The Regenaissance Podcast

Hannah Gongola is a first-generation farmer and cheesemaker. We talked about what made her want to take the path she has taken, including some interesting stories of how her agricultural experiences have impacted her life. This was a fun one speaking with someone from the younger generations, especially given the average age of a farmer is nearly 60 years old.

Hannah's IG

Kenan alongside his brother, started Acorn Bluff Farms, where they raised an interesting and hairy breed of pig, Mangalica. 
We covered what this breed of pig is and why those chose it, the massive problems we face in the pig industry, and how they fit well into the farming ecosystem.

Acorn Bluff Farms Website
Acorn Bluff Farms IG
Acorn Bluff Farms Twitter

Mark McAfee of Raw Farm returns to the podcast to talk on what exactly happened that forced him to quarantine the farm and stop production for 6 weeks. We then what makes raw milk such liquid gold.

First episode with Mark
Raw Farm Website
Raw Farm IG

Judith McGeary is an attorney, activist, sustainable farmer, and executive director of Farm & Ranch Freedom Alliance. This episode covered policy and law around agriculture.

Farm & Ranch Freedom Alliance Website

Matthew is a first-generation farmer and homesteader and had the pleasure of talking about his journey and wanting to help others start their own farm/ranch/homestead. This is a great conversation for folks who have a desire to start producing their own food, no matter the size.

Matthew's Twitter Which You Should Follow
Matthew's Website

Had a great conversation with Natalie Kovarik, who grew up on a cattle ranch before deciding to pursue pharmacy where she experienced city life. She then moved to Nebraska with her husband, a rancher, and now works together at Kovarik Cattle Co and raising their family. In this episode we talked about:

- Growing up on a ranch and moving to the city
- Being a pharmacist before moving back to the country to start a ranch
- Raising a family on a ranch and what that looks like for her children
- What you may miss by living in a city your whole life

Natalie Kovarik's IG
Natalie Kovarik's Website
Discover Ag IG
Kovarik Cattle Co IG

In this episode we talk all things financing in the world of agriculture with Brandon Welch from Mad Capital. Mad Capital is "The most flexible, transparent, and customized financing built exclusively for organic, regenerative, and transitioning farmers."

Mad Capital Website

Rich Bradbury grew up on a regenerative farm before the term came to be. His parents were ahead of the curve and passed down their wealth of knowledge to Rich. Rich is not just a regenerative rancher but also a ranch broker and the president of Adel Water Improvement District. 

We talked on:

- Having regenerative parents
- What led him to starting Carn Grassfed Cattle
- Living in Russia managing 4,000 head of cattle
- Finding land to lease/buy

This is one of two episodes I have done so far with folks that were raised in the factory farming model, woke up to the reality of the industry, and made the change to regenerative. 

We talk about:

- Whole world of factory farming and dealing with the biggest companies like Tyson
- Learning about the destructive nature of it all
- Switching to regenerative and thinking about food as medicine

Sam Moffet is a first-generation farmer. We talk about his story and what led to his big decision to leave the city and start a farm. Sam has quickly etched himself in the Austin community, working with another local farm to provide their products in two farm stores in the heart of Austin. 

What makes a nutrient-dense egg? Does color matter? Is farming worth the risk? Cover all of that in this episode.