Ep. 68 - Jason Snyder of Doomer Optimism on Homesteading and Localism

Is homesteading (and localism) a form of retreat from society?It can lead down a lonely path if you do not also develop community.Jason Snyder (@cognazor on Twitter) of Doomer Optimism Podcast joins me to talk about his recent tweet:"I don't like the narrative of modern day homesteading (and localism more generally) being a form of retreat or disengagement from larger societal concerns. I see it more as a prefiguration of a healthier society that can emerge from its broad-scale and networked diffusion."We discuss positive steps to move forward, not "retreat":Get back in touch with your where you food comes from - grow your own food. You can be a localist, even in the city.Plant as many fruit and nut trees as possible. Make passive food sources a common part of your city and homestead landscape. Jason knows a guy who grows out lots of nut trees in pots and gives them away.Build community. Learn new skills. Share your skills, even if you are not an expert. We have a motto: "not an expert, but we're still going to get stuff done."Help each other - (work days and workshops). Jason relates how he is building community, forming a 'barn raising' group and helping each other on various homestead/farm projects. They recently had a workday/workshop helping a friend tear down a trailer.We share our plans for 2023.Let Jason's pinned tweet be your goal for 2023:New virus coming? Plant trees, cultivate garden, tend livestock.Supply chain shocks and inflation? Plant trees, cultivate garden, tend livestock.Climate change? Plant trees, cultivate garden, tend livestock.New war coming? Plant trees, cultivate garden, tend livestock.Check out the show notes on the episode website: https://thrivingthefuture.com/localismSponsor:Elderberry cuttings and comfrey crowns and root cuttings are now available at Grow Nut Trees - https://grownuttrees.comWe are having a contest drawing in Feb for a copy of Roxanne Ahern's book "Holistic Homesteading". For details, and to sign up for the drawing, go to https://thrivingthefuture.com/contest.