Food Forest Podcast

In this episode, host Louis De Jaeger speaks with Greek regenerative farming pioneer Sheila Darmos, founder of Southern Lights. Sheila shares how she transformed her family’s organic farm into a thriving agroforestry system with over 150 fruit trees and shrubs, weaving together biodiversity, education, and community empowerment. Together, they explore what it means to build a bioregional movement rooted in connection, creativity, and care for the land.

Scott Hall, a fifth-generation Australian farmer, shares his journey into syntropic agriculture – a farming approach centered on plant succession, biodiversity, and working with natural cycles. He discusses the role of observation, pruning, disturbance, and cultural exchange in fostering resilient, regenerative farming systems that thrive by aligning with nature.

Maddy Harland, co-founder of Permaculture Magazine, shares her lifelong journey in permaculture, from her childhood love of gardening to creating food forests on poor soils and building a global platform for ecological design. She highlights the importance of patience, joy, and community in shaping regenerative projects and emphasizes making permaculture accessible to everyone.

In this episode, host Louis De Jaeger speaks with activist Robin Greenfield about his journey from a conventional, consumer-driven lifestyle to one rooted in sustainability, minimalism, and service to the planet. Robin shares how foraging, self-love, and community engagement have shaped his approach to activism and regenerative living. He also discusses his initiative to plant one million community fruit trees, demonstrating the power of grassroots action to foster ecological and social resilience.

John D. Liu – ecologist, filmmaker, and founder of the Ecosystem Restoration Camps movement – shares his journey from journalism to becoming a global voice for ecosystem restoration. In this conversation, he reflects on the urgent need to repair degraded landscapes, the role of media in raising awareness, and how community-driven action can reshape our economy around ecological health.

Astrid Adler has spent over two decades nurturing Ireland’s oldest food forest on challenging bogland. In this episode, she reflects on her journey from Germany to Ireland, the lessons of syntropic agriculture, the abundance of wild edibles, and the healing power of tending the land.

Mohammed Erribani shares his transformation from chef to permaculture designer, blending purpose, spirituality, and environmental stewardship. From addressing water scarcity in Morocco to applying lessons from restoration projects in India, he explores how community, gratitude, and resilience are key to regeneration. Discover why self-sufficiency is a collective effort and how anger can be turned into a force for positive change.

Scarlet Allen shares her inspiring journey from Switzerland to Mallorca, where she created Son Selva – a sustainable food forest rooted in permaculture principles. Learn how she transitioned from design to gardening, overcame the challenges of small-space urban gardening, and embraced water management, animal care, and community engagement. Scarlet also talks about the mental health benefits of reconnecting with nature and the impact of small actions on the planet.

Jurgen Heytens shares his journey from Belgium to Congo, where he founded a reforestation project focused on empowering communities and fighting deforestation. Learn about the importance of cultural integration, sustainable agriculture, and the innovative use of carbon credits to support both ecology and local economies.

Jurgen also discusses job creation and education as vital pillars for long-term impact.

Herbalist Anne Stobart shares insights into the world of herbal medicine, holistic health, and growing medicinal plants, even in small spaces. Learn about clinical herbalism, the importance of education, and how herbalism can complement conventional medicine.

Discover how community and shared knowledge are vital to the future of herbalism.