The Sprouted Pitchfork

In Episode 11, Dustin interviews Doak Patton, the President of the Tennessee Chapter of NORML - the National Organization for the Reformation of Marijuana Laws (www.normaltn.org.) Doak is an attorney and advocate for cannabis reform in the state of Tennessee. This conversation involves discusses of medical marijuana use, the recent limited decriminalization of CBD oil for medical use in Tennessee, the legalization of hemp production in Tennessee, and the social impacts of the failed war on drugs on the whole.

In Episode 7 of The Sprouted Pitchfork, host Dustin Ogdin interviews Jennifer Tlumak Westerholm, Executive Director of the Urban Green Lab in Nashville, TN (www.urbangreenlab.org.) The Urban Green Lab is an educational non-profit organization that focuses on issues of sustainability and environmentalism within an urban context. The Lab is a constant presence advocating sustainability in Middle Tennessee. Among other programming, they conduct frequent community workshops for adults as well as outreach coordination with Metro Nashville Public Schools focusing on everything from urban agriculture to green building. Jennifer is a Nashville native with a long history of academic research and public service relating to ecology and social justice.

In Episode 6 of The Sprouted Pitchfork, host Dustin Ogdin interviews Sylvia Ganier, owner and founder of the Green Door Gourmet organic farm in Nashville, TN (www.greendoorgourmet.com.) The Green Door Gourmet is an exceptionally successful farm that has grown rapidly since its inception. The farm functions as a local hub for food and agriculture advocacy, community building, and public service. Ganier has a distinguished history working with food that dates back to her roots growing up on a dairy farm in North Carolina. Her commitment to sustainability, biodynamic farming practices, quality nutrition, culinary artistry, and public service are reflected in every aspect of the Green Door Gourmet's business model and community outreach philosophy.

In episode 2 of The Sprouted Pitchfork, host Dustin Ogdin speaks with Eric Wooldridge, manager at Bells Bend Farms in Nashville, TN (www.bellsbendfarms.com). Bells Bend Farms have become an anchor of the natural and sustainable farming community in Nashville's Bells Bend corridor. The farm grows many crops and also maintains livestock. Their philosophy implements biodynamic farming and sustainable practices. They have become a notable presence in the Nashville community through their CSA program as well as their relationships with some of the best beer brewers, chefs, and farm to table restaurants in middle Tennessee. Eric grew up in the Bells Bend region and is a stalwart advocate for the preservation of the area and for sustainable practices on the whole. Principles of permaculture are inherent to the agriculture and farming at Bells Bend Farms.

In the inaugural episode of The Sprouted Pitchfork, host Dustin Ogdin speaks with Rachel Stubbs, manager at The Old School Farm in Nashville, TN. The Old School Farm is fully functioning agricultural growing space on the lot of a former elementary school. The farm also employs adults with intellectual disabilities and runs a community supported agriculture program (CSA.) Principles of permaculture and sustainability are inherent to the growing practices and values of the Old School Farm.