141. What Gardening Taught Us About Freedom, Faith, and Community with Corey Ellerbe

What if growing a tomato could change your life?

Okay, maybe that sounds dramatic. But as we learned in our latest episode of The Bad Roman Podcast, planting that first seed might be the beginning of something much deeper, something that touches your spirit, strengthens your community, and helps you step away from systems that don’t serve you.

We sat down with Corey Ellerbe to talk about his gardening journey, how it started, what it’s become, and why it might just be one of the most quietly revolutionary things you can do right now.

From Tomatoes to Food Forests: How It All Started

“I started with just a few tomatoes,” Corey says, “and now I’m dreaming of food forests and agroforestry systems.”

That’s the thing with gardening, it often starts small. A pot of basil on the windowsill. A raised bed in the backyard. Then one day, you’re talking about companion planting, composting, and building systems that can sustain generations.

But Corey’s story is bigger than just a growing love for plants. Like many of us, 2020 shook something loose. The fragility of supply chains, the limits of store shelves, the creeping feeling that we might be more dependent than we want to admit. That was a wake-up call. And gardening became a way to take back a bit of control—and to reconnect with something real.

Why Gardening Matters Right Now

We’re more disconnected from our food than ever. Most of us don’t know where our groceries came from, how they were grown, or what systems were involved in getting them to us. Gardening changes that. It brings you back to your roots—literally and spiritually.

But it also opens up bigger questions:

• What would it look like to produce food locally again?

• How can we depend less on centralized systems that often fail us?

• Can growing food be a form of peaceful resistance?

Corey says yes. And we think he’s onto something.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation

🌱 Start Small—But Start

Corey’s advice for beginners? Don’t try to do everything at once.

“Even if it’s just herbs in a pot,” he says, “that’s a start. And every expert gardener started as a beginner.”

You don’t need land or a greenhouse to begin. Just start with what you’ve got and build from there.

🌾 Gardening as a Quiet Revolution

Gardening doesn’t seem political. But it can be. Choosing to grow your own food instead of buying into industrial ag systems is a step toward independence.

“It’s about rendering the state obsolete through market action,” Corey explains, tying the philosophy back to agorism and voluntaryism. You're not just growing food. You're reclaiming your autonomy.

🤝 Grow Food, Grow Community

One of the most beautiful parts of gardening? It brings people together. Whether you’re trading tomatoes at a local farmers’ market, swapping seeds with neighbors, or helping someone start their first raised bed (these actions build bonds).

“We’re not meant to be totally self-sufficient,” Corey reminds us. “We’re created for community.”

It’s a reminder that self-sufficiency doesn’t have to mean isolation. In fact, the most resilient communities are the ones that grow together.

✝️ Gardening as Worship

For Corey, gardening is also a spiritual practice.

“Watching how everything works together, the soil, the pollinators, the weather, it’s incredible,” he says. “It shows the beauty of God’s design.”

Tending a garden becomes an act of stewardship. It’s a way of caring for creation and slowing down enough to notice the small miracles around us.

Practical Tips for Getting Started

Whether you’re in a city apartment or have a few acres, here’s what Corey suggests:

• Know your zone. It’s not everything, but understanding your climate will help you pick plants that thrive where you are.

• Work with nature. Instead of spraying chemicals, learn about beneficial insects and natural pest control.

• Try stuff. Some things will die. Some will surprise you. Gardening is one big experiment.

• Talk to local gardeners. Your neighbors (and local nurseries) often have the best advice for your area.

Final Thoughts: What Will You Plant?

This conversation reminded us that gardening isn’t just about food. It’s about slowing down, looking around, and choosing to live differently. It’s about getting your hands dirty, yes, but also getting your soul fed.

So whether you’re dreaming of chickens and food forests, or just wondering if you could keep a basil plant alive, this episode is for you.

Here’s how to keep growing:

• 🎧 Listen to the full episode with Corey Ellerbe.

• 📺 Check out Corey’s YouTube channel, Old 37 Homestead, for how-tos and inspiration.

• 🌱 Plant one thing. Just one. And see what grows from there.

