Podcast
Regenerative Renegades
Hosted by Matt Maier · EN
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.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Leah Kleinschrodt: Practical Nutrition for Better Health
3d ago00:47:16Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier sits down with Leah Kleinschrodt, Registered Dietitian, Nutrition Educator, and host of the Dishing Up Nutrition podcast, to explore the powerful connection between food and health.Leah shares her personal journey from struggling with digestive issues, anxiety, chronic cravings, and inflammation to discovering the life-changing benefits of nutrient-dense, real food nutrition. Together, Matt and Leah discuss why healthy fats have been misunderstood for decades, how blood sugar impacts energy and mood, and why simple dietary changes can produce significant health improvements in just a few weeks.They also dive into practical strategies for eating real food, improving metabolic wellness, reducing inflammation, and creating sustainable habits that support long-term health. Whether you're looking to boost your energy, improve digestion, or better understand the role food plays in overall wellness, this conversation offers actionable insights for your health journey.
Transcribe →Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin: The Foundation of Regenerative Agriculture
2w ago00:55:13Tap to summarizeBefore we can regenerate our soil, regenerate our farms, or regenerate our food system, we must first regenerate ourselves.In this deeply personal and philosophical conversation, Regenerative Renegades host Matt Maier sits down with Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, regenerative agriculture pioneer, founder of the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance, CEO of Tree-Range Farms, and one of the leading voices advancing regenerative food systems rooted in ecological function, community well-being, and Indigenous wisdom.Drawing from his journey from Guatemala to Minnesota, Reginaldo shares how freedom, purpose, gratitude, and stewardship shaped his life and work. Together, Matt and Reginaldo explore the invisible forces that keep us from becoming our fullest selves and discuss why true regeneration begins within.Along the way, Reginaldo reveals why he believes regenerative agriculture is not a set of practices, but the natural outcome of a regenerative way of being. This thought-provoking conversation challenges conventional thinking about farming, success, and what it means to live in harmony with the land.This episode lays the foundation for a future conversation on regenerative production systems and Reginaldo's bold vision for feeding and nourishing the world."Land practices are the result of regenerative living, not the source of it."
Transcribe →Aaron Ehalt: Grilling, Grass Fed Beef & the Mindset Shift That Changed Everything
Jun 1601:16:04Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier sits down with Aaron Ehalt to explore the connection between food, health, and one of Matt’s favorite topics—grilling!From a diet built on convenience foods to one centered around grass fed beef and whole ingredients, Aaron shares how small, intentional shifts led to major improvements in how he feels, and how he now inspires others to do the same. The conversation covers everything from grilling confidence to seed oils, nutrient density, and why simplicity often wins in the kitchen.Then, they step outside to the grill — cooking a flank steak and ribeye over open flame and putting these principles into practice. If that all sounds and you would like to see Aaron’s mastery of the charcoal grill, visit our YouTube channel and select Podcasts.
Transcribe →John Ritter: Tribulations, Faith, and the Rise of Rise Up Country
Jun 200:53:48Tap 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 →