The Proof with Simon Hill

Healthy people and planet | Stephen Brooks

Oct 21, 2024

In this engaging conversation with Stephen Brooks, an ethnobotanist and permaculture advocate, the discussion revolves around the transformative power of sustainable living. Stephen shares insights on the ethics of modern food systems and highlights unique fruits to explore. He outlines practical permaculture practices that strengthen communities and emphasizes the importance of perennial crops. With tales from his journey across Costa Rica, he inspires listeners to reconnect with nature and envision a harmonious future where food systems heal the planet.

01:51:59

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Episode guests

Stephen Brooks

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Quick takeaways

The concept of the 'Church of Fruit' illustrates how fruits forge a spiritual connection with nature and promote environmental stewardship.

The speaker's journey as an ethnobotanist highlights the impact of personal experiences on fostering a dedication to ecological awareness and sustainable practices.

Permaculture is presented as a solution to global challenges, harmonizing human activity with nature to create sustainable food systems.

Community engagement and open communication are essential for building sustainable living practices and fostering interpersonal connections in urban settings.

Deep dives

The Church of Fruit

Fruits serve not only as nourishment but as a connection to the divine and nature, emphasizing the importance of our relationship with Earth. The speaker introduces the concept of the 'Church of Fruit,' where appreciation of plants and fruits is akin to a spiritual practice. The joy and wonder derived from fruits reflect the beauty of creation and underscore a desire to cultivate love for the planet. Acknowledging the bounty of fruits can foster a deeper understanding of our responsibility to care for the environment we inhabit.

Intro

3min

Cultivating Hope: A Journey Towards Sustainability

13min

Urgent Shifts Towards Sustainable Living

4min

Sustainable Living and Community Resilience

19min

The Benefits of Perennial Crops and Proper Hydration

3min

Towards Sustainable Agriculture and Community Living

21min

Innovative Capitalism and Holistic Communities

12min

Innovative Sustainability: Harnessing Waste for Energy

5min

Sustainable Urban Practices and Exotic Fruits

13min

10.

Nurturing Nature: The Power of Nitrogen-Fixing Plants

16min

Episode #336. What if our food systems could help heal the Earth? Join me as I sit down with ethnobotanist Stephen Brooks to explore permaculture, alternative living, and the future of agriculture. Together, we discuss how you can be part of the solution to building a better balance between humans and nature.

You’ll learn about the principles of permaculture, the ethical issues in modern food systems, and some unique fruits to seek out. Stephen also shares his vision for designing cities and agriculture that work in harmony with the planet, and why now is the time to get involved in the transition to a healthier world.

Specifically, we discuss:

The World of Fruit and Plants: Connection to Nature (00:00)
From Miami to Costa Rica: A Journey into Sustainability (03:59)
Environmental Injustice and the Impact on Communities (05:08)
Permaculture and Sustainable Agriculture Practices (11:54)
How to Build Sustainable Communities through Permaculture (26:30)
Perennial Vegetables: A Key to Sustainable Agriculture (39:15)
Diet Trends, Agriculture, and Sustainable Living Practices (41:56)
Sustainable Human Systems: Permaculture and Design (48:59)
Renewable Energy Solutions for Sustainable Communities (01:16:32)
Practical Urban Farming and Sustainable Practices (01:19:55)
The Joy of Nitrogen-Fixing Plants and Sustainable Farming (01:30:36)
Fruit Ceremonies: Building Community and Connection (01:38:30)
Blueprint for Sustainable Living and Community Building (01:44:30)

Connect with Stephen on Instagram, where you can find more information about his current and upcoming projects.

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Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)

Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill

Author of The Proof is in the Plants