Every garden starts with a seed. What will you plant today?

🤝Connect with Corey:

• Old 37 Homestead: Corey Ellerbe's YouTube channel

Episode Timestamps:

(0:44) Gardening and Agrism Discussion

• Importance of self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on the state

• Introduction of guest Corey Ellerbe and his YouTube channel Old 37 Homestead

(1:01) Background on Corey's Gardening Experience

• Living in Central Florida

• Initial interest in gardening as a teenager

• Starting gardening after marriage on an acre of land

(3:38) Craig's Gardening Journey

• Recent start in gardening with pepper plants

• Challenges with bugs and plant care

(6:46) Gardening Advice from Corey

• Working with nature rather than against it

• Importance of natural predators in pest control

• Regional gardening considerations

(13:39) Corey's Gardening Philosophy

• Focus on agroforestry and food forests

• Adapting to Florida's unique climate and soil conditions

(25:04) Gardening as a Way to Subvert the State

• Discussion on self-sufficiency and community building

• Comparison to historical examples like the fall of the USSR

(45:35) Gardening and Relationship with Christ

• Corey's perspective on God's design in nature

• Observations on synergy in natural systems

(54:55) Old 37 Homestead YouTube Channel

• Overview of Corey's approach to content creation

• Focus on real-life gardening experiences and challenges

(1:06:27) Advice for New Gardeners

• Starting small and not overwhelming yourself

• Importance of regional-specific gardening knowledge

(1:15:07) Gardening Zones and Regional Considerations

• Explanation of gardening zones and their significance

• Adapting plants to different climates

(1:19:39) Closing Thoughts

• Encouragement for listeners to explore gardening

• Importance of community and self-sufficiency

Episode Resources:

1. David the Good: Gardening author and blogger specializing in Southeast/Florida gardening

2. freedomcells.org: Website for connecting with like-minded individuals for community building

3. Stefan Verstappen: Survivalism and prepping expert

4. Curtis Stone: Agorist anarchist gardener from West Canada

5. Sal the Agorist (Sal Mayweather): Advocate for using markets to subvert the state

6. USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map: Tool for determining gardening zones based on zip code

7. Farmer's markets: Suggested as a great place to learn about regional gardening and find local produce

8. Vermicomposting: Method of using worms for composting

9. Agroforestry and food forest systems: Gardening approaches mentioned by Corey

10. Pigeon pea: Plant example given for perennial food production

11. Hatsune Miku: Mentioned as an example of a virtual pop star (tangential to main discussion)

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100. Christian Ethics and Stateless Societies: The Anarchist Approach of the Perry Family

In the 100th episode of the podcast, host Craig Harguess is joined by guests Sarah and Jeff Perry from Voluntaryism in Action for a captivating exploration into the confluence of Christian values and the philosophy of anarchy. This milestone episode delves into the nuances of Christian Anarchism and Voluntarism, examining the personal metamorphoses that steer individuals away from traditional political paradigms toward a life of voluntary statelessness underpinned by faith. 

Throughout the episode, Sarah and Jeff Perry share the hurdles encountered in seeking a like-minded community and the challenges a society deeply ingrained with state-oriented ideologies poses. They shed light on the essence of fellowship and kinship, even in the digital sphere, for those who perceive themselves as misfits in a world unprepared for such radical ideas. The conversation also touches on the difficulty of communicating complex ideas over social media and the importance of giving people grace and meeting them where they are, as they were once in a similar position. The group emphasizes that the people they may joke about now were once reflections of their past selves, highlighting the transformative journey that led them to their current ideological stance. 

Taking an unexpected detour, the discussion ventures into the rustic world of homesteading, contrasting the merits of duck and chicken eggs and unpacking the symbolism it holds for Christian anarchists. This segment uncovers the layers of self-reliance and philosophical maturation, accompanied by a narrative of Jeff’s military service and how he underwent a profound ideological shift towards anarchism. 

The episode critically addresses the contentious interpretation of Romans 13 from an anarchist perspective, scrutinizing the alignment—or lack thereof—between modern democratic establishments and the teachings of Jesus. The discourse celebrates the significance of genuine leadership as demonstrated by Jesus, compared to the forceful rule often exhibited by earthly authorities. 

