The Agtivist - A Citizen Farmers Podcast by Farmer D

In this episode, Farmer D and Laura Turner Seydel take a holistic look at what a regenerative society would look like. They reflect on educating and inspiring the next generation of advocates, regenerating landscapes, and moving towards a brighter future through equity and kindness.Join Our Community!Show Notes:Captain Planet FoundationMothers and Others for Clean AirEnvironmental Working GroupChattahoochee RiverkeeperAdditional Resources:Citizen Farmers Resources Citizen Farmers BookCredits:Co-Produced and Recorded by Daron Joffe and Ben BernsteinAudio Editing by Sarah MilliganMusic by Ben BernsteinAbout Farmer D:Farmer D is a nationally recognized biodynamic farmer, designer, speaker, entrepreneur and educator.He is the author of the acclaimed book "Citizen Farmers: The Biodynamic Way to Grow Healthy Food, Build Thriving Communities and Give Back to the Earth" and has spent the past 25 years designing and building community farms and gardens all over the country.Farmer D has worked on a wide range of public and private farm development projects ranging from residential “agrihood” communities like Serenbe and Rancho Mission Viejo to non-profit projects such as Coastal Roots Farm and Camp Twin Lakes.About Laura Turner Seydel:Laura Turner Seydel is an international environmental advocate and eco-living expert dedicated to creating a healthy and sustainable future for our children. Laura is chairperson of the Captain Planet Foundation, which promotes hands-on environmental education projects worldwide. She is a director of and works with the Environmental Working Group to limit the toxic chemicals in food, air, water and consumer products. In 2004, she co-founded and is Board Chair of Mothers and Others for Clean Air, an official program of the American Lung Association Southeastern Region. In 1994, she and her husband co-founded Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. Laura serves on the boards of her family’s foundations:  the Turner Foundation, Jane Smith Turner Foundation, the Turner Endangered Species Fund, and Ted’s Montana Grill. She is vice chair of the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund and sits on the national boards of the League of Conservation Voters, Defenders of Wildlife, Waterkeeper Alliance and the Carter Center Board of Councilors; she also serves on the advisory board for the Ray C. Anderson Foundation and board of directors of the Rotary Club of Downtown Atlanta.Laura lives with her husband and her three children in Atlanta. Their home, EcoManor, is the first LEED-certified Gold residence in the southeastern United States. Support the show

In this episode, Clayton Garrett and Farmer D get down to business discussing the ins and outs of running a farm in an agrihood. Join Our Community!Show Notes:Harvest GreenAgmenityUrban Land InstituteAdditional Resources:Citizen Farmers Resources Citizen Farmers BookCredits:Co-Produced and Recorded by Daron Joffe and Ben BernsteinAudio Editing by Sarah MilliganMusic by Ben BernsteinAbout Farmer D:Farmer D is a nationally recognized biodynamic farmer, designer, speaker, entrepreneur and educator.He is the author of the acclaimed book "Citizen Farmers: The Biodynamic Way to Grow Healthy Food, Build Thriving Communities and Give Back to the Earth" and has spent the past 25 years designing and building community farms and gardens all over the country.Farmer D has worked on a wide range of public and private farm development projects ranging from residential “agrihood” communities like Serenbe and Rancho Mission Viejo to non-profit projects such as Coastal Roots Farm and Camp Twin Lakes.About Clayton Garrett:In addition to practicing law for a number of years, Clayton has started, grown and lead multiple businesses.  He continues to lead a small group of companies operating in the direct-to-consumer and service business models.  For the past four years, Clayton has worked along-side developers, landscape architects, architects, and engineers to create unique and exceptional agricultural amenities. Clayton is a member of a number of community organizations including the Urban Land Institute and most recently contributed to their 2018 ULI Agrihood Report. Support the show

