Mind, Body, and Soil

Kate Kavanaugh
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Welcome to Mind, Body, and Soil. Join me, Kate Kavanaugh, a farmer, entrepreneur, and holistic nutritionist, as I get curious about human nature, health, and consciousness as viewed through the lens of nature. At its heart, this podcast is about finding the threads of what it means to be humans woven into this earth. I'm digging into deep and raw conversations with truly impactful guests that are laying the ground work for themselves and many generations to come. We dive into topics around farming, grief, biohacking, regenerative agriculture, spirituality, nutrition, and beyond. Get curious and get ready with new episodes every Tuesday!

  1. JUN 17

    Care, Connection, and Death: A Journey Through Our Disintegrations with Cutter Wood

    Episode 117: In this conversation, Kate sits down with Cutter Wood to discuss his new book Earthly Materials: Journeys Through Our Bodies’ Emissions, Excretions, and Disintegrations. It’s a poignant and touching exploration of the often-overlooked aspects of our physical being: our body's "effluvia." From the science of mucus to our last breath, from our tears to our flatulence, Cutter delves into the interconnectedness of bodily materials and how these substances reflect our shared vulnerability, humanity, and care for one another. These substances are sometimes hidden for reasons of sanitation, but also because they remind us of our fragility and mortality, which means—this is also a podcast abut death. Cutter brings humor, depth, and honesty to his exploration of the body’s excretions and emissions, reminding us that these “leaky meat suits” are also what connect us.  Find Cutter: Earthly Materials: Journeys Through Our Bodies’ Emissions, Excretions, and Disintegrations Website: Cutterwood.com Instagram: @cuttermwood X: @cuttermwood Related Episodes: Episode 51: Heidi Boucher talks about Caring for our Dead at Home Episode 90: Rose George on Sh*t, Shipping, and Blood Episode 70: Scott Carney on Sleep  Episode 67: Dan Egan on Phosphorous Support Kate: Patreon Substack PayPal-Leave a One Time Tip Affiliates: REDMOND REAL SALT: Use code MINDBODYSOIL_15 for 15% off at Redmond.life FIELD COMPANY CAST IRON: fieldcompany.com/kate_kavanaugh BAHÉ FOOTWEAR: Use the code ‘Kate10’ for 10% off.  HOME OF WOOL: 10% off Home of Wool using code KATEKAVANAUGH NAMARI ACTIVE WEAR: 10% off using code Kate10

    1h 31m

  2. JUN 2

    Inherited Narratives: An Intergenerational View of Farming from One Family with John Seabrook

    Episode 116: In this conversation, Kate sits down with John Seabrook, author of The Spinach King: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty, to explore the intersection of farming, family history and intergenerational trauma, and the evolution of the agricultural industry. John shares insights from his family's farming legacy, discussing the transformation from traditional farming to mechanization and industrialization. The dialogue delves into labor, farming, class, legacy, industrialization, and more—a historical conversation that highlights the complexities and challenges faced by the agricultural sector today. Kate and John also explore the complexities of family dynamics, brand identity, and the expectations placed upon him by his family legacy. He reflects on the blurred lines between the real family and the branded image they created, the impact of generational trauma, and the challenges of reconciling his family's history with the truth. They also touch on the mythologizing of the American dream, ultimately asking what we do with narratives that we’ve inherited, and how to tell new stories for the living.  Find John: The Spinach King: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty Website Instagram: @jmseabrook X: @jmseabrook Related Episodes: Episode 86: Nicola Twilley and the history of the cold chain and refrigeration Episode 72: Ben Goldfarb talking about how building roads changed America Episode 75: Cole Mannix on intergenerational farming  Episode 108: Alice Driver on immigrant workers in modern poultry processing Episode 88: Steven Kurutz on the legacy of American manufacturing  Episode 104: Will Bardenwerper on how baseball builds communities Support Kate: Patreon Substack PayPal-Leave a One Time Tip Affiliates: REDMOND REAL SALT: Use code MINDBODYSOIL_15 for 15% off at Redmond.life FIELD COMPANY CAST IRON: fieldcompany.com/kate_kavanaugh BAHÉ FOOTWEAR: Use the code ‘Kate10’...

