Return of the Water Humans; Ben Goldfarb and the Beavers that Built America

What if one of the most effective tools for restoring North America’s natural landscapes has four legs, a flat tail, and a habit of building dams? In this episode, we talk with environmental journalist and author Ben Goldfarb about beavers, their remarkable influence on ecosystems, and the growing movement to bring them back to landscapes where they once thrived. Drawing on his award-winning book Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, Ben explores how the widespread trapping and removal of beavers transformed North America’s rivers, wetlands, and watersheds—and how their return can help restore them. From creating habitat for fish and wildlife to storing water, mitigating drought, and potentially reducing wildfire risks, beavers can have an outsized impact on the environments they inhabit. We discuss the science behind these natural engineers, the challenges of reintroducing them, and what it takes for people and beavers to coexist. We also explore Ben’s broader work, including Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, which examines how roads fragment habitats and disrupt wildlife movement. Together, these topics offer a fresh perspective on conservation: understanding how human activity has reshaped the natural world, and how we can work with natural processes to build healthier, more resilient landscapes. Check out Ben's writing at https://www.bengoldfarb.com/ For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: https://breadandrosespress.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most of us have heard “save the bees,” but which bees? Minnesota alone is home to hundreds of native bee species, and roughly 90% are solitary, nesting in soil, stems, and logs rather than hives. Pollinator conservationist, photographer, and author Heather Holm has spent years documenting these insects and the native plants they depend on. Her books Pollinators of Native Plants, Bees, Wasps, and Common Native Bees of the Eastern United States have earned the American Horticultural Society Book Award twice, and she founded Minnesota Native Bees, an online field guide to the state’s bees. Heather is also deeply involved in ecological restoration, including a 13-acre oak savanna restoration at Cullen Nature Preserve and the new Minnesota Oak Savanna chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts. We talk about what makes fire-dependent ecosystems like oak savannas so valuable for pollinators, why prescribed fire can increase floral diversity and benefit bees despite its reputation, and how pollen specialists, ground nesters, and stem nesters fit into the picture. We also dig into overlooked habitat like leaf litter, logs, and stem stubble, and the “soft landings” concept for giving caterpillars and other beneficial insects a place to complete their life cycles beneath trees. Finally, we zoom out to the bigger questions that matter for agroecology: how diverse native habitat near farms can support crop pollination, what home gardens can and can’t accomplish when the surrounding landscape matters so much, and where a listener with a modest piece of land should start. Along the way, Heather shares some surprising natural history, from wasps that deserve a better reputation to bees with highly specialized relationships to single plants. Learn more at pollinatorsnativeplants.com and beesmn.org. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: https://breadandrosespress.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At ninety-two, William Wiley is one of the last people who can tell it first-hand. Born in 1933, he grew up on the mountain farms of J. Russell Smith — the geographer whose 1929 classic Tree Crops: A Permanent Agriculture helped seed the entire agroforestry movement — and spent his boyhood grafting, budding, and shipping trainloads of chestnut, persimmon, hickory, and honey locust out of Smith's Sunny Ridge Nursery near Round Hill, Virginia. In this conversation, recorded at the Taylor farm alongside Zach Elfers of Future Forest Plants and William's son Rob, we go after the things the history books can't hold: how the old balled-and-burlapped nurseries actually ran, the lost honey locust cultivars and the contests that named them, the Chinese chestnuts that replaced a blighted forest, prescribed fire and the Appalachian frost line, the Quaker communities that tied it all together, and the quiet lessons in generosity and honesty that a boy absorbed from a professor who once turned down a seat in FDR's cabinet. It's a firsthand look at a man, a place, and a way of working that's nearly slipped out of living memory — and a reminder of how much we lose the moment we stop asking. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: https://breadandrosespress.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At ninety-two, William Wiley is one of the last people who can tell it first-hand. Born in 1933, he grew up on the mountain farms of J. Russell Smith — the geographer whose 1929 classic Tree Crops: A Permanent Agriculture helped seed the entire agroforestry movement — and spent his boyhood grafting, budding, and shipping trainloads of chestnut, persimmon, hickory, and honey locust out of Smith's Sunny Ridge Nursery near Round Hill, Virginia. In this conversation, recorded at the Taylor farm alongside Zach Elfers of Future Forest Plants and William's son Rob, we go after the things the history books can't hold: how the old balled-and-burlapped nurseries actually ran, the lost honey locust cultivars and the contests that named them, the Chinese chestnuts that replaced a blighted forest, prescribed fire and the Appalachian frost line, the Quaker communities that tied it all together, and the quiet lessons in generosity and honesty that a boy absorbed from a professor who once turned down a seat in FDR's cabinet. It's a firsthand look at a man, a place, and a way of working that's nearly slipped out of living memory — and a reminder of how much we lose the moment we stop asking. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: https://breadandrosespress.