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The Poor Prole’s Alamanac, Bleav
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, homesteading, weapons, community-building, and basically anything that needs discussing during late-stage capitalism.
Building Community with scott crow
In this episode, we chat with author, activist, organizer, speaker, and producer scott crow about building dual power and developing a sense of community. We discuss the challenges of the activist community, creating spaces, and the role of politics in prepping.
Check out his work:
https://www.scottcrow.org/
https://www.emergencyhearts.com/
Support this podcast by becoming a Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac
01:08:5828/05/2021
The Conversazione
This is the intro to our new interview series, where we tie all of the components of the series together and some of our thoughts about the series after wrapping it up!
12:1227/05/2021
Returning to Permaculture; Re-Centering Indigenous Ecology & Foodways
In the final episode of the series, we reflect on how indigenous agriculture reflects and doesn't reflect the framework of permaculture. How have we seen in previous episodes examples of new foodways that can show us a path forward from where we currently exist?
23:3112/05/2021
Manoomin is Life; The Anishanaabe, Foodways, & Decolonization
We spend some time talking about what colonization looked like for the Anishanaabe, how colonization destroys foodways, and what decolonization looks like as a model for others to move forward.
Sources:
Stories that Nourish: Minnesota, Anishinaabe Wild Rice Narratives
Amelia V. Katanski
https://sci-hub.se/10.17953/aicrj.41.3.katanski
Our Knowledge Is Not Primitive: Decolonizing Botanical Anishinaabe Teachings
Wendy Makoons Geniusz, Annmarie Geniusz
“Both the Honor and the Profit”: Anishinaabe Warriors, Soldiers, and Veterans from Pontiac’s War through the Civil War
Michelle K. Cassidy
38:3803/05/2021
Arid Agriculture & the Communalism of the Turkana
In this episode, we explore the evolution of the indigenous people of Lake Turkana. We look at how their subsistence farming evolved with a rapidly shifting climate and how both the ecology benefits from human involvement & how a unique collectivist and individualist community format allows for the community to quickly change practices to meet the unpredictable landscape. We wrap it up talking about the damages of colonialism on these resilient communities.
Sources:
Usufruct Rights to Trees: The Role of Ekwar in Dryland Central Turkana, Kenya
Edmund G. C. Barrow
https://sci-hub.se/https://www.jstor.org/stable/4602963?seq=1
Impacts of shifting agriculture on a floodplain woodland regeneration in dryland, Kenya
G. Oba, N.C. Stenseth, & R.B. Weladji
sci-hub.se/10.1016/S0167-8809(01)00355-3
Land Use, Ecology, and Socio-economic Changes in a Pastoral Production System
M. Okoti, J.C. Ng'ethe, W.N. Ekaya, & D. M. Mbuvi
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09709274.2004.11905720
Holocene occupation of the Mount Porr strand plain in southern Lake Turkana, Kenya
David Wright, S.L. Forman
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David_Wright/publication/281536573_Holocene_occupation_of_the_Mount_Porr_strand_plain_in_southern_Lake_Turkana_Kenya/links/55f7f62a08aeafc8ac080dfe.pdf
Indigenous management systems as a basis for community forestry in Tanzania
George C. Kajembe
https://library.wur.nl/WebQuery/wurpubs/fulltext/117147
The value of traditional knowledge in present-day soil conservation practice: the example of West Pokot and Turkana
Edmund Geoffrey Barrow
file:///C:/Users/Andy/Downloads/SoilConPokot-Turkana1986-208.pdf
Ethnobotany of the Turkana: Use of Plants by a Pastoral People and Their Livestock in Kenya
W. T. W. Morgan
https://www.jstor.org/stable/4254252?seq=1
49:5321/04/2021
(R)Evolutionary Agroforestry in the Western Ghats
We chat about the ecological and agricultural history of the Southern tip of India and how the indigenous farming practices have evolved over 4,000 years to meet the changing climate!
