Episode 117

Care, Connection, and Death: A Journey Through Our Effluvia with Cutter Wood

Published on: 17th June, 2025

Episode 117: In this conversation, Kate sits down with Cutter Wood to discuss his new book Earthly Materials: Journeys Through Our Bodies’ Emissions, Excretions, and Disintegrations. It’s a poignant and touching exploration of the often-overlooked aspects of our physical being: our body's "effluvia." From the science of mucus to our last breath, from our tears to our flatulence, Cutter delves into the interconnectedness of bodily materials and how these substances reflect our shared vulnerability, humanity, and care for one another. These substances are sometimes hidden for reasons of sanitation, but also because they remind us of our fragility and mortality, which means—this is also a podcast abut death. Cutter brings humor, depth, and honesty to his exploration of the body’s excretions and emissions, reminding us that these “leaky meat suits” are also what connect us. 

Find Cutter:

Earthly Materials: Journeys Through Our Bodies’ Emissions, Excretions, and Disintegrations

Website: Cutterwood.com

Instagram: @cuttermwood

X: @cuttermwood

Related Episodes:

Episode 51: Heidi Boucher talks about Caring for our Dead at Home

Episode 90: Rose George on Sh*t, Shipping, and Blood

Episode 70: Scott Carney on Sleep 

Episode 67: Dan Egan on Phosphorous

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About the Podcast

Mind, Body, and Soil
Where the health of land and the health of bodies and communities meet.
Welcome to Mind, Body, and Soil. Join me, Kate Kavanaugh, a farmer, entrepreneur, and holistic nutritionist, as I get curious about human nature, health, and consciousness as viewed through the lens of nature. At its heart, this podcast is about finding the threads of what it means to be humans woven into this earth. I'm digging into deep and raw conversations with truly impactful guests that are laying the ground work for themselves and many generations to come. We dive into topics around farming, grief, biohacking, regenerative agriculture, spirituality, nutrition, and beyond. Get curious and get ready with new episodes every Tuesday!

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Kate Kavanaugh