It's All Poetry

15: "Wilderness" - the word, the myth, the construct (with Erin Monahan)

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In this episode of "It's All Poetry," Nicole and guest Erin Monahan explore the complex and dangerous implications of the word (and construct) "wilderness."

This discussion delves deep into the colonial roots and violent connotations associated with "wilderness," as well as its intersection with issues of race, privilege, and systemic oppression. Erin, a trauma-informed coach and activist, shares insights on how these themes connect to broader social justice movements, including the rights of indigenous peoples and environmental justice.

Tune in in order to...

  • Unpack the word "wilderness" and discover how it shapes our understanding of nature and culture.
  • Dive into the myths surrounding "wilderness" and how they influence environmental and social policies.
  • Examine how "wilderness" serves as a construct that affects global discussions on freedom and occupation.
  • Gain insights into the implications of viewing nature through a colonial lens and the importance of decolonizing our perspectives.


    • Mentioned in this episode:

    • Feminist Killjoy Propaganda Summit: An upcoming event featuring discussions that will continue this conversation in more depth, with more voices.
    • Get your exclusive 15% discount for the summit here: https://terracollective.podia.com/?coupon=FUCKJOHNMUIR

      • Resources for Continuing the Conversation (notes by Erin):

      • Jolie Varela of Indigenous Women Hike
      • Reclaiming the Nüümü Poyo (The People's Trail), or the so-called John Muir Trail 
      • Terra Incognita Media website 

      • Five Weeks of Feminist Killjoy Propaganda! 15% off with coupon code: FUCKJOHNMUIR
      • The Terra Podcast episode 13: Nature is Political and John Muir's Racist Legacy
      • Free Resource! Toxic Masculinity in the Outdoor Industry Cheat Sheet
      • Terra Incognita Media Instagram @terraincognitamedia
      • Erin Monahan's website and Instagram @erin.k.monahan as a trauma-informed, anti-capitalist mindset and business coach
      • Zitkala-Sa was John Muir's contemporary and Indigenous writer and activist: https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/zitkala-sa-american-indian-composer-author-activist-qqjsyq/15380/
      • https://www.nps.gov/people/zitkala-sa.htm
      • "The Soft-Hearted Sioux" a short story about the impact of Indian boarding schools and ongoing colonization by Zitkala-Sa
      • Harriet Jacobs was a Black writer and abolitionist and also a contemporary: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p2923.html
      • Seeing White podcast hosted by John Biewan and Chenjarai Kumenyika, and The Repair, which the first episode dives into exactly what we were discussing! 
      • Episode 1 is called "In the Beginning" -- I get chills when I listen to this episode! Both series are by Scene on Radio out of Duke University.
      • Dispossessing the Wilderness by Mark David Spence 
        • ...more
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        It's All PoetryBy Nicole Cloutier