Land Food Life Podcast

Join us for a compelling conversation with Florence Reed, the visionary founder of Sustainable Harvest International, as we tackle the urgent global challenges of deforestation and agricultural sustainability. Discover the transformative power of climate-smart subsistence farming practices in Central America and the significant role tropical forests play in our climate's health. Florence shares heartwarming stories from her work with rural farmers and a glimpse into her documentary "Roots of Renewal," which beautifully captures the magic of turning degraded lands into flourishing agroforestry systems that allow these farmers to thrive. We'll unpack the short-sighted gains of traditional methods, like slash-and-burn, that lead to devastating land degradation and biodiversity loss, trapping farmers in cycles of poverty. Florence and I discuss how Sustainable Harvest International is breaking this cycle through an innovative multi-year program that empowers farming families with low-cost sustainable practices that promote soil health, improve nutrition, and reduce the dependency on harmful agrochemicals. Learn how SHI's sustainable farming cohort programs are reshaping gender dynamics and empowering women to take a leading role in agricultural and financial decision-making. We also cover the critical role listeners can play in this impactful mission, ensuring a healthier and more equitable world for future generations. Resources: Learn about Kara's Land Food Life Community Cleanse & Reset 28-day program that starts January 2nd, 2025 https://www.landfoodlife.com/cleanse [https://www.landfoodlife.com/cleanse] Visit Sustainable Harvest International's website https://www.sustainableharvest.org/ [https://www.sustainableharvest.org/] Watch the Roots of Renewal documentary for free www.rootsofrenewal.info [http://www.rootsofrenewal.info/] Learn about Kara Kroeger and her holistic nutrition and agroecology education services https://www.landfoodlife.com/ [https://www.landfoodlife.com/]

Did you know birds navigate more habitats than almost any other species and are key indicators of planetary and human health? Join us on the Land Food Life podcast with Michael McGraw, an ecology and wildlife biologist, as he shares his journey from herpetology and ornithology to regenerative agriculture. Michael discusses conducting wildlife surveys and how grazing practices affect bird populations, biodiversity, and the nutrient density of our food. This episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical insights. Michael talks about his passion for birdwatching, which was sparked during Timber Rattlesnake observation in the New Jersey Pine Barrens and the use of tools like the Merlin app for bird identification. He explores bird song identification, its insights into ecosystems, and its therapeutic effects on human well-being. Michael also discusses the documentary Roots So Deep by Peter Byck, in which he appears, highlighting adaptive multi-paddock grazing and its ecological benefits. We examine how mindful grazing impacts ranchers, soil health, and bird diversity. We conclude with an emphasis on increasing BIPOC agricultural land ownership to create a diverse, just, and equitable food system. Resources: https://princetonhydro.com/staff/michael-mcgraw/ [https://princetonhydro.com/staff/michael-mcgraw/]https://rootssodeep.org/ [https://rootssodeep.org/]

Explore the nexus of agriculture and human nutrition as we learn about cutting-edge research focused on understanding how agricultural growing practices and biodiversity shape the nutrient density of the food on our plates and our well-being. In this episode, nutrition researcher Dr. Stefan Van Vliet from Utah State University enlightens us about his collaborations with farmers, ecologists, and agricultural and nutritional scientists to study the critical linkages at this nexus.   Our dialogue traverses the influence of our diets on health metrics, highlighting the stark differences between whole foods and their ultra-processed counterparts. Learn about the transformative power of a diverse array of whole foods as we dissect research findings that reveal rapid health benefits.  Equipped with the insights of my guest, we probe deeper into the complexities of phytonutrients, protein metabolism, and the innovative research connecting what's on our plate to the earth beneath our feet. We unravel the mysteries of metabolomics, a cutting-edge tool that's unlocking the understanding of the nutritional potential of our food, and discuss the concept of 'nutritional dark matter' that may hold the key to further health advancements. Whether you're a seasoned health enthusiast or just starting to question where your meals come from, this episode promises to feed your curiosity and fuel your motivation for creating a healthier tomorrow. Show Notes: https://stephanvanvliet.com/ [https://stephanvanvliet.com/]https://caas.usu.edu/directory/vanvliet-stephan [https://caas.usu.edu/directory/vanvliet-stephan]https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=L5KcySQAAAAJ&hl=en [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=L5KcySQAAAAJ&hl=en] Stephan van Vliet (@vanvlietphd) / X [https://twitter.com/vanvlietphd?lang=en]

Join me, Kara Kroeger, and one of my favorite chefs and mentors, Jesse Griffiths, as we embark on a fascinating exploration of Central Texas' vibrant wild and domesticated meat scene with a man who knows it like no other. Our rich dialogue interweaves Jesse's commitment to utilizing and supporting his local food system at a level few other chefs achieve, with stories from Dai Due Butcher Shop and Supper Club, to his educational wild game hunting and cooking  pursuits at the New School of Traditional Cookery. Jesse's passion shines as we unravel his journey from chef to celebrity huntsman to James Beard award-winning author of The Hog Book. Our conversation weaves through the cultural and ecological landscapes of ethical hunting and meat consumption, and the art of respecting the entire animal. We delve into stories from Jesse's hunting school, the management of Texas's feral hog populations, and the challenges of integrating truly wild game into restaurant menus. This episode is  a celebration of our many local food sources through the lens of a truly thoughtful chef, from the meticulous joys of preparing small game to the evolving appreciation of grass-fed beef among Texan diners. We also highlight the untapped potential of unique domesticated beef varieties and his commitment to cooking with natural fats and steering clear of seed oils to preserve our health. The podcast peaks with a discussion of Jesse's upcoming book, called The Turkey Book. Join us for an episode that promises to nourish your curiosity and deepen your appreciation for the roots of what you eat. Show Notes: https://www.daidue.com [https://www.daidue.com]https://www.newschooloftraditionalcookery.com [https://www.newschooloftraditionalcookery.com]https://www.thewildbooks.com [https://www.thewildbooks.com]https://www.zeroacre.com/ [https://www.zeroacre.com/]

Embark on a journey exploring regenerative farmscapes with myself, Kara Kroger, and the insightful Peter Brezny of Psycho Chicken Eco Farm. Together, we traverse the evolution from conventional to regenerative agriculture, uncovering the power of holistic farming practices. We promise a journey of enlightenment; from the role of energy efficiency and biological fertility to the perils of chemical dependencies, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone passionate about the future of farming, food, and our planet. As we chart the course through our discussions, we honor the legacies of visionaries like Charles Walters  of Acres USA and Rachel Carson author of Silent Spring, who've sparked a community eager for change. We examine the pivotal moments and conferences that have stitched together a tapestry of knowledge, encouraging soil-centric farming that mirrors the robustness of nature itself. The heartrending tales of bees decimated by insecticides and aquatic devastation serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of our actions, while the success stories of farmers like Jimmy Emmons in Oklahoma illuminate the path toward a regenerative horizon. Concluding the episode, we celebrate the microscopic marvels beneath our feet – the soil bacteria. These tiny but mighty organisms are the unsung heroes of plant growth and nutrition, shaping the health of our soil and, ultimately, the food on our plates. The conversation surges with passion, emphasizing the importance of consumer choices and the interconnectedness of our well-being with that of the earth. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and above all, equipped with knowledge that transcends the boundaries of conventional agriculture.