Podcast appearances and mentions of Robin Wall Kimmerer

Ever have one of those homeschool days when your brain feels completely empty?We've been there too. In this episode, we share a long list of practical, creative hacks that can revive your homeschool when energy is low. From painter's tape timelines and DIY history games to geocaching adventures, urban walking tours, and quick art projects, we explore simple ways to bring curiosity back into learning. We also talk about focus tools, seasonal nature activities, and building systems that make everyday homeschooling run smoothly.If you need fresh inspiration or a reminder of the good ideas you already have, this conversation is for you. Tune in and start your own “good ideas” list today.To help you put these ideas into action, here's the full checklist of practical homeschool hacks we discussed:Adhesive whiteboard that sticks to your wall. Lap-sized whiteboards for math & handwriting practice & general doodling. Painter's tape for timelines + write events on index cards and tape to wall.Make-your-own Chronology game (this is an actual card game, but we made our own with index cards)Combine geocaching with local geography & history.Watch urban planning videos — you learn so much about how neighborhoods are constructed!A spin on this — put your own area into the Youtube search bar with “buildings” or “urban planning” or other terms. We've been learning about specific Portland buildings & landmarks this way. Also: look up the origin of place names in your area. Great local history!Cookie sheet with magnets for car trips with littles (and other uses)Make a FOCUS-FIRE-FAST-FUN grid for triaging tasksA little thing that makes a big difference: assign pencil sharpening to a weekly time slot. Get a good sharpener! Also — scissors and tape in every room.Have the kids do wet-on-wet watercolors and then cut into bookmarks. Leave a stash on every bookcaseTake an afternoon to create playlists for yourselves: one for afternoon tidy-up chores, one for instrumental music while reading, one for songs you play to transition between daily activities, etc.Check out Joshua MacNeill's book: 101 Brain Breaks & Educational ActivitiesHave a day for choosing the best squishy stuff for playing with during readalouds - what does each kid like best? Beeswax, Sculpey, modeling clay, silly putty, playdough, wiki stix. Make the texture exploration an activity by itself.With spring coming — plant some peas & sweet peas! An old custom in some regions was to plant your peas on St Patrick's Day. They like cold soil. Cheap, easy activity for rapid payoff.Decorate by cutting out frames from black card stock, stick to clear contact paper, make designs out of pieces of tissue paper. Easy holiday window decor.Look up local foraging groups. Might be able to join a walk & learn about edible plants.Learn about wildlife corridors. Can your yard become one? Some easy ways to assist. Pick one species you'd like to help. Look up its needs: for example, if a butterfly: what host plant is native to your area? What nectar plants attract it? What else might it need – a dish of water with stones for perching on? Or - mason bees. Various birds. Start with a single species and learn how to spot it. Notice who else shows up. A literary tie-in for older kids: Read The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer. A nice tie in – a poetry anthology like The Wonder of Small Things (edited by James Crews) or Sing a Song of Seasons: A Nature Poem for Each Day of the Year (Fiona Waters & Frann Preston-Gannon). Consider propping on a bookstand turned to each day's page.In that vein – any kind of seasonal nature book is great to prop open. Like a field guide turned to a bird your kids might encounter. Make a list of short stories you'd like to discuss with your kids. Keep this on hand for times when you want a short-term literary activity — say, between longer books, or whenever life is filling up with appts/distractions/new baby/etc and you want something self-contained. A good short story immersion can span a single afternoon (but will likely stick with your kids forever).Melissa's daughter keeps a visual reading journal: she chooses a sticker to represent each book. When she finishes a book, she puts the sticker in her notebook with the date, gradually creating a page full of stickers. On the facing page, she writes details about the books. You don't always know how much you know! Make a GOOD IDEAS notebook or Apple Note!Resources:Learn more about geocaching at https://www.geocaching.com. Find books mentioned in this episode in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message...

[00:00] Welcome — Icy Liu @icy_liu_ Opening remarks and a reading from Robin Wall Kimmerer's Braiding Sweetgrass [00:02] Introduction — Paul Wasserman @paulbwasserman How a group of obsessive farmers accidentally created a conference [00:04] Panel 1: “Foundations of Vineyard Health and Effects on Wine Quality” with Cyril Courvoisier (Cornas, France) and Thomas Bouley (Volnay, France) Moderated by Paul Wasserman & Icy Liu Thomas Bouley @thomasbouley1 — Thomas is a fourth-generation vigneron who took over in 2002 and completely transformed his approach to soil health. Thomas shares his early misconception that poor soils make great grapes, what changed his mind, and why he distinguishes between vigor and vitality. Topics include grinding versus burning pruning canes, late hedging, and 23 years of patient observation. [00:11] Cyril Courvoisier @domainecyrilcourvoisier — Cyril shares how planting on abandoned land with 70-year-old forest led him to discover the power of wood chips and straw mulching, and how that completely changed his approach to soil biology, mycorrhizae, and more.  [00:17] Panel 2: “Let Vines Vine: Cover Crops, Balance And Adaptation In A Variable Climate” with Dr. Dylan Grigg @gdylla (Barossa Valley, Australia) Moderated by Paul Knittel @paul.knittel and Icy Liu Dr. Dylan Grigg @gdylla — Dylan is a viticulture consultant and grower with over 25 years of experience across Australia and Spain. He breaks down the three types of cover crops (green manure, permanent regenerating, and specialist), carbon to nitrogen ratios, seeding methods, species complexity, and why a beautiful cover crop can quietly be stealing from your vines. Key topics covered: Green manure vs. permanent regenerating vs. specialist cover crops Pioneer species and degraded soils Carbon to nitrogen ratios and the 60/40 cereal to legume blend Seeding depth, broadcasting vs. direct drilling Why complexity brings resilience — but also why only a few species tend to dominate Six years of building a seed bank from 0.5% organic matter up [00:26] Panel 3: “Vine Health & Nutrition and Effects on Wine Quality” with Tomoko Kuriyama-Bott (Chanterêves, Savigny-lès-Beaune, France) and Philine Isabelle Dienger (Barolo, Italy) Moderated by Icy Liu Tomoko @chantereves & Philine @az._agr._philine_isabelle A fascinating and cutting-edge panel on what is actually happening inside the plant itself. Tomoko gives a crash course in redox chemistry and pH, explains the redox cross, and walks through how the Nutriscope scanner and Nova Cropp lab analysis work in practice. Topics include: Why pH alone is no longer enough — and why redox changes everything How plants spend up to 80% of photosynthesis energy maintaining EH/pH homeostasis The oxidative burst and what copper spraying really does to a vine Why iron and manganese are almost always deficient, and why foliar feeding works better than soil fertilizers The Fenton reaction and why bare soil is the worst outcome Fresh cow dung, sheep dung, and urine as reducing agents How to reach the humus threshold for no-till — and why Tomoko and Philine are going carefully at 25% no-till for now [00:46] Panel 4: Holistic Vineyard Management with Alice Anderson (Âmevive Winery, Santa Barbara, USA) Moderated by Christina Rasmussen @christinarasmussen_ @littlewine.io and Icy Liu Alice walks through the practical realities of holistic vineyard management and animal integration — the beauty, the heartbreak, and the biology behind it all. A genuinely joyful and honest conversation about working with animals to build living soils. Animals covered: Sheep — saliva enzymes, photosynthesis stimulation, timing grazing with understory growth Pigs — Kune kune breed as obligate grazers, year-round vineyard presence, electric fencing essentials Chickens — low commitment entry point, scratch behavior, mealybug control, when to take them out (bud swell and fruit set) Ducks — snail and slug hunters, nitrogen-rich poop, the Turkey roosting trick Cows — best used outside the vineyard for compost Goats — a caution Barn owls — 3,000 to 4,000 rodents per year per box Western bluebirds — 400,000 insects per year, effective against sharpshooters and Pierce's disease Bats — grapevine moth, budworm, 30% of body weight in insects per hour Thank you to @beckywasserman.co for sponsoring the conference. 

In some Native languages the term for plants translates to “those who take care of us.”― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of PlantsToday we are speaking with herbalist Christina Bertelli.  The primary focus of Christina's work is holistic pelvic health - helping people recover from recurrent UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, yeast, HPV, and HSV. She also specializes in PMS, fibroids, cysts, pregnancy loss, abortion, and post pill syndrome. Christina's hope and goal for all of her clients is to help them find their regenerative spark, to heal and regain their wellbeing.Learn more about Christina ⬇️https://www.christinabertelli.com/

All season, we've rooted ourselves in community. Inspired by vast, underground webs of mycellium we've shared ways to create local networks of support, information, and resilience. We've talked about how we can use our collective power to prep for climate disasters, protect the water, and use our dollars to resist consumption and combat greenwashing. On this episode, we're ending the season by reminding ourselves that we're part of nature and that we can look to our fellow animals, as well as plants and fungi, at any time for lessons in community, resilience, and patience.  

