Hands in the Soil

By Hannah Keitel

Welcome to Hands in the Soil, the podcast that dives deep into all things food, farming, and our intricate connection to the planet. We’re shining the spotlight on all those who work closely with the ... more

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about Hands in the Soil:

How many episodes does Hands in the Soil have?

The podcast currently has 53 episodes available.

Hands in the Soil episodes:

August 20, 202422. So You Want to Get Involved in Food Systems or Farming?
In today’s mini episode, we explore the question of how to get started on your path towards working in food systems. I discuss my own non-linear path to getting to where I am today, and offer advice for steps to take to getting involved in this ever-evolving landscape.

Tune in to learn more about…
The many examples of non-farming jobs in the food systems sector, from activism and policy-making to education and food waste reduction

The importance of networking and connecting with others that are already doing what you’re interested in

Why you need to put yourself out there

How to apply seemingly irrelevant skills to the job you want to do

Why farming is not meant to be done alone

… And so much more!

Connect with Hannah:
Instagram: @hannahkeitel

The Farm Lab in Encinitas: If you’re local, we would love to meet you! https://farmlab.eusd.net/volunteer
...more
13min
August 13, 202421. Taking a Chance on Farming Seaweed with Morgan-Lea Fogg
Today we’re joined by Morgan-Lea Fogg, Co-Founder of Nautical Farms. Morgan set out to change the world and disrupt food systems by building a modern farm that promotes sea greens and creates sustainable food & bath goods that are just as healthy for consumers as they are for the planet. With a background in community building at Summit- a thought leadership event series, Morgan-Lea also is focused on building sustainable ocean farming networks and has her own kelp farm off the coast of Maine.
In today’s episode, we explore what it means to do aquaculture farming in a regenerative way, and how the state of the aquaculture industry has rapidly evolved over the last decade. We also discuss the urgent need for entrepreneurs in the space to come up with novel ways to utilize our most abundant resources, from using seaweed as a replacement for single-use plastic to creating sustainable biofuels, fabrics, and even skin care products.

Tune in to learn more about:
What inspired Morgan to become a seaweed farmer

The importance of self trust when you’re starting a new endeavor

How to seek out mentors in the aquaculture industry

Aquatic polyculture with mussels, oysters and seaweed

The challenges of being a woman in the industry

Morgan’s focus on building sustainable farming networks

The time sensitive nature of seaweed after it’s harvested

Tips for how to know if the seaweed you’re consuming is of high quality

Why most seaweed is imported into the US and why you should opt for local sources

The difference between certified organic seaweed and non-organic seaweed

… And so much more!

Connect with Morgan:
Visit the website at www.nauticalfarms.com

Follow Morgan on Instagram: @nauticalfarms

Connect with Hannah:
Instagram: @hannahkeitel
...more
39min
August 06, 202420. The Most Nutrient-Dense Food on Earth with Zach Benavidez
Today we’re joined by Zach Benavidez of Terra Hava, who has designed a turn-key microalgae production platform that focuses on cultivating fresh Spirulina as a nutrient rich sustainable protein for human consumption.
In this episode, we discuss the ins and outs of spirulina, from its surprising nutritional profile to the complex logistics behind creating a high quality product. We also explore Zach’s vision of building a network of hyperlocal spirulina farms that distribute their product to their communities rather than centralized mass production in one location.

Tune in to learn more about:
Algae as a tool for wastewater treatment, biofuel, bio fertilizers, bio plastics, and food

How our food system contributes to deforestation and why spirulina contributes to the solution

The difference between macro algae (ex. kelp) versus microalgae (ex. spirulina)

The origin of spirulina based on the available historical records

A look into the day to day of producing spirulina

The importance of maintaining the integrity of the microalgae cell structure

Why Zach has opted not to use the traditional pond growing method of production

The surprising stories from customers that use spirulina in their day to day lives

Spirulina as a way to decrease cravings for junk food

How the process of fertilization within the context of aquaculture differs from fertilizing land plants

Interesting ways to incorporate microalgae into your diet beyond just smoothies

… And so much more!

