Critical Root Zone

This is the round you've all been waiting for: where shit gets DEEP! Cameron from Ounce of Hope and CRZ Host Maris talk about democracy, how to have meaningful conversations and be heard when you have ideas about controversial topics. This episode is real asf and will get you pumped UP! Follow @criticalrootzone and @ounce_of_hope_901 on IG

Cameron Heil from Ounce of Hope introduces various products created from their aquaponic cannabis farm and how the process supports the quality they guarantee.   Check out ounceofhope.com and fishpoop.com for more info!

After getting the full scope on Cameron and how he nailed his dream job at Ounce of Hope, Maris dives deeper into the Critical Root Zone and uncovers why this cannabis company is so unique and important to sustainability. Cameron talks about their vision for the company, how they chose their team of rockstars and explains the way aquaponic farming works. All super crucial aspects of regenerative farming, circular systems, and sustaining life FOR ALL.   ENJOY FAM!

WE ARE BACK ON CRZ!   What do farming, agriculture, fish poop, and cannabis have in common? Listen in and find out! So happy to be back and doin this with you guys again! -BIG LOVE, @themarisvibez

Love Yourself Love Others Love the Planet Follow on IG: @rasjaffeejudah @recyclereinvest @bang4liberation @themarisvibez @criticalrootzone LINKS: website: https://www.rasjaffeejudah.com/ Produced at Elm Hill Studios in Nashville TN, USA

This episode is a SPECIAL one where I get to interview my best friend, the artist REDD. This woman is my A1- a no BS baddie- who got it out the Dirt ;) We have a freakin RIVETING conversation; sharing parts of our stories, life lessons, friendship, consciousness and MORE. (I may have shed a tear in this one) How are these things connected to sustainability you might ask? OK I'll say it again: In order to love the Planet, we must seek to love each other and in order to love each other, we must FIRST love OURSELVES (mic drop). Follow us on IG: REDD @TheArtistREDD  MARIS @themarisvibez Check out Redd's Music on all platforms!!! Latest single out now "DIRT" LOVE YALL ~theMarisvibeZ - HOST of CRZ

Energy 360 Episode 4 with Professor Dodd Galbreath“We have to be willing to tax ourselves to fix the problem” - Professor GalbreathIn this final episode of the Energy series, Maris and Dodd talk Energy full circle. Energy on a macro level. Energy on a micro level. Dodd gives us 3 ways YOU can make a difference as an individual. He also explains what TVA is in Tennessee and how other places in the country have their energy grids set up. Hear what Dodd has to say to our call-in questions from Tracy, Margaret, and Grant from Nashville TN! LINKS:Follow us on Instagram! @themarisvibez @criticalrootzone Email CRZ at criticalrootzone@gmail.comDodd BIO: https://www.lipscomb.edu/directory/galbreath-doddLipscomb Sustainability Program: https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/programs/sustainability-ms-certificateDodd Lifetime Achievement Award: https://www.chattanoogan.com/2020/7/24/412522/Dodd-Galbreath-And-Bobby-Fulcher.aspxEPISODE CONTRIBUTORS: Host & Content Creator: Maris MasellisGuest Speaker: Dodd Galbreath Elm Hill Studio Productions: Erin Pennington & Stuart Deming 

Professor Dodd Galbreath started the Sustainable Institute of Sustainability at Lipscomb University and has a wide range of expertise and experience! During this series you'll find:Episode 1: Breaking Ground & getting to know Dodd on a personal level.Episode 2: Digging Deeper into Energy and the Fundamentals of Fossil Fuels.Episode 3: Into the Zone of GREEN ENERGY & its challenges.Episode 4: In the Critical  Root Zone: How does it all tie in together? (Next release Jan 26th 9a Central) LINKS:Follow us on Instagram! @marisvibez @criticalrootzone Email CRZ at criticalrootzone@gmail.comDodd BIO: https://www.lipscomb.edu/directory/galbreath-doddLipscomb Sustainability Program: https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/programs/sustainability-ms-certificateDodd Lifetime Achievement Award: https://www.chattanoogan.com/2020/7/24/412522/Dodd-Galbreath-And-Bobby-Fulcher.aspxEPISODE CONTRIBUTORS: Host & Content Creator: Maris MasellisGuest Speaker: Dodd Galbreath Elm Hill Studio Productions: Erin Pennington & Stuart Deming 

