Rocks To Roots

In this episode of  Rocks to Roots , Hilary and Duane sit down with Frankie Browning of Browning Beef to talk about what it means to raise cattle in a way that prioritizes healthy land, healthy animals, and healthy food. A first-generation rancher, Frankie shares her journey from teaching and living abroad in Japan to building a thriving grass-fed beef operation just south of Spokane. Along the wa...

In this episode of Rocks to Roots , Hilary and Duane sit down with Mary Bishop, owner of All Things Regenerative, to explore how regenerative practices and permaculture can help homeowners, gardeners, and communities create healthier landscapes and stronger connections to the land. Mary shares her journey from a 25-year career in education to becoming a passionate advocate for regenerative living....

In this special live episode of Rocks to Roots , Hilary and Duane record from the Scale House Market’s one-year anniversary celebration and sit down with Brittany Tyler and Rachael Gewock, the visionaries behind one of Spokane’s most unique local food hubs. Inspired by a mission to strengthen local food systems and support small businesses, Brittany and Rachael share the story of how Four Roots ev...

In this episode of Rocks to Roots , Hilary and Duane sit down with Spokane native, educator, biologist, and Primal Survivor host Hazen Audel for a wide-ranging conversation about nature, storytelling, conservation, and the power of community.   From growing up across the street from Manito Park to living alongside Indigenous communities, Hazen shares the experiences that shaped his lifelong connec...

In this episode of  Rocks to Roots , Hilary and Duane sit down with Jorge and Madyson of Casa Cano Farms to talk about their journey from high school sweethearts to first-generation farmers building one of Spokane County’s most inspiring local farms. The two share how a conversation in an AP Environmental Science class at Ferris High School planted the seed for what would eventually become their f...

In this episode of Rocks to Roots , Hilary and Duane sit down with Josh Riddle of Farm It for a grounded and motivating conversation about what it means to farm with the future in mind. Josh shares his journey from farming alongside his grandfather and dad to now embracing regenerative agriculture on his own land. They talk about the shift from traditional methods to innovative practices like cove...

In this episode of Rocks to Roots , Hilary and Duane sit down with Michael Townshend of Wildland Cooperative for an inspiring conversation about the challenges and rewards of running a regenerative farm on Green Bluff, Washington. From cultivating vegetables and Christmas trees to brewing beer and building a community hub, Michael shares the mission behind Wildland Co-op and the values that guide...

In this fiery and flavorful episode of Rocks to Roots , Hilary and Duane bring you along for a live podcast recording at Spokane’s first-ever Spice Fest at Scale House Market. From basement-grown ghost peppers to bold bottles on local shelves, hot sauce maker John Zagajeski of Elixir Hot Sauce shares the story behind his small-batch success. Learn how collaborations with Vets on the Farm and Wild...

Originally recorded at the 2021 Farm & Food Symposium , this special panel brings together four influential voices to explore the importance of nutrient density in our food and why it should matter to all of us — farmers, consumers, and everyone in between. Moderated by Hilary Gonzalez of the Spokane Conservation District, this conversation features: David Montgomery & Anne Biklé , authors...

We’re back! Rocks to Roots returns for its 8th season, and we’re kicking things off with a powerful episode hosted by Hilary Gonzalez & Duane Zbranek. In this conversation, our hosts sit down with Randy Johnson of Johnson’s Homestead to talk about legacy, land, and local food. From taking over the family farm as a teenager to building a community-centered business, Randy shares his journey thr...

In this Rewind episode, we revisit one of our most inspiring conversations — with John Edmondson , Director of Growing Neighbors , a Spokane-based initiative rooted in the belief that food, farming, and friendship can transform communities. Originally aired on October 6, 2021 , this episode explores how Growing Neighbors is turning neighborhood yards into thriving farm plots, building hyper-local...

To kick off our Rocks to Roots Rewind Series , we’re going all the way back to where it started — Episode 1 with Vicki Carter, Director of the Spokane Conservation District. In this conversation, recorded during the wild and unpredictable summer of 2020, Vicki shares the history of the Conservation District, its impact across Spokane County, and her bold vision for the future of land stewardship i...

After a year full of life changes, late nights, and a lot more coffee, Rocks to Roots is back! In this bonus comeback episode, Hilary and Duane reunite in the studio to catch up on everything from becoming new parents (hello nap time!) to launching small businesses, teaching college classes, and expanding conservation programs across Spokane County. They reflect on what it means to return to the m...

