emergency.
We cover topics such as the refuge of authenticity, the concept of the machine, the tension between industrialism and agrarianism, the challenge of time and scale, the delusion of modernity and consumerism, resilience in the face of a climate emergency, and the need for consumerism to die. The conversation highlights the importance of locally adapted farming practices and the role of individuals and communities in creating change, from the inside out.
The conversation explores the question of what we are trying to save in the face of the climate emergency. It delves into the importance of focusing on the local place and disentangling ourselves and our communities from the desire to be everything to everyone.
The machine refers to the mindset of totalizing efficiency and industrial farming, which is driven by the desire for mass production and consumption.
Agrarian solutions are long-term and locally adapted, and they require a shift in human desires and a willingness to make sacrifices.
Resilient local systems can be fostered by supporting local farmers, paying the full price for food, and living in a way that is adjacent to the consumeristic machine.
Dismantling the consumeristic system is a complex challenge that requires a shift in societal values and a rejection of the delusion of modernity.
While time is of the essence in addressing the climate emergency, agrarian solutions may not match the pace needed to avert the crisis, and it may be necessary to prepare for and adapt to a future of chaos and collapse. In the face of the climate emergency, it is important to question what we are trying to save.
Focusing on the local and taking responsibility for our immediate surroundings is crucial.
We need to disentangle ourselves from the desire to be everything to everyone.
Personal introspection and change are necessary for addressing the challenges we face.
Hope can be found in the local and the seeds of renewal.
Why Climate Change Doesn't Need (more) Science w/ Dougald Hine
01:00:26
In this conversation, Dugald Hine of the Dark Mountain Project and A School Called HOME and the author of the book, At Work In The Ruins, discusses the limitations of science in addressing climate change and the need to question and reevaluate our understanding of the issue.
He emphasizes the importance of embracing vernacular knowledge and ways of knowing, as well as living in hope and embracing the home, the community. Hine also explores the need for a new narrative that goes beyond the singularization of knowledge and the supremacy of science. He discusses the concept of coming home and the work of regrowing a living culture, as well as the role of hospitality and conviviality in creating a sense of home.
Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of turning inward and embracing home as a way to navigate the challenges of climate change and create a more sustainable future.
Climate change raises questions that go beyond what science can answer, necessitating a reevaluation of our understanding of the issue.
The singularization of knowledge and the supremacy of science limit our ability to address climate change effectively.
Embracing vernacular knowledge and ways of knowing, as well as living in hope and embracing depth education, can provide alternative paths forward.
Creating a sense of home and regrowing a living culture are essential for navigating the challenges of climate change and creating a sustainable future.
Hope is not a fixed concept but rather an empty palm into which something might land.
Embracing uncertainty and letting go of the need to know the future is essential.
Taking responsibility for the present and future is crucial in addressing global challenges.
Getting implicated and actively engaging with the realities and needs of the world can lead to meaningful action.
Dougald Hine is a social thinker, writer and speaker. After an early career as a BBC journalist, he cofounded organizations including the Dark Mountain Project and a school called HOME. He has collaborated with scientists, artists and activists, serving as a leader of artistic development at Riksteatern (Sweden’s national theatre) and as an associate of the Centre for Environment and Development Studies at Uppsala University. At Work in the Ruins concludes the work that began with Uncivilization: The Dark Mountain Manifesto (2009), co-written with Paul Kingsnorth, and is his second title with Chelsea Green, following the anthology Walking on Lava (2017).
Regeneration as a Monolith to Money-Making PART I with Jeremy Dumphy
01:07:21
In this episode, D. Firth Griffith and Jeremy Dumphy discuss the misrepresentation of conventional agriculture and the reductionist and binary perspective of regenerative agriculture. They explore the impact of modern accessibility on agriculture and the lack of nuance in the regenerative movement. They also emphasize the importance of context, community, and balance, calling us homeward and not into globalism. The conversation explores the tension between balance and capitalism in the context of regenerative agriculture. It delves into the practicality of growing grains for sale locally and the importance of limits. The discussion also highlights the heroic narrative often associated with regenerative agriculture and the disconnect between stated reasons and actual motivations. The conversation concludes with a discussion on mandatory agricultural systems and the subversive nature of self-sufficiency in place of community ownership or participation.
The regenerative movement often misrepresents conventional agriculture and fails to acknowledge the importance of grains in the food system.
The binary perspective of regenerative agriculture as good and conventional agriculture as bad oversimplifies the complexities of farming practices.
The modern accessibility of buying grains from anywhere has led to a lack of local accountability and reciprocity in the regenerative movement.
The regenerative movement needs to embrace nuance and consider the regional context and diverse farming practices.
Community and balance are crucial in regenerative agriculture, and the focus should be on building relationships and finding sustainable solutions. Regenerative agriculture exists in tension with the capitalist drive for growth and profit.
The practicality of growing grains for sale depends on regionalized understandings of regeneration and the balance between production and ecological resilience.
