

Back to the People with Nicole Shanahan
Nicole Shanahan
"Back to the People," hosted by Nicole Shanahan, is a podcast that dives deep into the heart of the most underexplored and often overlooked topics today. Each episode invites listeners into a thought-provoking journey through discussions that illuminate the voices and stories less heard in mainstream media. Nicole brings together experts, activists, and everyday individuals to unpack complex issues, share untold stories, and explore solutions that get back to the core of humanity. This podcast aims to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and bring critical, unseen perspectives to the forefront, empowering listeners to engage with the world in new and meaningful ways. Join Nicole every week for a compelling blend of empathy, curiosity, and enlightenment.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 4min
The Lawsuit That Could Reshape Vaccine Injury Accountability Forever, feat. Deb Conrad
Deborah A. Conrad is a physician assistant from Rochester, NY, who was dismissed from United Memorial Medical Center (Rochester Regional Health) in October 2021 after fulfilling her legal duty to report COVID-19 vaccine adverse events to VAERS. She has filed a landmark False Claims Act lawsuit against her former employer, challenging institutional suppression of reporting. As of March 2025, her case has survived a motion to dismiss and has advanced into discovery.
Skyhorse

Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 22min
What’s in Your Seafood: Clean Water and Honest Fishing, feat. Miles Wallace
Miles Wallace is a first-generation fisherman who has dedicated his life to sustainably diving and fishing off the California coast. The ocean is more than his livelihood — it is where he now raises his family and where he finds his deepest sense of purpose. From the kelp forests of the Channel Islands to the rugged drop-offs of the Pacific, Miles works with care and respect, knowing the future of our oceans depends on the choices we make today. Unlike large-scale industrial operations, Miles relies on low-impact, hands-on practices. As a vocal advocate for honest labeling, regenerative fishing practices, and family-owned operations, Miles represents a new generation of fishermen committed to safeguarding the ocean for the future.
TODAY'S SPONSOR:
Skyhorse

Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 5min
Defeating Medical Mandates and Defending Health Freedom, feat. Leslie Manookian
Leslie Manookian is the president and founder of Health Freedom Defense Fund, a nonprofit which seeks to rectify health injustice through education, advocacy, and legal challenges to unjust mandates, laws, and policies that undermine our health freedoms and human rights. She is a former successful Wall Street business executive and award-winning documentary film producer and writer. She writes and speaks on topics of health, freedom, nutrition, personal development, politics and more. She chose to leave Wall Street at the height of her career in order to pursue this more meaningful path.

Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 7min
Mid-Year Mashup: A Look Back at Some of My Favorite Conversations This Year
In this engaging conversation, guests share their diverse insights. Mike Flynn delves into his military career and experiences in the White House, revealing the intricacies of loyalty in politics. Chloe Cole speaks candidly about her journey with gender transitioning as a teenager, advocating for caution in medical procedures for youth. Joseph Ladapo discusses his startling findings on the COVID-19 lockdowns and their effectiveness. Wesley Huff defends the Christian worldview, emphasizing the importance of understanding apologetics in today's context.

Jun 25, 2025 • 1h 27min
Regenerative Ag: Farming the Way Nature Intended, feat. Cynthia Daley
Cynthia Daley, a professor and director at California State University, Chico, dives into the world of regenerative agriculture. She discusses the ecological advantages of these practices, including water conservation and soil health. Cynthia highlights the innovative California Agricultural Resiliency Index and the role of farmers in combating climate change. Listeners will learn about the importance of sustainable meat choices and the challenges small farmers face in an evolving agricultural landscape. Her insights advocate for collaboration and a shift towards sustainable practices.

Jun 18, 2025 • 1h
Glyphosate, GMOs, and Growing Food Sustainably, feat. Chuck Benbrook
Chuck Benbrook, an agricultural economist and advocate for organic farming, discusses the hidden health risks of glyphosate and its link to chronic diseases. He explores the organic movement, emphasizing consumer safety and the need for transparency in pesticide use. Benbrook critiques Bayer's acquisition of Monsanto and its implications for public health. He highlights the challenges posed by glyphosate-resistant weeds and calls for a reevaluation of agricultural policies to promote sustainable practices.

Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 29min
“Jews for Jesus” and Messianic Judaism, feat. Susan Perlman
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.

Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 9min
UFOs, Phoenix Lights, and the Men In Black, feat. Patrick James
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.
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With gratitude to our sponsors:
RA Optics
https://raoptics.com/bttp
Use Code: Nicole
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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.
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Sky Horse Publishing
https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/
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Mama Suds
https://mamasuds.com
Use code 'NICOLE'
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MASA Chips
http://masachips.com/bttp
Use code 'BTTP'
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May 28, 2025 • 53min
A Teacher’s Choice: Fired for Refusing the COVID-19 Vaccine, feat. Michael Kane
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.

8 snips
May 21, 2025 • 1h 12min
From Soil to Soul: Why Regenerative Agriculture is the Only Way Forward, feat. Joel Salatin
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.