God of Dirt

What if the way we grow food could teach us something about the way we are meant to live?

Lynn Doxon has spent more than 50 years studying horticulture, farming systems, ecology, and perennial food systems. With a PhD in horticulture and decades of experience working with food forests, indigenous agricultural systems, and urban growing, she has learned to see the land differently.

But this conversation with Lynn goes far beyond gardening.

We talk about what happens when we stop seeing ourselves as managers of nature and begin seeing ourselves as participants in a living system. We explore food forests, biodiversity, soil, mycelium, indigenous knowledge, water, and the surprisingly deep question of what it means to belong to a place.

Lynn shares the story of how her research in Honduras overturned her assumptions about what a “home garden” was—and revealed sophisticated, multilayered food systems that had been cultivated for generations. We talk about why the most resilient ecosystems are diverse, what that might teach us about human communities, and why communication and interdependence matter both in soil and in neighborhoods.

We also get into something even more fundamental: death.

What if death isn't simply an ending, but part of the process by which life becomes something else? What happens to our fear, our desire to possess, and our tendency to hoard when we begin to see life as a series of interconnected cycles rather than a straight line toward an inevitable end?

And perhaps the most important lesson Lynn offers is deceptively simple:

Read the land.

Before we rush in to fix, build, manage, or extract, what might happen if we became better observers? What could we learn about the place beneath our feet—and about ourselves—if we paid close enough attention to see how water moves, how plants communicate, how ecosystems cooperate, and what our particular place is asking of us?

This is a conversation about regenerative agriculture, ecology, community, stewardship, indigenous knowledge, food forests, spirituality, belonging, and meaningful living.

But underneath all of it is a question:

What if finding our place in the world begins with learning how to belong to somewhere?

If you've ever felt that modern life has made you more disconnected from land, community, purpose, or the living world around you, this conversation is an invitation to look again.

Because there may be more wisdom beneath our feet than we realize.

Learn more about Lynn's work and ongoing projects:

Website: LynnsEarth.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow God of Dirt wherever you listen, and join us for more conversations about restoring our connection to people, place, and purpose.

What if restoring the soil could help restore something in us?

In this episode of God of Dirt, Dana sits down with geologist and bestselling author David R. Montgomery, author of Growing a Revolution, Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations, and Regen: A New Future for Farming, Food, and Health.

David has spent years studying what happens when civilizations neglect the land that sustains them—and what becomes possible when we learn to work with nature instead of against it.

Together, we explore regenerative agriculture, soil health, farming, food systems, ecology, civilization, and our relationship with place. But underneath all of that is a bigger question:

What happens when we remember that the world beneath our feet is alive—and that we are part of it?

David shares the surprising story of how his wife, biologist Anne Biklé, transformed the lifeless soil in their own yard, changing his understanding of how quickly soil can be restored. We talk about the farmers who are rebuilding degraded land, why regenerative agriculture isn't a single formula, and why healthy soil may be one of the most important foundations for human flourishing.

We also venture into more unexpected territory: belonging, spirituality, awe, modern disconnection, and the future of civilization.

Because perhaps the revolution we need isn't simply agricultural.

Perhaps it's a revolution in the way we see our place in the world.

Books & resources mentioned:

• Growing a Revolution — David R. Montgomery
• Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations — David R. Montgomery
• The Hidden Half of Nature — David R. Montgomery & Anne Biklé
• What Your Food Ate — David R. Montgomery & Anne Biklé
• Regen: A New Future for Farming, Food, and Health — David R. Montgomery
• Elaine Ingham and the concept of the soil food web
• Dig2Grow — David Montgomery & Anne Biklé: dig2grow.com

If you've ever wondered what healthy soil has to do with healthy people, healthy communities, and the future of civilization, this conversation is for you.

Follow God of Dirt and join us as we remember how to belong—to people, to place, and to purpose.

What if some of the things that make us truly wealthy are the very things we've stopped knowing how to value?

Jo Nemeth has lived without money of her own for more than 11 years. But this conversation isn't simply about giving up money. It's about questioning the assumption that money is the primary way we exchange value.

Jo and I talk about the gift economy, relational capital, community, growing food, creativity, convenience, individualism, and what it means to build a life around reciprocity rather than transactions.

What if relationships aren't just something that makes life better—but something we actually need to survive?

What if the person who gives you their time, the food growing in your garden, the skills you share with a neighbor, and the community you build around you are all forms of wealth?

And what if becoming less dependent on large systems begins with very small things we can do right where we are?

Jo leaves us with a few simple questions:

Can I do this without money?

How can I do this without money?

