The Regenaissance Podcast

Ranch 5 baby. This one was really cool. Julie has great energy and speaks to some of most important issues surrounding regenerative farming. Enjoy!Follow the tour liveJulie Friend is a first-generation farmer who left city life in Chicago to return to her family's land in western Maryland and build a regenerative livestock operation from the ground up. Her journey began with a personal health shift and quickly evolved into a deep commitment to ecological farming and ethical animal care.Wildom Farm raises grass-fed beef and lamb, forest-raised pork, pastured poultry, and produces small-batch lard-based skincare. Focused on land regeneration, nutrient-dense food, and whole-animal use, the farm serves its local community through direct sales, farm dinners, and hands-on education.Key Topics:Julie's transition from urban business to regenerative farmingThe emotional complexity of raising and processing animalsWhole-animal use and on-farm value-adding (bone broth, lard, hides)The economics and realities of small-scale food productionWhy local sourcing and consumer education matterTimestamps:[00:00:00] Why “normal” meat is expensive—and what feedlots distort[00:06:30] Discovering regenerative agriculture through Whole30[00:08:30] Leaving Chicago and returning to steward family land[00:17:00] First animal slaughter and why it never gets easier[00:21:00] Whole-animal use: skincare, hides, and broth[00:27:00] The slow economics of beef and forecasting challenges[00:35:00] How to talk to your local farmer and ask good questions[00:43:00] The cost of organic feed vs. conventional operations[00:52:00] Why lard is uniquely suited for skincare[01:04:00] Advice for women in agriculture or looking to join[01:08:00] The emotional toll of farmingConnect with JulieWebsiteLardRegenerative MeatInstagramFollow the tour on YouTube

We enjoyed this one - Michael is a 1st gen farmer and quite literally started his operation boots on the ground. We get into it.  Michael Greco is the founder of Little O Ranch & Livestock, based in Saugerties, New York. A first-generation livestock producer, he leads a regenerative, holistic sheep operation in Hudson Valley. We unpack his philosophy, practices, and why he believes small-scale, community-connected farming is the future.Key Topics:Starting a first-gen livestock farm in the Hudson ValleyHolistic grazing practices and land stewardshipRaising sheep without grain, antibiotics, or chemical inputsBuilding a direct-to-consumer meat businessReconnecting people to land, food, and seasonal rhythmsTimestamps: 00:00 – Michael's background and how he got into farming 07:10 – Starting Little O Ranch and farming in Saugerties 14:22 – Why he raises sheep and how he manages them holistically 22:40 – Grazing strategy and avoiding grain, antibiotics, and chemicals 30:18 – What regenerative means to him on a practical level 36:47 – The business model: lamb shares, community dinners, selling direct 44:35 – The emotional and philosophical side of land stewardship 50:10 – Lessons from farming alone and the importance of observation 57:23 – Long-term vision and thoughts on food systems 1:04:00 – Final reflections on connection, trust, and land careConnect with Michael:WebsiteInstagram

Ranch 3. Wow. This episode is a must, must listen. An incredible perspective on farming, legacy, and what it takes to keep a farm in today's day and age. Enjoy, and share with a friend if this impacted you as well.  Brad Wiley is a fifth-generation farmer at Otter Creek Farm in Pittstown, New York. He grew up working alongside his grandparents, parents, and sister, and today he stewards the land with a focus on diversification, sustainability, and family continuity. Brad is also a passionate local historian, with deep knowledge of his family's roots and the surrounding region.Otter Creek Farm is a 440-acre multigenerational farm in Pittstown, NY, with 200 tillable acres, 100 pasture acres, and 140 woodland acres. A former dairy farm (1937–2018), it now raises pastured poultry, pigs, grass-fed cattle, and turkeys, and hosts a 20-acre chestnut orchard run by Breadtree Farms.Key Topics:Brad's early memories on the farm and changes across generationsThe decision to end dairy and shift toward grass-fed/regenerativeNavigating family legacy, land succession, and identityThe role of history, community, and storytelling in farm lifeThe deeper “why” behind keeping Otter Creek alive and resilientTimestamps:00:00 – Brad's roots: five generations on Otter Creek 06:15 – The end of dairy and what came after 11:45 – Transitioning to diversified livestock and pasture 17:30 – Navigating family dynamics and succession 25:10 – The history of Rensselaer County agriculture 31:40 – Balancing conviction with economic reality 37:00 – What stewardship means in practice 41:50 – Staying rooted in place while adapting over time 47:30 – What drives him to keep farming 54:20 – The daily grind: routine, rhythm, and responsibility 1:01:10 – Supporting the next generation without control 1:10:40 – Climate, weather, and shifting environmental patterns 1:18:30 – What “regeneration” means—and doesn't mean—to Brad 1:25:15 – Scale, off-farm income, and staying afloat 1:35:00 – Language, marketing, and the limits of “regenerative” 1:41:50 – Consumers, transparency, and false expectations 1:50:40 – Final thoughts: continuity, hope, and what enduresConnect with Brad:Website 

