Unlock the secrets of chufa, the humble tiger nut, as we journey through its fascinating history and cultural significance. Discover how this ancient tuber played a role in the diets of our early hominin ancestors and continues to captivate culinary aficionados today. We promise you'll see chufa in a whole new light, from its starring role in the beloved Spanish drink, horchata, to its unexpected ancient roots in Central America that challenge long-held narratives. You'll be amazed by the geneti...
Jun 22, 2025•41 min
The streets of Chicago are alive with tension, and the backdrop of our episode is nothing less than the real-life drama of ICE operations and the city's spirited resistance. We welcome back Omar Flores from the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, who joins us to recount his personal encounter with ICE officers, unmasking their covert tactics and the community's unwavering resolve to fight back. His story of confronting ICE agents in unmarked vehicles and the community's rap...
Jun 16, 2025•59 min
Join us for a captivating exploration into the world of the evening primrose, a fascinating plant known for its resilience and unique characteristics. We kick things off by unraveling the botanical intricacies of the evening primrose family, highlighting its ability to thrive in disturbed habitats like roadsides and abandoned fields. Our humorous take on the transcription service's interpretation of our podcast's name, including a playful nod to New Jersey's pork rolls, sets the tone for an enga...
Jun 09, 2025•35 min
Dr. Liz Koziol, a pioneering assistant research professor at the University of Kansas, shares her compelling journey into the realm of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and their pivotal role in grassland restoration. Her unconventional path, sparked by an unexpected lab job, and guided by mentors Jim Bieber and Peggy Schultz, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of plant-microbe interactions. We discuss how AM fungi symbiotically support plant nutrition, bolster plant immune responses, ...
Jun 02, 2025•41 min
Imagine forests that once covered vast swathes of the southeastern United States, now reduced to a fraction of their former glory. Join us with Bill Finch, co-founder of Finch Conservation, as we explore his lifelong mission to preserve the longleaf pine forests, one of North America's richest ecosystems. Bill's childhood adventures in Mississippi and Alabama's woods sparked a passion that led to his book "Longleaf: Far as the Eye Can See," offering a fresh perspective on conserving these critic...
May 20, 2025•50 min
Ethan Tapper, the insightful Vermont-based forester and author, captivates us with his narrative on the delicate art of forest stewardship in a world fraught with ecological challenges. With his debut book, "How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World," Ethan invites listeners to understand the complexities of caring for forests amidst the pressures of climate change and deforestation. His compelling journey into forestry reveals the importance of not shying away from ...
May 12, 2025•43 min
Welcome to the quirky and educational world of sunchokes, affectionately dubbed "fartichokes," as we explore their rich history and surprisingly gassy reputation. We start with a playful idea of turning a chicken coop live stream into a comedic business venture before diving into the fascinating journey of the Jerusalem artichoke. From their roots in Native American cuisine to their adoption in European gardens, these tubers have traveled through cultures and languages, picking up a humorous mis...
May 02, 2025•53 min
Dr. Steven Cannon, a distinguished research geneticist from the USDA Agricultural Research Service, graces the podcast with his expertise in plant genomics and crop improvement. From a childhood love of gardening to pioneering work in bioinformatics, Dr. Cannon's journey is as enriching as the legumes he studies. We explore the promising, yet challenging, world of Apios americana, or groundnut—an ancient crop with high protein content and deep roots in North American indigenous cultures. Despite...
Apr 25, 2025•36 min
Podcast Summary Can a humble tuber change the face of sustainable agriculture? Explore the fascinating world of Apios americana, the groundnut, as we uncover its rich history and its potential to revolutionize our food systems. Our journey takes us back to its indigenous roots in North America, through its historical introduction to Europe, and onto its role as a staple food source for communities that understood its dual nature as both a bean and a root crop. With its nitrogen-fixing properties...
Apr 18, 2025•46 min
Giselle Rodriguez, the inspiring co-founder and executive director of Illinois Workers in Action (IWA), joins us to share her journey into advocacy. Motivated by her mother's experience with an ICE audit, Giselle discusses the mission of IWA, an organization committed to educating workers about their rights and addressing workplace issues. Our conversation reveals crucial distinctions between administrative and judicial warrants and why this knowledge is vital for undocumented migrants to shield...