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if Mid-Century Modern design is more than just a collection of "clean lines" and "warm wood"? This talk peels back the aesthetic surface to reveal a deep ecological and political argument about how we inhabit the world. It begins with the "disorienting pause" of bringing home a vintage piece of furniture—an object that carries the fingerprints of time and refuses the modern rhythm of disposable consumption. From there, the discussion explores Lewis Mumford’s vision of an "organic society"—one that remains rooted in locality and ecological limits rather than abstract efficiency. You will discover: Architecture as a Partner: Learn why Richard Neutra’s Kaufman Desert House isn't just a glass icon, but a masterpiece of "ecological legibility" that listens to the desert rather than trying to subdue it. The Power of Emptiness: Explore how Mid-Century minimalism functions as a spatial refusal of saturation, keeping the home open enough for light, proportion, and landscape to remain active participants in daily life. Sustainability vs. Optimization: A provocative comparison between "active transformation" and a model of sustainability that focuses on ongoing responsiveness to place. This talk is a journey into the "quiet political charge" of design. It offers a powerful reminder that human life is always shaped by climate, terrain, and material constraint. If you’ve ever wondered how modern life might be rearranged at a scale where "place remains perceptible," this is a must-listen. It's a reminder embedded in wood and glass that "life is still happening somewhere specific".   For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: https://breadandrosespress.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this podcast episode, hosts Nash Flynn and Andy from Tomorrow, Today interview Dr. Christopher Fuchs, a prominent physicist often recognized as the father of QBism, or Quantum Bayesianism. This scientific framework suggests that quantum mechanics is not an objective description of external reality, but rather a tool for individuals to manage their own probabilities and expectations. By re-centering the human agent within the laws of physics, Fuchs argues that our personal choices and actions fundamentally participate in shaping the universe. The discussion highlights how this perspective challenges traditional notions of a rigid, pre-determined world and explicitly rejects the multiverse theory in favor of a meaningful, malleable reality. Ultimately, the sources illustrate a bridge between rigorous science and philosophy, suggesting that the universe is an ongoing project where individual participation matters. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: https://breadandrosespress.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we go back to an older episode of Tomorrow, Today, where the duo dives into a subject most people go to great lengths to avoid: death. From the Victorian-era "funeral culture" that commodified grief to the modern sanitization of the "great beyond," Nash Flynn and Andy discuss how humanity has lost its intimacy with mortality. The episode features an in-depth interview with Dr. Susana Monsó, a doctor at the Spanish National University specializing in animal ethics. Together, they dismantle the myth of "human exceptionalism"—the idea that humans are the only creatures capable of understanding death. Dr. Monsó introduces the "minimal concept of death," arguing that an understanding of non-functionality and irreversibility is likely widespread across the animal kingdom. Highlights include: The Whale’s Vigil: Why an orca carrying her dead calf for 1,000 miles challenges our definitions of grief and understanding. The "Face-Eating" Truth: A fascinating (and slightly disturbing) look at why pets sometimes feed on their deceased owners and what it tells us about their perception of us. A "Minimal" Understanding: How children and animals alike develop a concept of death as a spectrum rather than a binary switch. Reconciling with Nature: Why accepting our "animal nature" might be the key to helping us—and our grandmothers—talk about death in peace. Whether you’re interested in the evolution of cognition, animal ethics, or just looking for a way to be less uncomfortable with your own mortality, join us for a conversation that is as hilarious as it is profound. Tune in to Tomorrow Today—because death is common, and so is understanding it. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: https://breadandrosespress.com/ Key words: Minimal concept of death, non-functionality, irreversibility, human exceptionalism, animal ethics, emotional anthropocentrism, Victorian funeral culture, commodification of grief, WEIRD societies, Taliqua the orca, pet scavenging, universality, causality, personal mortality, inevitability, unpredictability, Schrödinger’s Opossum, animal nature, human superiority, sanitization of death Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(Originally release 3/07/22) This episode of Tomorrow Today features hosts Andy and Nash discussing the intersection of rapidly evolving technology and the looming threat of biological disasters. They are joined by Dr. Dean McDonald from the Carlow Institute of Technology to explore how 6G and Artificial Intelligence (AI) might be the keys to surviving future pandemics. Key Topics Covered: The Evolution of "Gs": The hosts trace the history of mobile technology from 1G analog waves to the digital revolution of 2G, which introduced texting. They discuss the current shift toward 6G, which promises nearly instantaneous data transfer—potentially a terabyte every few seconds—enabling real-time city-wide analysis for tracking trends like disease outbreaks. The History of Biological Warfare: Andy and Nash provide a grim look at historical "bio-disasters," ranging from ancient Carthaginian tactics involving snakes in clay pots to the use of plague-infected bodies as weapons during the Black Death. They also reflect on more modern scares, such as the 2001 anthrax attacks. Disease X vs. Biodisaster X: Dr. McDonald clarifies the difference between these terms: Disease X typically refers to unknown, naturalistic threats (like COVID-19), while Biodisaster X often implies a threat developed