Join Matt Maier, host of Regenerative Renegades, in a conversation with Finian Makepeace — co-founder of Kiss the Ground, producer of the acclaimed films Kiss the Ground and Common Ground, and partner at The Ryzosphere. They explore Finian’s journey from touring musician and activist to one of the most compelling voices in the regenerative agriculture movement. Together, they discuss the power of storytelling, the importance of “second people” in building movements, and how regeneration offers real, hopeful solutions to our most pressing environmental and societal challenges.

In Part 2, Thomas Schroeder, Senior Partnerships Manager for Audubon Conservation Ranching, returns to discuss how Audubon’s work with ranchers and producers is helping biodiversity take flight.
This episode explores the power of connection, curiosity, and conservation in the regenerative movement.

In this two-part series, Thomas Schroeder, Senior Partnerships Manager for Audubon Conservation Ranching, joins host Matt Maier to discuss how ranchers and conservationists are teaming up to restore grassland ecosystems and protect declining bird populations. From his background as a chef to his work in regenerative agriculture, Thomas highlights the deep connection between food, land, and community—and how stewardship can help both people and wildlife thrive.

Don’t miss Part 2, releasing November 10th!

Join Matt Maier, host of Regenerative Renegades, in a conversation with Kevin Ouzts, chef-turned-founder of The Spotted Trotter. They discuss the evolution of food and farming, Kevin’s journey from fine dining to charcuterie making, and the importance of local sourcing, community, and celebrating regional flavor. Together, they explore how culture, creativity, and conscious eating can shape the future of our food systems.

Join Matt Maier for a conversation with Dr. Jonathan Lundgren — agroecologist, former USDA scientist, and founder of Blue Dasher Farm and the Ecdysis Foundation. Jonathan shares why he walked away from conventional research to pursue regeneration, what he’s learned from the Thousand Farms Initiative, and how farming with nature can restore soil, communities, and hope for the future.

Join Matt Maier, host of Regenerative Renegades for a sit-down interview with Carrie Balkcom, Executive Director of American Grassfed Association. Carrie shares her journey into agriculture and the pivotal role she's played in establishing trusted grass-fed standards. Together, they dive into the fight for honest food labeling, the importance of consumer awareness, and why not all "grass-fed" claims are created equal. This episode pulls back the curtain on what transparency in food really means— for farmers, consumers and the future of our planet. 

This week on Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier continues his conversation with Dr. Stephan Van Vliet, a leading nutrition scientist at Utah State University with deep expertise in metabolomics. In Part 2, they dig into an omnivorous diet, why cravings don’t meet our true needs, the nutrient decline in modern agriculture, and how whole foods and regenerative systems offer hope for the future of food.

This week on Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier kicks off a two-part conversation with Dr. Stephan Van Vliet, a leading nutrition scientist at Utah State University with deep expertise in metabolomics. Together, they explore how regenerative agriculture impacts the nutrient density of meat, why “you are what your food eats” is more than a catchy phrase, and what the latest science reveals about grass-fed beef, phytochemicals, and flavor.

In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, we're shaking things up! Host Matt Maier steps aside to introduce a special guest host- his daughter and the show's producer, Melissa Maier. Melissa takes the reins to interview Minnesota's media powerhouse, Elizabeth Ries.

Elizabeth has been co-hosting Twin Cities Live for 16 years and is a weekly contributor to Minnesota Live. She shares her passion for intentional living through her blog, Home to Homestead, and her podcast, Best to the Nest, where she explores how to bring your best self to your home life with her husband and their children. Beyond her media career, Elizabeth is a dedicated urban homesteader—growing her own food, raising chickens, composting, and cooking—all from her home in Minneapolis. She believes that every household, regardless of size or location, can embrace homesteading principles and live more sustainably. 

In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier welcomes Anthony Hauck of the National Audubon Society to discuss the symbiotic relationship between grazing cattle and grassland birds. Mr. Hauck serves as Communications Manager of the Audubon Conservation Program, the organization's flagship grassland habitat effort to stabilize declining grassland bird populations in partnership with farmers and ranchers. 

Regenerative Renegades presenting sponsor Thousand Hills Lifetime Grazed recently earned the Audubon's Bird-Friendly Land Certification. Thousand Hills’ grassfed beef products—available at more than 2,500 retail locations nationwide—will begin displaying the Audubon Certified Bird-Friendly seal on the entire Thousand Hills grassfed beef product portfolio. The Audubon Conservation Ranching certification label recognizes products grazed on products grazed on land managed for birds and herds. Thousand Hills’ independent ranches were rigorously audited by Audubon, ultimately meeting the requirements centering on habitat management, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare to earn the Audubon Bird-Friendly Land certification.