The heroic narrative surrounding regenerative agriculture often overlooks the complexity and limits of natural systems.
The marketing of regenerative agriculture can sometimes prioritize marketability over true ecological regeneration.
Achieving regional balance in agriculture requires considering the interconnectedness of landscapes and the limitations of individual farms.
Nuance is essential in understanding and practicing regenerative agriculture, as it involves balancing multiple factors and recognizing the unique context of each farm. Balancing decisions and resources is crucial in agriculture.
06 Jun 2024
Regeneration as a Monolith to Money-Making PART II with Jeremy Dumphy
00:47:37
In this episode, D. Firth Griffith and Jeremy Dumphy discuss the misrepresentation of conventional agriculture and the reductionist and binary perspective of regenerative agriculture. They explore the impact of modern accessibility on agriculture and the lack of nuance in the regenerative movement. They also emphasize the importance of context, community, and balance, calling us homeward and not into globalism. The conversation explores the tension between balance and capitalism in the context of regenerative agriculture. It delves into the practicality of growing grains for sale locally and the importance of limits. The discussion also highlights the heroic narrative often associated with regenerative agriculture and the disconnect between stated reasons and actual motivations. The conversation concludes with a discussion on mandatory agricultural systems and the subversive nature of self-sufficiency in place of community ownership or participation.
The regenerative movement often misrepresents conventional agriculture and fails to acknowledge the importance of grains in the food system.
The binary perspective of regenerative agriculture as good and conventional agriculture as bad oversimplifies the complexities of farming practices.
The modern accessibility of buying grains from anywhere has led to a lack of local accountability and reciprocity in the regenerative movement.
The regenerative movement needs to embrace nuance and consider the regional context and diverse farming practices.
Community and balance are crucial in regenerative agriculture, and the focus should be on building relationships and finding sustainable solutions. Regenerative agriculture exists in tension with the capitalist drive for growth and profit.
The practicality of growing grains for sale depends on regionalized understandings of regeneration and the balance between production and ecological resilience.
The heroic narrative surrounding regenerative agriculture often overlooks the complexity and limits of natural systems.
The marketing of regenerative agriculture can sometimes prioritize marketability over true ecological regeneration.
Achieving regional balance in agriculture requires considering the interconnectedness of landscapes and the limitations of individual farms.
Nuance is essential in understanding and practicing regenerative agriculture, as it involves balancing multiple factors and recognizing the unique context of each farm. Balancing decisions and resources is crucial in agriculture.
12 Jun 2024
Dreaming Our Way Forward and the Power of Story with author, Manda Scott
00:25:22
In this episode, D. Firth Griffith and Manda Scott discuss the power of "dreaming the future" into being, of story, and the wonderful soul found when we simply inhabit the stories in and around us.
About Manda: Born in Scotland at 318ppm CO2, Manda Scott was once a veterinary surgeon and is now a novelist, smallholder, renegade economist and host of the Accidental Gods podcast. Best known for the Boudica: Dreaming series, she’s co-creator of the Thrutopia Masterclass and her new novel, Any Human Power is a Thrutopian political thriller woven through with Boudica-style dreaming: a new mythos for a new reality.
Welcome to Unshod (previously called Denusion)! This episode is a solocast with D. Firth Griffith on the nature of being, his paradigm shift away from "saving the world," why he wrote his latest book (Stagtine), and why all of this leads to the new name: Unshod.
Meeting The Potato, Talking to Plants, and Why Compassion is Humanity with Joe Rowland
01:25:57
What if the drive for digital and agricultural perfection one and the same? What if the industrial complex, the "machine," is more than the technology that surrounds us but the technological identity working, slithering, oozing, its way out of us?
In this episode, Joe and Daniel examine the complexities of recycling, sustainability, and regenerative agriculture. Hear our (Joe's!) candid reflections on the tension between immediate health concerns and the long-term environmental goals of the "green movements," questioning the authenticity of current regenerative movements. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of genuine ecological efforts over profit-driven motives, urging for a sincere commitment to ecological balance, to finding ourselves.
Join us as we challenge traditional, patriarchal values and explore a more connected, holistic way of living. Reflecting on personal experiences and drawing inspiration from indigenous perspectives, we discuss how the quest for perfection can overshadow meaningful relationships and self-worth. We highlight the potential for living in harmony with our environment and emphasize the importance of active participation in our community discussions on The Wildland Chronicles. Thank you for your support!
The Interwoven Tapestry, Honoring The One Living System with Cari Taylor
01:38:16
What if the names matter? What if our acknowledgement of life's oneness matters? Matters to what? You may ask. Yes! But really, how?
Cari takes us on a journey through The One Living System, a profoundly simply interconnectedness of life that emphasizes our connection and not our roles in Earth. We share personal stories about pets and the meaningful names they bear, as well as the idea of renaming within families to better reflect individual identities. These anecdotes weave a rich tapestry of how names and stories deeply influence our sense of belonging and connection to the world around us.