Elizabeth Collins is a first-generation farmer co-running Otter Creek Farm with Brad Wiley. Originally from Cincinnati, she moved from Lexington, KY, and now leads the farm's livestock, regenerative operations, and Graceful Acres Farmstay.Otter Creek Farm is a 440-acre multigenerational farm in Pittstown, NY, with 200 tillable acres, 100 pasture acres, and 140 woodland acres. A former dairy farm (1937–2018), it now raises pastured poultry, pigs, grass-fed cattle, and turkeys, and hosts a 20-acre chestnut orchard run by Breadtree Farms.Alrighty, ranch 3!Today we speak to Elizabeth Collins. Elizabeth has an amazing story of how she battled the odds to become a farmer at age 40. We discuss:How Elizabeth became a farmer in her 40s after a life in business and food advocacyThe role of grants and how they enable regenerative agriculture to surviveWhy she opposes USDA slaughter rules and advocates for humane, on-farm killsThe legacy of Temple Grandin and how autism helped redesign slaughter systemsWhy she nearly became vegan—and how Cowspiracy gets regenerative farming wrongAre co-ops viable, and what lessons she learned from working with oneWhat regenerative ranching really means to her, and how she's living itTimestamps00:00 – Why Elizabeth rejects USDA slaughter and does on-farm kills 00:30 – Her awakening to food, fat, and the broken health narrative 11:15 – Selling a business and moving north: the midlife pivot 15:30 – Lessons from a failed co-op and how the system is broken 19:40 – The visceral moment she knew she needed to farm 26:15 – Interning at 40 and what the 22-year-olds taught her 33:30 – Are co-ops viable in regenerative ag? 40:30 – Grants as a lifeline for regenerative farms—and why they're vanishing 45:00 – Legal barriers and values behind her small-scale slaughter model 50:40 – Temple Grandin and the redesign of humane slaughter 1:09:00 – Cowspiracy and why it's irrelevant to regenerative farming 1:13:30 – Why she nearly became vegan, and why it didn't work 1:20:30 – Why she can't legally sell her own meat in her farm store 1:26:15 – What regenerative ranching truly means to ElizabethConnect with Elizabeth!Website Come Stay At Otter Creek...Instagram

Onto the 2nd ranch of our U.S Ranch and Farm Tour, where we are on a on a 6-month tour across America, we're visiting regenerative farms to podcast with ranchers, tour their land, document their work, and shake the hand that feeds us. Today's episode is with Maple Syrup rancher, Jacob Powsner. Jacob is great value. He absolutely loves maple syrup, which just makes the conversation that much better. He's living his dream. Alas, we do a total expose on everything Maple Syrup - super fascinating stuff. Enjoy!Jacob Baird is part of the fourth generation running Baird Farm, a 560-acre maple syrup operation in Vermont. In this episode, Jacob and Ryan dive into the full story behind maple syrup—how it's made, what separates the real from the fake, and why so many food labels today are built on confusion. From the misuse of terms like “natural” and “regenerative,” to the nutritional power of real syrup and the policies shaping food transparency, this is a candid conversation about what honest food really takes.Key topics:- How real maple syrup is made—from forest to sugarhouse- The difference between real and fake maple products- Why “natural,” “organic,” and “regenerative” labels often mislead- The nutritional and environmental case for real maple syrup- Small farms vs big food: marketing, policy, and system captureTimestamps:00:00 – “When you eat good food, you connect to the land” 03:30 – The 100-year family history of Baird Farm and the shift from dairy to maple 06:00 – How 15,000 trees are tapped and managed across the Vermont woods 09:00 – What makes real maple syrup: process, purity, and organic practices 12:30 – The truth about fake syrup, flavoring loopholes, and deceptive labels 16:00 – The “natural flavors” problem and how big food co-opts language 19:00 – Why regenerative is at risk of being greenwashed 22:00 – Health benefits of real maple syrup: minerals, glycemic load, and antioxidants 25:00 – Why maple syrup protects land from development and deforestation 28:00 – How big players are consolidating the maple industry and what's at stake 31:00 – Jacob's vision for small, intentional growth and honest food systemsConnect with Jason & Baird Farm:WebsiteInstagram

