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What does regenerative agriculture really mean—and can farmers afford to make the transition?

In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, Dr. Joe Roselle sits down with Dr. Sara Rosenberg, a regenerative agriculture advisor with the University of California, to discuss the realities behind one of the fastest-growing movements in agriculture.

From soil health and biodiversity to cover crops, sheep grazing, and the economics of farming, Dr. Rosenberg explains why regenerative agriculture is more than a trend—it's a long-term shift that requires innovation, education, and community support.

Discover:
✔️ What regenerative agriculture actually means
✔️ Why many farmers struggle to make the transition
✔️ The surprising role of sheep and livestock in healthy ecosystems
✔️ How soil biology impacts farm productivity
✔️ The economic realities facing growers
✔️ Why community and farmer-to-farmer mentorship matter

Whether you're a farmer, gardener, sustainability advocate, or simply curious about the future of food, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating more resilient agricultural systems.

Subscribe to Harvesting Wisdom for more conversations on sustainability, agriculture, environmental innovation, and community-driven solutions.

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What happens when communities lose access to trusted local news?

In this episode of the Harvesting Wisdom Podcast, Dr. Joe Roselle sits down with Tregg White, President & CEO of the Arizona Media Association and Arizona Local News Foundation, to discuss the critical role local journalism plays in strengthening communities, informing public decisions, and elevating solutions across Arizona.

From education and workforce development to environmental stewardship and civic engagement, Tregg shares how local media outlets are helping connect communities, amplify important stories, and create meaningful change throughout the state.

The conversation also highlights The Longest Climate Community Table, a unique event bringing together community leaders, educators, journalists, nonprofit organizations, environmental advocates, philanthropists, and engaged citizens to discuss Arizona's most pressing environmental and community challenges.

In This Episode:
✅ Why local journalism is essential for healthy communities
✅ The difference between social media content and trusted reporting
✅ How Arizona's education reporting collaboration is creating impact
✅ The importance of rural voices in statewide conversations
✅ Building trust through community-based journalism
✅ The future of environmental and sustainability reporting in Arizona
✅ How nonprofits can partner with media to amplify solutions
✅ The vision behind The Longest Climate Community Table
✅ Why storytelling is a powerful tool for change

Attend The Longest Climate Community Table
June 23, 2026 | 4:00 PM | Desert Botanical Garden | Free Admission

Join community leaders, educators, nonprofit organizations, environmental advocates, media professionals, philanthropists, and engaged citizens for an evening of meaningful conversation and collaboration.

Together, participants will explore solutions to Arizona's most pressing challenges, including water conservation, extreme heat, sustainability, environmental resilience, and community well-being.

Reserve your free seat:
https://earthgives.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F43504

Guest: Tregg White
President & CEO, Arizona Media Association + Arizona Local News Foundation

Guest Host: Dr. Joe Roselle

Like, subscribe, and share to help us continue bringing thoughtful conversations that inspire action, strengthen communities, and cultivate a more sustainable future.

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Can art change how we think about sustainability?

In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, Dr. Joe Roselle sits down with environmental artist Karen Boone to explore how creativity, nature, and conscious living intersect. Karen shares how she creates stunning sculptures from recycled materials, natural pigments, and low-toxin processes while inspiring others to reconnect with the natural world.

Together they discuss environmental stewardship, sustainable materials, reducing toxins, regenerative living, and how small personal choices can create lasting change.

Whether you're an artist, gardener, educator, environmental advocate, or simply someone who loves nature, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how creativity can help build a healthier future.

In This Episode
• Creating art from recycled and natural materials
• The connection between creativity and sustainability
• Reducing toxins in everyday products and art supplies
• Environmental stewardship and conscious living
• Reconnecting with nature through art
• Why small actions can create lasting environmental impact

00:00 Introduction
01:10 Meet Karen Boone
04:15 Turning Waste Into Art
09:20 Natural Pigments and Sustainable Materials
15:30 Why Karen Chose a Low-Toxin Approach
22:10 Vegan Art Supplies Explained
28:15 The Environmental Impact of Everyday Choices
35:20 Inspiring Others Through Storytelling
42:45 Sustainability, Stewardship, and Nature
50:00 Upcoming Projects and Exhibitions
54:30 Final Thoughts

Learn More About Karen Boone:
Website: https://karenboone.com/

Karen creates environmentally conscious artwork using foraged earth pigments, natural materials, and sustainable practices inspired by nature.

Harvesting Wisdom Podcast:
Website: www.harvestingwisdompodcast.org
www.weareufe.org

Subscribe for conversations exploring sustainability, food systems, environmental stewardship, innovation, and community impact.

