Best Mark Simonsen Podcasts (2025)

1
Weston Adams 51:36

5d ago51:36

51:36

Shane talks to Weston Adams about his fascinating work breeding crops at Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, including an ambitious project producing intergeneric hybrids of sunflowers. You can reach out to Weston at Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/weston.adams.921 Or send him an email- [email protected] Find more of Shane’s work at: Zero Input Agr…

1
Nathaniel 1:15:13

12d ago1:15:13

1:15:13

Shane talks with Nathaniel from the Ozark Mountains about his extensive work adapting Korean Natural Farming practices to his corner of the world, scaling sorghum as a zero input staple crop, and the thriving community networks which have grown stronger in response to economic stresses. Read more about Nathaniel's work in this essay: https://drive.…

1
Mark W Kidd 1:39:55

14d ago1:39:55

1:39:55

Shane talks to Mark W. Kidd about preserving the cushaw squash in Appalachia, growing crops with minimal inputs in remote rural areas, and revitalising communities in the wake of contraction. The Commonwealth Cushaw Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/commonwealthcushaw Join a cushaw squash workshop in May: https://cushawguide.handbarro…

1
#160 - Tyler Carroll: HRIA Young Professional of the Year 2024 44:01

22d ago44:01

44:01

Tyler Carroll of United Rentals (previously Shore Hire) was awarded the Young Professional of the Year 2024 by the Hire & Rental Industry Association, and was recently completing his exchange program in the U.S with United Rentals. Michael Larsen caught up with Tyler at the ARA Show in the Las Vegas and chatted about his experiences in the HRIA's Y…

1
Kahlil Corazo 1:21:40

26d ago1:21:40

1:21:40

Shane talks to Kahlil Corazo, a writer, thinker, entrepreneur and former agricultural researcher from the Phillipines about psychofauna, technocapital, the past and future of cacao and a whole bunch of other fascinating topics. You can read more of Kahlil's writing at his substack blog: https://www.explorations.ph And his article on psychofauna: ht…

1
Michael Longfield 1:39:41

1M ago1:39:41

1:39:41

Shane talks to Michael Longfield about his extensive work developing syntropic agriculture systems in the central USA, tapping into an impressive range of local and introduced plant genetics. You can learn more about Michael's work at Interwoven Permaculture: https://interwovenpermaculture.com And get more regular updates and contact through: https…

1
Nikomiko 58:09

1M ago58:09

58:09

Shane interviews Nikomiko about his involvement in the creation of Viossa, a pidgin language that was constructed in online chat rooms through playful interaction in any language except English and which has since grown into a thriving community. We discuss the wild world of constructed and evolving languages, and play with ways that new languages …

1
#159 - Anthony Durante: Building the fastest growing equipment rental business in New York City 35:58

1M ago35:58

35:58

Anthony Durante comes from a family deeply rooted in the equipment rental industry, dating back to 1969. In 2009, he co-founded Durante Rentals alongside John Durante and Christopher Jones. From humble beginnings, the company expanded to 10 locations across the New York Tri-state area and earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-gro…

1
Richard Goerwitz 1:26:01

2M ago1:26:01

1:26:01

Shane talks to Richard Goerwitz about his remarkable role as head gardener for the East Wind Intentional Community. Richard's work occupies an unusual niche, somewhere between home gardener and market gardener in scale and that includes opportunities for crop breeding with an army of taste testers at his disposal. East Wind is one of the oldest int…

1
Eugene McCarthy Returns 1:24:06

2M ago1:24:06

1:24:06

Shane talks to Dr Eugene McCarthy once more, delving into his astonishing theory about the possible hybrid origin of humans (and not the recent discoveries about mixing of modern humans with neanderthals and their kin). Eugene has assembled a compelling body of evidence that our chimp like ancestors may have hybridised with the humble pig, accounti…

1
#158 - Tony Tye & Erin Blair: Tony Tye & Erin Blair: How AI can help optimize route planning & reduce third party transport costs 45:02

