Podcast
Harvesting Wisdom Podcast with Mike McMahon
Hosted by Mike McMahon Ā· EN
Discover insights that grow a greener world with Harvesting Wisdom Podcast hosted by Mike McMahon. š±šļø Leading experts share wisdom on agriculture, sustainability, and education in Arizona and beyond. Policy makers, industry experts, and international outreach champions ā we cover it all! Tune in for a harvest of knowledge. šš¾
52episodes
Episodes
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Basil Bottle: Growing Food Anywhere Without Soil
Jul 200:36:28Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat if you could grow fresh basil, tomatoes, and edible flowers right in a bottle ā without soil, pumps, or electricity?In this episode of the Harvesting Wisdom Podcast, Mike McMahon sits down with Christopher Brooks, founder and creator of Basil Bottle, to explore the power of passive hydroponics, food accessibility, and the healing connection between people and plants.Christopher shares his powerful personal story of growing up in foster care and discovering gardening at 13 years old while in juvenile detention. A simple marigold seed became more than a plant ā it became a moment of hope, confidence, and connection. Years later, that experience helped inspire his work in sustainability, food systems, and accessible growing solutions.Together, Mike and Christopher discuss how Basil Bottle works, why passive hydroponics makes growing easier, how plants can thrive without soil, and why this simple system could be used in homes, classrooms, assisted living spaces, and communities with limited access to gardens.In This Episode:ā Christopherās personal story of discovering gardening as a foster youthā How growing a plant helped build confidence and connectionā What passive hydroponics is and how it worksā Why plants can grow without soil, pumps, or electricityā How Basil Bottle uses water, nutrients, roots, and air gapsā Why overwatering and underwatering are common plant problemsā Growing basil, cherry tomatoes, and edible flowers indoorsā How hand-pollinating tomatoes worksā Why food accessibility matters in urban communitiesā The educational and therapeutic potential of growing plantsā How Basil Bottle could support schools, seniors, and beginner growersWhy ListenListen if you are interested in simple ways to grow food at home, sustainability, hydroponics, school garden education, or the healing power of plants. Christopherās story brings together personal resilience, food accessibility, and a creative growing system that makes gardening feel possible for anyone.Whether you are a gardener, teacher, parent, sustainability advocate, or someone who has never grown food before, this conversation shows how a simple bottle can become a powerful tool for learning, healing, and reconnecting with where food comes from.Subscribe to the Harvesting Wisdom Podcast for more conversations on sustainability, regenerative education, food systems, gardening, and the wisdom we can grow together.00:00 Welcome to Harvesting Wisdom01:00 Meet Christopher Brooks, founder of Basil Bottle02:30 Growing up in foster care04:30 The garden that changed Christopherās life07:00 Discovering the magic of planting a seed09:30 From foster care advocacy to sustainability12:00 The tomato that sparked a love for growing food15:00 Food access, school meals, and nutrition18:00 What is passive hydroponics?21:00 Growing plants without soil24:00 Adding biology into hydroponic systems27:00 How Basil Bottle works30:00 Roots, water levels, and air gaps33:00 Growing basil, tomatoes, and edible flowers35:00 How to hand-pollinate tomatoes indoors38:00 Growing food in windowsills and small spaces40:00 Basil Bottle in classrooms and senior living spaces43:00 Future projects and closing thoughts
Transcribe āWee Greens: Turning Classrooms Into Living Learning Labs
Jun 3000:31:55Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat happens when kindergarten students get to grow, observe, harvest, and taste their own food?In this episode of the Harvesting Wisdom Podcast, Mike McMahon sits down with Deb Martinez, an educator and clinical assistant professor at Arizona State University, to talk about the power of garden-based learning in early childhood education.Deb shares how her lifelong connection to gardening, her years in preschool and kindergarten classrooms, and her work with future teachers helped shape her contribution to Urban Farming Educationās Wee Greens curriculum. Designed especially for young learners, Wee Greens uses microgreens, recycled containers, hands-on activities, art, science, literacy, math, and family engagement to make learning more meaningful.The conversation explores why hands-on learning matters more than ever, how gardens can help students build curiosity and confidence, and how something as simple as planting microgreens can support critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and real-world learning.In This Episode:ā How Debās childhood garden shaped her love for growing foodā Why kindergarten students need hands-on, play-based learningā How microgreens make gardening simple for classroomsā The connection between gardens, science, art, literacy, and mathā Why students become more engaged when learning moves outside the textbookā How Wee Greens helps teachers bring garden-based lessons into the classroomā The role of family harvest days and food conversations at homeā Why school gardens can support curiosity, confidence, and communityā How UFE is building scalable garden-based curriculum for schoolsWhy ListenListen if you care about education, school gardens, or helping kids learn through real-world experiences. This episode shows how something as simple as growing microgreens can help young students build