John Ritter: Tribulations, Faith, and the Rise of Rise Up Country

John Ritter: Tribulations, Faith, and the Rise of Rise Up Country

John Ritter's story is one of relentless resilience, faith, and starting over again and again. On this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host and Chief Renegade Matt Maier sits down with John, creator and host of Rise Up Country, a nationally syndicated radio show heard on over 240 stations across America. From being given just two weeks to live as a child to building a career that has touched millions, John's life is a testament to perseverance and purpose. His journey has taken him from painting houses and playing small gigs to performing in casinos, writing hit songs, and ultimately creating a show centered on faith, relationships, and real human stories. Along the way, he's lost everything more than once and rebuilt from the ground up each time—guided by conviction, grit, and a refusal to quit. In this conversation, Matt and John explore what it takes to keep going when there's no safety net, how faith can reshape a life and a relationship, and why the most powerful stories are the ones rooted in struggle, redemption, and hope. It's a raw and inspiring look at what happens when you choose to follow through—no matter how many times you have to start over.

Tommy Jensen: The Evolution of Nutrition in College Athletics

What if the future of elite performance comes down to what’s on your plate? On this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier sits down with University of Minnesota Assistant Athletic Director of Sports Nutrition, Tommy Jensen, for a fast-moving conversation on how nutrition is becoming a competitive edge in modern athletics. Tommy shares his journey, the rising expectations of today’s athletes, and why individualized nutrition, supplements, sustainability, and even AI are reshaping college sports. A powerful, insightful return episode you won’t want to miss.

Scott Davis: The Art of Cooking with Intention

What if the most satisfying meals don't start in the kitchen, but rather in fields and pastures? In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier joins chef and distiller and executive chef Scott Davis in the kitchen for a hands-on conversation about food, flavor, regenerative agriculture, and community-driven food systems. As Scott cooks, they explore his unexpected journey into the Minneapolis culinary world, the evolution of 45th Parallel Spirits, and why sourcing locally and cooking with intention leads to meals that truly nourish both people and the land.

Allison Hohn: Driving Food Innovation Through Connections and Collaboration

In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier talks with Allison Hohn, Executive Director of Naturally Minnesota, about her food industry journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Drawing on her experience in food science, product development, and R&D at companies like Land O’Lakes and Target, Allison shares the challenges of bringing new food products to market and the importance of collaboration and community engagement for entrepreneurs. She also highlights Minnesota’s unique position as a food hub, the rise of consumer health consciousness, and the growing focus on transparency, trust, and nutrient density—offering insights into how innovation, storytelling, and relationships are shaping the future of food.

Todd Lein: Lessons from Two Decades in Regenerative Agriculture

In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier sits down with Todd Lein, Thousand Hills’ first employee and longest-tenured team member, to reflect on more than 22 years of regenerative agriculture in action. Todd shares an inside look at the early days of Thousand Hills and the challenges of championing grass-fed beef long before it was mainstream. He and Matt also discuss the evolution of regenerative farming practices, the role of conservation and community, and why a strong land ethic remains foundational to the company’s mission. Through personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and a forward-looking perspective, Todd offers insight into what it takes to build a values-driven food system—and where regenerative agriculture is headed next.