Kiss the Ground w/ Ryland Engelhart

Welcome everyone to another episode of Kiss the Ground. Today's guest is a very fun guy, Dr. Michael Amaranthus, a USDA forest service soil ecologist who retired from the USFS to start his own biotech company called Mycorrhizal Applications. Mycorrhizal is a relationship between fungi and plants to increase water and nutrients to the plant while providing carbohydrates to the fungi. Today, Michael is here to chat about his journey to discovering the benefits of fungi, what this process looks like, and how it can affect climate change.

Welcome everyone to another episode of Kiss the Ground. Today's guest is a very fun guy, Dr. Michael Amaranthus, a USDA forest service soil ecologist who retired from the USFS to start his own biotech company called Mycorrhizal Applications. Mycorrhizal is a relationship between fungi and plants to increase water and nutrients to the plant while providing carbohydrates to the fungi. Today, Michael is here to chat about his journey to discovering the benefits of fungi, what this process looks like, and how it can affect climate change.

Randall Poster is an American music supervisor and a longtime collaborator with film director Wes Anderson. For anyone not familiar with what a music supervisor does, he's the person who selects the songs to play during a movie, television show, or commercial. Some of Randall's credits include “Skyfall,” The Wolf of Wallstreet, and “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” Randall recently collaborated with Kiss the Ground on a new project called “Home in This World: Woody Guthrie's Dust Bowl Ballads.” It's a track-by-track recreation of Guthrie's 1940 “Dust Bowl Ballads” album, a collection of songs about the economical hardships of the Great Depression. Randall recruited a diverse group of artists to revamp the tracks on the record while maintaining the same message: Take care of the earth before it's too late.

Randall Poster is an American music supervisor and a longtime collaborator with film director Wes Anderson. For anyone not familiar with what a music supervisor does, he's the person who selects the songs to play during a movie, television show, or commercial. Some of Randall's credits include “Skyfall,” The Wolf of Wallstreet, and “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” Randall recently collaborated with Kiss the Ground on a new project called “Home in This World: Woody Guthrie's Dust Bowl Ballads.” It's a track-by-track recreation of Guthrie's 1940 “Dust Bowl Ballads” album, a collection of songs about the economical hardships of the Great Depression. Randall recruited a diverse group of artists to revamp the tracks on the record while maintaining the same message: Take care of the earth before it's too late.

Today's guest is Autumn Smith, a mother, co-founder of Paleovalley, certified eating psychology coach, former fitness trainer, yogi, and all-around wellness warrior. She started Paleovalley with her husband Chas, his brother Matt and their good friend Matthew after suffering from acute digestive issues since she was a kid. Together, they discovered that good food is truly the key to thriving health, a revelation they were determined to share with the world. Paleovalley creates products free from problematic ingredients and only includes ingredients to help you feel your best. Today, Autumn is here to discuss her dietary journey, the vital role food plays in our mental health, and how regenerative agriculture is imperative to gain the nutrients needed to stay tuned. Eat well. And live vibrantly. Interested in grabbing some Paleovalley's superfood products? Get 15% off your next order using the code: KTG 

Today's guest is Autumn Smith, a mother, co-founder of Paleovalley, certified eating psychology coach, former fitness trainer, yogi, and all-around wellness warrior. She started Paleovalley with her husband Chas, his brother Matt and their good friend Matthew after suffering from acute digestive issues since she was a kid. Together, they discovered that good food is truly the key to thriving health, a revelation they were determined to share with the world. Paleovalley creates products free from problematic ingredients and only includes ingredients to help you feel your best. Today, Autumn is here to discuss her dietary journey, the vital role food plays in our mental health, and how regenerative agriculture is imperative to gain the nutrients needed to stay tuned. Eat well. And live vibrantly. Interested in grabbing some Paleovalley's superfood products? Get 15% off your next order using the code: KTG 

Today Ryland chats with Stephen Brooks, a self-trained ethnobotanist and an eco-community creator. Alongside his father Norman, Stephen has created several ecological communities in Costa Rica like Punta Mona, Alegria Village, and La Ecovilla, just to name a few. Stephen's communities have touched the lives of thousands of visitors and students, and even made an appearance in the Netflix show “Down to Earth” with Zac Efron.

