Episodes
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Although making up 13 percent of the population, African Americans own less than 1 percent of the rural land in the United States.
White Americans, however, own a staggering 856 million acres, which is about 98 percent of all rural property in the United States.
Wild, right?
So it's not crazy when I say that communities of color, low-income residents and other historically marginalized groups have traditionally faced barriers to accessing nature.
That's why Ancestral Health Radio is dedicated to, and promotes, inclusivity and social justice through transitional lifeways.
Because it's the most disadvantaged and powerless people in our societies who are most likely to be affected by rising fuel and food prices, resource shortages and extreme weather events. We want to increase the chances of all groups in society to live well, healthily and with sustainable livelihoods.
We have to accept that although much progress has been made, there is much more work that needs to be done. And most of that work begins and ends with us, as an individual.
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”— Martin Luther King, Jr.To rise above, you must first begin to ask yourself better questions.
To help you do this, I've invited my friend Aaron Johnson on today's episode of Ancestral Health Radio.
Aaron shares insights into how we, as white Americans, can begin to breakdown cultural barriers that blind us from seeing the truth of our privilege.
In today's episode, you'll learn...
Why Aaron believes there are so few black people within the rewilding community, The first thing Aaron says you need to commit yourself to if you wish to become an ally to people of color, 5 questions that will help you critically examine your own relationship to blackness, And much, much more. Episode Breakdown Aaron explains what Holistic Resistance is and why it's become the focus of his work Why Aaron says he didn't know he was being prepared for this kind of work for the last 20 years of his life Is racism different where ever you go? Is there a right way to integrate and think about black people versus a dangerous one? Why Aaron doesn't do workshops of 100-200 people Is rewilding a privilege? Why white people never ask, "Who's not here?" Why Aaron says he's a walking contradictionAaron unpacks the difference between loving a black person, dating a black person, and actually being close to a black person
The silent suffering and exploitation of black women in the medical community
Why Aaron is a big advocate for one-on-one or small group coaching
The two things Aaron wants you to remember when asking yourself questions
What Aaron does NOT want you to do when asking yourself questions to get close to blackness
The three different levels to each of Aaron's questions, and how to "slow it down"
James answers Aaron's first three questions
Why Aaron says black people have a hard time being vulnerable around white people when talking about racism
Why Aaron believes there are so few African heritage therapists
And much, much more.
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Is the first person to live to 1,000-years-old, alive today? And if that's true, what does that inevitably mean for the future of the human condition?
One of the world's leading anti-aging researchers, Aubrey De Grey, (and strangely—my neighbor) believes that to be 100% true. Because, well, Aubrey's the one who said it.
And if what Aubrey says is true, would you then believe Arthur C. Clarke's third law, which states: Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic?
Meaning that modern technology can seem like literal witchcraft to the ignorant, or simple science to the learned.
Popular mystery writer, Agatha Christie, once wrote, "The supernatural is only the natural of which the laws are not yet understood."
And I agree. However...
Are we metaphorically "summoning the demon," as tech mogul Elon Musk fears?
The Guardian published an article on former vice-president of user growth for Facebook—one you may have read or, at the very least, heard about in November of 2017. The former executive said that he feels "tremendous guilt" over his work on “tools that are ripping apart the social fabric of how society works.”
Chamath Palihapitiya said, "This is not about Russian ads.”
“This is a global problem. It is eroding the core foundations of how people behave by and between each other.”
Historian and novelist Ronald Wright popularized what is called a progress trap.
The exact definition of a progress trap is as follows:
The condition human societies experience when, in pursuing progress through human ingenuity, they inadvertently introduce problems they do not have the resources or political will to solve, for fear of short-term losses in status, stability or quality of life.
Many of the problems we're seeing now–whether we're talking about hunger or massive inequity–whether we're talking about climate change or the loss of biodiversity–have been driven over the last 250 years by a system of overproduction and overconsumption of stuff.
You've probably heard Einstein's famous quote, "I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots." This quote, although popular on the Internet, is false.
Einstein did say, however, "I believe that the abominable deterioration of ethical standards stems primarily from the mechanization and depersonalization of our lives,” he wrote in a letter to his friend, psychiatrist Otto Juliusburger, in 1948, “a disastrous byproduct of science and technology. Nostra culpa!"
And In many ways science and technology have become the new religion of our time.
Karl Marx described religion as an opiate to the masses because it dulled the senses and kept people passive and accepting of a capitalist, industrialist culture warped on the idea of consumption and growth.
Freud, the father of modern psychology, argued that religion served to repress and sublimate an individual's desire into activities that serve the culture. This, Freud argued, produces neurosis and mental illness in those that civilization seeks to domesticate.
And so if we imagine technology as a drug, where its purpose is to manage pain and create sensations of calm and well-being, do we not forget that we are apart of the natural world, fighting for survival, just like everything else?
In many ways technology works much like religion, distracting us from our inevitable deaths with feelings of fleeting invincibility and immortality.
(I'd like to thank my friend Julian Langer for that connection between technology and religion.)
Anyways, guys! This is part 2 of 2 of Privilege, Identity Politics, and the Transhuman Agenda with Daniel Vitalis.
All-in-all, this was a challenging conversation to navigate for both Daniel and myself, so please keep an open mind, ear, and heart.
So...
In today's episode, you'll learn...
The three mishmashed values (—and science) that Daniel says he approaches the world with, Daniel's personal relationship with modern technology, Daniel's thoughts on merit, identity politics, and the transhuman agenda (i.e. "the cult of progress"), and... Much, much more. Episode BreakdownDaniel says he approaches the world like a mishmash of these three values—and science
Sophia the AI robot, identity politics, and the challenge Daniel has with privilege and where it's going
Daniel's thoughts on bio and nano technology
What Daniel says his religion would be if he were to subscribe to one
Why Daniel says people who practice animism today aren't the same as people who practiced animism in the past
Are we in an augmented reality?