2M ago45:02

45:02

Michael Larsen caught up with Tony Tye & Erin Blair at the ARA Show in Las Vegas to talk about how AI can help equipment rental businesses with their route planning, driver allocation, and reduce the spend on third party transport contractors. They dive into how InTempo & Wise Systems have partnered up to bring the latest logistics innovation to th…

1
Gregg Muller 1:14:08

2M ago1:14:08

1:14:08

Shane talks to Gregg about his long journey through breeding a wide range of crops in his challenging Mediterranean climate in southern Australia. We also compare notes on the challenges of creating local crop breeding groups and discuss fresh approaches. Check out Gregg's incredible range of seeds for sale: https://www.usefulseeds.com Join Gregg's…

1
Fedor Steeman 1:35:25

2M ago1:35:25

1:35:25

Shane talks to Fedor Steeman about the limits of evolving and engineering life itself. Check out more of Fedor's amazing videos on speculative biology at Phrenotopia- https://www.youtube.com/@Phrenotopia The origin of animal body plans - https://youtu.be/3Gql2iyY5Gw?si=lCEY3vtmibvfYaFG You can find more of Shane’s work at: Zero Input Agriculture bl…

1
#157 - Elliott Vigil: Coaching your sales team in the equipment rental industry 1:13:41

2M ago1:13:41

1:13:41

Elliott Vigil has over 22 years experience in the equipment rental industry previously working in various sales roles at the likes of United Rentals & Ahern Rentals. Today Elliot is a sales coach to the construction & equipment rental industry, a key note speaker & co-host of the ARA's podcast ShopTalk. Michael Larsen sits down with Elliott Vigil a…

1
Salvatore Ceccarelli 1:41:07

3M ago1:41:07

1:41:07

Shane talks to Salvatore Ceccarelli about his incredible contribution to the preservation and reinvigoration of ancient landrace crop genetics in the Middle East and Europe, putting diverse mixes of ancient grains back into the hands of farmers and bakers throughout the region. You can read more about Salvatore's work at- https://salvatorececcarell…

1
Book Review- The One Straw Revolution 12:07

3M ago12:07

12:07

Shane revisits an old substack post reviewing Fukuoka's "One Straw Revolution", comparing his experiences as an experimental farmer to those of one of the founders of this philosophy. You can find more of Shane’s work at: Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.com Taming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Tami…

1
Dr. Eugene McCarthy 1:24:12

3M ago1:24:12

1:24:12

Shane talks to Dr Eugene McCarthy about his lifetime studying the importance of hybridisation in the creation of new forms of life (usually called speciation). This is part of a three episode series with Dr McCarthy, Part 2 will investigate his thought provoking pig-chimp hypothesis, and part 3 will cover implications and applications of hybrid spe…

1
Plant Profile- Shallots (Allium fistulosum) 10:32

3M ago10:32

10:32

Shane reflects on his oldest vegetable landrace crop, the humble shallot or spring onion (Allium fistulosum), an indispensable fresh leafy vegetable that deserves a place in just about every warm climate garden. The general principles and steps in developing your own landraces are explored, plus the numerous long lasting benefits. You can find more…

1
Jason Howard 52:59

3M ago52:59

52:59

Shane talks to Jason about his extraordinary passion for breeding diverse, aromatic and hardy basil that goes so far beyond the common leafy green type most people know. Check out more of Jason's work at the links below The Basically About Basil main page where you can buy diverse basil seed and select plants https://basicallyaboutbasil.com The hig…

1
Direct Sowing versus Transplants 8:05

4M ago8:05

8:05

Shane argues for the advantages of direct sowed seed over transplants, and outlines the key ingredients to achieve success sowing your own seed where it will grow. You can find more of Shane’s work at: Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.com Taming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-…

