The Poor Prole’s Almanac

Join us in this engaging episode as we explore the fascinating world of flexible learning and sustainable agriculture with our special guest, Eliza Greenman. Known for her innovative research on tree crops and climate change, Eliza shares her inspiring journey from working with apples and pigs to her current focus on persimmons and oaks. Her dedication to discovering new possibilities in agriculture challenges conventional approaches and offers hope for adapting our diets to future climate changes. Eliza's work with the Savannah Institute and her blog, Eliza Apples, showcase her commitment to exploring the past to build a sustainable future. Listen in as we trace Eliza's childhood passion for pigs and how it intersected with her professional pursuits in sustainable orchard management. Her travels to Central Asia and experiences in food forestry reveal the integration of animal management in fruit forests, sparking innovative ideas about using pigs for sustainable orchard care. We also discuss the potential of persimmons, particularly the Northern and Southern varieties, as a resilient fruit that could play a crucial role in adapting to climate change. The conversation highlights ongoing research efforts, including a persimmon breeding project, to unlock the genetic diversity and future potential of this underappreciated fruit. Finally, explore the captivating world of acorns and their untapped potential as a food source. Eliza and I discuss traditional and innovative methods to process acorns, such as fermentation, which could make them more appealing for human consumption. The episode also touches on the importance of understanding native crop genetics and the historical selection by indigenous peoples, which influenced the distribution of persimmons across North America. As we look to the future, we consider the potential of silvopasture systems and nuts like hickories to diversify agriculture and provide sustainable alternatives to monocrop systems. This episode is filled with insights and inspiration for anyone interested in the intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and climate resilience. Check out Eliza's work at https://elizapples.com/ , @elizapples on Instagram, and her work with the Savanna Institute! To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/   Key words: Sustainable Agriculture, Tree Crops, Climate Resilience, Animal Management, Orchards, Genetic Diversity, Native Crops, Food Forestry, Ecosystem Management, Acorns, Persimmons, Oak Savannas, Genetic Preservation, Microlocations, Genetic Research, Indigenous Stewardship, Agroforestry, Monocrop Systems, Tannin Content, Fermentation Techniques, Personalized Learning

We're joined once again by Nate Kleinman of the Experimental Farm Network to talk about their work breeding potential food crops. We dive into crops lost to history, future ecologies, and what decentralized plant breeding looks like for community liberation in relation to community ecology.   The Experimental Farm Network (EFN) works to facilitate collaborative plant breeding and sustainable agriculture research in order to fight global climate change, preserve the natural environment, and ensure food security for humanity into the distant future. They believe participatory plant breeding on a massive scale can lead to breakthroughs to help us not only adapt to climate change, but one day actually stabilize the climate. Founded in 2013, EFN is composed of professional and amateur farmers, gardeners, plant breeders, and researchers. The network's main organizing tool — this open-source website — is free to use and open to all. Check out their work at https://www.experimentalfarmnetwork.org/ and on Instagram at @ExperimentalFarmNetwork.   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac  For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/  

Can our suburban lawns become thriving ecosystems that support wildlife and biodiversity? This week, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. Doug Tallamy, a renowned entomologist, ecologist, and conservationist, who shares his groundbreaking insights on the vital importance of native plants in our landscapes. Dr. Tallamy passionately argues against the notion that humanity is separate from nature, instead advocating for the integration of ecological principles into our everyday environments. We discuss the unsustainable nature of unchecked development and the crucial role biodiversity plays in maintaining the planet's life-support systems. Delving into the significant ecological contributions of oak trees, Dr. Tallamy reveals how these keystone species support a vast array of caterpillars and other wildlife. He explains how oaks excel in carbon sequestration and watershed management, making them indispensable to healthy ecosystems. However, their survival is threatened by over-harvesting and the suppression of natural fire cycles. We also tackle the misconceptions about non-native plants and their detrimental impact on local biodiversity, focusing on the ecological advantages of native plants like goldenrod. We wrap up by exploring the Homegrown National Park initiative, a grassroots movement aiming to reduce lawn areas and replace them with native plants to restore ecological functions. Dr. Tallamy highlights the importance of community involvement and policy engagement in promoting sustainable landscaping practices. This inspiring conversation offers practical ways for individuals to contribute to conservation efforts and underscores the collective impact we can achieve. Tune in to learn how you can be part of the solution and create a more sustainable, beautiful environment in your own backyard. Dr. Doug Tallamy is an American entomologist, ecologist and conservationist. He is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. He has written and co-authored several books, as well as many papers. Tallamy advocates for home gardens and landscaping that bridge the gaps between parks and preserves in providing habitat for native species You can check out Dr. Tallamy's work at: https://www.homegrownnationalpark.org/ https://www.udel.edu/canr/departments/entomology-and-wildlife-ecology/faculty-staff/doug-tallamy/   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/   Key words: Conservation, Sustainable Landscapes, Native Plants, Biodiversity, Ecological Principles, Keystone Species, Oaks, Caterpillars, Wildlife, Carbon Sequestration, Watershed Management, Invasive Species, Goldenrod, Homegrown National Park, Grassroots Movement, Community Engagement, Policy Engagement, Industrial Agriculture, Urban Development, Traditional Ecological Knowledge

