Recombination Nation

Shane talks to Michael Longfield about his extensive work developing syntropic agriculture systems in the central USA, tapping into an impressive range of local and introduced plant genetics.You can learn more about Michael's work at Interwoven Permaculture: https://interwovenpermaculture.comAnd get more regular updates and contact through: https://www.facebook.com/InterwovenPermacultureCheck out Michael's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/interwovenpermaculture/Find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

Shane interviews Nikomiko about his involvement in the creation of Viossa, a pidgin language that was constructed in online chat rooms through playful interaction in any language except English and which has since grown into a thriving community. We discuss the wild world of constructed and evolving languages, and play with ways that new languages could help build new cultures in this volatile time in history.Recommended resourcesConlangs Subreddit- https://www.reddit.com/r/conlangs/Viossa Subreddit- https://www.reddit.com/r/Viossa/The Conlangery Podcast - https://conlangery.comJan Misali's Conlang Critic Episode 1 - https://youtu.be/l-unefmAo9k?si=RFhVZGQQe2Rm034gFind more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

Shane talks to Richard Goerwitz about his remarkable role as head gardener for the East Wind Intentional Community. Richard's work occupies an unusual niche, somewhere between home gardener and market gardener in scale and that includes opportunities for crop breeding with an army of taste testers at his disposal. East Wind is one of the oldest intentional communities in the USA which also hosts a number of vibrant businesses.You can learn more about East Wind here - https://www.eastwind.orgYou can find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

Shane talks to Dr Eugene McCarthy once more, delving into his astonishing theory about the possible hybrid origin of humans (and not the recent discoveries about mixing of modern humans with neanderthals and their kin). Eugene has assembled a compelling body of evidence that our chimp like ancestors may have hybridised with the humble pig, accounting for a long list of unusual human traits that are lacking in our primate ancestors.You can read more detail about Eugene's theory here: https://www.macroevolution.net/human-origins.htmlYou can find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

Shane talks to Gregg about his long journey through breeding a wide range of crops in his challenging Mediterranean climate in southern Australia. We also compare notes on the challenges of creating local crop breeding groups and discuss fresh approaches.Check out Gregg's incredible range of seeds for sale: https://www.usefulseeds.comJoin Gregg's local crop breeding group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18wjkbJUWh/You find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

Shane talks to Fedor Steeman about the limits of evolving and engineering life itself.Check out more of Fedor's amazing videos on speculative biology at Phrenotopia-https://www.youtube.com/@PhrenotopiaThe origin of animal body plans - https://youtu.be/3Gql2iyY5Gw?si=lCEY3vtmibvfYaFGYou can find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

Shane talks to Salvatore Ceccarelli about his incredible contribution to the preservation and reinvigoration of ancient landrace crop genetics in the Middle East and Europe, putting diverse mixes of ancient grains back into the hands of farmers and bakers throughout the region.You can read more about Salvatore's work at- https://salvatorececcarelli.wordpress.com(translation into English might be helpful using translate.google.com for selected passages).You can find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

Shane revisits an old substack post reviewing Fukuoka's "One Straw Revolution", comparing his experiences as an experimental farmer to those of one of the founders of this philosophy.You can find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

Shane talks to Dr Eugene McCarthy about his lifetime studying the importance of hybridisation in the creation of new forms of life (usually called speciation). This is part of a three episode series with Dr McCarthy, Part 2 will investigate his thought provoking pig-chimp hypothesis, and part 3 will cover implications and applications of hybrid speciation theory.Read all about Dr. McCarthy's work at his extensive website detailing his theories in accessible language:https://www.macroevolution.netA recent research paper showing the differences between bonobo and human genomes correlate with pig sequences- https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.14.607926v1.full.pdfYou can find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

Shane reflects on his oldest vegetable landrace crop, the humble shallot or spring onion (Allium fistulosum), an indispensable fresh leafy vegetable that deserves a place in just about every warm climate garden. The general principles and steps in developing your own landraces are explored, plus the numerous long lasting benefits.You can find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

Shane talks to Jason about his extraordinary passion for breeding diverse, aromatic and hardy basil that goes so far beyond the common leafy green type most people know.Check out more of Jason's work at the links belowThe Basically About Basil main page where you can buy diverse basil seed and select plantshttps://basicallyaboutbasil.comThe highly informative Basically About Basil Youtube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@BasicallyaboutBasilEmail Jason directly at- [email protected]

Shane argues for the advantages of direct sowed seed over transplants, and outlines the key ingredients to achieve success sowing your own seed where it will grow.You can find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