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225745850_Agroforestry_in_the_Western_Ghats_of_peninsular_India_and_the_satoyama_landscapes_of_Japan_A_comparison_of_two_sustainable_land_use_systems
Agroforestry in the Western Ghats of peninsular India and the satoyama landscapes of Japan: A comparison of two sustainable land use systems, B. Mohan Kumar
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225976587_Growth_and_ecological_impacts_of_traditional_agroforestry_tree_species_in_Central_Himalaya_India
Growth and ecological impacts of traditional agroforestry tree species in Central Himalaya, India, Rakesh K Maikhuri
http://tropecol.com/pdf/open/PDF_44_1/44107.pdf
The tree behind the forest: ecological and economic importance of traditional agroforestry systems and multiple uses of trees in India DENIS DEPOMMIER
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1006486912126
Acacia nilotica trees in rice fields: A traditional agroforestry system in central India
http://isasat.org/Vol-ii,issue-i/AARJ_2_1_3_Viswanath.pdf
Synergistic impacts of anthropogenic fires and aridity on plant diversity in the Western Ghats: Implications for management of ancient social-ecological systems, Charuta Kulkarni
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345993867_Synergistic_impacts_of_anthropogenic_fires_and_aridity_on_plant_diversity_in_the_Western_Ghats_Implications_for_management_of_ancient_social-ecological_systems
41:5906/04/2021
Ancient Harmony: Sustainable Farming Practices in Japan and the Challenges of Modern Conservation
How did ancient Japanese communities thrive in harmony with their natural environment? Join us on a fascinating journey through time as we uncover the secrets of sustainable farming practices in Japan. We'll explore how topography, geology, and hydrology shaped traditional agricultural methods, and how these practices compare to Norway's unique infield-outfield landscape. From the intricate Satayama woodlands to the coastal Satoumi areas, discover how these integrated systems sustained communities through careful resource management and ecological balance.
In our exploration of sustainable mountain farming, we delve into the ingenious ways Japanese and Norwegian communities adapted to their challenging landscapes. Learn about traditional woodland management, the crucial role of water flow, and how resources like timber, bamboo, and leaf litter supported wetland rice fields. We'll highlight the contrasts and similarities between Japan's moderate climates and Norway's extreme conditions, revealing the diverse strategies cultures employed to live sustainably within their environments. Finally, we tackle the pressing issues of modern landscape conservation. Reflecting on the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Satayama landscapes, we examine the challenges posed by urbanization, modern agricultural practices, and demographic shifts. Discover the authentic relationships historical communities had with their landscapes and the shortcomings of today's restoration initiatives.
We'll discuss the importance of genuine engagement with nature and the ongoing efforts to restore and preserve these vital ecosystems. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that bridges the past and present, offering insights into sustainable agricultural practices and their relevance today.
For sources and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org
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 Farming, Japan, Norway, Indigenous Farming, Traditional Agricultural Methods, Satayama Landscape, Coastal Satoumi Areas, Resource Management, Ecological Balance, Mountain Farming, Woodland Management, Water Flow, Timber, Bamboo, Leaf Litter, Wetland Rice Fields, Modern Agricultural Practices, Conservation, Biodiversity, Cultural Heritage, Landscape Management, Satayama Woodlands, Population Growth, Carrying Capacity, Traditional Land Management, Biodiversity, Environmental Restoration, Genuine Engagement, Climate Change, Podcast Growth, Future Episodes, India, Agricultural Systems, Cultural Contexts
01:00:4716/03/2021
Norwegian Farm Collectives & the Art of Coppice
In this episode, we're chatting about a forgotten history of Norwegian indigenous farming practices and their abundant relationship with an unforgiving environment.
