Climate Change got you down? Worried about the fact that *everything* seems to be getting worse? Wondering how we got to this point in the first place, and what can we do to build a more resilient future? We take a look at historical pastoral & agricultural societies to see what worked and what didn’t, as well as what resources we have today to make better decisions to build equitable systems. We don’t just discuss ecology and history but also take a leftist perspective on prepping, foraging ...
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The Poor Prole’s Alamanac Podcasts

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Balancing Ecology and Agriculture: Challenges and Solutions in the Borderlands
55:06
55:06
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55:06Ethan Bonnin, a passionate ecologist and researcher, brings his expertise from the borderlands of southeastern Arizona to our podcast, exploring the intricate balance between ecology and agriculture in the American Southwest. With his background in wildlife biology and conservation, Ethan sheds light on the environmental impacts of livestock grazin…
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Tiger Nuts Unveiled: Chufa's History, Cultivation, and Future in Sustainable Agriculture
41:24
41:24
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41:24Unlock the secrets of chufa, the humble tiger nut, as we journey through its fascinating history and cultural significance. Discover how this ancient tuber played a role in the diets of our early hominin ancestors and continues to captivate culinary aficionados today. We promise you'll see chufa in a whole new light, from its starring role in the b…
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Resisting ICE in the Heart of Chicago: An Update on Resistance
59:08
59:08
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59:08The streets of Chicago are alive with tension, and the backdrop of our episode is nothing less than the real-life drama of ICE operations and the city's spirited resistance. We welcome back Omar Flores from the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, who joins us to recount his personal encounter with ICE officers, unmasking their…
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Join us for a captivating exploration into the world of the evening primrose, a fascinating plant known for its resilience and unique characteristics. We kick things off by unraveling the botanical intricacies of the evening primrose family, highlighting its ability to thrive in disturbed habitats like roadsides and abandoned fields. Our humorous t…
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Mycorrhizal Fungi: Innovations in Grassland Restoration and Sustainable Agriculture
40:59
40:59
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40:59Dr. Liz Koziol, a pioneering assistant research professor at the University of Kansas, shares her compelling journey into the realm of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and their pivotal role in grassland restoration. Her unconventional path, sparked by an unexpected lab job, and guided by mentors Jim Bieber and Peggy Schultz, offers a fascinating…
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Preserving the Longleaf Pine: A Journey Through Southeastern Conservation
50:13
50:13
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50:13Imagine forests that once covered vast swathes of the southeastern United States, now reduced to a fraction of their former glory. Join us with Bill Finch, co-founder of Finch Conservation, as we explore his lifelong mission to preserve the longleaf pine forests, one of North America's richest ecosystems. Bill's childhood adventures in Mississippi …
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Embracing Forest Stewardship: Navigating Conservation Challenges with Ethan Tapper
42:35
42:35
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42:35Ethan Tapper, the insightful Vermont-based forester and author, captivates us with his narrative on the delicate art of forest stewardship in a world fraught with ecological challenges. With his debut book, "How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World," Ethan invites listeners to understand the complexities of caring for …
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Exploring the Many Names and Tales of the Sunchoke
53:01
53:01
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53:01Welcome to the quirky and educational world of sunchokes, affectionately dubbed "fartichokes," as we explore their rich history and surprisingly gassy reputation. We start with a playful idea of turning a chicken coop live stream into a comedic business venture before diving into the fascinating journey of the Jerusalem artichoke. From their roots …
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Legumes and Tubers: The Hidden Heroes of Agriculture with Dr. Steven Cannon
36:13
36:13
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36:13Dr. Steven Cannon, a distinguished research geneticist from the USDA Agricultural Research Service, graces the podcast with his expertise in plant genomics and crop improvement. From a childhood love of gardening to pioneering work in bioinformatics, Dr. Cannon's journey is as enriching as the legumes he studies. We explore the promising, yet chall…
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Groundnut Chronicles: From Ancient Roots to Modern Plates
46:15
46:15
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46:15Podcast Summary Can a humble tuber change the face of sustainable agriculture? Explore the fascinating world of Apios americana, the groundnut, as we uncover its rich history and its potential to revolutionize our food systems. Our journey takes us back to its indigenous roots in North America, through its historical introduction to Europe, and ont…
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Empowering Communities: Understanding Rights and Activism Against ICE Abuses
42:34
42:34
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42:34Giselle Rodriguez, the inspiring co-founder and executive director of Illinois Workers in Action (IWA), joins us to share her journey into advocacy. Motivated by her mother's experience with an ICE audit, Giselle discusses the mission of IWA, an organization committed to educating workers about their rights and addressing workplace issues. Our conv…
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United for Justice: The Fight for Immigrant Rights in Chicago's Little Village
55:54
55:54
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55:54The fight for immigrant rights is gaining momentum, and the status quo is feeling the tremors. Witness the awakening in Chicago's Little Village, where over 600 voices rose against the injustices perpetrated by ICE. Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez's powerful speech called for unity, challenging the forces that thrive on fear and division. Join us as we…
