Episode #199: Barnyard Brainpower & Listener Mailbag: Joel Salatin on Nature-Based Learning

Beyond Labels Podcast

Can a chicken coop double as a classroom? Joel Salatin says yes—and the report card is glowing. In this episode of Beyond Labels, Joel regales us with true tales from farm- and forest-based schools, where math is measured in fence posts, biology smells faintly of manure, and students emerge more curious, confident, and connected to the real world.

Then we open the barn doors to your questions:

• Parasite heartbreak – Joel walks a listener through why a flock crashed and how to bounce back.
• Bee-booby-trapped wood chips? What to do when mulch comes with stingers.
• Bird-flu knock-knock: Is it legal to politely (or not‐so‐politely) refuse government testers at your gate?
• Healing wins: Shout-outs to listeners who reversed chronic issues.

Join us for a lively mix of storytelling, practical tips, and proof that real education—and real health—often start right outside the back door.

We’d love to hear from you! Our Community Question this week is:

“Have you encountered any type of nature or farm school setting? If so, how were your kids affected?

• Watch the Video Version Here
• Join the Discord Community
• Follow on X
• Follow on Instagram
• Find Joel Here: www.polyfacefarms.com
• Find Sina Here: www.drsinamccullough.com

If you have a question you want answered or an idea for the show, we’d love to hear from you! Please email your questions and/or ideas to: [email protected]

If you have billing, subscription, or technical issues please contact [email protected]
If you are interested in being a guest on Beyond Labels, please fill out this form: https://form.jotform.com/24035452401203
DISCLAIMER

Chapters

1. Joel at Jackson Heights School (00:00:00)

2. A Different Kind of School (00:24:24)

3. Brands of Essential Oils (00:41:10)

4. Beyond Labels Local Communities (00:44:12)

5. Healing Perspective (00:48:56)

6. Bees and Fruit Tree Protection (00:51:08)

7. Salatin Family Stories? (00:55:11)

8. Goat Management Question (00:57:56)

9. Community Question (01:06:41)