Episode 1 - Breaking Ground: get to know my guest, the "God" of sustainability,  Dodd GalbreathEpisode 2- Getting Deeper: FOSSIL FUEL FUNDAMENTALS- Why is C02 bad???Episode 3- Into the Zone:  GREEN ENERGY (Release Jan 19th 9a Central)Episode 4- Critical Root Zone: WHY DOES IT ALL MATTER? HOW DOES THIS AFFECT US? (Release Jan 26th 9a Central)LINKSFollow us on Instagram! @marisvibez @criticalrootzone @lipscombuniversity @galbreathdoddEmail CRZ at criticalrootzone@gmail.comDodd BIO: https://www.lipscomb.edu/directory/galbreath-doddLipscomb Sustainability Program: https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/programs/sustainability-ms-certificateDodd Lifetime Achievement Award: https://www.chattanoogan.com/2020/7/24/412522/Dodd-Galbreath-And-Bobby-Fulcher.aspxEPISODE CONTRIBUTORS: Host & Content Creator: Maris MasellisGuest Speaker: Dodd Galbreath Elm Hill Studio Productions: Erin Pennington & Stuart Deming  

Breaking Ground with Dodd Galbreath Energy Series Episode 1“The Little Things Matter”In this Series, Maris and Professor Dodd Galbreath talk about Energy, Faith, and Life. Professor Galbreath is a man of many backgrounds who shares his story of how he became interested in teaching others about maintaining and taking care of our Planet.LINKS:Follow us on Instagram! @marisvibez @criticalrootzone Email CRZ at criticalrootzone@gmail.comDodd BIO: https://www.lipscomb.edu/directory/galbreath-doddLipscomb Sustainability Program: https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/programs/sustainability-ms-certificateDodd Lifetime Achievement Award: https://www.chattanoogan.com/2020/7/24/412522/Dodd-Galbreath-And-Bobby-Fulcher.aspxEPISODE CONTRIBUTORS: Host & Content Creator: Maris MasellisGuest Speaker: Dodd Galbreath Silver Johnson: Content CreationElm Hill Studio Productions: Erin Pennington & Stuart Deming 

In this Episode 4 of People and Planet, Reggie explains how trauma affects all people and how they view the world, a very important concept if we wish to work together and organize efficiently to create LONG LASTING IMPACTFUL CHANGE! Critical Root Zone Podcast's People and Planet series is just the beginning!!  Maris, Howard Gentry and Reggie D. Ford bring a CRITICAL element to the forefront: inequality, racism and trauma will keep humans from uniting as one people to face the climate crisis together. Listen. Watch. Open your Heart. We are more POWERFUL when we stand UNITED. LINKS & INFO:Support Reggie's book! “PTSD: Perseverance Through Severe Dysfunction: Breaking the Curse of Intergenerational Trauma as a Black Man in America”Quotes from “My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Mending of Our Bodies and Hearts” by Resmaa Menakem Follow Maris and Reggie on Instagram! @marisvibez @reggiedfordEmail CRZ at criticalrootzone@gmail.comFor more info on our amazing Production Team: XPLR.NASH: https://www.xplrnash.com/about EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS: Host & Content Creator: Maris MasellisGuest Speaker: Reggie D. FordContent Creation: Silver JohnsonContent Production: Erin Pennington & Stuart Deming at XPLR Studio Productions

Zoning In with Reggie Ford: How does an unjust system affect our environmental crisis?“It is the unjust system of discrimination on the basis of race, that permeates every crevice of our society dating back to the founding of America.”If  people do not have the basic rights that we all deserve, how can we care about the environment? The conversation of People and Planet continues with Maris and best-selling author Reggie D. Ford. LINKS:Follow Maris and Reggie on Instagram! @marisvibez @reggiedfordEmail CRZ at criticalrootzone@gmail.comEPISODE CONTRIBUTORS: Host & Content Creator: Maris MasellisGuest Speaker: Reggie D. FordContent Creation: Silver JohnsonContent Production: Erin Pennington & Stuart Deming at XPLR Studio Productions