Works Cited:
A study of practical pollarding techniques in northern Europe- Helen Read
https://www.ancienttreeforum.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/A-study-of-practical-pollarding-techniques-in-northern.pdf
The old Norwegian peasant community: Investigations undertaken by the institute for comparative research in human culture, Oslo- Andreas Holmsen
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/03585522.1956.10411481
Human-influenced vegetation types and landscape elements in the cultural landscapes of inner Sogn, western Norway- I. Austad, L. Hauge, T. Helle, A. Skogen, A. Timberlid
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Human-influenced-vegetation-types-and-landscape-in-Austad-Hauge/cf6b9a4a32544fd6f4de8c84785217e937d1c83c
Traditional land use of the boreal forest landscape: Examples from Lierne, Nord-Trøndelag, Norway-
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Altmetric
Land use and biodiversity
Traditional land use of the boreal forest landscape: Examples from Lierne, Nord-Trøndelag, Norway
Bolette Bele
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00291951.2012.760002
Regeneration of Ostrya carpinifolia scop. forest after coppicing: Modelling of changes in species diversity and composition- Andrea Catorci
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrea-Catorci/publication/287750973_Regeneration_of_Ostrya_carpinifolia_scop_forest_after_coppicing_Modelling_of_changes_in_species_diversity_and_composition/links/572a50e008ae057b0a078f36/Regeneration-of-Ostrya-carpinifolia-scop-forest-after-coppicing-Modelling-of-changes-in-species-diversity-and-composition.pdf
Towards a refined understanding of the use of coastal zones in the Mesolithic: New investigations on human–environment interactions in Telemark, southeastern Norway-
teinar Solheim
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322222762_Towards_a_refined_understanding_of_the_use_of_coastal_zones_in_the_Mesolithic_New_investigations_on_human-environment_interactions_in_Telemark_southeastern_Norway
Remodelling the neolithic in Southern Norway: Another attack on a traditional problem- Lisa G. Bostwick Bjerck
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00293652.1988.9965464
01:16:2608/03/2021
Malik Yakini & Community-Led Urban Farming in Detroit
In this episode, we review a quick history of urban farming in Detroit and interview Malik Yakini, the Executive Director of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network & D-Town Farms. We chat about the role of dual power systems to challenge capitalism and the role of self-determination in making meaningful change in communities. Interview starts around 22 minutes!
01:12:3325/02/2021
Resilience in Crisis: Cuba's Urban Farming Revolution and Lessons for Today
What happens when a nation loses its primary source of energy and agricultural inputs overnight? Join us on Poor Proles Almanac as we explore the incredible story of Cuba's resilience during the Special Period following the Soviet bloc's collapse. We reveal how Cuba's foresight, strategic planning, and innovative urban farming transformed a crisis into a model of food security that holds powerful lessons for us today. We also delve into the devastating Navajo Sheep Reduction Plan, examining its impact on Navajo shepherds and its broader implications for colonial agricultural practices.
Our journey takes us through the transformation of Havana's urban landscape, where government initiatives and community efforts turned barren spaces into bountiful agricultural land. Learn about the creation of Cuba's Urban Agriculture Department, the five main categories of urban farms, and the revolutionary role of organoponicos in ensuring food security. As we reflect on Cuba's experience, we draw parallels with potential vulnerabilities in the U.S. food system, emphasizing the necessity of localizing food production and fostering sustainable, community-focused practices.
As we wrap up this episode, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Cuban people and consider how their resilience and innovation can inspire similar progress in our own communities.
For sources and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org
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: Urban Farming, Cuba, Food Security, Special Period, Soviet bloc, Resilience, Strategic Planning, Innovative, Urban Agriculture Department, Organoponicos, Sustainable, Equitable, Colonial Agricultural Practices, Havana, Urban Landscape, Government Initiatives, Community Efforts, Barren Spaces, Bountiful Agricultural Land, Navajo Sheep Reduction Plan, Navajo Shepherds, Colonial Agricultural Practices, Energy, Agricultural Inputs, Soviet Union, Food Shortages, Rationing, United States, Food System, Vulnerabilities, Concentration, Food Industries, Companies, Crisis, Dependency, Imports, Ministry of Defense, Petroleum Import Cutoff, Zapatistas, Rojava, Foresight, Resource Management, Energy Investment, Chemical-based, Organic-based, National Support, Provincial Support, Educational Foundation, Urban Gardening, Coordinated Urban Agriculture Program, Popular Gardens, Basic Production Cooperative Units, Cooperative Support Units, Individual Farms, State-run Agricultural Enterprises, Ecology, Nature, Localizing Food Production, Deforestation, Monocrop Agriculture, Mi Programma Verde, Urban Biodiversity, Reforestation, Capitalism, Grassroots Efforts, Community-focused, Ecological Practices, USDA, Food Insecurity, Single Women, Children, Nutritious Food, Processed Foods
01:04:1015/02/2021
What's Wrong with Permaculture, Anyway? The Prole Models Miniseries
The first episode of our new miniseries entitled "The Prole Models", we decide to get into the tough content of the complex history of permaculture, the problems with its history, the evolution of permaculture in modern agriculture, and how it can frame up some of the questions regarding land back, indigenous culture, and the role of white people in this potential solution to the problem of climate change.
