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

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 DisintegrationsWebsite: Cutterwood.comInstagram: @cuttermwoodX: @cuttermwoodRelated Episodes:Episode 51: Heidi Boucher talks about Caring for our Dead at HomeEpisode 90: Rose George on Sh*t, Shipping, and BloodEpisode 70: Scott Carney on Sleep Episode 67: Dan Egan on PhosphorousSupport Kate: PatreonSubstackPayPal-Leave a One Time TipAffiliates:REDMOND REAL SALT: Use code MINDBODYSOIL_15 for 15% off at Redmond.lifeFIELD COMPANY CAST IRON: fieldcompany.com/kate_kavanaughBAHÉ FOOTWEAR: Use the code ‘Kate10’ for 10% off. HOME OF WOOL: 10% off Home of Wool using code KATEKAVANAUGHNAMARI ACTIVE WEAR: 10% off using code Kate10