Elon Musk, Space X, and artificial intelligence. Are we summoning the demon?
Daniel's personal relationship with modern technology
Daniel recalls the first time he saw someone walking down the street talking to themselves (on a hands-free cellular device)
Why Daniel feels he's lost some of his intelligence (and what happened to it)
Peter Thiel, the Bulletproof Conference, and how Peter (Thiel) sees the future state of humanity's relationship with technology
The juxtaposition between The Bulletproof Conference and the 2017 Annual North American Rewilding Conference
Daniel's foreboding observation about the Pixar's animated movie Wall-E
Are we going into an age of biological denial?
Daniel's thoughts on merit, identity politics, and the transhuman agenda (i.e. "the cult of progress")
How modern technology, Daniel says, has effected humanity throughout the past few generations
James mentions AHR episode #4 with Arthur Haines and the allegory of the cave
How Daniel talks about his work
What Daniel says is the theme of today's episode
Why you won't hear Daniel use the word rewilding (...much)
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Missing episodes?
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Did you know that some scientists say that oaks produce more nuts annually than every other nut tree—both wild and commercial—combined?
Nuts, right? (Yeah, yeah—laugh it up. The pun was intended.)
Acorns, or oak nuts, are nutritional powerhouses.
Depending on the species, a single acorn can contain up to 18% fat, 6% protein, and 68% carbohydrate—with the rest just being water, minerals, and gut-healthy fiber.
Acorns are also great sources of both vitamins A and C, as well as having a long list of essential and nonessential aminos acids.
With those numbers, it’s easy to understand why the native people here in California never resorted to agriculture and why—interestingly—they never spoke of—or created traditions for—famine.
To speak more about this abundant wild food, I'm excited to introduce to you someone I've mentioned many times on Ancestral Health Radio before: Daniel Vitalis.
I waited for what seemed like a couple years for this interview... Which, by the way, is a solid two hours. So I decided to break it up into a two-part episode, so your ears can have something to munch on later.
Daniel's helped me, as well as many of my friends, better understand ecology through ancestral lifeways.
In today's episode, you'll learn...
Why Daniel says he no longer has a morning routine, The wild food Daniel believes is going to revolutionize food production (hint: It's "not a grain"), Why Daniel's use of technology scares him (and why technology should scare you, too), and... Much, much more. Episode BreakdownWelcome Daniel onto the show
The significance of being a symbol and the impact that idea has on Daniel
Why Daniel separates the mundane intricacies of his personal life from his business life
Daniel's opinion on actors and sports figures as political commentators
Why Daniel says he's not the person to speak about productivity or systems related to entrepreneurship
How Daniel is currently prioritizing in his personal life
Why Daniel no longer subscribes to the idea of morning routines
Why Daniel and his partner don't live together
Four of Daniel's daily practices
The one skill Daniel's currently spending most of his time on
Why processing food takes president over many facets of Daniel's lifestyle
Daniel's favorite foraging season
Daniel explains the anthroposcene era and its significance to modern hunting and gathering
Why Daniel says you'd be hard pressed to find any true hunter-gatherers these day
The wild food Daniel believes is going to revolutionize food production (hint: It's "not a grain")
The role grains have played in the civilizing of the modern world
What Daniel says is more exciting, and bigger work, than any one food
The two-pronged idea behind Daniel's episode, "Is Wild Food A Privilege?"
Daniel opens up and shares his traumatic background growing up in the United States
Why building a loyal team of people who share your vision can be one of the hardest things you can ever do
Daniel's thoughts on white privilege and America's self-correcting constitution
Why Daniel won't touch the topic of evolutionary and biological psychology
Why we're currently fighting an information-based civil war
Daniel's personal conservation efforts
Why most of the people Daniel says he's inspired by are not people who specifically identify with the word rewilding
The four guests that have most impacted Daniel over the span of 175+ episodes of the Rewild Yourself podcast (Stephen Jenkinson, Dan Flores, Gabor Maté, and Neil Strauss)
Why Daniel says he likes to find inspiration outside of the rewilding community rather than from within it
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Think about this for a second: More Americans hunt and fish than play baseball.
What a trip, right?
That's more than 38 million Americans.
And if that doesn't surprise you, this will:
Hunting—overall—brought in more revenue ($38.3 billion) than Google ($37.9 billion) or the Goldman Sachs Group ($36.8 billion).
Now ask yourself this question: "Why don't I hunt?"
Really think about this for a second. Mull it around for a few minutes, hours, days, whatever. But really think.
Is it because of the blood, guts, and sinew? Is it your ethics or morality? Is it the fact that you live in a city or suburb and feel like you don't have access to the wild spaces needed to hunt? Or, maybe, it's as simple as a lack of money for all that expensive new gear.
Whatever your reason, hunting is a huge undertaking in and of itself. Period. And for the novice not accustomed to growing-up in the hunting lifestyle, the process of learning and developing this fundamental life-skill can seem downright intimidating.
However...
Should you join me and accept the hunter's call to bravely enter the chase, you will be handsomely rewarded with the first-hand experience of accepting another animals life into your own. This experience often catalyzes into a deep, life-altering relationship between you, the natural world, and the entire two-legged and other-than-human community.
And to make this particular transition easier, I've invited my newest friend—Fisher Neal of LearntoHuntNYC.com—on today's episode of Ancestral Health Radio.
In today's episode, you'll learn...
The absolute first thing you should do if you're interested in learning to hunt, What a typical day of hunting might look like for the average hunter, The basic (yet graphic) process of how to field dress, skin, and butcher a deer—from start to finish, and... Much, much more. -
Is it possible to heal trauma in our personal and family lives by connecting with our well, deceased ancestors?
Well...
Provided you possess a beginner’s mindset equipped with the right animistic framework, my guest today, Dr. Daniel Foor of AncestralMedicine.org, would say yes—you absolutely can.
