Tending the Garden: On the Sacred Duty of Stewardship w/ Guest Nick Hillman of Regenerative Ag Solutions

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John are joined by Nick Hillman, founder of Regenerative Ag Solutions, to explore the intersection of Orthodox Christianity & regenerative agriculture. They discuss the sacred relationship with the land, the importance of stewardship, & how modern agricultural practices have strayed from traditional wisdom.

Hillman shares his journey from conventional farming to regenerative practices, emphasizing the need for community involvement, & the spiritual dimensions of farming. The conversation also touches on the impact of synthetic fertilizers, the role of animals in agriculture, & the hope for a more sustainable future, as both producers & consumers become more conscious of the sources of their food.

Ultimately, Nick & the hosts leave us with a vision for an approach to health that integrates body, mind, & spirit... & soil, providing wisdom & practical tips you can start at home.

Takeaways:

• Creation isn't just scenery, it's sacred.
• We need to treat the soil with respect.
• Regenerative agriculture is about nurturing life.
• The consumer is becoming more conscious of food sources.
• Animals play a crucial role in sustainable farming.
• Faith informs our stewardship of the land.
• Community involvement enhances agricultural practices.
• Start small when beginning your gardening journey.
• Soil health is vital for nutrient-dense crops.
• The future of agriculture lies in regenerative practices.

• Orthodox Christianity offers a unique perspective on health and the environment.
• Regenerative agriculture focuses on healing the land & building ecosystems.

• NPK fertilizers can deplete soil health & nutrient availability.

• Home gardening can start small & grow over time.
• Food forests & permaculture principles promote biodiversity.
• Soil testing is essential for understanding soil quality & health.
• Community involvement in agriculture fosters connection & responsibility.

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to the Sacred Relationship with Creation

02:50 Nick Hillman's Journey into Regenerative Agriculture

07:28 The Impact of Soil Health on Nutrition

10:52 Understanding NPK & Its Origins

13:17 Chemical Inputs, Their Context & Consequences

16:20 The Philosophy of Stewardship in Farming

19:16 The Spiritual Connection to Agriculture

20:16 The Role of Animals in Agriculture

22:01 The Importance of Biodiversity in Farming

24:27 On the Importance of Starting Slow

28:11 Building a Food Forest

30:23 Nick Hillman's Homestead Rescue

33:38 Building a Self-Sustaining System

36:40 Fasts & Feasts in the Context of Agriculture

38:34 Community & Stewardship in Farming

41:53 Technology's Role in Modern Agriculture

45:24 Glyphosate & Its Impact on Health

50:54 Soil Testing: Understanding Your Garden

55:48 Hope for Sustainable Practices

01:02:05 The Renaissance of Holistic Understanding

01:05:23 Outro

Work with Dr. Mike: https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com

Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book

Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:

⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