Regenerative by Design

Episode Overview: In this inspiring episode, Joni interviews Alejandro Carrillo, a rancher who has transformed the arid Chihuahuan Desert into a thriving regenerative ecosystem. Alejandro shares his journey from an IT career to adopting holistic management techniques at Las Damas Ranch. Learn about the transformative practices that revitalized the land, increased biodiversity, and could potentially offer solutions to pressing global environmental issues.What You'll Learn:How Alejandro transitioned from IT to regenerative ranching.The principles of holistic management and their impact on degraded lands.Techniques used to combat desertification and improve biodiversity.The role of livestock in regenerating ecosystems and enhancing soil health.Future prospects for sustainable agriculture and its environmental benefits.Links & Resources Mentioned:Las Damas Ranch - Explore more about Alejandro's work and his ranch.Holistic Management International - Learn more about the holistic management practices that influenced Alejandro.American Bird Conservancy - Discover how conservation efforts are integrated into ranching practices.Nature Conservancy - Information on conservation projects and how they relate to regenerative agriculture.Connect with Alejandro Carrillo:FacebookLinkedInInstagram - Las Amas Cattle RanchEpisode Call to Action: If you’re inspired by the potential of regenerative agriculture to heal landscapes and communities, share this episode with friends and family. Don’t forget to rate our podcast on your favorite platform to help spread the word about these transformative practices!Catch the full story and more details in this transformative episode. Tune in now to see how you can be a part of the regenerative agriculture movement!

29 Aug 202442min

In this insightful episode of the Regenerative by Design Podcast, host Joni Kindwall-Moore chats with Erin Martin from Oklahoma FreshRx. They discuss the profound impact of a unique produce prescription program that’s reshaping healthcare through regenerative agriculture. Dive into a discussion about the power of local, nutritious food in treating chronic health conditions and promoting overall community wellness.Key Topics Covered:Introduction to Oklahoma FreshRx: Explore the origins and mission of a program where doctors prescribe regenerative fruits and vegetables to people with type 2 diabetes.Impact on Health: Erin shares compelling data on how the program has improved health outcomes through regular access to fresh produce, cooking classes, and nutrition education.Educational Challenges and Successes: Learn about the challenges of changing dietary habits and the successful strategies implemented to educate and empower participants.The Role of Community and Culture: Discover how Oklahoma FreshRx addresses cultural and community-specific needs, ensuring that dietary changes are sustainable and appropriate.Future Goals and Expansion: Erin discusses the future of food as medicine, potential program expansions, and how other states can replicate their successful model.Guest Bio: Erin Martin is a pioneer in integrating agriculture with healthcare. Through her leadership at Oklahoma FreshRx, she's helping to forge a path toward a healthier future where food is a fundamental part of patient care.Mentioned in This Episode:FreshRx Oklahoma’s approach to combining healthcare with regenerative agriculture.The significant health improvements participants have experienced.Erin’s vision for expanding the reach of produce prescription programs nationwide.Call to Action: Interested in how food can revolutionize healthcare? Visit Erin’s website at erinwmartin.com for resources, upcoming workshops, and ways to get involved in the food is medicine movement.Closing Thoughts: This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the intersection of health, agriculture, and community empowerment. Erin Martin's work exemplifies how innovative thinking and community-focused initiatives can create sustainable health improvements across the nation.Connect with Us:Subscribe to our podcast and never miss an episode.Follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.Share this episode with your network to spread the word about the transformative power of regenerative agriculture.Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Regenerative by Design. Join us next time as we continue to explore innovative solutions to some of today's most pressing environmental and health challenges.Regenerative by design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories.   Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more.

