Substacks recommended by Charles Mandel | Tales from beyond the grid

Recommended by Charles Mandel

A normalish, skilled, middle-aged couple documenting their life off grid. Why? No idea. Maybe for posterity, maybe for inspiration, or maybe just as a warning to others.

Finally, someone who stacks wood as obsessively as I do. Also, it's a fun, informative Substack on off-grid, and there aren't too many of those. Enjoy.

- Charles Mandel

The End of the World: From Urban to Bucolic

By Ian Apperley

A journey from city to rural life while keeping an eye on the end of the world

Mountain Running & Living

By Sarah Lavender Smith

Personal essays with practical advice about trail running, mountain life & midlife grit.

Long form narratives on trail running from an experienced runner, coach and writer.

- Charles Mandel

The Quaking Swamp Journal

By Linda Pannozzo

Commentary, analysis and occasional deep dives, all in the public interest.

An experienced journalist and author brings a sharp eye and pen to original pieces of environmental reporting. The focus is Nova Scotia but resonates with larger themes.

- Charles Mandel

Our Uncertain Future

By Johanna DeBiase

*As seen on NPR, CNET and Forbes* Family of three living off-grid and low-budget in the high desert of New Mexico, severing ties to capitalist values and exploring a new paradigm based in part on the preindustrial past and in part on future technologies.