In this episode, Farmer D and Tyler Brown discuss a Chef's vision for an agrarian future inspired by the past where farms and restaurants unite tofoster curiosity, passion and learning.  Join Our Community!Show Notes:Southall FarmsThe Almanacwww.growbetterveggies.comJeff Poppen "The Barefoot Farmer"Land Trust For TennesseeCollard Kimchi RecipeSouthern Foodways AllianceAdditional Resources:Citizen Farmers Resources Citizen Farmers BookCredits:Co-Produced and Recorded by Daron Joffe and Ben BernsteinAudio Editing by Sarah MilliganMusic by Ben BernsteinAbout Farmer D:Farmer D is a nationally recognized biodynamic farmer, designer, speaker, entrepreneur and educator.He is the author of the acclaimed book "Citizen Farmers: The Biodynamic Way to Grow Healthy Food, Build Thriving Communities and Give Back to the Earth" and has spent the past 25 years designing and building community farms and gardens all over the country.Farmer D has worked on a wide range of public and private farm development projects ranging from residential “agrihood” communities like Serenbe and Rancho Mission Viejo to non-profit projects such as Coastal Roots Farm and Camp Twin Lakes.About Tyler Brown: Tyler Brown understood early on how food and community intertwine, as his family always felt the evening meal was sacred time. It was at the dinner table where the personal exchange happened. That experience stuck with him as he looked toward his career. After high school, he took a kitchen position at the Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, outside of his hometown of Charleston. Brown was drawn to the cadence, the order, the process of the kitchen, and soon enrolled in culinary school at Johnson & Wales University. He completed a three-month cooperative at the Keystone Resort in Colorado as part of the degree program, where he learned large-format kitchen production at a high level. Back in Charleston, he joined Peninsula Grill as a line cook – and ultimately sous chef. It was where he first felt the power of the French brigade order, and where he formed a friendship with Chef Sean Brock that would shape his future path. Later, Brown went to work as chef de cuisine with Brock at Capitol Grille in the Hermitage Hotel. He became executive chef in 2006 and began implementing seed-to-plate sourcing that  culminated in the creation of the three-acre Garden at Glen Leven and 150 head of red poll cattle at Double H Farms. In 2015, Brown joined the team at Southall outside Franklin, Tennessee, as Senior Vice President of Agriculture and Culinary. Support the show

In this episode, Farmer D and Dan Fillius discuss the many aspects of creating, activating and sustaining a farm in the middle of a community. Dan and Farmer D worked together to start Middlebrook Farms in Cumming, Iowa. They explore the challenges and opportunities that come with starting a farm, growing the enterprise, practicing food safety and engaging community.   Join Our Community!Show Notes:Middlebrook FarmFood Safety Modernization ActIowa State University Extension & OutreachAdditional Resources:Citizen Farmers Resources Citizen Farmers BookCredits:Co-Produced and Recorded by Daron Joffe and Ben BernsteinAudio Editing by Sarah MilliganMusic by Ben BernsteinAbout Farmer D:Farmer D is a nationally recognized biodynamic farmer, designer, speaker, entrepreneur and educator.He is the author of the acclaimed book "Citizen Farmers: The Biodynamic Way to Grow Healthy Food, Build Thriving Communities and Give Back to the Earth" and has spent the past 25 years designing and building community farms and gardens all over the country.Farmer D has worked on a wide range of public and private farm development projects ranging from residential “agrihood” communities like Serenbe and Rancho Mission Viejo to non-profit projects such as Coastal Roots Farm and Camp Twin Lakes.About Dan Fillius:Dan Fillius grows 4 acres of organic vegetables at Middlebrook Farm and helps Iowa's produce growers comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act through work with Iowa State University Extension & Outreach. He has been an organic vegetable farmer for 13 years, including stints managing the Michigan State university Student Organic Farm and 140 acres of vegetables at Featherstone Farm. His favorite vegetable to grow is winter squash, and he enjoys biking with family and birding in his spare time. Support the show

In this episode, Farmer D and Christine Sperber dig deeper into community partnerships, exploring how we can co-create with communities. Through thoughtful reflection, Christine discusses how important it is to define your values and show up with humility to foster trust and collaboration in community building. Join Our Community!Show Notes:Modern Elder AcademyAdditional Resources:Citizen Farmers Resources Citizen Farmers BookCredits:Co-Produced and Recorded by Daron Joffe and Ben BernsteinAudio Editing by Sarah MilliganMusic by Ben BernsteinAbout Farmer D:Farmer D is a nationally recognized biodynamic farmer, designer, speaker, entrepreneur and educator.He is the author of the acclaimed book "Citizen Farmers: The Biodynamic Way to Grow Healthy Food, Build Thriving Communities and Give Back to the Earth" and has spent the past 25 years designing and building community farms and gardens all over the country.Farmer D has worked on a wide range of public and private farm development projects ranging from residential “agrihood” communities like Serenbe and Rancho Mission Viejo to non-profit projects such as Coastal Roots Farm and Camp Twin Lakes.About Christine Sperber:Christine is a seasoned entrepreneur and powerful team builder whose authenticity and passionate engagement create community wherever she focuses her attention.It was finding and falling in love with snowboarding that changed her life and led her to Colorado. During the heyday of the early 90’s snowboard culture explosion, Christine was lucky enough to compete as a World Cup halfpipe competitor.By 24, Christine was running High Cascade Snowboard Camp in Oregon as General Manager where she helped build a remarkable team and community; exhibiting a knack for leadership, dependability and getting shit done. While honing her leadership skills as both as a coach and trainer, she embraced yoga as a means to control injury, pain and a racing mind. She has been practicing yoga for 30 years and remains grateful to all her teachers.She then pivoted to transport some of camp’s mojo to Colorado's Copper Mountain, serving as it's first Minister of Culture as progressive resorts were on the cusp of recognising the power of embracing the emerging youth culture. She rounded out her sales experience with Burton Snowboards as the Rocky Mountain representative on team Damiano Inc. After several years building a multi-million dollar territory, Christine later branched out into adjacent opportunities in real estate.Then Baja called. Recognized as a powerful igniting force for new ideas, Christine was invited to help found the award-winning hotel Rancho Pescadero. Her ability to recognize and develop talent and ride roughshod over challenges were a perfect combination for this venture.Within a year, she helped turned 12 rooms into 29 and landed the hotel on the Conde Nast Hot List. She next launched Casa Tota, which quickly became a must-visit hotel in Todos Santos. Support the show

