The Sapling

Under The Canopy
  • 5.0 (10)
  • NATURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Sapling is a podcast that explores the interplay between natural systems, science, and shared cultural practices. Its host, Dr. Jelagat Cheruiyot, as a scientist, educator, and Kalenjin (Keiyo) woman, brings a unique perspective to the topics and takes listeners on an educational journey with personal anecdotes and engaging interviews. From dung beetles to busaa, Under the Canopy ventures through our natural world and the history that has shaped it.

Episodes

  1. 10/29/2025

    Episode 5 - Down and dirty with dung beetles

    This Week on The Sapling, join host Dr. Jelagat Cheruiyot, Senior Professor of Practice at Tulane University, as she gets down and dirty with dung beetles. Dr. Cheruiyot will discuss her interactions with the dung beetles and lessons beyond entomology. Beetles, a member of the insect order Coleoptera a will teach you the lessons you want to learn and those that you do not. Beetles come in all sorts of colors, shapes and sizes, are among the best decomposers, and the reason why herbivores are not buried in their own dung!

    8 min

  2. 10/15/2025

    Episode 4 - Busaa: something's brewing

    This Week on The Sapling join host Dr. Jelagat Cheruiyot, Senior Professor of Practice at Tulane University, as she introduces listeners to one of Kenya's integral tribal brews, Busaa. This episode explores the beverage's production, cultural significance, and controversies, as well as some of Jelagat's earliest days as a budding scientist.

    9 min

  3. 10/01/2025

    Episode 3 - Termites: Chew or be chewed

    This Week on The Sapling join host Dr. Jelagat Cheruiyot, Senior Professor of Practice at Tulane University, as she explores the fascinating world of termites—an insect with profound ecological and economic significance. This episode takes a closer look at the cultural role of termites as food among the Kalenjin people of Kenya, Dr. Cheruiyot’s own tribe, and draws connections to her current home in Louisiana, USA. Plus, enjoy a brief interview with a family friend who shares a bit about his personal adventures with termites.

    9 min

  4. 09/17/2025

    Episode 2 - Amazing Ugali and maize

    This week on The Sapling we will discuss Ugali and Maize, a dish and a plant that are integral to the Kenyan community. In fact, Maize is so important in Kenya that the promise to increase Maize supplies and Maize prices are one of the core topics in the presidential elections. The presentation of Ugali, a dish made from the crop can even make or break a romantic relationship.

    8 min

  5. 09/03/2025

    Episode 1 - What's all the buzz with honey?

    This week on The Sapling, meet host Dr. Jelagat Cheruiyot, a Senior Professor of Practice at Tulane University, and dive into the world of honey and honey harvesting with a focus on the Kalenjin people of Kenya, Jelagat’s own tribe. Additionally, the episode includes a brief interview with a honey hunter/family friend.

    9 min
  • 5 Episodes

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Sapling is a podcast that explores the interplay between natural systems, science, and shared cultural practices. Its host, Dr. Jelagat Cheruiyot, as a scientist, educator, and Kalenjin (Keiyo) woman, brings a unique perspective to the topics and takes listeners on an educational journey with personal anecdotes and engaging interviews. From dung beetles to busaa, Under the Canopy ventures through our natural world and the history that has shaped it.

Information

  • Creator
    Under The Canopy
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Sapling