    1h 60m

  3. MAY 27

    Humanity and Fire: A History of Relationships with Jordan Thomas

    Episode 115: In this episode, Kate sits down with Jordan Thomas to talk about his new book When It All Burns: Fighting Fire in a Transformed World. It might not be the conversation you expect, opening by exploring fire’s centrality to what it is to be human and how relational and contextual fire is. Jordan guides us through the last ten thousand years of fire use by Indigenous communities. Jordan then does a dive into understanding the intertwining of fire and capitalism through the last 300 years, culminating in the last decade or so of megafires, fueled by climate change. Jordan is an anthropologist and former wildland firefighter and while he’s sharing how fire has transformed our world, he also shares how the process of writing this book transformed him, and the joy, grief, trauma, and love he goes through in his search to better understand fire. The conversation winds down talking about prescribed burns and using fire with intention. In the end, Kate and Jordan come back around to relationships and how much they matter in exploring how humanity might once again shift their relationship with fire.  Jordan's Book: When It All Burns: Fighting Fire in a Transformed World Related Episodes: Episode 112: Mariah Blake on PFAS, Chemicals in Firefighting  Episode 61:Robbie Krapfel on Fighting Fire Episode 95: Brock Dolman on Fire, Water, and Beavers Episode 72: Ben Goldfarb on Beavers, Built and Natural Worlds Episode 85: John Vaillant on Fire Episode 93: John Perlin on our Relationship to Wood and Forests Episode 113: Marguerite Holloway on Our Relationship to Forests Support Kate: Patreon Substack PayPal-Leave a One Time Tip Sponsored By: REDMOND REAL SALT: Use code MINDBODYSOIL_15 for 15% off at Redmond.life Affiliates: FIELD COMPANY CAST IRON: fieldcompany.com/kate_kavanaugh BAHÉ FOOTWEAR: Use the code ‘Kate10’ for 10% off.  HOME OF WOOL: 10% off Home of...

    1h 46m

  4. MAY 20

    How Sound Connects Us to Our Environments and to One Another with Chris Berdik

    Episode 114: In this conversation, Kate Kavanaugh sits down with author Chris Berdik to discuss his new book 'Clamor: How Noise Took Over the World and How We Can Take It Back'. They dive into the often-overlooked significance of sound in both our personal lives and the natural world. Chris shares insights into the biology of hearing, the impacts of hearing loss, and the pervasive issue of noise pollution—both for humans and wildlife. At its heart, it’s about how sound connects us to the world at large and to one another.  The discussion explores the evolutionary importance of sound, how our auditory experiences shape our connection to the environment, and the broader implications of noise on our well-being (and the importance of preventing hearing loss). They also touch on how sound can shift environments: from hospitals to neighborhoods. Ultimately, this conversation highlights the critical relationship between sound, human and environmental health, and community engagement in shaping healthier soundscapes. X: @chrisberdik Website Newsletter  Clamor: How Noise Took Over the World - and How We Can Take It Back Resources Mentioned: Soundprint App Related Episodes:  Episode 90: Sh*t, Shipping, and Blood: Upending Taboos and Exploring the Ignored with Rose George Episode 72: Circular Economies and Linear Infrastructure: the Complex Interplay of Roads, Beavers, and Ecosystems with Ben Goldfarb Episode 83: A Planetary Pulse of Connection: Exploring the Ocean, Science, and Beyond with Helen Czerski  Episode 58: Exploring the Mystery + Embracing the Unknown with Fred Provenza Support Kate: Patreon Substack PayPal-Leave a One Time Tip Sponsored By: REDMOND REAL SALT: Use code MINDBODYSOIL_15 for 15% off at Redmond.life Affiliates: FIELD COMPANY CAST IRON: fieldcompany.com/kate_kavanaugh BAHÉ FOOTWEAR: Use the code ‘Kate10’ for 10% off.  HOME OF WOOL: 10% off Home of Wool using code KATEKAVANAUGH a href="https://namarie.com/?sca_ref=7890385.9KPW0WOAZdspr5oh" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 6m

  5. MAY 13

    Trees in the Foreground: Climbing, Climate, and the Power of Perspective with Marguerite Holloway