Sources:
https://www.kcet.org/shows/tending-nature/the-indigenous-science-of-permaculture
https://www.treehugger.com/permaculture-doesnt-work-says-plant-biologist-4856091
https://www.lillklobbpermaculture.com/2018/06/30/a-response-to-curtis-stones-what-permaculture-got-wrong%E2%80%8A-%E2%80%8Adispelling-five-common-myths/
https://medium.com/@urbanfarmercstone/what-permaculture-got-wrong-dispelling-five-common-myths-e904d570db70
https://medium.com/permaculturewomen/permaculture-on-the-edge-d69cad1b6ce0
https://www.resilience.org/stories/2016-02-19/decolonizing-permaculture/
01:15:3205/02/2021
Designing Food Systems with Scales of Permanence
We're bringing everything we've covered in the agriculture content together and using PA Yeomans Scale of Permanence to design a site for agro-ecological abundance!
Sources:
Yeomans, P.A. (1954). The Keyline Plan
54:1326/01/2021
The ReImagining Miniseries: The Troubles- Ireland, Civil War & Identity with Nash Flynn
We're taking a look at the Irish civil war and the conditions that led up to it and its conclusion with comedian and historian, Nash Flynn. What parallels do we see playing out here in the United States, and what can we learn from the efforts of the IRA?
Note: Michael Collins died in a shootout stemming from a car ambush, not a car bomb.
Sources:
Tim Pat Coogan, The Troubles: Irelands Ordeal and the Search for Peace
Kevin Toolis, Rebel Hearts: Journeys Within the IRA's Soul
Charles Rivers Editors compilation, The Partition of Ireland and the Troubles: The History of Northern Ireland from the Irish Civil War to the Good Friday Agreement
01:37:3218/01/2021
Our First History- Reading the Landscape
As farmers and stewards of the land, we must center our understanding of growing food based on the ecology around us. In this episode, we're discussing the ways you can use some basic understanding of ecology to understand both the history of the landscape in terms of activities such as previous farming as well as the site's unique characteristics as told by indicator species.
Sources:
Tom Wessels "Reading the Forested Landscape"
May Watts "Reading the Landscape of America"
49:0406/01/2021
The ReImagining Miniseries: Syria, Neoliberalism, & Balkanization
In this episode, we explore the history of Syria and its civil war to see common threads that run between the past 50 years redefining Nationalism and identity and our current situation here in the United States. Are there enough commonalities to see a similar collapse here?
Sources:
Christopher Phillips "The Battle for Syria"
Michael Kerr "The Alawis of Syria"
Fabrice Balanche "Sectarianism in Syria's Civil War"
https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ag-and-food-statistics-charting-the-essentials/ag-and-food-sectors-and-the-economy/#:~:text=Agriculture%20and%20its%20related%20industries,1.3%20percent%20of%20U.S.%20employment
https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/agricultural-land-percent-of-land-area-wb-data.html#:~:text=Agricultural%20land%20(%25%20of%20land%20area)%20in%20United%20States%20was,compiled%20from%20officially%20recognized%20sources.
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/shyamanthaasokan/heres-what-life-in-syria-is-like-as-the-civil-war-enters
https://cadmus.eui.eu/bitstream/handle/1814/60112/MED_2018_05.pdf?sequence=4
https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/How-Poor-are-Americas-Poorest.pdf
https://livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe30s/water_03.html
https://www.popsci.com/dust-bowl-soil-climate-change/
Remastered 7/12/21
01:28:4421/12/2020
The ReImagining Miniseries: Make Rojava Regenerative Again
Having discussed Bookchin's vision last episode, this episode we're diving into The Internationalist Commune of Rojava's book "Make Rojava Green Again" to see how Bookchin's work plays out in reality. We focus specifically in the area of technology, agriculture, and ecology, drawing from complex systems theory and envision what the future looks like for this autonomous zone.
