Rocks To Roots

On this episode of Rocks to Roots, we talk with this year’s Farm and Food Symposium Keynote Speaker! Dr. Jonathan Lundgren is an accomplished agroecologist and the keynote speaker at the upcoming Farm & Food Symposium, a gathering that unites progressive farmers, ag companies, scientists, investors, consumers, and industry influencers to explore the world of regenerative farming. Dr. Lundgren&...

Welcome to Rocks to Roots, where we are privileged to host two outstanding individuals, Mark Losh and Deanna Williams, from the West Plains Chamber of Commerce. In this insightful conversation, Mark, CEO of the Chamber, shares his vision for the West Plains Chamber and discusses the exciting developments in the region. Deanna Williams, Event Planner and Coordinator for the Chamber adds her perspec...

Welcome to Rocks to Roots, where we explore the extraordinary journey of Don Schuerman of Palouse Heritage. Founded in 2015, Palouse Heritage has redefined the way we think about grain. While they wholesale most of their grain to bakers, brewers, and maltsters, they've also embarked on an ambitious journey to revolutionize how we view and use grains. We sit down with Don Schuerman as he shares...

Welcome to Rocks to Roots, where we sat down with Brian G. Henning and Corinna Farho from Gonzaga University's Center for Climate, Society, and the Environment. Founded in 2021, the Gonzaga Center for Climate, Society, and the Environment is a vital resource hub. It provides students, faculty, community members, and regional leaders with tools and opportunities to tackle the unprecedented chal...

Join us on this episode of Rocks to Roots as we chat with Kirby Weathman from the SNAP Weatherization program. The SNAP Weatherization program is on a mission to enhance energy efficiency in residential and multifamily housing for qualified low-income residents. Through their comprehensive approach, skilled inspectors visit dwellings to determine the most cost-effective energy-efficiency measures...

In this Rocks to Roots Podcast episode, we sit down with folks from AgWest Farm Credit, formerly Northwest Farm Credit. Join us as we delve deeper into the pivotal role that AgWest FC plays in serving the agricultural community and beyond. During the episode, you'll have the opportunity to learn about an exciting initiative that AgWest FC has launched: a chance for new producers to be awarded...

Join us on this episode of Rocks to Roots as we chat with Joe Hall & Conner Ward of the Washington Conservation Corps. Gain a deeper understanding of the Washington Conservation Corps' role in preserving our natural resources, promoting community engagement, and shaping the leaders of tomorrow. With over 350 members and a team of experienced staff statewide, WCC plays a vital role in resto...

Join us on this episode of Rocks to Roots as we chat with Sue Hines, the talented owner of Sue Hines Floral, despite considering herself a "late bloomer" in starting her floral business. With a reputation for being a skilled designer, Sue's work and enthusiasm have captured the hearts of many. From exquisite wedding and event floral designs to personalized creations, Sue Hines Floral...

On this episode of Rocks to Roots, we have a special guest joining us: Carol Newcomb, owner of the Rosarium Garden Center. With over 20 years of experience, the Rosarium is your go-to destination for all things gardening and more. Carol and her husband Terry purchased the Rosarium in 2005 and transformed it into a full-service garden center. From a 2.5-acre manicured Display Garden to year-round g...

Join us for a conversation with Roger Hudson, co-founder of New Story Spokane, a non-profit organization committed to promoting a more nonviolent culture and sustainable ways of living. Through rejecting old stories of fear, aggression, and violence, and embracing a new story of hope and love, New Story Spokane is inspiring change in the Inland Northwest. In this episode, Roger shares how the Seve...

Join us on this episode of the Rocks To Roots podcast as we welcome Elyse Hochstadt, the founder of Spokane Zero Waste. Since its inception, the organization has been dedicated to creating sustainable systems that produce little to no waste through policy change. In this episode, Elyse shares about the importance of reducing textile waste, building a circular economy, and creating a healthier plan...

