Land Food Life Podcast

Did you know birds navigate more habitats than almost any other species and are key indicators of planetary and human health? Join us on the Land Food Life podcast with Michael McGraw, an ecology and wildlife biologist, as he shares his journey from herpetology and ornithology to regenerative agriculture. Michael discusses conducting wildlife surveys and how grazing practices affect bird populations, biodiversity, and the nutrient density of our food.

This episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical insights. Michael talks about his passion for birdwatching, which was sparked during Timber Rattlesnake observation in the New Jersey Pine Barrens and the use of tools like the Merlin app for bird identification. He explores bird song identification, its insights into ecosystems, and its therapeutic effects on human well-being.

Michael also discusses the documentary Roots So Deep by Peter Byck, in which he appears, highlighting adaptive multi-paddock grazing and its ecological benefits. We examine how mindful grazing impacts ranchers, soil health, and bird diversity. We conclude with an emphasis on increasing BIPOC agricultural land ownership to create a diverse, just, and equitable food system.

Resources:
https://princetonhydro.com/staff/michael-mcgraw/
https://rootssodeep.org/

Explore the nexus of agriculture and human nutrition as we learn about cutting-edge research focused on understanding how agricultural growing practices and biodiversity shape the nutrient density of the food on our plates and our well-being. In this episode, nutrition researcher Dr. Stefan Van Vliet from Utah State University enlightens us about his collaborations with farmers, ecologists, and agricultural and nutritional scientists to study the critical linkages at this nexus. 

 Our dialogue traverses the influence of our diets on health metrics, highlighting the stark differences between whole foods and their ultra-processed counterparts. Learn about the transformative power of a diverse array of whole foods as we dissect research findings that reveal rapid health benefits.

 Equipped with the insights of my guest, we probe deeper into the complexities of phytonutrients, protein metabolism, and the innovative research connecting what's on our plate to the earth beneath our feet. We unravel the mysteries of metabolomics, a cutting-edge tool that's unlocking the understanding of the nutritional potential of our food, and discuss the concept of 'nutritional dark matter' that may hold the key to further health advancements. Whether you're a seasoned health enthusiast or just starting to question where your meals come from, this episode promises to feed your curiosity and fuel your motivation for creating a healthier tomorrow.

Show Notes:
https://stephanvanvliet.com/
https://caas.usu.edu/directory/vanvliet-stephan
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=L5KcySQAAAAJ&hl=en
Stephan van Vliet (@vanvlietphd) / X

Join me, Kara Kroeger, and one of my favorite chefs and mentors, Jesse Griffiths, as we embark on a fascinating exploration of Central Texas' vibrant wild and domesticated meat scene with a man who knows it like no other. Our rich dialogue interweaves Jesse's commitment to utilizing and supporting his local food system at a level few other chefs achieve, with stories from Dai Due Butcher Shop and Supper Club, to his educational wild game hunting and cooking  pursuits at the New School of Traditional Cookery. Jesse's passion shines as we unravel his journey from chef to celebrity huntsman to James Beard award-winning author of The Hog Book.

Our conversation weaves through the cultural and ecological landscapes of ethical hunting and meat consumption, and the art of respecting the entire animal. We delve into stories from Jesse's hunting school, the management of Texas's feral hog populations, and the challenges of integrating truly wild game into restaurant menus.

This episode is  a celebration of our many local food sources through the lens of a truly thoughtful chef, from the meticulous joys of preparing small game to the evolving appreciation of grass-fed beef among Texan diners. We also highlight the untapped potential of unique domesticated beef varieties and his commitment to cooking with natural fats and steering clear of seed oils to preserve our health.

The podcast peaks with a discussion of Jesse's upcoming book, called The Turkey Book. Join us for an episode that promises to nourish your curiosity and deepen your appreciation for the roots of what you eat.

Show Notes:
https://www.daidue.com
https://www.newschooloftraditionalcookery.com
https://www.thewildbooks.com
https://www.zeroacre.com/

Embark on a journey exploring regenerative farmscapes with myself, Kara Kroger, and the insightful Peter Brezny of Psycho Chicken Eco Farm. Together, we traverse the evolution from conventional to regenerative agriculture, uncovering the power of holistic farming practices. We promise a journey of enlightenment; from the role of energy efficiency and biological fertility to the perils of chemical dependencies, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone passionate about the future of farming, food, and our planet.

As we chart the course through our discussions, we honor the legacies of visionaries like Charles Walters  of Acres USA and Rachel Carson author of Silent Spring, who've sparked a community eager for change. We examine the pivotal moments and conferences that have stitched together a tapestry of knowledge, encouraging soil-centric farming that mirrors the robustness of nature itself. The heartrending tales of bees decimated by insecticides and aquatic devastation serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of our actions, while the success stories of farmers like Jimmy Emmons in Oklahoma illuminate the path toward a regenerative horizon.