curiosity, confidence, critical thinking, and a stronger connection to food, nature, and community.Whether you are an educator, parent, school leader, gardener, or someone who cares about the future of learning, this conversation offers a beautiful look at how small seeds can grow into big lessons.Subscribe to the Harvesting Wisdom Podcast for more conversations on education, sustainability, gardening, regenerative living, and the wisdom we can grow together.00:00 Welcome to Harvesting Wisdom01:00 Deb Martinezās background in gardening and education03:30 From preschool and kindergarten to ASU06:00 How Wee Greens became part of UFEās curriculum08:30 Why hands-on science matters in classrooms11:00 The challenge of keeping students engaged today14:00 Using gardens to spark curiosity and focus17:00 Critical thinking, collaboration, and communication20:00 How microgreens work in kindergarten classrooms23:00 Recycled K-cups, egg cartons, and simple growing systems26:00 The eight-day microgreens curriculum29:00 Harvest day and family engagement32:00 Garden-based learning across grade levels36:00 Building curriculum that can scale worldwide40:00 Why kindergarten deserves its own garden curriculum42:00 Final thoughts and closing
Transcribe āThe Wisdom of Wine: Terroir, Soil Health & Biodynamic Farming in France pt.1
Jun 2500:35:39Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, Mike McMahon sits down for a thoughtful conversation in France to explore the deeper story behind wine ā not just as a drink, but as a reflection of place, soil, culture, and memory.Together, they discuss the importance of terroir, the character of Semillon grapes, the role of limestone soils, and how biodynamic and regenerative practices can support healthier vineyards and more expressive wines. The conversation also touches on climate change, farming challenges, wine as part of culture, and why the best wines are connected to the land and the people who care for it.This episode is perfect for anyone interested in wine, sustainable agriculture, soil health, regenerative farming, food culture, or the relationship between people and place.Why ListenListen to this episode if you want to understand how wine connects to much more than taste. This conversation explores how soil, climate, farming practices, and human decision-making all shape what ends up in the glass. It is a great episode for wine lovers, gardeners, farmers, environmental educators, and anyone curious about how caring for the land can create something beautiful, meaningful, and lasting.
Transcribe āBermudaās Ocean Lab: What Microbes, Coral & Climate Can Teach Us pt.1
Jun 2500:35:05Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon sits down with Kaitlin Noyes from the ASU Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences to explore what Bermudaās ocean research can teach us about climate change, coral reefs, microplastics, microbes, and the future of our planet.From the deep sea to coral reef ecosystems, this conversation connects the hidden life of the ocean with the systems we depend on every day: soil, food, agriculture, carbon, water, and education. Kaitlin shares how ASU BIOS uses long-term ocean observations, research vessels, underwater gliders, satellite data, and microbial studies to better understand how the ocean is changing over time.This episode is perfect for anyone interested in ocean science, environmental education, climate solutions, coral resilience, microplastics, STEM learning, and the connection between healthy ecosystems on land and in the sea.In this episode, we discuss:Ocean microbes and the biological carbon pumpWhy Bermuda is a unique place for ocean researchCoral bleaching and coral resilienceMicroplastics in the deep oceanHow ocean science connects to agriculture and soil healthThe role of technology, satellites, gliders, and robotics in climate researchWhy long-term environmental data matters for the futureSubscribe to Harvesting Wisdom Podcast for conversations that explore sustainability, science, agriculture, education, and the wisdom we can learn from the natural world.
Transcribe āGrowing Food, Building Community | Novella Carpenter
Jun 2000:46:17Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat happens when someone sees possibility in a forgotten piece of land?In this episode of the Harvesting Wisdom Podcast, Dr. Joe Roselle speaks with Novella Carpenter, urban farming pioneer and author of Farm City, about transforming an abandoned Oakland lot into a working urban farm and gathering place for the surrounding community.Novella shares how growing food can create connection, preserve cultural knowledge, improve access to fresh produce, and help communities become more resilient. She also discusses food insecurity, industrial food systems, school gardens, soil biology, beekeeping, food sovereignty, and the importance of learning from the elders who already carry generations of agricultural knowledge.The conversation also explores Urban Farming Educationās plans to activate communities throughout Phoenix through accessible gardening classes and hands-on, garden-based education for students.In this episode:ā¢ How Novella created an urban farm in Oaklandā¢ Why community gardens are about more than foodā¢ The connection between gardening and mental well-beingā¢ How industrial food systems prioritize convenienceā¢ What children should learn about seeds, soil, and nutritionā¢ Why culturally relevant foods and traditional knowledge matterā¢ Advice for building a community gardening movement in PhoenixLearn more about Novella Carpenter and her book, Farm City.Subscribe to Harvesting Wisdom for conversations about sustainability, education, food systems, community stewardship, and the people creating meaningful change.