We thought it would be silly whilst on Gunthorp Farms to not interview Greg's son, Evan, who is not only carrying the torch when it comes to regenerative farming for the next generation, he's driving the fire truck, saving the babies from balconies, and putting out the fires that conventional meat processing (meat arsonists) create every day.  Evan's incredibly smart and I learnt a tonne in this hour. If you want to hear from one of the bright young ranchers thinking clearly on how to sustain & grow a regenerative farming culture in America, and the good bad and the ugly that comes with that mission, I couldn't recommend this pod enough. Evan Gunthorp is the son of Greg Gunthorp and part of the next generation stewarding the legacy of Gunthorp Farms—an independent, pasture-based livestock operation in Indiana. In this episode, Evan shares his firsthand experience growing up immersed in regenerative agriculture, from raising thousands of chickens as a child to managing their USDA-inspected processing plant and pioneering solar grazing operations. This is a candid look at what it takes to sustain a farm across generations, the realities of small-scale meat production, and the cultural forces shaping our food future.We cover:- Growing up on a regenerative farm: chickens, responsibility, and early exposure to death and food- Running a USDA processing plant and the emotional, ethical, and logistical complexities of meat production- The labor crisis in farming and processing: challenges, insights, and systemic reflections- Solar grazing as an ecological and economic solution for land-locked farmers- What keeps Evan going despite the industrialization of agriculture and cultural disconnection from foodTimestamps:00:00 – Growing up Gunthorp: childhood on a working farm 04:30 – Killing animals young: what that teaches about food and respect 10:00 – Early responsibility: raising 3,000 chickens at age 7 14:30 – Running a USDA processing plant as a teenager 20:00 – Why most Americans shouldn't be allowed to eat meat 25:30 – Labor, dignity & depression inside meat processing 32:00 – The promise and pitfalls of solar grazing 39:30 – Can pasture-raised pigs scale across the U.S.? 45:00 – Pork, parasites & why store-bought meat makes people sick 50:00 – What keeps Evan going in a system stacked against himConnect w Evan & Gunthorp farms:WebsiteInstagramFacebook

Regenaissance community! It's been a month since our last episode, and we apologize for the absence. The reason for our pending silence we can finally share... we have have just embarked on a 6-month tour across America, we're visiting regenerative farms to podcast with ranchers, tour their land, document their work, and shake the hand that feeds us.So, starting from today's episode, we'll be recording and dropping episodes live as we're travelling through each farm. The cadence will be loose (as we go essentially) and the focus will be on telling the stories of these farmers and doing our best to connect our community with them. We're so pumped to begin this journey - so please if you enjoy the content, share it with a friend and let them know about this tour. As far as we know, we don't think a farm podcast tour has been done on this scale before!The tour begins in northeast Indiana at Gunthorp Farms—a vertically integrated, pasture-based livestock farm run by Greg Gunthorp and his family. Greg has been raising pigs for over four generations, and he's seen firsthand how industrialization decimated independent hog farming. In this episode, Greg contrasts his approach to animal husbandry and food ethics with the commodified logic of Big Pork. From breed selection to federal corruption, this is a deep dive into the systems behind your food—and what it takes to build something better.Key Topics Discussed:Why Greg breeds “all-purpose” pasture pigs—and how that clashes with industrial pork geneticsThe death of the independent hog farmer and the rise of vertically consolidated meatpackersHow 37 plants process 96% of U.S. pork—and why that's both efficient and catastrophically fragileProp 12, public gaslighting, and why most “ethical pork” labels are meaninglessWhat it really costs to raise, slaughter, and distribute pork ethically—and why few are willing to do itTimestamps:00:00 – Intro to the tour & visiting Gunthorp Farms 04:00 – Greg's breeding philosophy vs industrial pig genetics 10:00 – How vertical integration wiped out small hog farms 16:00 – Why 96% of pork runs through 37 plants 20:00 – What Prop 12 changed—and didn't 26:00 – The illusion of ethical meat at the supermarket 30:00 – True costs of pasture-raised pork 35:00 – Corruption inside USDA and meat inspection 45:00 – How Greg fought back—with help from Thomas Massie 55:00 – Final reflections on reform, resilience, and local foodConnect w Greg & Gunthorp Farms:WebsiteXInstagramLinkedin

