In this conversation, Jake and Maren of Death in the Garden explore the challenges and realities of being an artist in today's fast-paced world. We discuss the necessity of patience in the creative process, the importance of storytelling in both fiction and nonfiction, and the need for imagination in a mechanized society. Together, the conversation also emphasizes he value of personal experience and the interplay between happiness and sorrow in understanding life and art.

The conversation also touches on the struggle to find time for creativity amidst modern distractions and the importance of nurturing a relationship with the muse. And so much more.

Death in the Garden Substack HERE or Youtube HERE.
Film: What is the Human Animal?

Pre-Order Daniel's latest kincentric mythology (novel) HERE.

About Jake and Maren:
Death in The Garden is a film project which aims to explore modern human culture and it’s unique relation to ecology. Jake and Maren focus on subjects such as agriculture, technology, psychology, sociology, philosophy, anthropology, and history to explore complex issues like climate change and the modern crisis of meaning through a holistic lens. In addition to the films they are producing, they have an extensive catalog of essays on Substack as well as podcasts primarily collected during filming. Maren is currently working on her debut novel, the first book of the Fall of Men series: a trilogy set hundreds of years after the collapse of global civilization.

This episode is with Kay Baxter of The Kōanga Institute, Aotearoa's (New Zealand) largest heritage seed bank & food plant collection. Our conversation emphasizes the vital connection between heritage seeds, community, and individual health. By sharing personal stories and insights, Kay explores how reconnecting with the earth and understanding the history and cultural significance of seeds can lead to an actually holistic nourishment and a renewed sense of purpose in our lives.

Learn more about Kay and Kōanga HERE.
Learn more about Unshod HERE.

This conversation with Leah Rampy, author of Earth and Soul, emphasizes the importance of connecting deeply with the Earth amidst climate chaos. By exploring themes of kinship, responsibility, and deep listening, we uncover ways to foster relationship with nature that can lead to sustainable solutions for our planet. 

Learn more about Leah HERE.
Buy Leah's book, Earth and Soul HERE.

Learn more about Daniel and Unshod HERE.

Leah Rampy is a writer, speaker, and retreat leader who weaves ecology, spirituality, personal stories, and practices to help others deepen their relationship to the natural world. She is the author of the award winning Earth & Soul: Reconnecting amid Climate Chaos and a frequent speaker on spiritual ecology and leadership in these uncertain times.

Leah co-authored and co-facilitated with Beth Norcross the six-part video series on The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees: Insights from Our Elders in collaboration with the award-winning film maker Jane Pittman and sponsored by The Center for Spirituality in Nature. Leah and Beth are co-
authoring a book, Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees, to be published by Broadleaf Books in April 2025.​

She has led over a dozen pilgrimages to sacred places in the US and internationally for the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation where she previously served as the Executive Director and continues as an adjunct staff member. She is the founder and leader of Church of the Wild Two Rivers, affiliated with the Wild Church Network, that meets regularly to deepen spirituality through time in the natural world. Leah also offers retreats through Friends of Silence, a nonprofit honoring the work and intent of the late, well-loved author, Nan Merrill.

Through Shepherd University’s Lifelong Learning Program, Leah teaches classes on ecology through the lens of current writers. Her essays on living more fully connected to Earth in these uncertain times have appeared in the Anthology of Appalachian Writers (Barbara Kingsolver edition), The Cardinal Anthology Vol 1, and Soul Food; Nourishing Essays on Contemplative Living and Leadership. She is a member of West Virginia Writers.

Leah holds a doctorate in Curriculum from Indiana University. She has extensive leadership experience as an executive in Fortune 100 organizations and in nonprofits and has offered executive coaching and consulting to individuals and organizations through the business she founded in 2001, Illumined Way, LLC.

She lives with her husband in a cohousing community in Shepherdstown, WV, where members collaborated to build and now to run their village with a focus on community, environmental responsibility, and Earth care. She co-founded Save Our Soil, a volunteer organization to promote soil health, local food, native plants, and regenerative agriculture in the Eastern Panhandle and beyond. The Rampys have two adult children who live in Virginia, and two dogs who live at home.

Ever wondered if our technological advancements are truly making life better or just more complicated? Join Alex of the Human Nature Odyssey podcast and me as we kickstart our return with a whirlwind of reflections beginning with our reminiscing about the hands-on expertise of past generations ... contrasting true ability with the digital era.

The metaphor of the Tower of Babel serves as a philosophical lens through which we examine civilization's complexities and our relationship with technology. Are we building a society without understanding its true purpose, and how does this impact our local engagements? Alex and I also reimagine classic narratives, pondering if true heroism lies not in saving the world, but in developing a reciprocal relationship with nature and ourselves. This is a candid exploration of humanity's environmental role, challenging the notion that we're merely defenders of a world in peril.