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Ukraine has long been known as one of the world's most important agricultural producers, supplying food to millions across the globe. But what does the future look like for Ukraine's agricultural sector as it continues to recover, modernize, and strengthen its relationship with Europe?

In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, guest host Diana Kruzman sits down with Oleksandra Romanko, Head of the European Integration Committee for the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club (UCAB), to discuss the future of agriculture in Ukraine. Together they explore land reform, food security, agricultural innovation, economic recovery, European integration, and the critical role farmers play in feeding communities around the world.

Whether you're interested in agriculture, sustainability, food systems, international development, or economic resilience, this conversation offers valuable insight into one of the world's most important agricultural regions.

Key Topics
• Ukraine's role in global food production
• Land reform and agricultural policy
• Food security and sustainable agriculture
• European Union integration
• Agricultural innovation and modernization
• Economic recovery and rural development
• The future of farming in Ukraine

0:00 Introduction
01:15 Meet Oleksandr Romanko and UCAB
04:20 Ukraine's Agricultural Landscape Before Recent Challenges
09:35 Why Agriculture Matters to Ukraine's Economy
13:15 Understanding Ukraine's Land Reform
18:10 The Impact of Land Ownership Changes
23:45 Agriculture, Investment, and Economic Recovery
28:20 Food Production and Farmland Challenges
35:10 Rebuilding Agricultural Operations
40:50 Workforce Development and Rural Communities
46:15 Ukraine's Path Toward European Integration
52:30 Environmental Standards and Sustainable Farming
58:00 The Role of Small and Large Agricultural Producers
1:03:10 The Future of Agriculture in Ukraine
1:08:00 Final Thoughts

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The landscaping industry is undergoing a major transformation. In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, Mike McMahon sits down with representatives from Greenworks to discuss the shift from gas-powered equipment to battery-powered technology, the rise of robotic lawn mowers, and how automation could reshape landscaping over the next decade. They also discuss infrastructure challenges, real-world adoption, cost savings, and why their documentary recently won an environmental film festival award.

Why Listen?
Learn why commercial landscapers are switching to battery-powered equipment
Discover how robotic lawn mowers may transform the industry
Understand the financial impact of electric landscaping tools
Hear firsthand experiences from large-scale landscaping operations
Explore the role of automation, AI, and sustainability in outdoor maintenance

Key Topics
✔ Electric vs. Gas Landscaping Equipment
✔ Robotic Lawn Mowers
✔ Commercial Landscaping Operations
✔ Battery Technology
✔ Sustainability & Environmental Impact
✔ AI & Automation in Landscaping
✔ Film Festival Award-Winning Documentary
✔ Future of Outdoor Maintenance

Notable Moments

00:00 Introduction & Greenworks Partnership
03:00 Winning an Environmental Film Festival Award
08:00 The Real Challenges of Going Electric
12:00 Robotic Lawn Mowers & Automation
16:00 Infrastructure and Charging Solutions
20:00 What the Future of Landscaping Looks Like
24:00 AI, Robotics & Workforce Changes
27:00 Final Thoughts

Connect With Harvesting Wisdom
Harvesting Wisdom explores the ideas, innovations, and people shaping a more sustainable future through agriculture, technology, education, and community action.

Subscribe for new episodes every week.

www.harvestingwisdompodcast.org

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What if great cooking starts long before food reaches the kitchen?

In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, Mike McMahon visits the Basque Culinary Center in Spain and sits down with Joxe Mari Aizega, General Director of one of the world's leading gastronomy institutions.

Together, they explore how farming, sustainability, culinary education, food culture, and innovation all connect to create a healthier and more resilient food system. From regenerative agriculture and biodiversity to the importance of understanding where food comes from, this conversation reveals why the future of food begins in the soil.

Joxe shares how the Basque Culinary Center has become a global leader in gastronomy education by teaching students to think beyond the kitchen and understand the entire food ecosystem—from farmers and food producers to chefs, researchers, entrepreneurs, and consumers.

If you're interested in sustainable agriculture, food systems, culinary arts, regenerative farming, or the future of food, this episode is for you.

Why Listen:
Learn how one of the world's most respected culinary institutions is redefining gastronomy through sustainability, education, and innovation. Discover why healthy food starts with healthy soil and how chefs, farmers, researchers, and educators are working together to create a more resilient food future.

