As we cross the threshold into double digit episodes, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the key takeaways from the last 9 guest episodes. Throughout these conversations, we’ve explored topics from the importance of cultivating a connection with the land we inhabit, to how technology can enhance our relationship with the Earth at large.

Other key takeaways include…

• How community and food go hand-in-hand

• Why every community should have a farm

• The new wave of agriculture we’re experiencing

• Rewriting the story of what it means to be a farmer

• Why focusing on local doesn’t mean abandoning global

• How to engage kids in the food system

• … And more!

We have many more episodes coming your way that we’re so excited to share. Thank you so much for being here!

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Leya Van Doren. Leya is a podcast host, writer, and maker of medicines.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the profound, healing aspects of working with the unseen mysteries of the Earth. Leya tells the story of how moving to Michigan was a catalyst for reconnecting her to her child-like wonder, and how building her relationship to nature revealed the magic that’s present in every moment. We also discuss the ways in which nature is a mirror, and new ways to look at the fear that is commonly experienced when stepping into unknown territory.

Tune in to learn more about:

• Why we should be paying attention to the plants that naturally show up in our environment

• Plants as a healing guide and ally to overcoming trauma

• Cultivating a connection to your local ecosystem through foraging

• Connecting with ancestors through exploring the plants that grew around them

• Moving towards sourcing food locally as a way to connect with the land

• The importance of doing careful research before consuming a plant you’ve never foraged before

• … And so much more!

Resources Mentioned:

• The Wild Swans fairytale: https://andersen.sdu.dk/vaerk/hersholt/TheWildSwans_e.html

Connect with Leya:

• Follow Leya on Instagram: @leyavandoren

• Follow the Creative Soul Podcast on Instagram: @thecreativesoulpodcast
  

On today’s episode, we’re joined by David Berning. David runs the Cardiff Tiny Farm, located in his hometown in Encinitas, CA.

In this conversation, we explore the concept of being in a reciprocal relationship with a piece of land, and the mindset shifts that help us avoid exploiting land for profit. We talk about the importance of community building as an investment into our future and the future of the planet. We also discuss his new company, RootSeller, which is an online platform that helps users easily discover local food in their community.

Tune in to learn more about:

• The story of how David went from serving as a volunteer at the Tiny Farm to taking on a lead role

• Navigating the complexities of growing a community farm

• Being of service in the context of farming, and how to stay true to that mission

• Learning the language of a piece of land, and what it means to listen

• Finding the balance between idealism and practicalities

• Food as a way to bring people back to what matters

• Leveraging farm events as a latent income stream

Resources Mentioned:

• Download the RootSeller App: https://www.rootseller.app/

• Regenerative Business Education w/ Carol Sanford: https://carolsanfordinstitute.com/

Connect with David:

• Follow David on Instagram: @project_sabi

• Follow Cardiff Tiny Farm on Instagram: @1000tinyfarms

• Follow RootSeller App on Instagram: @rootsellerapp

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Dennis Sharmahd, an Edible Landscaper, Herbalist, and Mycologist. Dennis grew up with rare fruits and gardens in Lemon Grove, California. He has been exploring Mexico and Brazil for rare fruits, herbs, and mushrooms.

In this conversation, Dennis walks us through his vast edible garden, and discusses why he focuses on rare varieties of plants at his farm in Escondido, CA. We explore the idea of endangered plants and foods, and the importance of incorporating native plants to support local ecological systems. We also talk about strategies and key tips for orchard care, from pruning to fertilizers.

Tune in to learn more about:

• The concept of “edible parks,” and which fruit bearing plants are commonly used in traditional landscaping

• Integrating permaculture principles in with edible gardens for a low-effort yield

• Using biochar fertilizer along with worm castings and wood chips for orchards

• Grafting as an approach for saving endangered varieties of plants

• The parallel convergent evolution of plant species

• … And so much more!

