What do comic books, wild plants, and the Great Depression have in common?

More than you might think.

In this episode, I sit down with herbalist, forager, educator, and author Mark "Merriwether" Vorderbruggen known to many as the "modern caveman." We begin by talking about edible and medicinal plants, but the conversation quickly becomes something much deeper.

Mark shares how growing up with parents who lived through the Great Depression shaped his understanding of resilience and why he believes reconnecting with nature is one of the most important things we can do for our health and well-being.

He also opens up about one of the hardest seasons of his life—losing a business partner, financial uncertainty, and wondering whether he could continue the work he feels called to do.

Through it all, one simple phrase keeps him moving forward:

Hulk Smash.

It's funny, but it's also a surprisingly powerful reminder that sometimes the only way through hardship is to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How the Great Depression influenced a generation's relationship with wild food
• Why Mark believes modern people suffer from being disconnected from nature
• What it really takes to make a living teaching foraging
• The emotional toll of losing a business and starting over
• Why "Hulk Smash" has become Mark's personal philosophy during difficult seasons
• The importance of friends, community, and having a "third place"
• How climate and land access are changing the future of foraging
• Practical advice for anyone who wants to begin learning the plants growing around them

Whether you're interested in herbalism, foraging, self-reliance, or simply need encouragement to keep going through a difficult season, I think you'll find something valuable in this conversation.

Resources Mentioned

• Foraging by Mark Merriwether Vorderbruggen
• Foraging Texas
• Village Healer Initiative

If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a reminder that hope, purpose, and sometimes even medicine can still be found growing right outside the door.