Hands in the Soil

60. The Need for Systemic Change in the Food System w/ Chuck Samuelson

In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with Chuck Samuelson, recovering chef, tribal member of the Assiniboine Nation, founder of Kitchens for Good, and founder of his current nonprofit, Heal the Earth. Chuck's path into food systems work started with a question he couldn't stop asking: why does perfectly good food get thrown away while people go hungry? That question followed him out of professional kitchens and restaurants, through decades in food service, into a life where Chuck is now stewarding 43 acres of avocado groves in San Diego while building a regional food hub, an AgTech accelerator, and a co-packing manufacturing facility designed to fill the missing middle of the local food system.  His work sits at the intersection of food access, farmer support, and community sovereignty, and his vision is as practical as it is bold. In this conversation, we go deep on what it actually means to work on a system rather than just within it. We talk about the difference between charity and sovereignty, the four A's of hunger relief, and why doubling down on the same hunger solutions isn't working. We talk about co-ops, farm stops, and we talk about dreams - the big, hairy, audacious kind - for what the food system here in San Diego could become. Tune in to learn more about: * Chuck's journey from dishwasher at 13 to chef, restaurateur, and nonprofit founder * How watching a grocery store employee discard bruised apples became the seed for Kitchens for Good * What food insecurity actually means, and why over 800,000 people in San Diego, including more than 200,000 children, are affected by it * Why Chuck believes charity creates an "unfortunate power dynamic,” and what sovereignty in the food system looks like instead * The four A's of hunger relief: accessible, affordable, appropriate, and awesome * How cooperatives changed Chuck's understanding of what a local food economy can look like * The Adopt an Avocado Tree program - how it started, how it works, and why it's expanding to other farmers and crops * The role of storytelling and community in small farm success * Chuck's Big Hairy Audacious Dream for San Diego's food future, and what he's asking each of us to do right now Connect + Learn More: Chuck Samuelson / Heal the Earth: healtheearth.info [healtheearth.info] Instagram: @healtheearthfarm  [https://www.instagram.com/healtheearthfarm] Kitchens for Good: kitchensforgood.org [kitchensforgood.org] Connect with Hannah: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@hannahkeitel ⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/hannahkeitel]

59. The Art of Minimizing Waste w/ Hamid Pezeshkian

In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with Hamid Pezeshkian, founder of FlameTree Farms, to explore what it looks like to find your way back to the land - sometimes unexpectedly. Hamid didn’t grow up in agriculture, but his earliest and most vivid childhood memories were rooted in time spent in nature, surrounded by fruit trees and family. Years later, after a career in the corporate world, he found himself called to a small orchard in San Diego, a place that would ultimately reshape his relationship with work, creativity, and life itself. In this conversation, Hamid shares the reality of caring for an orchard, the constant learning curve of farming, and the deeper philosophy that guides his approach: using everything the land offers. From turning fallen fruit into new products to repurposing pruned wood into art, his work reflects a commitment to regeneration, resourcefulness, and curiosity. We also explore the emotional and creative shifts that can happen when we slow down, step away from the screen, and reconnect with nature, and how that connection can ripple into entirely new projects, communities, and ways of living. Tune in to learn more about: * Hamid’s journey from city life and corporate work into farming * How FlameTree Farms began and what it looks like today * The reality of orchard care, and why it’s far more work than most people realize * What it means to farm regeneratively in a small-scale orchard * Creative ways to reduce waste and use every part of the land * Edible “weeds” and overlooked plants and their nutritional value * How pruning, composting, and mulching can become part of a closed-loop system * The role of curiosity and creativity in sustainable farming * Why challenges and mistakes are essential to growth in farming (and life) * How reconnecting with nature can unlock deeper purpose and creativity Connect + Learn More * Hamid's Instagram: ⁠@flametreefarm [https://www.instagram.com/flametreefarms/⁠] * Connect with Hannah: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@hannahkeitel ⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/hannahkeitel] Foundations in Land Stewardship Hamid is one of the farm teachers in the Foundations in Land Stewardship program here in San Diego. This in-person farm school is designed for aspiring farmers, land stewards, and anyone looking to deepen their relationship with land and food systems. Throughout the program, participants will learn directly from experienced growers like Hamid and explore different approaches to regenerative agriculture in real-world settings. You can find more details here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/farmschool⁠ [https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/]