    Episode 113: In this episode, Kate sits down with author Marguerite Holloway to explore her new book ‘Take to the Trees: A Story of Hope, Science, and Self-Discovery in America’s Imperiled Forests’. Marguerite takes us on a deeply personal journey as she learns to climb trees at a women’s tree climbing workshop—an experience that shifts her perspective—quite literally—and opens her up to new ways of seeing the world. From Aspens to Magnolias, and Hemlocks to Beeches, she brings us into the hidden lives of trees, tracing their biology, history, and the complex relationships they share with our ecosystems. As we dive into the perils trees face in a warming climate, we also talk about the from arborists, biologists, and ecologists who are working tirelessly to protect them. This conversation brings into focus the often-overlooked world of trees, challenging ‘plant blindness’ and shifting them from the periphery to the center of our attention. At its heart, the conversation is about reconciling the hard truths of ecological loss with the enduring hope that comes from connecting with nature in such a direct and transformative way. This episode is as much about trees as it is about seeing the world through a new lens—one that invites us to reimagine our relationship with the living world around us. Find Marguerite:  Take to the Trees: A Story of Hope, Science, and Self-Discovery in America’s Imperiled Forests X: @marg_holloway LinkedIn New Yorker Articles Womens Tree Climbing Workshop  Related Episodes: Episode 93: The Wood Age: Humans and the Forests That Made Them Human with John Perlin Episode 87: Complexity, Cooperation, and Beauty - A New Story for Earth with Ferris Jabr Episode 72: Circular Economies and Linear Infrastructure: The Complex Interplay of Roads, Beavers, and Ecosystems with Ben Goldfarb Episode 66: We are the Drivers of Our Species Tomorrows with Cat Bohannon Episode 95: Basins of Relations: Water, Fire, Beavers, and beyond with Brock Dolman Episode 99: Living Into the Life You Want with Caroline Nelson Support Kate: Patreon Substack PayPal-Leave a One Time Tip Sponsored By: a...

    1h 15m

  6. MAY 6

    Forever Chemicals: A History of Contamination and the Power of Community in the Fight against PFAS with Mariah Blake

    Episode 112: In this episode, Kate is joined by journalist Mariah Blake to discuss her new book, ‘They Poisoned the World: Life and Death in the Age of Forever Chemicals.’ Together, they trace the buried history of PFAS and forever chemicals—synthetic chemicals first developed in the 1930’s—that would go on to saturate everything from firefighting foam to clothes to town water supplies, with devastating consequences for public health. The conversation centers on the story of Hoosick Falls, New York, where a small community uncovered widespread PFAS contamination in their drinking water and began a fight for justice. Kate and Mariah explore the regulatory ignorance that allowed this to happen, the role of DuPont and other chemical giants in shaping the response, and how communities are rising to meet the crisis. They discuss how outrage becomes a catalyst for environmental change, and how ordinary people—farmers, military families, and local organizers—are now on the front lines of the PFAS fight. Through the lens of Blake’s reporting, this episode is a powerful look at what happens when chemical convenience collides with human health, and how resilience grows in even the most contaminated ground. Find Mariah: They Poisoned the World: Life and Death in the Age of Forever Chemicals by Mariah Blake Instagram: @mariahcblake X: @mariahcblake Support Kate:  Patreon Substack PayPal-Leave a One Time Tip Resources Mentioned Plastic List created by Nat Friedman: https://www.plasticlist.org  Plastic: A Toxic Love Story by Susan Freinkel  Dr. Max Liboiron — https://civiclaboratory.nl  Time Bombing the Future by Rebecca Altman  Richard Rhodes Making of Atomic Bomb Related Episodes: Episode 85 with John Vaillant on Consumption, the Petrochemical Industry Episode 82 with Jay Owens on Dust, Testing the Bomb, Our Polluted World Episode 83 with Helen Czerski on the Ocean Sponsored By: REDMOND REAL SALT: Use code MINDBODYSOIL_15 for 15% off at Redmond.life Affiliates: a href="http://fieldcompany.com/kate_kavanaugh" rel="noopener...