In the second episode of the People and Planet Series, Howard breaks down what it means to be a Criminal Court Clerk and how his experiences growing up in North Nashville have shaped him to do the job he does today. But what does being a CCC and sustainability have to do with one another you might ask? Tune in to find out! Follow Maris on Instagram! @marisvibez Wanna be a guest on Critical Root Zone? Have a question or story to share? Email CRZ at criticalrootzone@gmail.com EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS: Host & Content Creator: Maris, Writer, Speaker & ActivistGuest Speaker: Howard Gentry, Criminal Court Clerk of Davidson CountyContent Creation: Silver JohnsonProduced & Edited by: Erin Pennington & Stuart Deming at XPLR Studio Productions 

Episode 1 of People and Planet Series: Breaking Ground with Howard GentryHi! Hello, my name is Maris and welcome to my show, Critical Root Zone. In this first episode of People and Planet, we hear from a man that IS black history here in Nashville Tennessee. Follow along as we hear  how his heart was transformed from meeting long lost relatives that were created during the slavery days. Howard Gentry was the first African American elected county wide, the first African American Vice Mayer and the first  African American constitutional officer in Nashville Tennessee. He shares the story of living through segregation and desegregation into the man he is today and how it all links back to saving our People and Planet.In order to love the planet, we must love each other and if we seek to love each other, we must first love ourselves.  LINKS:More about Howard→ https://ccc.nashville.gov/howard-gentry/What is Critical Race Theory? → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_race_theoryFollow Maris and Howard on Instagram! @marisvibez @Email CRZ at criticalrootzone@gmail.com EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS: Maris: Host & Content CreatorHoward Gentry: Guest Speaker Silver Johnson: Content CreationErin Pennington & Stuart Deming at XPLR Studio Productions: Content Production

“It's not an issue, Cannabis is a unifier” … “As we work together we see positive benefits” - Derek BeseniusCan you imagine a world where all plants are free? A world where all people stand united? Derek and Maris envision this world together, wrapping up the Cannabis series with more insight on legislation that needs to come about and how far we have actually come! A special thanks to all the Cannabis guests in this series!! Thank you Sarah, Derek and Frederick for sharing your knowledge and experience on Critical Root Zone podcast!LINKS:Follow Maris and Derek on Instagram! @marisvibez @derplux @labcannaeast @labcannaEmail CRZ at criticalrootzone@gmail.comCheck out Labcanna→ www.labcanna.comCheck out the map of legalization→  https://disa.com/map-of-marijuana-legality-by-stateJust some facts from the WHO to think about→https://www.who.int/news/item/21-09-2018-harmful-use-of-alcohol-kills-more-than-3-million-people-each-year--most-of-them-menEPISODE CONTRIBUTORSMaris Masellis: Host & Content CreationDerek Besenius: Labcanna CEOSilver Johnson: Content CreationXPLR Studio Productions:  Erin Pennington & Stuart Deming

Zoning Into the SCIENCE of Cannabis Sativa with Sarah Besenius Episode 3 of 4Zoning Into the SCIENCE of Cannabis Sativa with Sarah Besenius Episode 3 of 4 Have you always wondered what the difference between CBD and THC is? Which one is made from hemp? Which one is psychoactive?? What the heck is a cannabinoid?!WHY IS THIS SO CONFUSING?! (probably because of prohibition since the 1970s…refer to Episode 1-2)Maris and Sarah zone into the SCIENCE behind the healing plant and dig deeper into the social reform needed to properly legalize everywhere. They also discuss common misconceptions and even review some Labcanna products!“Decriminalization is really just reconciling with the past” -Sarah Besenius“It's so over-complicated and convoluted when we could just legalize the plant and regulate the plant rather than creating all these weird loopholes and complications.” - Sarah BeseniusLINKS:Follow Maris and Sarah Besenius on Instagram! @marisvibez @saycannon @labcannaeastEmail CRZ at criticalrootzone@gmail.comLabcanna East: https://labcanna.com/labcanna-east/DONATE to Last Prisoner Project: https://labcanna.com/product/last-prisoner-project-donation/Health Benefits of THC: https://news.green-flower.com/articles-health-benefits-of-thc/Schedule 1-5 Drugs: https://www.duffysrehab.com/resources/articles/schedule-of-drugs/EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS: Maris Masellis: Host & Content CreationLabcanna East COO: Sarah BeseniusSilver Johnson: Content CreationXPLR Studio Productions:  Erin Pennington & Stuart Deming