1
Ugo Bardi 1:14:14

4M ago1:14:14

1:14:14

Shane talks to Professor Ugo Bardi about his recent book "Exterminations: Preparing for the Unthinkable" about the limits to growth and social, cultural and political responses to civilisational collapse. Check out more of Professor Bardi's work. Exterminations: Preparing for the Unthinkable The Seneca Effect…

1
The Minimum Human Habitat 13:10

4M ago13:10

13:10

This episode calculates the minimum area of land needed to provide water, calories, protein and vegetables to a perfectly efficient human being under industrial and preindustrial circumstances. What would such a society look like? Luckily we have a real life example to explore. You can find more of Shane’s work at: Zero Input Agriculture blog: http…

1
Evalisa McIllfaterick 1:24:36

4M ago1:24:36

1:24:36

Shane chats with Evalisa McIllfaterick about her collaborative watermelon breeding project in chilly Canada. Evalisa's Market Farm- Root Cellar Gardens: rootcellargardens.com Superior Seed Producers (the local seed collective mentioned): https://superiorseedproducers.wordpress.com/ Lakehead University Sustainable Food Lab/ Breeding Diversity, Commu…

1
Book Review- Agriculture of the Hidatsa 13:26

5M ago13:26

13:26

This episode reviews the book "Agriculture of the Hidatsa" which can be read for free online. Rare first hand accounts of pre-industrial agriculture are a valuable resource for anyone contemplating the nitty gritty details that lie ahead for those forced to develop post-agricultural systems.

1
#156 - Tony Symons: Planning for the future after 31 years in the equipment hire industry 40:20

5M ago40:20

40:20

Tony Symons is the General Manager, Commercial at Kennards Hire with responsibility for the Major Projects Business and dotted line responsibility of the Kennards Hire business development teams. Tony Symons started in the equipment hire industry in 1993 with Crommelins Hire & Machinery in Western Australia. In 2001 Tony joined Kennards Hire during…

1
Professor Porcupine 59:24

5M ago59:24

59:24

Shane interviews Professor Porcupine about the ways that young people without access to their own land can nevertheless get involved in crop breeding and low input agriculture. You can find more of Shane’s work at: Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.com Taming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apoc…

1
The Three Times Plants (Almost) Destroyed the Planet 6:50

5M ago6:50

6:50

This is an audio version of a blog post from the Zero Input Agriculture substack. In it, Shane explores the deep history of life on Earth and the recurring imbalances in the biosphere that led to disasters that dwarf the current human impacts we worry so much about. You can find more of Shane’s work at: Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinpu…

1
#155 - Tony Crane - Hire & Rental Industry Association Life Member 30:13

5M ago30:13

30:13

Tony Crane was awarded the HRIA Life Member award at the HIRE24 convention in Brisbane, an award that hasn’t been presented since 2018. Tony has worked in the equipment rental industry for the past 40 years, working at companies such as BOC & Flexihire. During that time, Tony also served as the QLD State President of the HRIA. Tony has also assiste…

1
Sam Bonney 1:05:01

5M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

Shane interviews Sam Bonney about his journey into low input agroforestry and the challenges of breeding slower growing crop species. You can find more of Shane’s work at: Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.com Taming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Apocalypse-Shane-Simonsen-ebook/dp/B0D2XCLJ85/ …

1
The Staple Crop to Vegetable Pipeline 5:53

6M ago5:53

5:53

In this audio version of a blog post from the Zero Input Agriculture substack Shane explores the recurring pattern of robust staple crops being transformed into weak and inbred vegetable varieties. You can find more of Shane’s work at: Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.com Taming the Apocalypse ebook - https://www.a…

1
#154 - Tim Helfers - Having a net zero vision as generator & lighting tower manufacturer 41:22

6M ago41:22

41:22

Tim Helfers in the Managing Director at Globe Power. Globe Power is a long time provider of reliable generator and lighting solutions. Globe Power has recognized the global need to shift towards renewable energy sources as an important market evolution and environmental necessity. Designed and engineered by an Australian team, all Globe products ar…

