Offgrid and Connected

Rohan is a designer, builder, teacher and advocate of ReGenerative practices around the world. With a keen eye for the inherent synergies found in nature, he uses biomimicry to shape systems in the most beneficial and efficient way. He has managed a wide range of projects relating to self-sufficiency and adaptation to climate change, either for individuals, companies, NGOs or international institutions. Rohan also believes in giving back to the planet and communities in need. By sharing and planting seeds, he tries to promote a regenerative lifestyle whenever he can. Learn more about what he does at regenerative-systems.com and follow him on Instagram at regenerative_systems Resources Regenerative Systems Instagram Support this podcast Please donate directly to us or buy a T-shirt OR Donate (even a small amount) per episode! OR For the truly offgrid amongst you we also welcome Bitcoin: 1GM1UPt6PPdmCxR4qANBWw4DnnmRZHLFko

Oliver M. Goshey is an accomplished natural builder who has worked in eleven countries on six continents. He is the host of "The Abundant Edge" Podcast where he interviews leaders and change-makers in the worlds of permaculture, natural building, and regenerative living. After six years of working in the industrial building trades and as a maritime engineer, he apprenticed with the Cob Cottage Company, specializing in cob and earthen plasters and finishes. Abundant Edge is his culmination of years of passionate research, travel, and experimentation with earthen building materials and regenerative design techniques. Oliver is passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles that repair and advance ecosystems through symbiotic design and compassionate construction. Resources The Abundant Edge Podcast Support this podcast Please donate directly to us or buy a T-shirt OR Donate (even a small amount) per episode! OR For the truly offgrid amongst you we also welcome Bitcoin: 1GM1UPt6PPdmCxR4qANBWw4DnnmRZHLFko

Agathe studied International Development at the University of East London and then obtained a Master in Education and Sustainability at London South Bank University. She then went to work with Earthship Biotecture, where she is now in charge of all International Builds. This allows her enough free time to live in Mexico while not traveling with Earthship. She bought some land there a few years ago to create a self sufficient orphanage, inspired by Earthship principles and has built several structures thanks to committed funders. The Joya Orphanage will be open in the next couple of years. Resources The Joya website Support this podcast Please donate directly to us or buy a T-shirt OR Donate (even a small amount) per episode! OR For the truly offgrid amongst you we also welcome Bitcoin: 1GM1UPt6PPdmCxR4qANBWw4DnnmRZHLFko

Ricelli (Richi) is an architect by profession, artist by heart and musician in free time. After falling in love with permaculture, building with natural materials and communities, Richi now pursues a different way to practice architecture. Richi worked and studied in Brazil with Johan van Lengen (author of The Barefoot Architect), in Indonesia (Green School Bali), Japan (Kyoto University) and Mongolia and continues to collect experiences in a search for a way of building that speaks to the aspirations of a more responsible architecture for human, nature and personal growth. Resources The Mongolia project video Mud’s synergy documentary The Global Environmental Architecture Laboratory Support this podcast Please donate directly to us or buy a T-shirt OR Donate (even a small amount) per episode! OR For the truly offgrid amongst you we also welcome Bitcoin: 1GM1UPt6PPdmCxR4qANBWw4DnnmRZHLFko  

Gregoire Durrens is an engineer and eco-builder who works with Earthship Biotecture among others. After graduating from the FabAcademy and attending the Earthship Academy, he was inspired to bring together the diverse approaches to the use of technology to solve our most pressing global problems. Fabships are off-grid workshops that empower communities to grow their own productive power to provide an alternative to the “take, make and dispose” mass-production mindset that is decimating our planet. This conversation took place in Japan during the Mima academy building in November 2018. Support this podcast Please donate directly to us or buy a T-shirt OR Donate (even a small amount) per episode! OR For the truly offgrid amongst you we also welcome Bitcoin: 1GM1UPt6PPdmCxR4qANBWw4DnnmRZHLFko  