Transcribe āWhy Regenerative Farming Is Harder Than You Think | Dr. Sara Rosenberg
Jun 1600:45:08Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat does regenerative agriculture really meanāand can farmers afford to make the transition?In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, Dr. Joe Roselle sits down with Dr. Sara Rosenberg, a regenerative agriculture advisor with the University of California, to discuss the realities behind one of the fastest-growing movements in agriculture.From soil health and biodiversity to cover crops, sheep grazing, and the economics of farming, Dr. Rosenberg explains why regenerative agriculture is more than a trendāit's a long-term shift that requires innovation, education, and community support.Discover:āļø What regenerative agriculture actually meansāļø Why many farmers struggle to make the transitionāļø The surprising role of sheep and livestock in healthy ecosystemsāļø How soil biology impacts farm productivityāļø The economic realities facing growersāļø Why community and farmer-to-farmer mentorship matterWhether you're a farmer, gardener, sustainability advocate, or simply curious about the future of food, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating more resilient agricultural systems.Subscribe to Harvesting Wisdom for more conversations on sustainability, agriculture, environmental innovation, and community-driven solutions.
Transcribe āThe Future of Arizona News: Why Local Journalism Matters More Than Ever | Tregg White
Jun 1100:33:23Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat happens when communities lose access to trusted local news?In this episode of the Harvesting Wisdom Podcast, Dr. Joe Roselle sits down with Tregg White, President & CEO of the Arizona Media Association and Arizona Local News Foundation, to discuss the critical role local journalism plays in strengthening communities, informing public decisions, and elevating solutions across Arizona.From education and workforce development to environmental stewardship and civic engagement, Tregg shares how local media outlets are helping connect communities, amplify important stories, and create meaningful change throughout the state.The conversation also highlights The Longest Climate Community Table, a unique event bringing together community leaders, educators, journalists, nonprofit organizations, environmental advocates, philanthropists, and engaged citizens to discuss Arizona's most pressing environmental and community challenges.In This Episode:ā Why local journalism is essential for healthy communitiesā The difference between social media content and trusted reportingā How Arizona's education reporting collaboration is creating impactā The importance of rural voices in statewide conversationsā Building trust through community-based journalismā The future of environmental and sustainability reporting in Arizonaā How nonprofits can partner with media to amplify solutionsā The vision behind The Longest Climate Community Tableā Why storytelling is a powerful tool for changeAttend The Longest Climate Community TableJune 23, 2026 | 4:00 PM | Desert Botanical Garden | Free AdmissionJoin community leaders, educators, nonprofit organizations, environmental advocates, media professionals, philanthropists, and engaged citizens for an evening of meaningful conversation and collaboration.Together, participants will explore solutions to Arizona's most pressing challenges, including water conservation, extreme heat, sustainability, environmental resilience, and community well-being.Reserve your free seat:https://earthgives.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F43504Guest: Tregg WhitePresident & CEO, Arizona Media Association + Arizona Local News FoundationGuest Host: Dr. Joe RoselleLike, subscribe, and share to help us continue bringing thoughtful conversations that inspire action, strengthen communities, and cultivate a more sustainable future.