In this episode, Farmer D and Jeff Hamoui explore what it takes to build a truly equitable and regenerative community. Through his work with the Modern Elder Academy and their satellite projects, Jeff explores the relationships we have with ourselves, nature and the people who make up our communities. Join Our Community!Show Notes:Modern Elder AcademyAdditional Resources:Citizen Farmers Resources Citizen Farmers BookCredits:Co-Produced and Recorded by Daron Joffe and Ben BernsteinAudio Editing by Sarah MilliganMusic by Ben BernsteinAbout Farmer D:Farmer D is a nationally recognized biodynamic farmer, designer, speaker, entrepreneur and educator.He is the author of the acclaimed book "Citizen Farmers: The Biodynamic Way to Grow Healthy Food, Build Thriving Communities and Give Back to the Earth" and has spent the past 25 years designing and building community farms and gardens all over the country.Farmer D has worked on a wide range of public and private farm development projects ranging from residential “agrihood” communities like Serenbe and Rancho Mission Viejo to non-profit projects such as Coastal Roots Farm and Camp Twin Lakes.About Jeff Hamoui:Husband, father, innovation and sustainability guy turned teacher, hospitality guy, developer and wannabe farmer.  Support the show

In this Episode, Farmer D and Pierre Ferrari, break down how we can redesign the global food system by supporting farmers and educating citizens to create healthier soil, ecosystems, communities and economies.  Join Our Community!Show Notes:Heifer International Fireside Live Chat Pierre interviews Farmer DAdditional Resources:Citizen Farmers Resources Citizen Farmers BookCredits:Co-Produced and Recorded by Daron Joffe and Ben BernsteinAudio Editing by Sarah MilliganMusic by Ben BernsteinAbout Farmer D:Farmer D is a nationally recognized biodynamic farmer, designer, speaker, entrepreneur and educator.He is the author of the acclaimed book "Citizen Farmers: The Biodynamic Way to Grow Healthy Food, Build Thriving Communities and Give Back to the Earth" and has spent the past 25 years designing and building community farms and gardens all over the country.Farmer D has worked on a wide range of public and private farm development projects ranging from residential “agrihood” communities like Serenbe and Rancho Mission Viejo to non-profit projects such as Coastal Roots Farm and Camp Twin Lakes.About Pierre Ferrari:Pierre Ferrari joined Heifer International in 2010 with more than 40 years of business experience. He worked for many years at Coca-Cola USA, before deciding in 1995 to focus his energy and business acumen on social issues. Ferrari is a former chair and board member of Ben and Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream and a former board member of the Small Enterprise Assistance Fund. He received a master’s degree in economics from the University of Cambridge and a Master's of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. Support the show

In this Episode, Farmer D and Jan discuss how to cultivate our relationships with nature by building a connection to the world around us through the food we grow and the partnerships we make. Join Our Community!Show Notes:Green Gardens GroupAdditional Resources:Citizen Farmers Resources Citizen Farmers BookCredits:Co-Produced and Recorded by Daron Joffe and Ben BernsteinAudio Editing by Sarah MilliganMusic by Ben BernsteinAbout Farmer D:Farmer D is a nationally recognized biodynamic farmer, designer, speaker, entrepreneur and educator.He is the author of the acclaimed book "Citizen Farmers: The Biodynamic Way to Grow Healthy Food, Build Thriving Communities and Give Back to the Earth" and has spent the past 25 years designing and building community farms and gardens all over the country.Farmer D has worked on a wide range of public and private farm development projects ranging from residential “agrihood” communities like Serenbe and Rancho Mission Viejo to non-profit projects such as Coastal Roots Farm and Camp Twin Lakes.About Jan Loeffler Bird:Jan is an environmental scientist, regenerative farmer, land designer, consultant, educator, and project developer whose work spans the scale from urban gardens to multi thousand acre farms and ranches to planned developments in the USA and Mexico. His holistic approach, founded in Holistic Management and the Regrarians Platform®, elevates the values and goals of project stakeholders and ensures regenerative ecological outcomes through integrating the design and planning of water, access, plant, animal, building, soil management, and energy systems. He credits his childhood on a remote coastal ranch in Baja, Mexico with launching him on a lifelong mission of harmonizing humanity's relationship with the Earth. Complementing his stewardship of land, Jan works with people as a retreat host and holistic health coach, and indulges his love of the ocean and adventure by riding waves and delivering sailboats. Support the show