Today Ryland chats with Stephen Brooks, a self-trained ethnobotanist and an eco-community creator. Alongside his father Norman, Stephen has created several ecological communities in Costa Rica like Punta Mona, Alegria Village, and La Ecovilla, just to name a few. Stephen's communities have touched the lives of thousands of visitors and students, and even made an appearance in the Netflix show “Down to Earth” with Zac Efron.

Onda is a regenerative hemp and herb company dedicated to using regenerative agriculture to create the cleanest possible plant medicine. Onda's CEO, Stephen explains the diverse uses of the hemp crop, how he kickstarted his company, and how he keeps their farming values a top priority while running his business.  You can find our collaboration product here: https://ondawellness.com/content-mint/

Onda is a regenerative hemp and herb company dedicated to using regenerative agriculture to create the cleanest possible plant medicine. Onda's CEO, Stephen explains the diverse uses of the hemp crop, how he kickstarted his company, and how he keeps their farming values a top priority while running his business.  You can find our collaboration product here: https://ondawellness.com/content-mint/

Alice Waters is the chef and founder of Chez Panisse, a restaurant in Berkley, California famous for creating the farm-to-table experience, and her work with the Edible Schoolyard Initiative and her own School Lunch Initiative has served as an inspiration to many. She even inspired Michelle Obama's White House organic vegetable garden program. Today, Alice is here to chat about her trip to France that sparked her love for food, how that led her to open a restaurant that serves organically and regeneratively grown produce, and her life-long efforts to inspire others to rethink their relationship with food. You can find a list of her books here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/75571/alice-waters/

Alice Waters is the chef and founder of Chez Panisse, a restaurant in Berkley, California famous for creating the farm-to-table experience, and her work with the Edible Schoolyard Initiative and her own School Lunch Initiative has served as an inspiration to many. She even inspired Michelle Obama's White House organic vegetable garden program. Today, Alice is here to chat about her trip to France that sparked her love for food, how that led her to open a restaurant that serves organically and regeneratively grown produce, and her life-long efforts to inspire others to rethink their relationship with food. You can find a list of her books here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/75571/alice-waters/

Today we chat with Joseph Brinkley, the director of vineyard operations and regenerative farming at Fetzer vineyards. We've been serving Bonterra Wine at our events for the past 8 years. Joseph joins us to talk about the process, benefits, and environmental impacts of biodynamic farming.

Today we chat with Joseph Brinkley, the director of vineyard operations and regenerative farming at Fetzer vineyards. We've been serving Bonterra Wine at our events for the past 8 years. Joseph joins us to talk about the process, benefits, and environmental impacts of biodynamic farming.

Ray Archuleta is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with the Soil Science Society of America and has over 30 years of experience as a Soil Conservationist, Water Quality Specialist, and Conservation Agronomist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). During his tenure with the NRCS Ray served in New Mexico, Missouri, Oregon, and North Carolina. He is often referred to as the "Minister of Soil" and was the star of our feature-length documentary film. Please enjoy this episode.

Ray Archuleta is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with the Soil Science Society of America and has over 30 years of experience as a Soil Conservationist, Water Quality Specialist, and Conservation Agronomist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). During his tenure with the NRCS Ray served in New Mexico, Missouri, Oregon, and North Carolina. He is often referred to as the "Minister of Soil" and was the star of our feature-length documentary film. Please enjoy this episode.

John Kempf is an entrepreneur, speaker, podcast host, and teacher. He is passionate about the potential of well managed agriculture ecosystems to reverse ecological degradation. It is John's mission to have these regenerative models of agriculture management become mainstream globally by 2040. In addition to being a grower, John is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture, Crop Health Labs, Ozadia, and the Regenerative Agriculture Academy. He hosts the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, where he interviews top growers and scientists about the principles and practices of implementing regenerative agriculture on a large scale.