Sources: "Make Rojava Green Again", The Internationalist Commune of Rojava
https://makerojavagreenagain.org/2019/10/11/ecology-in-times-of-war/
Remastered 7/12/21
01:13:3314/12/2020
The ReImagining Miniseries: Bookchin, Technology, and Ecology
We're discussing "Towards a Liberatory Technology" and "Ecology and Revolutionary Thought" and how they reinforce the key functions of complex systems theory as a framework for a post-collapse society. What are some of the key takeaways about building a new world from the shell of the old?
Sources:
Murray Bookchin, "Post-Scarcity Anarchism"
Remastered 7/12/21
59:1007/12/2020
Keyline Systems
Arguably the most complicated and challenging subject in modern permaculture projects, water management through Yeomans keyline design theory is the subject of this episode. We try to break down this complex, dense subject in an accessible way to provide a framework you can use on your plot of land.
Sources:
Yeomans, PA 1993, Water for Every Farm: Yeomans Keyline Plan
"What we learned from the Dust Bowl: Lessons in Science, Policy, and Adaptation" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4015056/
56:1030/11/2020
The ReImagining Miniseries: Zapatistas; Indigenous Community Building & Anarchy
One of the most widely recognized movements for stateless government, the Zapatistas have a complex story to tell. We focus on why the EZLN has thrived over 25 years, looking at the symbiotic relationship between community history and anarchist theory embedded within a comprehensive direct-democracy, both politically & economically. What can we learn from how they organized that we can bring home to create autonomous zones?
Sources:
Klein, Hilary "Companeras"
Hayden, Tom "The Zapatistas Reader"
http://upsidedownworld.org/archives/mexico/political-economy-from-the-perspective-of-the-zapatista-communities/
https://web.archive.org/web/20171019083103/http://www.mexicosolidarity.org/programs/alternativeeconomy/zapatismo/en
https://www.sevenstories.com/books/3034-companeras
Remastered 7/12/21
01:09:4515/11/2020
Swale Systems
In this episode, we're talking about the role of swale systems, their pros and cons, as well as some understanding of how to size swales based on your property.
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 (as well as a list of sources), visit https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com
The link for this specific episode's reader are:
To be released
Sources:
Ben Falk, "The Resilient Farm and Homestead: An Innovative Permaculture and Whole Systems Design Approach"
Oregon State University online ECampus
Colorado Stormwater Center
Remastered 9/19/21
50:2509/11/2020
Election Predictions from August 2020
This bonus content we did for our Patreons regarding the election. Despite massive changes in the dynamics in the election, I'd say it's still within a margin of error of what we predicted. We'll see how it plays out over the next few months, but we figured we'd give you fantastic folx the opportunity to hear our take.
38:5803/11/2020
Amazing Graze Part 3: Goodness Graze-ious
Part three of the Grazing Miniseries. We're talking about fencing systems, how to calculate AUs to size out paddocks based on rotation frequency, and assessing dry matter.
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 (as well as a list of sources), visit https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com
The link for this specific episode's reader are:
https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com/p/amazing-graze-pt-3
Remastered 9/19/21
57:4502/11/2020
Amazing Graze Part 2: Re-Cow-nting Tradition
Part 2 of our discussion of Amazing Graze talking about grazing systems, pasture management, and developing paddocks for future grazing sites. We chat about how an understanding of both soil biology and forest development can impact our process in developing future pastures and in pasture management.
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 (as well as a list of sources), visit https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com
The link for this specific episode's reader are:
https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com/p/amazing-graze-part-2
Remastered 9/19/21
39:2720/10/2020
Amazing Graze
The first of a 3-part series on grazing systems. This episode is focused on building pasture with a dive on foraging plants for your grazers as well as soil restoration.