In this Episode, Farmer D and Sona Desai share their passion and experiences on how to harness the power of food systems to regenerate the health of people and the planet.   Join Our Community!Show Notes:San Diego Food System AllianceCoastal Roots FarmIntervale CenterAdditional Resources:Citizen Farmers Resources Citizen Farmers BookCredits:Co-Produced and Recorded by Daron Joffe and Ben BernsteinAudio Editing by Sarah MilliganMusic by Ben BernsteinAbout Farmer D:Farmer D is a nationally recognized biodynamic farmer, designer, speaker, entrepreneur and educator.He is the author of the acclaimed book "Citizen Farmers: The Biodynamic Way to Grow Healthy Food, Build Thriving Communities and Give Back to the Earth" and has spent the past 25 years designing and building community farms and gardens all over the country.Farmer D has worked on a wide range of public and private farm development projects ranging from residential “agrihood” communities like Serenbe and Rancho Mission Viejo to non-profit projects such as Coastal Roots Farm and Camp Twin Lakes.About Sona Desai:Sona has been working to advance sustainable and equitable food systems for more than 20 years. She has a background in organic farming, food marketing & distribution, farm business development, and is recognized nationally as a leader in food hub and community food systems development.Before joining the San Diego Food System Alliance, Sona was the Director of Food Systems Development at the Leichtag Foundation where she provided thought leadership, research, and food and farm based consulting services to advance the Foundation’s food system strategy. She also served as the Associate Director of Coastal Roots Farm in Encinitas.Sona moved to California in 2016 after working at the Intervale Center in Burlington, Vermont for ten years. At the Intervale Center, Sona led the development and management of the Intervale Food Hub and the organization’s Gleaning & Food Rescue Program. She was also actively engaged in the Vermont Farm to Plate Network, and served on the Board of Directors for the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont.As the Associate Director of the San Diego Food System Alliance, Sona provides strategic and management support for the organization, strengthens support services for small-scale sustainable food producers and fishermen in the region, supports economic development in the food system, and leads diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. She is also leading the development of San Diego County Food Vision 2030, a bold, 10-year plan and movement to cultivate a healthier, more sustainable, and more just food system in the region. Support the show

In this episode, Farmer D and Evan Marks honor Earth Day with a conversation about the inspiring story, vision and programs of The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano. How a historic home and farm have been reimagined to be a hub for educating and nourishing Citizen Farmers. Join Our Community!Show Notes:The Ecology CenterFarm LabSeeding Change FilmAdditional Resources:Citizen Farmers Resources Citizen Farmers BookCredits:Co-Produced and Recorded by Daron Joffe and Ben BernsteinAudio Editing by Sarah MilliganMusic by Ben BernsteinAbout Farmer D:Farmer D is a nationally recognized biodynamic farmer, designer, speaker, entrepreneur and educator.He is the author of the acclaimed book "Citizen Farmers: The Biodynamic Way to Grow Healthy Food, Build Thriving Communities and Give Back to the Earth" and has spent the past 25 years designing and building community farms and gardens all over the country.Farmer D has worked on a wide range of public and private farm development projects ranging from residential “agrihood” communities like Serenbe and Rancho Mission Viejo to non-profit projects such as Coastal Roots Farm and Camp Twin Lakes.About Evan Marks:With his background in permaculture and agroecology, and, having worked extensively in California, Hawaii, and internationally in Costa Rica, Peru, Mexico, Ghana, and Nigeria, Evan Marks knows that people have the ability to directly impact the environment through individual change.“One day in Nigeria, Evan Marks had a realization that he wanted to go home and change the Orange County community where he grew up.So Marks, a Newport Beach native and UC Santa Cruz graduate, repatriated himself and came upon a dirt lot in San Juan Capistrano. The property along Alipaz Street contained a very old palm tree, a very old citrus tree and an 1878 farmhouse, the oldest wooden structure in the city. The bare homestead had belonged to Pony Express rider Joel Congdon and was the site of the county’s first walnut grove. Now it belonged to the city. Nothing was happening there.Marks saw potential. He had a vision to change that corner of the county, which was otherwise full of “cul-de-sacs and consumers,” as he puts it.”– Los Angeles Times Support the show