Ann & Weldon Warren are regenerative ranchers and founders of Holy Cow Beef, a Texas-based operation producing 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef with a focus on clean food, animal welfare, and soil health.They share their powerful journey from suburban Dallas and high-stress finance to a regenerative ranching life rooted in clean food, community, and faith. After a health crisis forced them to reevaluate everything, the Warrens rebuilt their life around ancestral practices—raising grass-finished cattle, stewarding land, and helping others reconnect with where their food comes from.Key topics:A stroke that sparked their move from city life to ranchingTheir shift from chemical-heavy ag to regenerative cattle ranchingHealing through clean food and ancestral practicesUSDA label corruption and the collapse of the grass-fed standardWhy food security starts with knowing your rancherWebsiteInstagramBuy Holy Cow BeefX

Radius Butcher & Grocery is one of the most ambitious grocery experiments in America—blending beauty, transparency, and ethical sourcing into a bold new model for local food systems.Kevin, the founder of Radius, joins me today to discuss transforming the grocery store experience by combining the abundance of farmers markets with everyday convenience. Radius sources locally from Texas farms, prioritizing nutrient-rich, flavorful, and sustainably produced foods.I loved this episode, and learned a heap. Hope you all do to. We discuss on the podcast:How Radius is redefining grocery shopping with fresh local produce available daily.Overcoming the limitations of traditional farmers markets through consistent availability and comprehensive product offerings.The hidden complexities and innovations behind sourcing genuinely local, high-quality foods.Navigating customer expectations around price and educating consumers on the value of sustainably farmed produce and meats.Why embracing seasonal diversity and high standards for animal welfare and farming practices is crucial to the future of food systems.Radius WebsiteRadius InstagramKevin X

Daniel Spitzbergen of Sustainable Natural Foods joins me today to debunk myths around Wagyu beef, share the reality of ranch life, and reflect on faith, fatherhood, and food sovereignty. Based in Oregon, Sustainable Natural Foods is a family ranch raising full-blood Wagyu with a focus on land stewardship, animal welfare, and world-class genetics.Key Topics:Wagyu beef myths, health claims, and breed misconceptionsWhy hands-on experience matters more than viral misinformationDaniel's journey from missions work to running a Wagyu operation in OregonInvolving kids in ranch life and building character through real workFaith, family, and the deeper meaning behind food productionWebsiteInstagram

Trevor Gibbs is a hunter, cook, and founder of Man Bar—a slow-fermented, high-fat meat stick made from regenerative bison and beef. In this episode, we unpack what hunting really is—beyond the stereotypes—and why it matters for food, land, and culture. Trevor shares how his views evolved from being vegan to harvesting his own meat, and what hunting taught him about responsibility, respect, and community.Key Topics:- Trevor's first hunting experience and what went wrong- The emotional weight of taking a life and doing it with respect- How hunting ties into regenerative agriculture and land care- The wild hog problem in Texas and why lethal control is necessary- Building Man Bar, a high-fat, fermented bison and beef stick made for real nourishmentMan Bar InstagramMan Bar Website

I sat down with cattle rancher Shad Sullivan to unpack the Maud family case—an explosive story of generational ranchers wrongly charged with land theft. Shad walks me through the full timeline, the grassroots fight to overturn it, and the deeper threat facing landowners, food freedom, and liberty across the West.Key Topics:The full story of the Maud family's legal battle and how it was overturnedHow unelected bureaucrats and federal agencies threaten private property rightsWhy land access and ranching are central to food and national securityThe spiritual and cultural war at the heart of America's agricultural crisisWhat it takes to revive ranching, build legacy, and defend liberty on the landXFacebook

