In this episode of the Permaculture Vine Podcast, host Cormac Harkin sits down with Grant Payne, the innovative mind behind Christine Acre Farms. Grant shares his inspiring journey from a high school graduate to a passionate farmer embracing permaculture principles. Discover how he creatively utilizes IBC containers for sustainable farming, balances commercial and personal agricultural goals, and navigates the challenges of starting a farm from scratch. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of permaculture, resilience, and the future of sustainable farming.

Join The Permaculture Vine free Skool community for connection and learning: https://www.skool.com/vine-permaculture-7207/about

www.cultural-emergence.com

In this episode of the Permaculture Vine podcast, host Cormac Harkin chats with Looby Macnamara, renowned permaculture teacher, author, and co-founder of Applewood Permaculture Centre. Looby shares her inspiring journey from discovering permaculture as a student to becoming one of the UK’s most influential teachers, authors, and cultural change facilitators.

We explore her pioneering work on People and Permaculture, the development of the Design Web, and her latest book Design Adventures. Looby also introduces Cultural Emergence, a framework for creating thriving, regenerative cultures that go far beyond gardening and land-based design. This conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone seeking to apply permaculture to their lives, communities, and the wider world.

Key Takeaways

* How Looby discovered permaculture and her path to becoming a teacher.

* The importance of teaching styles, collaboration, and community in permaculture learning.

* Looby’s journey in writing People and Permaculture, Seven Ways to Think Differently, and Design Adventures.

* The origins and purpose of Cultural Emergence.

* Practical advice for finding and caring for land with permaculture principles.

* Why permaculture is more than gardening—it’s a way of redesigning our culture.

Chapters00:00 – Introduction01:05 – Looby’s first encounter with permaculture02:39 – Discovering community, creativity, and fun in permaculture06:00 – Becoming a permaculture teacher10:00 – Teacher training and empowering new educators12:39 – Developing Applewood Permaculture Centre20:00 – Advice for finding land with permaculture principles24:28 – Looby’s book writing journey26:00 – People and Permaculture & the Design Web27:22 – Seven Ways to Think Differently28:26 – From Social Permaculture to Cultural Emergence30:00 – Design Adventures and designing as an ongoing practice33:28 – Designing for people and culture35:00 – Making permaculture mainstream and accessible39:02 – Why permaculture is more than gardening40:00 – Cultural Emergence and shifting culture44:04 – Strengthening networks and collective wisdom46:02 – Final reflections and invitation to start your own design adventure

Looby Macnamara

Looby Macnamara is the co-founder of the global Cultural Emergence movement. She is an author, designer, gardener, song leader, mother, and artist. She is the author of five influential books: Design Adventures, People & Permaculture, 7 Ways to Think Differently, Cultural Emergence, and Strands of Infinity, and creator of the CEED -Cultural Emergence Empowerment & Design card deck.

Looby is a visionary thought leader who inspires thousands with her creative approaches to regenerative change. People & Permaculture is the first book globally to translate permaculture to people-based systems. Her latest toolkit Cultural Emergence brings together innovative models for behavioural and cultural change, weaving together systems thinking, cultural awareness, design, and nature connection.

Looby runs Applewood Permaculture Centre in Herefordshire, UK, with her partner Chris Evans, where they facilitate courses and demonstrate both land and people permaculture.

Looby is an active member of the Permaculture Association Britain and has been chairperson and trustee. She is currently a senior tutor. Looby is on the expert panel for the design council. She is one of the founding partners of the international Mother Nature project.

Sign up to her newsletter to get the Cultural Emergence colouring book for free.

For signed copies all Looby’s books, resources, global community and online and in-person courses see www.cultural-emrgence.com

Mitch Rawlyk went from studying earth systems science to developing Landscope—a tool that automates permaculture land mapping. In this episode, we cover:

00:00 - Intro

02:15 - Mitch’s journey from meteorology to permaculture

08:40 - Homesteading in Alberta’s extreme climate

15:20 - Biggest beginner mistakes (and how to avoid them)

22:10 - Water management hacks (swales, ponds, rainwater)

30:45 - Why Mitch created Landscope

38:00 - How Landscope works (demos & case studies)

45:30 - Advice for new homesteaders and designers

Landscope: https://waitlist.landscope.earth/

Mitch on LinkedIn:   / mitch-rawlyk  

Cormac Harkin of Vine Permaculture interviews Dr Philipp Schuster of Seeds For Sustainability

Seeds For Sustainabilty
https://seeds-for-sustainability.com/en/

Vine Permaculture Professional Services

https://www.vinepermaculture.com/designers

Cormac Harkin of Vine Permaculture interviews Katie Stout about her permaculture journey.

She is owner operator of Regenerative Property Management in Parish, NY.

Katie is committed to creating food security for generations and glorifying God's creation! She is dedicated to self-realization and loves sharing what she's learned over this wild and crazy life so far.

Regenerative Property Management
https://www.growrpm.org/

Vine Permaculture Professional Services

www.vinepermaculture.com/designers

Cormac Harkin of Vine Permaculture interviews Renee Perrine about her permaculture journey. Renee is a Vine Permaculture Designer and is based in the Philippines.

Renee Araneta-Perrine is a certified Permaculture Designer, teaching in the newly built Tuminugan Permaculture Farm School with the goal of introducing Alternative Nation building through circular economies per bio region. Co-Founder of Hineleban Foundation, Renee has linked the Indigenous People of Bukidnon with sustainable livelihoods through Arabica Coffee, Adlai (Job’s Tears) and Bamboo Cement Resilient Housing. Tending to her organic vegetable farm, breeding horses, ducks, goats, pigs, sheep and chickens is part of her daily routine.

www.vinepermaculture.com/designers

https://www.instagram.com/reneeaperrine/

Cormac, Lindsay and Graham are joined by indoor garden specialist Steve Koontz for the monthly live with the Permaculture Vine monthly live with Permaculture Canada. . Please join us with your indoor gardening and permaculture questions.

With special guest Neal Hegarty

Cormac chats to Neal Hegarty of Cresol Permaculture.

Neal Hegarty is a regenerative designer, educator, and founder of CreaSol Permaculture. He considers himself fortunate to have been part of the creation of a real-life eco-community on the shores of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, where he helped neighbours design and build their homes using permaculture principles. What began as a small farm-to-table restaurant, Granja Tzikin, evolved into a thriving local ecosystem rooted in collaboration, food sovereignty, and community resilience.

Now, through the CreaSol Permaculture Design & Business Incubator, Neal helps nature lovers around the world turn their passion into purpose-driven careers—designing regenerative farms, building ecological businesses, and creating abundance for themselves and their communities. He’s especially passionate about showing people that business, when done right, can be a tool for healing.

https://www.instagram.com/creasolpermaculture/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-hegarty-creasol/
https://www.instagram.com/granjatzikin/

Regen World 2024 Highlights + Spring Planting Tips!