Sam Kalk owns Dryland Revival, a business he started to help educate homeowners on how to adopt sustainable and regenerative land practices. Whether you have a sprawling back 40 or a cozy backyard, Sam shares the principles of regenerative landscaping, including building healthy soil, protecting pollinators, and using local materials. Sam's journey began in Austin, Texas, but he found his call...

Bird enthusiasts and conservationists alike will find inspiration in the latest episode of the Rocks to Roots podcast, brought to you by the Spokane Conservation District. This episode shines the spotlight on the Spokane Audubon Society, featuring in-depth conversations with Shenandoah Marr, Outreach Coordinator, and Madonna Luers, a dedicated board member. Together, they offer a fascinating glimp...

In this episode of Rocks to Roots, we sit down with Hope Helms, the Executive Director of Greenplay Northwest, a Spokane-based nonprofit that transforms early childhood education through nature immersion programs. Hope shares Greenplay Northwest’s innovative approach, which operates outdoor preschools for children aged 3-6.  Hope delves into the joy and fun of nature immersion, explaining how chil...

In this episode of Rocks to Roots, we chat with Katherine Alexander of Soil Smart, Soil Wise, a leader in regenerative living and conservation in Spokane. Catherine's journey from an RV traveler to an advocate for sustainable urban living is both inspiring and informative. She shares her expertise on biochar and compost, revealing their potential to revolutionize urban landscapes by enhancing...

Join us for a special episode of Rocks to Roots as we talk about the Spokane Conservation District's visionary project, Scale House Market at the Quarry, with Vicki Carter, Executive Director of the SCD, and Brittany Tyler of Four Root Farms. This project, born from a collaboration between SCD and Four Root Farms, promises to redefine the local food landscape while nurturing community, conserv...

Join us on "Rocks to Roots" as we talk with Mason Neil, the Youth Environmental Specialist at the Spokane Public Library. In this episode, we will discuss how the library is transforming into a hub for community involvement and environmental stewardship and share inspiring insights into its engaging environmental education programs. Under Mason's guidance, the library is now a vibran...

Join us for an inspiring episode of the "Rocks to Roots" podcast as we sit down with Hailey Lampe, a passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture and sustainable living. Although Hailey didn't grow up on a farm, her journey from the suburbs of Salt Lake City to her current role as a steward of the land and sea is nothing short of remarkable. Through her experiences as an intern o...

Join us on "Rocks to Roots" as we talk with Salmon Safe’s Farm Program Manager Brian Muegge. In this episode, he will share Salmon Safe’s pivotal role in conservation and sustainable agriculture. From its origins as a spinoff from the policy-focused nonprofit Pacific Rivers to its current efforts in promoting sustainable land management practices, Salmon Safe stands at the forefront of s...

Join us for an insightful episode of Rocks to Roots as we sit down with Jack Nisbet, an acclaimed author and historian based right here in Spokane. Matt Stewart, Arborist and Quarry Stewardship Coordinator from the conservation district joined us in interviewing Jack, adding valuable insight to the conversation. Jack has delved deep into the human and natural history of the Pacific Northwest throu...

Rocks to Roots is back for an exciting Season 7 with special guests Jule Schultz and Katelyn Scott, from the Spokane Riverkeeper organization. Join hosts Hilary and Duane as they explore the vital conservation initiatives led by the Spokane Riverkeepers, emphasizing community involvement in cleanup projects, the legal framework safeguarding water quality, and upcoming events like the Earth Day cle...

In the season 7 opener of the 'Rocks to Roots' podcast, hosts Hilary Gonzalez & Duane Zbranek from the Spokane Conservation District reflect on the podcast's evolution since beginning during COVID in 2020. Now boasting over 72 episodes, the podcast has broadened its focus from agriculture to encompass a wide array of conservation and community topics, including local food systems a...

Welcome to another episode of Rocks to Roots; our guest today is Aimee Shields of Old Barn Blooms, who is the heart and soul behind this blossoming farm. Aimee's story is one of passion and connection with the land. It all started with her desire to spend more time in nature and her love for dahlias, which quickly became a full-blown obsession. From two tiny flower beds in a Spokane city lot,...