This week, Daniel and I delve into practical animism: where ritual and ceremony are used as tools for personal, family, and cultural healing.
A few months ago I was surprised to receive an early copy of Daniel's magnum opus, aptly titled Ancestral Medicine: Rituals for Personal and Family Healing. Since then, I've probably recommended Daniel's book to nearly all my closest rewilding friends.
Why?
Partly because trauma—and ways we heal from trauma—was central to many of the topics shared at this year's first annual North American Rewilding Conference. It’s also worth mentioning that Daniel’s work was brought up several times throughout the two-and-a-half-day experience.
So, without further adieu:
In today's episode, you'll learn...
How our well and unwell ancestors influence the living and non-living; How directly speaking with the spirits and other-than-humans can break centuries of colonialism, patriarchy, and scientism; How practical animism directly enriches our day-to-day relationships; and... Much, much more. -
Have you ever thought of starting a homestead on your journey towards ancestral health?
How about composting or gardening?
Well...
Today is a special opportunity to help a community member whose passion is about dismantling the industrialization of people and food through the acquisition of abundant, sustainable, and regenerative homesteading skills.
Enter: John Moody of Steader.com.
John and I share a very similar mission, in that we understand there are skills and wisdom that need to be shared from the first-hand experience of elders within our community.
And that today is an amazing opportunity to support a movement that helps build the groundwork for those to come.
In today's episode, you'll learn...
Why John says he doesn't think you should be able to deal with health and nutrition if you have not read this book, John and Jessica's 18-month transformation and simple weekly strategy that helped them both go from your typical standard Americans to what some might call the crunchy-hippie-type, A few of the educational videos John and the Steader team have cued up for their Kickstarter campaign, and... Much, much more. Episode Breakdown John explains how his youth was riddled with health problems—typical of the average child who grew up in the 80's and 90's John greatly appreciates this author's early observations of how people aren't made to be divorced from nature The "click" for John came from a time when pharmaceutical intervention was supposedly the only solution for a painful duodenal ulcer The comical advise given to a then-single John by his college professor John's nutritional first-steps and book recommendations Why John says he doesn't think you should be able to deal with health and nutrition if you have not read this book John helps the audience understand what industrializing people and food over generations can look like John and Jessica's 18-month transformation and simple weekly strategy that helped them go from standard Americans to what some might call the crunchy-hippie-type Why John felt his family was being treated like cattle and the moment that hardened John's resolve against the powers that be Why John's new-born daughter, Abby, was almost labeled a biohazard by hospital staff How Whole Life Buying Club was the first whole food collective to win against a government raid John talks about his biggest project to-date: Steader.com John lists a few of the educational videos he and the Steader team have cued up for their Kickstarter campaign, and... Much, much more. -
Can agriculture be a sustainable path forward?
This is the main question surrounding today's episode:
Can we use the same technology that, arguably, has been one of the single-most destructive advents in the epoch of human history to move or usher us forward into a time where we're projected to hit an all-time population density of 9.5 BILLION people by 2050?
With global desertification, warming oceans, shrinking ice sheets, glacial retreats, decreased snow cover, rising sea levels, declining arctic sea ice, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events…
What tools do we have at our disposal? How can we make an impact where it seems like none can be made?
That's what we're here to find out.
And why, in today's episode, my guest Doniga Markegard shares with us:
Her amazing story of triumph as a child being taught traditional ecological knowledge through an experimental wilderness school in the Pacific Northwest, What holistic planned grazing is and what that means for the future of agriculture, Doniga dispels the jargon around grass-fed, finished, pastured, and free-range, and... Much, much, more... Episode Breakdown Doniga talks about her past with wildlife tracking and permaculture Doniga explains an ah-ha moment that came from a time when she was young and thrown from her horse Doniga briefly speaks about her time as a teenager in an experimental wildlife school in Washington Why Doniga tracked wolves in Yellowstone and what that meant for the biodiversity of the ecosystem Doniga talks about her new book (Dawn Again: Tracking the Wisdom of the Wild) that is being released this fall Why Doniga is excited to work with Proprioception Press Doniga briefly shares a few experiences she has while traveling alongside wolves and other wild animals Why Doniga says her culmination of past experiences has led her to discover holistic ways of stewardship How Doniga's particular style of land management mimics the trophic cascade of predator, prey, and plants Doniga makes a big distinction between traditional ranch lifestyle and traditional industrialized agriculture The similarities between Doniga and Allan Savory Why tracking is so important and how that helps you develop your personal awareness Doniga mentions what she believes to be the sixth sense Why the Bay Area has is so prolific and why it may be a wild food foragers paradise Why Doniga says it's important that people realize that these grasslands evolved with grazers Why holistic land management is about people, planet, and profit The difference between grass-fed and finished beef Why Doniga says Cowspiracy is extreme vegan propagandaWhy Doniga has gripes about the word Organic
The difference between traditional and conventional agriculture
Doniga breaks down the problem of desertification and why we need grassland grazers to help build carbon in our soil
Why practicing survival skills and challenging herself within the rigors of the wild helped shape Doniga into the steward she is today
Doniga gives solid tips for the consumer to move forward with becoming a steward of the land herself
And much, much more... -
Did you know...
That the average woman uses 12 products per day containing over 168 ingredients (absorbing close to 4 and a half pounds of toxic chemicals a year)...
A man goes through 6 products with 85 ingredients...
A child is exposed to 5 products with 61 ingredients...
Whilst a teenage girl is exposed to a whopping 17 products with over 230 ingredients, every day...
Most of which are untested, unsafe, and scientifically and clinically unproven.
--
That's why it's important we pay close attention to what we put on our bodies just as much as what we put in our bodies, because, well... Not all products are created equal.
Enter today's guest: Nadine Artemis.
Nadine and her husband Rob run Living Libations, which is one of the premiere natural body care companies on the market.