58. Raising Chickens & Building Soil w/ Michelle Bearmar

In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with Michelle Bearmar of Black Mountain Farm, a diversified farm rooted in pasture-raised poultry, eggs, vegetables, and regenerative land stewardship. After years of raising chickens, gardening, and learning alongside her family, she found herself pulled deeper into small-scale agriculture through Wild Willow Farm’s Winter School and sustainable agriculture studies. What began as a backyard pursuit eventually became a full-time farm business. We talk about why chickens became the heart of her farm, what pasture-raised poultry actually looks like in practice, and how animals, soil, and vegetables all function together as one living system. Michelle shares the realities of raising birds on pasture, from feed costs and predator protection to geese as guard animals and building healthier soil through rotational systems. We also dive into the less glamorous but equally important side of farming: business, record keeping, and learning how to make a farm financially sustainable. This conversation is full of practical wisdom for anyone dreaming of starting a farm, and a reminder that farming is as much about community and long-term learning as it is about growing food. Tune in to learn more about: * Michelle’s journey from engineering into full-time farming * Why chickens became the foundation of Black Mountain Farm * What pasture-raised poultry really means, and how it differs from conventional systems * The role of supplemental feed, custom grain mixes, and why feed is one of the biggest farm expenses * How geese became unexpected protectors against aerial predators * Rotational grazing, chicken tractors, and how birds improve pasture health * How poultry and vegetables work together to build soil fertility * The importance of feeding soil microbes instead of just feeding plants * The challenge of learning the business side of farming * Why mentorship, community, and starting small matter so much for new farmers Connect + Learn More * Visit Black Mountain Farm: https://farmblackmountain.com/ [https://farmblackmountain.com/] * Instagram: @black_mtn_farm [https://www.instagram.com/black_mtn_farm] * Connect with Hannah: ⁠⁠⁠@hannahkeitel ⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/hannahkeitel] Foundations in Land Stewardship Michelle is one of our farm teachers in the upcoming Foundations in Land Stewardship program here in San Diego. This 3-month in-person farm school is designed for aspiring farmers, land stewards, and anyone looking to deepen their relationship with land and food systems. Throughout the program, we’ll be visiting farms and learning directly from experienced growers and land stewards—including Michelle at Black Mountain Farm. We’re so excited to begin and to get to learn from her in person soon. You can find more details here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/farmschool [https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/]