In this lively episode of The Permaculture Vine Podcast, hosts Cormac Harkin (Vine Permaculture), Lindsay Brandon (CEO, Permaculture Canada), Graham Towerton (COO, Permaculture Canada), and special guest Travis Holzem (Food Forest Design Minnesota) discuss:

Regen World Experience – The team shares highlights from attending Regen World in Austin, Texas, including networking with permaculture leaders like Matt Powers, Julia from Thriving Roots, and Rebecca Birdwell. They discuss the event’s focus on regenerative business models, AI in sustainability, and quantum discussions.

Client Lessons & Design Challenges – Cormac reflects on a lost client due to pricing miscommunication and balancing client preferences vs. optimal permaculture design. Graham and Lindsay share insights on flexibility in guild designs and soil health strategies.

Spring Planting & Zone Updates – The group discusses climate zone shifts, microclimate strategies, and early-season planting (despite unpredictable spring weather in Minnesota and Michigan).

Travis’s New Platform – Travis introduces Food Forest Design Network, a CRM and lead-generation tool for permaculture designers/installers, aiming to streamline business operations and expand food forest projects nationwide.

Upcoming Projects – Lindsay and Graham tease a large community land project in Indiana, soil consulting, and California designs, while Cormac promotes local seed swaps and community tool-sharpening events.

CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Intro & Welcomes

0:08 – Regen World Recap (Austin experiences, AI, and panels)

12:05 – Client Design Challenges (Cormac’s pricing lesson, balancing client needs)

20:33 – Climate Zone Shifts (USDA updates, resilient plant strategies)

30:47 – Spring Planting Plans (Travis’s Minnesota snow woes, Graham’s greenhouse starts)

40:12 – Travis’s Food Forest Design Network (CRM tool demo, installer collaborations)

50:55 – Upcoming Projects (Indiana land project, California designs, soil consulting)

58:30 – Final Thoughts & Community Events (seed swaps, tool sharpening) 💬

Comment: What’s your biggest spring permaculture challenge? Let us know below!

Cormac chats to Rob Avis of 5th World and Verge Permaculture. https://vinepermaculture.com/podcast/rob-avis/

Cormac Chats to Prema Walker of Prema's Permaculture and Composting

Learn digital design and how to start permaculture consulting at www.PDC2PRO.com

Prema Walker is the founder and CEO of Prema's Permaculture & Composting, a Palm Springs-based organization dedicated to integrating permaculture principles into urban life. Her mission focuses on promoting a green economy through energy-efficient practices, composting, cultivating food forests, and providing hands-on permaculture education to empower communities. Prema is also actively involved in the community composting movement. She has expressed the need for greater support and attention from governing agencies to enhance the impact of community composters. Through her work, Prema aims to make sustainable living practical and accessible, fostering prosperous and environmentally conscious urban communities.

For all our episodes go to: https://vinepermaculture.com/vinepodcast/

Cormac Chats to Alex Popp of Permaculture Party. Learn digital design and how to start permaculture consulting at www.PDC2PRO.com Alex Popp, an entrepreneur and permaculturist, designs regenerative systems for food, waste, and energy. Founder of PermaCulture Party and a consultant at EDEN Energy, he transforms landscapes and waste into regenerative, abundant solutions for communities. Alex believes humanity's brightest days are ahead of us and that our path to societal regeneration is through the power of community. https://www.linkedin.com/company/permaculture-party/?viewAsMember=true https://www.instagram.com/permaculture.party.alex/ https://www.instagram.com/permaculture.party/ https://www.youtube.com/@PermaCultureParty https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562390966160

Join Cormac of Vine Permaculture and Lindsay from Permaculture Canada in this insightful episode of the Permaculture Vine Podcast! In this live stream, Lindsay shares updates on her work with Permaculture Canada, including their upcoming participation in Regen World in Austin, Texas, and her thoughts on permaculture design, education, and community projects. Learn digital design and start permaculture consulting at www.PDC2PRO.com Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 0:02 - Welcome and Live Stream Setup 0:32 - Travis’s Absence and Graham’s Work at Purdue University 1:58 - Lindsay’s February Updates and Regen World in Austin, Texas 4:36 - Thai Massage Training in Puerto Vallarta 6:00 - Permaculture Design Innovations in Michigan 9:43 - Plant Shortages and Starting Backyard Nurseries 12:31 - The Role of Free Education in Permaculture 18:07 - Professional Permaculture Certification and PINA 22:29 - Setting Up Permaculture Associations 24:04 - Cormac’s Diploma with the UK Permaculture Association 26:13 - California Design Projects and Fire-Resilient Landscapes 27:46 - Podcast with Steve Bonnell and Audio Editing Tips 30:32 - Streaming Platforms and Expanding Reach 32:42 - Sheep and Wool Pellets in Permaculture 34:36 - Alpaca Farming and Fertilizer Innovations 37:24 - TRU Arboretum Project and Storytelling in Permaculture 42:53 - Children’s Education and Policy Meetings in Alberta 44:38 - Video Documentation and Storytelling in Permaculture 46:02 - New Leaf Farms and Vertical Grow Systems 48:46 - Robotics, AI, and Permaculture Education 50:43 - Regen World and Community Building in Texas 51:38 - Seed Swaps and Community Engagement 54:11 - Working with Landscapers on Permaculture Projects 57:03 - Creating a Customer Portal for Permaculture Clients 1:03:44 - Future Plans and Wrap-Up

Cormac is launching his new local design and install business Vine Permaculture Ireland. He is joined by experienced pros Travis Holzem and Graham Towerton who will guide him through the process of becoming a Permaculture Installer. Join us and we can also answer your questions live!

Join The Permaculture Vine free Skool community for connection and learning: https://www.skool.com/vine-permaculture-7207/about

In this episode of the Permaculture Vine podcast, host Cormac Harkin interviews Brandon Cooper, a permaculture designer and homesteader. They discuss Brandon's journey into permaculture, his experiences living off-grid, and the challenges he faced while transitioning to a landscaping business. Brandon shares insights on homesteading, community involvement, and the importance of sustainable practices. He also offers advice for newcomers to homesteading and discusses his future plans for community development and larger-scale projects.]

https://coopermountaincontracting.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@Mybackyardpantry

Takeaways

* Brandon has been on a transformative journey in permaculture.

* Living off-grid provided valuable life lessons.

* Permaculture design courses are crucial for practical knowledge.

* Mistakes in landscaping can be costly and discouraging.

* Homesteading is about producing rather than consuming.

* Community involvement enhances food production.

* Understanding permaculture basics is essential for success.

* Planning and budgeting are key to effective homesteading.

* Brandon aims to influence larger community projects.

* Interpersonal relationships are vital in intentional communities.

