About Seeds of Hope - Regenerating our Soils and Communities
This is Seeds of Hope and I am your host, Elena Garidis. On this podcast, join me on a journey across the regenerative agriculture ecosystem through conversations with farmers, founders, investors, and changemakers. Find out what is giving me hope for a better future, and get inspired!
Regenerative Agriculture is becoming increasingly recognized as a potent solution to climate change for its ability to improve soil health, sequester carbon, enhance ecosystem resilience, and improve human health. But what does this all mean and who is working on making this a reality? Join me to find out!
Mini-Series Ep 1: Sam Baker: Plastic + Worms = Fertilizer
In this first episode of our conference mini-series, join me and Sam Baker, founder of Wriggle Brew, as we uncover:
How earthworms can digest plastic waste and transform it into sustainable fertilizer
The science behind worm tea as a natural bio-pesticide that helps plants defend themselves using preserved plant compounds like capsaicin
Building a startup from a college senior project to securing NSF and USDA grants, and the importance of customer discovery in developing sustainable solutions
(https://www.recirculatingfarms.org/about/)https://www.wrigglebrew.com/ (https://www.wrigglebrew.com/)
26 Jun 2025
Ep 14: Jackie Mirkopoulos - From Soil to Soul: Regenerating Organizations Like We Regenerate Land
Jackie Mirkopoulos, founder of Ancestors of Tomorrow, discusses how regenerative agriculture principles apply to organizational culture, fostering sustainable food systems and transforming conflicts into opportunities in this interview.
23 May 2025
Ep 13: Beth Jensen - When Fashion Meets Farming: The Hidden Connection Between Food and Fiber
Beth Jensen, Senior Director at Textile Exchange, explores the interconnectedness of food and fiber systems, emphasizing the fashion industry's need to embrace regenerative agriculture and holistic sustainability practices in an interview.
2 Apr 2025
Ep 12: Mary Purdy - Human Health and Soil: How Regenerative Agriculture Increases Nutrient Density
In this episode, join me and Mary Purdy, Managing Director of the Nutrient Density Alliance, as we delve into an eye-opening discussion about:
The declining nutrient density in our modern food supply and how this connects to rising chronic disease rates
How soil microorganisms collaborate with plants to create the nutrient-dense food that our bodies need
Practical strategies for improving your nutrient intake and supporting regenerative food systems through your daily food choices
https://www.nutrientdensityalliance.org/ (https://www.nutrientdensityalliance.org/)
Mary’s White Paper: How Practitioners Can Influence Planetary Health https://healthcare.orgain.com/media/rdocs/Orgain_How_Practitioners_Can__Influence_Planetary_Health.pdf (https://healthcare.orgain.com/media/rdocs/Orgain_How_Practitioners_Can__Influence_Planetary_Health.pdf)
An Alarming Decline in the Nutritional Quality of Foods White Paper: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10969708/ (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10969708/)
Nourishing Meals Cookbook: https://nourishingmeals.com/books/nourishing-meals (https://nourishingmeals.com/books/nourishing-meals)
The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook: https://nourishingmeals.com/books/the-whole-life-nutrition-cookbook (https://nourishingmeals.com/books/the-whole-life-nutrition-cookbook)
12 Mar 2025
Ep 11: Sarah Day Levesque - Exploring the Regenerative Agriculture Investment Landscape
In this episode, join me and Sarah Day Levesque, founder and Managing Director of Regenerative Food Systems Investment (RFSI), as we delve into an enlightening discussion about:
Financial innovation in regenerative agriculture, including flexible loan repayment schedules and interest rate reductions tied to soil health improvements (increasing the value of the farmed land)
How family offices and foundations are leading early investment in regenerative agriculture, paving the way for institutional capital
The concept of "landscape level" investment that brings together diverse stakeholders across entire regions
Helpful links and resources
RFSI website: https://rfsi-forum.com/ (https://rfsi-forum.com/)
Financing for Regenerative Agriculture Report by the Rockefeller Foundation and TIFs - 2024 (incl. the maturity curve of the regenerative investing space): https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/reports/financing-for-regenerative-agriculture/ (https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/reports/financing-for-regenerative-agriculture/)