Digging Deeper into the Cannabis Plant with Frederick Cawthon Episode 2 of 4“We would not be a country without our farmers” -Frederick CawthonFrederick shares his personal connection with Cannabis and how he became the President of the Hemp Alliance of Tennessee! Maris and Fred get spiritual talking about how Cannabis HEALS with the many cannabinoids that we now know exist! They discuss the Farm Bill of 2023, the upcoming Hemp Expo in Nashville and the challenges of industrial farming vs sustainable, regenerative farming! Keep listening to get the full scope on the policy of the plant and the full spectrum of cannabinoids from Labcanna East's Sarah and Derek Besenius.LINKS:Instagram! @criticalrootzone @marisvibez @frederickcawthon Hemp Alliance of TN: https://www.yourhat.org/Southern Hemp Expo: https://www.southernhempexpo.com/Cannabinoid Wheel Chart  (google images) EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS: Maris Masellis: Host & CreatorPresident of the Hemp Alliance of Tennessee: Frederick CawthonSilver Johnson: Content CreationXPLR Studio Productions:  Erin Pennington & Stuart Deming

Breaking Ground: Cannabis Sativa with Frederick Cawthon Episode 1 of 4“There's no way we can heal the Planet without healing her people, and hemp plays a strategic role in that ” -Frederick CawthonMaris and Frederick expose their electric connection and the story of how this plant brought them together! This episode reveals different truths about the Cannabis plant, its history and various applications. Tune in to get a taste of what's to come in this series!LINKS:Instagram! @criticalrootzone @marisvibez @frederickcawthon Hemp Alliance of TN: https://www.yourhat.org/YOUTUBE EDUCATION / SOURCES:Evo hemp: Hemp Basics: What is Hemp?Our Changing Climate: Why this Plant Could Save the WorldTEDx Talks: Hemp holds the key to a sustainable future /  Amy AnselEPISODE CONTRIBUTORS:Host & Creator: Maris MasellisPresident of the Hemp Alliance of Tennessee: Frederick CawthonContent Creation: Silver JohnsonXPLR Studio Productions:  Erin Pennington & Stuart DemingEmail CRZ at criticalrootzone@gmail.com with your feedback, questions or ideas about future series! 

In the Critical Root Zone with TN House Rep. Bob Freeman Episode 4 of 4“We should not be presented with bad choices” - TN House Rep. Bob FreemanMaris is jacked up on energy drinks while Bob talks the T R U T H about how hard it is to change policy but how important it is that we try! They tie everything back into sustainability and how to positively engage people in being a part of the solution. Have the conversation and get more people engaged!Run for office!  VOTE!We might not be able to change policy overnight but each and every action counts. The whole point of this series is to motivate listeners/viewers to not give up! “Everybody has a stake in this and everybody needs to be involved” -B. FreemanLINKS:Follow Maris and Bob on Instagram → @marisvibez @jrfreemaShare your stories & ideas → email Maris at criticalrootzone@gmail.comSupport Bob Freeman → https://www.facebook.com/VoteBobFreeman/Check out these documentaries on Netflix: 1) Seaspiracy 2) Kiss the GroundEPISODE CONTRIBUTORS: Maris Masellis: Host & Content CreationHouse Representative Bob Freeman: Guest Speaker Silver Johnson: Content CreationXPLR Studio Productions:  Erin Pennington & Stuart Deming