Chapters

* 00:00 Introduction to the Permaculture Vine Podcast

* 07:06 Permaculture Design Course Insights

* 16:14 Building a Landscaping Business

* 23:43 Creating a Food Forest and Community Impact

* 28:54 Sharing Surplus and Community Engagement

* 36:07 Business Goals and Community Development

* 41:12 Advice for New Homesteaders

Cormac chats with Marjory Wildcraft and Graham Towerton about designing yourself into community. PDF resource coming soon!

Mohammad Saleh, based in Jerusalem, has a background in Psychology and Musicology. His journey into sustainability took a significant turn when he lived in and later on managed an off-the-grid ecological educational center in Turkey. Immersed in hands-on learning, he deepened his understanding of sustainable living, alternative education, and regenerative design. This transformative experience led him to establish Mostadam Eco-Design upon returning to his home country, where he has spent the past decade designing, teaching, and implementing ecological and urban gardening systems tailored for the Mediterranean climate.

As a certified Permaculture teacher and designer accredited by the UK Permaculture Institute, Mohammad has trained thousands of people of all ages, empowering them with practical tools for sustainable living. He specializes in Urban-gardening, aquaponics, raised beds, water-saving gardens, water harvesting, Geodomes, earthworks management, rooftop and vertical gardens, greenhouses, dry toilets, mandala gardens, composting, and bioremediation. His designs offer solutions for landless individuals, eco-activists, students, gardeners, and small-scale farmers, blending creativity with ecological resilience.

Beyond design, Mohammad collaborates with organizations worldwide, from NGOs and schools to art centers, companies, and farms. He offers permaculture design courses (PDCs) and works with diverse groups, including teachers, students, professionals, and farmers, guiding them in regenerative practices. His multidisciplinary approach bridges academic knowledge with practical experience, making sustainability accessible to different communities.

In addition to his work in permaculture, Mohammad is also an eco-artist, using nature as his medium to raise environmental awareness. His projects include Refugee camps' Gardens, Upcycled Refuge Garden, healing gardens designed with sound frequencies, bioremediation research for detoxifying land.

From ecological landscapes to immersive learning experiences, Mohammad’s work is a testament to the power of sustainable design in transforming both environments and mindsets.

https://www.facebook.com/MostadamEcoDesign/

https://www.instagram.com/mostadam_eco_design/

Ryan is passionate about building regenerative and resilient homesteads. He first started down the rabbit hole of homesteading when he faced a health crisis in his 20s. At the time, he had to make a choice: either make major changes or live a life of illness, as doctors told him his condition was unavoidable. When he began researching the food system on his path to healing, he realized that modern agricultural practices are damaging both human health and the land. While it now seems simple to him to grow his own food and build a more fulfilling, resilient, and healthy life, that wasn’t where he started. Ryan’s journey from learning how broken our systems are to building his own has not been a perfectly straight line (he’s still building), but it has been a thrilling journey that has taught him so much. He is extremely excited to partner with others on their unique journeys toward greater independence, resilience, and a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Youtube.com/‪@thehomesteadconsultant‬​

https://www.thehomesteadconsultant.com

https://x.com/Thehsconsultant ​

https://www.tiktok.com/@UCHTwlrGozvUt_lkfdqlVKKw

Cormac Chats with Filippo Ceschi

Join Cormac Harkin of Vine Permaculture with guests Lindsay Brandon and Graham Towerton from Permaculture Canada, and Jamon Mysliwiec of TIAG (The Independent American Gardener) for a lively discussion on permaculture innovations, tackling food tariffs with indoor growing, winter gardening tips, and building resilient communities. Discover how to design your homestead for success, connect with local networks, and embrace self-sufficiency!

0:00 - Introductions & Welcome 0:10 - What’s New with Lindsay (Permaculture Canada) 2:12 - Graham’s Winter Projects & Nursery Collaborations 3:47 - Jamon’s Update on TIAG’s Hub & Community Vision 11:23 - Solutions to Food Tariffs: Indoor Growing & Bioregional Resilience 18:48 - Indoor Growing Setups: Tips for Seed Starting & Vertical Farms 23:18 - February Gardening Tasks: Pruning, Seed Timing, & Cold Frames 24:07 - Orchard Management: Protecting Trees from Frost & Biodiversity 34:05 - Spotlight on TIAG: Building Self-Sufficient Communities 40:51 - Life on the Road: Permaculture Travel Stories 50:04 - Final Thoughts: Avoiding Overwhelm & Designing for Time 1:00:04 - Shoutouts & Upcoming Events (Regen Week, Florida Trips & More)

Cormac Harkin chats with Marjorie Wildcraft from The Grow Network

0:00

00:31 Marjory Wildcraft Introduction

01:11 Inspiration to grow food 

04:32 The influence of Rich Dad Poor Dad

06:00 How to start growing food

07:33 Rabbit challenges

10:06 The Grow Network 

16:29 What do aliens eat?

19:12 Politicians Lie!

20:16 Solutions and building community

22:37 Soil Detox 

28:33 Water Waste

31:14 Humanure & Biodigester

35:49 Courses on the grow network

37:02 Growing Medicine

39:34 Myths in backyard food production

43:46 Outro

​

Cormac @vinepermaculture chats with Annette Argabright @Permayouth and Lusi Alderslowe  @lusispermaculturecourses5560  about Children In Permaculture. Brought to you by https://www.pdc2pro.com For all our episodes go to: https://vinepermaculture.com/vinepodcast/ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vinepermaculture Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:56 Lusi Alderslowe Introduction 03:00 Annette Argabright Introduction 05:33 Children in Permaculture 07:51 Pedagogy 10:31 Teaching Permaculture as a Parent 12:37 Getting Kids Outside 15:06 The use of Language 26:49 Taking your Time With the Kids 31:42 Risk Aversion in Nature 34:19 Teaching as a Permaculture Professional 39:14 Permaculture Teacher Training 43:22 Crystal Heier's Special Education course www.vinepermaculture.com/specialed

Cormac from Vine Permaculture hosts Lindsay and Graham from Permaculture Canada for Januarys livestream! Join us and we chat about: *What we've been up to *Wildfires and permaculture solutions *Ask us anything! *What's in the pipeline for next month We may also have a special guest joining us. The Survival Podcast Episode 3610 - Megafires from a Permaculture Perspective https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGlxzgzhuLI&t=3026s

Cormac @vinepermaculture chats with Hayley Weatherburn  @ThrivingwithNature  , Cameron Price and Paul Lynch  @permapaul  about how to your regenerative knowledge by creating an online course.

Brought to you by https://www.pdc2pro.com

For all our episodes go to: https://vinepermaculture.com/vinepodcast/

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vinepermaculture

Hayley Weatherburn Specific Waitlist Link - https://www.thrivingwithnature.com/online-course-academy-waitlist

Cameron Price

https://ecolaunch.earth/

Paul Lynch

www.permaculturedesign.ie/

Cormac hosts Lindsay and Graham from Permaculture Canada for Decembers livestream! Join us and we review our 2024 and look forward to 2025. We will discuss what plans we are making for the next year and hat we can be getting on with at this time of year.