John Kempf is an entrepreneur, speaker, podcast host, and teacher. He is passionate about the potential of well managed agriculture ecosystems to reverse ecological degradation. It is John's mission to have these regenerative models of agriculture management become mainstream globally by 2040. In addition to being a grower, John is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture, Crop Health Labs, Ozadia, and the Regenerative Agriculture Academy. He hosts the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, where he interviews top growers and scientists about the principles and practices of implementing regenerative agriculture on a large scale.

Darren J. Doherty, CPAg (AIA) is a farm planner who is the founder of Regrarians Ltd. and the Regrarians Platform®—the world's most comprehensive agroecological landscape, enterprise, and training framework. Since 1993, Darren has worked with ten's of thousands of people around the world and since 2004 has been a key figure in introducing regenerative agriculture to many continents, most notably with his 'Soil, Water & Carbon for Every Farm' (2007), 'Carbon Farming and Economy' (2008/9), RegenAG® (2010/11) and REX® (2016-19) world tours. •BUY the Regrarians eHandbook Chapter by Chapter •BECOME a Discovery, Foundation, Planner Member

Darren J. Doherty, CPAg (AIA) is a farm planner who is the founder of Regrarians Ltd. and the Regrarians Platform®—the world's most comprehensive agroecological landscape, enterprise, and training framework. Since 1993, Darren has worked with ten's of thousands of people around the world and since 2004 has been a key figure in introducing regenerative agriculture to many continents, most notably with his 'Soil, Water & Carbon for Every Farm' (2007), 'Carbon Farming and Economy' (2008/9), RegenAG® (2010/11) and REX® (2016-19) world tours. •BUY the Regrarians eHandbook Chapter by Chapter •BECOME a Discovery, Foundation, Planner Member

Josh Whiton is an eco-tech entrepreneur and social innovator helping to repair the Earth. His work has been designated by Fast Company as being among the most innovative companies in the world. Josh was also awarded a Global Impact Visa by the government of New Zealand and was named Champion of Change by the Obama administration. His latest planetary intervention is MakeSoil.org.

Josh Whiton is an eco-tech entrepreneur and social innovator helping to repair the Earth. His work has been designated by Fast Company as being among the most innovative companies in the world. Josh was also awarded a Global Impact Visa by the government of New Zealand and was named Champion of Change by the Obama administration. His latest planetary intervention is MakeSoil.org.

Tiffany Persons founded Tiffany Company Casting in 2005. She and her team provide commercial casting for some of the largest brands in the world: American Express, Google, AT&T, Nike, Apple, Washington Mutual, Facebook, Disneyland, Starbucks to name a few... Known for bringing joy, passion, and vulnerability to the advertising world, Tiffany is a champion for the beautiful communities of Sierra Leone. With unabashed enthusiasm and the collective generosity of so many, Shine On Sierra Leone has created groundbreaking education, healthcare, micro-loans, sustainability, and agriculture programs. Most recently, she has joined the ranks of David & Goliath Ad Agency to recruit new and more diverse talent, as well as lead trainings on Black culture in media to change the conversation about minority groups in marketing at its root. Tiffany is currently based in Topanga Canyon in the Los Angeles area where she lives with her daughter and partner-in-joy, November. You can find more information on Tiffany here: http://www.suburbanoutlawproductions.com/reppins1/2019/11/3/reppin-15-tiffany-persons https://www.shootonline.com/node/85727 http://www.tiffanycompanycasting.com/about

Tiffany Persons founded Tiffany Company Casting in 2005. She and her team provide commercial casting for some of the largest brands in the world: American Express, Google, AT&T, Nike, Apple, Washington Mutual, Facebook, Disneyland, Starbucks to name a few... Known for bringing joy, passion, and vulnerability to the advertising world, Tiffany is a champion for the beautiful communities of Sierra Leone. With unabashed enthusiasm and the collective generosity of so many, Shine On Sierra Leone has created groundbreaking education, healthcare, micro-loans, sustainability, and agriculture programs. Most recently, she has joined the ranks of David & Goliath Ad Agency to recruit new and more diverse talent, as well as lead trainings on Black culture in media to change the conversation about minority groups in marketing at its root. Tiffany is currently based in Topanga Canyon in the Los Angeles area where she lives with her daughter and partner-in-joy, November. You can find more information on Tiffany here: http://www.suburbanoutlawproductions.com/reppins1/2019/11/3/reppin-15-tiffany-persons https://www.shootonline.com/node/85727 http://www.tiffanycompanycasting.com/about