From there, our conversation emerges as Cari sheds light on the power of storytelling in reclaiming our Indigenous roots and understanding our place within the natural world. We delve into how colonization has eroded the intrinsic narratives of First Nations peoples and why reconnecting with these stories is vital for restoring a sense of oneness with nature. Storytelling is likened to a fishing line, binding us together and fostering shared understanding. We also discuss the importance of embodying our connection to nature through our actions and presence, rather than through superficial acknowledgments, offering a more profound relationship with the environment.
Lastly, we unravel the intricate relationship between language, science, and sacred rituals in fostering a deeper connection to the living system. "Science gives the sacred form," Cari says. By viewing life as an ongoing conversation, we open ourselves to richer interactions with the natural world. Cari shares insights on the creative joys and challenges of writing, underscoring the power of words in conveying complex ideas. From examining the balance between faith and control in creative projects to the importance of local rituals and community-centered approaches, this episode invites you to rethink your place within the interconnected web of life.
Hunting as Husbandry and Why our Regulatory Masters Care To Squash Both with Mike Costello
02:14:42
Ever wondered how hunting and agriculture intersect? Explore this complex relationship with our guest, Mike Costello, a newly awakened hunter, entrepreneur, habitat restorer, wildlife and conservation advocate.
We share our personal aspirations and the broader implications of living and relational food systems, offering a glimpse into the growing (and declining) interest in hunting and its ties to agriculture, ranching, and ecosystem health.
Curious about the "hunter husbandman" concept? This episode dives into the historical and contemporary connections between hunters and agriculturalists. We also tackle the critical issues of corporate and government interests in wildlife management, using Colorado's mountain lion population as a case study to illustrate the complex interplay of money, politics, and conservation. Especially, Lobbyists...
Join us as we explore the nuanced approaches required for effective wildlife management, emphasizing the importance of localized solutions, place-based knowledge, and the indigenous worldview. From the resurgence of prescribed fire practices to the challenges of local food production to the inefficacy of wildlife federal policy, this episode covers a wide array of topics critical to understanding and supporting agriculture and wildlife conservation. Whether you're interested in the economics of food systems or the ambitions of major corporations towards regenerative farming, this episode offers a deep, thought-provoking discussion on being in relationship with a resilient and just future.
Don't miss out on joining our Wildland Chronicles community on Substack for more engaging conversations! Click here to join the community.
A World Made By Hand, Intergenerational Wisdom in a Tech-Driven Age with Brian Kaller
02:02:25
What if the tools and stories of our ancestors could teach us more about life and community than the latest tech gadget? Join us for an enriching conversation with Brian Kaller, a prolific writer and deep thinker, as he shares insights from his article "The World Made by Hand." We explore the time-honored significance of inherited tools, wisdom, and story and the dying art of hands-on creation in our disposable society. Brian takes us on a journey through his 20-year experience in rural Ireland, contrasting the cultural shifts he observed upon his return to the American Midwest.
Talking to Trees and the Indigenization of Acknowledgement with Māori Healer, Chelita Kahutianui-o-te-Rangi Zainey
01:38:20
Let's not get this confused. This episode is not about the colonizer becoming less colonizing. The dominator becoming less dominating. The "knower of everything" becoming more powerful. This is about humanity becoming human, together, but through the gift of those already human and already living. About some taking large steps, others small but important ones. In this episode, Chelita Kahutianui-o-te-Rangi Zainey, Māori Healer and my dear and joyous friend, shines a deep light into her ancient and kindred relationship with our vegetative relations, attending to acknowledgement and intention and inviting us into this balance, this moment, together.
Ever wondered how sickness can transform into profound conversations with your body? Join us as we sit down with Chelita Kahutianui-o-te-Rangi Zainey, a gifted Māori healing arts practitioner, whose joy and ancestral wisdom infuse flow unbarred. Chelita reveals how illness can be a gateway to deeper self-awareness and gratitude, emphasizing the importance of respecting the body's natural healing process. We also explore the cultural significance of the Māori New Year and delve into the tensions between traditional practices and modern schedules.
In a world rushing and rustling towards an uncertain future, we pause to consider the resurgence of indigenous knowledge and the critical role it plays in our collective survival. Chelita shares her insights on the process of decolonization, the responsibilities borne by indigenous peoples, and the significance of lineage and acknowledgment. Our conversation underscores the importance of recognizing and working with our collective past to navigate the future with respect and understanding, contrasting the fast-paced, fear-driven narrative of modern society with the patient, love-filled approach of indigenous wisdom.
Finally, we reflect on the broader implications of natural phenomena, such as the early blooming of the kōwhai tree, urging a slowdown in our modern industrial pace to honor natural law. Through intimate stories and personal experiences, we emphasize the limitless possibilities of reconnecting with our heritage and understanding the true essence of living in actual harmony and relation with Mother and each other.