In episode 104 of The Permaculture Vine Podcast, inside the Cresol Mastermind Group, Cormac Harkin chats with Neal Hegarty and his siblings Aron and Sorcha from Candldelit Tales. They talk about:

* Land use in Irish Mythology

* Storytelling from a Cultural Perspective

* The Importance of Storytelling

Cormac Harkin is joined by Alfred Decker, Eleonore Todini and Christopher Nesbitt on episode 77 and they talk about social permaculture. Support the Show (Affiliate Links): Sign up for a 6 month online PDC with Ecoversity: https://join.ecoversity.org/vine Get a permaculture design for your property: https://permaculturecanada.world/shop/?ref=etcvdgzj Intro to Permaculture - Family Permaculture https://vinepermaculture.krtra.com/t/3defgUs54IlF Learn to grow your own food - Thriving With Nature https://vinepermaculture.krtra.com/t/nVlw69NxBiCp Designing your land - Eleonore https://vinepermaculture.krtra.com/t/JWy1G9kmQCYf Permaculture Business Design Course: https://regenerationnationcr.com/permaculture-business-design-course/?affiliate=vinepermaculture

Brought to you by https://www.pdc2pro.com

For all our episodes go to: https://vinepermaculture.com/vinepodcast/

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vinepermaculture

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://vine-permaculture.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Cormac Harkin is joined by Matt Monger on episode 75 and they talk about permaculture structures and opportunities for permaculturists to supply services to the building industry. Matt is a civil engineer by education, a structural engineer by practice, and a dedicated permaculture designer with a deep connection to the central Rockies of Colorado. His understanding of natural systems has been refined against the backdrop of this high-elevation, cold, and dry temperate climate, where he’s learned to capture and utilize nature’s resources efficiently, regardless of their limitations

Get a permaculture education and support the show (Affiliate Links):

Do you want a design or consultation for your property?

Book a free strategy call now? https://shorturl.at/dFOEp

Shop for a property design now online @ Permaculture Canada: https://permaculturecanada.world/shop/?ref=etcvdgzj

Register now for a PDC with Ecoversity - starts November!

https://join.ecoversity.org/vine

Intro to Permaculture - Family Permaculture https://vinepermaculture.krtra.com/t/3defgUs54IlF

Learn to grow your own food - Thriving With Nature https://vinepermaculture.krtra.com/t/nVlw69NxBiCp

Designing your land - Eleonore https://vinepermaculture.krtra.com/t/JWy1G9kmQCYf

Permaculture Business Design Course: https://regenerationnationcr.com/permaculture-business-design-course/?affiliate=vinepermaculture

Cormac Harkin is joined by Lindsay Brandon and Graham Towerton for this November Special on "What are you doing in November?"

Join us and get your questions answered.

Do you want a design or consultation for your property?

Book a free strategy call now? https://shorturl.at/dFOEp

Shop for a property design now online @ Permaculture Canada: https://permaculturecanada.world/shop/?ref=etcvdgzj

Register now for a PDC with Ecoversity - starts November! https://join.ecoversity.org/vine

Brought to you by https://www.pdc2pro.com

In episode 74 Cormac chats to Matt Lebon of Custom Foodscapes.

For all our episodes go to:

https://vinepermaculture.com/vinepodcast/

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vinepermaculture

Subscribe to our newsletter:

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Matt Lebon

Matt is most passionate about creating magical food moments. He is driven by the belief that food connects us all. By cultivating food crops with a reverence for Mother Earth he believes we can begin to heal our bodies and the land. Matt got his start with farming as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay, where he was initially bit by the gardening bug. He went on to study ecological design and work on several farms. For five seasons Matt worked at the EarthDance Organic Farm School until he left his role of farm manager in 2017. Now with Custom Foodscaping and The Foodscaper, Matt is a practitioner, educator and designer of edible landscapes and gardens.

https://www.instagram.com/customfoodscaping/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/foodscapeforaliving?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://www.customfoodscaping.com/

https://www.thefoodscaper.com/

Support the Show (Affiliate Links):

Sign up for a 6 month online PDC with Ecoversity: https://join.ecoversity.org/vine

Get a permaculture design for your property: https://permaculturecanada.world/shop/?ref=etcvdgzj

Intro to Permaculture - Family Permaculture https://vinepermaculture.krtra.com/t/3defgUs54IlF

Learn to grow your own food - Thriving With Nature https://vinepermaculture.krtra.com/t/nVlw69NxBiCp

Designing your land - Eleonore https://vinepermaculture.krtra.com/t/JWy1G9kmQCYf

Permaculture Business Design Course: https://regenerationnationcr.com/permaculture-business-design-course/?affiliate=vinepermaculture

In episode 73 of the Permaculture Vine Podcast, Cormac chats to Travis Holzem of Food Forest Design Solutions

Brought to you by https://www.pdc2pro.com

For all our episodes go to: https://vinepermaculture.com/vinepodcast/

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vinepermaculture

Travis Holzem

https://www.facebook.com/foodforestminnesota

https://twitter.com/MnFood

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7LO22NinV5nPuKNWe7Ue-g

https://www.youtube.com/@foodforestdesignmn

https://www.instagram.com/foodforestabundancemn

https://linkedin.com/in/travisholzem

Website: https://foodforestabundancemn.com

Travis Holzem is the owner of Food Forest Design Solutions and a pioneering leader in the movement to revolutionize food production and sustainability. At Food Forest Design Solutions, Travis and his team are dedicated to transforming lawns and unused and underused lands and farmlands into diverse, self-sustaining food forests. These low-maintenance ecosystems eliminate the need for pesticides, are adaptable to any climate, and provide abundant yields year after year. By offering fully designed plans for individuals, families, and communities, Travis is breaking barriers, proving that sustainable home food production is both practical and accessible to all, fostering healthier communities and reducing reliance on industrialized food systems.

Chapters:

00:00 Podcast intro

00:18 Travis Holzem

01:17 Introduction to Permaculture

06:59 Working with remote designers as an installer

17:16 Learning permaculture design

23:41 Finding your permaculture business model and processes

28:49 Using AI in design

36:47 Creating a permaculture business course

38:14 Permaculture transcending government

40:31 The value of local food

46:02 Learning form others

49:17 Final Thoughts and links

Support the Show (Affiliate Links):

Sign up for a 6 month online PDC with Ecoversity: https://join.ecoversity.org/vine

Get a permaculture design for your property: https://permaculturecanada.world/shop/?ref=etcvdgzj

Intro to Permaculture - Family Permaculture https://vinepermaculture.krtra.com/t/3defgUs54IlF

Learn to grow your own food - Thriving With Nature https://vinepermaculture.krtra.com/t/nVlw69NxBiCp

Designing your land - Eleonore https://vinepermaculture.krtra.com/t/JWy1G9kmQCYf

Permaculture Business Design Course: https://regenerationnationcr.com/permaculture-business-design-course/?affiliate=vinepermaculture

In episode 72 of the Permaculture Vine Podcast, Cormac chats to Paul Lynch of Ansa Permaculture.

