How Understanding Plant Names Helps You Read the Land

How Understanding Plant Names Helps You Read the Land

Author: Craig Caudill | Nature Reliance School January 30, 2026 Duration: 54:16
Plant systematics and Latin plant names intimidate a lot of people. But they shouldn’t. In this episode, I sit down with Eric Comley, a herbaceous plants instructor, to break down why scientific plant names actually matter and how they help everyday people understand plants, landscapes, and ecosystems more clearly. We talk about why Latin names are descriptive tools rather than academic jargon, how genus and species relationships help you learn plants faster, and how dichotomous keys really w...

The Nature Reliance Podcast from Nature Reliance Media is for anyone whose curiosity is sparked by a forest trail or a star-filled sky. It moves beyond simple how-to guides, though you’ll certainly hear practical wisdom on bushcraft and finding your way without a GPS. The conversations here weave together the hands-on skills of wilderness living with a deeper, scientific understanding of the natural world. You might find yourself learning about animal behavior one week and the principles of sustainable outdoor ethics the next. This podcast sits at a unique crossroads, appealing to the hobbyist angler, the weekend hiker, the dedicated survivalist, and the amateur naturalist all at once. It’s built on the idea that true reliance comes from knowledge-not just knowing how to make a fire, but understanding the ecosystem that provides the tinder. Episodes feature voices with real dirt-under-the-fingernails experience, offering stories and insights that make the wilderness feel less like a challenge to conquer and more like a complex, fascinating home to comprehend. Listening feels like a thoughtful conversation after a long day on the trail, one that leaves you better prepared and more connected to the landscape around you.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Nature Reliance Podcast: Where Wilderness and Human Nature Collide
Podcast Episodes
#128 World Renowned Bushcraft Instructor, Mr. Paul Kirtley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:56
You don't want to miss this outstanding conversation with Mr. Paul Kirtley. I have admired Paul's work for many years, and it was a great pleasure chatting with him about his mentors, courses taught, and teaching/leaders…
#127 How to Avoid Ticks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:14
Check out Brian Anderson and pick up some repellant at his site, The Tick Terminator: https://www.lymetickbughub.com/ The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the most up to date content for our followers: https:…
#126 George Rogers Clark, Leader of the Long Knives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:34
The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the most up to date content for our followers: https://bit.ly/NRSONLINE Water Bottle Blowout. Use code PODCAST to get 25% off. The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to…
#125 Simon Kenton Frontier Scout with Dr. Mel Hankla [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:25
The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the most up to date content for our followers: https://bit.ly/NRSONLINE Water Bottle Blowout. Use code PODCAST to get 25% off. The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to…
#122 Ham Radio Insight For Disaster Readiness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:17
Check out NRS Online Membership for more detailed information on disaster readiness: https://bit.ly/41zxMAv The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the most up to date content for our followers: https://bit.ly/N…
#123 Emergency Medical Services Insight for Disaster Readiness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:51
Check out the NRS Online Membership for detailed educational content: https://bit.ly/41zxMAv Fire Maple Outdoor Stoves, Great Stuff!: https://shrsl.com/4b21i The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the most up t…
#120 Building a Resilient Team with Doc K, Special Forces Soldier [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:18
In this interview Craig talks to Shane Kerwin aka Doc K. Shane is the Founder and Lead Instructor of Personal Survival Solutions, LLC. Shane lays out his extensive and impressive background first, which sets the stage fo…
#121 SOBERING Grid Down Disaster Readiness Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:46
Craig interviews Mr. Stephen Volandt with Resilient Projects Incorporated. Stephen is an incredible wealth of information on many topics related to disaster readiness. He has been significantly involved in helping others…
#119 Lineage, Teachers and Their Importance in Outdoor Education [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:32
This is our first podcast in a departure from where we have been thus far. No editing, raw. This first one Craig details his thoughts on the importance of remembering your teachers and mentors. He then discusses the men…