57. Reimagining the CSA: Farming in Community w/ Alyssa Frutos

In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with Alyssa Frutos, co-owner of Ranchito Milky Way, a small organic vegetable farm in Bonita, California. Ranchito Milky Way operates across multiple urban plots, growing seasonal produce and distributing it through a unique, farmstand-style CSA designed to bring people directly onto the land. Rooted in organic and regenerative practices, Alyssa and her husband Christian are creating a space where people can reconnect with their food, their farmers, and the ecosystems that sustain them. Alyssa shares her journey into agriculture, from dairy farming and international work in the Peace Corps to co-creating a thriving, community-centered farm business. We explore the realities of small-scale farming, low-to-no-till soil practices, and the evolution of their farmstand CSA model. This conversation is both practical and deeply human, offering insight into what it looks like to build a farm rooted in relationship, curiosity, and care. Tune in to learn more about: * Alyssa’s path into agriculture, from WWOOFing and dairy farming to international work and farming in San Diego * What it looks like to operate a farm across multiple urban plots, and the challenges and opportunities within that model * How Ranchito Milky Way reimagined the traditional CSA into a flexible, farmstand-style experience * The intention behind bringing customers onto the farm, and how it deepens connection to food * Low-to-no-till soil practices, composting strategies, and the use of Korean Natural Farming (Jadam) inputs * Why ongoing education (through courses, mentorship, and community) is essential for farmers * The relationship between growing and eating food, and why both are necessary for a thriving food culture * A reframe on pests, biodiversity, and what it means to farm in partnership with nature Connect + Learn More * Visit Ranchito Milky Way: www.ranchitomilkyway.farm [http://www.ranchitomilkyway.farm/] * Instagram: @ranchito.milkyway.farmstand [https://www.instagram.com/ranchito.milkyway.farmstand] * Farm Stand Hours: Sundays, 10am - 2pm (7275 San Miguel Rd, Bonita, CA 91902) * Connect with Hannah: ⁠⁠@hannahkeitel ⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/hannahkeitel] Foundations in Land Stewardship: Alyssa will be one of the teachers in the upcoming Foundations in Land Stewardship program in San Diego, a 3-month, in-person farm school designed for aspiring farmers, land stewards, and anyone looking to deepen their relationship with land and food systems. Applications close on April 25th, with limited spots remaining and full scholarships available. You can find more details and apply here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/farmschool⁠d [https://www.handsinthesoil.farm]

56. The Evolution of Cardiff Tiny Farm w/ David Berning

In this episode, we sit down with David Berning of Cardiff Tiny Farm for a return conversation, two years after his first appearance on the podcast. David shares what has unfolded since stepping fully into stewardship of the farm, and what it’s been like to grow not just food, but a business, a community space, and a deeper relationship with the land. What began as a small, uncertain venture has evolved into a thriving micro-farm model - one that challenges assumptions about scale, profitability, and what’s possible on a tenth of an acre. We explore the intersection of heart and business - what it means to hold integrity while also making something financially viable, and the realities of running a farm as both a livelihood and a calling. David also opens up about the uncertainty of the farm’s future, as the land he’s stewarding is temporary. With the possibility of losing the space at any time, he shares how he’s approaching this season with intention, focusing on building community, expanding his CSA program, and creating something that can live beyond the land itself. We also touch on Harmonize, a data-tracking tool David built to support farmers in the field, and his vision for how technology and agriculture can coexist in a more intentional, human-centered way. More than anything, this episode is a reflection on what it means to devote yourself to something uncertain, and to choose to create beauty anyway. In this episode, we talk about: * David’s journey from tech into agriculture and the origins of Cardiff Tiny Farm * What it looks like to run a farm as a real business * The balance between integrity, community, and profitability * The concept of “farming in public” and transparency in small farm economics * How a 1/10 acre farm can feed a community * The realities of scaling a small farm sustainably * Navigating uncertainty and impermanence in land access * Building a CSA model that goes beyond food into education and connection * The importance of local food and its impact on personal and community wellbeing * Harmonize: a tool for farmers to track data simply and efficiently * Why creating beauty anywhere is meaningful work Connect + Learn More:  * Follow David on Instagram: ⁠@cardifftinyfarm [https://www.instagram.com/solidarityfarmsd⁠] * Learn more about Cardiff Tiny Farm ⁠⁠https://www.cardifftinyfarm.com⁠⁠ [https://www.cardifftinyfarm.com/] * Try Harmonize (data tracking tool)⁠⁠ https://harmonize.one⁠⁠ [https://harmonize.one/] * Connect with Hannah: ⁠@hannahkeitel ⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/hannahkeitel] Foundations in Land Stewardship: If you’ve been feeling called to deepen your relationship with land, food, and community, we are currently enrolling for Foundations in Land Stewardship - a 3-month in-person farm school here in San Diego. This program is designed for aspiring farmers, land stewards, and anyone wanting to reconnect with food systems in a meaningful way. * Saturdays from 9-2 * May 2nd through August 1st * Full scholarships available David will be one of our teachers throughout the program. You can find more details and apply here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/farmschool⁠d [⁠⁠https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/farmschool⁠]