Topics Discussed:
• The origins and mission of the Basque Culinary Center
• Why farming belongs in culinary education
• Regenerative agriculture and gastronomy
• The relationship between soil health and food quality
• Biodiversity and the future of food production
• Food culture, terroir, and regional identity
• Innovation in the culinary industry
• Building stronger food systems through education

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:55 Meet Joxe Mari Aizega

05:30 The Creation of the Basque Culinary Center

11:20 Why Future Chefs Need to Understand Farming

16:45 Learning the Value of Time Through Food

22:30 Building a Global Food Ecosystem

28:10 Innovation in Modern Gastronomy

34:15 Regenerative Agriculture and Food Systems

40:20 Food Culture Around the World

46:00 What Makes Basque Cuisine Unique

52:15 Food as an Expression of Terroir

58:30 Biodiversity and the Future of Agriculture

1:04:10 Garden Tour and Final Thoughts

About Harvesting Wisdom
Harvesting Wisdom explores agriculture, sustainability, food systems, education, and community-driven solutions through conversations with experts, innovators, and change-makers from around the world.

Links:

Basque Culinary Center Information:
Website: https://bculinary.com/es/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bculinary/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/school/basque-culinary-center/
X: https://x.com/bculinary

GOe-Gastronomy Open Ecosystem Information:
Website: https://goe.bculinary.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weare.goe
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegoe/
X: https://x.com/wearegoe

Joxe Mari Aizega: https://www.instagram.com/jmaizega/

Harvesting Wisdom Website:
https://www.harvestingwisdompodcast.org/

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What happens when a fourth-generation California farmer decides to completely rethink the way farming is done?

In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, Mike McMahon sits down with regenerative farmer Richard Filipe from Hanford, California, to discuss the future of agriculture, soil health, food quality, and why so many family farms are disappearing across America. Richard shares his personal journey from conventional farming to regenerative practices after facing health challenges and watching neighboring farms sell out to large corporations.

From chemical-free pistachio farming to rebuilding living soil ecosystems, this conversation explores how regenerative agriculture could restore not only our food systems, but rural communities themselves.

Topics include:

Regenerative farming vs conventional agriculture
Soil health and food quality
Why family farms are disappearing
Chemical fertilizers and pesticides
Farming traditions and generational change
The future of American agriculture
Healing land through biodiversity

If you care about where your food comes from, sustainability, or the future of farming in America, this episode is a must-watch.

Why Listen
-Hear a real farmer explain why regenerative agriculture matters
-Learn how soil health impacts the food we eat
-Understand why family farms are struggling across America
-Discover the difference between industrial farming and regenerative systems
-Insightful discussion on sustainability, biodiversity, and food systems
-Honest conversation about the risks farmers face when changing traditional methods

Highlight Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Richard Filipe and regenerative farming
02:15 – Four generations of farming in California
04:20 – Why family farms are disappearing
06:00 – Industrial agriculture and the decline of rural communities
08:10 – Why modern food tastes different today
10:30 – Richard’s health journey that changed his perspective on farming
13:15 – Transitioning from conventional to regenerative agriculture
16:20 – Pushback from traditional farming communities
19:10 – Eliminating synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
22:00 – The challenges and fears of regenerative farming
25:45 – Soil biology, microbes, and ecosystem restoration
29:10 – Why regenerative farming requires full commitment
33:00 – Seeing real results in the orchards
36:20 – Richard’s father changing his mind about regenerative farming
40:15 – The future of farming in America

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What does it really take to grow food successfully in the Arizona desert?

In this episode of the Harvesting Wisdom Podcast, Dr. Joe Roselle sits down with Arizona gardening educator, author, speaker, and founder of Growing in the Garden, Angela Judd.

Angela has spent years helping thousands of gardeners learn how to successfully grow food in hot desert climates through practical, beginner-friendly education. What started as frustration trying to grow food for her family in Arizona eventually became a mission to simplify gardening for others through articles, classes, videos, and online resources. Her work focuses on sustainable gardening, soil health, organic growing methods, and making desert gardening approachable for everyone.

Together, Angela and Dr. Joe Roselle explore:
-Why gardening in Arizona is completely different from other regions
-The biggest mistakes beginner gardeners make
-How living soil transforms plant health
-Vermicomposting and microbial soil life
-Why mulch is essential in extreme heat
-The importance of hands-on learning and experimentation
-Building sustainable backyard food systems

Angela also shares insights from teaching gardening classes across the Valley and explains how understanding soil, water, sunlight, and timing can dramatically improve gardening success.

Whether you’re an experienced grower or just starting your first raised bed, this episode is packed with practical knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in sustainability, food security, and growing their own food.

