• The approach of the Canadian Centre for Food & Ecology (CCFE) is what has been so attractive to me. It's a conviction around joyful, immersive experience and it starts with the conviction that until someone has experienced the sensory joy of experiencing food in a new way, there's little interest in understanding the facts or the cognitive issues surrounding our food system. One can focus on that which is the problem, and it truly is a problem, but way more compelling, way more attractive, is to think about food through the lens of it as a solution that invites people in.

My conversation with Sarah Heynen, the executive director of the Canadian Centre for Food & Ecology (CCFE) in Tkaronto. Sarah is a strategic systems-thinker with a warm heart and a generous nature. Sarah introduced me to the Surviving the Future course which you heard about in episode 218. We mostly talked food, about artfulness and what it means to be inspired and inspirited by say a conversation or a meal. She also explained the Anishinaabeg 7th fire prophecy: a time when the light skin race needs to choose between a scorched earth path and a rainbow path leading to flourishing and the 8th fire. 

Show notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AI

Action points

• Recognize culture’s impact on food choices and environmental awareness.
• Understand the vital role of soil health in food quality and carbon sequestration.
• Support regenerative food systems by choosing alternative suppliers.
• Match motivated audiences with existing regenerative food producers.
• Embrace personal conviction and agency in making food-related decisions.

Story Preview

Imagine a world where every meal reconnects you with the earth. Sarah Heynen shares her vision of a regenerative food system, inviting listeners to consider food as a powerful tool for cultural and ecological healing.

Chapter Summary

00:00 The Joy of Food Experience
01:25 Cultural Perspectives on Food
02:43 The Role of Art in Renewal
04:29 Contextualizing Our Location
06:50 Spiritual Connections to Food
08:32 Projects for Cultural Reconnection

Featured Quotes

• Food is a potent invitation into a collective story of reconnection with each other, with the Earth and with ourselves.
• Until someone has experienced the sensory joy of experiencing food in a new way, there’s little interest in understanding the facts or the cognitive issues surrounding our food system.

Behind the Story

Sarah Heynen, drawing from her background in anthropology and her role at the Canadian Centre for Food and Ecology, explores the cultural significance of food and its potential to address environmental challenges. She advocates for a shift in perspective, viewing food as a solution that invites participation in a collective journey towards healing and reconnection.

*

END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODES

Hey conscient listeners, 

I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020 on un-ceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory (Ottawa). 

It’s my way to give back.

In parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish free ‘a calm presence' Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.

Your feedback is always welcome at [email protected] and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.

Share what you like, etc

I am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. 

Claude Schryer

Latest update on July 8, 2025