Though the title of this episode is Faith and Environmental Education, and we spend part of the conversation discussing his work in that role as part of the Faith and Earthcare series, that is only a portion of what we cover. Much of the discussion is around how to engage children, and adults, in establishing a sense of place, getting people interested in exploring the world around them, and how to foster a care for the world through knowing the earth and the plants, animals, and other life that call this place home. If you are a parent, grandparent, or teacher of any kind, you should listen to how Todd's many years of experience can help you on your own path with children. Todd and I also talk about the role of the "Citizen Scientist". For that reason, I recommend you compliment the interview with Todd by listening to the one with Stephen Harrod Buhner. Mr. Buhner inspires the reawakening of the personal interest in understanding the world, and then sharing that information with others. The Citizen Scientist with Stephen Harrod Buhner 

Let me know if there's anyway I can help you on that path. Want to add your thoughts to the discussion about homeschooling and homesteading?

Leave a comment below.

[caption width="160" align="alignleft"] Karryn and her peach.[/caption]My guest for this episode is Karryn Olson-Ramanujan, a permaculture teacher, designer, and one of the founders of Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute. This interview is about women in permaculture, and how a pattern language emerges to make the community and movement more inclusive and constructive for everyone interested and involved in building a better world. The starting point for this conversation was Karryn's article, which also forms the title for this episode, "A 'Pattern Language' for Women in Permaculture." This powerful piece outlines patterns that provide solutions to create an environment for women's full participation and leadership in the permaculture community. The 8 patterns are:

1. Shift "Mental Models"
2. Understand and Advocate for the "30% Solution" as a Vital Step Toward Parity
3. Value Diversity
4. Intersecting Identities
5. Mentoring is Key to Building Women's Leadership
6. Value Archetypically "Feminine" Ways of Leading
7. Nurture Women's Leadership Through Women's Gatherings
8. Be an Ally

Find out more about Karryn at her site, seedsustainabilityconsulting.com, and at the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute. References and resources from this episode: Earth Activist Trainings Gender Schema Tutorials Jeanine Carlson-Nelson Karen Stupski Microaffirmations Timebanking Margaret Wheatley Pandora Thomas Privilege and Allyship (Links to a PDF) Starhawk WPLI - Women's Permaculture Leadership Initiative Women Lead the Way by Linda Tarr-Whelan Profiles of Women in Permaculture Women Working with Permaculture in South Africa Alex Kruger and Berg-en-Dal Ecovillage Jeunesee Park Park at Food and Trees for Africa Several other awesome women were also profiled in Karryn's article! Want to add your thoughts to the discussion about women and inclusivity in permaculture? Share them with me: E-mail: The Permaculture Podcast Facebook: Facebook.com/ThePermaculturePodcast Twitter: @permaculturecst The Permaculture Podcast with Scott Mann The Permaculture Podcast (Episode: KarrynOlson-Ramanujan)

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="249"] Karl Steyaert[/caption] My guest for this episode is Karl Steyaert, a teacher and practitioner of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). During our conversation, in addition to his biography and background, he shares with us how using NVC can begin the work of restoring our connection with others in a direct, meaningful, productive way that honors our needs while meeting those of others. He also illustrates the process of NVC using an example from his own life. I'm thankful for the open space created during the interview to allow for that discussion. I first became aware of Nonviolent Communication, and the work of Dr. Marshall Rosenberg when I interviewed my teacher and colleague, Dillon Naber Cruz. Picking up a copy of Dr. Rosenberg's book, combined with The Four Agreements, changed the way I look at interpersonal relationships and communicating well. Though I'm still learning how to communicate, starting down this road had an incredible impact on my own experience. NVC and the work of people such as Karl are how we can think differently, act differently, and be different and get out of the thinking we're currently in. By designing with permaculture and communicating nonviolently we can build a better world for all. You can find out more about Karl and Nonviolent Communication through these resources: Karl Steyaert The Center for Nonviolent Communication (Browse this site for information on training, books, and other resources). This is part of a planned series on nonviolent communication and restorative justice. If after listening to Karl and the idea of Nonviolent Communication you have thoughts, questions, or comments on these subjects, please let me know. E-mail: The Permaculture Podcast Facebook: Facebook.com/ThePermaculturePodcast Twitter: @permaculturecst The Permaculture Podcast with Scott Mann The Permaculture Podcast (Episode: KarlStayaert)

My guest for this episode is Michael Commons, a permaculture practitioner located in Thailand who practices agro-forestry and helps to connect farmers with one another so they can add more value to their farms. We discuss his background, the Thai Agroforestry group Wanakaset, and the NGO organization Michael works for, the Green Net Foundation which also includes the Earth Net organization. While talking about Wanakaset, we cover the 5 basic needs of the self-sufficient agriculture philosophy in Thailand.