Inspired by Daniel Quinn’s “Ishmael,” our conversation turns to humanity’s impact on Earth, from ancient health paradigms to modern civilization's paradoxes. The conversation dives into embracing diverse worldviews, especially indigenous perspectives, and exploring the cultural narratives shaping our interactions with nature.

Pre-Order my novel, The Plain of Pillars HERE.

Learn more about Alex and his podcast HERE.

Explore the fascinating intersection of food systems and climate change with Mark Easter, author of the book The Blue Plate: A Food Lover’s Guide to Climate Chaos. Mark illuminates the unpredictable ways our food production impacts greenhouse gas emissions and how agricultural practices have both contributed to and buffered against climate change. You'll discover the complex history and evolution of agriculture, from the introduction of fossil fuels and chemical fertilizers to the innovative solutions that attempt a more sustainable future.

Join our online community to discuss this episode with us directly!

In this conversation, Mark unravels the powerful role of methane and the transformative impact of fossil fuel-dependent farming practices that emerged in the 20th century. He sheds light on agriculture's dual role as both a contributor to and a preventer of climate chaos, and how practices like the Haber-Bosch process have changed the landscape of farming.

Mark discusses pioneering strategies for sustainable food production, from integrating livestock into farming systems to enhancing soil health with organic matter. Learn about his creative journey in writing "The Blue Plate" and the profound connections fostered between farmers and consumers through sustainable practices.

Buy Mark's book HERE.

Buy Daniel's new book HERE. 

Join us as we sit down with my dear friend and powerful musician, Joydah Mae, who shares her intimate journey of transformation and self-reclamation, weaving together themes of creativity, vulnerability, and authenticity: of becoming the medicine.

Join our online community to discuss and dialogue with us about this episode and more HERE!

The conversation explores the concept of being medicine and the importance of embracing darkness and uncertainty. Joydah shares her experience of releasing an album and the self-doubt and insecurity that comes with it. We discuss the sacredness of ceremony and the need for authenticity in spiritual practices both in our hearts and around us in community and culture.

The conversation also touches on the significance of darkness in indigenous, traditional, and ancient cultures and the importance of embracing the cycles of the life: from the moon to the seasons to our own creative journies. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and honoring one's own gifts and path.

This conversation dives deep into the emotional rollercoaster of releasing personal art into the world. We unpack the complexities of creative vulnerability, touching on insecurities, comparisons, and the inevitable search for validation. We also delve into the empowering concept of "You are Medicine," emphasizing the importance of nurturing oneself amidst external pressures.

Joydah's website HERE.

All things You Are Medicine HERE.

Listen to Joydah's Music HERE and HERE.

Watch Joydah's YouTube HERE and Instagram HERE.

Buy Daniel's latest book HERE.

Joydah Mae is a gifted artist with a powerful voice. Walking the pathway of truth through her music. Her songs stem from deep personal experiences and an intimate relationship with nature and the divine. As a channel she chooses to speak up for the voiceless, for humanity and for the earth. She continues to remind us of who we are, through her dedication to leaving love everywhere. 

Have you ever wondered if our society's obsession with control is writ in the stories we tell? Perhaps, even, carried in our stories themselves?

Join Manda Scott and D Firth Griffith as we humbly challenge conventional thought-beliefs and unravel the tapestry of community and cooperation that could very well reshape our modern lives and relationship as  nature, with nature.

Join our online community HERE to discuss this episode with us!

Our conversation spans the cultural evolution from trauma to an initiation-oriented society and culture, drawing inspiration from thinkers like Francis Weller and Tyson Yungaporta. We ponder the spiritual resonance of ancient sites and their ties to the cosmos, offering a fresh perspective on how we might realign with natural cycles in our control-driven world. As we navigate the narrative of a mytho-political thriller and thrutopic novel, Any Human Power, Manda's latest book, we uncover the creative journey sparked by shamanic visions and the emerging concept of Thrutopia—a harmonious future that we would be proud to leave behind.

With a thoughtful examination of generational divides and the dual nature of technology, we share stories of digital innovation and connection. Our discussion features compelling anecdotes, including a grandmother's gaming bond with her grandchild, illustrating technology's potential for both connection and existential pondering. We explore the delicate balance between dopamine-driven instant gratification and serotonin-fueled communities of respect, urging a shift towards gratitude, compassion, and presence in our digital age.

Read Manda's book HERE. Learn more about Thrutopia HERE.

Read Daniel's latest book HERE. Pre-Order Daniel's next book HERE.

What if there was no wrong way to hold music? No Maths, no charts, just relationship with spirit? What if music was the infiniteness of breath held in Nature's melodies?