Watch this interview on YouTube: HERE Chelita Kahutianui-o-te-Rangi Zainey - Through the reclamation of her whakapapa and ancestral gifts, Chelita is an established practitioner of the Māori Healing Arts including Mirimiri, Rongoā Māori, Hau Tapu Breathwork, Matakite, and Taonga Pūoro. She works as a conduit and channel for Ngā Mareikura o Waitaha – the Grandmothers of the Waitaha Nation. Chelita has been a practitioner, Teacher, Guide, and Mentor for over a decade. Chelita is a Certified Trauma Informed Breathwork Facilitator trained by Owaken Breathwork and is now traveling the world sharing her medicine.
Learn more about Chelita HERE. Visit Chelita's Instagram HERE.
Join our Online Community and discuss this episode directly with Daniel HERE.
06 Aug 2024
Restoring our Pre-colonial Kinship Worldview, Embracing a Fearless Trust in the Universe and Diminishing our Dependence on Brain Hemisphere Theories with Wahinkpe Topa (Four Arrows)
01:33:13
How can the indigenous or pre-colonial worldview reshape our understanding of our world? How can it reconnect us as humans, as mammals once again? Is her power accessible to everyone? Should it be....?
In today's episode, we are joined by my dear friend and mentor, Wahinkpe Topa, or Four Arrows, navigating the intersections of indigenous wisdom, its non-binary worldview, and the transformative power of becoming fully human: a relation, a kin with nature and not her dominator. We kick off this conversation with a critical discussion on the film "Indian Horse," co-produced by Christine Habler and Clint Eastwood, spotlighting the nuances of indigenous portrayal in media and the importance of authenticity and sincerity when we embrace the indigenous worldview in our own lives. Through Four Arrows' perspective, we differentiate between place-based wisdom and overarching indigenous worldviews, drawing argumentative connections with Iain McGilchrist's theories on brain hemispheres and their cultural implications.
We then challenge the conventional academic frameworks held by our colonial institutes by introducing critical neurophilosophy, merging indigenous wisdom with contemporary neuroscience. This segment critiques McGilchrist’s exclusion through indigenous perspectives and examines the essence of oneness, implicit in the indigenous worldview. We discuss Four Arrow's book Restoring the Kinship Worldview, which illuminates the power of worldview and the indigenous worldview's 28 precepts: nature-based and human-centered worldviews.
Our conversation takes a deeper turn as we redefine hope and human connection amidst global crises. Drawing inspiration from Sitting Bull and indigenous spiritual practices, we explore concepts such as reincarnation, hypnosis, and the intrinsic value of interconnectedness. The episode culminates in a powerful discussion about moving from a fear-based or courageous culture to one of fearlessness, emphasizing the power to rebuild society through indigenous principles. We also reflect on Abraham Maslow's encounter with the Blackfoot people, challenging the Eurocentric biases that have shaped traditional views on self-actualization.
What is Sacred Ecoliteracy, Acknowledging Kinship, and A Reading from Stagtine with Daniel Firth Griffith
01:06:18
If Earth asked you to stop forcing her to regenerate, would you? If you cows asked to be let go, would you? We often find that animism is fun to believe in. But it is hard to listen to.
Join us as we recount our transformative journey to Lockhart, Texas, where Morgan and I led a sacred ecoliteracy course for 30 passionate participants. Through serene forest meditations and profound dialogues, we challenge the colonial mindset of "fixing" nature and advocate for a symbiotic relationship with our environment. Drawing inspiration from my book "Stagtine," we unravel the threads of regenerative agriculture and delve into the animacy of Earth as Earthlings, exploring the interconnectedness of all life.
After this introduction, enjoy a grouping of chapters from my latest book, Stagtine.
Join our community and receive a FREE COPY of Stagtine HERE.
Embracing Animism's Animalism, Reincarnation, and Ancient Foodways with Harmony Cronin
02:01:47
Picture this: a serene waterfall cascading over rocks, a herd of buffalo roaming freely, and the profound beauty settling in the simple acts of giving without expectation. That's where Harmony begins our journey in this conversation, using these powerful symbols to set the stage for a deep exploration of connection, identity, and reciprocity.
Harmony Cronin, our animalistic friend, shares her profound insights on death, gifts, and the metamorphosis of life reincarnate that bestows upon us Earth's gift of animacy.
We explore how the internet can bridge geographical gaps while also destroying the very essence of life. We navigate the knots of virtual communication, the discomfort of seeing oneself on screen, and the surprisingly beautiful connections forged through something as simple as a cold email.
As we venture further, we tackle the intricate dance of personal identity in the digital age. The anxiety of condensing multifaceted lives into bios, the disconnection it reveals, and the ancient wisdom that we've strayed from. We confront the societal expectations that force us into boxes, contrasting them with more holistic, kincentric views of identity. We also discuss how courses like Sacred Ecoliteracy can help us break free from these constraints and reconnect with our surroundings in a meaningful way.
Our conversation takes a profound turn as we reconnect with animals and nature, emphasizing respect, humility, and the deep-seated animism within us. We contemplate our perpetual indebtedness (a gift of debt) to the natural world, the philosophical recognition of animism.