Brought to you by https://www.pdc2pro.com

For all our episodes go to: https://vinepermaculture.com/vinepodcast/ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vinepermaculture

Paul Lynch
www.permaculturedesign.ie/

Paul has combined his interests in nature and design to offer a permaculture design, drone mapping, and orchard care service from his home in Ireland since 2016. With a formal educational and professional background in engineering and design, he brings these skills into his design service. His home also functions as a testing ground for various permaculture methods and ideas, including vegetable growing, rainwater harvesting, stream water abstraction and filtration, drone mapping, fruit tree grafting for nursery establishment, grafting to mature trees, plant propagation from cuttings, seed saving, hot composting, solar PV generation, pig & chicken tractor systems, natural building, forest garden guilds, and sheet mulching.

Paul has completed two Permaculture Design Certificates (PDCs), one in 2010 in Devon and the other in 2015 in Ireland. In 2019, he undertook a permaculture teacher training course (TPT), followed by a "Train the Trainer" course in 2021, which is a State-certified teaching qualification. He teaches in-person introduction to permaculture courses as well as specialist courses on design, orchard care, and hot composting, among other subjects. Paul is on the Certified Teachers Register of the UK Permaculture Association and is available to guest teach on PDCs both in Ireland and internationally. He appreciates the immersive experience and sense of community that can be fostered on a good PDC.

00:00
[00:00:32] Introduction
[00:01:14] Permaculture
[00:04:13] Permaculture Gardening
[00:05:48] Environmental Activism
[00:12:57] Post PDC
[00:15:14] Finding a place to practice
[00:21:47] Permaculture in marketing
[00:26:51] Growing a permaculture business
[00:29:34] Teaching permaculture
[00:34:51] Permaculture Gatherings and compromise
[00:39:31] Permaculture and Politics
[00:48:35] Final thoughts

Cormac hosts a discussion on Permaculture and Preparedness with Lindsay Brandon, Scott MIllar and Eleonore Todini.

Brought to you by https://www.pdc2pro.com

For all our episodes go to:
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Lindsay Brandon – Owner / Consultant
https://rumble.com/v580vsl-zero-fox-tree-crops-farm-tour-by-lindsay-brandon-of-permaculture-canada.html

PERMACULTURE CANADA
www.permaculturecanada.world
@Permaculturecanada Instagram
@PermacultureCanada Facebook and tic/toc
Permaculture Canada– You tube
Telegram Group
Permaculture Canada - Linkedin

ARMAGARDEN
www.armagarden.world
@armagarden.world– Instagram
Armagarden – Facebook
Armagarden - Linkedin


Scott Millar
https://www.ThrivingtheFuture.com
https://vinepermaculture.com/podcast/scott-miller/

Eleonore Todini
https://calendly.com/eleonore-todini/30-min-call-with-eleonore
online course: https://eleonoretodini.krtra.com/t/rzhvEQ5JMxCp
insta : eles.permastyle
website: https://architectsoflife.earth

Cormac Harkin
Learn digital permaculture design and technology with Vine Permaculture
https://www.pdc2pro.com

Cormac Harkin
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/CormacHarkin
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pcormacharkin/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaL6jhuMicFoUrFTi9pauQ

Permaculture Vine Podcast
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-permaculture-vine-podcast/id1684662630
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Youtube @thepermaculturevine
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In episode 70 of the Permaculture Vine Podcast, Cormac chats with Heiko Vermeulen about The Irish Permaculture gathering 2024

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In episode 69 of the Permaculture Vine Podcast, Cormac chats with Graham Towerton, Jo Petroni, Olly Boon and Laura Oldanie about Permaculture Health and Wellbeing.

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Graham Towerton is a certified Permaculture Design Consultant based in Adrian, Michigan in the US. After a 34 year career in chemical engineering in Australia and the US, Graham obtained his PDC in 2021 to provide the formal certification that goes with his nearly 40 years of using permaculture principles and practices on his properties. Graham is one of the design and sales team members for Food Forest Abundance and has completed over 60 designs and 300 consultations. Graham is also a permaculture landscape installer in Michigan. Graham's background in permaculture extends back to his time working on his parents' family farm in Queensland Australia and reading about permaculture in articles in "Earth Garden" and "Grassroots" magazines written by Bill Mollison, David Holmgren, Geoff Lawton and other early teachers of permaculture. After a 34 year career in chemical engineering, Graham is now pursuing his second career for another 34+ years in permaculture as a designer, installer and educator. He now gets to apply all of his prior business experience in managing his new business Permaculture Adventures.
https://linktr.ee/permacultureadventures

Jo Petroni works at the boundary between permaculture and architecture - Zone 0 and beyond. She is an architect and ecovillage designer. Lately her focus has been of regenerative development projects and what "Regenerative" means for the way we build.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-petroni/
https://jopetroni.substack.com/

Olly Boon founded Earth Repairs over seven years ago in the UK, focusing on permaculture design. He has developed a step-by-step design process integrating assistive technology for professional designs, collaborating with architects and industry professionals. His notable achievements include securing the first known Paragraph 80 planning permission for permaculture on agricultural land. Olly aims to empower practitioners with tools and techniques to mainstream permaculture. Inspired by his travels in South America, Olly enhanced his education with experts like Richard Perkins, Geoff Lawton, and Martin Crawford. Now based in the Sacred Valley of Peru, he is building the EARTH REPAIRS Digital Permaculture Design School. This platform offers cutting-edge courses that blend practical knowledge with digital tools, providing professional training, guidance, and peer-to-peer learning.

Laura Oldanie is a green living & money coach and founder of Rich & Resilient Living. Since receiving her permaculture design certificate in 2009 she's been exploring ways to earn, spend, invest, and manage her money (and lifestyle) to bring about the change she wants to see in the world – and teaching others to do the same. Laura is a sought-after source of knowledge on regenerative investing, and her work has been featured in Forbes, CNBC, and Good Housekeeping. She is co-author of the life changing book Growing FREE (Financially Resilient & Economically Empowered): Building the Life of Your Dreams Without Losing Your Soul or Destroying the Planet.
https://www.instagram.com/rich_resilient/
https://www.tiktok.com/@rich_resilient?lang=en https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCelxbT9pITAScS9jD3C0ngw

In episode 68 of the Permaculture Vine Podcast, Cormac chats with Jamon Mysliwiec of TIAG, Lindsay Brandon of Permaculture canadaand Leszek Frankiewicz of
Projekty Permakultura

https://youtu.be/jc9il0sBn6o

https://youtu.be/2SeFEiYDKUw

https://youtu.be/ddxIM2V_gIQ

Jamon Mysliwiec is an educator, public speaker, and a certified permaculture designer. He specializes in agriculturally productive ecosystem design, focusing on food forests and functional landscaping(Eco-scaping). Jamon is the CEO of Lulus Garden, Lead Designer at Haven Permaculture LLC, and Founder of The Independent American Gardener non-profit community program. With a diverse history Ranging from Gardening and Homesteading, construction, earthworks, diesel and auto mechanics, retail and property management, woodwork and plumbing, to Volunteer firefighing, Personal Development Mentoring, Community influence, entrepreneurship and business development. Jamon was known as a "Jack of all trades" in his upbringing, and applies this principle to his work in permaculture property design and development for Regenerative communities for the sake of the family.

www.TIAGcommunity.com/Link-in-bio
www. TIAGcommunity.com

In episode 41 of the Permaculture Vine Podcast, Cormac Harkin chats with Lindsay Brandon of Food Forest Canada.