Shane talks to Professor Ugo Bardi about his recent book "Exterminations: Preparing for the Unthinkable" about the limits to growth and social, cultural and political responses to civilisational collapse.Check out more of Professor Bardi's work.Exterminations: Preparing for the UnthinkableThe Seneca Effect

This episode calculates the minimum area of land needed to provide water, calories, protein and vegetables to a perfectly efficient human being under industrial and preindustrial circumstances. What would such a society look like? Luckily we have a real life example to explore.You can find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

Shane chats with Evalisa McIllfaterick about her collaborative watermelon breeding project in chilly Canada.Evalisa's Market Farm- Root Cellar Gardens: rootcellargardens.comSuperior Seed Producers (the local seed collective mentioned): https://superiorseedproducers.wordpress.com/Lakehead University Sustainable Food Lab/ Breeding Diversity, Community, and Health: Mobilizing Landrace Seeding Breeding in Northwestern Ontario (2024 – 2027) project: https://foodsystems.lakeheadu.ca/agroecology-in-canada/Robin Wall Kimmerer's essay about corn/maize: https://emergencemagazine.org/feature/corn-tastes-better/Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario Farmer-Led Research: https://efao.ca/farmer-led-research/Seedlinked- a database of crop variety performance for home and market gardeners: https://app.seedlinked.com/en-US/seeds/search

This episode reviews the book "Agriculture of the Hidatsa" which can be read for free online. Rare first hand accounts of pre-industrial agriculture are a valuable resource for anyone contemplating the nitty gritty details that lie ahead for those forced to develop post-agricultural systems.

Shane interviews Professor Porcupine about the ways that young people without access to their own land can nevertheless get involved in crop breeding and low input agriculture.You can find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

This is an audio version of a blog post from the Zero Input Agriculture substack.In it, Shane explores the deep history of life on Earth and the recurring imbalances in the biosphere that led to disasters that dwarf the current human impacts we worry so much about.You can find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

Shane interviews Sam Bonney about his journey into low input agroforestry and the challenges of breeding slower growing crop species.You can find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

In this audio version of a blog post from the Zero Input Agriculture substack Shane explores the recurring pattern of robust staple crops being transformed into weak and inbred vegetable varieties.You can find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

Shane interviews David Holmgren, cofounder of permaculture and all-round inspiration, about the potential synergies between modern permaculture practice and the breeding of plants and livestock. Check out David’s recent articles mentioned in the show:A Table of Many Stories – an exploration of the true age of the largest Australian trees : https://holmgren.com.au/writing/a-table-of-many-stories/Saving Warners Track- a riveting account of firefighting efforts in remote Tasmania: https://holmgren.com.au/writing/saving-warners-track-jackeys-marsh-forest-festival-aftermath-1983/ You can find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog - https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

This is an audio version of a blog post from Zero Input Agriculture on January 3 2024.This episode explores the book by James C. Scott and applies its key findings to navigating the decline of industrial civilisation. You can find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog - https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

Shane interviews Brian Reeder, life-long breeder of the beautiful and delicious daylilies (Hemerocallis) among many other obsessions. Check out Brian’s links mentioned in the show: Sun Dragon Daylilies- http://www.sundragondaylilies.com/Sun Dragon Daylilies Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/SunDragonDayliliesDetailed Article on Daylily Breeding Program - https://daylilybreeder.blogspot.com/p/the-daylily-as-permaculture-subject.htmlA recent interview article in two parts- http://47daylilies.blogspot.com/2019/12/a-visit-with-our-friend-brian-reeder.htmlhttps://47daylilies.blogspot.com/2020/01/a-visit-with-our-friend-brian-reeder.html You can find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog - https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

Episode 1 – A Solitary Season This is an audio version of a blog post from Zero Input Agriculture on October 3 2024. This episode explores the thorny issue of managing events that happen only once in the life span of our planet. You can find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Taming the Apocalypse audiobook - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/taming-the-apocalypse-2Our Vitreous Womb - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Vitreous-Womb-Book-1-4-ebook/dp/B0C7H9N1K3/

Shane Simonsen, host of the Zero Input Agriculture podcast, introduces the structure of the show, his background, places you can read more of his work and his sincere hopes to inspire listeners to pursue crop and livestock breeding for low input agriculture to build a functional alternative to industrial civilisation.Read more and support Shane's work at his substack blog, Zero Input Agriculture, or buy a copy of his ebook Taming the Apocalypse.Intro song- Rameau "Les Sauvages" (1735)Outro song- Rameau "La Poule" (1741)