Episode 45: "For the Love of" Our Sacred Medicines Join us in finishing out our “For the Love of” series with a show centered around our Sacred Medicines! Each week, the Aunties have been highlighting the things they love. We are holding on tight to love in 2026 and focusing on relationships and healing. Today, we will be talking with Robin Wall Kimmerer, award winning author, citizen of the Potawatomi Nation, mother, scholar, scientist, and a giver of knowledge. The Aunties will dive into deep conversation with Robin, highlighting the love and abundance mother earth provides, so please sit back and take in the lessons that Robin is so talented in sharing!   Wabanaki Words Used: Apc-oc (again in the future, parting, good-bye, farewell) - https://pmportal.org/dictionary/apc-oc   Topics Discussed:   Robin Wall Kimmerer - https://www.robinwallkimmerer.com/ “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer - https://bookshop.org/p/books/braiding-sweetgrass-indigenous-wisdom-scientific-knowledge-and-the-teachings-of-plants-robin-wall-kimmerer/6fa4d296293d20e8?ean=9781571313560&next=t Carlisle Indian School - https://www.npca.org/parks/carlisle-federal-indian-boarding-school-national-monument “The Serviceberry” by Robin Wall Kimmerer - https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-serviceberry-abundance-and-reciprocity-in-the-natural-world-robin-wall-kimmerer/11103aae5b752d02?aid=86677&ean=9781668072240&listref=robin-wall-kimmerer&next=t “The First Blade of Sweetgrass” by Suzanne Greenlaw and Gabriel Frey - https://www.amazon.com/First-Blade-Sweetgrass-Suzanne-Greenlaw/dp/0884487601 Monique Smith - https://wordfest.com/artist/monique-gray-smith/ “Bud Finds Her Gift” by Robin Wall Kimmerer - https://bookshop.org/p/books/bud-finds-her-gift-robin-wall-kimmerer/615a02894e9290a1?aid=86677&ean=9780063324428&listref=robin-wall-kimmerer&next=t The Briar Patch - https://briarpatchbooks.square.site/ Plant Baby Plant - https://plantbabyplant.com/   Wabanaki Tribal Nations: Houlton Band of Maliseet Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians | Littleton, ME (maliseets.net) Mi'kmaq Mi'kmaq Nation | Presque Isle, ME (micmac-nsn.gov) Passamaquoddy Tribe Indian Township Passamaquoddy Tribe @ Indian Township | Peskotomuhkati Motahkomikuk Passamaquoddy Tribe Sipayik Sipayik Tribal Government – Sipayik (wabanaki.com) Penobscot Nation Penobscot Nation | Departments & Info | Indian Island, Maine   Special Thanks/Woliwon:  Guest: Robin Wall Kimmerer Producer: Gavin Allen Podcast Team: Becky Soctomah Bailey, Macy Flanders

In this enlightening conversation, host Shayla Oulette Stonechild and renowned author Robin Wall Kimmerer explore the profound connections between Indigenous wisdom, language, and the natural world. You Robin shares her journey understanding the strength of the earth through plants and the importance of intergenerational knowledge. They discuss the responsibility we have towards the land, the healing power of nature, and the significance of curiosity in fostering relationships with the environment. The conversation also touches on the challenges of urban living, the importance of rituals for resilience, and the concept of two-eyed seeing, which integrates Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. Robin emphasizes the need for a grassroots movement to support the environment and advocates for the idea of 'land back' as a means of healing and restoration. More About Robin and Her Work: Robin Wall Kimmerer is a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She is the author of  Bud Finds Her Gift, The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants, which has earned Kimmerer wide acclaim. Her first book, Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses, was awarded the John Burroughs Medal for outstanding nature writing, and her other work has appeared in Orion, Whole Terrain, and numerous scientific journals. In 2022, Braiding Sweetgrass was adapted for young adults by Monique Gray Smith. This new edition reinforces how wider ecological understanding stems from listening to the earth's oldest teachers: the plants around us.  Her website: robinwallkimmerer.com Her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinwallkimmerer/ Her movement Plant, Baby, Plant: plantbabyplant.com Photo credit: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Indigenous Wisdom and Healing (03:22) The Power of Language and Medicine (05:14) Childhood Connections to Nature (08:01) Responsibility Towards the Land (11:33) Intergenerational Knowledge and Healing (14:24) Embodied Healing Through Nature (17:53) Curiosity and Connection with the Natural World (20:30) Finding Grounding in Urban Spaces (24:42) Rituals for Resilience and Service (27:07) Two-Eyed Seeing and Indigenous Knowledge (29:24) Indigenous Futurism and Land Back Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 42: "For the Love of" Our Mother EarthAs we know, love heals. When we love and receive love, our bodies and relationships benefit. We are celebrating all things we are grateful for and love. Mother Earth offers us abundance and connects. Today we are celebrating her. Mother Earth and all her abundance must be both respected and protected. Today, we are going to talk to Dr. Tony Sutton, an indigenous scholar committed to improving the health of the Mother we all share. Tony will share his work and passion for respecting and protecting our environment. Please lean in with us as we deepen our understanding and our connections to Mother Earth. Wabanaki Words Used:Apc-oc (again in the future, parting, good-bye, farewell) - https://pmportal.org/dictionary/apc-oc Topics Discussed:  Tony Sutton - https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/people/anthony-sutton/Suzanne Greenlaw - https://schoodicinstitute.org/team/suzanne-greenlaw/Caroline Sullivan article - https://www.sdsu.edu/news/2025/12/a-bridge-to-a-cultureUniversity of San Diego - https://www.sdsu.edu/Museum of Beadwork - https://www.museumofbeadwork.org/Food Sovereignty - https://usfoodsovereigntyalliance.org/what-is-food-sovereignty/Quahog (clams) - https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/northern-quahogSea Run Report and Audiobook - https://www.mitsc.org/library/sea-run?ref=quoddytides.comSipayik - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passamaquoddy_Pleasant_Point_ReservationGluskabe - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GlooscapGeo Neptune - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geo_Soctomah_NeptuneUniversity of Maine - https://umaine.edu/Robin Wall Kimmerer - https://www.robinwallkimmerer.com/First Light Learning Journey - https://peterforbes.org/facilitating/first-light-learning-journey“Molly Molasses and Me” by Ssipsis - https://books.google.com/books/about/Molly_Molasses_Me.html?id=QnkaAQAAIAAJWabanaki Youth in Science (WaYS) - https://www.wabanakiyouthinscience.org/Western Oregon University - https://wou.edu/WPHW Mobile Food Pantry - https://wabanakiphw.org/departments/wabanaki-public-health/community-land-wellness/mobile-food-pantry/Mi'kmaq Farms - https://www.facebook.com/MicmacFarms/Niweskok - https://www.niweskok.org/Roger Paul - https://umaine.edu/nativeamericanprograms/people/rogerpaul/ Wabanaki Tribal Nations:Houlton Band of Maliseet Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians | Littleton, ME (maliseets.net)Mi'kmaq Mi'kmaq Nation | Presque Isle, ME (micmac-nsn.gov)Passamaquoddy Tribe Indian Township Passamaquoddy Tribe @ Indian Township | Peskotomuhkati MotahkomikukPassamaquoddy Tribe Sipayik Sipayik Tribal Government – Sipayik (wabanaki.com)Penobscot Nation Penobscot Nation | Departments & Info | Indian Island, Maine Special Thanks/Woliwon: Guest: Tony SuttonProducer: Gavin AllenPodcast Team: Becky Soctomah Bailey, Macy Flanders

Embracing Abundance: Insights from "The Serviceberry" by Robin Wall Kimmerer   In this engaging bonus episode of our book club, we delve into Robin Wall Kimmerer's profound work, "The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World." As we explore the intricate connections between nature, community, and economy, Kimmerer's insights challenge us to rethink our relationship with the environment and each other. 1. **The Essence of The Serviceberry**   Janelle Morris introduces the podcast episode by highlighting the significance of Kimmerer's work, tying it to past discussions and upcoming highlights, including a future conversation with Robert McFarlane. The Service Berry is described as a small yet impactful book, originally adapted from an essay. Kimmerer uses the serviceberry plant as a lens to explore themes of gift economies versus capitalist frameworks. 2. **Who is Robin Wall Kimmerer?**   Emily Bunnell provides insight into Kimmerer's background. Born in 1953, she is a distinguished botanist and writer, blending Indigenous wisdom with Western scientific perspectives. Her previous works, such as "Braiding Sweetgrass," have gained significant acclaim, and she continues to inspire readers with her unique approach to nature and community. 3. **A Critique of Capitalism**   Ann Marie shares her thoughts on the book's exploration of capitalism. Kimmerer critiques the traditional understanding of economics, advocating for a gift economy where abundance is shared rather than hoarded. This perspective encourages readers to reflect on how community and generosity can replace the scarcity mindset that often dominates modern society. 4. **Experiences with Wild Berries**   The discussion turns personal as the group reminisces about foraging experiences. Ann Marie recalls her childhood in the Pacific Northwest, where she harvested blackberries, illustrating the joy and community spirit of wild berry picking. Janelle and Emily share similar stories, emphasizing the delightful experiences associated with nature's bounty, reinforcing Kimmerer's themes of reciprocity and gratitude. 5. **The Taste of the Service Berry**   Janelle quotes Kimmerer's vivid description of the service berry, comparing its flavor to a cross between blueberries and apples. This rich imagery not only highlights the unique qualities of the berry but also serves as a metaphor for the gifts nature provides us, urging readers to appreciate the natural world and its offerings. 6. **Gratitude and Reciprocity**   The conversation culminates in the concept of gratitude. Kimmerer argues that the only expectation from nature is our appreciation. This idea resonates deeply, prompting a collective reflection on how we interact with the environment, moving from a mindset of taking to one of gratitude and respect. Conclusion:   In conclusion, Robin Wall Kimmerer's "The Serviceberry" offers a refreshing perspective on our relationship with nature and each other. By advocating for a shift from capitalist values to a gift economy, Kimmerer reminds us of the importance of gratitude and community. Key takeaways from the episode include the beauty of foraging, the significance of reciprocity, and the challenge to rethink how we engage with the world around us.  It's a short and easy read that is well worth your time! Tags:   #RobinWallKimmerer #TheServiceBerry #GiftEconomy #Foraging #Nature #Community #Reciprocity #Sustainability #EnvironmentalLiterature #BookClub