A healthy nation is dependent upon healthy soil. This is what Eric and his family believe, a legacy that lives through Eric's work at Deep Roots Living Soil. From horse bedding to worm castings, Eric explains how thermophilic composting revives microbial life and how soil can be a tool for healing, sovereignty, and regeneration.Key Topics:How Eric returned home to carry on his father's composting legacyWhy thermophilic composting creates biologically rich, living soilThe role of worm castings in boosting microbial life and plant healthHow horse stables became a source of regenerative soil inputsReimagining compost and landscaping as tools for healing land and communityInstagramXWebsite

Casey is a fifth-generation rancher in Northern Arizona whose family has worked the same land for over 120 years. In this conversation, he explains how large-scale solar projects are threatening local ranchers and reshaping the landscape. He shares stories from his family's history, the role of trading posts with the Navajo and Hopi, and what it takes to keep ranching alive in tough country.Key Topics:The threat of industrial solar on public and private landsRanching in extreme conditions: drought, range management, and cultureArizona's lost homesteads and surviving family legaciesTrading post history and Navajo relationsA call to keep ranching alive across generationsCasey Murph X

JR Burdick tells the story of how his family lost their dairy farm during the 1980s farm crisis—and how they eventually got back on the land. He shares what it was like growing up in the barn, watching his dad rebuild from nothing, and later taking over the operation himself. This episode dives into the realities of co-ops, milk pricing, and the shift from conventional to regenerative dairy.Key Topics:How the 1980s farm crisis wiped out thousands of dairiesThe rise and fall of dairy co-ops in AmericaFirst-hand stories from three generations of family farmingIndustrial agriculture vs. integrity in milk productionRebuilding through faith, grit, and regenerative valuesNourishing Family Farms WebsiteNourishing Family Farms FacebookJr Burdick's X

Agronomist Joe Ailts dives deep into the secrets of soil biology and regenerative practices that could revolutionize crop production, reduce chemical inputs, and restore land health.Key topics discussed:The hidden power of soil microbes and their potential to transform agriculture.Practical regenerative practices for transitioning conventional farmers.Cover cropping strategies and their real-world impacts on yield and soil health.The complex debate around herbicide usage, glyphosate, and the future of weed management.Using soil testing and biological treatments to maximize plant productivity naturally.Ailts Agronomy XAilts Agronomy Website Ailts Agronomy Facebook 

In this episode, I sit down with regenerative farmer Jason Mauck to explore how nature—not tech—is the true path to solving modern crises, reclaiming food, land, and life through design, experimentation, and reconnection.Key topics discussed:Why returning to nature is the only viable answer to modern systemic breakdownsHow intercropping, alley cropping, and relay cropping redefine agricultural efficiencyThe economic and infrastructural roadblocks to decentralizing meat and food systemsHow parenting, entrepreneurship, and food sovereignty intersect on a modern farmPractical pathways for reconnecting to nature—starting with a houseplantJason Mauck X

Katie's ostrich farm in British Columbia fights federal agencies seeking to cull 400 healthy ostriches in an effort to shut down groundbreaking research into natural antibodies and sustainable agriculture.Key topics discussed:- Ostrich antibodies for human health and disease prevention- Partnership with Japan's Dr. Sakamoto and global patents- COVID-era suppression of immune-based research- Government culling orders and legal pushback- Threats to natural immunity, food sovereignty, and farm independenceSave Our Ostriches:WebsiteDonateInstagramX RumbleUpdates + Additional Info

Trent Loos, a sixth-generation rancher, explores critical challenges and opportunities in agriculture today.Key topics discussed:Corporate influence and data privacy in farmingControversial USDA poultry practicesExperiences from ranching and veteran advocacyNavigating equipment challenges, particularly John DeereBuilding resilient, community-based food systemsTrent's WebsiteTrent's XTrent's Podcast

Jeff Murphy, a fifth-generation Kansas farmer, shares his shift from industrial ag engineer to regenerative practitioner. From feedlot lagoons to heritage grains, he unpacks the true cost of “efficiency” and why rebuilding local, chemical-free food systems is the future. A raw, personal look at legacy, land, and doing things differently.Murphy Generation Farms Website Murphy Generation Farms Instagram

