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Reading Robin Wall Kimmerer's gentle environmental manifesto

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a book many people describe as life-changing. It's part memoir, part science lesson and part cultural history. It's also full of thoughtful reflection and inspiration.

On the Talk of Iowa book club, host Charity Nebbe speaks with Wall Kimmerer's friend and former colleague Curt Meine, a senior fellow at the Aldo Leopold Foundation. Then Derrick Kapayou, a Ph.D. candidate in sustainable agriculture at Iowa State University and a member of the Meskwaki Tribe and Sarah Dees, an assistant professor of American Religions at ISU, join the conversation to discuss the genre-defying book and why it resonates with so many readers.

Guests:

  • Curt Meine, senior fellow, Aldo Leopold Foundation, Inc.
  • Derrick Kapayou, Ph.D. candidate at Iowa State University
  • Sarah Dees, assistant professor of American Religions
Charity Nebbe is IPR's 'Talk of Iowa' host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts 'Garden Variety' and 'Unsettled'. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Caitlin Troutman is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from William Jewell College. Since 2022, Troutman has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.