Lindsay Brandon is a permaculture designer and farmer located in southern Alberta, Canada. Lindsay is driven by a deep connection to the natural world and the belief that when we heal our relationship with the environment, we heal ourselves. With a background in performing arts, photography, and yoga studies, sharing permaculture with the world is a perfect blend of all the previous career paths she has traversed.
She is currently the Head of Design at Food Forest Abundance, where she leads a team of 40 designers from all over the globe to create permaculture designs for urban settings, homesteads, and demonstration sites. The next step is Eco-Villages, as she oversees projects in Ghana, Africa; the Sacred Valley in Peru; and Thailand. She is also a design mentor at Verge Permaculture, where she mentors emerging permaculturists and homesteaders.
Her continuing education includes studying microbiology with Elaine Ingham to deepen her understanding of microbiology and how the soil works, agroforestry with Mark Shephard to strengthen knowledge in perennial systems, as well as a unique interest in mycology and water. Lindsay’s work is her life’s work, and she is passionate and connected to the web unfolding before her as she has become a catalyst for innovative ideas, creating new systems, processes, and procedures to build the new world from a place of love.

Info@permaculturecanada.world
www.permaculturecanada.world
www.armagarden.world
@permaculturecanada on all my socials: insta, fb, TikTok,
https://www.youtube.com/@UC68uhMM3_HNXP8cedqQesdQ
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-brandon-47b2a23b/

Leszek Frankiewicz is a permaculture designer and owner of a farm in Beskid Wyspowy. He graduated from permaculture studies with Geoff Lawton, receiving a PDC designer diploma. He then deepened his knowledge with Daniel Halsey, and since then he has been using advanced IT tools for designing.

He is a member of the United Designers team, created by Dan Halsey, a team that has been doing advanced permaculture projects around the world for many years. Being part of this team allows him to use the knowledge and resources of this group, which also carried out advanced projects in Poland.

He gains practical skills at home, 'on the field' near Limanowa.

In his opinion, this is the best combination of activities to become an increasingly competent designer-practitioner.

Leszeks Links:
https://permakultura-projekty.pl/https://www.facebook.com/ProjektyPermakultura

Join our free Skool community for connection and learning: https://www.skool.com/vine-permaculture-7207/about

In this episode of The Permaculture Vine Podcast, Cormac Harkin sat down with Steve Kuntz to explore a fascinating side of food production that goes beyond the garden bed—indoor, soilless growing systems. Steve has been working with hydroponics, aeroponics, and especially tower gardens for over a decade, helping schools, families, and communities reconnect with how food is grown.

From Grandma’s Cactus to Indoor Lettuce

Steve’s love of gardening started young—his first plant was a cactus given to him by his grandmother. Years later, in 2012, he was introduced to the tower garden, a vertical aeroponic growing system. The experience of cutting fresh lettuce in the middle of a snowy Indiana winter was a turning point, sparking a passion for indoor gardening.

How Tower Gardens Work

Tower gardens use water, nutrients, and light—no soil required. A pump circulates nutrient-rich water to plant roots that are suspended in air. This makes them compact, efficient, and easy to manage indoors or outdoors. Steve explained the differences between:

* Hydroponics: roots grow in water.

* Aeroponics: roots are misted in air.

* Aquaponics: combines fish and plants in a symbiotic system.

For beginners, Steve recommends smaller countertop systems like the LetPot Mini (about $60), which can grow herbs or lettuce in a kitchen or dorm room.

Bringing Growing Systems Into Schools

In 2015, Steve began introducing tower gardens into schools. With grant funding, his local district installed 15 units. These have become powerful educational tools, teaching children not only how food grows, but also reinforcing science, math, and healthy eating.

Steve shared stories of fifth and sixth graders teaching younger students about nutrition—complete with a salad party featuring their own harvest. Partnerships with Purdue University and community wellness educators have expanded the program across Indiana and beyond.

Benefits and Challenges

The systems are compact (about three square feet for a 28-plant tower) and work year-round. While some sceptics worry about taste or authenticity compared to soil-grown produce, Steve says one bite usually changes their minds. The biggest challenges? Occasional pump clogs, algae build-up, and the need to maintain proper light and water cycles.

Indoor Growing vs. Large-Scale Farms

Cormac also asked Steve about the scalability of indoor farms. While some large warehouse projects have struggled with energy costs, Steve sees promise in rooftop gardens, greenhouses, and small-scale community models. For him, the priority remains accessibility and education rather than industrial farming.

Seeds of the Future

Beyond tower gardens, Steve is also experimenting with permaculture ideas. Recently, he planted peach trees around his retirement community and has been slowly nudging neighbours toward replacing lawns with wildflowers and food crops. His story about growing a giant sequoia seedling—before donating it to a school greenhouse—shows his passion for the magic of seeds and growth.

Steve’s Advice: Just Start Growing

Steve’s closing message is simple but powerful: just start. Whether it’s a pot of herbs on your windowsill, a tower garden in your kitchen, or seeds in the soil, gardening is about learning, experimenting, and enjoying the process.

Learn More

* Steve’s book: Growing to Teach (available on Amazon)

* Website: keepitwatered.com

Indoor gardening may not replace soil and sunshine, but as Steve shows, it’s a brilliant way to grow food anywhere, anytime—and to inspire the next generation.