In this episode we're joined by David Holmgren to discuss the past 50 years of permaculture and some of his thoughts on its evolution. We dive into some of the uncomfortable subjects of native habitat loss,  invasive species, land back, indigenous sovereignty, the PDC structure, permaculture at scale, among other things in what I hope will be an incredibly insightful conversation for listeners curious to dive into these subjects.   David Holmgren is an Australian environmental designer, ecological educator and writer. He is best known as one of the co-originators of the permaculture concept with Bill Mollison. He still actively manages Melliodora Farm, a 2.5 acre permaculture homestead, writes extensively, and offers training on his homestead. You can find his work here: https://holmgren.com.au/   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac  For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/  

The 2009–2011 Icelandic financial crisis protests, also referred to as the Kitchenware, Kitchen Implement or Pots and Pans Revolution, occurred in the wake of the Icelandic financial crisis. There had been regular and growing protests since October 2008 against the Icelandic government's handling of the financial crisis. The protests intensified on 20 January 2009 with thousands of people protesting at the parliament in Reykjavík. These were at the time the largest protests in Icelandic history.   Protesters were calling for the resignation of government officials and for new elections to be held. Unlike every other country during this global crisis, numerous officials and bank leaders were imprisoned and the government reclaimed ownership of many industries in response. How did this protest develop, and why was their protest so successful in comparison to other movements such as Occupy Wall Street? We chat about why average citizens got involved and lessons we can learn from this unique period in history.   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For more information and updates, visit www.poorproles.com and subscribe to our e-mail list. For the supplemental reader that goes along with the podcast, visit: https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com   Sources: Dixon, M. (2018). Economic crisis and mass protest: The pots and pans revolution in Iceland. Social Forces, 96(4). https://doi.org/10.1093/sf/soy029 Bibler, J. (2021). Iceland’s secret: The untold story of the world’s biggest con. Harriman House.

The 2009–2011 Icelandic financial crisis protests, also referred to as the Kitchenware, Kitchen Implement or Pots and Pans Revolution, occurred in the wake of the Icelandic financial crisis. There had been regular and growing protests since October 2008 against the Icelandic government's handling of the financial crisis. The protests intensified on 20 January 2009 with thousands of people protesting at the parliament in Reykjavík. These were at the time the largest protests in Icelandic history.   Protesters were calling for the resignation of government officials and for new elections to be held. Unlike every other country during this global crisis, numerous officials and bank leaders were imprisoned and the government reclaimed ownership of many industries in response. How did this protest develop, and why was their protest so successful in comparison to other movements such as Occupy Wall Street? We chat about why average citizens got involved and lessons we can learn from this unique period in history.   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For more information and updates, visit www.poorproles.com and subscribe to our e-mail list. For the supplemental reader that goes along with the podcast, visit: https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com   Sources: Dixon, M. (2018). Economic crisis and mass protest: The pots and pans revolution in Iceland. Social Forces, 96(4). https://doi.org/10.1093/sf/soy029 Bibler, J. (2021). Iceland’s secret: The untold story of the world’s biggest con. Harriman House.