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Anti-ICE Unity in Chicago: Unpacking Fear, Activism, and Policy Shifts in Immigrant Communities
53:30
53:30
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53:30The fear gripping immigrant communities under Trump's intensified ICE operations is palpable, and the narrative that these efforts solely target criminal elements is being scrutinized. Join us as we uncover how these actions, particularly in Chicago, create an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty among immigrants. There's a glaring lack of transpa…
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The Poor Proles Mailbag: We Answer YOUR Questions
1:09:34
1:09:34
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1:09:34A month back, we opened the floor to questions from listeners regarding our thoughts after 5 years into this project, whether or not Elliott is locked in the basement, how we feel about solarpunk futures and tons more! For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patre…
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Decolonizing Food Systems: Embracing Relational Accountability and Community Engagement with Dr. Lauren Kepkiewicz
43:46
43:46
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43:46Renowned for her impactful work in community-based research, Dr. Lauren Kepkiewicz joins us on Poor Proles Almanac to unpack the journey towards just and equitable food systems. We explore the transformative power of relational accountability, shedding light on how it challenges traditional academic norms by centering Indigenous women and two-spiri…
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Resilient Bonds: How Sicilian Women's Affinity Groups Fostered Strength and Community in California's Canneries
55:59
55:59
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55:59Tune in to the captivating story of Sicilian fishermen who, driven by the decline of their homeland's sardine industry, sparked a remarkable transformation along California's coast. This episode promises an enlightening journey through the cultural and economic impacts of their migration, with a spotlight on the formidable Sicilian women who found …
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In this episode, we dive into homesteading on a bigger picture; it's a deep dive into the role of modern homesteading within the critical context of today's world.... Uncover the truth about homesteading's limits: Explore how it serves as a response to the increasing alienation and exploitation of modern society, but is not a complete solution to e…
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Preserving Memory in Activism: Peter Gelderloos on Generational Gaps and Resilient Communities
42:22
42:22
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42:22Activist and author Peter Gelderloos returns to the Porpoise Almanac to discuss his latest book, "They Will Beat the Memory Out of Us." With a lifetime of activism under his belt, Peter shares his heartfelt reflections on the enduring struggles of social movements, the critical role of collective memory, and the widening gap between generations in …
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Navigating South Korea’s Economic Turbulence: From Crisis to Community-Driven Ecology and Radical Agroecology
45:27
45:27
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45:27Our latest episode navigates the turbulent water of South Korea's neoliberal rise, examining how austerity measures imposed by the IMF hit the working class hard and compromised environmental protections. Yet, within these adversities, seedbeds of change emerged, notably in the form of farming communes and radical agroecology. We unravel these comp…
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The Power of Community Canning: Revolutionizing Rural Entrepreneurship with ACEnet
57:28
57:28
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57:28How does a small community in Athens, Ohio, turn local produce into a thriving business ecosystem? Join us as we unravel the evolutionary tale of ACEnet, a pioneering force in community-based economic development, through the eyes of our insightful guests Adam Kody, Cameron Shasteen, and Isabel Stitchick. Discover the origins of ACEnet, once known …
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Community Canning & Homesteading: Preserving Traditions and Building Resilience
46:22
46:22
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46:22Join us for an intriguing journey as we explore the age-old tradition of canning. We kick things off with a humorous take on unconventional Bitcoin mining strategies, touching on their environmental impacts. This playful banter sets the stage for a fascinating discussion on canning's historical significance, especially its evolution in the 19th cen…
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Persimmons Unearthed: From Past to Present
48:43
48:43
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48:43Unravel the secrets of the ancient persimmon as we embark on a journey through time, from the Pleistocene era to modern-day culinary adventures. This episode of the Poor Persimmons Almanac is your ticket to understanding these fascinating "tomatoes of the trees," with their rich history and quirky characteristics. We delve into the archaeological s…
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Revolutionizing the American Elderberry Industry: A Journey with the Midwest Elderberry Cooperative
47:55
47:55
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47:55Join us as we embark on an inspiring journey through the origins and growth of the Midwest Elderberry Cooperative with our guest, Chris Patton. Discover how his passion for sustainable agriculture was ignited at the Moses Conference in 2011, leading him to explore the untapped potential of American elderberry as a commercial crop. Alongside experie…
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Rediscovering the American Elderberry: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Cultivation
38:30
38:30
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38:30Ever wondered why certain berries appear in folklore and medicine while others are forgotten in the underbrush? Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the elderberry, a plant that has been quietly thriving from the icy reaches of northern Canada to the sunlit coasts of Florida. Known for its tenacity and resilience, the elderberry has become a symb…
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Revitalizing Urban Landscapes: Andrew the Arborist on Community Stewardship and Climate Adaptation
40:15
40:15
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40:15Join us as Andrew Conboy, an ISA certified arborist famously known as Andrew the Arborist, captivates us with his journey through urban forestry and ecological restoration. Andrew's passion for integrating native flora into cityscapes shines as he addresses the challenges of urban stressors like soil compaction and pollution. Explore how underutili…
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