Doomer Optimism

Lexie and Luis of Amisacho Restauracion, an agroecological enterprise working with indigenous communities in the Amazon, discuss their work in preserving rainforest biodiversity and developing sustainable livelihoods. They talk about climbing trees to harvest fruit without cutting them down, developing products from jungle foraged items, making biochar for water treatment, and scaling up their biochar production.

Ashley speaks with Geoffrey, @‌longstoryfarms, about his adventures away from home, including time spent in Chile, and his moving back home to be a productive member of his community.

Ashley and Feidhlim Harty of Ireland talk about ecological approaches to water, sewage treatment, constructed wetlands, and more. Feidhlim runs FH Wetland Systems - Creating Spaces for Nature. Find more info at: https://www.wetlandsystems.ie

Join our book club community as Ashley, Donald, AC, Tiffani, and Joel gather to discuss the timeless wisdom of Wendell Berry. Delve into the captivating world of his works, exploring profound insights, reflections, and engaging conversations that promise to leave you inspired and enlightened.

Tres and Simon delve into the urgent question: What are we going to do with the suburbs? As they discuss the repercussions of unrestrained suburban expansion and its impact on the environment, you'll gain insights into the challenges of unchecked growth, from encroaching wildlife to insurance woes. Join the conversation to explore alternative approaches to suburban living and sustainable urban development.

Ashley sits down with Andy and Keturah to talk about a future-oriented nomadic culture, drawing from the best of the past and the present. They also drop some exciting news at the beginning of the chat! Follow Andy and Keturah on twitter: https://twitter.com/shagbark_hick https://twitter.com/KeturahAbigail Read Andy’s substack at: https://shagbark.substack.com/

Ashley and Roland talk with Jonathan Rawles, son of famous survivalist James Wesley Rawles, about prepping, religion, localism in the inner mountain west, the state of the redoubt movement, and the importance of community and connections in building a resilient food system.

Ed Bourgeois, a leader in the regenerative agriculture movement, talks about holistic science and peer to peer networks among farmers. They discuss the importance of soil management, nutrient density in food, frustrations with the current food system, collaboration and creativity, behavior change in sustainable agriculture, and transitioning to a more meaningful approach to environmentalism.

Nate helps Ashley think through the idea of returning home from Uruguay to Chicago by reflecting on his own story of homecoming.

Will, GG, and Jason discuss Will’s eclectic background researching ‘urban renewal’, the cyclic nature of society, urban decline and polarization, as well as his ‘escape’ to the exurbs to become a low-tech, permacultural, self-sufficient homesteader and the reality checks he’s received in terms of producing enough food and battling invasive species. Will Caverly lives on a permaculture homestead in Southeastern Pennsylvania with his family. He writes at his substack, The Mercenary Pen, and most of his work can be found at www.willcaverly.com. His recent article for Front Porch Republic, "There's No More Room: Toward an Anarcho-Pastoralism", reflects on his ten years of homesteading in response to civilizational decay. He is currently working on a book on the intersection of eminent domain and environmentalism in mid-20th century Philadelphia.