Apr 10, 2025•43 min
The fight for immigrant rights is gaining momentum, and the status quo is feeling the tremors. Witness the awakening in Chicago's Little Village, where over 600 voices rose against the injustices perpetrated by ICE. Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez's powerful speech called for unity, challenging the forces that thrive on fear and division. Join us as we uncover the profound impact of collective action and the potential for cross-community coalition building in the heart of a vibrant Hispanic neighbor...
Mar 30, 2025•56 min
The fear gripping immigrant communities under Trump's intensified ICE operations is palpable, and the narrative that these efforts solely target criminal elements is being scrutinized. Join us as we uncover how these actions, particularly in Chicago, create an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty among immigrants. There's a glaring lack of transparency, and communities are left in a state of heightened vigilance, questioning the true motives behind these operations. We spotlight stories of resi...
Mar 24, 2025•54 min
A month back, we opened the floor to questions from listeners regarding our thoughts after 5 years into this project, whether or not Elliott is locked in the basement, how we feel about solarpunk futures and tons more! 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 Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecolo...
Mar 16, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Renowned for her impactful work in community-based research, Dr. Lauren Kepkiewicz joins us on Poor Proles Almanac to unpack the journey towards just and equitable food systems. We explore the transformative power of relational accountability, shedding light on how it challenges traditional academic norms by centering Indigenous women and two-spirit knowledges. With the RARE Collective as a backdrop, this conversation delves into the necessary disruption of Western-centric hierarchies, fostering...
Mar 11, 2025•44 min
Tune in to the captivating story of Sicilian fishermen who, driven by the decline of their homeland's sardine industry, sparked a remarkable transformation along California's coast. This episode promises an enlightening journey through the cultural and economic impacts of their migration, with a spotlight on the formidable Sicilian women who found empowerment in Monterey's canneries. These women established "little matriarchies," navigating a unique blend of gender roles and shunning traditional...
Mar 05, 2025•56 min
In this episode, we dive into homesteading on a bigger picture; it's a deep dive into the role of modern homesteading within the critical context of today's world.... Uncover the truth about homesteading's limits: Explore how it serves as a response to the increasing alienation and exploitation of modern society, but is not a complete solution to ecological destruction.... Explore the surprising links between ecological and social issues: Understand how climate change, ecological collapse, and e...
Feb 23, 2025•14 min
Activist and author Peter Gelderloos returns to the Porpoise Almanac to discuss his latest book, "They Will Beat the Memory Out of Us." With a lifetime of activism under his belt, Peter shares his heartfelt reflections on the enduring struggles of social movements, the critical role of collective memory, and the widening gap between generations in the digital age. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the complexities of maintaining intergenerational connections amidst capitalism's isolating f...
Feb 13, 2025•42 min
Our latest episode navigates the turbulent water of South Korea's neoliberal rise, examining how austerity measures imposed by the IMF hit the working class hard and compromised environmental protections. Yet, within these adversities, seedbeds of change emerged, notably in the form of farming communes and radical agroecology. We unravel these complex threads with a nod to the contradictions they harbor, setting the stage for a deeper conversation about capitalism's imprint on democracy and natu...
Feb 03, 2025•45 min
How does a small community in Athens, Ohio, turn local produce into a thriving business ecosystem? Join us as we unravel the evolutionary tale of ACEnet, a pioneering force in community-based economic development, through the eyes of our insightful guests Adam Kody, Cameron Shasteen, and Isabel Stitchick. Discover the origins of ACEnet, once known as the Worker-Owned Network, and its transformation into a beacon of innovation and support for food businesses in Central Appalachia. Inspired by mod...
Jan 27, 2025•57 min
Join us for an intriguing journey as we explore the age-old tradition of canning. We kick things off with a humorous take on unconventional Bitcoin mining strategies, touching on their environmental impacts. This playful banter sets the stage for a fascinating discussion on canning's historical significance, especially its evolution in the 19th century and its essential role in food preservation and extending shelf life beyond harvest seasons. We highlight the advantages canning offered to farme...