Join our online community HERE to discuss this episode directly with us!

This conversation with Māori storyteller and musician Dane Scott uncovers the profound connection between music, presence, and nature. Playing music, breathing life through living wood and stone and shell, with the rivers, beaches, and forests, receiving responses from birds and our cousins ... this is communion.

We also reflect on the enduring relevance of ancient stories and their wisdom in addressing modern ecological challenges, from the plight of New Zealand's indigenous peoples to the artistic transformation of myths into meaningful films. Dane emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, reminds us of the transient beauty of every experience and the growth that arises from both joy and sorrow.

Follow Dane HERE.

Pickup a copy of my latest book, HERE. Pre-Order my new book HERE.

Takeaways:

• Takeaways Connecting with nature and listening to the sounds of the natural world can bring a sense of peace and connection. 
• Playing traditional musical instruments, such as taonga puoro, can deepen the connection with nature and evoke a sense of oneness. 
• There is a need to trust in the wisdom and animacy of the natural world and to listen to the messages it has to offer. 
• Communication with trees and nature requires being present, still, and open to receiving the responses. 
• The stages of communication with trees involve moving from boredom to surrender and allowing new realities to manifest. 
• It is important to ask the land and nature what they want and to be willing to listen and act accordingly. Listening to nature and acknowledging the animism in all living beings can deepen our connection to the natural world. 
• Ancient stories and myths hold wisdom and can provide guidance in our lives. Photography and film can capture the essence of individuals and nature, allowing us to see ourselves and the world in a new light. 
• Being present and embracing change are essential for personal growth and understanding our interconnectedness with the natural world. 
• Finding morality in our connection to nature and living in harmony with the cycles of life can bring about positive change.

What if adapting to nature's unpredictability could redefine our sense of resilience and beauty? Kinship. Join Anna Borgman and I as we share this raw, visceral journey of blood and harvests to fire and culinary arts. We explore how embracing the honesty of natural forces can lead to a deeper appreciation for the unique trials and unparalleled beauty the land in and around us.

Join our online community to discuss this episode with us and more!

Anna  also delves into the complex relationship with wildfires, examining historical fire suppression policies and their unintended consequences. We traverse the emotional and psychological aspects of confronting uncontrollable forces, drawing parallels between land management practices and human experiences with life and death. From cathartic irreversible moments to the transformative power of grief, this episode unpacks the importance of respecting natural processes and the interconnectedness of all life forms.

Anna Borgman: is a butcher and slaughterwoman living in the Jefferson Valley of Montana. She owns Chaos Farms where her partner and her do mobile slaughter, wild game processing, and butchery classes. They also sell eggs and have a small herd of weed-eating goats.

Visit Anna's Instagram HERE and HERE and learn more about Chaos Farms HERE.

 
 

Have you ever felt a profound sense of grief for "the environment" and wondered how this heart-sense may ties into our kinship and ancient stories?

Join our online community to discuss these ideas!

In this episode, Sophie Strand and I explore this complex interplay, highlighting how symbiosis and mutual aid have played pivotal roles in evolutionary advancements and how consuming food, metabolism, is an act of metamorphosis.

From the intimate dance between plants and fungi that reshaped our world, to personal reflections on seasonal changes, Sophie and I share our collective journey through climate grief and adaptation. We emphasize the essential nature of being grounded in our surroundings and fostering a kinship with the land.

We also discuss the idea of uncertainty. What if embracing uncertainty could open up new ways of understanding our environment? New and old ways made new in their re-rooting. We tackle the topic of binary thinking, drawing on cognitive science and Andy Clark's work on predictive processing, revealing how rigid certainty can alienate us from nature. Sophie also carries the fascinating language of fungi (mycorrhizae and hyphae) to illustrate the broader ecological implications of communication, communion, and community. Through these connections, we underscore our often misguided efforts to control nature and the false sense of predictability it brings.

Lastly, Sophie weaves together ancient myths and modern reinterpretations to uncover their ecological wisdom. Whether it's the symbolic cave art of Lascaux or the misunderstood roles of plants like autumn olive and Johnson grass, myths serve as durable vessels of environmental and social knowledge. We invite you to rethink these narratives as not just cultural artifacts, but as repositories of scientific data and ecological insights.

Join us in this rich tapestry of stories, science, and spirituality, and rediscover the interconnectedness of life, death, and rebirth within our ecosystems.

Read Sophie's Books HERE. Follow Sophie on Substack HERE.

Buy Daniel's latest book HERE.

Sophie Strand is a writer based in the Hudson Valley who focuses on the intersection of spirituality, storytelling, and ecology. But it would probably be more authentic to call her a neo-troubadour animist with a propensity to spin yarns that inevitably turn into love stories.