Unshod with D. Firth Griffith

This yarn with my friend Taylor Keen explores the intersection / divergence of indigenous wisdom and modern agriculture, emphasizing the sacredness of food and the importance of traditional practices. We discuss the historical context of agriculture, the impact of corporate practices on indigenous methods, and the need for a deeper understanding and spirituality of the relationship between humans and Earth. Taylor highlights the significance of rituals in agriculture and the memory embedded in seeds, advocating for a return to indigenous practices to foster a more sustainable future and more. Taylor also touches BIGFOOT and figures like Bigfoot and the historical context of agricultural practices in America, emphasizing the need for a return to more harmonious and collaborative ways of living with the land.Episode website HERE.

What if our approach to regenerating the planet is fundamentally flawed by the Settler-Colonial Worldview? What if it is not our approach as much as it is our heart--our relationship to the Land as the Land? In this profound conversation with my friend, Taylor Keen—a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Harvard graduate, and founder of Sacred Seed—we explore the stark contrast between indigenous wisdom and the modern environmental movements of Regenerative Agriculture, Sustainable Development, and so much more.Taylor takes us deep into the origins of Turtle Island, the indigenous name for Earth (Not America) found in creation stories dating back over 15,000 years. This isn't just mythology, as Taylor speaks—it's a cosmological understanding that connects human existence to both stars and soil. Through Taylor's storytelling, we discover how indigenous peoples maintain sustainable relationships with the land for thousands of generations, while our modern "green" movements often perpetuate the same mindsets that created our environmental crisis over and over and over again, masking its problems as solutions, or salvation.The conversation challenges the very heart of our relationship with Earth. Taylor explains how indigenous traditions place plants first, animals second, and humans third—a radical departure from the dominion-based thinking that characterizes even well-intentioned environmental efforts. When he speaks about traditional agricultural knowledge, like planting by moon cycles or having only women of childbearing age plant seeds, we glimpse ourselves undeveloped by the millennia of careful colonization and observe our once-spiritual spiritual connection.Most provocatively, I think, Taylor questions whether our rush to "save" the planet portrays the same arrogance that damaged it. Drawing on teachings from Vine Deloria Jr. and John Trudell, he suggests a different trace forward—one where we stop giving power to colonial and linear minds and instead become true kin with the land. "God is the land," Taylor insists, suggesting that treating Earth with the same reverence we give to religious texts might be our only path to survival.Whether you're concerned about climate change, passionate about regenerative agriculture, or simply trying to understand your place in the natural world, this conversation will challenge your thinking and open new possibilities for healing our broken relationship with Mother Earth.Episode Webpage: HERE.

What does it mean to truly live the relationship of the animate world around us? How must our path as Settler-Colonialist effect this relationship? In this episode with my friend Kelley Harrell, we discuss this and many surrounding topics! This conversation explores the profound challenges and opportunities of cultivating animistic awareness in these uncertain times.Kelly, an animist, death walker, and author, shares her journey of navigating America's settler culture while developing authentic spiritual practices with runes. She articulates the crucial difference between intellectually believing in animism and embodying that life-way through direct relationship with place. "Animism for me is the thing that I strive for," she reflects, "but I often feel that I'm so entrenched in American settler culture that I will never be able to really claim it."As climate "chaos" disrupts our seasonal patterns and ecological relationships, Kelly calls us to develop new ceremonies that honor both ancestral wisdom and present realities. The Land remembers what our ancestors did – and it remembers what settlers continue to do today. Holding both of these truths  becomes essential for authentic animistic practices today. Or just in being human: a good kin.The conversation turns toward the end to Kelly's work with Runes as living entities rather than static symbols. When approached from an animistic perspective, these ancient symbols offer a bridge between worlds.Perhaps most powerfully, in the end, we explore death – both literal human death and the countless transformations that comprise ecological cycles. We explore how our culture's fear of death manifests as our impatience with natural process. We see that it takes Earth 100 years to create an inch of soil, but we want it in 1.Kelly is an animist, author, deathwalker, and death doula held and tended by Tuscarora, Woccon, and Sissipihaw land. For the last 25 years, through Soul Intent Arts, she has helped others ethically build thriving spiritual paths. Her work is Nature-based, and centers soul tending through the Elder Futhark runes oracle, animism, ancestral tending, and deathwork. Kelly also host the podcast, What in the Wyrd, and also writes The Weekly Rune as a celebration of the Elder Futhark in season.Learn moe about Kelly HERE.

In this episode, I talk with my friend Kern Carter as he shares his insights on the intricate relationship between storytelling, culture, and identity, emphasizing the importance of patience and authenticity in the writing process. He reflects on the influence of artists like Kendrick Lamar and Toni Morrison, advocating for a diverse representation in literature while highlighting the essential role of writers in society.Learn more about Kern on his WEBSITE or SUBSTACK.Unshod Links:Sacred Field Harvesting Course HERE.Order my The Plain of Pillars new book HERE.

This conversation is a multi-layered yarn with my friend Angie Kelly, who reveals her transformative journey from a biologist working in Canada's oil fields to an author of Epic and rage-worthy Fantasy. She explores the delicate relationship between nature, grief, and storytelling while introducing her captivating novel, "The Source of Storms."Angie's Website HERE or Substack HERE or Instagram HERE.Pre-Order my latest NOVEL HERE.

