Root Simple Podcast

By Root Simple

What's Root Simple Podcast about?

A podcast about vegetable gardening, food preservation, home economics and DIY living. Hosted by Erik Knutzen and Kelly Coyne, authors of The Urban Homestead and Making It: Radical Home Ec for a Post Consumer World.

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Root Simple Podcast episodes:

07.03.2020
138 Erics Gone Wild
On episode 138 of the Root Simple podcast we brain dump with Eric Rochow, a.k.a. “East Coast Eric” of Garden Fork TV about concrete work, bears in the garden, plywood boat building and storm windows. Eric has been a frequent...
03.30.2020
137 Corona Crisis With Johnny of Granola Shotgun
Johnny Sanphillippo of the blog Granola Shotgun dropped by the Root Simple podcast today to talk about a lifestyle that’s proving useful in our troubled times. I decided to put this podcast out quickly so please excuse the less than...
12.11.2019
136 Garden Fundamentals with Robert Pavlis
On this 136th episode of the Root Simple podcast we talk to author and gardening expert Robert Pavlis about how to improve your soil, how to start seedlings in the winter, how to take care of houseplants and much more....
11.20.2019
135 Larry Korn: Rest in Revolution
Root Simple reader Pat just informed me of the passing of Larry Korn, who was a guest on our podcast in October of 2015. Larry was probably best known as the translator of Masanobu Fukuoka’s One Straw Revolution but that...
10.02.2019
134 Eric of Garden Fork on Mental Decluttering, Washing Machine Repair and More!
On the 134th episode of the podcast we talk to DIYer, YouTuber and podcaster Eric Rochow of Garden Fork TV on some eclectic DIY notions and projects including why he’s quitting beekeeping, mental decluttering, washing machine repair, print making and...
09.18.2019
133 Trees of Power with Akiva Silver
On this 133rd episode of the Root Simple podcast Kelly and I talk to Akiva Silver of Twisted Tree Farm, described in his author bio as a “homestead, nut orchard and nursery located in Spencer, New York where he grows...
08.09.2019
132 Legalize It! A Conversation with Beekeeper Max Wong
On this bee-centric episode of the podcast I talk with fellow “backwards” beekeeper Max Wong, in front of a live audience at a meeting of the Long Beach Beekeepers, about her techniques as well as her role in the successful...
06.05.2019
131 Learning to Smell the Roses with Kendra Gaeta
On this episode of the root simple podcast I talk to Kendra Gaeta about something you probably don’t think about too much–your sense of smell. As usual with the podcast, I have a bad habit of turning off the recorder...
06.03.2019
Pollinators and Power
Beekeeper and activist Terry Oxford has a great new podcast called Pollinators and Power. The premiere episode features Professor Dave Goulson of Sussex University. Goulson is the founder of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and author of many books on native...
05.23.2019
130 Farm Unfixed with Jessica Rath
In her work artist Jessica Rath examines, as she puts it, “how human containment of the land effects non-human species from the propagation of agricultural plants to the sensoria of bees.” She is on the faculty of the Art Center...
05.08.2019
129 The Garden Is the Teacher: a Conversation With EagleSong
Our guest on this episode of the podcast is EagleSong Gardener. From her bio: EagleSong is human being, green witch, herbalist and crofter dedicated to deep transformation on an individual and planetary scale. She tends the Spiral Garden at the...
04.10.2019
128 Flipping the Future of Architecture
A few weeks ago I retweeted an article about a nightmarish Victorian house flip that touched off a minor architectural tweet storm. That prompted an email from James Heard and Ashton Hamm of UXO Architects who had some opinions about...
11.16.2018
127 Apocalypse Now with Father Mark Kowalewski
This podcast conversation with Fr. Mark Kowalewski, dean of St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral in Los Angeles, needs a longer introduction than usual because it might, at first, seem off-topic. But I think it’s safe to say that within the DNA...
10.18.2018
126 The Wild Yards Project with David Newsom
On the podcast this week Kelly and I talk to David Newsom about his Wild Yards Project. The goal of the Wild Yards Project is “to give you the inspiration and resources to re-wild your yard and to help others...
10.04.2018
125 Green Burials with the Green Reaper Elizabeth Fournier
This week on the podcast Kelly and I talk to undertaker, funeral home owner and author of The Green Burial Guidebook Elizabeth Fournier. Elizabeth, known affectionately as the “Green Reaper,” owns and operates Cornerstone Funeral Services in Boring, Oregon (we’re...
09.05.2018
124 Adam Brock on Forming Nurtured Networks
When I wrote a post lamenting the difficulties of forming and sustaining groups I got an email from Adam Brock, author of Change Here Now, a book which uses architect Christopher Alexander idea of a “pattern language” to find solutions...
