Forci Series - Our Journey on Living a Regenerative Life

Welcome to today’s episode, where we speak with multidisciplinary artist  Dörte Bundt that working in textiles and ceramics explores themes of transformation, symbolism, and sensory connection. Speaking from the beautiful setting of Tenuta di Forci, Dörte shares how her creative journey has unfolded across continents. Her practice invites us to reflect on the deeper relationship between material, memory, and space.

Key topics:

🌍 Dorte’s early creative influences and global journey from Sydney to Berlin

🌱 How natural materials like cotton, jute, raffia, and clay shape her artistic process

🏡 Her artist residency experience at Tenuta di Forci

 🌾 The intersection of functional design and artistic expression

🤝 Collaborations with international brands and bespoke interior design projects

 🌀 The importance of touch, texture, and slowing down in both art and life

Welcome to today’s episode, where we explore the power of regenerative agriculture with Philippe Birker, founder of Climate Farmers.

Philippe is a serial social entrepreneur dedicated to scaling regenerative agriculture across Europe. Since 2019, he has been supporting farmers in transitioning to regenerative practices, proving that working with nature—not against it—leads to healthier soils, more resilient farms, and a sustainable future for food production.

Beyond agriculture, Philippe is deeply involved in regenerative leadership and community building. He co-founded a project in Portugal, where he and his team are revitalizing an abandoned village, experimenting with new models of living in harmony with the land.

Get ready to dive into the realities, challenges, and incredible potential of regenerative farming.

Key topics:

🌱 The shift from conventional to regenerative agriculture

🌍 How farming can combat climate change and restore ecosystems

🤝 Building strong farmer communities and knowledge-sharing networks

💰 Financial solutions for farmers transitioning to regenerative models

🏡 Living regeneratively—Philippe’s experience rebuilding an abandoned village in Portugal

📈 The future of food systems and what needs to change

Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive into the transformative power of nature with Teresa Feijó, founder of Mamitay and Sonqo Tariy in Peru. Teresa is an alchemist, holistic herbalist, botanical perfumer, and a devoted plant woman. For over 11 years, she’s been working with plant distillation, healing perfumes, spiritual ecology, and ancestral wisdom to awaken our senses to the natural world.

Teresa believes in nature as a portal for healing, expansion, and harmony, guiding us toward a deeper connection with the rhythms of the Earth. She reminds us, “Plants are our allies and have the ability to transform our perception and reality.”

Get ready to explore how the plant realm can inspire a more loving and balanced human evolution. Let’s step into the magic of nature with Teresa Feijó.

Key topics:

1.  The transformative power of plants -  their ability to heal, expand consciousness, and foster harmony 
2.  Teresa's personal journey with plant medicine, including ayahuasca 
3.  The practical aspects of learning about plants 
4.  The importance of direct experience with nature
5.  The increasing interest in herbalism and natural healing as a reaction to modern society's disconnection from nature 

In this episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by Saverio Petrilli, an award-winning winemaker who helped put Lucca on the wine map. Saverio’s journey took him across Australia and New Zealand, where he mastered innovative techniques in winemaking. Eventually, he returned to Italy to collaborate with his friends at Tenuta di Valgiano on producing biodynamic wines—a bold endeavour in a region that was hardly known for wine, let alone biodynamic methods. This led him to found Federazione Italiana Vignaioli Indipendenti in 2008.

In 2013, Saverio co-founded LuccaBioDinamica with Luigi Fenoglio, whom we also interviewed for our Forci series, check it out! Together, they inspired local producers to embrace biodynamic agriculture. Today, thanks to Saverio’s huge passion, 70 percent of Lucca’s producers have shifted from pesticides to organic practices. His wines have won numerous awards and earned Lucca a place on the global wine map.

Saverio now advises several farms, including Tenuta di Forci, where he has played a key role in our biodynamic journey. I am super excited to dive into your story, insights, and your approach to biodynamic winemaking.

Key topics:

1. Saverio’s journey from conventional to biodynamic farming
2. Biodynamic vs. organic farming
3. Biodynamic techniques and practises
4. Financial viability of regenerative farming
5. The soil health movement
6. Health benefits of biodynamic wine 

http://linkedin.com/in/saverio-petrilli-b7089749 

My next guest on the Forci podcast series is Nina van Ogtrop - van Heuveln. Nina is an art historian and consultant in the contemporary art sector. Nina has held board positions at Museum Van Loon, Young Patrons Circle for the Dutch National Opera and Ballet, and Vereniging Rembrandt. Currently residing in Tuscany with her husband and two children, she leads the Forci Art Foundation alongside her mother-in-law, Melanie. The foundation organises an annual two-month residency program for young and emerging artists focused on sustainability and regeneration. Nina also advises private and corporate clients on building art collections.

