Hands in the Soil

Ian McSweeney is Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of The Farmers Land Trust. He has been recognized as a “40 under 40” leader in New Hampshire, selected to the Food Solutions New England Network Leadership Institute, and is an Ashoka Fellow. His life’s work is centered on the human connection to land and each other, framed through the understanding that food and agriculture are great separatin...

Since we often speak of the importance of soil health, let’s start with the fundamentals! In this mini episode, we explain a little bit about compost and fertilizer.  We explore questions like… What’s the difference between synthetic and natural?  What’s the best option for long term soil health?  Compost and fertilizer - are they the same?  Connect with Hannah on Instagram: @hannahkeitel

In today’s episode, we explore the concept of USDA Organic Certification. We often see the label at the grocery store, but what does it really say about the product being sold? And is it worth the extra cost? Some of what we discuss includes… The myth that organic farming means no use of pesticides The relationship between organic food and non-GMOs What kind of farming allows sewage sludge as fert...

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...

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 magi...

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 futur...

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 Esco...

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 conf...

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 carv...

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...

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 t...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Amy & Suju of Natural Earth Order Farm. I had the pleasure of meeting them on my recent trip through Nepal, and this conversation was recorded on their property! In this discussion, we hear about their story of coming together and starting to build their vision on their land. We explore the sacredness of food, and their mission to create a diverse ecosystem wh...

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Paul Fleischer, co-owner of The Fleischer Family Farm in Lakewood, Colorado. We explore his journey into food and agriculture, and how he went from a small backyard garden to a thriving 160-person CSA. We discuss the importance of soil health and how Paul has maintained the vitality of their soil throughout the years. We also talk about the growing struggle of l...

In today’s episode, I share the story of how this podcast came to be. I give you insight into my personal journey, starting with the ‘mysterious’ illness that led me to discover how food and agriculture impacts our lives in profound, but often invisible ways.  I came to learn that three of my biggest interests - environmental sustainability, health and wellness, and social justice - converged in o...