Back to the People with Nicole Shanahan

Cynthia Daley is a professor within the College of Agriculture at California State University, Chico, and serves as the Director for the Center for Regenerative Agriculture & Resilient Systems. Cynthia is originally from Illinois, where her family has been actively engaged in the farming profession for more than four generations. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois, her doctorate at University of California Davis. She joined the CSU Chico, COA faculty in 1997 and later founded the Organic Dairy Education & Research Program in 2006. Seeing the need to grow the ecological farming movement, Daley went on to co-create the Regenerative Agriculture Initiative in 2016 and guided  this program  to Center status in May of 2019. The new Center for Regenerative Agriculture & Resilient Systems is a consortium of interdisciplinary faculty and farmers who recognize the ecological benefits of regenerative farming practices including water conservation, soil fertility, and carbon sequestration. The Center's guiding principle is that agriculture, when done regeneratively, can be the solution to soil degradation and climate change.-----With gratitude to our sponsors:RA Optics⁠https://raoptics.com/bttp⁠Use Code: Nicole-----Backyard ButchersGo to ⁠https://www.backyardbutchers.com/pages/nicole⁠ and use code “Nicole” for 20% off your steaks and tallow direct from the Texas ranch.-----Sky Horse Publishing⁠https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/⁠-----Mama Suds⁠https://mamasuds.com⁠Use code 'NICOLE'-----Sign Up⁠https://shop.backtothepeople.net⁠ 

Charles “Chuck” Benbrook is an agricultural economist known for advocating organic farming and researching the health and environmental impacts of agriculture. He holds degrees from Harvard and the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has worked in government, academia, and nonprofit organizations. Formerly a research professor at Washington State University, he now leads the Heartland Health Research Alliance. His studies suggest organic foods may offer health and safety benefits and highlight concerns about pesticide and GMO use. Benbrook’s work has helped shape public debates on food safety and sustainability, and he has served as an expert witness in pesticide litigation, remaining a key voice in discussions on agricultural policy and environmental health. -----With gratitude to our sponsors:RA Opticshttps://raoptics.com/bttpUse Code: Nicole-----Backyard ButchersGo to https://www.backyardbutchers.com/pages/nicole and use code “Nicole” for 20% off your steaks and tallow direct from the Texas ranch.-----Sky Horse Publishinghttps://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/-----Mama Sudshttps://mamasuds.comUse code 'NICOLE'-----MASA Chipshttp://masachips.com/bttpUse code 'BTTP'-----Sign Uphttps://shop.backtothepeople.net

In this engaging conversation, Susan Perlman, Chief Partnership Officer of Jews for Jesus, shares her transformative faith journey from traditional Judaism to Messianic beliefs. She explores the cultural dynamics of the 1970s Jesus Revolution, shedding light on the challenges faced by Jewish converts. The discussion highlights the intersection of Jewish traditions with new faith practices, especially around important rituals like Passover and Shabbat. Susan emphasizes the importance of fostering love and acceptance within diverse communities amid ongoing sociopolitical tensions.

Patrick James is a documentary filmmaker, content creator, and host of the YouTube channel "So Weird with Patrick James," where he explores and analyzes conspiracy theories, ancient mysteries, and unexplained phenomena. His channel has garnered millions of views, with popular videos focusing on topics such as the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx, UFOs, secret government projects, and alternative theories about history and science. He takes a broad, multidisciplinary approach on his podcast, blending storytelling with open-minded inquiry into the unknown. ----- With gratitude to our sponsors: RA Optics https://raoptics.com/bttp Use Code: Nicole ----- Backyard Butchers Go to https://www.backyardbutchers.com/pages/nicole and use code “Nicole” for 20% off your steaks and tallow direct from the Texas ranch. ----- Sky Horse Publishing https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/ ----- Mama Suds https://mamasuds.com Use code 'NICOLE' ----- MASA Chips http://masachips.com/bttp Use code 'BTTP' ----- Sign Up https://shop.backtothepeople.net

Michael Kane, a former NYC public school teacher and founder of Teachers for Choice, dives into the heated debate over COVID-19 vaccine mandates in education. He shares his journey from teaching to legal battles, advocating for personal choice in medical interventions. Kane critiques the political influences on teachers’ unions and discusses the lingering effects of the pandemic on children's education and mental health. He emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive approaches to child care and the shifting landscape of teaching.

Joel Salatin, a charismatic farmer and influential advocate for regenerative agriculture, shares his journey from Venezuela to running Polyface Farm in Virginia. He emphasizes the crucial role of farmers in ecosystem care while critiquing industrial agriculture for its negative impacts on health and the environment. Salatin discusses innovative techniques like aerobic composting and the vital connection between regenerative practices and community well-being. He also highlights the challenges posed by bureaucratic regulations, calling for changes that empower local food initiatives.

Dane Wigington, lead researcher and founder of GeoengineeringWatch.org, dives into the secretive world of geoengineering. He shares how his firsthand solar energy experiences led him to uncover alarming environmental changes. The conversation critiques geoengineering practices that can exacerbate climate issues instead of resolving them. Wigington emphasizes the urgent need for transparency and sustainable solutions while highlighting the dangers posed to public health and ecosystem stability. His insights challenge listeners to reconsider our relationship with nature.

Harmeet K. Dhillon is a nationally recognized civil rights and constitutional law attorney, founder of the Dhillon Law Group, and founder of the Center for American Liberty. Born in Chandigarh, India in 1969, she moved to the U.S. as a child and has become a prominent Republican Party official and legal commentator. From 2016 until April 2025, she served as a Republican National Committee official, where she championed election integrity and the rights of parents and religious minorities. She was nominated by President Trump in December 2024, and confirmed by the Senate in April 2025, to be the next United States Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.

Joe Allen, an author and researcher focused on AI, transhumanism, and spirituality, dives deep into the implications of merging humanity with technology. He explores how transhumanism shapes our future experiences and the generational gaps in technology adaptation. The conversation reflects on his transformative commune experiences and critiques media narratives around influential political figures. Allen warns of the dangers posed by emerging technologies like AI and advocates for preserving our organic humanity amidst these advancements.

Dr. Joseph Ladapo, the Surgeon General of Florida and a health policy expert, shares his remarkable journey from Nigeria to becoming a prominent medical figure. He discusses the intersection of health policies and personal freedom, advocating for nonpartisan public health approaches. The conversation highlights the complexities of immigration and cultural identity, emphasizing resilience shaped by familial influences. Additionally, they explore the debate on reducing technology in schools and the implications of geoengineering practices on informed consent and individual freedoms.