In this conversation, Jake and Maren of Death in the Garden explore the challenges and realities of being an artist in today's fast-paced world. We discuss the necessity of patience in the creative process, the importance of storytelling in both fiction and nonfiction, and the need for imagination in a mechanized society. Together, the conversation also emphasizes he value of personal experience and the interplay between happiness and sorrow in understanding life and art. The conversation also touches on the struggle to find time for creativity amidst modern distractions and the importance of nurturing a relationship with the muse. And so much more.Death in the Garden Substack HERE or Youtube HERE.Film: What is the Human Animal?Pre-Order Daniel's latest kincentric mythology (novel) HERE.About Jake and Maren:Death in The Garden is a film project which aims to explore modern human culture and it’s unique relation to ecology. Jake and Maren focus on subjects such as agriculture, technology, psychology, sociology, philosophy, anthropology, and history to explore complex issues like climate change and the modern crisis of meaning through a holistic lens. In addition to the films they are producing, they have an extensive catalog of essays on Substack as well as podcasts primarily collected during filming. Maren is currently working on her debut novel, the first book of the Fall of Men series: a trilogy set hundreds of years after the collapse of global civilization.

This episode is with Kay Baxter of The Kōanga Institute, Aotearoa's (New Zealand) largest heritage seed bank & food plant collection. Our conversation emphasizes the vital connection between heritage seeds, community, and individual health. By sharing personal stories and insights, Kay explores how reconnecting with the earth and understanding the history and cultural significance of seeds can lead to an actually holistic nourishment and a renewed sense of purpose in our lives.Learn more about Kay and Kōanga HERE.Learn more about Unshod HERE.

This conversation with Leah Rampy, author of Earth and Soul, emphasizes the importance of connecting deeply with the Earth amidst climate chaos. By exploring themes of kinship, responsibility, and deep listening, we uncover ways to foster relationship with nature that can lead to sustainable solutions for our planet.  Learn more about Leah HERE. Buy Leah's book, Earth and Soul HERE.Learn more about Daniel and Unshod HERE.Leah Rampy is a writer, speaker, and retreat leader who weaves ecology, spirituality, personal stories, and practices to help others deepen their relationship to the natural world. She is the author of the award winning Earth & Soul: Reconnecting amid Climate Chaos and a frequent speaker on spiritual ecology and leadership in these uncertain times. Leah co-authored and co-facilitated with Beth Norcross the six-part video series on The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees: Insights from Our Elders in collaboration with the award-winning film maker Jane Pittman and sponsored by The Center for Spirituality in Nature. Leah and Beth are co-authoring a book, Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees, to be published by Broadleaf Books in April 2025.​She has led over a dozen pilgrimages to sacred places in the US and internationally for the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation where she previously served as the Executive Director and continues as an adjunct staff member. She is the founder and leader of Church of the Wild Two Rivers, affiliated with the Wild Church Network, that meets regularly to deepen spirituality through time in the natural world. Leah also offers retreats through Friends of Silence, a nonprofit honoring the work and intent of the late, well-loved author, Nan Merrill. Through Shepherd University’s Lifelong Learning Program, Leah teaches classes on ecology through the lens of current writers. Her essays on living more fully connected to Earth in these uncertain times have appeared in the Anthology of Appalachian Writers (Barbara Kingsolver edition), The Cardinal Anthology Vol 1, and Soul Food; Nourishing Essays on Contemplative Living and Leadership. She is a member of West Virginia Writers.Leah holds a doctorate in Curriculum from Indiana University. She has extensive leadership experience as an executive in Fortune 100 organizations and in nonprofits and has offered executive coaching and consulting to individuals and organizations through the business she founded in 2001, Illumined Way, LLC.She lives with her husband in a cohousing community in Shepherdstown, WV, where members collaborated to build and now to run their village with a focus on community, environmental responsibility, and Earth care. She co-founded Save Our Soil, a volunteer organization to promote soil health, local food, native plants, and regenerative agriculture in the Eastern Panhandle and beyond. The Rampys have two adult children who live in Virginia, and two dogs who live at home.

Ever wondered if our technological advancements are truly making life better or just more complicated? Join Alex of the Human Nature Odyssey podcast and me as we kickstart our return with a whirlwind of reflections beginning with our reminiscing about the hands-on expertise of past generations ... contrasting true ability with the digital era.The metaphor of the Tower of Babel serves as a philosophical lens through which we examine civilization's complexities and our relationship with technology. Are we building a society without understanding its true purpose, and how does this impact our local engagements? Alex and I also reimagine classic narratives, pondering if true heroism lies not in saving the world, but in developing a reciprocal relationship with nature and ourselves. This is a candid exploration of humanity's environmental role, challenging the notion that we're merely defenders of a world in peril.Inspired by Daniel Quinn’s “Ishmael,” our conversation turns to humanity’s impact on Earth, from ancient health paradigms to modern civilization's paradoxes. The conversation dives into embracing diverse worldviews, especially indigenous perspectives, and exploring the cultural narratives shaping our interactions with nature.Pre-Order my novel, The Plain of Pillars HERE.Learn more about Alex and his podcast HERE.

Explore the fascinating intersection of food systems and climate change with Mark Easter, author of the book The Blue Plate: A Food Lover’s Guide to Climate Chaos. Mark illuminates the unpredictable ways our food production impacts greenhouse gas emissions and how agricultural practices have both contributed to and buffered against climate change. You'll discover the complex history and evolution of agriculture, from the introduction of fossil fuels and chemical fertilizers to the innovative solutions that attempt a more sustainable future.Join our online community to discuss this episode with us directly!In this conversation, Mark unravels the powerful role of methane and the transformative impact of fossil fuel-dependent farming practices that emerged in the 20th century. He sheds light on agriculture's dual role as both a contributor to and a preventer of climate chaos, and how practices like the Haber-Bosch process have changed the landscape of farming. Mark discusses pioneering strategies for sustainable food production, from integrating livestock into farming systems to enhancing soil health with organic matter. Learn about his creative journey in writing "The Blue Plate" and the profound connections fostered between farmers and consumers through sustainable practices.Buy Mark's book HERE.Buy Daniel's new book HERE.