A life spent building solutions Michael Reynolds is the founder of Earthship Biotecture. He is an American architect based in New Mexico, known for the design and construction of Earthships which serve the following 6 principals: They self-heat and the self-cool They are made from recycled materials (used tyres and bottles) They collect water They treat sewage They grow their own food They generate their own power Over the last 50 years Michael has been one the of the most prominent proponents of "radically sustainable living”. He has inspired generations of offgriders to construct buildings that are independent from the grid, multinationals and conventional thinking. His designs are guided by the principals of working with rather than against the Earth's natural phenomena: convection, gravity, solar gain, light, flow etc. He has been a critic of the profession of architecture for its adherence to conventional theory and practice, and he advocates the reuse of unconventional building materials from waste streams, such as automobile tires, and is known for designs that test the limits of building codes around the world. For a more complete list of television interviews, books and lectures download the Michael Reynolds Media Resume (10MB). This conversation took place in Japan during the Mima academy building in November 2018. Support this podcast Please donate directly to us or buy a T-shirt OR Donate (even a small amount) per episode! OR For the truly offgrid amongst you we also welcome Bitcoin: 1GM1UPt6PPdmCxR4qANBWw4DnnmRZHLFko

Too many short term solutions for long term problems? Our conversation outlines some of challenges for people living in two Jordanian camps (Zaatari and Azraq). We explore a few of the options and restrictions in using offgrid technologies as potential solutions - political will notwithstanding. Lara was awarded a Jordanian PhD scholarship to study at Edinburgh Napier University where her research relates to Architecture for Emergencies in the Middle East. Lara now focuses on humanitarian issues within the built environment. Her investigations include proposing a shelter design criteria for the Middle East and the development of a new ‘transitional’ shelter that will help fulfil the societal, cultural and building technology needs of refugees and displaced populations. This work will provide the keystone towards innovative designs and construction technologies to support the rehabilitation process for such scenarios. This was a first for me. I've been interested in refugees' stories for quite some time but had never talked one to one with someone who's been involved in the on the ground reality of life in a camp. Do check out more of Lara's work below. Resources https://www.napier.ac.uk/people/lara-alshawawreh https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lara_Alshawawreh https://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-alshawawreh/ Support this podcast Please donate directly to us or buy a T-shirt OR Donate (even a small amount) per episode! OR For the truly offgrid amongst you we also welcome Bitcoin: 1GM1UPt6PPdmCxR4qANBWw4DnnmRZHLFko

Theory U - an offgrid and connected theory? Elizabeth Williams works with multidisciplinary, multi-interest groups of people to help them find common ground, energy and direction. This conversation was a little different in that it was focused on the "connected" part of "offgrid & connected". It was good to open up the conversation and step out of the strictly offgrid arena. Currently based in London, UK most of Elizabeth's work is with collaborative entities working together to bring large infrastructure projects to life. As an occupational psychologist, she uses tools and techniques such as group dialogue, leadership and team development and facilitated explorations to help people find their own generative sparks. Much of her work is influenced by Theory U, an approach which helps individuals and collectives from inspiration to action in ways that are collaborative, fresh and driven from an eco centric rather than ego centric view. Support this podcast Please donate directly to us or buy a T-shirt OR Donate (even a small amount) per episode! OR For the truly offgrid amongst you we also welcome Bitcoin: 1GM1UPt6PPdmCxR4qANBWw4DnnmRZHLFko

One generation ready - many more to come! Matt is executive director of Long Way Home an organisation that uses sustainable design and materials to construct self-sufficient schools that promote education, employment and environmental stewardship. This conversation was fascinating. It is rare to speak to someone in the offgrid world who has worked for so long and so consistently on humanitarian education projects. We talk LWH's beginnings, what is real "development", hope for democratic systems and lessons learned over 15 years of being all in. Matt was raised in Lufkin, TX. He first went to Guatemala as a Peace Corps volunteer in 2002. At the end of his service, his in-country counterpart, the director of a local NGO, requested Matt’s help in transforming a five-acre piece of land into a community park. In 2004 Matt filed the non-profit application to start LWH and by Feb 2005, Parque Chimiya was underway. Prior to starting LWH Matt worked in construction and as a 911 Paramedic. In 2013 he earned a Bachelor’s in Sustainability and in 2015 a Masters in Education. Resources mentioned in this episode Long Way Home LWH Facebook Support this podcast Please donate directly to us or buy a T-shirt OR Donate (even a small amount) per episode! OR For the truly offgrid amongst you we also welcome Bitcoin: 1GM1UPt6PPdmCxR4qANBWw4DnnmRZHLFko