Llega a la Biblioteca de Antonio Martínez Asensio en Hoy por Hoy ' el último Premio Tusquets , 'el corazón revolucionario del mundo' de Francisco Serrano. Durante una hora este espacio radiofónico dedicado a los libros se convirtió en una célula anticapitalista de los años setenta. Una locura literaria a la que se sumaron más libros. El primero donado por el propio Fancisco Serrano que nos trajo como donación 'La perra de Alejandría' de Pilar Pedraza (Valdemar). Pero antes de todo esto, nuestro bibliotecario Antonio Martínez Asensio nos contó en tres minutos 'Moby Dick'  de Herman Melville (DeBolsillo)  y nos anunció su programa 'un libro, una hora' con  'El pequeñoi héroe' de Fiodor Dostoyevski (Galaxia Gutemberg). Las novedades las colocó en las estanterías Pepe Rubio y fueron 'Diecinueve garras y un pájaro oscuro' de Agustina Bazterrica (Alfaguara) y 'El guillomo' de Robin Wall Kimmerer (Capitán Swing) . Y los libros perdidos, en este caso en plural porque eran tres, los rescató como siempre Pascual Donate "El huerto de una holgazana: confesiones de una aprendiz. ' el jardín que querría'  y 'Aún no se lo dicho a mi jardín' de Pia Pera (Errata Naturae). Y finalmente las donaciones de nuestros oyentes: 'La piel' de Curzio Malaparte (Galaxia Malaparte) , 'Hamnet' de Maggie O´Farrel (Libros del Asteroide) y 'El tiempo amarillo' de Fernando Fernán Gómez (Debate/ Capitán Swing) . 

Synopsis:  In conversation with Laura Flanders, ecologist and activist Professor Robin Wall Kimmerer discusses how embracing ecological grief can be a powerful catalyst for change in restoring balance between humans and the Earth they inhabit.Make a tax deductible YEAR END DONATION and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you! Description:  When was the last time you listened to the plants? Plant ecologist Robin Wall Kimmerer, a self-proclaimed “student of the plants,” has dedicated her life to helping people of all ages understand the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. Her latest initiative “Plant Baby Plant” does exactly that, by mobilizing communities to restore plants while building collective power for the Earth. Kimmerer is a distinguished professor, MacArthur Fellow, mother and an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Her 2013 book “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” emerged as a surprise bestseller with almost three million copies sold across 20 languages. In this enlightening episode, Robin Wall Kimmerer and Laura Flanders explore how nature can inform our language, our economy, our movements and more. As you'll hear, our survival depends on it. Plus, a commentary from Laura on what it took to separate people from nature. Hint: it wasn't peaceful.“I think it is so important that we embrace ecological grief rather than look away . . . When we recognize that pain we feel for our relationships with the natural world is also the measure of our love for the living world. It's that love which is mirrored in the grief that makes you get back up and say, ‘Not on my watch.'” - Robin Wall Kimmerer“. . . We have to kind of decolonize our minds from this industrial revolution concept that the Earth belongs to us as a source of nothing more than belongings, natural resources that are our property . . . There is this notion in many Indigenous worldviews that human beings play a critical role in maintaining balance, that the way we take from the living world can actually be regenerative.” - Robin Wall KimmererGuest:  Robin Wall Kimmerer: Plant Ecologist, Writer, Professor; Founder, Plant Baby Plant; Author, Braiding Sweetgrass*Recommended book:Bookshop: “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World” by Robin Wall Kimmerer: Get the book*  And to accompany the book:(*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays at 11:30am and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast January 7th, 2026.Full Episode Notes are located HERE.Related Podcast:  Full uncut conversation is available in the podcast feed.Music Credit: “Ode to Nature” by Hover Fly from the Climate Soundtrack Compilation produced by DJ's for Climate Action, "Steppin" by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie HopperSupport Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends RESOURCES:Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•  Survival Guide for Humans Learned from Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs:  Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation•  Ecology: The Infrastructure of the Future?: Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut• Peter Linebaugh on International Workers' "May Day" Origins. Plus, Commentary: 19th Century Anarchist Lucy Parsons, Listen•  Yellowstone at 150: Can Indigenous Stewardship Save Our Parks?:  Watch / Listen:  Episode CutRelated Articles and Resources:•  Speaking of Nature:  Finding language that affirms our kinship with the natural world, by Robin Wall Kimmerer, Orion Nature and Culture•  Watch:  Gifts of the Land:  A Guided Nature Tour with Robin Wall Kimmerer, The Commons KU• The Braiding Sweetgrass' Author Wants Us to Give Thanks Everyday, by Alexander Alter, November 29, 2024, New York Times•  Fishing in a superfund site:  Onondaga Lake's road to recovery, by Bee Kavanaugh, SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry, January 2, 2025, Planet Forward  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Synopsis:  Plant ecologist Robin Wall Kimmerer, a self-proclaimed “student of the plants,” has dedicated her life to helping people of all ages understand the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. Her latest initiative “Plant Baby Plant” does exactly that, by mobilizing communities to restore plants while building collective power for the Earth.Make a tax deductible YEAR END DONATION and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you! Description: When was the last time you listened to the plants? Plant ecologist Robin Wall Kimmerer, a self-proclaimed “student of the plants,” has dedicated her life to helping people of all ages understand the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. Her latest initiative “Plant Baby Plant” does exactly that, by mobilizing communities to restore plants while building collective power for the Earth. Kimmerer is a distinguished professor, MacArthur Fellow, mother and an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Her 2013 book “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” emerged as a surprise bestseller with almost three million copies sold across 20 languages. In this enlightening episode, Robin Wall Kimmerer and Laura Flanders explore how nature can inform our language, our economy, our movements and more. As you'll hear, our survival depends on it. Plus, a commentary from Laura on what it took to separate people from nature. Hint: it wasn't peaceful.“. . . We have to kind of decolonize our minds from this industrial revolution concept that the Earth belongs to us as a source of nothing more than belongings, natural resources that are our property . . . There is this notion in many Indigenous worldviews that human beings play a critical role in maintaining balance, that the way we take from the living world can actually be regenerative.” - Robin Wall KimmererGuest:  Robin Wall Kimmerer,  Plant Ecologist, Writer, Professor; Founder, Plant Baby Plant; Author, Braiding Sweetgrass*Recommended book:Bookshop: “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World” by Robin Wall Kimmerer: Get the book*  And to accompany the book:The Serviceberry Discussion Guide(*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel December 4th, 2026 and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast December 7th, 2026.Full Episode Notes are located HERE.Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. Music Credit:  'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie HopperSupport Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends RESOURCES:Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•  Survival Guide for Humans Learned from Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs:  Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation•  Ecology: The Infrastructure of the Future?: Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut•  Yellowstone at 150: Can Indigenous Stewardship Save Our Parks?:  Watch / Listen:  Episode CutRelated Articles and Resources:•  Speaking of Nature:  Finding language that affirms our kinship with the natural world, by Robin Wall Kimmerer, Orion Nature and Culture•  Watch:  Gifts of the Land:  A Guided Nature Tour with Robin Wall Kimmerer, The Commons KU• The Braiding Sweetgrass' Author Wants Us to Give Thanks Everyday, by Alexander Alter, November 29, 2024, New York Times•  Fishing in a superfund site:  Onondaga Lake's road to recovery, by Bee Kavanaugh, SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry, January 2, 2025, Planet Forward Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

What if caring for land goes beyond soil tests, nutrients, and visible inputs?In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, Jennifer is joined by Brittney Herrera, founder and creative director of Thunder Egg, to explore the concept of geotuning—a practice often described as acupuncture for the land.Through her work, Brittney helps harmonize land and spaces by identifying and correcting geopathic stress, subtle disruptions in the Earth's natural field that can impact people, plants, animals, and the overall vitality of a place. Brittney recently worked with Jennifer to tune her new farm property, and after experiencing the process firsthand, Jennifer felt this was a conversation worth sharing with the flower-growing and land-stewarding community.Together, they keep the conversation grounded and practical, discussing how geopathic stress can show up on farms and gardens, how geotuning works in real spaces, and how this approach can complement regenerative agriculture and soil-first practices. They also explore the role of water, copper, frequency, and ancient land wisdom—and how listening more deeply to the land can support long-term resilience and harmony.This episode is an invitation to curiosity. Whether you're a flower farmer, gardener, or someone who feels deeply connected to the land you care for, this conversation offers a new lens for understanding what it means to truly listen to a place.Connect with Brittney Herrera & Thunder EggThunder Egg: https://www.thunderegg.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thunder_egg_collaborative/Geotune: https://www.geotune.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/geotune_energy/Brittney Herrera: https://www.brittneyherrera.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittney_herrera_designer/Mentioned in Today's Episode: Braiding Sweetgrass: by Robin Wall Kimmerer: https://amzn.to/4s5HQhwSign up for our podcast newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter***Join Us At The Profitable Dahlia Summit***The first-ever virtual summit focused exclusively on growing dahlias for profit is here!Join us March 3–4, 2026 to learn from experienced dahlia growers who are selling bouquets, tubers, CSA shares, event tickets, and more — and doing it profitably.You'll walk away with real strategies to turn your passion into income, even if you're just getting started.