Nadine's cosmetic creations exceed the recommendations for the FDA's Good Manufacturing Practices; use clear legitimate labeling; offer the highest quality oils and natural ingredients; are globally responsible; and never tested on animals.
In today's episode, you'll learn...
How Nadine created Living Libations in a tiny kitchen while in university, Why you should immediately throw away your crystal salt deodorant and never, ever use it again, How Nadine suggests we take care of our teeth and gums using holistic dental practices, and... Much, much more. Episode Breakdown Nadine explains how she entered the world of natural health and body care while studying in universityWhy Nadine says she hasn't touched processed food in 23 years
James murders a Jack LaLanne quote about eating cake
Nadine touches on the topic of self-directed learning and why the traditional education system fails so many
Why Nadine was so fascinated with 18th century Europe and their knowledge of natural body care
How Nadine's nose and pineal gland led her to discover faux oils and perfumes from other leading manufacturers in the cosmetic space
Why most of the essential oils are produced for the food, flavor, and fragrance industries
Why one drop of oil can have over 300 natural constituents and cannot be reproduced in a lab
How Nadine started Living Libations in the kitchen of a tiny cottage
How one of Nadine’s first products helped her friends who waitressed with these...
Two elements James took from Nadine's body care practice as well as something he could have done better
Why you should immediately throw away your crystal salt deodorant and never, ever use it again
How Nadine suggests we take care of our teeth and gums using holistic dental practices (hint: stop, seal, and seed)
And much, much more...
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Guys, listen up...
About every two weeks, another language dies. Or, perhaps, a dialect. There are over 231 completely extinct languages and 2,400 of the world’s languages are considered to be in danger of dying out.
That's why today's guest—Willem Larsen of the College of Mythic Cartography—joins me on the Season 2 Premiere of Ancestral Health Radio.
Willem shares ways at how to look at story and language from an indigenous people perspective and how, if we wish to be heard in today's culture, the types of stories we need to build for ourselves.
In today’s episode, you’ll learn:
How story enriches and illuminates our land,
The error of identity and the impact language can have on our perception of self,
How American Sign Language can help you become a better tracker and storyteller, and...
Much, much more...
Episode BreakdownWillem shares the origins of his tracking career, 10 years prior to the College of Mythic Cartography
How two authors challenged Willem to question his perspective about ecology and our place within it
Willem's personal opinion of a well-known and controversial figure in the world of tracking
Fact telling versus storytelling
Willem shares the esoteric meaning behind the language of The College of Mythic Cartography
Myths as holograms and the replication crisis
Hunter-gatherer legal systems and the observation of currency as a tool for modern organization
Willems tells us how story fundamentally illuminates and enriches our land
Why Willem says many indigenous people are "forced" to speak in story
Why Willem says maps are useful to the extent to which they leave things out
Willem explains what the error of identity is and briefly touches on what some people might consider "religious" verbs
What is English-Prime (or E-Prime) and why does Willem encourage us to play with this style of writing?
The opposite of "to be" in indigenous languages is _____.
Willem speaks about the robustness of American Sign Language and how ASL can help you become a better tracker and storyteller
What Willem says the very first thing we can do if we want to hear our stories get heard
Willem's newest project has to deal with how we view scientific culture but through an animistic lens
Why Willem says there are more demands for heroes and heroines now than ever before
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Did you know that more than an estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease? And up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.
Crazy, right?
Not only that, but women are five to eight times more likely to develop thyroid problems than men. And one in eight women will develop some form of thyroid disorder during her lifetime.
This is just another clear example of an evolutionary mismatch disease...
And the problem with trying to heal yourself and your thyroid is that most of the information will have you running in circles, including the (mis)information from the one you're supposed to trust the most—your doctor.
That's why I'm excited to have Elle Russ—host of the wildly popular Primal Blueprint Podcast and author of The Paleo Thyroid Solution: Stop Feeling Fat, Foggy, and Fatigued at the Hands of Uninformed Doctors—join me on today's episode of Ancestral Health Radio.
Elle and I discuss how you, the audience, can reclaim your health through a simple (although not easy!) ancestral approach to optimizing your metabolism.
In today’s episode, you’ll learn…
The six basic blood panels Elle recommends everyone get tested for,
Elle explains how your body uses both T4 and T3 hormones (and how to optimize them both),
Why Elle says endocrinologists are the worst people to see for your thyroid, and…Much, much more.
How Elle gave herself hypothyroidism through maladaptive lifestyle choices Why Elle wrote The Paleo Thyroid Solution and how she nursed herself back to health with a high fat, low carb diet Why Elle believes the majority of endocrine doctors are 100% uninformed and are practicing borderline malpractice with their thyroid patients The biggest problem with being undiagnosed with hypothyroidism The last annoying thing on every hypothyroid patient's mind Why Elle calls the thyroid the master gland What happens if your thyroid is working sub-optimally What Elle says this master gland is primarily responsible for and how it works How your body uses T4 and T3 hormones What Elle describes as the most optimal choice for thyroid hormone replacement Why Reverse T3 (RT3) is "a problem on the rise" Why most people with hypothyroidism have some degree of adrenal fatigue When Elle says you should—or shouldn't—get tested for underlying symptoms of hypothyroidism Where Elle recommends people go to get blood work Why Elle says you should, "RUN!" if your endocrinologist judges you based off this 1973 test Six basic thyroid tests Elle recommends everyone get Why it's more important for someone with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis to be on a paleo-primal lifestyle Elle explains the origins of natural desiccated thyroid Why endocrinologists and doctors were told Synthroid is the only treatment for hypothyroidism Why Elle says you shouldn't trust any doctor The difference between desiccated thyroid and thyroid glandular Why endocrinologists are the worst people to see for your thyroid—and what to do about it Why Elle says, "If your blood work is within range does not mean it's optimal. Period. End of story." What paleo, primal, and ancestral health all have in common Elle describes chronic cardio and why hot yoga 5 times a week can actually make you fatter The fat-burning sweet spot in regards to aerobic max (hint: 180 minus your age) Eat this to zap your hunger once and for all Why Elle thinks you should experiment with your protein intake Elle describes the benefits of caloric efficiency (and10 ways to achieve it) Why Paleo is cheaper than most people believe Why Elle feels she made peace with seven years of suffering with thyroid disease Why you need to get your thyroid checked before your doctor puts you on an anti-depressant or statin medication Selenium's critical relationship between hormones T4 and T3 When you should supplement for specific micronutrient needs due to malabsorption versus maintaining proper ratios through whole foods -
According to the SSA (Self Storage Association), the United States has upward of 50,000 storage facilities, more than five times the number of Starbucks. Right now, at this very moment, there are 7.3 square feet of self storage space for every man, woman and child in the nation. That means that it is physically possible to have every American stand—all at the same time—under the total canopy of self storage roofing.