Connect with Dennis:

• Reach out on Facebook messenger: https://www.facebook.com/dennis.sharmahd

• Follow him on IG: @pronaturefreak

Resources Mentioned:

• Terra Madre Gardens: https://www.terramadregardens.com/
• The National Heirloom Expo, September 10-14: https://theheirloomexpo.com/

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Adam & Genevieve of AG Homestead. They live in Durango on a 5 acre property, where they raise chickens, ducks and pigs. In addition to pasture raising animals, they work with the soil using a range of new and old practices to maximize soil health, product and production quality.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the difference between conventional confinement animal agriculture versus outdoor pasture raising. We talk about the rotational grazing system that AG Homestead has employed to contribute to the revitalization of the ecosystems on their property, and the many ways that farm animals can bring new life to the land.

Tune in to learn more about:

• Pasture raised pork production, and how it differs from conventional pork

• The necessity of getting comfortable with the cycles of life and death

• The connection between martial arts and regenerative land management

• Animal stockmanship best practices

• The importance of not rushing things with farm animals

• … And so much more!

  
  

Connect with Adam and Genevieve:
Instagram: @ag_homestead

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Onnalee Stewart. She is the farmer-florist and co-owner of BeeWorthy Farms, a certified organic cut flower farm growing on 1-acre in Encinitas, CA.

Throughout our conversation, we discuss Onnie’s perspective of the floral industry through the lens of sustainable agriculture. We talk about the exploitative nature of international flower exports, and how she carved out a unique path towards responsible stewardship of a flower farm. Onnie shares the competitive edge of being organic flower farmers, and how she makes her flowers “worthy of pollinators.”

Tune in to learn about…

• Rewriting the script of the “struggling farmer”

• Why the flowers grown locally differ so much from those shipped from abroad

• How flowers transform our relationship to the spaces they inhabit

• The beauty of their inherent seasonal and wild nature

• Increasing the biodiversity of her soil through quality inputs

• Biodynamic planting approaches, and syncing growth cycles with the moon cycles

• … And so much more!

Connect with Onnalee:

Visit her website: beeworthyfarms.com
Onnalee’s Instagram: @beeworthyfarms

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Emily Meithke. Emily is the Lead Farmer at the Farm Lab, a 10-acre property and working organic farm owned by the Encinitas Union School District that houses multiple components supporting health, wellness and enviro-literacy for EUSD students and the Encinitas community.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the inner workings of the Farm Lab, and give you a peek behind the curtain of the lesser known side of what it takes to run a farm. We discuss everything from the systemic lack of access to healthy food to our unexpected run-in with Jennifer Garner.

Tune in to learn about…

• The unique direct-to-consumer model of The Farm Lab

• Dissecting the rhetoric of shaming people for not eating healthy foods

• The difference between regenerative agriculture and organic farming

• How cover cropping impacts soil health

• … And so much more!

Connect with Emily:

Emily’s Instagram: @plantyheaux

Visit the Farm Lab website: https://farmlab.eusd.net/
The Farm Lab Instagram: @eusdfarmlab

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Hillary Marra, The Edible Gardenist, who brings joy to family food. She has taught edible gardening and cooking to thousands of children–from toddlers to teenagers– educators, and families for over 20 years.

We discuss Hillary’s approach to showing parents how to model a dynamic relationship with their food. She teaches about the mindset shift away from trying to “get” a child to eat healthy food, and instead, inviting curiosity and a sense of play through low-pressure gardening and cooking. We talk about the importance of getting kids outside rather than being confined to the classroom, and the many life lessons that are hidden among our plants.

Tune in to learn about…

• Dispelling the myth that gardens require a lot of space

• Releasing unrealistic expectations with gardening and giving ourselves grace when things go “wrong”

• How to grow salad in a bag of soil

• Why teaching kids to interact with their food differently can be so empowering

• Hillary’s mission to bring gardens to schools

• … And so much more!

  
  

Connect with Hillary

Instagram: @theediblegardenist

Website: https://theediblegardenist.com

Resources Mentioned:

Grow salad in a bag of soil: free step-by-step guide