Zero Input Agriculture

In this final episode of season 1, I outline plans for the podcast, Substack and planned YouTube channel in the coming year, then answer a stack of questions from followers of my work.The podcast will be relaunching in November as Recombination Nation, so stay subscribed while I take a break and prepare for a stellar second season.Find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blogTaming the Apocalypse audiobook Our Vitreous Womb

Shane talks with Harriet Mella, an independent soil scientist from Austria about the complexity and resilience of the life beneath our feet and its critical role in supporting crop health (in parallel with crop breeding).Check out Harriet's soil science web course launching soon: http://agricurls.com/Find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming 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 and Cimbri resume their conversation, pivoting back to the all too common challenge of young people living in urban or suburban environments who want to escape to less crowded places, plus all the things they can do with their energy in the meantime.Subscribe to Cimbri's substack- https://iwritetoyoufrombabylon.substack.comYou can check out Cimbri's activity on Reddit- https://www.reddit.com/user/Cimbri/Find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming 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 Greg Willkeen about his Bactelium project, aiming to develop a suite of food safe microbial communities that can provide food security from the most basic feedstock resources. We also delve into his crop breeding work developing a starchy storage squash, and discuss the evolving backyard microbiology community thriving across the world.Check out Greg's substack blog - https://bactelium.substack.comHis main webpage for Bactelium- https://www.bactelium.comAnd donate to support his work- https://givebutter.com/food-security-todayYou 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 with Brad Neil, an expert in the improved English writing system called Quikscript and all round conscript and conlang enthusiast. We delve into the history of spelling and writing reform, how technology could catalyse a popular English reform in coming years, and Brad evaluates Shane's own ideas about creating a post-industrial writing technology.You can check out Brad's Quikscript page here- https://friedorange.xyz/quikscript/intro.htmlAnd explore a wide range of conscripts here - https://www.omniglot.comYou 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 his not too distant neighbour Darren, from Herbalistics nursery, about his amazing work crossing Australian crop relatives of citrus, sweet potatoes and a long list of medicinal plants. Check out Darren's online nursery and blog- https://herbalistics.com.auAnd his beautiful collection on instagram- https://www.instagram.com/herbalistics/?hl=enYou 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 for a third time, delving into the implications and applications of hybridisation driven change in organisms.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 has a deep discussion with Klaus Lotz from PermaDynamics, a syntropic farmer from New Zealand whose origin story traces back to working with the originator of this fascinating method in Brazil. We cover dairy goats, tree crops, and the specifics of living in a broader intentional community founded on permaculture principles.Read more of Klaus' work at his main website: https://www.permadynamics.co.nzImmerse in beautiful photos of the property: https://www.instagram.com/permadynamics/Check out the Sapp app for selecting the best local trees and plants: https://www.sapp.earthFind more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming 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 Philip Bell about his ground breaking theory of viral eukaryogenesis. It is well established that important parts of our cells, the energy producing mitochondria, originated from a free living bacteria that were absorbed and incorporated into every complex living thing on the planet. Dr Bell has looked further back into evolution and discovered that the nucleus at the heart of the cell originated from a free living virus, a bold theory which is slowly gaining acceptance.You can read a popular science article on the theory here- https://www.quantamagazine.org/did-viruses-create-the-nucleus-the-answer-may-be-near-20201125/You can read a research article summary here: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2022.858064/fullWatch a full seminar on the theory- https://youtu.be/9sTYggbjV5U?si=TAOT8kre2UDZeaUrFind more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming 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 and Steve have a stimulating chat about his extraordinary life, the seed industry, soil nutrition and health and finding a new community on the bottom of the world. Steve's book "Gardening When it Counts" was one of the most influential books in Shane's life, not because it changed his abstract thoughts. Instead it changed how he acted in the world. This is probably the longest episode recorded but worth every minute.Check out Steve's extensive list of books- https://www.amazon.com/stores/Steve-Solomon/author/B001JRWZS8?