New York Times best-selling author Angeline Boulley (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians) made a number of best-of-2025 lists with the third book in her series centered in the Ojibwe community, Sugar Island, titled “Sisters in the Wind.” Another favorite comes from young adult author and editor, Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee), who challenged more than a dozen other Native authors to imagine a Native future where a frybread eatery holds community and culture in the “Legendary Frybread Drive-In.” And renowned Potawatomi botanist and writer, Robin Wall Kimmerer tapped into the curiosity of young readers with her first children's book “Bud Finds Her Gift.” They are among the Native works highlighted by our distinguished panel of reading enthusiasts. You can find their lists of favorite books of the year below. GUESTS Allison Waukau (Menominee and Navajo), American Indian Library Association member -at-large Amber McCrary (Diné), writer and poet Stacy Wells (Choctaw Nation), author and librarian Allison Waukau’s favorite books:  “I Am on Indigenous Land” by Katrina M. Phillips “We Survived the Night” by Julian Brave Noisecat *featured on NAC in October “Sisters in the Wind” by Angeline Boulley *featured on NAC in September  “Across the Ice: How We Saved the Ojibwe Horse” by Darcy Whitecrow and Heather O'Connor “Moon Song” by Michaela Goade “Buffalo Hunter Hunter” by Stephen Graham Jones *featured on NAC in October “Bud Finds Her Gift” by Robin Wall Kimmerer *featured on NAC in September  “Ishkode: A Story of Fire” by Evan Larson and Nisogaabokwe Melonee Montano and illustrated by Moira Villiard Minnesota Lives series Stacy Wells’ favorite books:  “The Others” by Cheryl Issacs (sequel to “The Unfinished”) “Legendary Frybread Drive-In” edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith *featured on The Menu in August  “Faye and the Dangerous Journey: An Ojibwe Removal Survival Story” by Kim Sigafus “The Summer of the Bone Horses” by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve *featured on NAC in July  Amber McCrary’s favorite books:  “The Museum of Unnatural Histories” by Annie Wenstrup “Mele” by Kalehua Kim “Beyond the Glittering World: an Anthology of Indigenous Feminisms and Futurisms” edited by Stacie Shannon Denetsosie, Kinsale Drake and Darcie Little Badger “Soft as Bones” by Chyana Marie Sage Shawn Spruce’s favorite books:  “Hole in the Sky” by Daniel H. Wilson *featured on NAC in October  “Sisters in the Wind” by Angeline Boulley *featured on NAC in September  “We Survived the Night” by Julian Brave Noisecat *featured on NAC in October “Stick Houses” by Matthew Fletcher *featured on NAC in June  Andi Murphy’s (NAC producer) favorite books: “Buffalo Hunter Hunter” by Stephen Graham Jones *featured on NAC in October “Punished” by Ann-Helén Laestadius *featured on NAC in February  “Broken Fields” by Marcie R. Rendon *featured on NAC in March “Big Chief” by Jon Hickey “Love is a War Song” by Danica Nava “The Whistler” by Nick Medina *featured on NAC in October  “Hole in the Sky” by Daniel H. Wilson *featured on NAC in October  “Surviva: A Future Ancestral Field Guide” by Cannupa H. Luger *featured on NAC in October  Break 1 Music: 12 Days of Christmas (song) Carol Adams (artist) Heartbeat of the Holiday Season (album) Break 2 Music: Coventry Carol (song) PIQSIQ (artist) Coventry Carol (album)

New York Times best-selling author Angeline Boulley (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians) made a number of best-of-2025 lists with the third book in her series centered in the Ojibwe community, Sugar Island, titled “Sisters in the Wind.” Another favorite comes from young adult author and editor, Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee), who challenged more than a dozen other Native authors to imagine a Native future where a frybread eatery holds community and culture in the “Legendary Frybread Drive-In.” And renowned Potawatomi botanist and writer, Robin Wall Kimmerer tapped into the curiosity of young readers with her first children's book “Bud Finds Her Gift.” They are among the Native works highlighted by our distinguished panel of reading enthusiasts. You can find their lists of favorite books of the year below. GUESTS Allison Waukau (Menominee and Navajo), American Indian Library Association member -at-large Amber McCrary (Diné), writer and poet Stacy Wells (Choctaw Nation), author and librarian Allison Waukau’s favorite books:  “I Am on Indigenous Land” by Katrina M. Phillips “We Survived the Night” by Julian Brave Noisecat *featured on NAC in October “Sisters in the Wind” by Angeline Boulley *featured on NAC in September  “Across the Ice: How We Saved the Ojibwe Horse” by Darcy Whitecrow and Heather O'Connor “Moon Song” by Michaela Goade “Buffalo Hunter Hunter” by Stephen Graham Jones *featured on NAC in October “Bud Finds Her Gift” by Robin Wall Kimmerer *featured on NAC in September  “Ishkode: A Story of Fire” by Evan Larson and Nisogaabokwe Melonee Montano and illustrated by Moira Villiard Minnesota Lives series Stacy Wells’ favorite books:  “The Others” by Cheryl Issacs (sequel to “The Unfinished”) “Legendary Frybread Drive-In” edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith *featured on The Menu in August  “Faye and the Dangerous Journey: An Ojibwe Removal Survival Story” by Kim Sigafus “The Summer of the Bone Horses” by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve *featured on NAC in July  Amber McCrary’s favorite books:  “The Museum of Unnatural Histories” by Annie Wenstrup “Mele” by Kalehua Kim “Beyond the Glittering World: an Anthology of Indigenous Feminisms and Futurisms” edited by Stacie Shannon Denetsosie, Kinsale Drake and Darcie Little Badger “Soft as Bones” by Chyana Marie Sage Shawn Spruce’s favorite books:  “Hole in the Sky” by Daniel H. Wilson *featured on NAC in October  “Sisters in the Wind” by Angeline Boulley *featured on NAC in September  “We Survived the Night” by Julian Brave Noisecat *featured on NAC in October “Stick Houses” by Matthew Fletcher *featured on NAC in June  Andi Murphy’s (NAC producer) favorite books: “Buffalo Hunter Hunter” by Stephen Graham Jones *featured on NAC in October “Punished” by Ann-Helén Laestadius *featured on NAC in February  “Broken Fields” by Marcie R. Rendon *featured on NAC in March “Big Chief” by Jon Hickey “Love is a War Song” by Danica Nava “The Whistler” by Nick Medina *featured on NAC in October  “Hole in the Sky” by Daniel H. Wilson *featured on NAC in October  “Surviva: A Future Ancestral Field Guide” by Cannupa H. Luger *featured on NAC in October  Break 1 Music: 12 Days of Christmas (song) Carol Adams (artist) Heartbeat of the Holiday Season (album) Break 2 Music: Coventry Carol (song) PIQSIQ (artist) Coventry Carol (album)

Chelsea and Abbie announce our new Winter Reading Program for children, teens, and adults, and other program happenings. Listen in to find out how to win prizes. Books discussed and recommended include: Peter & the Wolf by Gavin FridayThe Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer 

Artificial intelligence or AI's huge appetite for power is reviving demand for older and dirtier fossil fuel energy. We talk about the massive data centers that power AI, community pushback, and how AI seems to be putting vital climate targets out of reach.  Also, the Make America Healthy Again or MAHA movement has pinpointed some health concerns backed up by credible research, including concerns about pesticides such as the probable carcinogen glyphosate, the key ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup. But after agribusiness lobbying the Trump Administration erased pesticides from its MAHA Commission report.  And Braiding Sweetgrass author Robin Wall Kimmerer is also the author of a 2024 book that continues her explorations of gift economies. She shares insights from The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World and how gift economies can offer an alternative to overconsumption. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Indigenous author, botanist and professor Robin Wall Kimmerer is best known for her book “Braiding Sweetgrass,” which was published in 2013 and is about the reciprocal relationships between humans and the land. Her first book, “Gathering Moss,” was published a decade earlier by Oregon State University Press. We spoke to Kimmerer on May 17, 2024 when she was in Corvallis to accept Oregon State University’s 2024 Stone Award for Literary Achievement and give a lecture on campus.

