In this special milestone episode of Hands in the Soil, we celebrate 50 episodes of the podcast (and my birthday!), and reflect on my journey through farming, community, and personal transformation. We’re joined by my best friend, Shannon, who steps in as guest interviewer.

Our conversation touches on identity, purpose, and the evolving meaning of sustainability. I share how getting my hands in the soil has shaped my worldview, the importance of building community through generosity, and why growing food is one of the most profound ways to reconnect with life itself.

Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or if you’ve been here since the beginning, I want you to know how grateful I am for your support. Thank you for joining me!

Tune in to learn more about:

• Reflections on 50 episodes and the journey of the Hands in the Soil podcast
• My connection to nature, and what farming has taught me
• Navigating imposter syndrome and self-doubt in the agricultural space
• The real meaning of sustainability, and how it’s often misunderstood
• How growing food transforms relationships with nourishment and self
• Building community through generosity and shared abundance
• Simple ways to start your own connection with the land

… And so much more!

Connect with Shannon:

• Website: https://www.shannonkeating.com/

Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel

In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we’re joined by Tommy Tickenoff, co-founder and self-proclaimed “Chief Nut” of Fresh Vintage Farms. Based in California’s Central Valley, Tommy and his wife Tara launched Fresh Vintage Farms in 2019 with a mission to craft premium, cold-pressed nut oils while reducing agricultural waste and redefining what quality looks like in a sustainable food system.

Tommy brings humor and honesty to a nuanced conversation about the almond industry, which is one that’s often misunderstood and criticized for its water usage and impact on pollinators. We unpack the myths surrounding almond farming, explore how growers are adapting to new environmental challenges, and highlight the importance of transparency and consumer education in agriculture.

The discussion also touches on Fresh Vintage Farms’ innovative approach to upcycling and product development, including their small-batch almond oil mayonnaise and other cold-pressed creations made entirely from locally grown nuts. Through it all, Tommy emphasizes that sustainability in farming is a continuous process of learning, improving, and caring for the land.

Tune in to learn more about:

• What sustainability means within the almond industry
• Common myths and misconceptions about almond farming
• How California almond growers have reduced water use and improved efficiency
• The crucial role of bees and pollinator health in almond production
• The balance between organic certification and practical sustainability
• How consumer education builds trust and transparency in the food system
• The future of sustainable agriculture in California’s Central Valley

… And so much more!

Tommy’s Resources & Links:

• Website: freshvintagefarms.com
• Instagram: @fresh_vintage_farms
• LinkedIn: Fresh Vintage Farms

Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel

In this episode of the show, we're joined by three incredible leaders working at the intersection of food justice, land access, and community empowerment: Kristina Villa of the Farmers Land Trust, and Femeika Elliott and Laila Malik of the Rooted East Knoxville Collective.

Throughout this conversation, we explore the Farmland Commons model and Rooted East’s grassroots work to restore power to East Knoxville residents through food, land, and housing justice. The conversation dives into the systemic barriers that marginalized communities face in accessing farmland and nourishing food, while also highlighting the innovative solutions that are already being implemented on the ground.

From food apartheid and land stewardship to storytelling, collaboration, and long-term commitment, this discussion underscores the importance of community sufficiency and the ways we can collectively create just and regenerative food systems.

Tune in to learn more about:

• The Farmers Land Trust and how the Farmland Commons model supports equitable land access

• Rooted East’s mission to address food apartheid and empower residents in East Knoxville

• The history of land, housing, and community challenges in East Tennessee

• Why community sufficiency is central to food justice

• The importance of collaboration among diverse organizations

• How storytelling preserves agricultural history and uplifts community voices

• The role of long-term commitment in building truly sustainable systems

• A vision for food, land, and housing justice rooted in solidarity

… And so much more!

Guest Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Rooted East Knoxville: linktr.ee/rootedeastknox
• Follow Rooted East: @rootedeastknox
• Follow The Farmers Land Trust: ⁠@thefarmerslandtrust

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Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel