Mind, Body, and Soil

In this episode, Kate is joined by Dan Egan, author of the Devil’s Element: Phosphorous and a World Out of Balance. Why  phosphorus?  Phosphorus is vital for life on Earth and plays a pivotal role in fertilizers that sustain agriculture. However, it’s also a finite resource where its overuse in fertilizers has led to significant environmental concerns such as toxic algae blooms. The history of phosphorus, from its isolation as an element, to its sordid history and its various applications, including warfare, is explored. Somehow, phosphorous is at the heart of our food system, the conception of the soap opera, the Clean Water Act,  and the children’s rhyme “Shelly sells seashells by the seashore.” Its history is nothing short of sordid and it is “the gravest natural resource shortage you’ve never heard of.” Dan and Kate also explore future sources of phosphorous and whether or not waste is really waste at all. This is an essential part of understanding agricultural systems and a great interview. Find Dan-the Devil’s Element: Phosphorous and a World Out of BalanceResources Mentioned: Farmer’s of Forty Centuries: Organic Farming in China, Korea, and Japan by F. H. KingInterview with Dan on Sustainable DishSupport the Podcast:SubstackLeave a one-time TipCurrent Discounts for MBS listeners:15% off Farm True ghee and body care products using code: KATEKAV1510% off Home of Wool using code KATEKAVANAUGH15% off Bon Charge blue light blocking gear using code: MINDBODYSOIL15

This week, Kate sits down with author Cat Bohannan to talk about her book Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution. This conversation takes you on a captivating journey through the intricacies of human evolution viewed through the stories our bodies have to tell - and the female body in particular. In this podcast, they explore elements of the book as well as exploring what it means to look at the narrative arc of female bodies through deep time. We look at how our evolution is a product of environment, culture, behaviors, context, and bodies exploring topics like menopause and menstruation, tool use, mating behaviors, and so much more. Cat shares a message of agency and empowerment and what it might mean to think about how the human species might evolve from here. Find Cat:Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human EvolutionX (Twitter): @catbohannonBooks Mentioned in the Podcast:Ultra-Processed People by Chris van TullekenSkin: A Natural History by Nina Jablonsky Current Discounts for MBS listeners:15% off Farm True ghee and body care products using code: KATEKAV1520% off Home of Wool using code BF 20 through November 27th (code KATEKAVANAUGH for 10% after that). Support the Podcast:SubstackLeave a one-time Tip

Lindsey Browne Davis is a writer, hunter, entrepreneur, and naturalist. Based in Salt Lake City, Lindsey draws from her experiences farming, foraging, hunting, and running businesses to talk candidly about chasing our dreams, even when it feels almost impossible. This is a wide ranging and inspiring podcast where we discuss the overlap between stewarding land and our own bodies, building connection with our ecosystem, failing, hunting, and being a citizen scientist. Lindsey has a way of explaining both the terrain around her and her inner terrain with aplomb. We explore ecosystem services and how to be of service to your ecosystem. She also talks about her hope for her (now born!) baby and what life may look like as a mother and hunter both. Find LindseyInstagram: @lindsey.browne.davisWebsiteSupport the Podcast:SubstackLeave a one-time TipCurrent Discounts for MBS listeners:15% off Farm True ghee and body care products using code: KATEKAV1510% off Home of Wool using code KATEKAVANAUGH15% off Bon Charge blue light blocking gear using code: MINDBODYSOIL15

Hey. It’s Kate. I’ve been absent and I want to talk some about why and what it means to be in a challenging season of life. So often we hear from people once they reach the other side of challenge - but we rarely hear from them when they’re in the thick of it. Well, I’m in the thick of it, and so this vulnerable episode is three parts: where I’ve been and what’s going on, how I’ve been literally and figuratively putting one foot in front of the other, and where the podcast is going (hint: it’s coming back! I need it and maybe you do, too.) This is a vulnerable episode that I’m a little waffly on releasing, but feel strongly that there is a call to share honestly. It is also an exploration of walking as a practice of moving through hard times. Why walking as exercise, as a practice, as a meditation? I answer all that and more in today’s episode. RESOURCESWanderlust by Rebecca SolnitMountains of the Mind by Robert MacFarlaneThe Old Ways by Robert MacFarlaneSupport the Podcast:SubstackLeave a one-time TipCurrent Discounts for MBS listeners:15% off Farm True ghee and body care products using code: KATEKAV1510% off Home of Wool using code KATEKAVANAUGH15% off Bon Charge blue light blocking gear using code: MINDBODYSOIL15

Irene joins the Mind, Body, and Soil podcast for her third visit to discuss what it means to become apprenticed to your body. Better yet, a little tardiness on Kate’s part at the beginning of the episode allows Kate and Irene to explore in real time the difference between a regulated and dysregulated nervous system. In it, the idea of “window of tolerance” is teased apart. All in all this is a short and sweet episode about connecting in with your body. RESOURCESSmartBody SmartMind Program21 Day Nervous System Tune-UpPrevious Podcasts with Irene: Part 1, Part 2Kate’s Interview on Irene’s YouTubeSupport the Podcast:SubstackLeave a one-time TipCurrent Discounts for MBS listeners:15% off Farm True ghee and body care products using code: KATEKAV1510% off Home of Wool using code KATEKAVANAUGH15% off Bon Charge blue light blocking gear using code: MINDBODYSOIL15

In this episode, Kate gives us an update about regional food systems through the lens of her butcher shop, Western Daughters, and the decision of whether or not to close. What does it mean to support regenerative food systems as a food business - and where does financial sustainability come into the conversation? Kate leads us through the struggles each shareholder in the supply chain, including the consumer, is facing as she sees it. This leads in to an excellent panel that she was on in Helmville, Montana at the Old Salt Festival. Hosted by Mountain and Prairie podcast host Ed Roberson, the panel features Kate, Cole Mannix from Old Salt Co-Op, Dan Miller from Steward, and Wyatt Nelson of Wild West Local Foods. Together, they explore what it means to build a resilient, regional food system and all the triumphs and hurdles that are presented along the way for producers, consumers, distributors, and beyond. SPONSORED BY SUNDRIES FARM GARLICHand grown Sundries Farm Garlic is certified disease-free and grown in the volcanic soils of Idaho. With a range of soft and hard-neck varietals the unmatched flavor and big cloves are perfect for both your seed and culinary needs. Pre-order now for shipping in September. sundriesfarm.comSupport the Podcast:SubstackPatreonLeave a one-time Tip

Rob Krapfel has been challenging himself for a long time. Whether teaching himself how to upland hunt as a teenager, navigating a career as a fish biologist, or becoming a smokejumper in his late 20’s, Rob has something to say about persistence and perseverance. Envisioning a life of adventure from a young age with a desire to do many different things, Rob has sought out the place where challenge, adventure, and honest work. In this episode we explore his philosophies on life, teaching yourself skills, and cultivating focus as someone who just can’t sit still. Most recently, Rob has transitioned into the world of growing Sundries Farm garlic in the Hagerman Valley of Idaho - and we dive deep into what it means to grow something from hand, the hardships and triumphs of small farming, and into garlic itself. This is a wide ranging conversation you won’t want to miss a beat of. Find Rob:Instagram: @thenoisyplumeSundries Farm Garlic SPONSORED BY SUNDRIES FARM GARLICHand grown Sundries Farm Garlic is certified disease-free and grown in the volcanic soils of Idaho. With a range of soft and hard-neck varietals the unmatched flavor and big cloves are perfect for both your seed and culinary needs. Pre-order now for shipping in September. sundriesfarm.comSupport the Podcast:SubstackPatreonLeave a one-time TipCurrent Discounts for MBS listeners:15% off Farm True ghee and body care products using code: KATEKAV1520% off Home of Wool using code KATEKAVANAUGH for 10% off15% off Bon Charge blue light blocking gear using code: MINDBODYSOIL15oHBSHXJBRENNv4kANRdL

How do we begin to explore and illustrate the multi-factorial complexity that surrounds us? This has become one of the guiding questions of the podcast and Alanna Collen, author of 10% Human, has a gift for navigating the tangled webs of connection. Author and evolutionary biologist, Alanna’s book set an early stage for conversations around the microbiome a decade ago. In this episode, we look at some overarching themes around the blurred lines of self and other, how influenced we are by the microbes that surround us, how we illustrate complexity in a world of reduction, alongside some of her new work on the obesity epidemic. While the majority of our conversation looks at the broad strokes, we do explore some of the marvels of the microbiome especially around childbirth, breastfeeding, and beyond. Find Alanna:Instagram: @alanna.collenTwitter: @alannacollen 10% Human by Alanna CollenSPONSORED BY SUNDRIES FARM GARLICHand grown Sundries Farm Garlic is certified disease-free and grown in the volcanic soils of Idaho. With a range of soft and hard-neck varietals the unmatched flavor and big cloves are perfect for both your seed and culinary needs. Pre-order now for shipping in September. sundriesfarm.comSupport the Podcast:SubstackPatreonLeave a one-time Tip

In this episode, I bring back Tara Couture for a second round of talking about the intricacies and complexities of health and what it means to reimagine and reclaim that at a personal, familial, and community level. In this episode, Tara and I deep dive into some of our personal health journeys and exploring the knowledge of not taking a one size fits all approach - that there are many factors that found you sick in the first place and many bioindividual considerations that will support the journey back towards health. It’s about curiosity, relationships, and growing change. Find Tara:Substack@slowdownfarmstead Resources :Troy’s Substack: the Doer of DeedsDivergence Support the Podcast:SubstackPatreonLeave a one-time TipCurrent Discounts for MBS listeners:15% off Farm True ghee and body care products using code: KATEKAV1520% off Home of Wool using code KATEKAVANAUGH for 10% off15% off Bon Charge blue light blocking gear using code: MINDBODYSOIL15Join the Ground Work Collective:Find a Farm: nearhome.groundworkcollective.comFind Kate: @kate_kavanaughMore: groundworkcollective.comPodcast disclaimer can be found by visiting: groundworkcollective.com/disclaimer

Over the course of a couple of months, Fred and I spent a lot of time writing back and forth about mystery and uncertainty with the intention of bringing that conversation to the podcast. Fred Provenza is well known for his research contributions to the field of livestock nutrition and behavior, but this conversation goes beyond that and into the great unknown. Fred is, at his heart, teacher and student both, sharing his curiosity as ‘a cosmic voyager’ here on earth. Through that lens, we explore cultivating a childlike sense of wonder at the interconnectedness of life and all the ‘whys’. We talk about finding and embracing who you are - and supporting it as parents and teachers. Fred shares about how illness changed his outlook and brought him, for a time, to a space of oneness. Ultimately, the conversation is about the uncertainty and transitory nature of life. It is wide-ranging and, I hope, heartwarming. Find Fred:Nourishment by Fred ProvenzaTimestamps:00:00:00: Kate shares about getting back on the wagon post hiatus00:11:30: Fred and Kate drop right into the deep end 00:16:45: Finding a childlike sense of wonder 00:27:57: Everything is interconnected, on a continuum00:42:31: We are participators, boundaries are arbitrary, relationships matter01:02:43: Seeing connections looking backward on life01:11:45: Animal teachers - behavior, parenting, and beyond01:20:27: We are part of ‘place’01:27:57: Finding oneness through illness01:44:42: Cultivating conversation and a new educational paradigm01:51:34: Be who you are and nurture that in children02:07:00: Embracing uncertainty02:15:55: Everything is transitoryBooks:The Fifth Discipline by Peter SengeDying to Be Me by Anita MoorjaniPower of Now by Eckharte TolleThe Experience of Nothingness by Nisargadatta MaharajSupport:SubstackPatreonLeave a one-time TipCurrent Discounts for MBS listeners:15% off Farm True ghee and body care products using code: KATEKAV1520% off Home of Wool using code KATEKAVANAUGH for 10% off15% off Bon Charge blue light blocking gear using code: MINDBODYSOIL15Join the Ground Work Collective:Find a Farm: nearhome.groundworkcollective.comFind Kate: @kate_kavanaughMore: groundworkcollective.comPodcast disclaimer can be found by visiting: groundworkcollective.com/disclaimer