
Back to the People with 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.
Latest episodes

Dec 4, 2024 • 1h
Space, Ethics, Nature, and the Wisdom of Grandmothers, feat. Creon Levit
Since 2015 Creon Levit has worked at Planet Labs, where he is the Chief Technologist, Director or R&D, and a Planet Fellow. Prior to that, he worked at NASA Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, where he was one of the founders of the NAS (NASA Advanced Supercomputing) division, co-PI on the Virtual Wind Tunnel project, co-founder of the NASA Molecular Nanotechnology Group (the first federally funded research lab devoted to molecular nanotechnology), co-PI on the hyperwall project, investigator on the Columbia accident investigation board, member of the NASA engineering and safety center, investigator on the millimeter-wave thermal rocket project, the Stardust re-entry observation campaign, PI on the LighForce project, special assistant to the center director, and chief scientist for the programs and projects directorate.

Nov 28, 2024 • 1h 13min
A Firefighter’s Fight: Truth, Freedom, and Accountability, feat. Barry Arata
Barry Arata served as a firefighter and Fire Engineer with the San Jose Fire Department in California. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to public safety, responding to emergencies and advocating for strong community preparedness. In 2021, he became a prominent voice opposing vaccine mandates for city employees, emphasizing individual rights and the operational integrity of emergency services. Barry also joined legal efforts to challenge public health policies that he believed could impact the safety and efficiency of first responders.

Nov 23, 2024 • 58min
Man on a Mission: The Fight to Confirm RFK Jr. and Make America Healthy Again, feat. Senator Ron Johnson
Ron Johnson, U.S. Senator from Wisconsin and advocate for the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, shares his insights on COVID-19's impact on public trust in healthcare. He discusses the urgent need for transparency regarding vaccine safety and the influence of corporate interests on health decisions. The Senator highlights the challenges faced by whistleblower doctors and critiques government overreach, advocating for reforms to safeguard individual liberties. He emphasizes the importance of unity and courage in leadership for a healthier future.

Nov 20, 2024 • 1h 6min
Reviving American Farming: Mad Agriculture's Bold Vision, feat. Philip Taylor and Brandon Welch
Philip Taylor, Executive Director of Mad Agriculture, and Brandon Welch, a pioneer in regenerative agriculture, discuss their mission to transform the farming landscape. They delve into innovative financing solutions to support farmers transitioning to sustainable practices. The conversation explores the importance of community support and storytelling in bridging the gap between consumers and their food sources. They highlight the challenges of traditional banking and the need for a holistic approach to financing that genuinely meets farmers' needs while fostering ecological and economic resilience.

Nov 18, 2024 • 58min
The Soil Solution: How Burroughs Family Farm Champions Regeneration
Benina Ward, a member of the Burroughs Family Farm, shares insights from their family's 130-year legacy of regenerative agriculture in California's San Joaquin Valley. She discusses the detrimental effects of corporate practices on the food system and emphasizes the need for consumer awareness to support small farmers. The conversation highlights innovative farming techniques that enhance soil health, the significance of land rest, and the importance of mentorship in nurturing sustainable practices for a healthier planet.

4 snips
Nov 13, 2024 • 1h 41min
The Meat Effect: Redefining Nutrition with Dr. Shawn Baker
Dr. Shawn Baker, a leading authority on the animal-based diet and author of 'The Carnivore Diet,' discusses the transformative health benefits of a meat-focused nutritional approach. He highlights the detrimental effects of processed foods and advocates for sustainable farming. The conversation delves into the intersection of nutrition and mental health, emphasizing how dietary changes can improve conditions like autism. Baker critiques the pharmaceutical-centric healthcare system and calls for personalized dietary interventions as a means to tackle chronic diseases and improve overall health.

Nov 7, 2024 • 1h 21min
Calculated Chaos: The Legacy of MKULTRA, feat. Tom O’Neill
In this riveting discussion, investigative journalist Tom O'Neill, has spent 20 years peeling back the layers of the CIA's MKUltra project, revealing chilling connections to 1960s violence. He dives deep into the ethical chaos of government-sponsored mind control experiments, the disturbing legacy of behavior modification, and the lingering impact of such practices on society today. O'Neill raises crucial questions about accountability, transparency, and the pervasive influence of these controversial operations on contemporary politics and personal lives.

Oct 30, 2024 • 1h 19min
Pursuing Justice in California, feat. Judge Steven Bailey (ret.)
Steven Bailey, born in Northern California, was raised by a farmer and an elementary school teacher. Through his time on the family ranch, he learned resilience and discipline. Inspired to serve, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves as a young adult. After completing his degree at California State University, Sacramento, Bailey worked for Governor Deukmejian as a Deputy Director in the Department of Social Services and attended law school at night. He later established an 18-year law practice, specializing in criminal and administrative law, including complex cases like those involving the death penalty. In 2008, Bailey was elected as a California Superior Court Judge, handling intricate criminal and civil cases until his retirement in 2017. In 2018, Bailey ran unsuccessfully for California Attorney General, winning 36.4% of the vote. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he defended businesses and individuals affected by harsh mandates and continues to advocate against unconstitutional practices. Married to his wife Kathleen for 47 years, Steven resides in Northern California, where they enjoy time with their family, including their children and grandchildren.

Oct 25, 2024 • 1h 11min
Populism, Patriotism, and the Power of the People, feat. Winston Marshall
Winston Marshall is the host of The Winston Marshall Show and co-founder of the Dissident Dialogues festival of ideas. In 2007, he co-founded the UK folk-rock band Mumford & Sons, which enjoyed a 14-year run, winning multiple accolades including 2 Grammy Awards, 2 Brit Awards, and an Ivor Novello. The band also performed with legendary artists like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Willie Nelson, and Elton John. Marshall's written work has been featured in The Free Press, The Jewish Chronicle, The Spectator, The Daily Mail, and more. From 2022 to 2023, he hosted the podcast Marshall Matters for The Spectator. He has appeared on prominent platforms such as BBC, Times Radio, LBC, Fox News, Fox Business News, UnHerd, Triggernometry, Sky News Australia, GB News, and The Daily Wire.

Oct 16, 2024 • 39min
A World Where Food Improves Our Health, feat. John Kempf
John Kempf, a farmer and agronomist, is on a mission to transform agriculture through regenerative practices. He discusses the alarming decline in food nutrition due to modern farming, linking it to rising childhood diseases. Kempf emphasizes the need for a cultural shift towards responsible food stewardship while advocating for sustainable economic models that deepen community connections. He also explores the role of healthy microbiomes and emotional engagement in farming, illustrating that love and care can vastly enhance agricultural success and societal wellness.
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