Concluding the episode, we celebrate the microscopic marvels beneath our feet – the soil bacteria. These tiny but mighty organisms are the unsung heroes of plant growth and nutrition, shaping the health of our soil and, ultimately, the food on our plates. The conversation surges with passion, emphasizing the importance of consumer choices and the interconnectedness of our well-being with that of the earth. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and above all, equipped with knowledge that transcends the boundaries of conventional agriculture.

Can you imagine sitting down to chat with a plant, asking it to share its innate wisdom with you, and then taking the nourishing messages of its flavors into your body as food and medicine? Well, guess what, whether you know it or not we all do this to some degree everyday.

Tune in for an enriching conversation with  renowned Range Scientist, Dr. Fred Provenza and myself, your Land Food Life Podcast host Kara Kroeger.  In this conversation Fred beautifully weaves his journey, from uncovering the remarkable functions of plants as food for livestock to appreciating their profound role in our social constructs, health, and spirituality.  Together, we explore the powerful lessons that can be learned by recognizing the threads that weave all beings - humans, plants, insects, animals, land, and water - together and how anchoring ourselves with nature can regenerate our frazzled nervous systems and  ecosystems. 

Fred also shares about a time period  when life pulled the rug out from under his feet, which opened the door to an ineffable feeling of oneness with the universe. Drawing inspiration from Fred and I's personal experiences, we explore the transcendental peace that can emerge from facing life-altering situations, like a health crisis.  Through our personal anecdotes,  we offer a unique perspective on cultivating  an eco-centric vs. an ego-centric lifestyle through  tethering ourselves to nature as a means of deepening our relationship with self and all that surrounds us.

Books Referenced:

Nourishment by Fred Provenza
The Art of Sheepherding by Fred Provenza
Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
The Power of Now by Echart Tolle
The Soul of the Indian by Charles Eastman
The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell

What if disruption wasn't something to be feared, but rather embraced as a catalyst for growth and change? Join us for an unforgettable conversation with the steadfast Kelsey Scott, a woman who's redefining what disruptions means in her life to evolve as a human being. As a Lakota tribeswoman raised on The DX Ranch on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, Kelsey's unique insights on embracing disturbance, managing pressure, and enhancing resilience are informed by her life experiences on the ranch and her innovative approaches to engagement in Indian Agriculture as the Chief Strategy Officer of the Intertribal Agriculture Council.

In our enlightening conversation with Kelsey, we tap into the wisdom she's garnered from working closely with cattle and horses, and  learning the power of pressure and release - not just with these majestic animals, but also in her everyday life. Kelsey shares with us the parallels she's drawn between these techniques and the cycles of the ecosystem. A discussion that begins with managing physical aches and pains expands into a profound exploration of overcoming anxiety and the importance of establishing a homeostasis for overall wellbeing.

As our conversation winds down, Kelsey offers her perspective on the strides she and her father, the USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator, have taken in strategizing new ways to improve the quality of life for BIPOC agricultural leaders and producers. As we explore the power of resilience and community appreciation, we also dive into Kelsey's unique marketing strategies for DX Beef and how they've positively impacted her local community. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, offering a new outlook on embracing disturbance, managing pressure, and enhancing resilience in our lives. Tune in to be inspired and learn something new.

References:

Ray Hunt, Buck Brannaman,  - Horsemanship

https://thedxranch.com/
https://www.projecth3lp.org/
https://www.indianag.org/

Is it hard to believe that you can be exposed to  approximately 500 chemicals before ever leaving your home for the day ? This shocking fact is a stark reality that Kara Kroeger delves into in this episode of the Land Food Life Podcast. Join her as she embarks on a journey of understanding the importance of shielding our bodies from these everyday toxins and toxicants, and how we can actively pave the way towards better health with our food choices.

Kara narrates her deeply personal and moving experience of losing her father due to chemical exposure from Agent Orange. This unfortunate event ignited her exploration into the necessity of being mindful of our environment and the toxicants within it. She also touches upon the significance of compassionate practitioners in healing and recounts Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez's groundbreaking nutritional enzyme protocol that her father used for supporting his body through chemotherapy. Further, Kara sheds light on the differences between toxins and toxicants, understanding free radicals, their sources, and the roles they play in causing biological harm.

Kara then breaks down practical ways to use specific foods to boost health despite the hazardous impacts of toxicants in our environment.  She also emphasizes the importance of a balanced intake of amino acids, the power of cruciferous vegetables, and sulfur's critical role in our bodies. Lastly, she explores the benefits of cutting down on alcohol, enhancing sleep quality, and maintaining bowel health for effective detoxification. This episode will empower you  to protect yourself against free radicals by using whole foods as the foundation of health!