The episode wraps up with reflections on simplicity, ancestral wisdom, and cultivating a responsible, appreciative way of living in harmony with all life. From the Buffalo Bridge project and cross-cultural connections to the importance of recreating ceremonies and honoring lost cultural legacies, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to embrace interconnectedness in every aspect of our lives.
Key takeaways:
The concept of animism challenges the dominant worldview that separates humans from the rest of the natural world.
Embracing animism can be a transformative experience that deepens our connection to earth: we are in and of her circle.
The death process is metamorphosis.
Reconciling with the death that feeds us is essential for the true integration of life.
Acknowledging and caring for all beings, including animals and plants, is crucial for a sustainable and inclusive way of living.
Dismantling colonial mindsets is crucial for developing a more holistic and reciprocal relationship with the natural world.
Participating in sacred and ceremonial practices and living in alignment with one's purpose brings a sense of wholeness and wellness.
Harmony Cronin is an Animistic Apocalyptic Viking Warrior princess dedicated to keeping Ancestral Traditions alive. Shes a bit of an Elven Madmax biker butcher mystic and a believer in the Church of Roadkill. She’s an industrial age Magpie inspired Scavenger, a huntress who believes in taking care of the animals first and foremost, a recovering urban activist, and aspires to be a Mountain Peasant. She is a founding member of the Buffalo Bridge Project, hosts a Women’s Hunting Camp, and now runs a small folk school in Western Washington called Gathering Ways. She writes on Substack at The Raven’s Cottage.
From Foraging to Fossil Fuels, Unveiling Agricultural Paradoxes and Remembering the Beauty of Limits with Gunnar Rundgren
01:09:25
What if humanity's quest to control nature has led us to a precipice of both technological triumph and ecological disaster? Join us on a journey from the ancient practices of foraging and controlled burning to the modern complexities of mechanized agriculture. We uncover how early agricultural methods created both stability and fragility, and how our evolving belief in dominating nature has woven itself into the fabric of modern society and historical texts.
As we navigate the tangled web of market forces and agricultural practices, we question the effectiveness of capitalist logic in solving environmental crises. We'll explore the historical context of sustainable farming, the disruptive influence of fossil fuels, and the commodification of agriculture. Reflecting on insights from the Substack article "Capital and Growth," we challenge the idea that markets are self-correcting and consider moving more elements out of this system to better address ecological and social issues.
Finally, we reframe the narrative around global food production and hunger, highlighting the real culprits behind food shortages. By examining the inefficiencies in resource allocation and the unsustainable nature of continuous population growth, we emphasize the need to respect natural limits and foster biodiversity. We share thought-provoking perspectives on sustainable agriculture, cultural significance of food, and the inherent boundaries that shape our existence. Tune in to rethink our relationship with nature and agriculture, and discover a path to true sustainability.
Gunnar Rundgren is a critical thinker with vast experiences from more than 100 countries in the world. He has worked with most parts of the organic agriculture sector since 1977, starting on the pioneer organic farm, Torfolk. He has been engaged as a consultant by NGOs, the government, private companies and intergovernmental organisations such as OECD, UNEP, UNCTAD, the World Bank and the FAO. Gunnar is the initiator of several organisations for organic agriculture in Sweden, including its main eco-label KRAV (www.krav.se) where he was the director for the first eight years. He served as the first President of the Accreditation Programme Board of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) 1992-1997. He Rundgren was an IFOAM World Board member in 1998 and the IFOAM President during the period 2000-2005. In 2002 he was a founding board member of the ISEAL Alliance. He has published several books related to organic farming. In 2010, he published a book about the major social and environmental challenges of our world, Tradgarden Jorden, which was translated into Japanese in 2012 and is now published in English. He also co-authored the book Jorden vi Ater, published in 2012, about the challenge of feeding the world's population in a sustainable way. Rundgren was awarded an honorary doctorate in Science at the Uganda Martyrs University 2009. The same year, he was appointed a Member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry.
Taylor brings to life the ancient creation myths of his people, indigenous cosmology, and the rise of empires like Cahokia, challenging us to rethink our settler historical narratives. We also explore the seventh generation prophecy and the severe impact of smallpox on indigenous populations, marking significant historical changes with the arrival of European settlers. Taylor shares the transformative story of the white bison calves' birth, a symbol of the end of six generations of hardship and the dawn of a new era where indigenous knowledge is finally recognized and valued.
Inspired by works like Vine Deloria Jr.'s Custer Died for Your Sins and God Is Red, Taylor emphasizes the crucial role of indigenous voices in reclaiming and retelling their histories. Dive with us into the intricate web of ancient stories, the legacies of colonization, and the enduring resilience of native peoples.
Learn more about Taylor Keen HERE and buy his book HERE!
In this episode, Sophie Strand and I explore this complex interplay, highlighting how symbiosis and mutual aid have played pivotal roles in evolutionary advancements and how consuming food, metabolism, is an act of metamorphosis.
