Here at B4place, we’re inspired by the work people are doing in ecological/agricultural conservation and rural development. One of them is Ed Roberson, a ranch broker and blogcaster.
He runs a beautiful website, Mountain & Prairie, featuring articles and podcasts about rural conservation, history, and adventures in the American West.
Ed talks with fascinating characters including artists, entrepreneurs, and ranchers, all focused on the rural west’s survival and development.
His interviews cover a wide range of interesting topics, from grassland restoration to filmmaking to impact investing. And his detailed timeline index and extensive reference links at the bottom of each podcast are much appreciated and so user friendly!
Here’s just a sampling of some of Ed’s podcasts:
Pat O’Toole, Owner/Operator of Ladder Ranch
The Salisburys established the Ladder Ranch in 1881 on the Wyoming/Colorado border. For six generations they’ve been leaders in holistic range management. Pat, the current patriarch, tells his story of coming from the East Coast to join this remarkable family.
Pat’s Interview, Six Generations of Balanced Ranch Stewardship
Larry Yaw, Aspen, Colorado-Based Architect to the Stars
Larry describes the influence of world travel on his modernist architecture and conservation-focused design. Growing up in rural Montana gave him an appreciation of the utilitarian nature of ranch buildings.
Larry’s interview, Creating a Sense of Place in the New West
Mark Maggiori, Artist and Filmmaker
In 2010, Mark came from France to America to make a film in Arizona, and he fell in love with the lifestyle and landscape of the West. Inspired by Frederic Remington’s art, he started painting scenes of cowboys, big skies, and Native Americans.
Mark’s interview, A Fresh View of the American West
Jim Howell, Founder and CEO of Grasslands, LLC
Jim is a leading expert in holistic range management who co-founded the Savory Institute with Allan Savory. He talks about the challenges with the intellectual side of holistic animal grazing, and the impact of his world travels on his life mission.
Jim’s interview, Conserving and Restoring the World’s Grasslands
The friendly and low-key nature of Ed’s conversations are refreshing, while also being informative and inspiring.