Natural building in the home of natural building Peter McIntosh is a natural builder from South Africa with almost 20 years' experience off the grid. This conversation could be the beginning of more to come. We talk about the reality of regular projects and how to work within the mainstream. Peter McIntosh started building with natural materials in 1999 when he built his own off the grid, earth-sheltered straw-bale house. For 10 years he embarked on a career as a natural builder working with South Africa's top green architects across the country with the full range of natural materials and techniques. This experience gave him the ability to make decisions based on what is the most appropriate for each given site with regard to available materials, the triple bottom-line of sustainability, client needs and climate.  In 2010, Peter shifted his focus to training, mentoring and building the profile of natural and sustainable building in southern Africa. To this end he facilitates CPD accredited natural building courses under the auspices of the Natural Building Collective. Realizing that sustainability is about economy and social justice as much as it is about ecology Peter has been exploring the value of alternative building materials including tyres, glass bottles and eco-bricks (plastic bottles stuffed with plastic waste) since 2014. Recently he’s set his sights on social development and innovation within the industry. He has been working in some of the poorest communities in Cape Town with local government and NGOs on several natural and sustainable building projects specifically in the area of Early Childhood Development. Resources mentioned in this episode www.naturalbuildingcollective.com Natural Building Collective Facebook Support this podcast Please donate directly to us or buy a T-shirt OR Donate (even a small amount) per episode! OR For the truly offgrid amongst you we also welcome Bitcoin: 1GM1UPt6PPdmCxR4qANBWw4DnnmRZHLFko

Natural building in the home of natural building Guy Williams is a project leader and natural builder from Botswana.  This conversation was a four year overdue catch-up. We reconnect about building techniques, the offgrid movement in Africa, Theory U and much more. Guy has an experience and perspective of working in "developing" countires that is quite unique. We cover his "bubble wall", how to get started in natural building and urban regeneration. Mixed in to each topic are questions around how to get our system on track. Resources mentioned in this episode www.lwhome.org www.capetown.gov.za www.naturalbuildingcollective.com www.infrastructurene.ws Support this podcast Please donate directly to us or buy a T-shirt OR Donate (even a small amount) per episode! OR For the truly offgrid amongst you we also welcome Bitcoin: 1GM1UPt6PPdmCxR4qANBWw4DnnmRZHLFko

Big Oil Whistleblower John Bolenbaugh is founder of helppa.org and has worked tirelessly since 15th October 2010 to hold big oil accountable for cleaning up their mess. This was my first conversation with a whistleblower and it gave me the goosebumps a number of times. Since Julian Assange and Edward Snowdon showed the courage to speak out I’ve been interested in whistleblowing. I never liked the whole “telling” thing in kindergarten but at some point in our lives what we see outside will clash with what we feel is right inside. The question is what do we do about it? There is something that engages the spirit when human beauty stands up against human ugliness. It rings true in the bottom of our bones and makes us feel alive. That is how I felt speaking to John. I can only wish him the best. Do spread the word if you can - I know he would welcome any help he can get. This episode explains how we clean up oil, why it spills and how companies not only cover up and lie about their mess, they profit from it! Resources mentioned in this episode https://helppa.org www.awakeningthetruth.com John's YouTube channel www.freedomfromfossilfuels.com Support this podcast Please donate directly to us or buy a T-shirt OR Donate (even a small amount) per episode! OR For the truly offgrid amongst you we also welcome Bitcoin: 1GM1UPt6PPdmCxR4qANBWw4DnnmRZHLFko