Woah.
But what does that mean?
That means that we, as Americans, are consuming so much stuff that we literally don't know what to do with it all, other than throw it into a dark room to be forgotten or sold to people who want more stuff.
And if that's not enough, check these statistics out:
The average American throws away 65 pounds of clothing per year (Huffington Post).The average American woman owns 30 outfits—one for every day of the month. In 1930, that figure was nine (Forbes).
The average American family spends $1,700 on clothes annually (Forbes).
[STAT CREDIT (and full article): http://www.becomingminimalist.com/clutter-stats/]
Again, this is telling me that we, as a consumerist culture, have gone ape shit. Instead of hunting and foraging, we're spending and buying.
What happened to creating something from nothing? Using your hands. Getting dirty. Making mistakes and figuring stuff out for yourself?
That's why I'm so excited to have Blake Ward of the Seed store to join me on today's episode of Ancestral Health Radio to discuss the art of working with your hands, of craftsmanship. This, tribe, is the beginning of a series called "The Maker Series."
No; it won't all be linear. Next week won't feature some badass blacksmith (although, if you know someone who might fit the bill, please email me at [email protected]).
But I will be featuring people who have dedicated their life to working with their hands to create something that transcends their brand and ushers in a time where people are respected for creating small-batch goods and services.
I'm calling not just American's out, but everyone: What do you create that adds value to your tribe?
In today’s episode, you’ll learn…
The difference between cannabis and industrial hemp,
How to foster creativity and reciprocity through what Blake calls "collaborative community",
Practical tips and personal insight on how to become a maker, and…
Much, much more.
The frustration that caused Blake to buy a sowing machine and begin SeedBlake and I recap the horrors of the Rana Plaza disaster and the unfair labor practices in third world countries
Why certain manufacturers install bars on windows of multilevel buildings
Blake tells of future plans moving forward with Seed
Blake discusses how "community made clothing" can shine a light on textile waste
What's the difference between marijuana and industrial hemp?
The benefits of hemp fabric and its the similarities hemp has to its animal fiber cousin—merino wool
Why Blake believes it's the producers and makers that change the world, not the consumers
How to foster creativity and reciprocity through what Blake calls a "collaborative economy"
The common mistake that held Blake back five years before finally starting Seed (I struggle with this, too)
The course Blake took three times a week that dramatically improved his sewing skills
The juxtaposition of the workers in Blake's manufacturing facility versus the nightmarish labor conditions in India (this is what you really pay for)
The missing elements in yoga, mountain, and athletic apparel that led to the design of Seed's most popular piece of clothing—the antidote pant
How Vibram Five Fingers are similar to Seed's antidote pant
Why there is a Sri Yantra on every pair of sacred seed collection antidote pants
Blake gives his best piece of advice towards becoming a maker
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What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
Well...
Leaky Gut Syndrome, or intestinal hyperpermeability, is where the small gaps in your intestinal wall -- or “tight junctions” -- become loose due to pro-inflammatory foods and stressors.
These loose intestinal walls can then lead to inflammation that can affect the whole body by allowing harmful bacteria and toxins to directly enter your bloodstream.
Many health experts are now saying that inflammation may be the root cause to many of today’s chronic health diseases. Some of these diseases include--but are not limited to--diabetes, cardiovascular and autoimmune disease, Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s, and even cancer.
I’m not trying to scare you guys, but I am trying to get the point across that taking care of your health is much more than eating whole foods.
That’s why I’m honored to have Dr. David Perlmutter on episode #20 of Ancestral Health Radio.
Not only do David and I talk shop about inflammation and gut permeability, we go deep into the science of how to heal this inflammation from the inside out.
In today’s episode, you’ll learn…
The direct correlation between diabetes and dementia,
What coconut oil, ghee, and turmeric all have in common,
How to heal your gut using fats and prebiotic fiber, and…
Much, much more.