This Thanksgiving holiday, we return to a conversation with Potawatomi botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer, where she talks about her new book The Serviceberry, which emerged from an essay she wrote for us about the potential of a gift economy to recognize the sacred nature of the Earth. Robin introduces a set of ethical and pragmatic principles, known as “the Honorable Harvest,” that orients us to take only what we need, share abundance, and offer gratitude for what is selflessly given to us; and leads us towards embodying a simple “practical reverence” for the Earth.   Read the transcript. Discover our latest print edition, Volume 6: Seasons. Photo courtesy of MacArthur Foundation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Currently Reading, Meredith and Mary are discussing: Bookish Moments: new bookcases and making space for new TBR Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we've been reading lately Deep Dive: bookish therapy with Mary The Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading lives Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site). .  .  .  1:36 - Our Bookish Moments of the Week 1:43 - @maryreadsandmakes on Instagram 2:21 - Ikea Billy Bookcase 6:00 - Half Price Books 8:14 - Our Current Reads 8:20 - The Executioners Three by Susan Dennard (Mary) 11:22 - 25 Days by Per Jacobson (Meredith) 17:37 - The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham (Mary) 21:50 - Madame Pamplemousse and Her Incredible Edibles by Rupert Kingfisher (Meredith) 24:24 - Daunt Books 26:54 - Blackwell's 28:06 - Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross (Mary) 28:52 - Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross 32:38 - A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross 33:07 - Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas 33:08 - A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas 33:34 - The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage (Meredith) 35:39 - The Popcast 37:24 - Force of Such Beauty by Barbara Bourland 37:43 - American Royals by Katharine McGee 39:08 - Reading Therapy  43:17 - Gemini Wrongs by Met Tietz on Substack 44:19 - The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte 44:22 - The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte 44:39 - Be Ready when the Luck Happens by Ina Garten 49:51 - Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed 50:08 - Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans 52:46 - Reincarnation Blues by Michael Poore 56:31 - The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer 57:05 - The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon 58:43 - Meet Us At The Fountain 58:46 - My wish is that you evaluate your reading life and if you're struggling, to reflect if you need extra support in your life. (Mary) 1:00:47 - I recommend watching the show All Her Fault on Peacock if you liked the book. (Meredith) 1:00:58 - All Her Fault by Andrea Mara   Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Grab Some Merch Shop Bookshop dot org | Shop Amazon Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. November's's IPL is brought to us from Content Bookstore in Northfield, Minnesota. Love and Chili Peppers with Kaytee and Rebekah - romance lovers get their due with this special episode focused entirely on the best selling genre fiction in the business.  All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the behind-the-scenes insights of an independent bookseller From the Editor's Desk with Kaytee and Bunmi Ishola - a quarterly peek behind the curtain at the publishing industry The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show: Instagram | Website | Email | Threads The Hosts and Regulars: Meredith | Kaytee | Mary | Roxanna Production and Editing: Megan Phouthavong Evans Affiliate Disclosure: All affiliate links go to Bookshop unless otherwise noted. Shopping here helps keep the lights on and benefits indie bookstores. Thanks for your support!

Author, botanist, and Native American scholar Robin Wall Kimmerer's work explores the natural world as teacher, partner and gift. Her new book "Bud Finds Her Gift" marks departure: an illustrated picture book for young readers that addresses the themes her adult volumes - "Braiding Sweetgrass" and "The Serviceberry" - have come to be known for.We welcome Robin Wall Kimmerer to to discuss how this picture book emerged, why Kimmerer chose the form, and what she hopes children (and their grown-ups) will carry with them.

Episode 2, First Environment: Katsi Cook, a Mohawk midwife, activist, created the Woman is the First Environment Collaborative, a program that uplifts community-based projects and empowers Native women across generations. Robin Wall Kimmerer, a MacArthur Fellow and author of the New York Times best-seller Braiding Sweetgrass. The Rematriated Voices series brings together some of the most influential Indigenous voices of our time to share knowledge, values, and solutions urgently needed in a world grappling with division, ecological crisis, and social upheaval. Each episode highlights how Haudenosaunee principles, rooted in matrilineal culture, ecological balance, and collective responsibility, offer powerful frameworks for addressing issues such as democracy, land justice, food sovereignty, and the societal obligations to future generations. This is Episode 2. Image: From left: Michelle Schenandoah, host of Rematriated Voices and founder of Rematriation. Katsi Cook, a Mohawk midwife, activist, and creator of the Woman is the First Environment Collaborative, a program that uplifts community-based projects and empowers Native women across generations. Robin Wall Kimmerer, a MacArthur Fellow and author of the New York Times best-seller Braiding Sweetgrass.

In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 142), we're visiting with Diane Szukovathy, co-owner of Jello Mold Farm in western Washington and a founding member of the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market Cooperative. Diane shares her decades of experience as a flower farmer and cooperative leader, discussing the realities of small-scale farming, the importance of industry standards, and the newly released Floral Standards Book — a groundbreaking resource that compiles practical, research-backed post harvest care information for more than 230 crops. From her love of plants and an art background to her insights on pricing, sustainability, and cooperation, Diane offers a refreshingly honest look at what it takes to build a resilient flower business and community. Join us as we chat with Diane about: Her journey from artist to flower farmer and the origins of Jello Mold Farm The founding and evolution of the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market Why the Floral Standards Book was created and how it serves farmers and florists What the Floral Standards Book reveals about dahlia varieties, including vase life testing The role of quality standards in creating fair pricing and cohesive products Cooperative business models — how they function and benefit small-scale farms Challenges in U.S. flower farming: land access, climate change, and market pricing Lessons learned over two decades: finding niches, doing enterprise math, and taking time off The importance of abundance, generosity, and community in a sustainable floral future Links mentioned in this episode: Dr. John Dole – North Carolina State University professor, researcher, and post harvest expert ASCFG (Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers) – professional organization for flower farmers Robin Wall Kimmerer – author of Braiding Sweetgrass and The Serviceberry, cited for her perspective on abundance and reciprocity Downloadable Case Study: Portrait of a Cooperative Pioneer (The Seattle Wholesale Growers Market Cooperative) This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower School You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.     

Our website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod Facebook - Perks of Being a Book Lover. To send us a message go to our website and click the Contact button.   You can find Rediscovered Books at rdbooks.org/ or on IG at @rdbooks   The American Library Association's Banned Books Week is October 5-11, so we're sharing an interview with one of the co-owners of Rediscovered Books in Boise, Idaho, a store that has pioneered a program in their city to push back against book banning in their state. Rebecca Leber-Gottberg talks to us about the history of the bookstore, her role there, and books that folks in Boise have been buying, but she also explains the bookstore's Read Freely Project, which is their effort to get banned and threatened books dispersed throughout the community.    And in our book rec section, we're jumping into spooky season with books related to ghosts, but if you don't like horror, don't worry: a lot of these “ghostly” books aren't horror, and some of them may only seem to be about ghosts. We've got a historical fiction about the Sri Lankan civil war, a detective story in which ghosts are witnesses, a nonfiction book about unexplained phenomena which may or may not involve ghosts, a funny novella, a supernatural suspense, and a ghostly gothic novel set in Mexico.   Books Discussed in this Episode: 1- A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway 2- The Shift: One Nurse, Twelve House, Four Patients' Lives by Theresa Brown 3- American Sirens: The Incredible Story of the Black Men Who Became America's First Paramedics by Kevin Hazzard 4- The Queen Bees of Tybee County by Kyle Casey Chu 5- The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer  6- Trans History: A Graphic Novel by Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett  7- Lone Women by Victor LaValle  8- Wild Tongues Can't be Tamed: 15 Voices from the LatinX Diaspora edited by Saraciea J. Fennell  9- Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray  10- Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson 11- House on the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune  12- On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder  13- The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf 14- Firekeeper's Daughter by Angleine Boulley  15- Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley  16- Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley  17- The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins  18- Culpability by Bruce Holsinger  19- Songs for Other People's Weddings by David Levitan  20- A Five Star Read Recommended by Claire @bookishly_claire - Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen 21- The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka  22- The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde 23- Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch  24- Ghost Tamer by Meredith R. Lyons  25- The Haunting of Alma Fielding: A True Ghost Story by Kate Summerscale  26- The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas 27- This is Going to Hurt by Adam McKay   Media Mentioned: 1- The Pitt (Max 2025) 2- ER ( 1994- 2009) 3- This is Going to Hurt (2022, Amazon Prime) 4- The Craft Lit Podcast - https://craftlit.com/  

The teacher who lost her job after Derrick Van Orden attacked her right to free speech joins us. Krista Lesiecki talks about her experience and wants to defend her civil rights. Author Laura Bird comes on with reading recommendations. Bird recommends books with ties to this week's annual day of reconciliation and remembrance of the harm done to Native American children forced into abusive boarding schools. She points to: “House Made of Dawn” by N. Scott Momaday, “My Heart Fills With Happiness” by Monique Grey Smith, “For a Girl Becoming” by Joy Harjo, “The Second Chance of Benjamin Waterfalls” by James Bird, “Warrior Girl Unearthed” by Angeline Boulley, “Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology” edited by Shane Hawn and Theodore Van Alst, “Fire Exit” by Morgan Talty, “To the Moon and Back” by Eliana Ramage, “Medicine River: A Story of Survival and the Legacy of Indian Boarding Schools” by Mary Annette Pember, and “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. And we'll visit with Civic Media friend Jane Matenaer in Milwaukee. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Laura Bird, Krista Lesiecki

Propelled by the success of her runaway bestseller, “Braiding Sweetgrass”, Robin Wall Kimmerer (Citizen Potawatomi) continues a passion for weaving together the science, the cultural knowledge, and the beauty of the natural environment and importance of taking notice of it. In her new children's picture book, “Bud Finds Her Gift,” a young girl discovers what it means to receive and give the gifts of nature. And her book, “The Serviceberry,” lands on the small fruit clusters as a starting point to awaken one's gratitude for the environment's abundance. We'll hear from Kimmerer about the arc of her work and the additional knowledge she's collected from it.