Today I talk with Jesse Konig about building a better fast food system—one without shortcuts, seed oils, or mystery meat. From pandemic pivots to CPG disruption, we try and explore what it really takes to bring integrity to fries and burgers.Jesse & Ben's websiteJesse's InstagramJesse's X

Jack Zwart, known as Rust Belt Kid, is a regenerative farmer with deep roots in the industrial heartland. We talked about his journey returning to farming, the intersection of manufacturing and agriculture, and his passion for regenerative practices. It was inspiring to discuss how personal and regional histories shape our relationship with farming and the land.Rust Belt Kid on X 

Greg Gunther is a farmer and processor who has navigated immense challenges and successes in agriculture. We talked about his journey through the hog market crash of the 90s, building a USDA-inspected processing plant on his farm, and the importance of small-scale processing and direct-to-consumer marketing. To speak with someone deeply experienced in farming and committed to inspiring future generations in agriculture was fascinating and insightful. Gunthorp Farms WebsiteGreg's Instagram

I genuinely have loved every single episode that I have recorded thus far. That being said, this has been my favorite for a multitude of reasons, including:- What orthomolecular farming is and why they chose this type of farming- How their soy-free eggs allowed a 3 year old to consume eggs without going into septic shock like he normally would- Beauty of raw milk- Faith and farming- Growing up on a farm and first butchering experience- The need for a decentralized food system- Much more in this 90 minute episode!Helios TwitterHelio Website

Sam from Sweetwater Farm & Ranch Co returns for another episode where we talk about California Proposition 12, raising pigs in CAFOs (concentrated animal fedding operation) vs pasture raised, trying to sell to local restaurants, and what the future of raising pigs could look like in America where the industry is very centralized. Sweetwater WebsiteSweetwater IG

Hannah Gongola is a first-generation farmer and cheesemaker. We talked about what made her want to take the path she has taken, including some interesting stories of how her agricultural experiences have impacted her life. This was a fun one speaking with someone from the younger generations, especially given the average age of a farmer is nearly 60 years old.Hannah's IG

Kenan alongside his brother, started Acorn Bluff Farms, where they raised an interesting and hairy breed of pig, Mangalica. We covered what this breed of pig is and why those chose it, the massive problems we face in the pig industry, and how they fit well into the farming ecosystem.Acorn Bluff Farms WebsiteAcorn Bluff Farms IGAcorn Bluff Farms Twitter

Mark McAfee of Raw Farm returns to the podcast to talk on what exactly happened that forced him to quarantine the farm and stop production for 6 weeks. We then what makes raw milk such liquid gold.First episode with MarkRaw Farm WebsiteRaw Farm IG

Judith McGeary is an attorney, activist, sustainable farmer, and executive director of Farm & Ranch Freedom Alliance. This episode covered policy and law around agriculture. Farm & Ranch Freedom Alliance Website

Matthew is a first-generation farmer and homesteader and had the pleasure of talking about his journey and wanting to help others start their own farm/ranch/homestead. This is a great conversation for folks who have a desire to start producing their own food, no matter the size.Matthew's Twitter Which You Should FollowMatthew's Website

Had a great conversation with Natalie Kovarik, who grew up on a cattle ranch before deciding to pursue pharmacy where she experienced city life. She then moved to Nebraska with her husband, a rancher, and now works together at Kovarik Cattle Co and raising their family. In this episode we talked about:- Growing up on a ranch and moving to the city - Being a pharmacist before moving back to the country to start a ranch- Raising a family on a ranch and what that looks like for her children- What you may miss by living in a city your whole lifeNatalie Kovarik's IGNatalie Kovarik's WebsiteDiscover Ag IGKovarik Cattle Co IG

In this episode we talk all things financing in the world of agriculture with Brandon Welch from Mad Capital. Mad Capital is "The most flexible, transparent, and customized financing built exclusively for organic, regenerative, and transitioning farmers."Mad Capital Website

Rich Bradbury grew up on a regenerative farm before the term came to be. His parents were ahead of the curve and passed down their wealth of knowledge to Rich. Rich is not just a regenerative rancher but also a ranch broker and the president of Adel Water Improvement District. We talked on:- Having regenerative parents- What led him to starting Carn Grassfed Cattle- Living in Russia managing 4,000 head of cattle- Finding land to lease/buy

This is one of two episodes I have done so far with folks that were raised in the factory farming model, woke up to the reality of the industry, and made the change to regenerative. We talk about:- Whole world of factory farming and dealing with the biggest companies like Tyson- Learning about the destructive nature of it all- Switching to regenerative and thinking about food as medicine

Sam Moffet is a first-generation farmer. We talk about his story and what led to his big decision to leave the city and start a farm. Sam has quickly etched himself in the Austin community, working with another local farm to provide their products in two farm stores in the heart of Austin. What makes a nutrient-dense egg? Does color matter? Is farming worth the risk? Cover all of that in this episode.