On episode 67 of The Permaculture Vine Podcast, Cormac Harkin of Vine Permaculture chats to and Chanel Smith of Family Permaculture, Annette Argabright of Family Permaculture, and Alex Popp of Permaculture Party about

https://vinepermaculture.com/podcast/family-permaculture-party/

Brought to you by https://www.pdc2pro.com

For all our episodes go to:
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Annette is a Certified Permaculture Designer and Teacher, Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design - Building connections and planting seeds within the People Care ethic.

https://www.instagram.com/oliversgardensfarm/?hl=en

https://www.familypermaculture.com/

Chanel is a certified permaculture designer and educator, heirloom gardener, regenerative living enthusiast, and homesteader. She believes healthy food is a birth right and is passionate about empowering others with the knowledge to grow their own. Chanel is also the mother to a sweet little boy, who serves as her official bean planter. In her free time, Chanel enjoys having dance parties, cooking from scratch, foraging, hiking, and catching frogs with her little one.

https://www.familypermaculture.com/

Alex Popp is a permaculture designer, installer, and event planner. His business, PermaCulture Party, offers everything required to convert your landscape to a regenerative foodscape, while building community and having fun. Dance, play, and eat your lawn with PermaCulture Party!

https://www.instagram.com/permaculture.party

https://www.instagram.com/permaculture.party.alex

https://www.linkedin.com/company/permaculture-party

Facebook: PermaCulture Party


https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vinepermaculture

Cormac Harkin
Learn digital permaculture design and technology with Vine Permaculture
https://www.pdc2pro.com

Cormac Harkin
Nostr: npub1zu9ryv52rk0dms6jh7se5cgdmk52rn5zxv0jvlqgr57z7r73qtwsvw7cuc
www.cormacharkin.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CormacHarkin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cormac_harkin/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pcormacharkin/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaL6jhuMicFoUrFTi9pauQ

Permaculture Vine Podcast
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-permaculture-vine-podcast/id1684662630
Spotify: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/eMxAhvMC7yb
Fountain FM: The Permaculture Vine Podcast
Youtube @thepermaculturevine
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On episode 66 of The Permaculture Vine Podcast, Cormac Harkin of  @vinepermaculture  chats to Scott Miller of  @thrivingthefuture 

Scott lives on 10 acres in rural NE Kansas, US. 

Along with horses, a donkey, and chickens, Scott's specialties are food forest guilds, nut trees, and creating new garden beds using Milpa.

For the full episode blog see: https://www.vinepermaculture.com/scott-miller

https://www.ThrivingtheFuture.com


Brought to you by https://www.pdc2pro.com

For all our episodes go to:
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Cormac Harkin
Learn digital permaculture design and technology with Vine Permaculture
https://www.pdc2pro.com

Cormac Harkin
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Permaculture Vine Podcast
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-permaculture-vine-podcast/id1684662630
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Fountain FM: The Permaculture Vine Podcast
Youtube @thepermaculturevine
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https://vinepermaculture.com/hayley-weatherburn

On episode 65 of The Permaculture Vine Podcast,  @cormac_harkin  of  @vinepermaculture  chats to Hayley Weatherburn of  @ThrivingwithNature 

Hayley is dedicated to empowering individuals to cultivate thriving online ventures. As the creator behind the growing Thriving with Nature community of leaders and thrivers on a path to self-sufficiency, she specialises in helping homesteading and off-grid living experts transform their wisdom into sustainable online income.

With over a decade of experience in guiding online entrepreneurs, Hayley excels in building, launching, and scaling online courses, as well as creating strategic marketing funnels to attract and nurture paying customers. She is passionate about turning social media followers into a devoted community and helping others achieve financial freedom through their passions.

Specific Waitlist Link - https://www.thrivingwithnature.com/online-course-academy-waitlist
thrivingwithnature.com
instagram.com/thrivingwithnature
youtube.com/thrivingwithnature
tiktok.com/@thrivingwithnature
facebook.com/thrivingwithnature

For all our episodes go to:
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Cormac Harkin
Learn digital permaculture design and technology with Vine Permaculture
https://www.pdc2pro.com

Cormac Harkin
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Permaculture Vine Podcast
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Youtube @thepermaculturevine
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This week we have a roundtable. Cormac is joined by Sarah Spencer, Christopher Nesbitt and Joshua Prieto.

This was inspired by Sarahs LinkedIn article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/permaculture-compared-other-regenerative-disciplines-sarah-spencer--n8roe?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&utm_campaign=share_via

Maya Mountain Research Farm in Belize and the local area has been devastated by fires. From Gofundme: "Christopher and Celini and their neighbours continue to fight devastating wildfires that are ravaging their farms and communities. This is a truly heart-breaking event and they are no doubt exhausted and traumatized by the relentlessness of these fires. Christopher and Celini’s farm is a treasure to the world and our future in it. Let’s help them rebuild their vital vision."
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-maya-mountain-research-farm

https://vinepermaculture.com/podcast/regenerative-v-permaculture-design/

Sarah Spencer
https://www.thinklikeatree.co.uk/
https://vinepermaculture.com/podcast/sarah-spencer/

Christopher Nesbitt
https://www.facebook.com/MayaMountainResearchFarm
https://medium.com/@christopherN

Joshua Prieto
https://www.seedsoftao.com/
https://vinepermaculture.com/podcast/joshua-prieto/

https://vinepermaculture.com/podcast/gathering-of-tribes-2024/

Cormac Harkin chats to Victor Vorski and Audrey Fillon about The Gathering of Tribes in Portugal on the 11th to 15th September 2024.

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Victor Vorski:
Victor is a regenerative ecosystem catalyst, instigating The Gathering of Tribes, a co-created re-invention of festivals, conferences and summits for the regenerative age.
Victor's life is dedicated to growing the regenerative ecosystem, supporting the spread of regenerative ideas and collaborations to build regenerative villages and organisations. A life centred on the belief that the regenerative paradigm is the most promising movement today to build a better future for all life on earth.

Audrey Fillon:
Audrey is a regenerative practitioner and ecosystem weaver. Bridging the gap and doing the translation work between initiatives working at different levels and in different contexts of the regenerative ecosystem is where Audrey finds energy and inspiration. From systems thinking to ecosystem restoration, she thrives when designing, creating and holding spaces that act as a microcosm for collaborative thinking, innovation and mutual inspiration: the Gathering of Tribes is one of those spaces.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gatheringoftribes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatheringoftribes24/
Facebook: https://fb.me/e/1gBzRBYMN
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GatheringofTribes
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gathertribes
Subscribe to our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iDgveY

Cormac Harkin
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pcormacharkin/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaL6jhuMicFoUrFTi9pauQ

Permaculture Vine Podcast
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Fountain FM: The Permaculture Vine Podcast
Youtube @thepermaculturevine
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Cormac chats to Alfred Decker from 12p deisgn about permaculture teacher training.

From 12pdesign webiste:

Alfred Decker is an award-winning permaculture designer, a certified educator with the Permaculture Association of Britain, and one of Europe’s leading and innovative permaculture educators. Since his first PDC in 1998 in California, Alfred has been involved with social movements and projects throughout Europe and the Americas. He is the founder of the 12P Permaculture Design consultancy, Permacultura Barcelona and the Forest Gardens project at Can Masdeu; is a co-founder of the Spanish Permaculture Academy (Academia de Permacultura Íbera); and was a member of the European Permaculture Teachers Partnership and the Permaculture Council of Europe.  Alfred holds a post graduate diploma in sustainable architecture and renewable energy (Centre for Alternative Technology).