Do I actually need this, or do I just want it?

Robin Wall Kimmerer

• Braiding Sweetgrass
• The Serviceberry

Robin Wall Kimmerer's website

Mark Boyle

• The Moneyless Man
• The Moneyless Manifesto

Moneyless.org

Artist as Family — Meg Ulman & Patrick Jones

Jo recommends their work for people who want to become less dependent on the monetary economy while still living within it, through growing food, bartering, sharing, and building community.

Artist as Family

Ethan Hughes & the Possibility Alliance

Jo describes Ethan Hughes and the Possibility Alliance as an inspiring example of deeply connected, low-consumption living.

Ethan Hughes & the Possibility Alliance

At God of Dirt, we're exploring what happens when we remember that we belong—to people, to place, and to something larger than ourselves.

Maybe the question isn't simply, “How do I get out of the system?”

Maybe it's:

“What can I build around me so I don't need the system to provide everything?”

Thanks for being part of the conversation.

Subscribe to God of Dirt and share this episode with someone who is questioning what a truly rich life looks like.

What if the life we've been taught to pursue is the very thing keeping us disconnected?

In this episode of God of Dirt, Dana sits down with Amber Alcoser, host of Feral Faith, for a thought-provoking conversation about the lost art of community and why modern Western culture has drifted so far from the way humans were designed to live.

Together they explore why loneliness has become so common, what communal cultures around the world can teach us, and how biology, faith, and even nature reveal that we were never meant to thrive alone.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why independence isn't always healthy
• What communal cultures do differently
• How Western life has reshaped the way we think
• The surprising connection between nature, faith, and human flourishing
• Practical ways to begin rebuilding meaningful community today

If you've ever felt like something is missing—even while doing everything "right"—this conversation may help explain why.

Keywords: community, loneliness, faith, culture, connection, homesteading, relationships, Western culture, intentional living, God of Dirt, communal living

If this episode resonates, hit Follow and leave a review. It helps others find these conversations and join the journey.

What if the things that unite us are far greater than the things that divide us?

In this thought-provoking episode of God of Dirt, Dana Conlan sits down with Adrianne Smith for an honest conversation about spirituality, faith, healing, and the shared human desire to connect with something greater than ourselves. Coming from different backgrounds and perspectives, Dana and Adrianne explore what it means to seek truth, cultivate compassion, and recognize the divine image reflected in every person.

Together, they discuss the beauty of nature as a meeting place with God, the challenges many people face within religious institutions, and the importance of looking beyond labels to find genuine human connection. Through vulnerability and respectful dialogue, this conversation invites listeners to embrace curiosity, humility, and a deeper appreciation for the common ground that exists between us.

In this episode:

• Finding connection with the divine through nature
• Navigating spiritual differences with grace and respect
• Healing from religious hurt and disappointment
• Recognizing our shared humanity beyond beliefs and labels
• Why curiosity and compassion are essential for meaningful connection

Whether you come from a strong faith background, a different spiritual tradition, or are simply exploring life's deeper questions, this episode offers a refreshing reminder that connection begins when we choose to listen, understand, and see one another as fellow travelers on the journey.

Because sometimes the path back to our people, place, and purpose begins with discovering just how much we have in common.

What if healing isn't something we have to manufacture, but something God has already woven into creation?

In this thought-provoking episode of God of Dirt, Dana Conlan sits down with naturopath and wellness advocate Jen Levine to explore the relationship between health, nutrition, and the natural systems God designed to sustain life. Through personal stories and practical wisdom, Jen shares how her own health challenges sparked a lifelong passion for understanding the body's incredible capacity to heal when given the right support.

Together, Dana and Jen discuss the shortcomings of a symptom-focused healthcare model, the importance of addressing root causes, and the wisdom found in nature's design. From gut health and nutrition to biodiversity and the body's interconnected systems, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what it means to pursue true wellness.

In this episode:

• How personal health struggles led Jen into the field of naturopathy
• The connection between nutrition, digestion, and overall well-being
• Why treating symptoms alone often misses the bigger picture
• The parallels between healthy ecosystems and healthy bodies
• How reconnecting with God's design can support lasting health

Whether you're navigating your own health journey, seeking a deeper understanding of holistic wellness, or simply curious about the connection between faith and healing, this episode will encourage you to see your body as part of a beautifully designed system created to flourish.

Because sometimes the medicine we need begins with remembering how we were made.

What if some of the guidance, wisdom, and direction you've been searching for has been coming to you while you sleep?