From the intimate dance between plants and fungi that reshaped our world, to personal reflections on seasonal changes, Sophie and I share our collective journey through climate grief and adaptation. We emphasize the essential nature of being grounded in our surroundings and fostering a kinship with the land.
We also discuss the idea of uncertainty. What if embracing uncertainty could open up new ways of understanding our environment? New and old ways made new in their re-rooting. We tackle the topic of binary thinking, drawing on cognitive science and Andy Clark's work on predictive processing, revealing how rigid certainty can alienate us from nature. Sophie also carries the fascinating language of fungi (mycorrhizae and hyphae) to illustrate the broader ecological implications of communication, communion, and community. Through these connections, we underscore our often misguided efforts to control nature and the false sense of predictability it brings.
Lastly, Sophie weaves together ancient myths and modern reinterpretations to uncover their ecological wisdom. Whether it's the symbolic cave art of Lascaux or the misunderstood roles of plants like autumn olive and Johnson grass, myths serve as durable vessels of environmental and social knowledge. We invite you to rethink these narratives as not just cultural artifacts, but as repositories of scientific data and ecological insights.
Join us in this rich tapestry of stories, science, and spirituality, and rediscover the interconnectedness of life, death, and rebirth within our ecosystems.
Read Sophie's Books HERE. Follow Sophie on Substack HERE.
Sophie Strand is a writer based in the Hudson Valley who focuses on the intersection of spirituality, storytelling, and ecology. But it would probably be more authentic to call her a neo-troubadour animist with a propensity to spin yarns that inevitably turn into love stories.
16 Sep 2024
Blood and Fire in The Sacred Grief of Butchery with Anna Borgman
01:18:38
What if adapting to nature's unpredictability could redefine our sense of resilience and beauty? Kinship. Join Anna Borgman and I as we share this raw, visceral journey of blood and harvests to fire and culinary arts. We explore how embracing the honesty of natural forces can lead to a deeper appreciation for the unique trials and unparalleled beauty the land in and around us.
Anna also delves into the complex relationship with wildfires, examining historical fire suppression policies and their unintended consequences. We traverse the emotional and psychological aspects of confronting uncontrollable forces, drawing parallels between land management practices and human experiences with life and death. From cathartic irreversible moments to the transformative power of grief, this episode unpacks the importance of respecting natural processes and the interconnectedness of all life forms.
Anna Borgman: is a butcher and slaughterwoman living in the Jefferson Valley of Montana. She owns Chaos Farms where her partner and her do mobile slaughter, wild game processing, and butchery classes. They also sell eggs and have a small herd of weed-eating goats.
Visit Anna's Instagram HERE and HERE and learn more about Chaos Farms HERE.
01 Oct 2024
Taonga pūoro: The Music of Nature in Flutes and Forests with Māori Storyteller and Wisdom Carrier, Dane Scott
01:10:14
What if there was no wrong way to hold music? No Maths, no charts, just relationship with spirit? What if music was the infiniteness of breath held in Nature's melodies?
Join our online community HERE to discuss this episode directly with us!
This conversation with Māori storyteller and musician Dane Scott uncovers the profound connection between music, presence, and nature. Playing music, breathing life through living wood and stone and shell, with the rivers, beaches, and forests, receiving responses from birds and our cousins ... this is communion.
We also reflect on the enduring relevance of ancient stories and their wisdom in addressing modern ecological challenges, from the plight of New Zealand's indigenous peoples to the artistic transformation of myths into meaningful films. Dane emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, reminds us of the transient beauty of every experience and the growth that arises from both joy and sorrow.
Pickup a copy of my latest book, HERE. Pre-Order my new book HERE.
Takeaways:
Takeaways Connecting with nature and listening to the sounds of the natural world can bring a sense of peace and connection.
Playing traditional musical instruments, such as taonga puoro, can deepen the connection with nature and evoke a sense of oneness.
There is a need to trust in the wisdom and animacy of the natural world and to listen to the messages it has to offer.
Communication with trees and nature requires being present, still, and open to receiving the responses.
The stages of communication with trees involve moving from boredom to surrender and allowing new realities to manifest.
It is important to ask the land and nature what they want and to be willing to listen and act accordingly. Listening to nature and acknowledging the animism in all living beings can deepen our connection to the natural world.
Ancient stories and myths hold wisdom and can provide guidance in our lives. Photography and film can capture the essence of individuals and nature, allowing us to see ourselves and the world in a new light.
Being present and embracing change are essential for personal growth and understanding our interconnectedness with the natural world.
Finding morality in our connection to nature and living in harmony with the cycles of life can bring about positive change.
07 Oct 2024
Any Human Power and Writing Our Way to A Future We Would Be Proud To Leave Behind with Manda Scott
01:48:58
Have you ever wondered if our society's obsession with control is writ in the stories we tell? Perhaps, even, carried in our stories themselves?
