Episode 12 - Composting capitalism and reclaiming ourselves as empowered ecological creatures of place with Meg Ulman from Artist as Family
Introduction to the episode.
Welcome back lovely humans! Today we have a brilliant, thought-provoking, challenging and just f-ing awesome episode for you all!
We really feel it’s a relevant time to be sharing the wisdom in this podcast, as in our current reality many of us may be feeling lost or unsure, or surrounded by overwhelming negativity. In response, this episode is both a breath of fresh air and a guiding light for what is possible, when we come together, are open to change and really listen to the wisdom of nature. We all need role models in life, and Meg with her family are 200% that.
And so, let us introduce you to our next incredible guest, Meg Ulman from Artist as Family. Meg lives with her partner Patrick, their sons Woody and Zephyr and their dog Zero in Daylesford, Victoria on a ¼ acre permaculture plot. It’s home to their ‘School of Applied Neopeasantry’ at Tree Elbow University on Djaara peoples' country. They live a life of deep connection to Nature and community, teaching radical neo-peasant homemaking, community economy making and other accountable living skills. Meg and her family share their way of living through blogging, making videos, writing, creating art, poetry and music and they also teach non-monetary Permaculture Living Courses.
Speaking with Meg was so inspiring; her realness, heart and devotion was deeply felt. Laura expresses that after talking with Meg, she believes that they way Meg is living with her family, in community, on country, is the true expression of Veda. Veda means Nature, and when you live so intimately with Nature, Veda reveals itself to you spontaneously. You learn the way of harmony, the knowledge of nature, the wisdom of being, and it simply becomes your lived experience. In this episode, we explore a lot (so much so that we can’t list it all here!)
What we talk about.
Meg’s awakening to the real state of the world and how that information was the catalyst that propelled them to change the way they were living.
Permaculture, the unlearning, growing up and up-skilling that is required.
Unschooling our kids and teaching ecological literacy to the next generation.
The magic of compost.
Learning from our first peoples and their connection to country.
Importance of dismantling patriarchy, capitalism and neo-liberalism to reclaim community and connection.
How to get started living a permaculture life.
The importance of belonging.
The complexity of living on unceded land.
Divesting from capitalist systems.
The one thing you can do right now to begin the change.
There are a lot of resources and links we have put into the show notes for this episode so please make sure you check these out below.
Connect with Artist as Family.
Resources.
Websites:
Happen Films (also on IG @happenfilms)
Documentaries:
Books:
Going Deeper:
We talk about a lot of different terms in the podcast. We’ve made a shortlist of terms you might want to go a little bit deeper into. Jump online and start your research!
Being part of a ‘commons’
Patriarchy
Capitalism
Neo-liberalism
Unschooling
Monetary Economy vs. Home Economy
Gift Economy
Transition Towns