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Episode BreakdownWhy people are being affected by carbohydrates and grain sensitivities
How Leaky Gut Syndrome occurs and increases inflammation in the body
The ONE thing that causes chronic diseases (e.g.- cancer, coronary disease, and Alzheimer’s)
What ingredient makes up 40% of the foods we eat in America
The #1 Cause of Death in the World
The Glamorization of Gluten-Free Foods
How carbohydrates affect degenerative brain diseases
The Correlation between Diabetes and Dementia
The BEST cure for Dementia and maladaptive gene expressions
A 1960s scare tactic used to distract you from the dangers of sugar
What soft drink manufacturers hope you never find out about artificial sweeteners
What you do to screw up your gut and how to fix it
The Surprising Truth about your Sweet Tooth
Why you should embrace cooties
Which foods have the highest levels of prebiotic fiber
Why Fat is important in your diet
How genetically modified fats are affecting your genome
The Problem with blanket statements about “high fat” diets
Grass-fed beef vs. Most beef sold in stores
Which vitamin is vital to heart health and brain health
The Debate between Dr. David Perlmutter and Dr. John Douillard
How the Mediterranean Diet is often misunderstood
Why people who take acid-blocking drugs (e.g. – Prevacid, Nexium, etc.) should beware
The myth sold to teens with acne
How Autism and gut-bacteria are related
What coconut oil, ghee, and turmeric have in common And many, many more... -
Episode Breakdown
The disillusionment of our culture and where Steven believes many of us begin our search
The story and connection between Steven and his grandfather (hint: grafting)
Steven mentions a few of his inspirations and resources from living in the woods
Steven discusses what brought him out of the bush
Steven talks about age and the illusion of choice
Steven’s introduction to wild or sacred gardening and warrior-king culture
James and Steven talk about our lack of story and participation and co-creation with the land
How to build a secular relationship with the Earth
Why being “green” isn’t enough
Steven explains the reciprocal relationship between the land and animals and hunter, fisherman, or gardener and the animals and land
James shares a resource where you can live and learn from organic farming
Both Steven and James want you to become a craftsman (or woman!)
Ways Steven says you can give back to the land or wild places you take from
The problem with nuclear families and the abandonment of eldership
How to respect the land that you steward through sacred communication
Steven explains what he calls “industrial ruts” and how easily it is to fall into them
Why we want to find a place and grow our roots into the ground
Benefits and differences of maple water and why you shouldn’t buy maple water products you see on store shelves
Why harvesting root vegetables in the spring produces more natural sugars
Steven mentions that he healed himself of Lyme disease with herbs
Steven’s parting words
Questions I Ask“Can you open that up for us and tell give us some of your background as to kind’ve where you got to where you are today?”
“You grew up with some of this knowledge?”
“What exactly is grafting?”
“What exactly made you feel like you needed to be living in the woods? What type of lifestyle were you living?”
“Whose teachings did you latch onto in the beginning, then?”
“How do we start fostering a more conscious relationship with the land?”
“Is having a plot of land going to hold us down?” -
Hey Tribe! Welcome back to part two of How to Uncage a Human with Jonathan Mead.
I'm going to try and do a little something different with today's show...
At the end of today's show, I'm going to summarize the key points mentioned, give action steps, as well as a system to help you succeed.
However...
I'm going to demand I hear back from you -- the tribe -- on your progress the following week.
I want this progress posted in one of two places:
My email: [email protected], or... The official Ancestral Health Radio (AHR) Facebook page.This is part two of How to Uncage a Human.
In today's episode, you'll learn...
The many pitfalls with over-specialization and perfectionism in your movement and lifestyle practice, How both Jonathan and I are approaching our businesses and how this will affect you (the listener), The many different views and philosophies shared by both Jonathan and myself, and... Much, much more. Subscribe oniTunes | Stitcher Radio | Google Play | SoundCloud
Episode BreakdownJonathan and James outline what they see for themselves and for the future of both Uncaged Human and Ancestral Health Radio
The struggle of trying to find a middle ground between primitive and modern living
Jonathan asks the audience to ask themselves, "What is your biggest priority?"
Jonathan stresses the importance of setting goals and creating systems
Both Jonathan and James's morning and evening rituals
Why Jonathan practices something called "cloud gazing"
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Guys... Today is special.
Today's guest is a dear friend of mine: Jonathan Mead of Uncaged Human.
Jonathan is a primal movement enthusiast and educator in Portland, Oregon. He and I are close friends and accountability partners.
Today's episode is special because it not only has one of my favorite movement coaches online today (Jonathan), but it also shares some of our philosophy on how and why we do what we do.
I really hope this opens some eyes and ears and allows for both Jonathan and I to connect with you on a deeper, more intimate level.
I had a really fun time recording this episode with Jonathan and I think it translated pretty well into today's show.
This is part one (of two) of How to Uncage a Human.
In today's episode, you'll learn...
The many pitfalls with over-specialization and perfectionism in your movement and lifestyle practice, How both Jonathan and I are approaching our businesses and how this will affect you (the listener), The many different views and philosophies shared by both Jonathan and myself, and... Much, much more. Subscribe oniTunes | Stitcher Radio | Google Play | SoundCloud
Episode BreakdownHow Jonathan developed his passion for natural human movement
How Jonathan got obsessed with gymnastics strength training
How Jonathan kept injuring himself with his movement practice
The path that led Jonathan to primal movement
The person who changed Jonathan's perspective about nutritious human movement and biomechanics The problem with over-specialization and perfectionism Why Jonathan is focusing his movement practice on joint mobility work Jonathan gives examples of mobility using Jean Claud Van Damme Build movement intelligence with Jonathan's simple morning mobility routine Why Jonathan and I talk about rewilding as a multi-generational approach Jonathan touches on why goal setting can lead to emotional distress or turmoil Why Jonathan says he's not moving out of the city to remove himself from harmful nnEMF Jonathan talks about the impact the environment has on us and the two biggest movements he believes we should all be examining and working towards Jonathan discusses his sitting strategies James gives an in-depth look into the layout of his apartment (which happens to be furniture-free) Jonathan stresses that movement is how you move all day Jonathan talks on the importance of starting where you at with what you've got James touches on the topic of how different people are on different avenues in their ancestral health/rewilding journey Jonathan talks about a few of the missing links in the realm of ancestral health and rewilding How do we navigate living a life with purpose and autonomy while still being plugged into "the Matrix" Jonathan tries to answer the question: "Does biohacking have a place in rewilding?" Jonathan and I discuss the different variants of people who are exposed to ancestral health Finding the comedy and irony in working online and still finding your path The reasons behind why Jonathan created Uncaged Human -
Did you know that approximately 50 million Americans, 20 percent of the population or one in five people, suffer from autoimmune diseases? And women are more likely than men to be affected; some estimates say that 75 percent of those affected–some 30 million people–are women.