Connect with Zach:
Visit the website at www.terrahava.com

Follow Zach on Instagram: terrahava_spirulina

Connect with Hannah:
Instagram: @hannahkeitel
...more
48min
July 30, 202419. Volunteer on Farms
In today’s mini episode, we explore why it might be worth seeking an opportunity to volunteer at a farm in your community, even if you don’t see yourself being a career farmer.

Tune in to learn more about…
The importance of getting acquainted with the less glamorous side of farming

How far in advance farmers need to plan their crops

The approach of learning by doing

What “succession planting” is, and why we do it

Getting in tune with the cycles of nature

… And so much more!

Resources mentioned:
The Farm Lab in Encinitas: If you’re local, we would love to meet you! https://farmlab.eusd.net/volunteer

RootSeller App: https://www.rootseller.app/

Episode 8: Growing a Tiny Farm with David Berning https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/08-growing-a-tiny-farm-with-david-berning/id1736850629?i=1000655537791

Connect with Hannah:
Instagram: @hannahkeitel
...more
8min
July 23, 202418. Let's Talk GMO's
In today’s mini episode, we work our way through the conflicting information floating around about GMO’s. Are they a positive or negative addition to our food system? As you’ll find out, the answer isn’t so simple.

Tune in to learn more about…
The difference between conventional plant breeding and genetically modified organisms

How patents play a role in seed biodiversity and our food system as a whole

The dark side of corporate seed companies

The invisible way that pesticides and herbicides end up in our food

Food grown from RoundUp-Ready seeds, and how they impact our long term health

The tradition of seed saving, and why some farmers are restricted from doing so

How the systems are created for the betterment of themselves rather than the farmers

… And so much more!

Connect with Hannah:
Instagram: @hannahkeitel
...more
16min
July 16, 202417. Be the Change You Wish to See
In today’s mini episode, we explore the concept of how we relate to change. So often, I hear that people are dissatisfied with the state of our current food system - but at the same time, there’s widespread skepticism that it can change in our lifetime. Throughout this discussion, I invite you to reflect on how we can engage with building a future that reflects our values, and will ensure a thriving planet for generations to come.

Tune in to learn more about…
How to contribute to the change we wish to see, and how this relates to agriculture

The recent major shifts that have occurred in our food systems

An opportunity to reevaluate what we consider to be possible

Questions for you to reflect on your own relationship to change

… And so much more!

Connect with Hannah:
Instagram: @hannahkeitel⁠
...more
10min
July 09, 202416. We Are Nature with Emma Andrews
Emma Andrews is a highly-acclaimed Intuitive, Medium and Intuition Teacher. Emma's gift of seeing energy combined with her training in energy healing make her Intuitive Sessions a powerful experience for many people. In addition to working with individuals, she is the creator of the popular intuition development course, “The Intuitive Method”. She teaches intuition at retreats and festivals around the world.
In today’s episode, we discuss the importance of connecting with our intuition to live an aligned life, and how nature plays a pivotal role in helping us get there. We explore the difference between the “mental information” that informs our decisions versus our authentic intuition, and the trick to identifying both within ourselves.

Tune in to learn more about:
How Emma teaches others how to connect with their intuition

The autoimmune disorder that was the catalyst for her path of self discovery

The importance of connecting to your body to hear its’ messages

Why connecting with yourself inherently connects you with the flow of the Earth

How animals can help us take care of ourselves

The privilege of being connected to where your food comes from

The joys and challenges of raising goats with no prior experience

What inspired her to host “goat walks”

Connect with Emma:
Sign up for a class or an Intuitive Session at www.Emma-Andrews.com