Alexandre Family Farms has become a well-known dairy in America, providing A2/A2 Vat Pasteurized dairy in grocery stores nationwide.We talk about: - All things dairy- Raw v pasteurized- Family history behind the farm, - Why their milk tastes so dang good- Why plastic?- Making America Healthy AgainAlexandre Family Farms IGAlexandre Family Farms Website

Continuing the conversation with Justin Pettit from Santa Carota Beef, also sat down with Wesley from Frozen Logistics, which aims to provide a digital farmer's market through DeliveredCold. We talked about how farmers and ranchers can work together with Welsey as a way to provide your goods direct to consumer. Frozen Logistics/Delivered Cold is an incredible opportunity for a consumer to go online to their digital farmer's market, getting produce, meats, prepackaged foods, breads and baked goods, BBQ and cooked meats delivered straight to your door. It gives you a way to see full transparency, avoiding buying beef from the grocery store without a clue where it's from. Santa Carota WebsiteSanta Carota IGFrozen LogisticsDelivered Cold

I sat down in person with Justin Pettit of Santa Carota Beef, which has a wild back story including grandfather moving out west in the early 1900's, sleeping in a tent and starting his farm, dealing with Mexican cartels, leading up to the present day and much much more to the story.Santa Carota finish their cattle on....carrots. You read that right, carrots! They are next to some of the largest carrot producers in the world, upcycling the waste to feed Santa Carota Beef. We talk about how that works, the health of the animals and beef, the regenerative agriculture movement, and making America healthy again!Santa Carota WebsiteSanta Carota IG

Siete was all over the news recently when they sold their company to Pepsi Co for $1,200,000,000. This episode is about all things food manufacturing as it is a very messy industry, especially in America. Ingredients that are allowed in America but not anyone else, what do companies do to cut corners and increase their profit margins, and how can we trust a brand after selling? Cover all of that in this episode.

This conversation was all about supporting regenerative agriculture locally. How can we support our local farmers and ranchers while also providing a meal delivery service that does just that plus the meals actually taste amazing? That's SeasonsATX.Founders Jason & Jeremiah wanted to provide a meal delivery service that sources ingredients locally from regenerative farms and ranches. We dive into how they started the business and how we can better support the regenerative agriculture movement moving forward."Regenerative, Artisanal, Local FoodWe source our ingredients from local Texas farmers and ranchers who tend to their land and livestock using traditional techniques that support the environment, rather than degrade it. Once their harvest is in our hands, we strive to tend to it with as much care as they do. We make all of our dishes from scratch using nutrient-rich ingredients like fresh herbs, in-house rendered fats, sea salt, and slow cook bone broths. We choose to cook with filtered water and no seed oils."SeasonsATX SeasonsATX IG

Had the pleasure of sitting down in person with Kevin Silverman where we got to talk about all things carbon, utilizing modern technologies to enhance agriculture, regenerative agriculture principles, and hope for the future in agriculture.Kateri carbon - "We're producers & stewards implementing scientifically-backed grazing techniques that enhance soil health & carbon storage." Kateri website

America's total beef heard is now the lowest its been since 1949. AJ Richards came back on the show to talk about how that has happened and everything he is doing with From the Farm, which just recently launched with the aim of connecting producers and consumers in a digital farmer's market. From the Farm From the Farm IGAJ Richards IG

I sat down with Ecologist and Author, Mark Easter to discuss his new book, The Blue Plate. "Ecologist Mark Easter offers a detailed picture of the impact the foods you love have on the earth. Organized by the ingredients of a typical dinner party, including seafood, salad, bread, chicken, steak, potatoes, and fruit pie with ice cream, each chapter examines the food through the lens of the climate crisis. Gathered like guests around the table, here are the stories of these foods: the soil that grew the lettuce, the farmers and ranchers and orchardists who steward the land, the dairy and farm workers and grocers who labor to bring it to the table. Each chapter reveals the causes and effects of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the social and environmental impact of out-of-season and ar-from-home demand." Amazon The Blue Plate