That's why on today's episode I have a special guest, Dr. Terry Wahls, author of the popular book The Wahls Protocol: How I Beat Progressive MS Using Paleo Principles and Functional Medicine.
She and I delve into her early childhood and the health issues that led to Terry's progressive illness, along with Terry's big "ah-ha!" moment that led to her creating the Wahls Protocol.
There is just so much in this episode, I hope you have pen and paper ready.
In today's episode, you'll learn...
Why Dr. Wahls prefers ketones derived from medium chain triglycerides versus dairy products; The problems with cesarean birth, our gut microbiome, and ketosis; Terry's #1 tip for optimal health, and... Much, much more. Subscribe oniTunes | Stitcher Radio | Google Play | SoundCloud
Episode BreakdownTerry shares stories of her early childhood and the health issues that led to her progressive illness
Why Terry says she stopped reading medical material for five years
How a simple supplement cocktail allowed Terry to get out of bed and go to work
What the current teaching of progressive MS is and what you'd typically expect
Terry's radical change to eating Paleo in 2002
Why Terry wanted to grow more muscle on her legs through electrical stimulation
The struggles of taking a course on neuroprotection from the Institute for Functional Medicine
Terry's big "ah-ha!" moment (10:38)
How the University of Google helped Terry find a list of 20 foods that would then lead to what we now know as The Wahls Protocol
How The Wahls Protocol is different than the typical paleo diet
Why its important to shift our environment into a habitat that's more closely aligned to our hunter-gatherer kin
Why Terry tells people to, "Think about where your ancestors came from."
Terry reviews the history of life on our planet
Why Dr. Wahls says our health declines as we lose the diversity of our gut microbiome
Why Terry is more fond of the medium chain triglyceride (MCT) ketogenic diet rather than the dairy-based ketogenic diet
Dr. Wahls favorite source for MCT
Why Terry doesn't use red palm oil
Why Terry says she only eats once a day, or, every other day
Why those with ApoE4 gene expression do not want to use coconut oil or saturated fats (and what to use instead)
Why Dr. Wahls prefers a diet that is higher in resistance starch and fiber
Terry contrasts the diets of typical sugar burners versus that of a primal fat burner
The therapeutic use of ketogenic diets in the early 1900's
Why Dr. Wahls says you should consume ketone bodies from MCT rather than from dairy
Why Terry says if you're wanting to become a mom or dad, why you may not want to be in ketosis
What is "metabolic flexibility?"
What might happen if Dr. Wahls were to eat even a small amount of bread or dairy
Why Dr. Wahls practices cold thermogenesis and spends time in the sauna
The types of movement Terry likes to engage with
The differences between being born vaginally versus being born via c-section
Issues with going low-carb high-fat
Why Terry is confident that the MCT oil-based keto diet is less stressful than the dairy-based keto diet
Why Terry adds seaweed to her diet but cautions against eating too much
James gets the personal opinion of Dr. Wahls on his own eating strategy and what that exactly looks like
Why Terry has a goal of eating 200 different plant species a year (and why you should, too)
Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing
Terry gives practical tips on how to begin healing yourself of chronic autoimmune disorders with the power of whole foods
Why Terry says that as soon as you begin to think you have the corner on the truth, you are now completely wrong.
The one piece of advice Terry says everyone, including myself, should be doing on a consistent basis for better health
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What are the "rampy-ramps" and why are they so coveted among foodies and chefs?
Alan Bergo and I join forces on today's episode to discuss the obsession over wild leeks, mid-western matsutakes, and edible weeds.
We also talk about how Alan grew up in Minnesota, how Alan's style of mushroom picking has evolved over the years, and how Alan jokingly says he's been supporting his local Amish children since 2013.
In today's episode, you'll learn...
How to sustainably harvest springtime ramps, Why you should grow an invasive weed garden, Two popular wild condiment recipes, and... Much, much more. Subscribe oniTunes | Stitcher Radio | Google Play | SoundCloud
Episode Breakdown Alan talks about his first and most precious experience with wild foods early in his culinary career Why Alan says adding wild food to a restaurant's menu is becoming a fad Alan talks about his early years growing up in mid-west Minnesota How ForagerChef.com came to be How digging through David Arora's work led Alan to more research about mushrooms Alan gives a few suggestions on people he follows within the fungi community Why Alan says he wants to write an article about mushrooms and pokémon Alan's discovery of matsutake mushrooms in the mid-west Why Alan trims the stems of his mushrooms Alan describes the nutty situations people will put themselves into over mushroom hunting The difference between North American and European porcini Why Alan says you shouldn't eat bitter boletes How Alan's style of mushroom picking has changed over time Alan explains what he calls "the neanderthal instinct" Why Alan says you really cannot over-pick mushrooms Why you need to do your research to be aware of your local and/or state foraging laws Alan explains what the "rampy-ramps" are and why chefs (at least in the mid-west) obsess over them Why Alan sees over-harvesting of these wild foods as being an issue in the years to come Alan explains the different parts of a ramp How the Iroquois sustainably forage ramps Why Alan says he won't purchase ramps from anyone other than two people Why Alan plants ramps in grandma's garden patch What Alan says is the customer favorite ramp recipe (and you don't need to use the bulbs) How to make ramp ranch and ramp siracha Why Alan's favorite invasive species are thought of as weeds by many of Alan's farmers Where Alan sees the future of food How Alan sources wild food for his restaurant The interesting and unique way Alan is sourcing spruce tips What Alan says is the best part of picking greens yourself Why Alan says picking weeds from your garden is a win-win Why you might see Alan and his work featured on major television networks -
It might shock you to know that the clothing industry is the second largest polluter in the world... second only to oil.
On today’s podcast, Denby Royal—holistic nutrition and eco-fashion consultant—joins me on another fascinating episode of Ancestral Health Radio.