Zoning In on VOTING with TN House Rep. Bob Freeman Episode 3 of 4“We get the power back when we have every single person who can vote turning out to vote” - TN House Rep. Bob FreemanMaris and Bob crack open the voting process, how the system works and where to get started. What's the most important thing to know with an election coming up? How do you get your voice heard? “First and foremost, VOTE!” Not everyone has the ability to vote or access to the resources that others have and for that reason we must exercise the rights we do have! We can't let wealthy interest groups make us feel powerless and swing elections. This episode has CRUCIAL info that will motivate you to get up and VOTE!  You definitely don't want to miss this! LINKS:Follow Maris and Bob on Instagram → @marisvibez @jrfreemaShare your stories & ideas → email Maris at criticalrootzone@gmail.comSupport Bob Freeman → https://www.facebook.com/VoteBobFreeman/Register to vote and research your legislators → www.headcount.orgThe New Jim Crow Book by Michelle Alexander → https://www.secondsale.comEPISODE CONTRIBUTORS: Maris Masellis: Host & CreatorHouse Representative Bob Freeman: Guest Speaker Silver Johnson: Content CreationXPLR Studio Productions:  Erin Pennington & Stuart Deming

Digging Deeper with TN House Rep. Bob Freeman Episode 2 of 4BILLS BILLS BILLS!“How do we get from DESIRE and ACTION to PASSION?” -MarisHave you ever wondered how a Bill becomes a law? Where do these bills originate and how do they get passed? Did you know that you can visit your representatives at the Capitol to discuss what's important to you? Where does one get started??? In this episode Maris and Bob Dig Deeper into the Critical Root Zone, discussing how bills are created and processed as well as ways to become more engaged and educated on these topics. Bob shares his personal experience and ideas with Maris and what's REALLY going on when our lawmakers are “in-session” here in Tennessee and around the country! LINKS:Follow Maris and Bob on Instagram → @marisvibez @jrfreemaShare your stories & ideas → email Maris at criticalrootzone@gmail.comSupport Bob Freeman → https://www.facebook.com/VoteBobFreeman/ WAYS TO GET INFORMED:https://www.dosomething.org/us/articles/how-to-prepare-for-the-polls-as-a-first-time-voterhttps://www.headcount.orghttps://sos.tn.gov/govotetn (Tennessee specific) Episode Contributors:Maris Masellis: Host & Content CreationHouse Representative Bob Freeman: Guest Speaker Silver Johnson: Content CreationXPLR Studio Productions:  Erin Pennington & Stuart Deming

Breaking Ground with TN House Rep. Bob Freeman Episode 1 of 4 “If you are not voting, you are letting someone else make that decision for you…you can complain but complaining about it after the fact is not effective. You gotta be a part of the process” -Bob FreemanOn this first episode of the Policy + Sustainability Series, we get to know Tennessee House Representative Bob Freeman, a TN native that shares a passion for the Planet and the People enough to run for office to make sure that we are being heard and protected. In this series we talk about life and government, the process of how bills are made and how important policy is to create lasting and impactful environmental change! LINKS:Follow Maris and Bob on Instagram → @marisvibez @jrfreemaShare your stories & ideas → email Maris at criticalrootzone@gmail.comSupport Bob Freeman → https://www.facebook.com/VoteBobFreeman/Learn more about the Nashville Sexual Assault Center → https://sacenter.org/ Episode Contributors: Maris Masellis: Host & Content CreationTennessee House Representative Bob Freeman: Guest Speaker Silver Johnson: Content Creation & WordsmithXPLR Studio Productions:  Erin Pennington & Stuart Deming (Elm Hill Studios, Nashville TN)

