Tune into this week’s episode as we dive into the heart of seed sovereignty and indigenous resilience with Tala, also known as Milka Chepkorir Kuto. Tala and her sisters, based near Kitale in Kenya, are working on an inspiring project to revive native seed varieties and establish community-driven plant nurseries—a beautiful act of resistance against the corporate grip on Kenya’s seed market.

Milka’s home, surrounded by lush palms and papayas, feels like a sanctuary. But the reality she shares is far from idyllic: over 80% of Kenya’s maize seeds come from the Kenyan Seed Company, a major GM player that has overtaken traditional farming practices. In our conversation, Tala reflects on this struggle and the impact of what activist Leonida Odongo calls a “new colonization” through agricultural control and technology. Tala’s words, grounded in her community’s fight for seed sovereignty, underscore a powerful truth: reclaiming indigenous practices is an act of defiance and hope.

As you listen, you’ll meet Milka’s sisters and hear their voices as they share their vision for a sustainable, resilient future. This episode is a testament to the power of community, sisterhood, and the deep roots of cultural identity in the face of adversity. Tune in for an uplifting journey into food sovereignty and the enduring spirit of indigenous knowledge.

Watch the full subtitled episode with a visual creation here

In this powerful inaugural episode of our new series "The Patchwork of Belonging", we journey through Morocco’s Al Haouz region, where communities are still grappling with the devastating impacts of the 2023 earthquake that struck the region, cause unfathomable damage. This catastrophe has left a once-marginalized region even more exposed to vulnerability.

Life in the Orchards offers a moving glimpse into the lives of those processing unimaginable loss. Through heartfelt testimonies, this episode captures the deep connection people hold with their ancestral lands—a bond that remains unbroken despite losing homes, livestock, crops, and even loved ones. It is a story of resilience and love for a land that has given so much and taken so much in return.

Join us as we listen to these voices, bearing witness to the intimate, layered and complex relationship between people and the landscapes they inhabit, one that transcends the material and delves into the spiritual and cultural roots of place.

Join us for a captivating conversation with Mihir Shirman, a passionate researcher and advocate delving into the intersections of fear, polarization, and social movements. With his expertise in topics such as race, anti-racism, activism, and political subjectivity, Mihir sheds light on the profound impact of fear in our society.

In this exciting podcast, Mihir shares his research work conducted in St. Louis, specifically documenting the Ferguson uprising. Interspersed throughout are immersive soundscapes from the streets, capturing the raw energy of the uprising - the echoes of people screaming, shouting, and demanding justice.. With a critical lens rooted in medical anthropology, environmentalism, and economic anthropology, Mihir unravels the complex relationship between fear and the polarization of communities.

Through insightful analysis, Mihir unveils the ways fear shapes social movements and influences political dynamics. By exploring the transformative potential of addressing fear and polarization, he provides valuable perspectives on fostering empathy, understanding, and unity in the face of societal challenges.