22 Aug 202444min

In this episode of The Regenerative by Design Podcast, Joni hosts Ryan Slabaugh from Think Regeneration to discuss the importance of systemic thinking in building resilient and healthy food systems. The conversation begins with Ryan sharing his background in regenerative agriculture and the challenges that come with promoting regenerative practices in a world where industrialized and globalized food systems dominate.Ryan emphasizes the importance of community-based decision-making in establishing regenerative systems, highlighting that real change occurs when local communities prioritize supporting farmers and sustainable practices. He shares anecdotes from his experience, such as working with AcresUSA (www.acresusa.com) and witnessing the backlash farmers faced when the public began blaming them for environmental issues. This experience underscored the need for systemic approaches rather than finger-pointing.Joni and Ryan delve into the challenges posed by large-scale industrial agriculture and the loss of human connection in food systems. They discuss how the dehumanization of farmers and the consolidation of food production have distanced consumers from the sources of their food. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of this dehumanization, drawing parallels with other societal issues like law enforcement.Ryan shares examples of innovative community-driven projects, such as the work being done in Tucson by an organization called Flowers and Bullets (www.flowersandbullets.com), which revitalized a vacant school for urban farming. This project not only improved the local food supply but also addressed social issues like rising rents in the area. The discussion highlights the importance of maintaining local ownership of farmland to ensure that communities retain their resilience and volunteerism.The conversation wraps up with a discussion on the challenges of engaging large corporations in the regenerative movement. While Ryan and Joni acknowledge the efforts being made by some companies, they stress the importance of grassroots leadership and the need for these companies to genuinely commit to improving human health outcomes through regenerative practices.Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of systemic thinking, community involvement, and the need for a more human-centered approach to food systems to create a truly regenerative future.Think Regeneration (thinkregeneration.com): This is the website for Ryan Slabaugh's organization, which focuses on accelerating changes in the food supply through community-driven regenerative agriculture practices. The site provides information on their programs, events, and how to get involved.Regenerative by design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist Is an innovation company that helps bring regenerative and organic supply chains to life through product development, ingredients sales and market building.    Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more.

15 Aug 202443min

In this episode of the Regenerative by Design Podcast, host Joni Kindwall-Moore sits down with Dr. Abed Chaudhury, a plant geneticist and farmer, to explore some intriguing and often overlooked topics in our food system. They dive into the hidden power of phytonutrients, the mysteries of the gut microbiome, and the surprising ways our farming practices impact soil health.Dr. Chaudhury shares his journey from rural Bangladesh to MIT and beyond, revealing secrets about our shift from perennial to mono-harvest crops that have had a dramatic impact on biodiversity and soil quality. He talks about his groundbreaking work with Genofax on the gut microbiome and a revolutionary breeding program in Bangladesh that could change the future of farming.As the conversation unfolds, they touch on big ideas like the co-evolution of humans and crops and the urgent need to rethink our agricultural practices. Dr. Chaudhury's unique blend of traditional agricultural wisdom and cutting-edge molecular biology uncovers the deep connections between our health and the health of our soil.But that's not all—Joni and Dr. Chaudhury reveal some surprising insights about the importance of crop diversity and the potential for a more resilient, sustainable food system. This episode is packed with revelations that will keep you hooked until the very end. Don't miss out on these eye-opening insights!Link(s):The Gaia Hypothesis:  teachersinstitute.yale.edu/curriculum/units/files/97.07.02.pdfGenetics with Abed Chaudhury: https://bengal.institute/team/abed-chaudhury/www.krishanfoundation.comRegenerative by design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories.   Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more.

23 Juli 202445min

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of the Regenerative by Design Podcast, hosted by Joni Kindwall-Moore. This week, we're thrilled to welcome Carter Williams, a pivotal figure in the intersection of regenerative food systems, finance, and healthcare. Dive into our conversation as we explore innovative strategies for enhancing food's role in health and how regenerative agriculture can pivot to meet these needs.Show Notes:[0:00-5:00] Introduction: Joni introduces Carter Williams, who shares his background and the mission of his venture capital firm, I Select, which focuses on the concept of "Food as Health."[5:01-15:00] Food as Health: Carter discusses the staggering financial impacts of poor nutrition and how his firm invests in ag tech and health tech to combat metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues.[15:01-25:00] Bridging Gaps: Learn about the innovative online communities Carter has helped foster, which connect entrepreneurs across different sectors of the food and health industries to collaborate and drive change.[25:01-35:00] Listener Engagement: Joni and Carter discuss how these communities generate dynamic, impactful conversations that propel forward-thinking in agriculture and health.[35:01-45:00] Real-World Impact: Carter highlights several real-world examples of how linking agricultural practices directly to health outcomes can benefit consumers and change industry standards.[45:01-55:00] Future Visions: Explore the potential future shifts in the food industry, including how consumer demands for healthier options might reshape supply chains and retail strategies.[55:01-1:05:00] Closing Thoughts: Joni and Carter wrap up with their thoughts on the systemic changes needed to realign our food system with health and environmental sustainability.Key Takeaways:The direct correlation between investment in agricultural technology and improvements in public health.The role of venture capital in driving innovation in the food and health sectors.The importance of community and dialogue in fostering innovation and adoption of new practices.Recommended Resources:Carter’s LinkedIn for more insights and discussions.Subscribe to Carter's Substack, 'Creative Destruction,' for weekly updates on innovations in food and health.Call to Action:Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on this episode via LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.Subscribe to the Regenerative by Design podcast on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review.Thank you for tuning in, and don't miss our next episode where we continue to explore how regenerative practices can revolutionize our health and planet! Regenerative by design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories.   Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more.