Follow her on Instagram @emmarews

Connect with Hannah:
Instagram: @hannahkeitel
...more
54min
July 02, 202415. Wild and Sustainable Sea Moss with Mike Ryan
Today, we’re joined by Mike Ryan. He’s the owner and founder of Samadhi Moss, a truly wild & sustainable sea moss company based in Encinitas. He sources his sea moss directly and exclusively from the island of Grenada, cultivating fair trade relationships with the divers to bring us the most authentic sea moss on the market.
Throughout our conversation, we discuss Mike’s entrepreneurial journey that led to starting the Samadhi Moss business, and what inspired him to focus solely on sea moss. We explore the reasons that he has chosen to avoid scaling his business to the point of being in major grocery stores, and we get a behind-the-scenes look into his company’s process of sustainable harvest and production.
Tune in to learn more about:
Why it’s crucial to know the origins of your sea moss

Are seaweed and sea moss the same?

What’s included in the Samadhi Moss blend

The difference between wildcrafted and farmed, and the potential hidden meanings of each

What to look for when seeking product transparency

Why Mike has chosen to move away from supplementation in favor of whole foods

Is it possible to overdose on sea moss?
Connect with Mike:
Website: www.samadhimoss.com

Follow him on Instagram: @samadhimoss
Connect with Hannah:
Instagram: @hannahkeitel
...more
46min
June 25, 202414. Migrant Farming Garlic with Ben Ronniger
Ben and his wife, Claire, run Allicin’s Ranch where they grow over 50 varieties of garlic year round through a migrant farming lifestyle in Northern Idaho, Baja California and Argentina.
Throughout our conversation, we discuss what it means to be a migrant farmer, and all of the unique benefits and challenges that come with it. We explore the romanticized narratives about farm life, and shed light on the invisible systemic barriers that make the life of a small farmer more difficult.

Tune in to learn more about:
Why garlic is an ideal crop for migrant farming

How they continue building their soil throughout the years

How different types of animal manure impact the yield of a crop

Leaning on perennials as a way to be able to leave for stretches of time

The many varieties of garlic that exist, and why grocery stores only carry one variety

What the color of your garlic says about the quality of your soil

Insights from family members that pioneered the original organic movement

The current state of corruption behind the "USDA organic" label

The true cost of eating cheaper produce from monocrop farms

… And so much more!

Connect with Ben:
Website: allicinsranch.com

Instagram: @allicins_ranch

Website: garlicbraids.com

Connect with Hannah:
Instagram: @hannahkeitel
...more
1h 17min
June 18, 202413. Bringing Hope to the Future of Farmland with Ian McSweeney
Ian McSweeney is Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of The Farmers Land Trust. He has been recognized as a “40 under 40” leader in New Hampshire, selected to the Food Solutions New England Network Leadership Institute, and is an Ashoka Fellow.
His life’s work is centered on the human connection to land and each other, framed through the understanding that food and agriculture are great separating and connecting forces between people and land. Throughout his career, Ian has worked to assist over 100 farms, protecting over 12,000 acres, and raising over $24 million all aimed toward providing benefit to farmland, farmers, communities, and the local agrarian economy.

In this conversation, we discuss…
The Supreme Court case that acted as the catalyst for Ian’s life mission

The myth of “land ownership” and the capitalist systems that perpetuate harm

Building systems for farmland to be controlled by the farmers and the local community

Why farmers struggle with land security, and paradoxically, even food security

The complex history of land trusts and how Ian forged a unique path within them

The difference between community land trusts and conservation land trusts

The new paradigm of valuing farmland differently than residential land

… And so much more!

Connect with Ian:
Website: https://www.thefarmerslandtrust.org/

Facebook: The Farmers Land Trust

Instagram: @thefarmerslandtrust

YouTube: @TheFarmersLandTrust

Connect with Hannah:
Instagram: @hannahkeitel
...more
1h 22min

FAQs about Hands in the Soil:

How many episodes does Hands in the Soil have?

The podcast currently has 53 episodes available.