1
Episode 4 - David Holmgren 1:01:25

6M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

Shane interviews David Holmgren, cofounder of permaculture and all-round inspiration, about the potential synergies between modern permaculture practice and the breeding of plants and livestock. Check out David’s recent articles mentioned in the show: A Table of Many Stories – an exploration of the true age of the largest Australian trees : https:/…

1
Episode 3 - Book Review : Seeing Like a State 14:29

6M ago14:29

14:29

This is an audio version of a blog post from Zero Input Agriculture on January 3 2024. This episode explores the book by James C. Scott and applies its key findings to navigating the decline of industrial civilisation. You can find more of Shane’s work at: Zero Input Agriculture blog - https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.com Taming the Apocalypse…

1
Episode 2 - Brian Reeder 1:28:36

6M ago1:28:36

1:28:36

Shane interviews Brian Reeder, life-long breeder of the beautiful and delicious daylilies (Hemerocallis) among many other obsessions. Check out Brian’s links mentioned in the show: Sun Dragon Daylilies- http://www.sundragondaylilies.com/ Sun Dragon Daylilies Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/SunDragonDaylilies Detailed Article on Daylily Br…

1
#153 - Craig Palmer - Classic Hire, growing to an 8 location equipment hire business in Western Australia 25:20

6M ago25:20

25:20

Classic Hire is a Western Australian owned and family run business which began operations from just one location in 1993. Since then, they have grown to become one of Western Australia's largest hire companies of small to medium sized equipment with eight throughout Perth. This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software. Have you been searchi…

1
Episode 1 - A Solitary Season 11:28

6M ago11:28

11:28

Episode 1 – A Solitary Season This is an audio version of a blog post from Zero Input Agriculture on October 3 2024. This episode explores the thorny issue of managing events that happen only once in the life span of our planet. You can find more of Shane’s work at: Zero Input Agriculture blog: https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.com Taming the A…

1
Introduction to Zero Input Agriculture 2:37

7M ago2:37

2:37

Shane Simonsen, host of the Zero Input Agriculture podcast, introduces the structure of the show, his background, places you can read more of his work and his sincere hopes to inspire listeners to pursue crop and livestock breeding for low input agriculture to build a functional alternative to industrial civilisation. Read more and support Shane's …

1
#152 - Gab Robinson - Harry the Hirer, Australia's premier event hire supplier 1:02:18

8M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

Gab Robinson is the CEO of Harry the Hirer with over 20 years experience in the event hire industry. Harry the Hirer is a national supply company with offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane & Adelaide with a combined warehouse size of 135,000m². The Harry the Hirer warehouses are home to the latest and best products including, flooring, furniture, …

1
#151 - Steve Mau - Joining the equipment rental industry by acquiring a small business 42:36

9M ago42:36

42:36

Steve Mau is the President of Brainerd General Rental and the current & 61st President of the American Rental Association. Brainerd General Rental is a general rental store located in Brainerd, Minnesota. Steve previously worked for a Fortune 500 company and was looking to purchase and get involved with a small business in the early 2000s. In 2002 …

1
#150 - John Bibbo - President Event Source 48:27

10M ago48:27

48:27

John Bibbo is a past American Rental Association president and is the President at Event Source, a 40 year old event second generation event rental business based in based across Ohio, Michigan & Pennsylvania. This episode was recorded by Michael Larsen at the ARA Show in New Orleans. This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software. Have you …

1
#149 - David Maxwell & Keith Clarke - United Forklift and Access Solutions & Haulotte Australia 37:23

10M ago37:23

37:23

David Maxwell is the Managing Director at United Forklift and Access Solutions & Keith Clarke is the General Manager at Haulotte Australia. United Forklift and Access Solutions & Haulotte Australia have had a strong partnership since 2010 and United recently hit a milestone of purchasing the 5000th Haulotte machine.…

1
#148 - Brendan Ross - Journey from service tech to owning a service business 35:35