Show Notes:

LFL 28-Day Community Cleanse & Reset - https://www.landfoodlife.com/cleanse
Dr. Nicholas Gonzales Foundation - https://thegonzalezprotocol.com/
Detoxify or Die, Sherry Rogers, M.D.
Toxic Legacy: How the Weedkiller Glyphosate Is Destroying Our Health and the Environment, Stephanie Seneff

Have you ever wondered how infrared sauna and cold exposure therapy work to improve your mood, heal injuries and deeply detoxify your body? Join us as we sit down with Heather O'Neill, a seasoned expert in fitness, injury recovery, and therapies for detoxification and optimal health. Heather shares her personal journey of helping her son overcome severe autism through nutritional therapies and how this experience sparked her interest in gut health and detoxification. She enlightens us about the cutting edge services she provides through her businesses - CryoFit Alamo Heights and Sweat Equity Infrared Saunas, such as  cryotherapy, cold water  plunges, IV drips, and infrared saunas that facilitate detox and recovery processes. She also discusses how you can do some of these therapies in your own home.

Additionally, Heather and Kara delve deep into how to support both Phase 1 and Phase 2 liver pathways to remove toxins from the body, the importance the vagus nerve plays in all aspects of health, and various body hacks you can apply to help fortify and tone the vagus nerve for full body regeneration. They also discuss the benefits of nutrient dense full-body cleansing and the  upcoming LFL 28-day Community Cleanse & Reset  program Kara will be hosting for the month of  October 2023, designed to help participants understand the detoxification process and cleanse the body from metabolism to mindset. This invigorating conversation between Heather O'Neill and Kara Kroeger is sure to leave you with a fresh perspective and an understanding of tools you can use to navigate the constant toxic exposure we are faced with in the modern world we are living in.

https://sweatequitysa.com/
https://mycryofit.com/location/us/texas/san-antonio-alamo-heights/
https://www.landfoodlife.com/cleanse

Get ready for an enlightening journey with the globally acclaimed herbalist, napropathic doctor, and prolific author, Rosita Arvigo. Prepare to be entranced by her rich experiences and profound wisdom as we navigate the power of Mayan rainforest remedies and the ancient practice of abdominal massage that has proven to be a game changer in restoring hormonal and digestive balance and emotional healing. Sit back as we delve into Rosita's intriguing tales of 13 years of study with a Mayan shaman and 10 years with a Belizean midwife, her encounters with possession and healing, and her profound understanding of human-plant communication.

No journey with Rosita would be complete without touching upon her colossal impact on education and the preservation of traditional healing knowledge, especially in Belize. Stoke your curiosity as we discuss her innovative Children's Summer Bush Medicine Camp, her groundbreaking primary school teacher program, and her tireless efforts to ensure traditional healing wisdom is safeguarded from being extinguished.

What makes this conversation with Rosita absolutely fascinating is her extraordinary life journey, from her early adventures in Mexico and Belize to her deep appreciation for nature's healing power stemming from her Italian-Iranian heritage. Her vast knowledge is truly a treasure trove for anyone interested in holistic health, herbal medicine, and the preservation of ancient healing wisdom. So, join us on this remarkable journey with Rosita Arvigo and prepare to be amazed!

Websites:
https://www.rositaarvigo.com
https://www.abdominalterapycollective.com
https://www.nybg.org/science-project/belize-ethnobotany-project/
https://belize.com/ixchel/
https://landfoodlife.com

Books:
Sastun: My Apprenticeship with a Mayan Healer
Rainforest Remedies: 100 Healing Herbs of Belize

Are you aware of the fascinating link between soil health and your gut health? Today on the Land Food Life podcast, join me, Kara Kroger, as we take a deep look at how our agricultural practices are wreaking havoc on our soils and, indirectly, our gut health. However, don't lose heart; this episode isn't all about doom and gloom. Together, we'll explore six transformative principles that can rejuvenate our soil and gut health, enhancing nutrient absorption, and overall well-being.

Have you ever thought about the impact of industrial farming, pharmaceuticals, and unhealthy consumption patterns on your health? As we navigate this episode, we will delve into these concerning topics. I will share insights from my 25-year experience in regenerative agriculture, nutrition, and natural medicine. We'll discuss the power of nutrition in preventing and healing diseases, the negative impact of antibiotics and certain medications on our gut health, and the prevalence of health issues in Western civilizations due to unhealthy practices.

Finally, we'll draw fascinating comparisons between soil and the human gut as parallel digestive systems. We'll delve into the importance of consuming whole foods and understanding the gut-soil connection in maintaining health. To wrap it all up, I'll present six principles for soil and gut health, discussing how to encourage life in our gut, minimize disturbance, and the benefits of integrating livestock. So, are you ready to embark on a holistic journey to healthier living? Tune in to this eye-opening episode of the Land Food Life podcast.