The Lowdown Underground

Bailey and Megan
  • 5.0 (2)
  • SCIENCE

Welcome to the Lowdown Underground, where soil isn't just dirt, it's a storyteller. We're here to unearth the hidden connections between land, culture and the ecosystems beneath our feet. I'm Bailey, joined by Megan, bringing you groundbreaking stories and guests to discuss how landscape shape us and how we shape them. Let's dig in! (Views are our own and do not reflect those of our employers)

Episodes

  1. Public lands series: The Land Ethic (Part 1)

    08/16/2025

    Public lands series: The Land Ethic (Part 1)

    Join Bailey and Megan in this episode of Lowdown Underground as they sit around the campfire and dive into The Land Ethic philosophy, drawing insights from Aldo Leopold's influential book 'A Sand County Almanac.' Listen to stories, the interconnectedness of landscapes and human life, and how our actions shape the ecosystems around us. From personal anecdotes to thought-provoking passages, discover how viewing land as a community can transform our approach to conservation. Get ready for a mix of personal stories, reflections, and laughter as we explore the deep connections between soil, culture, and nature. Let’s dig in! (Views are our own and do not reflect those of our employers) 'A Sand County Almanac' by Aldo Leopold: book link

    1h 10m
  2. The College Sport You've (Probably) Never Heard of: Soil Judging

    07/05/2025

    The College Sport You've (Probably) Never Heard of: Soil Judging

    Ready to dig into the college sport you may have never heard of? Join Megan and Bailey as they dive into the competitive world of soil judging with two recent University of Minnesota soil judgers, Amital Shaver and Anna Windels. This episode unearths the surprisingly thrilling practice of evaluating soil profiles and interpreting various soil characteristics to make better land use management decisions. From digging deep into the properties of soils to the fascinating bond formed in a team activity (how many people do you know that can get so excited about exploring holes underground?), learn what makes soil judging not just a science, but an art. Get set for the landscape journey through a soil judger's eyes and personal stories that will make you see the ground beneath you in a whole new light. Let’s dig in! (Views are our own and do not reflect those of our employers.) Catch up with the UMN soil judging team: link to the team blog, UMN page, and link to the team Instagram Donate to UMN Soil Judging team here: Donation link. (Donations are greatly appreciated! 🤎) Interested in joining the UMN soil judging team? Check out more information here.

    52 min
  3. Arctic Field Work Stories: Type 2 Fun on the Tun(dra)

    06/03/2025

    Arctic Field Work Stories: Type 2 Fun on the Tun(dra)

    In this episode, Megan takes Bailey north (way north) to explore adventures in soil and permafrost research across Alaska and Canada. Forget fishing trips - this is the real Alaskan experience: dodging clouds of mosquitoes, digging soil pits with bread knives, and polar bear 'drive-bys' (in helicopters). From collaborations with international researchers and partnerships with Alaska Native villages, Megan shares what it’s really like to do soil science in remote areas, from the Y-K Delta to the Hudson Bay Lowlands. You'll get the lowdown on Arctic field work and why you should care about frozen ground — even if it's not beneath your feet. Let’s dig in! (Views are our own and do not reflect those of our employers.) Check out Megan's best investment from The Original Bug Shirt Company - Link Here

    52 min
  4. City Soils and Slighted Scientists: Adam Devlin, Soil Scientist

    05/13/2025

    City Soils and Slighted Scientists: Adam Devlin, Soil Scientist

    Ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of our cities? In this episode, Megan and Bailey chat with Adam Devlin, a soil scientist mapping the soils beneath the Twin Cities. Join us as we dive into the NRCS Urban Soil Survey, explore the art and science of soil mapping, and uncover how we shape the ground beneath our cities. Plus, Adam gets personal about the unexpected end of his federal career and the lasting impact of public service. Let’s dig in! (Views are our own and do not reflect those of our employers.) Check out Adam's podcast! 'Loam Town Folks' - Spotify link Live in the Twin Cities area? Sign up for the NRCS Urban Soil Survey - Sign up link

    44 min

  5. 04/22/2025

    An Earth Day Celebration (Soil-bration!)

    Happy Earth Day 2025 – Let’s Have a Soil-bration! This Earth Day, we’re going underground. While we celebrate the planet each year, we often forget the actual Earth—the soil beneath our feet—and instead focus on the plants, water, and wildlife above ground. In this episode, Megan and Bailey break down 11 vital soil functions—from purifying water to fighting climate change. They also dive into the hot topic of cows' climate impact and the surprising role of permafrost in storing carbon. Did you know soil holds more carbon than all the world’s plants and the atmosphere combined? Get ready for a mix of science, personal stories, and humor as we explore the hidden world beneath us. Let’s dig in! (Views are our own and do not reflect those of our employer.)

    35 min

  6. 04/18/2025

    Dig a Pit and She Will Come: Bailey Tangen's Soil Story

    Ever thought soil was just dirt? Think again! Join us in this episode of Lowdown Underground as Bailey takes us from her early love of lakes in Minnesota to discovering a passion for soil formation, soil health, and sustainability. Hear how a love for plants, a surprising chat on World Soils Day, and countless soil pits shaped her unexpected path from aspiring doctor to dedicated soil enthusiast. Bailey shares her journey, her mentors, and the quirky, earthy adventures that made her fall in love with the land beneath our feet. Let's dig in! (Views are our own and do not reflect those of our employer)

    59 min

  7. 04/18/2025

    Dirt to Soil Pipeline: Megan Andersen's Soil Story

    Folks who work with the land think of it as soil, not dirt, right?! In this episode, Megan Andersen, a pedologist currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Minnesota, shares her inspiring journey from growing up on a ranch in South Dakota, working with cows and 'dirt', to becoming a passionate soil scientist. Discover how a required pre-requisite class on 'dirt' ignited a love for soil, leading her to pursue groundbreaking soil research in Alaska. Megan's story highlights the profound impact of great mentors, the value of embracing new opportunities, and the power of soil science in addressing climate change. Let's dig in! (Views are our own and do not reflect those of our employers)

    59 min

  8. 04/09/2025

    What’s Really Beneath Our Feet? The Hidden World of Soil

    What is soil really? Why should we care about it? If you think it's just dirt, you're not alone, but that definition totally misses the mark. In this episode, Megan and Bailey dig into why so many definitions of soil are boring, limited, or just plain wrong. We explore how different people, including scientists, farmers, and artists, see soil in radically different ways. And the power of a great educator to shape your perspective of soil! We offer our own definitions on what soil is. Not just as stuff beneath our feet, but as a living, ever changing system. Let's dig in! (Views are our own and do not reflect those of our employers)

    58 min
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Lowdown Underground, where soil isn't just dirt, it's a storyteller. We're here to unearth the hidden connections between land, culture and the ecosystems beneath our feet. I'm Bailey, joined by Megan, bringing you groundbreaking stories and guests to discuss how landscape shape us and how we shape them. Let's dig in! (Views are our own and do not reflect those of our employers)

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