08.08.2018
123 Beekeeping Mistakes I Have Made
On the podcast this week is a recording of a talk I gave to the Long Beach Beekeepers on Sunday August 5th 2018. Several times you’ll hear me refer to the “Backwards Beekeepers.” The Backwards Beekeepers were a group in...
07.18.2018
122 Artist, Gardener and Activist Renee Garner
There’s a struggle in cities, around the world, to make streets safer for everyone, especially our children and elders. One hundred years of car-centric planning has created cities and suburbs that are ugly and dangerous. Renee Garner is fighting a...
07.04.2018
121 Beekeeping, Fireworks, Solar Power and Extending Wi-Fi with Will of the Weekend Homestead
Will of the Weekend Homestead returns to the Root Simple podcast to talk about how to get into beekeeping without busting the bank, fireworks, rigging up a simple solar power system and extending your wi-fi. During the podcast we discuss:...
06.20.2018
120 Inhabiting Suburbia with Johnny Sanphillippo
On this episode of the root simple podcast I speak with Johnny Sanphillippo about the opportunities and challenges of inhabiting suburbia. Johnny asks some provocative questions in our discussion and on his blog Granola Shotgun. Can we make old communities...
06.06.2018
119 A Chat With the Gardenerd
Christy “Garden Nerd” Wilhelmi dropped by the Root Simple compound to talk to Kelly and I about everything from loquats to bees to climate change. You can find her blog posts, podcast, YouTube at Gardenerd.com. She is the author of...
05.23.2018
118 Eric of Garden Fork on Old Houses, Queen Bees and Ramps
On this week’s episode of the podcast Eric Rochow of Garden Fork returns to talk about the struggle of owning an old house, raising queen bees and the over harvesting of ramps. During the show Eric mentions: His live question...
04.25.2018
117 Raw Milk with David Gumpert
On this episode of the podcast (much delated due to home construction projects) we talk to journalist and author David Gumpert about the controversies surrounding raw milk. David was a staff reporter with The Wall Street Journal and a small business...
03.07.2018
116 Being the Change with Peter Kalmus
On this episode of the root simple podcast Kelly and I speak with climate scientist Peter Kalmus, author of Being the Change: Live Well and Spark a Climate Revolution. Peter was a guest on episode 39, but we thought we’d...
01.31.2018
115 Inventing a New Word: Apisoir
Wine writer Micheal Alberty was thinking of a way to promote the “terroir” of local honey so, naturally, he coined a new word, “apisoir.” Find out what happened when he tried to get this word into Wikipedia as well as...
12.13.2017
114 Will of The Weekend Homestead on Fire Safety
On the podcast this week I talk to Will of the The Weekend Homestead about fire safety and life on his rural Wisconsin getaway. Will is a former firefighter and avid YouTuber and reached out to me to respond to...
11.29.2017
113 Open Floor Plans and Dog Sports
On the Root Simple Podcast this week, Kelly and I discuss fire safety problems caused by open floor plans and modern materials and Kelly shares her favorite dog sports (picture above is of our Saluki Ivan in front of a...
10.25.2017
112 Eric of Garden Fork on Glazing, Concrete Anchors and Mouse Traps
On this episode Eric of Garden Fork returns to the podcast to drop some opinions on window glazing, concrete anchors, mouse traps and Harbor Freight. Our fix-it rap includes: How to apply window glazing putty This Old House on triple...
10.04.2017
111 Cardoons, Medlars and Hipster Toilets
On the podcast this week, Kelly and I read and respond to listener questions and comments about cardoons, medlars and Toto’s Eco Promenade toilet! Here’s some links to the topics we rap about: What’s a Saluki? Los Angeles Bread Bakers...
09.20.2017
110 A Report from the 2017 National Heirloom Expo
On the podcast this week are three interviews I recorded at the 7th annual National Heirloom Expo in Santa Rosa, California in the first week of September 2017. The organizers of the expo, Baker Creek Seeds, hold a press conference...
09.06.2017
109 Doubt is Our Product: Bees, Chemicals and Academia
How do chemical companies influence university scientists? Who pays for research? Why did the California State Beekeeping Association oppose legislation that would have required labeling neonicotinoid treated nursery plants? These are just a few of the controversial questions covered in this...
08.23.2017
108 Artist/Maker Federico Tobon
Update: Federico wrote up a blog post showing some of the things we talked about. Our guest this week on the Root Simple Podcast is artist Federico Tobon of WolfCat Workshop. We talk about a lot of things including Federico’s...
08.09.2017
107 Urban Beekeeping with Terry Oxford
Terry Oxford is a rooftop beekeeper in San Francisco. On this episode of the podcast we discuss her natural beekeeping methods and her efforts to stop the use of systemic neonicotinoid pesticides such as Imidacloprid. Terry’s website is Urban Bee...
