In a captivating discussion, Robin Wall Kimmerer, a mother, scientist, and renowned author, dives into the idea of abundance in nature and its implications for economics. She shares insights on the Saskatoon service berry as a model for mutual support and interconnectedness. Robin encourages a shift from competition to cooperation, highlighting gratitude practices as a way to combat feelings of not-enoughness. The conversation also delves into plant cognition and the importance of blending Indigenous wisdom with scientific knowledge, urging us to rethink our relationship with the natural world.

It’s November and you need chill vibes. And Native American Heritage Month is the perfect time to encore this classic. World-renowned author, botanist, Indigenous ecology professor and bryologist Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of “Gathering Moss” and “Braiding Sweetgrass,”  talks about her passion for moss. Cozy up for the most beautifully doled-out information about hidden worlds, overlooked mysteries, botanical drama, forests in miniature, Native peoples’ uses for moss and philosophies about science and ecology. Dr. Kimmerer will change the way you see mosses forever, will inspire you to wear a loupe on a rope, and will soothe your soul with her beautiful voice and prose. Also bathmats, lawns and smoothies made of moss? We discuss.Follow Dr. Kimmerer on Facebook at Look for her books at independent bookstores or wherever books are sold (including Amazon): “Braiding Sweetgrass” and “Gathering Moss”Donations went to the ESF’s Center for Native Peoples and the Environment and American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)More episode sources and linksOther episodes you may enjoy: Indigenous Cuisinology (NATIVE COOKING), Indigenous Fire Ecology (GOOD FIRE), Indigenous Fashionology (NATIVE CLOTHING), Experimental Archeology (OLD TOOLS/ATLATLS), Carnivorous Phytobiology (MEAT-EATING PLANTS), Cycadology (RARE PLANT DRAMA), Bisonology (BUFFALO), Foraging Ecology (EATING WILD PLANTS), Critical Ecology (SOCIAL SYSTEMS + ENVIRONMENT)Sponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, masks, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam MediaTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn

Few books have been more eagerly passed from hand to hand with delight in these last years than Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass. Krista interviewed her in 2015, and it quickly became a much-loved show as her voice was just rising in common life. Robin is a botanist and also a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She’s written, “Science polishes the gift of seeing, Indigenous traditions work with gifts of listening and language.” An expert in moss — a bryologist — she describes mosses as the “coral reefs of the forest.” Robin Wall Kimmerer opens a sense of wonder and humility for the intelligence in all kinds of life we are used to naming and imagining as inanimate.And, this week, an invitation: Krista recently announced that in June we are transitioning On Being from a weekly show to a seasonal podcast. We hope you’ll help us celebrate this threshold, and these first two decades, by sharing how you’ve made this adventure of conversation your own:Is there a guest, an idea or a moment from an episode that has made a difference, that has stayed with you? We’ve created a way for you to record your reflection simply — and at the same time sign up to stay on top of what’s happening next: onbeing.org/staywithus. Krista will be offering some of her defining memories, too: in a special online event in June, on social media, and more. So — please and thank you — go to onbeing.org/staywithus.Robin Wall Kimmerer is the State University of New York Distinguished Teaching Professor at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse. She is founding director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment. She works with tribal nations on environmental problem-solving and sustainability. Part of that work is about recovering lineages of knowledge that were made illegal in the policies of tribal assimilation which did not fully end in the U.S. until the 1970s. Her books include Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses and Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants.Find the transcript for this show at onbeing.org.This show originally aired in February 2016.