Warfield Moose Jr. is an Oglala Lakota teacher, spiritual leader, and cultural historian from Pine Ridge, South Dakota. He was raised in a traditional Lakota way by his parents, Warfield Sr. and Norma Moose, and his grandparents on both sides. Warfield's life philosophy evolved from his family who spoke only Lakota in the home and passed along the culture, teachings, and traditions of the relatives who went before them. Please enjoy Ryland's Conversation with Warfield Moose Jr.

Warfield Moose Jr. is an Oglala Lakota teacher, spiritual leader, and cultural historian from Pine Ridge, South Dakota. He was raised in a traditional Lakota way by his parents, Warfield Sr. and Norma Moose, and his grandparents on both sides. Warfield's life philosophy evolved from his family who spoke only Lakota in the home and passed along the culture, teachings, and traditions of the relatives who went before them. Please enjoy Ryland's Conversation with Warfield Moose Jr.

Ahmed is the alchemist behind Numi's teas, creating unique, innovative, and delicious blends with his tea'm. Before co-founding Numi, he studied theater and psychology in New York City, then spent a decade living, working, and traveling in Europe as a professional filmmaker and photographer. He began designing teahouses in Prague, where he learned about tea's culture, ceremonies, and its many health benefits. He speaks English, Arabic, Czech, French, and German.

Ahmed is the alchemist behind Numi's teas, creating unique, innovative, and delicious blends with his tea'm. Before co-founding Numi, he studied theater and psychology in New York City, then spent a decade living, working, and traveling in Europe as a professional filmmaker and photographer. He began designing teahouses in Prague, where he learned about tea's culture, ceremonies, and its many health benefits. He speaks English, Arabic, Czech, French, and German.

John W. Roulac is the founder of RE Botanicals and Nutiva and 5 ecological nonprofit groups. He's written 4 books and is the co-producer of the film Kiss the Ground. You can read his latest article here.

John W. Roulac is the founder of RE Botanicals and Nutiva and 5 ecological nonprofit groups. He's written 4 books and is the co-producer of the film Kiss the Ground. You can read his latest article here.

While attending UC Berkely, friends Alejandro Velez and Nikhil Arora began growing organic mushrooms with coffee grounds only. Since then, they have launched America's #1 organic gardening company, Back to the Roots. Listen and enjoy Ryland's conversation with Alejandro Velez!

While attending UC Berkely, friends Alejandro Velez and Nikhil Arora began growing organic mushrooms with coffee grounds only. Since then, they have launched America's #1 organic gardening company, Back to the Roots. Listen and enjoy Ryland's conversation with Alejandro Velez!

Doniga Markegard is a rancher, author, wife, and mother. Doniga owns and operates Markegard Family Grass-Fed raising grass-fed beef, lamb, pastured pork, and dairy supplying the Bay Area with local, nutrient-dense foods. Her work expands beyond her family ranch into policy and advocacy. Thank you for listening to Kiss the Ground!

Doniga Markegard is a rancher, author, wife, and mother. Doniga owns and operates Markegard Family Grass-Fed raising grass-fed beef, lamb, pastured pork, and dairy supplying the Bay Area with local, nutrient-dense foods. Her work expands beyond her family ranch into policy and advocacy. Thank you for listening to Kiss the Ground!

In this episode of Kiss the Ground, Ryland has a conversation with his friend, Jeff Krasno. Jeff created the concept for Wanderlust, a series of large-scale events combining yoga & wellness with the arts. He founded Commune Media, an online learning platform for personal and societal well-being. In 2016, he was selected by Oprah Winfrey to be part of the SuperSoul100 as one of the nation's leading entrepreneurs. Ryland and Jeff dive into the past 18 months and how overcoming Covid and media-driven fear inspired new ideas exercised through writing. Listen and enjoy!

