Episode 109

We Can Pick Up and Carry Heavy Loads: Exploring Movement in Context with Kate Kavanaugh

Published on: 17th April, 2025

Episode 109. In this episode, I (Kate Kavanaugh) reflect on my personal journey with movement from a practical and philosophical standpoint all while weaving it into some of the bigger themes that we’ve been exploring on the podcast around how we move resources to our bodies and how that itself changes our movement. I start out with some historical context of movement and resources, the impact of sedentarism on our bodies, and the concept of shifting baselines in understanding how our bodies work. I share my experience with chronic illness and how movement has been a source of strength and resilience and how I’ve navigated continuing to move even, and especially, when it feels really hard. This is about the transformative power of physical activity–mentally, physically, and socially. I talk about my movement why–including health, aging, enjoyment, and, yes, even vanity. I talk a little about my home gym, scaling movement, and some tips for making yourself move when it feels hard. It’s a lot of fun, it’s thoughtful, a little heavy at times, but we can carry the load together!

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Instagram: @kate_kavanaugh

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Resources Mentioned:

On Muscle: The Stuff that Moves Us and Why It Matters by Bonnie Tsui

Lizette Pompa

Steph Rose, Phase 6

Ben Bruno

Kara Duval, Range

Dr. Susie Spurlock, Supple Strength


Best of Movement Focused Episodes:

Episode 94: An Ecology of Movement with Katy Bowman 

Episode 68: One Foot in Front of the Other with Kate Kavanaugh

Episode 77: Our Relationship to Resources with Kate Kavanaugh

Episode 54: Staying Human is the Greatest Skill with Daniel Vitalis

Episode 22: Building Strength from the Inside Out with Ashleigh VanHouten

Episode 2: The Strenuous Life with Ed Roberson



Sponsored By:

REDMOND REAL SALT: Use code MINDBODYSOIL_15 for 15% off at Redmond.life


Affiliates:

FIELD COMPANY CAST IRON: fieldcompany.com/kate_kavanaugh

BAHÉ FOOTWEAR: Use the code ‘Kate10’ for 10% off. 

HOME OF WOOL: 10% off Home of Wool using code KATEKAVANAUGH

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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