Why Listen
-Learn how to garden successfully in Arizona’s desert climate
-Discover beginner-friendly strategies that simplify gardening
-Understand why soil biology is the foundation of healthy plants
-Hear practical tips on watering, mulch, sunlight, and timing
-Learn sustainable gardening techniques from a trusted educator
-Get inspired by Angela Judd’s journey from beginner gardener to widely respected gardening resource

Important Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction to Angela Judd and her gardening background
1:05 – Moving to Arizona and struggling with desert gardening
2:15 – Why traditional gardening advice often fails in Phoenix
3:30 – Discovering the Master Gardener Program
5:10 – Starting a blog and helping beginner gardeners
7:00 – The four fundamentals of successful gardening
9:05 – Understanding microclimates in your yard
11:15 – Best resources for beginner gardeners in Arizona
13:20 – Why healthy soil is the foundation of gardening
15:10 – Vermicomposting and keeping soil alive
17:25 – The benefits of mulch in desert climates
20:00 – Teaching desert gardening classes across Arizona
22:00 – Final thoughts on sustainable gardening and learning by doing

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Earlier this year, before the inaugural Arizona Skyfire Film Festival took place in March, the Harvesting Wisdom team traveled to Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, to explore what makes world-class film festivals so impactful.

In this episode, Mike McMahon reflects on the experience of attending Sundance and shares how film, storytelling, environmental awareness, civic pride, and community collaboration helped shape the vision behind Skyfire. From learning how activations engage communities to discussing how cities can transform through arts and culture, this conversation captures the inspiration and ideas that fueled Arizona’s first environmental film festival.

The episode also dives into the power of storytelling, innovation, education, and why events like Skyfire can help bring communities together while creating meaningful environmental awareness and economic impact.

Why Listen
Go behind the scenes of Sundance Film Festival
Hear the inspiration behind Arizona Skyfire Film Festival
Learn how film festivals can transform cities and communities
Discover how storytelling drives environmental awareness
Explore the connection between film, innovation, education, and civic pride
Get insight into how Arizona is building a growing arts and environmental movement

00:00 – Introduction from Sundance Film Festival
02:05 – Why Arizona Skyfire Film Festival was created
05:20 – Student filmmakers and youth involvement
08:15 – Lessons from Chicago’s World Fair and civic pride
14:00 – Innovation, architecture, and the story behind the Ferris Wheel
18:05 – “Boys in the Boat” and communities coming together
23:00 – ASU innovation and Arizona’s transformation
27:40 – The long-term vision behind Skyfire
31:00 – What Sundance “activations” are and why they matter
36:45 – Sponsors, storytelling, and community engagement
41:30 – Environmental storytelling and global perspectives
47:10 – Why Phoenix is positioned for cultural growth
53:50 – Expanding Skyfire across Arizona
58:10 – Paying it forward and building community impact
1:02:40 – Closing thoughts from Sundance

#HarvestingWisdom #SkyfireFilmFestival #SundanceFilmFestival #EnvironmentalFilm #ArizonaEvents #PhoenixArizona #DocumentaryFilm #Sustainability #Storytelling #FilmFestival #CommunityImpact #Innovation #ClimateAwareness #EnvironmentalPodcast #ArizonaArts

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Earlier this year, before the inaugural Arizona Skyfire Film Festival took place in March, the Harvesting Wisdom team traveled to Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, to explore what makes world-class film festivals so impactful.

In this episode, Mike McMahon reflects on the experience of attending Sundance and shares how film, storytelling, environmental awareness, civic pride, and community collaboration helped shape the vision behind Skyfire. From learning how activations engage communities to discussing how cities can transform through arts and culture, this conversation captures the inspiration and ideas that fueled Arizona’s first environmental film festival.

The episode also dives into the power of storytelling, innovation, education, and why events like Skyfire can help bring communities together while creating meaningful environmental awareness and economic impact.

Why Listen
Go behind the scenes of Sundance Film Festival
Hear the inspiration behind Arizona Skyfire Film Festival
Learn how film festivals can transform cities and communities
Discover how storytelling drives environmental awareness
Explore the connection between film, innovation, education, and civic pride
Get insight into how Arizona is building a growing arts and environmental movement

00:00 – Introduction from Sundance Film Festival
02:05 – Why Arizona Skyfire Film Festival was created
05:20 – Student filmmakers and youth involvement
08:15 – Lessons from Chicago’s World Fair and civic pride
14:00 – Innovation, architecture, and the story behind the Ferris Wheel
18:05 – “Boys in the Boat” and communities coming together
23:00 – ASU innovation and Arizona’s transformation
27:40 – The long-term vision behind Skyfire
31:00 – What Sundance “activations” are and why they matter
36:45 – Sponsors, storytelling, and community engagement
41:30 – Environmental storytelling and global perspectives
47:10 – Why Phoenix is positioned for cultural growth
53:50 – Expanding Skyfire across Arizona
58:10 – Paying it forward and building community impact
1:02:40 – Closing thoughts from Sundance