***There are a couple of minutes where you might notice some audio quality issues, with a slight echo. We're aware of this and are working to fix it for future episodes. But don't worry! The issue persists only for a couple of minutes, and you won't want to miss the great content that comes afterwards. Thanks for your understanding and for sticking with us.***

Key topics:

1. Nina’s background in contemporary art, board memberships, and her current role with the Forci Art Foundation
2. Art consultancy - Nina’s role as an art consultant
3. The importance of inner peace and nature for creativity
4. The Forci Art Foundation and its residency program 
5. The role of art in promoting regenerative living

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-van-ogtrop-van-heuveln-51b02023/

https://www.instagram.com/forciartfoundation/

https://www.instagram.com/forciartfoundation/

https://tenutadiforci.com/forci-art-foundation/ 

In this episode I am excited to introduce Nigel Franklyn, recently named Global Wellness Personality of the Year. Known as the Spa Whisperer, Nigel is a unique visionary and strategic wellness innovator with over 20 years of experience in the global luxury wellness industry. He has collaborated with iconic leaders such as Four Seasons, George V in Paris, Aman Resorts, and recently Forci. As the co-founder of Moss Wellness Consultancy and MOSS of the ISLES, Nigel develops holistic practices that blend scientific benefits with mindfulness and well-being.

Key topics:

1. Nigel's wellness journey - transitioning from journalism to becoming the Spa Whisperer
2. Nigel's philosophy of wellness and his evolution into wellness development and design
3. Fleeting trends vs. sustainable cultural shifts in the wellness industry
4. The role of technology and science in validating and enhancing traditional wellness practices
5. The need for governance in the wellness industry to filter out non-effective trends and maintain high standards
6. Regenerative wellness - the move from sustainability to regeneration, and the “soil-to-cell-to-self” approach at Forci
7. Epigenetics in wellness 
8. Simplicity in wellness practices - why walking barefoot and being in nature is more effective than relying on advanced technologies and trends

https://www.mosswellnessconsultancy.com/ 

https://www.mossoftheisles.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/thespawhisperer/

In episode #3 of the Forci series, my guest is Alex Michaelis - a renowned figure in sustainable architecture, partner at Michaelis Boyd, and our lead architect at Tenuta di Forci. Known for projects like Arijiju in Africa and Soho Farmhouse in the UK, he also redesigned the home of former Prime Minister David Cameron. His latest project, the Leaf House in the Cotswolds, embodies his zero-carbon architecture philosophy, with innovative double-skin walls for growing plants - aiming to blend nature seamlessly with built environments for healthier living spaces.

Key topics:

1. Alex’s career journey
2. Sustainable practices in architecture
3. Alex’s definition of regenerative living and its application in architecture
4. Community aspect of regenerative living
5. Alex’s architectural philosophy
6. Design principles supporting sustainability
7. Balancing cost and sustainability
8. Trends and the future of architecture
9. Alex’s vision for integrating nature in buildings

https://www.michaelisboyd.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/michaelisboyd/ 

https://identity.ae/simplicity-sustainability-the-ethos-behind-alex-michaelis-approach/ 

https://www.themodernhouse.com/journal/playful-family-home-alex-michaelis/

Alixe van Ogtrop  is a remarkable individual who not only plays a pivotal role in the Forci project but also holds a special place in my heart as my beloved sister.

Alixe is a mentor, seamlessly blending ancient wisdom with neuroscience, creating spaces for growth and self-discovery. 
Her commitment lies in guiding changemakers toward empowerment through transformative programs and talks. With a keen ability to uncover authenticity, she nudges individuals beyond comfort zones. Alixe envisions a world where personal growth fosters a healthy planet, advocating for reconnecting with our true nature. Drawing from diverse experiences, she emphasises holistic change, offering healing sessions and workshops.

As founder of Changebeings, she envisions organisations prioritising authenticity and sustainability. Alixe embodies transformation, inspiring us to embrace our true selves and work towards a more compassionate world.

Key topics:

1. Spiritual traditions and shamanism
2. Connection to Mother Earth and nature
3. Altered states of awareness
4. Integration of neuroscience with shamanic practices
5. Personal journey of healing and transformation
6. Incorporating feminine & sexual energy
7. Exploration of light and dark aspects of spirituality
8. Awakening to spiritual path through trauma
9. Transformation through motherhood
10.  Involvement in the Forci project
11.  Philosophy of Forci: from soil to cell to self and others
12.  Living a regenerative life

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alixe-van-ogtrop/
https://changebeings.com/ 

The first guest of the Forci podcast series is Luigi Fenoglio, the Farm Director behind Tenuta di Forci. Luigi first fell in love with biodynamic wine, its narrative and its strong cultural values. He collaborated for years with Slow Food, had two restaurants and was national coordinator of the Italian Federation of Independent Winegrowers for a decade. During these years he has learnt everything about biodynamic winemaking and regenerative farming, and he simply loves it. For him, there is no way back. 

In our discussion, Luigi talks about his passion for regenerative farming and biodynamic winemaking, the importance of sustainability, and sharing his aspirations for rejuvenating the land of Forci to its utmost capacity.

Key topics:

1. Biodynamic winemaking
2. Regenerative farming compared to organic farming and conventional farming
3. Sustainability and health benefits of regenerative farming
4. Importance of diversity, soil health and microbial life
5. Spiritual and scientific aspects of biodynamic farming
6. The connection between food, agriculture, and culture
7. Revitalising the land of Forci
8. The importance of water
9. Future plans for Forci’s land

https://tenutadiforci.com/