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 (as well as a list of sources), visit https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com
The link for this specific episode's reader are:
https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com/p/amazing-graze
Sources:
https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/2279e/
Dale Strickler's "Managing Pasture: A Complete Guide to Building Healthy Pasture for Grass-Based Meat & Dairy Animals"
Remastered 9/19/21
53:0411/10/2020
The ReImagining Miniseries: What is Work & The Bread Book
In this episode we take a look at Peter Kropotkin's "The Conquest of Bread" to define what is work and what does work look like in a post-collapse society?
Support this podcast by becoming a Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac
Remastered 7/11/21
01:17:3429/09/2020
The Hands-On Miniseries: Practical Prepping for Practical People
This miniseries is focused on building practical, hands-on skills through basic knowledge sharing for prepping and other homesteading type skills to build sustainable communities through hands-on skills. This episode focuses on the basic functions and facets of prepping, from food storage to mental health.
You can support this project by visiting us at Patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac
48:5420/09/2020
The ReImagining Miniseries: Liberatory Community Armed Self-Defense- A Practical Guide to Protecting Your Community
This episode of the Poor Proles Almanac podcast explores the concept of community armed self-defense as a necessary component of building resilient and sustainable communities, particularly in the face of potential societal collapse. The hosts, Elliott and Andy, draw heavily on the book "Setting Sites: Histories and Reflections on Community Armed Self-Defense" by Scott Crow, which features a collection of essays and interviews exploring the historical and theoretical underpinnings of this concept.
The episode begins by defining liberatory community armed self-defense as the collective and temporary act of taking up arms for defensive purposes, emphasizing that this action should be rooted in a larger framework of self-determination and guided by egalitarian principles. The hosts stress that this approach differs significantly from other forms of armed action, as it prioritizes power sharing, mutual aid, and non-violent conflict resolution as essential components of community defense.
The hosts use several historical examples to illustrate the effectiveness of community armed self-defense in a variety of contexts. They discuss the Oka Crisis in Canada, where Mohawk communities successfully resisted attempts by the Canadian government to displace them from their land. The episode also examines the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, where armed community groups, including former Black Panthers and anarchists, stepped in to protect vulnerable populations from racist vigilante militias in the absence of adequate state support.
Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of dual power structures, where community defense efforts are intertwined with the development of alternative institutions such as food distribution networks, medical clinics, and independent media outlets. They argue that this holistic approach allows communities to not only defend themselves from external threats but also build self-sufficiency and autonomy.
The episode concludes by highlighting the importance of training and education in both firearms use and non-violent conflict resolution for anyone considering participating in community self-defense efforts. The hosts underscore the need for a culture of responsibility and accountability within these groups, ensuring that the use of firearms remains a last resort and that the principles of self-determination and community empowerment are upheld.
Purchase the book here: https://www.pmpress.org/index.php?l=product_detail&p=886 and you can follow scott crow on Twitter at @scott_crow
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 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:
Self-Defense, Community Organizing, Social Justice, Alternative Politics, Anti-Fascism, Disaster Preparedness, Resilience, Autonomy, Sustainability
47:0914/09/2020
Fruit Tree Guilds, Permaculture, and Science-based Ag
In this episode, we discuss the concept of fruit tree guilds, orchard floor management, and the details that go into deciding which plants to use underneath your fruit trees. Further, we critique both permaculture methodologies for companion planting and guilds, as well as the science, or lackthereof behind them.
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 (as well as a list of sources), visit https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com
The link for this specific episode's reader are:
https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com/p/fruit-tree-guilds
Sources:
"Lignin Controls on Soil Ecosystem Services: Implications for Biotechnological Advances in Biofuel Crops" Shamim Gul, Sandra F. Yanna, & Joann K. Whalen
https://www.novapublishers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/978-1-63117-452-0_ch14.pdf
"Companion planting with French marigolds protects tomato plants from glasshouse whiteflies through the emission of airborne limonene" Marta Ferreira Maia and Sarah J Moore
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3059459/
ReMastered 9/19/21
49:1803/09/2020
Fruit Tree Management
Everyone's first thought about prepping is food, and their next thought is about long-term food sustainability. Fruit trees are great for that, so let's talk about what it means to manage an orchard. What's actual science and what's pseudoscience around the things you hear about that are supposed to be good or bad for fruit trees?