1. Rice
2. Food
3. Medicine
4. Fertility and Microorganisms
5. Products We Use Everyday

The conversation around this last item digs into the yields we get from a system and how to add value beyond raw materials. This in turn speaks to economic and personal freedom. Michael and I are discussing a follow-up interview to discuss savings groups. If you'd like to include a follow-up question with Michael in that conversation, e-mail or call me using the information below. Learn more about Michael, his thoughts, and work, through the following resources: E-mail Michael: michael@greennet.or.th Green Net / Earth Net Foundation A long term perspective: The Wanakaset concept How to break through the glass house: A personal reflection Wanakaset - Journey to Self-Reliance

Feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions or comments: E-mail: The Permaculture Podcast Facebook: Facebook.com/ThePermaculturePodcast Twitter: @permaculturecst The Permaculture Podcast with Scott Mann The Permaculture Podcast (Episode: MichaelCommons)

This conversation concludes the conversations we had in Part 1 and Part 2. I recommend listening to those before you jump into this show. Here we cover the final thoughts regarding how and what the Peace and Permaculture Center is doing to teach permaculture. That includes the on the ground work of empowering students, and how Adam, Ethan, and the others accomplish all of this within a gift economy.

This is part one from the first of the Susquehanna Permaculture Round discussion. Recorded in front of a live audience, the panelists were:

• Jon Darby, of the Horn Farm Center.
• Rafiyqa Muhammad, of Ngozi, Inc.
• Shannon Sylte.
• Ben Weiss, of The Rewilding School.

The topics for this first round included:

• What is Permaculture to you?
• Environmental problems as human issues.
• Permaculture and spiritual traditions.
• Engaging social and political systems.

After these, we took a break, and pick up with a series of audience questions, intermixed with questions that came in via Facebook from podcast listeners. Join us again in part 2 to be released in a few weeks. When you've finished listeningif you would like to learn more from Rafiyqa's many years as a civic leader in Harrisburg active in engaging communities and local politics, so that you can do the same, she made her information available.

Rafiyqa Muhammad:

E-mail: rafiyqam@aol.com

Phone: 717-343-6881

Ben Weiss is also available:

E-mail: susq.permaculture@aol.com

Would you like to see more pictures from the event?  

You'll find them on the Facebook page for the show.  

And anytime you'd like to reach out to me, I'm here:

E-Mail: The Permaculture Podcast

Postal Mail: The Permaculture Podcast The Permaculture Podcast (Episode: Rt1)

My guest for this episode is Michael Judd, a permaculture teacher, designer, and author from Frederick, Maryland. He and I sat down at his home to talk about his background and work, including his recently released book Edible Landscaping with a Permaculture Twist. In addition to his book and design company, we talked about his introduction to permaculture that began at Earthaven Ecovillage with Chuck Marsh, Peter Bane, and many others. We also discuss Project Bonafide, an organization he started with Chris Shanks in Nicaragua. This is an inspirational conversation because of Michael's "Go do it!" attitude. He encourages all of is, new and old to gardening and permaculture alike, to get digging, get dirty, and start learning. Find out more about Michael through his website: EcologiaDesign.com. And here is a short video from Michael discussing his roundwood timber-framed home.

Want to get in touch with the show? Here are the usual ways: E-Mail: The Permaculture Podcast Facebook: Facebook.com/thepermaculturepodcast Twitter: @permaculturecst Postal Mail: The Permaculture Podcast The Permaculture Podcast (Episode: MichaelJudd)

You should check out part 1 before listening to this one if you haven't heard it already. You'll hear a good introduction to what follows in this episode. During this discussion we talk about mercy, grace, forgiveness, and faith, among so many other topics that arise. Whatever your background there are many moments of wisdom within this conversation. So join us by sitting, listening, and learning. You can reach out to Rhamis via his profile at Permaculture Global, and if you have comments for me feel free to reach out through the usual ways. E-Mail: The Permaculture Podcast Facebook: Facebook.com/thepermaculturepodcast Twitter: @permaculturecst Postal Mail: The Permaculture Podcast The Permaculture Podcast (Episode: RhamisKent2)

Listen to what Ben shares and then you can check out the following sample budgets to illustrate what this looks like when preparing for a class. Sample Intensive PDC Budget Sample Non-Residential PDC Budget For anyone wanting to use this model, Ben and Wilson include this statement in their registration information. I left the numbers as examples only.

We have a set budget for this class, and if we do not meet the budget we cannot offer the class. When you register, you will be asked what the maximum amount you are willing to pay based on the table above. The class will be official when the appropriate number of registrants is willing to pay the tuition that correlates with that number (example: 12 registrants each willing to pay $584). We’ll keep you updated on the registration status via the Facebook page for the class. To register, each student must make a $350 deposit (the minimum tuition). Any remaining tuition (dependent upon number of registrants) is due on the day of the first class. This deposit will be refunded if we do not meet our budgetary requirements and have to cancel the course, or if the number of students registered does not bring the tuition level down to what a registrant is willing to pay, and they decide not to take the class.