SLM partners publications: https://www.slmpartners.com/publications (https://www.slmpartners.com/publications)
AgFunder & RFSI 2024 Investment Report: https://agfunder.com/research/agfunder-global-agrifoodtech-investment-report-2024/ (https://agfunder.com/research/agfunder-global-agrifoodtech-investment-report-2024/)
TransCap Initiative: Systemic Investment for Sustainability Report: https://transformation.capital/assets/uploads/TransCap-Initiative-Strategic-Plan-2022-2024.pdf (https://transformation.capital/assets/uploads/TransCap-Initiative-Strategic-Plan-2022-2024.pdf)
5 Mar 2025
Ep 10: Dr. Wayne Honeycutt - How Science is Transforming Soil Health
Soil health is the foundation of our food system, but what does that really mean? Dr. Wayne Honeycutt, President of the Soil Health Institute, reveals:
What soil health really means and why every soil's potential is unique to its local context
The Institute's landmark study across Mexico, US, and Canada that established standardized ways to measure soil health - research that's now being implemented by the USDA across all 50 states
Their groundbreaking work in soil health benchmarking, helping farmers understand and unlock their soil's true potential through data from over 7 million acres
Soil Health Insitute: https://soilhealthinstitute.org/resources/ (https://soilhealthinstitute.org/resources/)
Living Soil Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntJouJhLM48 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntJouJhLM48)
Slakes app: https://soilhealthinstitute.org/our-work/initiatives/slakes/ (https://soilhealthinstitute.org/our-work/initiatives/slakes/)
18 Feb 2025
Ep 9: Rick Clark - From Yield to ROI: A Farmer's Journey to Regenerative Organic
In this episode, join me and Rick Clark, a fifth-generation farmer from Indiana and pioneer in regenerative organic agriculture, as we delve into a discussion about:
The surprising financial results of regenerative organic farming, including real numbers and ROI metrics that challenge regenerative farming profitability misconceptions
The critical connection between farming practices, nutrient density, and human health, including movements like the FreshRx
Practical advice for farmers considering the transition to regenerative organic practices, based on Rick's experience teaching farmers worldwide
https://www.farmgreen.land/ (https://www.farmgreen.land/)
https://www.instagram.com/farmgreen13/ (https://www.instagram.com/farmgreen13/)
https://www.freshrxok.org/about (https://www.freshrxok.org/about)
https://commongroundfilm.org/ (https://commongroundfilm.org/)
11 Feb 2025
Ep 8: Erica Campbell - Making Sense of Regenerative and Organic Agriculture: Certifications, Definitions, and Consumer Choice
In this episode, join me and Erica Campbell, co-founder of InCommon Group and veteran food systems strategist, as we delve into an enlightening discussion about:
Understanding the distinctions between organic and regenerative agriculture, including California's first-ever state definition of regenerative practices
Navigating agricultural certifications and what they mean for the future of farming and conscious consumption
The 100 Million Acres project and its ambitious vision for transforming American agriculture
InCommon Group:https://incommongroup.com/ (https://incommongroup.com/)
California Definition of Regenerative Agriculture:https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/RegenerativeAg/docs/2025/jan_2025_letter_to_secretary_ross_regenerative_agriculture.pdf (https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/RegenerativeAg/docs/2025/jan_2025_letter_to_secretary_ross_regenerative_agriculture.pdf)
RegenMade:https://regenmade.webflow.io/ (https://regenmade.webflow.io/)
Demeter Certification:https://www.demeter-usa.org/certification/ (https://www.demeter-usa.org/certification/)
Regenerative Organic Certification Brands and Product Directory:https://regenorganic.org/product-directory/ (https://regenorganic.org/product-directory/)
Real Organic:https://realorganicproject.org/real-organic-farming/ (https://realorganicproject.org/real-organic-farming/)
Regenefied:https://regenified.com/ (https://regenified.com/)
24 Jan 2025
Ep 7: Yãm Aisner - Reversing Watershed Death Spirals Through Community-Led Restoration
In this episode, join me and regenerative system designer Yãm Aisner as we explore a fascinating discussion about:
