warren barry with special guest Dr. Patrick Owen

In this deeply human and eye-opening episode of the Better the Pond Pondcast, I sat down with Patrick—a McGill University lecturer, ethnobotanist, and evolutionary health advocate—for a wide-ranging conversation that challenges how we live, eat, connect, and lead. Patrick shares his personal journey and offers powerful insights from his global experiences—from the highlands of Papua New Guinea to the rooftops of Tibet. Together, they explore why modern society's obsession with hyper-individualism is leaving us more disconnected than ever, and what we can learn from our ancestral roots to rebuild a sense of tribe, belonging, and purpose. We had great conversation about: • The mismatch hypothesis and why modern life confuses our biology • The emotional cost of comfort, convenience, and digital dependence • What traditional cultures can teach us about nutrition and resilience • How to create meaningful connection in a world designed for isolation • Why community isn’t just nice to have—it’s necessary for survival This episode is a fire starter. It’s a reminder that maybe the answers we’re looking for aren’t ahead of us—but behind us. Thank you Professor Caveman.