The discussion also spotlights the impactful initiatives of Voluntaryism in Action, emphasizing the human connections nurtured through voluntary charity. This starkly contrasts the impersonal touch of institutionalized aid, underscoring the human and spiritual dimensions of giving.

 Listeners are treated to a blend of humor, social commentary, and personal anecdotes that exemplify the intertwining of Christianity's core tenets with the principles of voluntaryism. As the 100th episode of the podcast, this thought-provoking journey offers an inspiring vision of community, support, and voluntary action shaped by love, grace, understanding, and Christian values.

Connect with the Perrys:

Website

Podcast: Voluntary View on Spotify, iTunes, Youtube

Key Moments:

00:02 Exploring Christian Anarchism and Voluntaryism

• Introduction to the intersection of Christianity and statelessness.

• Personal journeys from conventional politics to stateless existence based on Christian values.

• Importance of community, even if primarily online.

01:11 The Reach of the Bad Roman

• Discussion on the international reach of the podcast.

• Personal reflections on discovering Christian Anarchy.

• Surprise at finding a community with similar beliefs.

09:08 Duck Eggs and Freshly Laid Eggs

• Discussion on homesteading, duck vs. chicken eggs.

• Nutritional content and taste comparison.

• Personal anecdotes about self-sufficiency and philosophical evolution.

15:22 - Military Transition to Anarchism & Non-Judgmental Dialogue

• A former military medical officer's ideological shift towards anarchism.

• Impact of literature and libertarian thought on worldview.

• Emphasis on non-judgmental engagement within the anarchist community.

23:13 Christian Anarchism and the Bad Project

• Craig's journey from neoconservatism to Christian anarchism.

• Misconceptions about Christian Anarchy clarified.

• Sharing personal revelations about faith and statelessness.

26:41 Facebook Thread Drama and Miscommunication

• Addressing miscommunication and drama in a Facebook thread.

• Emphasis on understanding different perspectives within anarchism.

30:05 Understanding Anarchy and Romans 13 (11 Minutes)

• Interpretation of Romans 13 in the context of Christian anarchy.

• Biblical examples of resistance to secular authorities.

• Addressing objections related to submission to governing authorities.

33:57 Not Voting and Complaining About Government

• Discussion on Craig's decision not to vote and its implications.

• The counterintuitive nature of the argument that non-voters cannot complain.

38:41 Voluntarism and Anarchy

• Explanation of voluntarism as a subset of anarchy.

• Voluntarism focuses on voluntary interactions without coercion.

41:22 Religion, Government, and Accountability

• Differences between authority figures and authoritarianism.

• Critique of representative democracy and accountability.

• Reflection on the role of law enforcement and early church teachings.

49:57 Christian Anarchism and Voluntaryism Action

• Exploration of how Voluntaryism in Action embodies Christian Anarchist principles.

• Discussion on the organization's initiatives and community impact.

• Tension between Christianity and statism in church settings.

• Discomfort with nationalistic practices in worship.

• Early Christian teachings versus modern interpretations post-Constantine.

55:42 Voluntaryism

• Origins and evolution of a charitable organization, Voluntaryism in Action.

• Challenges and misconceptions surrounding non-profit work.

• Importance of voluntary giving and the impact of government programs on charity.

57:07 Obtaining & Maintaining 501(c)3 Status

• The process and challenges of obtaining 501(c)3 status for the organization.

• Insights into maintaining non-profit status and its importance.

01:04:18 Voluntaryism in Action

• Celebration of the work and achievements of Voluntaryism in Action.

• Personal anecdotes that underscore the organization's ethos.

01:09:36 Discussion on Voluntaryism in Action

• Impactful work of Voluntaryism in Action aligned with Christian values.

• Encouragement for listener support through donations or involvement.

• Challenges of social media censorship.

01:11:39 Twitter Campaigns and Content Restrictions

• Addressing the impact of content restrictions on social media campaigns.

• The organization's approach to creating and sharing provocative content.

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