    1h 36m

  7. APR 29

    Distilling Transformation and Presence with Tabitha Rose

    Episode 111: In this episode, Kate sits down with Tabitha Rose from Skin Fancy to go deep. At once, it’s an exploration of building a bioregional supply chain for a skincare company and looking to the plants and ingredients that are attuned to an ecosystem to create an incredible skincare line. It’s also an episode about Tabitha and she invites us into her wisdom with beautiful poignancy, sharing about how we’re shaped and respond to life’s surprises, motherhood, growing into our purpose, and embracing change. Tabitha also shares about the alchemical process of making hydrosols, working with distillation and copper. It’s a big metaphor for the episode, because Tabitha distills so much care and deep thought into how she navigates life that so many listeners will resonate with.  Find Tabitha Website: https://skinfancy.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skinfancy Other Episodes: Episode 19: Learning to Come Home to Yourself with Lacey Jean Episode 49: Choosing the Stories We Tell Ourselves with Caroline Nelson Episode 99: Living the Life You Want with Caroline Nelson Episode 84: Choosing what to Carry into the Future with Cate Havstad Episode 45: The Discipline/Pleasure Axis with Alex Rosenberg-Rigutto Support Kate:  Patreon Substack PayPal-Leave a One Time Tip Best of Movement Focused Episodes: Episode 94: An Ecology of Movement with Katy Bowman  Episode 109: We Can Pick Up and Carry Heavy Loads: Exploring Movement in Context with Kate Kavanaugh Episode 64: One Foot in Front of the Other with Kate Kavanaugh Episode 77: Our Relationship to Resources with Kate Kavanaugh Episode 54: Staying Human is the Greatest Skill with Daniel Vitalis Episode 22: Building Strength from the Inside Out with Ashleigh VanHouten Episode 2: The Strenuous Life with Ed Roberson Sponsored By: REDMOND REAL...

    3h 10m

  8. APR 22

    On Muscle: The Stuff that Moves Us and Why It Matters with Bonnie Tsui

    Episode 110. In this conversation, Kate sits down with author Bonnie Tsui to talk about her new book On Muscle: The Stuff that Moves Us and Why It Matters. This episode explores themes of strength, resilience, and the interplay between the physical and the philosophical. Kate and Bonnie have a wide ranging discussion that spans the metaphor and biology of muscle, how death brings us into the present, and the joy found in movement and play. They touch on how strength is also about what moves us, not just physically, but socially, touching on the importance of collective movement and community resilience. It’s an exploration into how physical activities can foster connection and healing. They also delve into the science behind movement, the significance of finding connection in everyday life, and the power of incremental change in personal strength. The conversation concludes with a light-hearted discussion about whales, joy, and the connections we share with nature. Find Bonnie:  Instagram: @bonnietsui8 Website On Muscle: The Stuff that Moves Us and Why It Matters Sarah and the Big Wave Why We Swim American Chinatown Support Kate:  Patreon Substack PayPal-Leave a One Time Tip Best of Movement Focused Episodes: Episode 94: An Ecology of Movement with Katy Bowman  Episode 109: We Can Pick Up and Carry Heavy Loads: Exploring Movement in Context with Kate Kavanaugh Episode 64: One Foot in Front of the Other with Kate Kavanaugh Episode 77: Our Relationship to Resources with Kate Kavanaugh Episode 54: Staying Human is the Greatest Skill with Daniel Vitalis a...

    1h 14m
See All (117)

4.9
out of 5
161 Ratings

About

Welcome to Mind, Body, and Soil. Join me, Kate Kavanaugh, a farmer, entrepreneur, and holistic nutritionist, as I get curious about human nature, health, and consciousness as viewed through the lens of nature. At its heart, this podcast is about finding the threads of what it means to be humans woven into this earth. I'm digging into deep and raw conversations with truly impactful guests that are laying the ground work for themselves and many generations to come. We dive into topics around farming, grief, biohacking, regenerative agriculture, spirituality, nutrition, and beyond. Get curious and get ready with new episodes every Tuesday!

Information

  • Creator
    Kate Kavanaugh
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    117
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kate Kavanaugh
  • Show Website
    Mind, Body, and Soil

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