This episode marks the turning point between The Great Disfarmament (Parts 1 - 6) and The Great Disarmament (Parts 8 - 13). We look back across centuries of agricultural violence—fertilizer bombs, chemical dependency, and genetic control—and begin to see a new story taking root. We recap key voices: the ecological grief of The Epic of Gilgamesh, the defiant poetry of William Blake, the wartime witness of Erich Maria Remarque, the prophetic science of Rachel Carson, the double-edged legacy of Norman Borlaug, and the braided wisdom of Robin Wall Kimmerer. The Great Disarmament didn't begin with a summit or a ceasefire. It began when people said no. When they composted control. When they made peace in the soil. Next episode, we follow that thread—into Spears & Surrender.

In this episode, Avis Kalfsbeek marks the final chapter of The Great Disfarmament—and the quiet rise of a different kind of power. As war tactics evolved from Cold War standoffs to post-9/11 surveillance and global contracting, the logic of control continued to infiltrate the land. Seeds were genetically modified, patented, and, in some cases, designed never to reproduce. Farmers were no longer growers but users—dependent on licensing, chemicals, and contracts. The soil was stripped. Sovereignty was sold. And the disfarmament, it seemed, was complete. Yet even as these systems tightened their grip, something ancient stirred beneath the surface. This episode honors the seed savers, the land listeners, and the quiet movements that began to push back. We meet Indigenous leader Winona LaDuke, whose work on food sovereignty and cultural memory reminds us that “food is medicine—not only for the body, but for the soul.” We also reflect through the lens of Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, who teaches that reciprocity, not ownership, defines our relationship with the earth. In a time of mechanized control, these voices call us to remember the seed not as a product, but as a promise. This is the story of regeneration and resistance— Of choosing ceremony over commodity, memory over monopoly, and kinship over control. Next, we begin Part II: The Great Disarmament.

Emily Pitts Donahoe shares what we can learn about grades from an “emerging failure" on episode 588 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast. Quotes from the episode They introduced a framework that attempts to identify the common features of alternative grading for growth systems that are meant to prioritize student growth and student learning over just grades and performance. -Emily Donahoe Those four pillars are marks that indicate progress, reattempts without penalty, clearly defined standards, and helpful feedback. -Emily Donahoe One of the most important functions of grades or marks given on individual assignments is to communicate to students about how they're progressing in a certain subject. Traditional grades don't serve this communicative function very well. -Emily Donahoe Resources Unmaking the Grade, Emily Pitts Donahoe's blog and reflective journal chronicling one educator's experiences with ungrading and other progressive teaching practices Grading for Growth: A Guide to Alternative Grading Practices That Promote Authentic Learning and Student Engagement in Higher Education, by Robert Talbert & David Clark Grading for Growth How Humans Learn: The Science and Stories Behind Effective College Teaching, By Joshua R. Eyler Failing Our Future: How Grades Harm Students and What We Can Do About It, by Joshua R. Eyler Harry Potter Wizards of Baking Sarah Rose Cavanagh Japanese restaurant at Irvine Spectrum all four of the Stachowiak family members like: Robata Wasa Wicked Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban More Everything Forever: AI Overlords, Space Empires, and Silicon Valley's Crusade to Control the Fate of Humanity, by Adam Becker Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants, by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Dr. Dan Jay has a mission to inspire where art and science meet. His life has been spent in the liminal and generative space between and among these domains of inquiry that are too often considered separate, distinct, even opposing. Yet, it is transformative creativity only possible from the co-mingling and conversation of art and science that we seem to be called to in the 21st century. Origins Podcast WebsiteFlourishing Commons NewsletterShow Notes:Falling Upward by Richard Rohr (05:20)Hinduism four stages of life (05:50)Society of Fellows (10:00)David Hubel (12:20)Will Ryman (13:00)Dan's hypercube series (20:00)self-emptying (24:30)Why we need an academic career path that combines science and art (27:00)Burroughs Wellcome Fund (28:00)Arthur Zajonc - 'something for the light to fall on' (31:00)Enfold initiative (32:00)collective over community (32:15)Ancient Greek symposium (35:00)Émile Durkheim - collective effervescence (38:30)Joie de vivre (38:30)vulnerability and frailty (41:30)compassionate leadership (42:40)flourishing (45:30)TS Eliot "The Four Quartets" (46:30)Souq al Arabi (48:20) "all flourishing is mutual" Robin Wall Kimmerer (52:00)encounters with flourishing (52:20)nuanced conception of flourishing (52:30)Lightning round (53:30)Book: Civilisation by Kenneth Clark Passion: spiritualityHeart sing: inspiration for his missionScrewed up: failed marriage Find Dan online:http://www.danjayart.com/https://smfa.tufts.edu/directory/dan-jayLogo artwork by Cristina GonzalezMusic by swelo on all streaming platforms or @swelomusic on social media

When we're feeling insecure in our relationships (especially during transitions like opening up, navigating new relationship dynamics, or major life changes), we often seek reassurance from our partners. But what does effective reassurance actually look like? How can we offer it authentically without trying to "fix" our partners' feelings? And how do we navigate the complex interplay between reassurance, reciprocity, and fairness?Reassurance in relationships isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. It's an ongoing practice that requires attunement, flexibility, and a deep understanding of your partner's unique needs.In this episode, we talk about:— What reassurance really means: actions, words, and engagement that serve to ease someone's doubts and fears (without guaranteeing those fears will disappear)— Why reassurance needs change based on context, trauma history, and how "full" your threat bucket already is— The essential ingredients for effective reassurance— Why the desire to make everything "fair" in relationships often comes from our wounded parts seeking safety and control— How to ask for specific reassurance: "Can you wrap your arms around me right here and tell me these exact words?"— The challenge of offering reassurance when it conflicts with your values or agreements (like canceling dates with others)— Why some people resist offering ongoing reassurance and what that might mean for the relationship— The possibility of reimagining relationship structures when reassurance needs aren't being met— How our "child parts" often drive our reassurance needs, and why acknowledging this can help us make more aligned requests— The difference between true reciprocity and transactional "fairness"Resources mentioned in this episode:— The Imago Dialogue episode— Imago Dialogue examples— Robin Wall Kimmerer's book Braiding SweetgrassJOIN The Year Of Opening® community for a full year of learning & support. Registration is open now at ⁠⁠www.TheYearOfOpening.com⁠⁠Learn the 5 secrets to open your relationship the smart wayAre you ready to open your relationship happily? Find out at www.JoliQuiz.comGet the answers you want to create the open relationship of your dreams! Sign up for an Ask Me Anything hereMusic: Dance of Felt by ⁠Blue Dot Sessions

We tour the Corriell Nature Preserve with Robin Wall Kimmerer and talk about the tools of land preservation.

This Sunday we begin Flourishing: Caring for All Creation – One Book, One Church with the story of Genesis 2. God places humankind in the garden, not to own it, but to tend and care for it. Robin Wall Kimmerer reminds us that creation is not a commodity but a gift—life flourishes when we receive it with gratitude and share it with generosity. #loveheals #CreationJustice #GodsGoodCreation #UrbanVillageChurch #FlourishingTogether