Few books have been more eagerly passed from hand to hand with delight in these last years than Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass. Krista interviewed her in 2015, and it quickly became a much-loved show as her voice was just rising in common life. Robin is a botanist and also a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She’s written, “Science polishes the gift of seeing, Indigenous traditions work with gifts of listening and language.” An expert in moss — a bryologist — she describes mosses as the “coral reefs of the forest.” Robin Wall Kimmerer opens a sense of wonder and humility for the intelligence in all kinds of life we are used to naming and imagining as inanimate.And, this week, an invitation: Krista recently announced that in June we are transitioning On Being from a weekly show to a seasonal podcast. We hope you’ll help us celebrate this threshold, and these first two decades, by sharing how you’ve made this adventure of conversation your own:Is there a guest, an idea or a moment from an episode that has made a difference, that has stayed with you? We’ve created a way for you to record your reflection simply — and at the same time sign up to stay on top of what’s happening next: onbeing.org/staywithus. Krista will be offering some of her defining memories, too: in a special online event in June, on social media, and more. So — please and thank you — go to onbeing.org/staywithus.Robin Wall Kimmerer is the State University of New York Distinguished Teaching Professor at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse. She is founding director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment. She works with tribal nations on environmental problem-solving and sustainability. Part of that work is about recovering lineages of knowledge that were made illegal in the policies of tribal assimilation which did not fully end in the U.S. until the 1970s. Her books include Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses and Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants.This interview is edited and produced with music and other features in the On Being episode "Robin Wall Kimmerer — The Intelligence of Plants." Find the transcript for that show at onbeing.org.This show originally aired in February 2016.

Join Robin Wall Kimmerer, a Potawatomi botanist and author known for her influential works like "Braiding Sweetgrass," as she explores the transformative role of the serviceberry. She discusses how embracing a sense of 'enoughness' can reshape our consumption habits and the ethical principles of the Honorable Harvest that encourage a reciprocal relationship with the Earth. Kimmerer critiques traditional economic views, advocating for a gift economy that recognizes nature's intrinsic value, and emphasizes the deep connections of gratitude and community.

Robin Wall Kimmerer, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, discusses her book 'The Serviceberry,' emphasizing economies of abundance and nature's teachings. She advocates for a shift from consumerism to gratitude and interconnectedness. Trish O'Kane, an environmental activist and author of 'Birding to Change the World,' shares her transformative journey from journalist to ornithologist after Hurricane Katrina. She highlights nature's healing power and community engagement through birding, illustrating how observing birds can nurture well-being and connection.

Robin Wall Kimmerer, a Potawatomi botanist and author, shares her insights on moving from an economy of scarcity to one rich in gratitude and relationships. She celebrates the joy of picking serviceberries, emphasizing their cultural significance and the deeper themes of reciprocity. Kimmerer critiques modern economic practices, advocating for communal gift economies that foster interdependence and ecological sustainability. Her vision highlights the importance of honoring nature’s gifts to create a flourishing and interconnected community.

Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer discusses merging Western science with Indigenous knowledge, emphasizing gratitude for nature and learning from ancient plants. The importance of moss resilience and reevaluating success. Shifting from viewing nature as a commodity to a gift, advocating for a kin-centric relationship with nature. Updates on UK election, French Open tennis, and AI solutions.

Author Robin Wall Kimmerer discusses the intersection of Indigenous wisdom and science in 'Braiding Sweetgrass'. Topics include language's influence on perception, integrating indigenous knowledge in science, indigenous vs. English language perspectives, emotional connection in data science, preserving sweetgrass, and sustainable indigenous agricultural practices.

An instant classic. You’ll listen on repeat as world-renowned author, botanist, Indigenous ecology professor and bryologist Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer talks about her passion for moss. Cozy up for the most beautifully doled-out information about hidden worlds, overlooked mysteries, botanical drama, forests in miniature, Native peoples’ uses for moss and philosophies about science and ecology. Dr. Kimmerer, author of “Gathering Moss” and “Braiding Sweetgrass,” will change the way you see mosses forever, will inspire you to wear a loupe on a rope, and will soothe your soul with her beautiful voice and prose. Also bathmats, lawns and smoothies made of moss? We discuss. Follow Dr. Kimmerer at facebook.com/braidingsweetgrass Look for her books at independent bookstores or wherever books are sold (including Amazon): “Braiding Sweetgrass” and “Gathering Moss” Donations went to the ESF’s Center for Native Peoples and the Environment and American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Sponsor links: kiwico.com/ologies; hellotushy.com/ologies More links at alieward.com/ologies/bryology Transcripts & bleeped episodes at: alieward.com/ologies-extras Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologies OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes and uh...bikinis? Hi. Yes. Follow twitter.com/ologies or instagram.com/ologies Follow twitter.com/AlieWard or instagram.com/AlieWard Sound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray Morris Theme song by Nick ThorburnSupport the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies