In This Podcast: We chat with Melissa Booth, a microbiologist and creator of the course 'The Hidden Powers of Microbes.' Melissa speaks about her journey from Oklahoma's semi-arid deserts to her passion for research. Initially interested in becoming a physician, her path changed after engaging in research on HIV/AIDS. She eventually pursued a master's in microbiology, leading her to study marine microbes and their responses to environmental cues. Melissa discusses the vital role microbes play in ecosystems, particularly in soil health, and how human actions impact these microbial systems. She also highlights the symbiotic relationships between microbes and plants, their influence on plant health, and the benefits of composting for soil. Melissa shares insights on her course through The Great Courses, which covers the significance of microbes in various aspects of life. Finally, she emphasizes the importance of curiosity, resilience in the face of scientific failure, and reconnecting with nature.

Our Guest:  Melissa is a microbiologist, science communicator and creator of the course, the Hidden Powers of Microbes. She helps audiences uncover the surprising roles microbes play in everything from food and health to sustainability and climate resilience, bridging science and society with clarity, curiosity, and inspiration.

Melissa's Book - I Contain Multitudes, by Ed Yong

Contact Melissa and get her course -  TheScienceCommunicator.com

Visit UrbanFarm.org/Microbes for the show notes and links on this episode!

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*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In This Podcast: Host Greg Peterson chats with Sam Cooke, founder and CEO of CC Cattle Company, a nonprofit cattle farm aimed at combating food insecurity in Wisconsin. Sam shares his journey from a small dairy farm in northern Wisconsin to his roles in the US Navy and as a firefighter, which led him to start the farm. He discusses the challenges and successes in building the nonprofit, emphasizing its dual focus on raising pasture-fed beef cattle for food banks and offering equine therapy for veterans and first responders. Sam also talks about future plans to expand the farm and incorporate a food truck to distribute meals more regularly. Throughout the conversation, Sam underscores the importance of community support, mental health, and sustainable farming practices..

Our Guest:  Sam Cooke is the founder and CEO of CC Cattle Company, a military veteran and a 15 year firefighter with the Madison Fire Department. After years of public service, he saw an opportunity to give back in a new, unique way by using his experience in farming to help address hunger in Wisconsin. Despite initial challenges, Sam built CC Cattle Company into a successful nonprofit that has fed thousands while advocating for sustainable and ethical farming solutions. Under his leadership vision and dedication, they continue to drive the mission forward, proving that small farms can have a big impact.

Sam's Book Recommendation - No One is Self Made by Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon

Contact Sam - https://www.cccattleco.org/

Visit UrbanFarm.org/CCCattle for the show notes and links on this episode!

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*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In this garden chat, Greg and Don Titmus start be discussing the importance of naming your farm and then dive deep into permaculture principle number six: the yield of a system is potentially unlimited. They touch upon Don's synergized version of permaculture principles, emphasizing multi-functional elements in farming. They draw on various examples such as multilayered forest gardens, polyculture systems, and the benefits of green roofs and living walls. The talk also sheds light on the role of weeds, water management, and composting systems to enhance soil health and overall productivity. The session provides valuable insights into designing and maintaining permaculture systems that promote biodiversity and abundance.

Our Guest: Don grew up in London and at age 16 spent 4 years being trained in horticulture through an apprenticeship and a college course. From there he continued landscaping in his hometown until he moved to Arizona in 1981, where he worked in landscaping and then starting his own business in garden maintenance. In 2003 he attended a Permaculture Design Course, which was life-changing for Don. He knew right away that this was the path he’d been waiting for, and later attended two Permaculture Teacher Trainings.

Visit www.urbanfarm.org/907 for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

For more information about the Phoenix Permaculture design course visit UrbanFarm.org/PDC

Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 850 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click HERE to learn more.

*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.