by a human agent or intended for bioterrorism. Technology as a Support Tool: Dr. McDonald emphasizes that while AI and technology are powerful, they cannot replace human interaction, especially in mental health. He discusses "forced empathy" through Virtual Reality (VR), which allows practitioners to experience hallucinations associated with schizophrenia to better understand their patients. Predicting Pandemics via Sewers: A significant focus of the interview is the potential for 6G-enabled sensors in sewage and wastewater systems to detect stool samples for new variants of diseases, allowing authorities to identify and limit spreads in real time before they become global disasters In this episode, we discuss Dr. McDonnell's work “Addressing Biodisaster X Threats With Artificial Intelligence and 6G Technologies”Check out Dr. McDonnell’s work: https://www.itcarlow.ie/research/researchers/meet-researchers-e-n/dr-dean-mcdonnell.htm For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: https://breadandrosespress.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can a "problem child" tree help us rethink our entire food system? In this episode of the Poor Proles Almanac, we sit down with Dr. Samantha Bosco, a horticulture expert and researcher whose work spans the gap between quantitative science and the social practice of agroforestry. We explore the "rebellious" nature of the black walnut and how this often-overlooked native species offers a unique opportunity to slow down, connect with land, and build community. Dr. Bosco shares her "two-eyed approach" to research, which pairs academic rigor with the wisdom of indigenous food systems to challenge the status quo of industrial agriculture. Beyond just planting trees, the conversation dives into the radical potential of food sovereignty, the importance of place-based culture, and Dr. Bosco’s new nonprofit, the Mycena Agroforestry Initiative, which seeks to organize social systems that support a tree-crop future. Join us as we discuss how "putting roots" into our food system can help us reclaim a more resilient and democratic way of living. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: https://breadandrosespress.com/ Key words: Agroforestry, tree crops, Dr. Samantha Bosco, black walnut, food sovereignty, indigenous food systems, silvopasture, Mycena Agroforestry Initiative, two-eyed approach, sustainable agriculture, food systems transition, nut trees, horticulture, decolonization, land access, community organizing, solidarity economy, worker cooperatives, bioregionalism, climate resilience, regenerative agriculture, place-based food, soil science, nuciferous research, social agroforestry, perennial crops, land trusts, democratizing food systems, native nut species, hickory, food culture, agricultural reform Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The history of radical land defense and the "Green Scare" reveals a hidden world where the global capitalist system feels increasingly unstable, driving a shared "anti-systemic rage" toward the potential "unmaking of civilization". This exploration goes beyond traditional environmentalism, investigating how the desire to protect the earth can spiral into dark, fringe ideologies. By examining the "radicalization pipeline," listeners can see how seemingly innocuous interests—like organic food, cottagecore aesthetics, and the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement—often serve as entry points for far-right radicalization. This journey uncovers the rise of "eco-fascism," a synthesis of racism and environmentalism that weaponizes ecological collapse to reinforce racial hierarchies. From the historical roots of the German Volk movement to contemporary "green nationalist" narratives, the show investigates how concepts of purity are leveraged to justify "eco-paramilitarism" and social exclusion. The narrative also confronts the "Green Scare," a period of intense state surveillance following 9/11 when the FBI elevated environmental activists to the "number one domestic terrorist threat". It traces the strategic coining of the term "ecoterrorism" by figures like Ron Arnold, who sought to reframe land defense as a criminal act to protect industrial capital. By analyzing the clandestine tactics of both left-wing eco-defense and far-right militants—including the influence of foundational white supremacist texts like The Turner Diaries—the discussion provides a sober look at what is described as the "culture of extinction". Listeners will navigate a world of "information asymmetry," where the apparent senselessness of global capitalism begins to make a terrifying kind of sense through conspiracy and radicalization. Ultimately, this inquiry operates on the belief that "every person is a rational person" who simply acts on the information they have, and it seeks to shift the Overton window by exposing the underlying structures of industrial society. It is a deep dive into the "messy truths" of how the left and right engage with the environment, exploring why radical environmentalism fundamentally challenges the current world order. For those trying to make sense of a world teetering on the edge of collapse, this series provides the context necessary to understand the forces vying for power in the shadows of ecological destruction. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: https://breadandrosespress.com/ Key Words: Green Scare, eco-defense, environmental activism history, ecoterrorism, Earth First!, The Monkey Wrench Gang, Edward Abbey, ecotage, Deep Ecology, eco-fascism, Gang of 10, Sierra Club history, radical environmentalism, Dave Foreman, Paul Watson, Sea Shepherd, biocentric rights, land relations, Murray Bookchin, social ecology, Glen Canyon Dam cracking, environmental reform vs radicalism, green movement evolution, Ron Arnold, FBI environmental investigations, land defense, industrial society collapse, rage moderation, anthropocentrism, 1980s environmental movement, Earth Liberation Front, Rachel Carson, Silent Spring, environmental sabotage, land management history, capitalist alienation, radicalization, biocentrism, eco-defense history, Poor Proles Almanac. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.