Denby and I discuss why westerners commonly fail to think about their clothing's environmental and social impact on the rest of the planet, the physical and psychological pitfalls the fashion industry has on our health, followed by simple, inexpensive tips on how to make more conscious decisions when thinking about your wardrobe.
Other fun things you'll learn in today's episode are...
How clothing affects our bodies and its many systems, The true cost of fast fashion, Denby's suggestions for buying less but buying better, and... Much, much more. Subscribe oniTunes | Stitcher Radio | Google Play | SoundCloud
Episode BreakdownWhat is eco-fashion?
How does clothing affect our bodies and its many different systems?
What is sedentary clothing?
The dysfunctional clothing women are told they need to wear and the ill-effects these restrictive garments have on their bodies
Underwire bras and the lymphatic system
The True Cost Documentary
Denby breaks down what fast fashion is and the truth behind the industry’s 52 seasons of clothing
Denby talks about auto-cravings and how they feed our instinctual need for consumption
How much of America’s donated clothing is actually being sold?
How many tons of America’s textile waste get shipped to third world countries?
Denby speaks against the social injustice of one of the most—if not the most—labor dependent industries in the world
The Rana Plaza disaster
Denby and I discuss the heartbreaking disconnect from the people who make the everyday goods we use
Buying less but buying better
Denby talks about our biological need for adornment
Monsanto’s monopoly over genetically modified cotton seeds
The staggering suicide statistic of Punjab farmers
Obama’s wardrobe classics
Denby suggests being selective about the clothing you donate or sell to consignment stores
Why Denby says a quality shirt shouldn’t be priced below $70
Tips on how to get off-season sales on some of your favorite eco-friendly brands
Problems with synthetic textiles and our oceans
The benefits of natural merino wool, hemp, and bamboo fibers
What is the hippy-eco-paradigm?
Denby’s eco-friendly brand recommendations for building a sustainable wardrobe
How to contact Denby in regards holistic fashion consulting and a basic rundown of what she provides as far as services
The regional fashion in Italy
How to ask yourself if your next purchase is replacing a negative
Why you should feel comfortable asking brands what’s going on in their production line
Why you should expand what your definition of local is
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What is ecosystem restoration and what are some common challenges of living off-the-grid?
Tao Orion—author, teacher, and mother—shares her experience with us on today's episode of Ancestral Health Radio.
This was a fun chat, for sure. Because some day in the near future I'd like to purchase land and start a family myself.
We discuss the need for a more holistic approach to land restoration, the medicinal properties of certain invasive plant species, and what tending the wild versus plow-based agriculture looks like.
In today's episode, you'll also learn...
Why your pastured eggs may be supplemented with grain, The invasive species that can heal a common antibiotic-resistant strain of bacteria, Questions to consider before transitioning to land or rural property of your own, and... Much, much more. Subscribe oniTunes | Stitcher Radio | Google Play | SoundCloud
Episode BreakdownWhere Tao believes the future of restoration is going
Why you don’t need a lot of space to grow vegetables
Tao discusses ideas about communal or cooperative land management models for animal products
Oregon’s land use laws
Tao talks about the realistic challenges of animal husbandry
Why your pastured eggs may be supplemented with grain
Why Tao grew black soldier fly larvae
The many different animals Tao has raised and their associated costs
Why Tao is unsure of the sustainable management of invasive animal species
Tao’s concerns of herbicide contamination due to Oregon’s forest practices
Why Tao believes pesticides get more attention than herbicides
The dangers of glyphosate
Tao’s advice for people new to foraging or spending time in these managed outdoor areas
The medicinal benefits of invasive species
How to wildcraft Japanese knotweed
The traditional use of the Brazilian peppertree
Why Tao says it’s important we learn to read our landscape and use land use history
How indigenous people in California used fire to clear land and reset the succession of perennial plants and grasslands
Plow-based, annual agriculture and the domestication of the ox
What would happen if we were to increase the worldwide organic material by 1%
Why Tao thinks animal-based agriculture is insane
The permaculture mindset
Tao emphasizes the benefits of plant and animal stewardship and where she believes you should begin
Important points and challenges to remember when deciding on a future homestead -
What is EZ water? And why the heck is it important?
Dr. Gerald Pollack joins me on episode #13 of Ancestral Health Radio to discuss the many benefits of water, and, more specifically—it's fourth phase.
We also mention water quality, his newest untitled book, and how to supercharge your body with a seemingly unlimited power source... that's right beneath your feet.
In today's episode, you'll learn...
The significance of EZ (Exclusion Zone) water, The benefits of drinking natural spring water, The positive (or shall I say negative?) effects that Earthing has on the body, and... Much, much more. Subscribe oniTunes | Stitcher Radio | Google Play | SoundCloud
Episode Breakdown Why Dr. Pollack finds it odd that most people presume that everything there is to know about water must already be known Gerald discusses the four phases of water: solid, liquid, vapor, and "gel-like" Why Dr. Pollack wrote the book Cells, Gels, and the Engines of Life Why Gerald finds it weird that water is seemingly irrelevant to biology and biochemistry Dr. Pollack shares why he says water has taken a back seat to modern medical technology How Gerald found himself involved with water through the study of muscle Gerald's discovery of EZ (Exclusion Zone) water and its many different properties (H3O2)—specifically its structure and charge How EZ water grows and generates renewable energy using different spectrums of light Hydrophilic versus hydrophobic Gerald breaks down how cells and proteins use EZ water (protein folding, etc.) to help cell and organ function How saunas build EZ water within the body Are gray hairs a sign of dehydration? How drinking water was one doctor's only prescription for wellness Dr. Pollack's speculative thoughts on water quality Why spring water—in theory—should be good for your health Hyperbaric oxygen therapy Organic and non-organic agents that build and inhibit EZ water Jerry shares his experience with Earthing and its effects on EZ water The Institute for Venture Science Dr. Pollack discusses his next untitled book and a few of the topics - Show more