The 2009–2011 Icelandic financial crisis protests, also referred to as the Kitchenware, Kitchen Implement or Pots and Pans Revolution, occurred in the wake of the Icelandic financial crisis. There had been regular and growing protests since October 2008 against the Icelandic government's handling of the financial crisis. The protests intensified on 20 January 2009 with thousands of people protesting at the parliament in Reykjavík. These were at the time the largest protests in Icelandic history.   Protesters were calling for the resignation of government officials and for new elections to be held. Unlike every other country during this global crisis, numerous officials and bank leaders were imprisoned and the government reclaimed ownership of many industries in response. How did this protest develop, and why was their protest so successful in comparison to other movements such as Occupy Wall Street? We chat about why average citizens got involved and lessons we can learn from this unique period in history.   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For more information and updates, visit www.poorproles.com and subscribe to our e-mail list. For the supplemental reader that goes along with the podcast, visit: https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com   Sources: Dixon, M. (2018). Economic crisis and mass protest: The pots and pans revolution in Iceland. Social Forces, 96(4). https://doi.org/10.1093/sf/soy029 Bibler, J. (2021). Iceland’s secret: The untold story of the world’s biggest con. Harriman House.    

Denmark Vesey, a carpenter and formerly enslaved person, allegedly planned an enslaved insurrection to coincide with Bastille Day in Charleston, South Carolina in 1822. Vesey modeled his rebellion after the successful 1791 slave revolution in Haiti. His plans called for his followers to execute the white enslavers, liberate the city of Charleston, and then sail to Haiti before the white power structure could retaliate. Vesey and several of his co-conspirators worshiped at the African Church, the AME congregation which became Mother Emanuel after the Civil War. Along with white abolitionists in the North, Vesey referenced the Bible in his attacks on the institution of slavery. In the aftermath of the execution, white Charlestonians tore down the church and supported new efforts to control the black majority. Funds were appropriated to support a Municipal Guard of 150 men and the construction of "a Citadel" to house them and weapons. In 1843, the structure became home to the cadets of the South Carolina Military Academy. Additionally, as Vesey's rebellion relied on assistance from free black sailors, South Carolina passed legislation known as the Negro Seamen Acts. The act called for the incarceration of visiting free black sailors in local jails while their vessel remained in Charleston to eliminate contact between free black sailors from outside of South Carolina and black Charlestonians. Despite protests from northern states and British consuls, South Carolina stubbornly insisted on its right to police its population in this way. Denmark Vesey was later held up as a hero among abolitionists, including Frederick Douglass, during the Civil War. Douglass used Vesey's name as a rallying cry in recruiting and inspiring African American troops, including the 54th Massachusetts Infantry. Vesey's son, Robert, attended the April 14, 1865 ceremony at Fort Sumter. Today, however, his name remains largely unknown despite his foundational role in accelerating further slave rebellions and ultimately the civil war itself. We discuss why this is the case and what lessons can be learned from this story.   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For more information and updates, visit www.poorproles.com and subscribe to our e-mail list. For the supplemental reader that goes along with the podcast, visit: https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com   Sources: Jeremy Schipper “Denmark Vesey’s Bible” https://userpages.umbc.edu/~bouton/History407/SlaveStats.htm https://www.ccpl.org/charleston-time-machine/defining-charlestons-free-people-color

Denmark Vesey, a carpenter and formerly enslaved person, allegedly planned an enslaved insurrection to coincide with Bastille Day in Charleston, South Carolina in 1822. Vesey modeled his rebellion after the successful 1791 slave revolution in Haiti. His plans called for his followers to execute the white enslavers, liberate the city of Charleston, and then sail to Haiti before the white power structure could retaliate. Vesey and several of his co-conspirators worshiped at the African Church, the AME congregation which became Mother Emanuel after the Civil War. Along with white abolitionists in the North, Vesey referenced the Bible in his attacks on the institution of slavery. In the aftermath of the execution, white Charlestonians tore down the church and supported new efforts to control the black majority. Funds were appropriated to support a Municipal Guard of 150 men and the construction of "a Citadel" to house them and weapons. In 1843, the structure became home to the cadets of the South Carolina Military Academy. Additionally, as Vesey's rebellion relied on assistance from free black sailors, South Carolina passed legislation known as the Negro Seamen Acts. The act called for the incarceration of visiting free black sailors in local jails while their vessel remained in Charleston to eliminate contact between free black sailors from outside of South Carolina and black Charlestonians. Despite protests from northern states and British consuls, South Carolina stubbornly insisted on its right to police its population in this way. Denmark Vesey was later held up as a hero among abolitionists, including Frederick Douglass, during the Civil War. Douglass used Vesey's name as a rallying cry in recruiting and inspiring African American troops, including the 54th Massachusetts Infantry. Vesey's son, Robert, attended the April 14, 1865 ceremony at Fort Sumter. Today, however, his name remains largely unknown despite his foundational role in accelerating further slave rebellions and ultimately the civil war itself. We discuss why this is the case and what lessons can be learned from this story.   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For more information and updates, visit www.poorproles.com and subscribe to our e-mail list. For the supplemental reader that goes along with the podcast, visit: https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com   Sources: Jeremy Schipper “Denmark Vesey’s Bible” https://userpages.umbc.edu/~bouton/History407/SlaveStats.htm https://www.ccpl.org/charleston-time-machine/defining-charlestons-free-people-color