It's The Stacks Book Club Day, and we're talking about the plant world and nature with this month's pick, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The wonderful journalist and author Alexis Madrigal is back for this conversation on this modern nonfiction classic. We discuss the influence this book has had on writers and readers alike, as well as the essays that stuck with us most. We also dig into Kimmerer's relationship with city people and how she pushes the boundaries of what is possible.There are no spoilers in this episode.Be sure to listen to the end of today's episode to find out what our September book club pick will be.You can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:https://www.thestackspodcast.com/2025/8/27/ep-386-braiding-sweetgrassConnect with Alexis: Instagram | WebsiteConnect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | SubscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this solo episode, I'm wrapping up our Summer of Joy series with personal reflections, wellness updates, and what's been inspiring me lately. From navigating heavy world events to rediscovering my gym groove, tending my garden, and diving into some incredible reads, I'm sharing the everyday joys that have been keeping me grounded.Plus, I'm inviting you to join the conversation over on my Substack — whether you want to contribute your own reflections or simply read along.On My Radar:Solo Travel with Tracee Ellis Ross (Roku) — joyful, soulful solo adventuresLove Radio by Ebony LaDelle — a sweet, quick read for light escapeLiving in Wisdom by Devi Brown — reflections on authenticity and healingNo Holes Barred by Mandii B & Weezy — bold, unapologetic storytellingBraiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer — on reciprocity and gratitudeWant more? I share unfiltered reflections, bonus wellness tools, and behind-the-scenes stories from Be Well, Sis on my Substack. Come hang out there →Bewellsis.substack.comResources & LinksBrowse every book mentioned: My bookshop.org/bewellsis storefront (Affiliate Disclosure: As a Bookshop.org affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through the links provided. Every purchase also supports local independent bookstores)Follow Be Well, Sis on Instagram: @bewellsis_podcastWe're supporting St Jude's- head over to www.stjude.org/bewellsis right now and sign up to be a monthly donor. Together, we can make a real impact.Want to get in touch? Maybe you want to hear from a certain guest or have a recommendation for On My Radar? Get in touch at hello@editaud.io with Be Well Sis in the subject line! Have you're on Not Well, Sis rant to contribute? Click here to send it into the show!Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert. Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Debut novelist, Addie E. Citchens, joins us this week to discuss her book, Dominion—a Black Southern family drama told through the eyes of two women. Addie talks about how growing up in the church in Mississippi inspired her writing, and why she feels like she's been writing this story her whole life. We also talk about humor, a writing teacher who stifled her style, and how the ending of Dominion clicked into place. For the month of August, the Stacks Book Club pick will be reading Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. We will discuss the book on Wednesday, August 27th with Alexis Madrigal returning as our guest.You can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:https://www.thestackspodcast.com/2025/8/20/ep-385-addie-citchensConnect with Addie: InstagramConnect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | SubscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever wondered why corn, beans, and squash are often grown – and cooked – together?In late summer and early fall, sweet corn, tender squash, and every kind of bean offer a special kind of abundance at our gardens and local farmers' markets. But with all that bounty, what do you actually cook?We're sharing our top 10 Three Sisters-inspired recipes, and by the end of this episode, you'll:Learn why these crops are called the “Three Sisters,” and get reliable recipes to combine all three... because “what grows together, goes together”Discover quick and easy ways to maximize all that remaining zucchini piling up, from a simple Korean side dish to a rich and nutritious bruschetta toppingFind out trusted recipes to make the most of corn while it's still here, like an irresistible soup and a weeknight chicken dinner Tune in now for peak summer flavors, comforting meals, and exciting ways to cook with beans, corn, and squash!***This week's episode is sponsored by La Baleine, makers of ancestral sea salts harvested from France.A high-quality sea salt can transform just about any dish, and finishing sea salt is one of those small touches that makes a big difference in home cooking. We love their Le Saunier de Camargue Fleur de Sel. It's harvested by hand during a few weeks each year, when the sea, air, and wind align to create the delicate “salt flower” that rises to the surface. Grab a jar of their flaky fleur de sel here, or at your local Whole Foods Market, and add a little French sparkle to your next dish.***Links:Our three sisters' episode from Season 2 with Javier Lara: The three sisters: Indigenous wisdom for growing, sharing, and home cooking squash, beans, and cornAlso from season 2, you can listen to an entire episode about Summer Corn To learn more about the three sisters, we highly recommend Robin Wall Kimmerer's Braiding SweetgrassCornSonya's corn soupGrilled chicken thighs and corn with...

Journalist, Alexis Madrigal, joins the Stacks to discuss his debut book, The Pacific Circuit: A Globalized Account of the Battle for the Soul of an American City—the “American city” in question being Oakland, CA. Today, Alexis gives us insight into why he wanted to tell the story of Oakland in particular, and why it matters in broader national and global context. He also explains how COVID impacted this book, both his personal writing process and the city of Oakland at large.For the month of August, the Stacks Book Club pick will be Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. We will discuss the book on Wednesday, August 27th with Alexis Madrigal returning as our guest.You can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:https://www.thestackspodcast.com/2025/8/6/ep-383-alexis-madrigalConnect with Alexis: Instagram | WebsiteConnect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | SubscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this trial run for the “GrowthBusters Book Club,” we discuss The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World - by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Cannibal economies, gift economies, reciprocity, and doughnut economics all come up. Sally Gillespie in her Substack column, Psyche's Nest wrote this about Kimmerer's book: “As disruptions and destructions reach our communities in all manner of ways, acts of kindness and generosity are already challenging modernity's stories of ‘never enough' and ‘you're on your own'. Often led by those on the margins, we are remembering how to pool resources and gather for action and care as we tend to losses, connections, breakthroughs, emergencies and emergence. It seems to me that no one word is sufficient to describe this devolving and evolving process we are now in. What we need more than a word or a phrase are stories bearing ancient roots and seeds of possibility for the future.” We also talk briefly about President Trump's “big, beautiful bill” beautifully illustrating how policymakers – cheered on by Jeff Bezos – frequently rely on the crutch of economic growth rather than a sharp pencil in balancing the budget. The increased tax revenue never ends up covering costs – because costs skyrocket, too, in a growing economy. The hard budget-balancing work is looking at the detail, doing the math, ferreting out REAL waste, and setting and following priorities. Interestingly, Robin Wall Kimmerer wrote about this phenomenon: “An economy based on the impossibility of ever-expanding growth leads us into nightmare scenarios. I cringe when I hear economic reports celebrating the accelerating pace of economic growth, as if that were a good thing. It might be good for the Darrens, for the short term, but it is a dead end for others – it is an engine of extinction.” Also, a note about how “record Memorial Day travel” also means record carbon emissions. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Beyond collapse: Carrying Stories of Care – by Sallie Gillespie in Psyche's Nest on Substack: https://sallygillespie.substack.com/p/beyond-collapse-carrying-stories The Serviceberry: An Economy of Abundance - by Robin Wall KimmererOriginal essay in Emergence Magazine: https://emergencemagazine.org/essay/the-serviceberry/ A Resolution for 2021: Be a Better Ancestor (review of The Good Ancestor): https://grist.org/climate/a-resolution-for-2021-be-a-better-ancestor/ The Good Ancestor: Following the Intergenerational Golden Rule – episode 54 of the GrowthBusters podcast featuring philosopher Roman Krznarik, author of The Good Ancestor: A Radical Prescription for Long-Term Thinking: https://www.growthbusters.org/good-ancestor/ What Doughnut Economics Can Learn From History – Roman Krznaric & Kate Raworth: https://youtu.be/FfUOs4ZJ1wM?si=dAIJjeYBUt6Amr3C Flipping Economics on Its Head: Kate Raworth – episode 219 of Conversation Earth: http://www.conversationearth.org/flipping-economics-head-kate-raworth-219/ Thriving Economy: Not Rocket Science – Kate Raworth – episode 220 of Conversation Earth: http://www.conversationearth.org/thriving-economy-not-rocket-science-kate-raworth-220/ Kate Raworth – Exploring Doughnut Economics: https://www.kateraworth.com/ Doughnut Economics Action Lab: https://doughnuteconomics.org/ End of Ponzi Economy: Jerry Mander – episode 203 of Conversation Earth: http://www.conversationearth.org/end-ponzi-economy-jerry-mander-203/ Bright Future Project: https://brightfutureproject.us We've been unable to find Bob Banner's essay, Why Relocalization? – A Return to the Local, so in its place: Relocalization: A Strategic Response to Climate Change and Peak Oil – by Jason Bradford (2007, but still very relevant and informative): http://theoildrum.com/node/2598 Sustainability: Radical Solutions Inspiring Hope – edited by Bob Banner: https://www.amazon.com/Sustainability-Radical-Solutions-Inspiring-Hope/dp/0980230802   Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. https://www.fadermusicandsound.com/ https://carlosjones.com/ On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society's growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture's obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the GrowthBusters online community https://growthbusters.groups.io/ GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube https://youtu.be/_w0LiBsVFBo Join the conversation on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GrowthBustersPodcast/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/growthbusting/ Follow us on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/growthbusters.bsky.social Make a donation to support this non-profit project. https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/ Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes http://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/ Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates https://lp.constantcontact.com/su/umptf6w/signup Explore the issues at http://www.growthbusters.org View the GrowthBusters channel on YouTube Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:  

Hello to you, Mary D., listening in Coupeville, Washington!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.A longtime podcast listener and Substack subscriber suggested I read The Serviceberry - Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The author invites us to consider the gift of reciprocity between Nature and ourselves, ourselves and the rest of Creation. Neither the size of the gift nor the nature of the gift is what matters but the spirit of giving. I have a splendid pie cherry tree in my yard which could be picked to make splendid cherry pies; but this tree I leave for the birds, squirrels and deer.Recently, my friend and neighbor celebrated her 85th birthday. I know I could have bought her some delicious, made-fresh-daily scones from Jupiter Coffee; but I know she favors a loaf of bread studded with raisins and caraway seed, bound together with full fat buttermilk and other ingredients that we call Spotted Dick Dog Bread. To her gift I added a small jar of cherry preserves I received in trade from another elderly neighbor who was canning the fruitful gift of the Rainier Cherry tree in his front yard.We did things like this during the COIVD epidemic. Remember? In many ways we're right back in an epidemic; but the dangers are not germs so much as they are anxiety, confusion, bewilderment, loneliness, and exhaustion. We wonder who to trust, who or what will be taken away, what will happen during the night, and, when will all this end?I don't have the answers, except to say I doubt a one of us saw COVID as a dress rehearsal although the perspective of hindsight tells me it was.TIP: Let's get back to the giving we practiced then because, as you well know, giving is always in style. It keeps us bound together - like “braiding with sweetgrass.”Thank you for listening!You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a free no-sales Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