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 (as well as a list of sources), visit https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com
The link for this specific episode's reader are:
https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com/p/orchards-101
Source(s):
Growing Fruit Trees: Novel Concepts and Practices for Successful Care and Management; Jean-Marie Lespinasse
Cornell University Extension School
ReMastered 9/18/21
43:3923/08/2020
The ReImagining Miniseries: The Death of the Mall and the Rise of the Agrihood
This episode of The Poor Proles Almanac podcast focuses on Catherine Tumber's book Small, Gritty, and Green: Reimagining the Urban Space. The hosts, Andy and Elliott, examine the book's central argument that smaller cities are uniquely positioned to implement sustainable urban development practices. They discuss Tumber's historical analysis of how American cities developed, emphasizing the role of the railway system in shaping urban centers and the subsequent rise of automobile-dependent suburbs. This historical context helps explain the current challenges facing cities, including suburban sprawl, the decline of regional cultures, and the lack of affordable, locally sourced food.
The hosts highlight Tumber's concept of "form-based codes," which advocate for customized zoning and building regulations that cater to a city's unique architectural, economic, and environmental characteristics. They explore how these codes could facilitate the development of compact, walkable, mixed-use urban spaces, prioritizing public transportation and local resources. Andy and Elliott also discuss the importance of decentralizing food systems to enhance urban resilience. They cite a study that proposed sourcing a substantial portion of New York City's food from within 200 miles, emphasizing the logistical challenges and the need for a significant shift in agricultural practices.
The conversation then shifts to the potential for repurposing existing infrastructure, particularly abandoned malls and declining suburban areas. The hosts discuss the concept of "agrihoods" or agricultural neighborhoods, where suburban lawns and vacant retail spaces are transformed into community gardens and food production centers. They envision these repurposed spaces as catalysts for fostering community engagement and enhancing local food security. Throughout the episode, Andy and Elliott emphasize the importance of challenging the prevailing capitalist mindset that prioritizes short-term profits over long-term sustainability. They argue that reimagining the urban space requires embracing community-oriented solutions, prioritizing local resources, and rethinking traditional notions of land ownership.
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 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/
Keywords:
Catherine Tumber, Small Cities, Suburban Sprawl, Monoculture, Complex Systems, Small, Gritty, and Green, 95 Corridor, Locavore, Main Street vs. Wall Street, Victory Gardens, Zoning, Robert Evans, It Could Happen Here
01:14:2419/08/2020
Biomes and a Philosophical Dialogue on Nature
We're talking about what is a biome and how does it impact our ability to hunt, forage, and garden? How does biome impact the plants we see growing, and what the potential of a landscape looks like?
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
The link for this specific episode's reader are:
https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com/p/biomes-101
Remastered 9/18/21
31:4024/07/2020
Forest Ecology & Sustainability
What is Forest ecology, and how does the forest relate to sustainable practices? How can we use what nature has provided around us to create dynamic systems to support healthy human life? Let's chat about it.
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
The link for this specific episode's reader are:
https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com/p/forest-ecology
Sources:
Penn State's Extension program-- Forest & Wildlife Management
Tom Wessels-- "Reading the Forested Landscape"
Rerecorded 8/13/21
45:3423/06/2020
Some Thoughts on Homesteading and Prepping
A mini-episode where we discuss what our goals are with the series and a bit about our personal perspectives on how science, homesteading, prepping, and community building interconnect.
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 poorprolesalmanac.substack.com
Re-recorded 8/6/21
14:4727/05/2020
Cultivating Resilience and Soil Health in Uncertain Times
Our journey continues with an in-depth look at soil biology and its crucial role in plant health. We break down the importance of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and how they interact within the soil ecosystem. Transitioning from traditional fertilizers, we emphasize the significance of maintaining a diverse and minimally disturbed soil environment to foster mutualistic relationships between plants and soil microbes. The intricate soil food web, involving bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and microarthropods, is key to robust plant growth and overall soil health.