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=97788a39-aee1-424c-915d-4febcd30231eMany more free articles and books here - https://soilandhealth.org/steve-solomons-home-page/#Get in touch with Steve by listening carefully through to the end of the episode.Find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming 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 with Capello about his experiences establishing diverse hazelnut groves in the Ozarks, integration of sheep grazing, and deeper thoughts about the potential role of animistic/shamanistic world views in response to the unfolding end of industrialisation.Recommended readingJoseph Henrich - "The WEIRDest People in the World" (re: cultural adaptation and knowledge transmission)- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_WEIRDest_People_in_the_WorldDave Jacke & Eric Toensmeier - "Edible Forest Gardens" (two volumes) (re: food forest layering and production)- https://au.permacultureprinciples.com/product/edible-forest-gardens-volume-1/Find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming 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 with Julian Gough, philosopher turned cosmologist, about his stunning theory extending Smolin's Cosmic Natural Selection. If organisms and ecosystems can evolve, then perhaps entire universes are part of a chain of variation and selection as well. Recent observations from the James Webb space telescope have supported many of Julian's boldest predictions and the scientific establishment is beginning to pay attention.Read more about Julian's work at his substack: https://theeggandtherock.comA great starting point on Blowtorch Theory: https://www.irishtimes.com/science/space/2025/04/24/beyond-the-big-bang-irishmans-universal-evolution-theory-challenges-accepted-cosmology/Find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming 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 and long time fan of the show Cimbri talk about reclaiming our ancestral human potential, the past and future of human evolution (both biological and cultural) and the challenges of being a younger person (and parent) working toward escaping industrial civilisation.You can check out Cimbri's activity on Reddit- https://www.reddit.com/user/Cimbri/Special Price Reduction on Taming the Apocalypse ebook- Taming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/Find more of Shane’s work at:Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.comTaming 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 Samuel Lewis, a self described 21st century hoe farmer from Brittany, France, who has been growing his staple calorie crops with zero inputs along with many other rural ventures, plus publishing books and producing art along the way.You can get your own copy of his detailed book and learn more about his work at his website:https://hoe-farming.comHere are two short videos about his farm on Youtube:https://youtu.be/iUmKfqm_znA?si=hVDhEQDkVusTD3Uvhttps://youtu.be/tR0Lb5DaMrY?si=TjrgRY6gtGxsdouNFind 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 with Richard Bartlett about his remarkable passion for decentralised social organisations and the cultures and norms which make them thrive. You can read the book Shane mentions in the episode at: https://betterworktogether.coRichard's personal website links to all his other projects and contacts: https://richdecibels.comAnd Casa Tilo in Barcelona presents an opportunity to immerse yourself in the growing community of apprentice vibe mechanics: https://eltilo.casaFind 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 temperate tree crop breeder Alex Tanke about his work with persimmons and pecans/hickories, plus a whole bunch of other topics related to tree crops and the development of diverse and resilient food systems.Read more about Alex's work at his website: https://dispersionfarms.comCheck out his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@alextanke8963And check out the activity on the Nut Processors Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1351572005177147/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 Justin Senryu-Williams about his extraordinary work to breed resilient, low input tomatoes for the soggy British climate through extensive outcrossing to wild tomato relatives. You can learn more about his work through his posts on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/JustinSenryuhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/182244131939228Find 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 with Thomas Stoughton about his extensive field work studying the spring beauties (Claytonia species) a diverse group of plants with enormous untapped domestication potential and a host of weird genetic tricks. They also dive into fungi- foraging, farming and domestication, and a host of other side track topics.You can read more about Thomas' work and see his beautiful botanical photos at: https://claytonia.orgFind 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/Hide

Shane talks to Gus Le Breton about his lifetime of exploring and promoting the vast array of useful edible and medicinal plants that grow Southern Africa and Madagascar. You're in for a rare ethnobotanical treat!You can learn more about Gus' work at the links below.Youtube channel with plant profiles and field trips: https://www.youtube.com/@AfricanPlantHunterGus' main website- https://africanplanthunter.comThe African Baobab Alliance- https://africanbaobaballiance.orgFairWild ethically connecting local plant producers to markets- https://www.fairwild.orgFind 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 Weston Adams about his fascinating work breeding crops at Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, including an ambitious project producing intergeneric hybrids of sunflowers.You can reach out to Weston at Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/weston.adams.921Or send him an email- Weston.a@rareseeds.comFind 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/