Dan Kittredge is the founder of The Bionutrient Institute, an incredible organization studying soil health and nutrient density. He also grew up on a farm and has been involved in agriculture for most of his life. This was a great conversation talking about his journey leading up to starting The Bionutrient Institute, traveling the world visiting farms and ranches, food as medicine, soil health, and his research on nutrient density and what that entails. The Bionutrient Institute

Chef Mollie Engelhart is the founder of Sage Regenerative Kitchen & Brewery, formally known as Sage Vegan Bistro. She made the decision to switch from a fully vegan restaurant to a regenerative kitchen, including meats. In this episode we talk about her journey with all of this, the challenges she has faced and is currently facing, starting Sovereignty Ranch, and the current reality of regenerative agriculture. Is it working?As a former vegan myself, this was a conversation I have been really looking forward to. There is an alternative to factory farming, using and abusing animals and that is regenerative agriculture. Chef Mollie Engelhart IGSage Regenerative Kitchen & BrewerySage Regenerative Kitchen & Brewery IGSovereignty RanchSovereignty Ranch IG

Austin Allred comes from a strong lineage of farmers, including his extended family. This was a great conversation hearing the structure of his large family operation, how they use their skillsets for a certain aspect of the business.We also talked about operating a large farm, having to get creative to ensure soil health and provide healthy products, and using all of the cow manure to help fertilize their fields. This is a great episode to see a glimpse in a large, multi-generational farm.Royal Family Farming IG

Steven McBee is a farmer, rancher, helicopter pilot, and even has his own reality show on Peacock called The McBee Dynasty. This was a great and very candid conversation. Steven and his family oversee 40,000 acres of farm and ranchland. We talked about:-His father starting McBee Farm & Cattle Co-Quickly expanding to 40,000 acres-Issues that arise from trying to manage, scale, and make the large operation profitable-Transitioning to regenerative models-How we can come together to better agriculture as a whole-The McBee DynastyI really enjoyed this conversation because the one thing we the people cannot do is vilify every farmer and rancher that has been doing things conventionally. We will never make improvements or have folks wanting to be open to implementing regenerative methods if we cannot sit together at the table and have conversations.Steven McBee IGMcBee Farm & Cattle Co IGMcBee Farm & Cattle Co WebsiteThe McBee Dynasty TV Show

The most important podcast episode I have done thus far. Dustin Kittle is currently suing Joe Biden after going to hell and back with the US Farm Credit, the Farm Bureau, and the USDA. In this episode, he talks about the acts of treason committed by these organizations and the hell they have put Dustin through. He also grew up on a large poultry production farm in Alabama, where his father had 30,000 chickens raised for meat birds (broilers), and the experience working for one of the biggest poultry production companies. This barely scratches the surface of what Dustin discussed in this episode, and there will be a part two.TwitterDustin's website

This is a rather unique episode but also why I love the world of agriculture, so much goes into it! TJ, founder of ACTS Decentralized Real Estate is building homestead/farming/ranching communities throughout America. If you have ever thought about "getting off the grid" or building your own homestead or ranch, then this is the episode for you. We cover:-The whole program TJ provides, from reserving your parcel of land, to the actual finances of it all, what to expect when building your home and layout of your property, and much more!ACTS Decentralized WebsiteACTS Decentralized IG

As an official sponsor of MMA athlete Bryce Mitchell, I was fortunate enough to visit his farm and do the podcast in person. Bryce, who fights in the featherweight division, is also a first-generation farmer. We dive into why he made that decision, his plans with the farm, and why he wants to help educate America and the world on agriculture.Bryce Mitchell Instagram

In this episode we talk all things bison! Cody has an awesome story to share:Growing up on a farmThen diving head first into the bison world, learning as much as he couldWorking on his first bison ranch, eventually working with his own small herd thereHelping start Force of Nature's Roam Ranch in Fredericksburg, Texas with the founders of EPICWorking with the great Nicole MastersAnd we talked on the history of bison and why they are so great for our land! I really enjoyed this one considering bison is the main logo for this brand.Cody Spencer's Website