Finally, we examine the delicate balance of soil composition, focusing on the relationship between soil, water, and air. Proper moisture levels and the presence of beneficial microorganisms are vital for healthy soil systems. We discuss practical tips for soil testing, understanding different soil types, and the challenges of maintaining optimal conditions for plant growth. By understanding the complex interactions within the soil, we aim to provide you with the knowledge to optimize soil health and ensure successful gardening. Tune in to learn how these principles can help you navigate and thrive in uncertain times.
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:
Climate Change, Economic Instability, Sustainability, Global Capitalism, Targeted Advertisements, Complex Systems Science, Tom Wessels, Resilient Communities, Gardening, Technology, Chemistry, Community Building, Entropy, Energy Consumption, Ecological Balance, Self-Organization, Community Development, Capitalism, Multinational Corporations, Insulin, Sustainable Community Development
44:5417/05/2020
The Fundamentals of Resilient Soil
Discover the critical role of soil biology in plant health in our deep dive into essential nutrients and their interactions within the soil ecosystem. We break down the functions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and their impact on plant growth, emphasizing the importance of a minimally disturbed soil environment. By fostering a diverse soil food web, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and microarthropods, we reveal how you can create a robust and self-sustaining plant growth system. Finally, we guide you through the complexities of soil health and composition, highlighting the balance between soil, water, and air. Learn about the ideal moisture levels, the importance of beneficial microorganisms, and practical tips for soil testing. Understand how different soil types affect your gardening efforts and gain insights into optimizing soil health for successful plant growth. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, this episode equips you with the knowledge to cultivate a thriving garden amidst the uncertainties of our times.
For sources and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org
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:
Uncertain Times, Community Resilience, Soil Biology, Plant Health, Essential Nutrients, Soil Ecosystem, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Fertilizer, Soil Food Web, Microorganisms, Nutrient Cycling, Soil Testing, Soil Health, Soil Composition, Moisture Levels, Water Retention, Air in Soil, Fungi, Bacteria
46:4512/05/2020
Thriving in 2025: Climate Change, Complex Systems, and Sustainable Communities
Unlock the secrets to thriving in an uncertain future marked by climate change and economic instability. Our episode paints a vivid picture of life in 2025, where the contrast between evident environmental degradation and the persistence of daily routines urges us to rethink our approach to sustainability. We highlight the paradox of experiencing unusually warm winters while grappling with floods, poor harvests, and a shaky economy. This conversation not only uncovers the long-term effects of climate change but also questions the role of global capitalism and the impact of targeted advertisements in our lives.
Next, we journey through the fascinating world of complex systems science and its relevance in preparing for a transitioning world. Drawing from Tom Wessels' insights, we explore how understanding the second law of thermodynamics and self-organization can empower us to build resilient communities. This chapter bridges historical wisdom from Greek philosophy and chaos theory to modern ecological challenges, offering you actionable knowledge in fields ranging from gardening and technology to chemistry and community building. By embracing these principles, we uncover a path to creating self-sustaining ecosystems and communities.
Finally, we dissect the concept of entropy and its pervasive influence on ecological and energy systems, highlighting the unsustainable facets of our current energy consumption. From the degradation of nutrient cycles to the inefficiencies of renewable technologies, we lay bare the urgent need for dynamic networks and multiplicity in maintaining ecological balance. Our discussion critiques suburban sprawl and champions integrated urban designs, emphasizing community collaboration and a nature-based framework. Tune in to discover how we can reimagine society post-capitalism, fostering sustainable community development and ensuring a brighter future for all.
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 poorprolesalmanac.substack.com
The links for this specific episode's reader are:
https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com/p/complex-systems-science-and-ecological
https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com/p/complex-systems-science-and-ecological-8d4
https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com/p/complex-systems-science-and-ecological-b26
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/
Climate Change, Economic Instability, Sustainability, Global Capitalism, Targeted Advertisements, Complex Systems Science, Tom Wessels, Resilient Communities, Gardening, Technology, Chemistry, Community Building, Entropy, Energy Consumption, Ecological Balance, Self-Organization, Community Development, Capitalism, Multinational Corporations, Insulin, Sustainable Community Development
01:02:1907/05/2020