07.26.2017
106 Opposable Thumbs
This week on the Root Simple Podcast we’re featuring the first half hour of another podcast we think you should subscribe to: Opposable Thumbs. Hosts Taylor Hokanson and Rob Ray interview a guest each week who issues a creative challenge...
07.12.2017
105 GardenNerd’s Tips for Organic Gardening Success
Our guest on this episode is “GardenNerd” Christy Wilhelmi, previously heard on episode 19 of the podcast, who returns this week to discuss her new ebook 400 Plus Tips for Organic Gardening Success. As you might guess we touch on...
06.28.2017
104 Erin Schanen the Impatient Gardener
On the podcast this week we talk to garden blogger Erin Schanen, the Impatient Gardener. Erin lives in a small cottage in Southeastern Wisconsin. During the show we discuss some of Erin’s recent blog posts and other subjects including: Gardening...
06.14.2017
103 Ugly Little Greens with Mia Wasilevich
Our guest this week is chef and forager Mia Wasilevich. Mia is the founder of Transitional Gastronomy and teaches culinary workshops, wild-food identification and food styling. She was a featured consultant on “Master Chef” and “Top Chef.” She is also...
05.31.2017
102 Beekeeping Controversies With Susan Rudnicki
Behind the headlines about bee die-offs is an untold story about the methods of conventional beekeeping. There is a sharp divide between mainstream beekeepers and natural beekeepers. In this episode we delve deep into the controversies over how bees are...
05.18.2017
101 Eric Interviews Erik
Between Kelly’s aortic dissection and my mom’s passing it’s been a difficult few months here at Root Simple. Eric Rochow of Garden Fork noticed that I haven’t put out a podcast episode in a long time and offered to interview...
03.15.2017
100 Eric Rochow of Garden Fork on Maple Syrup, Welding and Cast Iron
On this, the 100th episode of the Root Simple podcast we talk with Garden Fork impresario Eric Rochow about his adventures in maple syrup making, learning how to weld and the controversial topic of maintaining cast iron. During the show...
03.01.2017
099 The Amazing Sourdough Breads of Guy Frenkel
Guy Frenkel is one of the most talented bakers I’ve met. If you’ve seen his whole grain, sourdough breads in Instagram (@Ceorbread) and Facebook you’ll know why I had to interview him. During the podcast we talk about his unique...
03.01.2017
099 The Amazing Sourdough Breads of Guy Frenkel
Listen to “099 The Amazing Sourdough Breads of Guy Frenkel” on Spreaker. Guy Frenkel is one of the most talented bakers I’ve met. If you’ve seen his whole grain, sourdough breads in Instagram (@Ceorbread) and Facebook you’ll know why I...
02.16.2017
098 Kelly’s Aortic Dissection Adventure
On this episode of the podcast Kelly sits down to tell the story of her aortic dissection and subsequent emergency open heart surgery, that took place on November 25, 2016. We also take time to thank all the people who...
02.16.2017
098 Kelly’s Aortic Dissection Adventure
Listen to “098 Kelly’s Aortic Dissection Adventure” on Spreaker. On this episode of the podcast Kelly sits down to tell the story of her aortic dissection and subsequent emergency open heart surgery, that took place on November 25, 2016. We...
02.01.2017
097 Mill Your Own Flour with a Mock Mill
First off, I want to thank Eric Rochow of Garden Fork for subbing for Kelly and I on the previous podcast (episode 96). Thank you Eric! And I hope everyone listening to our podcast will also subscribe to the Garden...
02.01.2017
097 Mill Your Own Flour with a Mock Mill
Listen to “097Mill Your Own Flour with a Mock Mill” on Spreaker. First off, I want to thank Eric Rochow of Garden Fork for subbing for Kelly and I on the previous podcast (episode 96). Thank you Eric! And I...
01.04.2017
096 Photographer Babs Perkins: The Land, People and Cheese of the Balkans
First of all, a big thanks to Eric Rochow of Garden Fork. He wanted to do something for Kelly and me, so he set up an interview, guest hosted and edited this episode of the podcast. Please consider subscribing to...
01.04.2017
096 Photographer Babs Perkins: The Land, People and Cheese of the Balkans
Listen to “096 Photographer Babs Perkins: The Land, People and Cheese of the Balkans” on Spreaker. First of all, a big thanks to Eric Rochow of Garden Fork. He wanted to do something for Kelly and me, so he set...
11.16.2016
095 Bean Holes and Deep Fried Turkeys with Eric Rochow of Garden Fork
With Thanksgiving just around the corner in the US it’s time to rock the friends and family with some new cooking traditions. How about baking beans in a hole or deep frying your turkey? I discuss these topics, plus how...
11.16.2016
095 Bean Holes and Deep Fried Turkeys with Eric Rochow of Garden Fork
Listen to “095 Bean Holes and Deep Fried Turkeys with Eric Rochow of Garden Fork” on Spreaker. With Thanksgiving just around the corner in the US it’s time to rock the friends and family with some new cooking traditions. How...