Tired of living disconnected from nature's rhythms while racing through an endless calendar of obligations? This episode explores how Cross-Quarter Days—the forgotten midpoints between solstices and equinoxes—can transform your year from four rushed seasons into eight meaningful moments of pause and reflection. Rather than borrowing ancient Celtic traditions that don't match your local landscape, discover how to create place-based celebrations anchored to what's actually happening in your backyard: which plants are fruiting, what animals are active, how the night sky shifts, and what indigenous peoples called each full moon. Joined by Mariah Gladstone, founder of Indigikitchen and expert in indigenous food systems, we'll discuss how regular gatherings around seasonal, locally-sourced meals can reconnect you to both your natural surroundings and your community. This conversation will give you practical tools for slowing down and finding meaning in nature's calendar, without cultural appropriation or complicated rituals.LINKS FROM EPISODE 126:2025 Stargazing Guide (FREE download): https://nightskytourist.com/guide/ Indigikitchen: https://www.indigikitchen.com/ Indigikitchen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Indigikitchen Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer: https://www.robinwallkimmerer.com/books “The Little-Known Links between Holidays and Cross-Quarter Days”: https://nightskytourist.com/cross-quarter-days/ VISIT OUR WEBSITEVisit the Night Sky Tourist website to book private stargazing experiences, read inspiring articles, and find resources to take your stargazing to the next level. You can find us at: https://nightskytourist.com/ FOLLOW & SUPPORTRate us: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple PodcastsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTouristNewsletter: Sign up at NightSkyTourist.com for exclusive content and updatesQuestions? Email Hello@NightSkyTourist.com

We tour the Corriell Nature Preserve with Robin Wall Kimmerer and talk about the tools of land preservation.

This week-ahead reading for July 7-13, 2025 is an excerpt from today's ⁠Somatic Space class⁠ with Renee Sills. For the full-length forecast and embodied practice for this week, ⁠purchase the recording here⁠.Gemini rules exchanges of all kinds as well as markets and economies. Uranus brings innovation and disruption and Venus brings love and reciprocity. Notice how your connections, conversations, and consciousness are shifting and changing! What a fabulous time it is for disrupting market economies that rely on extraction and fabricated scarcity! What an amazing opportunity this era is giving us to innovate, invent and invest in new (and recycled) models for change! Use this week's influences to reflect on the ways you're reaching important culminations in your Capricorn-ruled placements and how these lineages and past experiences might support new growth, learning and possibilities in your Gemini and Cancer placements. For practical inspiration and motivation, I highly recommend Robin Wall Kimmerer's book, The Serviceberry.In Sacred Economics, Charles Eisenstein reflects on the economy of ecosystems: “In nature, headlong growth and all-out competition are features of immature ecosystems, followed by complex interdependence, symbiosis, cooperation, and the cycling of resources. The next stage of human economy will parallel what we are beginning to understand about nature. It will call forth the gifts of each of us; it will emphasize cooperation over competition; it will encourage circulation over hoarding; it will be cyclical, not linear. Money may not disappear anytime soon, but it will serve a diminished role even as it takes on more of the properties of gift. The economy will shrink and our lives will grow.”***

Potawatomi botanist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer visits the Andrews Experimental Forest in Oregon, where over the course of two centuries scientists will study how old-growth trees and their decomposition contribute to the biogeochemical cycles of the Earth. For the forest's cedar trees, Robin says, death is merely a transition—a rearrangement of elements from one species to the next. What might this teach us about the nature of our own “afterlife?” Can this cyclical ecology be an experimental theology? This episode is the final in a series we are sharing in partnership with the Center for Humans and Nature. Read the essay. Illustration by Ibrahim Rayintakath. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week-ahead reading for June 9-15, 2025 is an excerpt from today's ⁠Somatic Space class⁠ with Renee Sills. 100% of this week's class recording sales will go to support bailout funds for folks who are standing up against fascism and ICE in LA. Help your body/mind and help your extended community by sharing Somatic Space with them

She's a botanist, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, and the author of the bestselling Braiding Sweetgrass. In her new book she criticizes the market economy — but she and Steve find a surprising amount of common ground. SOURCES:Robin Wall Kimmerer, botanist and founder and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment. RESOURCES:The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, by Robin Wall Kimmerer (2024).Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants, by Robin Wall Kimmerer (2015).Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses, by Robin Wall Kimmerer (2003)."The Deadweight Loss of Christmas," by Joel Waldfogel (The American Economic Review, 1993)."Reproductive Ecology of Tetraphis pellucida. I. Population Density and Reproductive Mode," by Robin Wall Kimmerer (The Bryologist, 1991). EXTRAS:"The Deadliest Disease in Human History," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2025)."How Smart Is a Forest?" by People I (Mostly) Admire (2023)."Jane Goodall Changed the Way We See Animals. She's Not Done." by People I (Mostly) Admire (2022).

This week-ahead reading for June 2-7, 2025 is an excerpt from today's ⁠Somatic Space class⁠ with Renee Sills. For the full-length forecast and embodied practice for this week, ⁠purchase the recording here⁠.Use this week's astrology to give direction to chains of motion that ripple through the connections between small choices. There is nothing about anything that is unimportant. Every detail matters. The tiniest, subtlest pieces are essential for the big picture. Intention precedes attention; attention precedes action; actions produce effects. Multitudes of small choices are just as powerful, if not more so, than singular big decisions.From Renee: I'm inspired this week (every week) by Robin Wall Kimmerer and the ways she brings light to the life that's all around us. In her book, The Serviceberry, she offers practical, pleasurable ways to make a massive difference. If you feel confused, heartbroken, overwhelmed, defeated, depressed, or just ready for some inspiration, please read or listen to some of what she has to say. Let's re-member together the abundance that we're already part of. To paraphrase RWK, let's imagine what kinds of social and political climates we could be part of creating and tending if we uplifted the idea that humans are empathic mutualists rather than isolated individuals. 

On this episode of Currently Reading, Kaytee and Meredith are discussing: Bookish Moments: reading slumps and how to replant your reading life Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we've been reading lately Deep Dive: how to talk about books “in the wild” The Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading lives Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site) .  .  .  .  1:21 - Our Bookish Moments Of The Week 7:18 - Our Current Reads 7:37 - Murder in the Dollhouse: The Jennifer Dulos Story by Rich Cohen (Meredith) 14:11 - My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows (Kaytee) 14:22 - CR Season 3: Episode 1 18:34 - My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows 19:49 - The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan (Meredith) 24:49 - She Memes Well by Quinta Brunson (Kaytee) 28:02 - Lexicon by Max Barry (Meredith) 31:26 - The Rook by Daniel O'Malley 31:35 - Babel by R.F. Kuang 33:52 - The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl (Kaytee) 35:01 - The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan 35:03 - World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil 35:08 - Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer 35:09 - The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer 35:12 - An Immense World by Ed Yong 37:14 - How To Talk About Books In The Wild 39:27 - Shawnathemom on Instagram 43:56 - Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir 45:56 - Lexicon by Max Barry 47:24 - Babel by R.F. Kuang 52:10 - Meet Us At The Fountain 52:19 - I wish the next book I talked about was a book I liked, rather than a book that I did not. (Meredith) 52:36 - A Small Porch by Wendell Berry 54:47 - I wish to always have the right book for the person in front of me. (Kaytee) Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Grab Some Merch Shop Bookshop dot org | Shop Amazon Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. May's IPL is a new indie to the rotation - Dog Eared Books in Ames, Iowa. Love and Chili Peppers with Kaytee and Rebekah - romance lovers get their due with this special episode focused entirely on the best selling genre fiction in the business.  All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the behind-the-scenes insights of an independent bookseller From the Editor's Desk with Kaytee and Bunmi Ishola - a quarterly peek behind the curtain at the publishing industry The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show: Instagram | Website | Email | Threads The Hosts and Regulars: Meredith | Kaytee | Mary | Roxanna Production and Editing: Megan Phouthavong Evans Affiliate Disclosure: All affiliate links go to Bookshop unless otherwise noted. Shopping here helps keep the lights on and benefits indie bookstores. Thanks for your support!

This week, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Indigenous ecologist and author of “The Serviceberry: An Economy of Gifts and Abundance,” talks about the virtues of the ‘gift economy,” and explains that gifting is instinctive in the natural world and has been the way of life with Indigenous cultures who have found that relying on each other is mutually beneficial. When one group or person offers their resources, they have the understanding that there is always reciprocity down the road.