Transcribe āHow One Artist Is Turning Waste Into a Movement for Sustainability
Jun 1000:28:44Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailCan art change how we think about sustainability?In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, Dr. Joe Roselle sits down with environmental artist Karen Boone to explore how creativity, nature, and conscious living intersect. Karen shares how she creates stunning sculptures from recycled materials, natural pigments, and low-toxin processes while inspiring others to reconnect with the natural world.Together they discuss environmental stewardship, sustainable materials, reducing toxins, regenerative living, and how small personal choices can create lasting change.Whether you're an artist, gardener, educator, environmental advocate, or simply someone who loves nature, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how creativity can help build a healthier future.In This Episodeā¢ Creating art from recycled and natural materialsā¢ The connection between creativity and sustainabilityā¢ Reducing toxins in everyday products and art suppliesā¢ Environmental stewardship and conscious livingā¢ Reconnecting with nature through artā¢ Why small actions can create lasting environmental impact00:00 Introduction01:10 Meet Karen Boone04:15 Turning Waste Into Art09:20 Natural Pigments and Sustainable Materials15:30 Why Karen Chose a Low-Toxin Approach22:10 Vegan Art Supplies Explained28:15 The Environmental Impact of Everyday Choices35:20 Inspiring Others Through Storytelling42:45 Sustainability, Stewardship, and Nature50:00 Upcoming Projects and Exhibitions54:30 Final ThoughtsLearn More About Karen Boone:Website: https://karenboone.com/Karen creates environmentally conscious artwork using foraged earth pigments, natural materials, and sustainable practices inspired by nature.Harvesting Wisdom Podcast:Website: www.harvestingwisdompodcast.orgwww.weareufe.orgSubscribe for conversations exploring sustainability, food systems, environmental stewardship, innovation, and community impact.
Transcribe āHow Ukraine Is Rebuilding Its Agricultural Future
Jun 400:57:25Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailUkraine has long been known as one of the world's most important agricultural producers, supplying food to millions across the globe. But what does the future look like for Ukraine's agricultural sector as it continues to recover, modernize, and strengthen its relationship with Europe?In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, guest host Diana Kruzman sits down with Oleksandra Romanko, Head of the European Integration Committee for the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club (UCAB), to discuss the future of agriculture in Ukraine. Together they explore land reform, food security, agricultural innovation, economic recovery, European integration, and the critical role farmers play in feeding communities around the world.Whether you're interested in agriculture, sustainability, food systems, international development, or economic resilience, this conversation offers valuable insight into one of the world's most important agricultural regions.Key Topicsā¢ Ukraine's role in global food productionā¢ Land reform and agricultural policyā¢ Food security and sustainable agricultureā¢ European Union integrationā¢ Agricultural innovation and modernizationā¢ Economic recovery and rural developmentā¢ The future of farming in Ukraine0:00 Introduction01:15 Meet Oleksandr Romanko and UCAB04:20 Ukraine's Agricultural Landscape Before Recent Challenges09:35 Why Agriculture Matters to Ukraine's Economy13:15 Understanding Ukraine's Land Reform18:10 The Impact of Land Ownership Changes23:45 Agriculture, Investment, and Economic Recovery28:20 Food Production and Farmland Challenges35:10 Rebuilding Agricultural Operations40:50 Workforce Development and Rural Communities46:15 Ukraine's Path Toward European Integration52:30 Environmental Standards and Sustainable Farming58:00 The Role of Small and Large Agricultural Producers1:03:10 The Future of Agriculture in Ukraine1:08:00 Final Thoughts
Transcribe āThe Future of Landscaping: Are Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers Dead?
Jun 200:31:37Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThe landscaping industry is undergoing a major transformation. In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, Mike McMahon sits down with representatives from Greenworks to discuss the shift from gas-powered equipment to battery-powered technology, the rise of robotic lawn mowers, and how automation could reshape landscaping over the next decade. They also discuss infrastructure challenges, real-world adoption, cost savings, and why their documentary recently won an environmental film festival award.Why Listen?Learn why commercial landscapers are switching to battery-powered equipmentDiscover how robotic lawn mowers may transform the industryUnderstand the financial impact of electric landscaping toolsHear firsthand experiences from large-scale landscaping operationsExplore the role of automation, AI, and sustainability in outdoor maintenanceKey Topicsā Electric vs. Gas Landscaping Equipmentā Robotic Lawn Mowersā Commercial Landscaping Operationsā Battery Technologyā Sustainability & Environmental Impactā AI & Automation in Landscapingā Film Festival Award-Winning Documentaryā Future of Outdoor MaintenanceNotable Moments00:00 Introduction & Greenworks Partnership03:00 Winning an Environmental Film Festival Award08:00 The Real Challenges of Going Electric12:00 Robotic Lawn Mowers & Automation16:00 Infrastructure and Charging Solutions20:00 What the Future of Landscaping Looks Like24:00 AI, Robotics & Workforce Changes27:00 Final ThoughtsConnect With Harvesting WisdomHarvesting Wisdom explores the ideas, innovations, and people shaping a more sustainable future through agriculture, technology, education, and community action.Subscribe for new episodes every week.www.harvestingwisdompodcast.org
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