Ten Friends: A non-profit with a long-term approach and vision Mark LaMont runs many of the day to day activities at tenfriends.org and has worked in Nepal for over ten years. Ten Friends is a non-profit organization formed by two teachers and a bunch of good friends. They improve lives with simple, hands–on projects that make a big difference to people in need in Nepal – one of the poorest countries in the world. Their projects focus on assistance that the Nepali people need – not what others think they need. Before beginning a project they always ask, “Is this something you need and can use?” Resources mentioned in this episode Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Little Princes: One Man's Promise To Bring Home The Lost Children Of Nepal Second Suns: Two Trailblazing Doctors and Their Quest to Cure Blindness, One Pair of Eyes at a Time Support this podcast Please donate directly to us OR Donate (even a small amount) per episode! OR For the truly offgrid amongst you we also welcome Bitcoin: 1GM1UPt6PPdmCxR4qANBWw4DnnmRZHLFko

BPE: A non-profit that pioneers Deborah is Biotecture Planet Earth’s global PR and fundraising manager. Originally from the Canary Islands, Spain, she has lived and worked in six different continents. She has a higher degree in International Marketing and Public Relations and has extensive experience in Project Management, Fundraising and Public Relations all over the world. Her passion lies in self-sustainable living and technologies and bringing this knowledge to those who need it the most. Support this podcast Please donate directly to us OR Donate (even a small amount) per episode! OR For the truly offgrid amongst you we also welcome Bitcoin: 1GM1UPt6PPdmCxR4qANBWw4DnnmRZHLFko

Daniel's work has involved organic farming, natural building and construction, permaculture education, offgrid energy and water systems, and ecotourism. He has worked with a number of organizations including: Mohala Farms (currently); Vitruvian farms; Versaland ; Calling All Crows; WWOOF; Earthship Biotecture; WorkAway; Midwest Permaculture. Daniel is a former collegiate athlete and health and fitness instructor by education. Since stepping away from this four years ago, he has been working in the sustainable agriculture and ecology development field. His passion now lies in the focus of bringing self-sufficiency to various communities through the practices of permaculture, cooperative economics, and community development. He dreams of all having access to healthy food, clean water, shelter, education, community, art and freedom of expression, and compassion and support for each other. Support this podcast Please donate directly to us OR Donate (even a small amount) per episode! OR For the truly offgrid amongst you we also welcome Bitcoin: 1GM1UPt6PPdmCxR4qANBWw4DnnmRZHLFko

More than "just" systems! Lou coordinates Earthship systems (solar and water) for builds all around the world. He grew up in New York but found himself in New Mexico working for Earthship Biotecture many moons ago. Hundreds of students (including yours truly) have benefited from his dedication to passing on what he knows. His other passion is music which he manifests in his punk bank Article 15. In this conversation we talk about building Lou can be reached on Facebook either via his personal page or the Article 15 page. Books mentioned in this Episode The New Create an Oasis with Greywater: Integrated Design for Water Conservation The Complete Biogas Handbook (2010) Earthbag Building: The Tools, Tricks and Techniques: The Tool, Tricks and Techniques (Natural Building Series) The Barefoot Architect The Humanure Handbook: A Guide to Composting Human Manure Support this podcast Please donate directly to us OR Donate (even a small amount) per episode! OR For the truly offgrid amongst you we also welcome Bitcoin: 1GM1UPt6PPdmCxR4qANBWw4DnnmRZHLFko

Offgrid building around the world Harrison has a wealth of experience building structures of all kinds. He's worked in Australia, USA, Kenya, India, Columbia, Nepal. In his role of Earthship Biotecture foreman he leads groups of over 40 people in challenging conditions but still never misses an opportunity to pass on knowledge. In this conversation we cover building techniques, the challenges facing NGOs, what makes a good team and much more. Enjoy! Books mentioned in this Episode The New Science of Strong Materials: Or Why You Don't Fall Through the Floor Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! Support this podcast Please donate directly to us OR Donate (even a small amount) per episode! OR For the truly offgrid amongst you we also welcome Bitcoin: 1GM1UPt6PPdmCxR4qANBWw4DnnmRZHLFko