Jan 19, 2025•46 min
Unravel the secrets of the ancient persimmon as we embark on a journey through time, from the Pleistocene era to modern-day culinary adventures. This episode of the Poor Persimmons Almanac is your ticket to understanding these fascinating "tomatoes of the trees," with their rich history and quirky characteristics. We delve into the archaeological significance of persimmons, their role in the diets of indigenous communities, and their unexpected renaissance thanks to agricultural pioneers like Ja...
Jan 12, 2025•49 min
Join us as we embark on an inspiring journey through the origins and growth of the Midwest Elderberry Cooperative with our guest, Chris Patton. Discover how his passion for sustainable agriculture was ignited at the Moses Conference in 2011, leading him to explore the untapped potential of American elderberry as a commercial crop. Alongside experienced farmer Paul Otten, Chris formed the cooperative to cultivate and distribute elderberries, providing support to small businesses and fostering a t...
Jan 06, 2025•48 min
Ever wondered why certain berries appear in folklore and medicine while others are forgotten in the underbrush? Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the elderberry, a plant that has been quietly thriving from the icy reaches of northern Canada to the sunlit coasts of Florida. Known for its tenacity and resilience, the elderberry has become a symbol of nature’s durability. This episode takes a stroll through the history and cultural importance of the American elderberry, exploring its role in i...
Dec 30, 2024•39 min
Join us as Andrew Conboy, an ISA certified arborist famously known as Andrew the Arborist, captivates us with his journey through urban forestry and ecological restoration. Andrew's passion for integrating native flora into cityscapes shines as he addresses the challenges of urban stressors like soil compaction and pollution. Explore how underutilized species such as swamp white oak and post oak offer hope for climate adaptation in urban areas. From historical anecdotes about the resilience of h...
Dec 23, 2024•40 min
What if the honey locust tree holds the key to transforming American agriculture yet remains an untapped treasure? Join us as we explore this remarkable tree's profound historical significance and unique attributes. We guide you through its pre-human landscapes and symbiotic relationship with Pleistocene megafauna, shedding light on how its fearsome thorns might have served as tattoo tools for indigenous peoples. With insights from Dr. Robert Warren, we unravel the intriguing journey of the hone...
Dec 16, 2024•46 min
Dr. Megan Muehlbauer from Rutgers University joins us to uncover the hidden potential of beach plums, a fascinating native fruit of New Jersey. With a keen focus on genetic diversity and innovative agricultural practices, Dr. Muehlbauer shares her journey into the world of niche crops and highlights the challenges and triumphs of her research. From rescuing a unique beach plum tree to grappling with pollination issues, her work exemplifies the crucial role of biodiversity in contemporary farming...
Dec 09, 2024•31 min
Unlock the secrets of the resilient beach plum, Prunus maritima, and learn how these tenacious plants help fight coastal erosion while offering a rich tapestry of horticultural history. We'll transport you back to the days of early explorers like Giovanni da Verrazzano and Henry Hudson, who first documented these hardy shrubs along the northeastern United States coast. Join us as we uncover how beach plums have long intrigued cultivators due to their genetic diversity, presenting challenges and ...
Dec 04, 2024•44 min
Join us on a journey through the lush landscapes of wild blueberry fields with our esteemed guest, Rachel, an expert in wild blueberry production from the University of Maine. Discover Rachel's fascinating transition from working with vegetables and small fruits to studying the ecological importance of wild blueberries. These tiny berries hold a rich history and are an essential support for a diverse range of pollinators. Rachel provides a window into her climate change research, where she exper...
Nov 29, 2024•48 min
Today, we're diving into the history of blueberries and huckleberries, from their ancient roles in indigenous cultures to their rise in modern agriculture. Explore the fascinating evolution of the canning industry, spotlighting how the Ball Brothers Corporation and a pivotal court case in 1870 revolutionized food preservation and blueberry production. Discover the intriguing story of the huckleberry industry's boom and bust during the early 20th century, shaped by economic forces and wartime pri...
Nov 24, 2024•55 min
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Kirk Pomper, the driving force behind Kentucky State University's pioneering Paw Paw Research Program. As the world's only full-time initiative dedicated to this remarkable fruit, Dr. Pomper brings a wealth of knowledge and passion, tracing his journey from exploring various food crops to championing pawpaws, thanks to the visionary Brett Calloway. We navigate the potential of pawpaw as a transformative alternative crop for small farmers in Kentu...
Nov 20, 2024•37 min
