Podcast
Regenerative Renegades
Hosted by Matt Maier · ENGLISH
We are gradually losing our soil, and along with that our rural economies. If we don’t change, suddenly we WILL lose everything. And we’ll no longer be able to nourish ourselves or sustain our American rural way of life.
Renewal is possible through Regenerative Agriculture. The restoration of soil and nature. And the revitalization of rural economies. At the grassroots, there are many determined folks who are making this revitalization happen, many who have worked decades, relegated away to relative darkness. Not doing it for fame or fortune, but because they knew changes in our food system were necessary for our collective health and future.
These are the stories of the Regenerative Renegades.
In this podcast, host and regenerative agriculture expert Matt Maier talks to these passionate, resilient people as they share their stories of trial, hope, and triumph. Are you a Regenerative Renegade? We hope you’ll join us.
The opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of Thousand Hills as a presenting partner.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
John Ritter: Tribulations, Faith, and the Rise of Rise Up Country
1w ago00:53:48Tap to summarizeJohn Ritter's story is one of relentless resilience, faith, and starting over again and again.On this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host and Chief Renegade Matt Maier sits down with John, creator and host of Rise Up Country, a nationally syndicated radio show heard on over 240 stations across America. From being given just two weeks to live as a child to building a career that has touched millions, John's life is a testament to perseverance and purpose.His journey has taken him from painting houses and playing small gigs to performing in casinos, writing hit songs, and ultimately creating a show centered on faith, relationships, and real human stories. Along the way, he's lost everything more than once and rebuilt from the ground up each time—guided by conviction, grit, and a refusal to quit.In this conversation, Matt and John explore what it takes to keep going when there's no safety net, how faith can reshape a life and a relationship, and why the most powerful stories are the ones rooted in struggle, redemption, and hope. It's a raw and inspiring look at what happens when you choose to follow through—no matter how many times you have to start over.
Transcribe →Tommy Jensen: The Evolution of Nutrition in College Athletics
Mar 300:48:46Tap to summarizeWhat if the future of elite performance comes down to what’s on your plate? On this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier sits down with University of Minnesota Assistant Athletic Director of Sports Nutrition, Tommy Jensen, for a fast-moving conversation on how nutrition is becoming a competitive edge in modern athletics.Tommy shares his journey, the rising expectations of today’s athletes, and why individualized nutrition, supplements, sustainability, and even AI are reshaping college sports. A powerful, insightful return episode you won’t want to miss.
Transcribe →Scott Davis: The Art of Cooking with Intention
Jan 2000:39:39Tap to summarizeWhat if the most satisfying meals don't start in the kitchen, but rather in fields and pastures?In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier joins chef and distiller and executive chef Scott Davis in the kitchen for a hands-on conversation about food, flavor, regenerative agriculture, and community-driven food systems. As Scott cooks, they explore his unexpected journey into the Minneapolis culinary world, the evolution of 45th Parallel Spirits, and why sourcing locally and cooking with intention leads to meals that truly nourish both people and the land.
Transcribe →Allison Hohn: Driving Food Innovation Through Connections and Collaboration
Jan 600:53:10Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier talks with Allison Hohn, Executive Director of Naturally Minnesota, about her food industry journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Drawing on her experience in food science, product development, and R&D at companies like Land O’Lakes and Target, Allison shares the challenges of bringing new food products to market and the importance of collaboration and community engagement for entrepreneurs. She also highlights Minnesota’s unique position as a food hub, the rise of consumer health consciousness, and the growing focus on transparency, trust, and nutrient density—offering insights into how innovation, storytelling, and relationships are shaping the future of food.
Transcribe →Todd Lein: Lessons from Two Decades in Regenerative Agriculture
Dec 2301:00:15Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier sits down with Todd Lein, Thousand Hills’ first employee and longest-tenured team member, to reflect on more than 22 years of regenerative agriculture in action. Todd shares an inside look at the early days of Thousand Hills and the challenges of championing grass-fed beef long before it was mainstream. He and Matt also discuss the evolution of regenerative farming practices, the role of conservation and community, and why a strong land ethic remains foundational to the company’s mission. Through personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and a forward-looking perspective, Todd offers insight into what it takes to build a values-driven food system—and where regenerative agriculture is headed next.
Transcribe →Jessica Wright and Scott Dicker: Informing Wellness Trends and Conscious Consumption
Dec 901:06:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier sits down with SPINS leaders Jessica Wright, Vice President of Product Intelligence at SPINS, and Scott Dicker, Director of Market Insights at SPINS. SPINS is an industry-leading data and product intelligence company that connects shopper values to product innovation across the natural, organic, and wellness marketplace. Together, they break down what SPINS' real-time retail data reveals about today's conscious consumers— from rising demand for transparency and sustainability to the growth of global flavors, functional ingredients like mushrooms and tallow, and nutrient-dense protein sources. They also explore how personalized health data is reshaping purchasing decisions and driving more aligned, values-forward innovation.
Transcribe →Dan Kittredge: Connecting Soil Health to Human Health
Nov 2501:01:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Regenerative Renegades, guest host Melissa Larsen—an expert in nutrition and public health—engages Dan Kittredge in an enlightening discussion about improving nutrient value in our food system. Dan, the founder of the BioNutrient Food Association, shares his journey from organic farming to championing soil health and nutrient density in food. Together, they explore the global impact of nutritional deficiencies, innovative tools for measuring nutrient density, and the power of community-driven initiatives. Dan emphasizes the need for a universal definition of nutrient density and how regenerative agriculture can help combat chronic disease and improve overall health.
Transcribe →Finian Makepeace: The Power of Each Additional Person in the Regenerative Agriculture Movement
Nov 1101:09:54Tap to summarizeJoin 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.
Transcribe →Thomas Schroeder: How Connection Creates Conservation
Oct 3000:30:19Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Thomas Schroeder: Bringing Birds Back to the Land
Oct 2800:36:16Tap to summarizeIn 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!
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