Join Manda Scott and D Firth Griffith as we humbly challenge conventional thought-beliefs and unravel the tapestry of community and cooperation that could very well reshape our modern lives and relationship as nature, with nature.
Our conversation spans the cultural evolution from trauma to an initiation-oriented society and culture, drawing inspiration from thinkers like Francis Weller and Tyson Yungaporta. We ponder the spiritual resonance of ancient sites and their ties to the cosmos, offering a fresh perspective on how we might realign with natural cycles in our control-driven world. As we navigate the narrative of a mytho-political thriller and thrutopic novel, Any Human Power, Manda's latest book, we uncover the creative journey sparked by shamanic visions and the emerging concept of Thrutopia—a harmonious future that we would be proud to leave behind.
With a thoughtful examination of generational divides and the dual nature of technology, we share stories of digital innovation and connection. Our discussion features compelling anecdotes, including a grandmother's gaming bond with her grandchild, illustrating technology's potential for both connection and existential pondering. We explore the delicate balance between dopamine-driven instant gratification and serotonin-fueled communities of respect, urging a shift towards gratitude, compassion, and presence in our digital age.
Read Manda's book HERE. Learn more about Thrutopia HERE.
Read Daniel's latest book HERE. Pre-Order Daniel's next book HERE.
14 Oct 2024
Becoming the Medicine and Embracing the Darkness of Art with Indigenous Ibaloi Singer-Songwriter, Joydah Mae
01:13:57
Join us as we sit down with my dear friend and powerful musician, Joydah Mae, who shares her intimate journey of transformation and self-reclamation, weaving together themes of creativity, vulnerability, and authenticity: of becoming the medicine.
The conversation explores the concept of being medicine and the importance of embracing darkness and uncertainty. Joydah shares her experience of releasing an album and the self-doubt and insecurity that comes with it. We discuss the sacredness of ceremony and the need for authenticity in spiritual practices both in our hearts and around us in community and culture.
The conversation also touches on the significance of darkness in indigenous, traditional, and ancient cultures and the importance of embracing the cycles of the life: from the moon to the seasons to our own creative journies. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and honoring one's own gifts and path.
This conversation dives deep into the emotional rollercoaster of releasing personal art into the world. We unpack the complexities of creative vulnerability, touching on insecurities, comparisons, and the inevitable search for validation. We also delve into the empowering concept of "You are Medicine," emphasizing the importance of nurturing oneself amidst external pressures.
Joydah Mae is a gifted artist with a powerful voice. Walking the pathway of truth through her music. Her songs stem from deep personal experiences and an intimate relationship with nature and the divine. As a channel she chooses to speak up for the voiceless, for humanity and for the earth. She continues to remind us of who we are, through her dedication to leaving love everywhere.
21 Oct 2024
Exploring The Blue Plate: Bridging Food Systems and Climate Resilience with Mark Easter
01:28:28
Explore the fascinating intersection of food systems and climate change with Mark Easter, author of the book The Blue Plate: A Food Lover’s Guide to Climate Chaos. Mark illuminates the unpredictable ways our food production impacts greenhouse gas emissions and how agricultural practices have both contributed to and buffered against climate change. You'll discover the complex history and evolution of agriculture, from the introduction of fossil fuels and chemical fertilizers to the innovative solutions that attempt a more sustainable future.
In this conversation, Mark unravels the powerful role of methane and the transformative impact of fossil fuel-dependent farming practices that emerged in the 20th century. He sheds light on agriculture's dual role as both a contributor to and a preventer of climate chaos, and how practices like the Haber-Bosch process have changed the landscape of farming.
Mark discusses pioneering strategies for sustainable food production, from integrating livestock into farming systems to enhancing soil health with organic matter. Learn about his creative journey in writing "The Blue Plate" and the profound connections fostered between farmers and consumers through sustainable practices.
The Tower of Babel as Metaphor, Myth, or Reality with Alex Leff
01:09:35
Ever wondered if our technological advancements are truly making life better or just more complicated? Join Alex of the Human Nature Odyssey podcast and me as we kickstart our return with a whirlwind of reflections beginning with our reminiscing about the hands-on expertise of past generations ... contrasting true ability with the digital era.
The metaphor of the Tower of Babel serves as a philosophical lens through which we examine civilization's complexities and our relationship with technology. Are we building a society without understanding its true purpose, and how does this impact our local engagements? Alex and I also reimagine classic narratives, pondering if true heroism lies not in saving the world, but in developing a reciprocal relationship with nature and ourselves. This is a candid exploration of humanity's environmental role, challenging the notion that we're merely defenders of a world in peril.
Inspired by Daniel Quinn’s “Ishmael,” our conversation turns to humanity’s impact on Earth, from ancient health paradigms to modern civilization's paradoxes. The conversation dives into embracing diverse worldviews, especially indigenous perspectives, and exploring the cultural narratives shaping our interactions with nature.