What's Root Simple Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Root Simple Podcast episodes:

138 Erics Gone Wild

137 Corona Crisis With Johnny of Granola Shotgun

136 Garden Fundamentals with Robert Pavlis

135 Larry Korn: Rest in Revolution

134 Eric of Garden Fork on Mental Decluttering, Washing Machine Repair and More!

133 Trees of Power with Akiva Silver

132 Legalize It! A Conversation with Beekeeper Max Wong

131 Learning to Smell the Roses with Kendra Gaeta

Pollinators and Power

130 Farm Unfixed with Jessica Rath

129 The Garden Is the Teacher: a Conversation With EagleSong

128 Flipping the Future of Architecture

127 Apocalypse Now with Father Mark Kowalewski

126 The Wild Yards Project with David Newsom

125 Green Burials with the Green Reaper Elizabeth Fournier

124 Adam Brock on Forming Nurtured Networks

123 Beekeeping Mistakes I Have Made

122 Artist, Gardener and Activist Renee Garner

121 Beekeeping, Fireworks, Solar Power and Extending Wi-Fi with Will of the Weekend Homestead

120 Inhabiting Suburbia with Johnny Sanphillippo

119 A Chat With the Gardenerd

118 Eric of Garden Fork on Old Houses, Queen Bees and Ramps

117 Raw Milk with David Gumpert

116 Being the Change with Peter Kalmus

115 Inventing a New Word: Apisoir

114 Will of The Weekend Homestead on Fire Safety

113 Open Floor Plans and Dog Sports

112 Eric of Garden Fork on Glazing, Concrete Anchors and Mouse Traps

111 Cardoons, Medlars and Hipster Toilets

110 A Report from the 2017 National Heirloom Expo

109 Doubt is Our Product: Bees, Chemicals and Academia

108 Artist/Maker Federico Tobon

107 Urban Beekeeping with Terry Oxford

106 Opposable Thumbs

105 GardenNerd’s Tips for Organic Gardening Success

104 Erin Schanen the Impatient Gardener

103 Ugly Little Greens with Mia Wasilevich

102 Beekeeping Controversies With Susan Rudnicki

101 Eric Interviews Erik

100 Eric Rochow of Garden Fork on Maple Syrup, Welding and Cast Iron

099 The Amazing Sourdough Breads of Guy Frenkel

099 The Amazing Sourdough Breads of Guy Frenkel

098 Kelly’s Aortic Dissection Adventure

098 Kelly’s Aortic Dissection Adventure

097 Mill Your Own Flour with a Mock Mill

097 Mill Your Own Flour with a Mock Mill

096 Photographer Babs Perkins: The Land, People and Cheese of the Balkans

096 Photographer Babs Perkins: The Land, People and Cheese of the Balkans

095 Bean Holes and Deep Fried Turkeys with Eric Rochow of Garden Fork

095 Bean Holes and Deep Fried Turkeys with Eric Rochow of Garden Fork