On this episode of Rocks To Roots, Hilary & Duane talk with McKenzie DonTigny of Billie's Diner, a new eatery in Airway Heights, WA, that takes a farmer-first and community-centered approach to its mission. McKenzie shares the inspiration behind her vision and the hard work that went into making it a reality.    

Vicki Carter, Director of the Spokane Conservation District, is back on the Rocks to Roots podcast! Vicki updates us on what the SCD (conservation district for short) has been up to for the last 3 years. There's so much packed into this episode. Join Hilary, Duane, and Vicki as they talk, about the yearly Tree Sale, what's going on at the new SCD campus, the various projects they are curre...

In this podcast recorded at the Farm and Food Symposium on November 5th, we interviewed authors David Montgomery and Anne Bikle (What Your Food Ate), Spokane Conservation District’s Bio Farming Manager, Scott Gail and David Knaus from Apical Labs to discuess nutrient density in food and why we should care.

This episode of Rocks to Roots features Stephanie Watson, Program Director for River City Youth Ops here in Spokane. This important program creates opportunities for youth enrichment in their neighborhood through community engagement, job training, and education. Tune in to learn about their current programming, community partners, and how you can get involved!

On this episode of Rocks to Roots, we talk to Keynote Speaker for the Farm and Food Symposium, Rick Clark! Rick talks about his regenerative farming operations and what he has prepared to discuss at this year's conference. We also talk to the Spokane Conservation Districts BioFarming Managers to learn about the mission of the conference and other stand-out features they are excited to present at t...

To kick off Season 5, we sit down with Kara Odegard, the City Council Manager of Sustainability Initiatives to discuss the Spokane Sustainability Subcommittee. Kara talks to us about how this volunteer committee was formed, the work that went into updating the cities Sustainability Action Plan, and the importance of having a Sustainability Action Plan for our community.

In this episode of the Rocks to Roots Podcast, we speak with Paul Buckland, Forest Resource Manager for Inland Empire Paper. Paul talks to us about the history of Forestry at IEP and information about the land the mill owns and operates. He also gives us some insight into his management and sustainability philosophy.

Meet your new favorite local farmer, Whitney Jacques! Whitney is the owner and operator at Verdant Hare a farmstead here in Spokane, WA. We discuss the in’s and out’s of her farm including the animals she raises, the education and consulting services she provides, and the regenerative ag practices she has chosen to implement to grow great food.

Meet Crystal Priel, Owner/Operator of The Plant Project, a plant retail store that provides a great selection of quality houseplants and hand-mixed soils in the heart of Spokane! Crystal talks to us about what it took to make her dream of owning a plant retail store a reality and what aspects of her shop make it stand out amongst the rest.

Four years ago, Well Grown Farms was just a small hobby farm. Today it is a profitable, well-established business that put microgreens on the local food scene map. Owner, Jacob Schmauch sits down to discuss the road to getting his business off the ground and his product into some of the most well know restaurant establishments here in the PNW.

Meet Environmental Manager Doug Krapas of Inland Empire Paper Company in Millwood! Doug walks us through IEP's circles of sustainability and the company's commitment to preserving and enhancing natural resources and minimizing the impact of its operations on the environment.

In this episode, we sit down with current President, Matt Velasco and past President, Cathi Lamoreux of the Master Gardeners Foundation of Spokane County. We discuss the foundation's role in sustaining ongoing Master Gardener programs including their Annual Garden and Plant Sale happening on Mother's Day weekend!

Let's talk fungi! Meet Krysta Froberg, owner, and operator of Happy Mountain Mushrooms. Krysta talks to us about the emergence of her business, what it takes to manage a mushroom farm, and why mushrooms are taking over the wellness space.

This episode was suggested by one of our listeners! We sit down with Kyle Merritt, SpokaneScape Coordinator with the City of Spokane. Kyle tells us all about the SpokaneScape turf replacement program and other ways local residents can make water-conscious adjustments to reduce their water usage and associated costs.