In this episode of Kiss the Ground, Ryland has a conversation with his friend, Jeff Krasno. Jeff created the concept for Wanderlust, a series of large-scale events combining yoga & wellness with the arts. He founded Commune Media, an online learning platform for personal and societal well-being. In 2016, he was selected by Oprah Winfrey to be part of the SuperSoul100 as one of the nation's leading entrepreneurs. Ryland and Jeff dive into the past 18 months and how overcoming Covid and media-driven fear inspired new ideas exercised through writing. Listen and enjoy!

Paul Hawken is an environmentalist, entrepreneur, author, and activist who has dedicated his life to environmental sustainability and changing the relationship between business and the environment. He is one of the environmental movement's leading voices and a pioneering architect of corporate reform with respect to ecological practices. His work includes founding successful, ecologically conscious businesses, writing about the impacts of commerce on living systems, and consulting with heads of state and CEOs on economic development, industrial ecology, and environmental policy. Paul is the founder of Project Drawdown, a non-profit dedicated to researching when and how global warming can be reversed. The organization maps and models the scaling of one hundred substantive technological, social, and ecological solutions to global warming.

Paul Hawken is an environmentalist, entrepreneur, author, and activist who has dedicated his life to environmental sustainability and changing the relationship between business and the environment. He is one of the environmental movement's leading voices and a pioneering architect of corporate reform with respect to ecological practices. His work includes founding successful, ecologically conscious businesses, writing about the impacts of commerce on living systems, and consulting with heads of state and CEOs on economic development, industrial ecology, and environmental policy. Paul is the founder of Project Drawdown, a non-profit dedicated to researching when and how global warming can be reversed. The organization maps and models the scaling of one hundred substantive technological, social, and ecological solutions to global warming.

Tashanda is an environmental educator cultivating a network of like-minded individuals, organizations, and activists eager to support the learning and growth of urban youth in Los Angeles, California. To date, Tashanda is applying innovative, relative place-based, project- and action-focused environmental education at Environmental Charter Middle School Inglewood as a Green Ambassadors Teacher. We hope you enjoy this episode of Kiss The Ground!

Tashanda is an environmental educator cultivating a network of like-minded individuals, organizations, and activists eager to support the learning and growth of urban youth in Los Angeles, California. To date, Tashanda is applying innovative, relative place-based, project- and action-focused environmental education at Environmental Charter Middle School Inglewood as a Green Ambassadors Teacher. We hope you enjoy this episode of Kiss The Ground!

Having grown up in extreme poverty in the Northern rainforest of Guatemala, Regi has committed his life to do whatever he can to ensure that he contributes to alleviating the conditions that create the same suffering for others, no matter where in the world they may be. To this lifelong and global task, he brings a boundless passion and a long history of entrepreneurship. Back in Guatemala before migrating to the US in 1992, he managed the marketing department for an organization that sold crafts from over 3,500 indigenous people from 42 communities. Once he arrived in the US, he started a few similar businesses and in 1995 started the process of founding, organizing, conceptualizing, and later launching and managing the start-up phase of Peace Coffee, one of Minnesota's premier fair-trade coffee companies. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Having grown up in extreme poverty in the Northern rainforest of Guatemala, Regi has committed his life to do whatever he can to ensure that he contributes to alleviating the conditions that create the same suffering for others, no matter where in the world they may be. To this lifelong and global task, he brings a boundless passion and a long history of entrepreneurship. Back in Guatemala before migrating to the US in 1992, he managed the marketing department for an organization that sold crafts from over 3,500 indigenous people from 42 communities. Once he arrived in the US, he started a few similar businesses and in 1995 started the process of founding, organizing, conceptualizing, and later launching and managing the start-up phase of Peace Coffee, one of Minnesota's premier fair-trade coffee companies. I hope you enjoy our conversation.