In this fascinating episode of God of Dirt, Dana Conlan sits down with dream interpretation specialist, author, and teacher Jeannine Rodriguez-Everard to explore the often-overlooked role dreams play in our connection with God, purpose, and personal growth. Drawing from years of study and ministry, Jeannine shares how dreams can serve as invitations to deeper relationship with God and greater understanding of who we were created to be.

Together, Dana and Jeannine discuss the biblical foundation for dreams, the difference between simply sleeping and truly listening, and how paying attention to the ways God speaks can bring clarity, healing, and direction. They also explore why many people dismiss their dreams and what might happen if we approached them with curiosity instead.

In this episode:

• Why dreams have played an important role throughout Scripture
• How dreams can help us reconnect with purpose and identity
• The difference between biblical dream interpretation and secular approaches
• Why Western culture often overlooks the significance of dreams
• Practical ways to begin paying attention to what God may be communicating

Whether you're someone who remembers every dream or rarely recalls one at all, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how God communicates and invites us into deeper connection with Him.

Because sometimes the path back to our purpose begins with simply paying attention to what happens when we close our eyes.

What if some of the most powerful tools for healing have been growing around us all along?

In this inspiring episode of God of Dirt, Dana Conlan sits down with Lindsay Steves to explore the profound connection between human health and the natural world. From herbal remedies and foraging to childbirth, nutrition, and everyday wellness, Lindsay shares how her journey into natural health opened her eyes to the incredible resources God has already placed within creation.

Together, Dana and Lindsay discuss the wisdom found in nature, the growing disconnect between modern life and the natural world, and how reconnecting with the earth can help restore our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Their conversation challenges listeners to rethink health not as something found in a bottle or a prescription, but as a relationship with the living systems God designed to sustain us.

In this episode:

• How Lindsay's curiosity about nature led her into natural health
• The forgotten uses of common plants growing all around us
• Why modern culture has become disconnected from the natural world
• The role of nature in supporting physical and mental wellness
• How God's creation provides resources for healing and flourishing

You can find the recipe for remineralizing tooth powder here: https://wellnessmama.com/remedies/remineralizing-tooth-powder/

Whether you're interested in natural remedies, holistic wellness, gardening, or simply spending more time outdoors, this episode will inspire you to see the earth through new eyes and rediscover the gifts that have been there all along.

Because sometimes the path to healing begins by reconnecting with the place we were always meant to belong.

What if the greatest measure of your life isn't what you build for yourself, but what continues to grow because of the investment you made in others?

In this thought-provoking episode of God of Dirt, Dana Conlan sits down with mentor, business leader, and purpose coach Mark Chassman to explore the powerful principle of legacy through multiplication. After experiencing a personal crisis that forced him to reevaluate success, Mark began a journey of discovering God's design, purpose, and calling for his life—a journey that transformed the way he views leadership, fulfillment, and impact.

Together, Dana and Mark discuss the difference between striving and flourishing, ambition and purpose, and why true legacy is built by investing in people rather than pursuing personal achievement. Through practical wisdom and spiritual insight, they unpack how living from a place of purpose creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond our own lifetime.

In this episode:

• The crisis that led Mark to reevaluate his definition of success
• The difference between striving for achievement and flourishing in purpose
• Why renewing our minds is essential for living an abundant life
• The principle of multiplication and investing in others
• How legacy is built through intentional mentorship and leadership

Whether you're leading a family, a business, a ministry, or simply seeking greater purpose in your everyday life, this episode will challenge you to think beyond personal success and consider the lasting impact your life can have on future generations.

What if the most powerful legacy we leave behind isn't what we accomplish, but how we love, serve, and remain faithful through life's challenges?

In this heartfelt episode of God of Dirt, Dana Conlan sits down with Pastor Doug Steves to explore what it means to bring life into the world through our everyday actions. Drawing from decades of ministry, family life, and personal faith, Pastor Doug shares lessons on perseverance, spiritual fatherhood, and the importance of nurturing the relationships closest to us.

Together, they discuss the reality that abundant life isn't found in perfection or achievement, but in faithfully showing up for the people God has placed in our care. From raising children and building a family legacy to navigating conflict and staying rooted in faith through hardship, this conversation offers practical wisdom for cultivating life-giving relationships that endure.

In this episode:

• What it means to create life through our words, actions, and relationships
• The role of spiritual fathers and mentors in shaping future generations
• Why faithfulness matters more than perfection
• Protecting and strengthening the relationships closest to us
• How abundant life grows through service, sacrifice, and love

Whether you're a parent, mentor, leader, or simply someone seeking to leave a meaningful impact on the people around you, this episode will encourage you to consider the life you're creating through your own hands.