11M ago35:35

35:35

Every equipment rental business constantly faces a shortage of field and workshop mechanics. Brendan Ross recognized this challenge early in his career and saw an opportunity to offer a valuable service to equipment rental businesses. In 2010, Brendan entered the equipment rental industry as a hire coordinator at Botany Access, where he began his a…

1
#147 - Beth Hoff Blackmer - Aspen Rent-All & 58th ARA President 51:51

11M ago51:51

51:51

Beth Hoff Blackmer is the Owner & President of Aspen Rent-All, and in 2020 was the 58th President of the American Rental Association. Aspen Rent-All is a second-generation family owned business. Since 1967, they have been the source in Roaring Fork Valley for renting all types of construction equipment from earthmoving, material handling, compactio…

1
#146 - Greg Landa: Providing rental solutions to Coachella, NASCAR, Superbowl & Taylor Swift Concerts 28:52

1y ago28:52

28:52

Greg Landa is the CEO of CES Power. CES Power provides temporary event power generation, power distribution, and HVAC for festivals, film & broadcast, major events, and industrial projects. CES Power has partnered with major events such as the Coachella, NASCAR Circuit, Formula 1, the Superbowl & Taylor Swift Concerts. This podcast episode was spon…

1
#145 - Scott Irwin: President of Delux Rentals & ARA 60th President 37:08

1y ago37:08

37:08

Scott Irwin is the President of Delux Rental. Delux Rental is a family-owned business and have been serving South Eastern Michigan with construction and homeowner equipment rentals since 1966! Scott is also the 60th President of the American Rental Association, and served in 2023 as the ARA Board Chairman. Michael Larsen caught up with Scott during…

1
#144 - John Jeanguenat: President of RentalMax - 10 locations across Chicago, North West Indiana & South Wisconsin 57:21

1y ago57:21

57:21

John Jeanguenat is the President at RentalMax, a U.S based equipment rental business serving Chicago, Northwest Indiana and South Wisconsin. Michael Larsen caught up with John during the ARA Show in New Orleans, learning about RentalMax and John's involvement with the American Rental Association. This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Softwar…

1
#143 - Tom Wood: HRIA Young Professional of the Year 2023 29:16

1y ago29:16

29:16

Tom Wood of Camden Hire was awarded the Young Professional of the Year 2023 by the Hire & Rental Industry Association, and was recently completing his exchange program in the U.S with A Tool Shed Equipment Rentals in California. This is Tom's second time on the The Rental Journal Podcast, as we managed to catch up with him during the recent ARA Sho…

1
#142 - Max Line: Transitioning from hiring equipment to the Director of LGC Equipment Hire 40:24

1+ y ago40:24

40:24

Max Line serves as the Director of LGC Equipment Hire & LGC Traffic, headquartered in Perth, Western Australia. He started LGC Traffic and expanded its operations to employ over 300 staff, frequently requiring the need to rent traffic equipment. Rather than depending on external hire services, Max established LGC Equipment Hire, which has since eme…

1
#141 - Matthew Hoy: Kelm Hire, one of Australia's fastest growing equipment hire businesses 47:11

1+ y ago47:11

47:11

Matt Hoy is the General Manager at Kelm Hire, one of Australia's fastest growth hire companies. With two locations in Melbourne, Kelm Hire takes pride in offering one of Melbourne’s most expansive and diverse equipment rental inventories, encompassing hand tools, power tools, access equipment, earth moving machinery, material handling equipment, an…

1
#140 - Emmanuel Georgoudis: The NSW President of the Hire & Rental Industry Association 43:55

1+ y ago43:55

43:55

Emmanuel Georgoudis is the National Operations Centre Manager at Coates & The NSW President of the HRIA. Joining the equipment rental industry straight out of high school, Emmanuel talks through his journey working at Coates for the past 18 years and his involvement with the Hire & Rental Industry Association. This episode was sponsored by Rouse In…

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