2 Juli 202441min

In this insightful episode of the Regenerative by Design podcast, host Joni Kindwall-Moore chats with Meghan Rowe, co-founder of White Leaf Provisions. Meghan shares her journey from growing up in a regenerative farming community to founding a company focused on biodynamic and regenerative agricultural practices in the U.S. She discusses the challenges and successes of establishing a sustainable supply chain and the importance of biodynamic certification, which adheres to the highest standards of regenerative farming. This episode offers a profound look into how regenerative practices can reshape our food systems and provides an intriguing exploration of the intersection between entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship. Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into sustainable agriculture and innovative food production.Visit whiteleafprovision.com to learn more about White Leaf Provisions. Sponsored By:Regenerative by design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories.   Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more.Funding for Regenerative By Design Podcast was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

25 Juni 202442min

In this insightful episode of the Regenerative by Design Podcast, host Joni Kindwall-Moore explores the pioneering efforts in sustainable farming with Dax Hansen and Yadi Wang from Oatman Farms. Located in Arizona, Oatman Farms exemplifies the successful application of regenerative and organic farming methods aimed at rejuvenating degraded land and promoting environmental sustainability.Dax Hansen, who transitioned from a career as a blockchain fintech lawyer, and Yadi Wang, whose roots trace back to traditional farming in China, discuss their collaborative efforts to integrate modern agricultural science with the wisdom of ancestral farming practices. Their goal is to improve the health of the ecosystem and strengthen community bonds through innovative agricultural techniques.The dialogue delves into their strategies for increasing biodiversity on the farm, using crop rotations and local species to enhance soil quality and water conservation. They emphasize the importance of local food systems and direct distribution channels to ensure the farm's economic viability and environmental goals.Dax and Yadi's story is a compelling testament to the power of combining cutting-edge technology with traditional knowledge to forge a sustainable future in agriculture, challenging the status quo and setting a precedent for future farming practices.Links:Click for more info on Dax HansenClick for more info on Yadi WangClick to learn more about Oatman FarmsRegenerative by design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories.   Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more.Funding for Regenerative By Design Podcast was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

11 Juni 202443min

In this enlightening episode of Regenerative by Design, host Joni Kindwall-Moore engages in a compelling conversation with Craig Anderson, the CEO of Dryland Genetics. Craig shares his extensive background in agriculture, detailing his journey from working with corn and soybeans to pioneering the field of millet breeding. He explains how his work at Dryland Genetics, a company at the forefront of developing water-efficient crops, is transforming our understanding of agricultural sustainability.Craig dives into the significance of Proso millet, a crop that stands out for its exceptional water efficiency and low fertility requirements. He highlights its nutritional benefits, including being gluten-free and low glycemic, making it a valuable addition to modern diets. Through fascinating anecdotes, Craig reveals the resilience of Proso millet, recounting how a seemingly abandoned experiment led to the discovery of its extraordinary drought tolerance.As the discussion unfolds, Craig sheds light on the broader implications of millet in crop rotation and its potential to combat desertification. He shares insights into ongoing efforts to develop millet for sustainable aviation fuel, emphasizing the crop's reduced carbon intensity. Craig also touches on the exciting prospects of expanding millet's use in both human food and animal feed, underscoring its versatility and ecological benefits.Towards the end of the episode, Craig explains the differences between traditional plant breeding, gene editing, and GMOs. He articulates Dryland Genetics' approach to leveraging science to accelerate traditional breeding methods without resorting to genetic modification. This nuanced discussion provides listeners with a clear understanding of the ethical and practical considerations in modern plant breeding.Join Joni and Craig in this episode to explore the cutting-edge work being done to integrate ancient grains like millet into contemporary agriculture. Discover how Dryland Genetics is setting new standards for sustainability and resilience, ensuring a secure and nutritious food supply for the future. Tune in to learn about the transformative potential of Proso millet and its role in building a more sustainable global food system.Dryland Genetics Website:  drylandgenetics.com Dryland Genetics Twitter:  twitter.com/DrylandGeneticsRegenerative by design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories.   Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more.Funding for Regenerative By Design Podcast was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

30 Maj 202443min