Permaculture's core design philosophy: systems thinking meets ancient wisdom
How riparian forests prevent watershed death spirals and protect river ecosystems
Community-led approaches transforming water management and food systems
Ecovilla San Mateo Eco-village in Costa Rica: https://laecovilla.com/ecovillas/ecovilla-san-mateo (https://laecovilla.com/ecovillas/ecovilla-san-mateo)
If you want to get involved with water cycle restoration, check out
Join the community or take a course on Zach Weiss’ Water Stories: https://www.waterstories.com/ (https://www.waterstories.com/)
Join the Regrerian community founded by Darren J. Doherty: https://www.regrarians.org/ (https://www.regrarians.org/)
Get inspired by Dr. Rajendra Singh’s work in the Kham River Restoration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PMsiXkAmFk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PMsiXkAmFk) and
18 Dec 2024
Ep 6: Klaas Martens - When Weeds Speak: Decoding Nature's Messages with a Regenerative Farmer
Regenerative farmer Klaas Martens shares insights on decoding nature's messages through weeds, revealing crucial soil health and ecosystem balance lessons for sustainable food systems and personal wellbeing.
27 Nov 2024
Ep 5: Alex Godfrey - Investing in Regenerative Agriculture: Natural Capital and Diversification
Alex Godfrey, Investment Manager at Octopus Investments, shares insights on diversifying revenue streams, natural capital, and mitigating risks for institutional investors through regenerative agriculture investments.
12 Nov 2024
Ep 4: Dr. Lanette Sobel - How Composting and Worms can Save our Water and Soil
In this episode, join me and Dr. Lanette Sobel, Founder of Fertile Earth Worm Farm, as we delve into an eye-opening discussion about:
The differences between land grant university agriculture programs and permaculture principles, challenging how we educate future farmers
The science behind soil microorganisms and worm tea (vermiculture), offering natural alternatives to expensive chemical fertilizers
The hidden truth about pesticide use in plant nurseries and how composting could revolutionize both waste management and agricultural practices
https://fertileearth.net/ (https://fertileearth.net/)
https://www.instagram.com/fertileearth/ (https://www.instagram.com/fertileearth/)
23 Oct 2024
Ep 3: Peter Fröhlich - Satellites & Soil Health: Tracking Our Ecological Income
In this episode, join me and Peter Fröhlich, multi-generational farmer and founder of Agricircle, as we delve into an inspiring discussion about:
Using satellite data and AI models to help farmers more deeply understand their soil’s health and composition
Addressing complex issues such as farming sustainably from the bottom up
Building our ecological income and why it matters now
https://agricircle.com/ (https://agricircle.com/)
8 Oct 2024
Ep 2: Timothée Murillo - Rethinking Business in Regenerative Agriculture
In this episode, join me and Timothée Murillo from McCain Foods, as we delve into an insightful discussion about:
How companies can truly embed sustainability in their business models
An example of how McCain and Rabobank are partnering to support farmers in transitioning to regenerative agriculture
Incorporating Indigenous wisdom into the way we work
Hiring (and getting hired) in the sustainability sector
https://www.mccain.com/sustainability/smart-sustainable-farming/ (https://www.mccain.com/sustainability/smart-sustainable-farming/)
24 Sept 2024
Ep 1: Michael Richard II - Food Justice and Regenerative Urban Farming
In this episode, join me and self-proclaimed Ag-tivist Michael Richard II, as we delve into an inspiring discussion about:
Addressing food apartheid and challenges to a more equitable food system through community farming
Implementing resource and energy circulation in a regenerative urban farm in New Orleans
Exploring aquaponics as an alternative to off-shore fish farming
https://www.recirculatingfarms.org/about/ (https://www.recirculatingfarms.org/about/)
Who has been a guest on Seeds of Hope - Regenerating our Soils and Communities
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Jackie Mirkopoulos
Beth Jensen
Klaas Martens
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
14 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 18 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
16
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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