Embracing Kinship in the Face of Climate Chaos with Leah Rampy
01:04:57
This conversation with Leah Rampy, author of Earth and Soul, emphasizes the importance of connecting deeply with the Earth amidst climate chaos. By exploring themes of kinship, responsibility, and deep listening, we uncover ways to foster relationship with nature that can lead to sustainable solutions for our planet.
Learn more about Leah HERE. Buy Leah's book, Earth and Soul HERE.
Leah Rampy is a writer, speaker, and retreat leader who weaves ecology, spirituality, personal stories, and practices to help others deepen their relationship to the natural world. She is the author of the award winning Earth & Soul: Reconnecting amid Climate Chaos and a frequent speaker on spiritual ecology and leadership in these uncertain times.
Leah co-authored and co-facilitated with Beth Norcross the six-part video series on The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees: Insights from Our Elders in collaboration with the award-winning film maker Jane Pittman and sponsored by The Center for Spirituality in Nature. Leah and Beth are co- authoring a book, Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees,to be published by Broadleaf Books in April 2025.
She has led over a dozen pilgrimages to sacred places in the US and internationally for the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation where she previously served as the Executive Director and continues as an adjunct staff member. She is the founder and leader of Church of the Wild Two Rivers, affiliated with the Wild Church Network, that meets regularly to deepen spirituality through time in the natural world. Leah also offers retreats through Friends of Silence, a nonprofit honoring the work and intent of the late, well-loved author, Nan Merrill.
Through Shepherd University’s Lifelong Learning Program, Leah teaches classes on ecology through the lens of current writers. Her essays on living more fully connected to Earth in these uncertain times have appeared in the Anthology of Appalachian Writers (Barbara Kingsolver edition), The Cardinal Anthology Vol 1, and Soul Food; Nourishing Essays on Contemplative Living and Leadership. She is a member of West Virginia Writers.
Leah holds a doctorate in Curriculum from Indiana University. She has extensive leadership experience as an executive in Fortune 100 organizations and in nonprofits and has offered executive coaching and consulting to individuals and organizations through the business she founded in 2001, Illumined Way, LLC.
She lives with her husband in a cohousing community in Shepherdstown, WV, where members collaborated to build and now to run their village with a focus on community, environmental responsibility, and Earth care. She co-founded Save Our Soil, a volunteer organization to promote soil health, local food, native plants, and regenerative agriculture in the Eastern Panhandle and beyond. The Rampys have two adult children who live in Virginia, and two dogs who live at home.
20 Jan 2025
Unveiling the Stories of Living Seeds: Cultivating Connections with Gardener and Seed Keeper, Kay Baxter
01:03:04
This episode is with Kay Baxter of The Kōanga Institute, Aotearoa's (New Zealand) largest heritage seed bank & food plant collection. Our conversation emphasizes the vital connection between heritage seeds, community, and individual health. By sharing personal stories and insights, Kay explores how reconnecting with the earth and understanding the history and cultural significance of seeds can lead to an actually holistic nourishment and a renewed sense of purpose in our lives.
Learn more about Kay and Kōanga HERE. Learn more about Unshod HERE.
30 Jan 2025
The Pace of Art at the End of the World with Jake and Maren of Death in the Garden
01:53:23
In this conversation, Jake and Maren of Death in the Garden explore the challenges and realities of being an artist in today's fast-paced world. We discuss the necessity of patience in the creative process, the importance of storytelling in both fiction and nonfiction, and the need for imagination in a mechanized society. Together, the conversation also emphasizes he value of personal experience and the interplay between happiness and sorrow in understanding life and art.
The conversation also touches on the struggle to find time for creativity amidst modern distractions and the importance of nurturing a relationship with the muse. And so much more.
About Jake and Maren: Death in The Garden is a film project which aims to explore modern human culture and it’s unique relation to ecology. Jake and Maren focus on subjects such as agriculture, technology, psychology, sociology, philosophy, anthropology, and history to explore complex issues like climate change and the modern crisis of meaning through a holistic lens. In addition to the films they are producing, they have an extensive catalog of essays on Substack as well as podcasts primarily collected during filming. Maren is currently working on her debut novel, the first book of the Fall of Men series: a trilogy set hundreds of years after the collapse of global civilization.
03 Feb 2025
From Big Oil to Epic Fantasy with Author Angie Kelly
01:19:11
This conversation is a multi-layered yarn with my friend Angie Kelly, who reveals her transformative journey from a biologist working in Canada's oil fields to an author of Epic and rage-worthy Fantasy. She explores the delicate relationship between nature, grief, and storytelling while introducing her captivating novel, "The Source of Storms."
Angie's Website HERE or Substack HERE or Instagram HERE.
Kendrick Lamar, Toni Morrison, and the Sacredness of Story with Kern Carter
01:31:20
In this episode, I talk with my friend Kern Carter as he shares his insights on the intricate relationship between storytelling, culture, and identity, emphasizing the importance of patience and authenticity in the writing process. He reflects on the influence of artists like Kendrick Lamar and Toni Morrison, advocating for a diverse representation in literature while highlighting the essential role of writers in society.
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