In the Critical Root Zone: Reduce & Reuse vs Recycle Episode 3 of 4Why does packaging fall on the consumer when we did not ask for these materials to be created? How do we get producers to be held more responsible for the trash they create? Maris talks to Kristen about different ways to reduce and reuse material before throwing it "away" (throwback to ZWTT first episode) and how Maris really feels about buying new shiny sh*t! Yea its fun to shop but do you really NEED it? Getting things second hand and thinking of necessity over want is a great way to do what YOU can when trying to save the planet and the human race! Wait til the end to find out how the name CRZ evolved and what it means! Follow Maris and Kristen on Instagram!! @kwesterbeck @marisvibez Email CRZ at criticalrootzone@gmail.com Episode Contributors: Maris Masellis: Host & Content CreatorKristen Westerbeck: Guest Speaker Silver Johnson: Content CreatorXPLR Studio Productions:  Erin Pennington & Stuart Deming

Zoning In: Measuring Carbon Emissions: Who's Really Doing it All? Episode 3 of 4Did you know that there are specific ways you can measure emissions? Kristen explains what scope 1, 2 and 3 are and why scope 3 is the most important and challenging! Companies are trying to do the "right" thing when it comes to being sustainable but they're all doing it differently. Maris and Kristen compare the scopes and what consumers should know about these different sustainability reports! Nike Impact Report: https://purpose.nike.com/fy21-nike-impact-reportScope 1, 2 & 3 Emissions explained: https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/what-are-scope-1-2-3-carbon-emissionsFollow Maris and Kristen on Instagram: @marisvibez @kwesterbeckEmail CRZ at criticalrootzone@gmail.comEpisode Contributors: Maris Masellis: Host & Content CreationKristen Westerbeck: Guest Speaker Silver Johnson: Content CreationXPLR Studio Productions:  Erin Pennington & Stuart Deming  

Digging Deeper with Kristen, NIKE & Sustainability Episode 2 of 4 "Without a world, we don't have business and we definitely don't have sports...Nike very much has grasped this respect the Planet, protect the Planet in order to have fun" - K. Westerbeck How can we be responsible consumers? What did Kristen learn in her internship with NIKE? As Kristen and Maris get deeper into the zone, they talk about buying from companies that are talking the talk and walking the walk (reducing, reusing and recycling), how we all are responsible for leading by example and using your voice to hold others responsible. Check out NIKE sustainability: https://www.nike.com/sustainability/ Be inspired by Phil Knight's "Shoe Dog" Buy on https://www.thriftbooks.com/ for as little as $6 used!Follow Maris and Kristen on Instagram!! @kwesterbeck @marisvibez Email CRZ at criticalrootzone@gmail.com Episode Contributors: Maris Masellis: Host & Content CreationKristen Westerbeck: Guest Speaker Silver Johnson: Content CreationXPLR Studio Productions:  Erin Pennington & Stuart Deming

Breaking Ground with Kristen Westerbeck Episode 1 of 4 Part SeriesMaris introduces Kristen Westerbeck, long-time friend and sustainable guru. They share their story of how they met, their connection with zero waste and Kristen's future employer that some of you might know as... NIKE. Maris and Kristen discuss "How we can make a difference" in our personal lives and looking at the bigger picture! Be inspired as they as they go into the Critical Root Zone and detail their series ahead on CRZ! To watch on YOUTUBE please search : Critical Root Zone Sustainable companies Maris & Kristen recommend in Nashville, TN! Jackalope Brewing Company, Nashville TN https://jackalopebrew.com/ IG: @jackalopebrewThe Good Fill, Nashville TN https://thegoodfill.co/  IG: @thegoodfillTurnip Green Creative Reuse Nashville TN https://www.turnipgreencreativereuse.org/ IG: @turnipgreencreativereuseStrings for Hope Nashville TN https://stringsforhope.com/ IG: @stringsforhope Follow Maris and Kristen on Instagram!! @kwesterbeck @marisvibez Email CRZ at criticalrootzone@gmail.comListen to Maris's first podcast with Michael and Jess:  Zero Waste Trash TalkMore on How to start composting! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8MrM8JHs7I&t=10sEpisode Contributors: Maris Masellis: Host & Content CreationKristen Westerbeck: Guest Speaker Silver Johnson: Content CreationXPLR Studio Productions:  Erin Pennington & Stuart Deming  

GET READY TO RUMBLEEEEEEE