A Rebel with a Cause: Denmark Vesey and the Seeds of Insurrection This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" explores the life and legacy of Denmark Vesey, a formerly enslaved man who planned a major slave uprising in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1822. The hosts, Elliot and Andy, use Vesey's story to examine the complex social and religious landscape of the antebellum South and the role of the Bible in both justifying and condemning slavery. They also highlight the often-overlooked role of the Black church in organizing and mobilizing resistance to slavery. Denmark Vesey: A Man Who Dared to Dream of Freedom The episode begins by introducing Denmark Vesey, whose planned uprising was nine years before Nat Turner's rebellion and 37 years before John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry. Vesey's plan, which was ultimately thwarted, involved seizing weapons, setting fires throughout Charleston, and killing the city's entire white population before escaping to Haiti. The hosts emphasize that Vesey, unlike many other enslaved people, had achieved freedom and established a successful carpentry business. This fact makes his decision to risk everything for an uprising all the more remarkable, highlighting the depth of his commitment to ending slavery. The Bible as a Double-Edged Sword: Justifying Slavery and Inspiring Resistance The episode explores how the Bible was used by both slave owners and abolitionists to support their respective positions. Vesey himself used scripture to rally support for his cause, arguing that the Bible commanded the Israelites to destroy their enemies and that slavery was a sin that needed to be eradicated. He drew on passages from both the Old and New Testaments to inspire and reassure his followers, illustrating how the same text could be interpreted in vastly different ways. The hosts point out that the authority of the Bible, rather than its specific content, made it a powerful tool for both sides. They connect this historical phenomenon to contemporary issues, suggesting that the Bible continues to be used to justify harmful ideologies and policies. The Role of the Black Church: A Space for Community and Resistance The establishment of the first African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Charleston in 1817 played a pivotal role in Vesey's organizing efforts. The church provided a space for Black people to gather, build community, and develop a shared sense of identity, independent from the white-dominated churches. This independence fueled fears among white slave owners, who suspected that the AME Church was being supported by abolitionists and that it was fostering insurrection. The hosts emphasize the importance of "meet space" - physical spaces where people can come together and build community - for fostering social and political change. They connect this historical example to the need for similar spaces in contemporary society, arguing that strong communities are essential for challenging oppressive systems. The Perils of "Middle Ground": The Complicity of Moderate Voices The episode examines the role of white religious leaders in Charleston, particularly Benjamin Palmer and Richard Fuhrman, who condemned Vesey's planned uprising while simultaneously advocating for the right of Black people to read the Bible. These figures represent the "radical centrists" of their time, who sought to maintain a delicate balance between preserving the institution of slavery and appeasing moral concerns about its cruelty. The hosts argue that these moderate voices ultimately served to reinforce the status quo by discouraging more radical action. They draw parallels to contemporary political debates, suggesting that those who advocate for incremental change or compromise with oppressive systems often end up perpetuating those systems. The Illusion of Power: Fear and the Fragility of the Slaveholding Class Despite their outward confidence, the white elite in Charleston lived in constant fear of a slave revolt. This fear was amplified by the fact that enslaved people outnumbered white people in both the city and the surrounding countryside. The episode suggests that this demographic reality, coupled with the growing abolitionist movement in the North and Europe, created a sense of vulnerability among slave owners. The hosts argue that this underlying fear shaped the reactions of the slaveholding class to Vesey's planned uprising. They suggest that the harsh punishments meted out to Vesey and his followers, as well as the subsequent crackdown on Black literacy, were driven by a desperate attempt to maintain control and suppress dissent. The Legacy of Denmark Vesey: A Challenge to the "Natural Order" The episode concludes by reflecting on the lasting significance of Vesey's story. Although his uprising was unsuccessful, it exposed the deep cracks in the foundation of Southern society and demonstrated the potential for organized resistance to slavery. The hosts argue that Vesey's use of the Bible to challenge the "natural order" of things laid the groundwork for future abolitionist movements and continues to inspire those who fight for social justice today. They end the episode by promising to explore the specifics of Vesey's plan and the events leading up to his capture and execution in the next installment. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/