After taking a “Permaculture Teacher Training” (PTT) course with Rosemary Morrow in 2011, he undertook a two year mentorship and later co-facilitated six courses as her assistant, ultimately earning a Diploma in Permaculture Education & Community Development in 2013 through the Blue Mountains Permaculture Institute (Australia). Committed to furthering the PTT course that Rosemary developed in over four decades of teaching experience around the world, Alfred facilitated more than a dozen PTT courses as lead facilitator, co-edited all three versions of the PTT manual, and organised a successful crowdfunding campaign to develop the platform. Rosemary has asked him to organise the PTT trainings in Europe, and he has developed an online version of the course on the Permaculture Association of Britain’s online educational platform. 

Alfred lives in the old town centre of Berga, Catalunya (Spanish Territory), and is available for educational activities, design work and consulting.

Olly Boon - Founder of Earth Repairs

Olly Boon founded Earth Repairs over seven years ago in the UK, focusing on permaculture design. He has developed a step-by-step design process integrating assistive technology for professional designs, collaborating with architects and industry professionals. His notable achievements include securing the first known Paragraph 80 planning permission for permaculture on agricultural land. Olly aims to empower practitioners with tools and techniques to mainstream permaculture.

Inspired by his travels in South America, Olly enhanced his education with experts like Richard Perkins, Geoff Lawton, and Martin Crawford. Now based in the Sacred Valley of Peru, he is building the EARTH REPAIRS Digital Permaculture Design School. This platform offers cutting-edge courses that blend practical knowledge with digital tools, providing professional training, guidance, and peer-to-peer learning.

https://www.vinepermaculture.com/podcast/olly-boon

Olly Boon
www.earthrepairs.com
designschool.earthrepairs.com/welcome
www.facebook.com/earthrepairs
instagram.com/earthrepairs

For all our episodes go to:
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Cormac Harkin
Learn digital permaculture design and technology with Vine Permaculture
https://www.pdc2pro.com

Cormac Harkin
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Permaculture Vine Podcast
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Youtube @thepermaculturevine
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Cormac chats to Matthew Britt. Matthew is Head of Sales and Strategic Partnerships for Food Forest Abundance

Cormac Harkin chats to Guest Sonono on episode 59 of The Permaculture Vine Podcast.

Guest Sonono is a permaculture designer and educator. He is currently a teaching assistant for Geoff Lawton’s online permaculture design course under the Permaculture Research Institute. Specialising in small animal systems (chickens), he has used his experience to write a chicken handbook and also write blogs about chickens.

https://vinepermaculture.com/podcast/guest-sonono/

https://vinepermaculture.com/my-permaculture-journey-guest-sonono/

https://www.instagram.com/guestsonono

https://www.facebook.com/guestsonono

For all our episodes go to:
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Cormac Harkin
Learn digital permaculture design and technology with Vine Permaculture
https://www.pdc2pro.com

Cormac Harkin
Nostr: npub1zu9ryv52rk0dms6jh7se5cgdmk52rn5zxv0jvlqgr57z7r73qtwsvw7cuc
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/CormacHarkin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cormac_harkin/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pcormacharkin/
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Permaculture Vine Podcast
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-permaculture-vine-podcast/id1684662630
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Charles J. Lawson is a permaculture practitioner, designer, and educator. He homesteads on 7 acres in rural Virginia, and helps others do the same with his company DeWitt Permaculture, doing business as Food Forest Virginia.

https://www.instagram.com/foodforestvirginia/
https://modernhomestead.com/

For all our episodes go to:
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Cormac Harkin
Learn digital permaculture design and technology with Vine Permaculture
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Cormac Harkin
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www.cormacharkin.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CormacHarkin
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pcormacharkin/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaL6jhuMicFoUrFTi9pauQ

Permaculture Vine Podcast
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-permaculture-vine-podcast/id1684662630
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Youtube @thepermaculturevine
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In this episode, Cormac sits down with Dave Spicer to explore his journey through permaculture, earthworks, and design. From his early experiences training with Bill Mollison and Geoff Lawton to years of practical work on farms and landscapes, Dave shares hard-won lessons on water, access, surveying, and the realities of broadacre design.

This conversation has insights for beginner and professional designers alike — from starting small with “baby steps, baby mistakes” to scaling up into large-scale projects that truly shape the land.

Key Points from the Conversation:

* Journey into Permaculture: Dave discovered permaculture after leaving school early. He was inspired by Bill Mollison's "Global Gardener" video and took a PDC with Mollison in Tasmania in 1999. He then gained practical experience working with Geoff Lawton at Tagari Farm.

* Philosophy and Approach:

* Start Small: He emphasizes "baby steps, baby mistakes," advocating for people to begin with small projects like a home garden to learn through observation and interaction.

* Design to Reality: His design philosophy focuses on simplicity and practicality. He prioritizes creating a "basic mainframe" cantered on Water, Access, and Structure Position. He argues this creates the "skeleton" of the design, upon which the rest evolves.

* Water is Fundamental: The primary element of any design must be water harvesting and retention. He stresses observing where water comes from (e.g., roads as catchments) and how to slow it, sink it, and store it in the landscape.

* Access is Interaction: A major theme is that "good access is good interaction." If a site is difficult to access, people won't interact with it, observe it, or learn from it. This is why he now prefers terraces over swales on large scales, as they provide better access for people, animals, and machinery.

* Observation is Key: The most important skill for a designer is developed through patient observation of one's own site.

* Advice for New Designers:

* Begin with small-scale projects and make mistakes there.

* Focus on water first in any design.

* To move into larger-scale/broadacre design, learn surveying (e.g., using a laser level). Understanding how to map contours on the actual land is crucial because maps are often inaccurate.

* If doing earthworks, find and learn from an experienced machine operator.

* Broader Views:

* He promotes the "lifeboat" concept: creating resilient, productive systems (food, water, trees) around homes for sanity, real food, and demonstration purposes. He connects this to practices like Japanese "forest bathing," highlighting the mental and physical health benefits of engaging with nature.

* Action and Demonstration: The most powerful tool is action—demonstrating what works on your own land is more effective than just talking about it.

What resonated most with you from this episode? Drop a comment below!

Where to Find Dave:

* Website: www.docspice.life

* Instagram: @docspice_permaculture

* Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@docspice_permaculture?lang=en

Chapters00:00 – Introduction02:00 – How Dave discovered permaculture04:20 – Training with Bill Mollison & Geoff Lawton07:00 – From PDC to practical experience10:15 – Building confidence as a designer13:20 – Why water is the foundation of good design18:00 – Moving from urban to broadacre projects22:00 – Swales vs. terraces & lessons from earthworks30:00 – Designing to reality, not just pretty pictures36:00 – Surveying, mapping & reading the land44:30 – Learning resources & next steps52:00 – Final thoughts & advice for new designers

Stephen Leahy is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and permaculture principles. As a small-scale part-time farmer, Stephen practices permaculture on his community garden, affectionately known as "Willow Edge Farm." With a team of six dedicated participants, Stephen applies the principles he's learned from books and volunteering to create a thriving and eco-friendly farming environment.

Inspired by his experiences, Stephen spends two weeks each year at Henbant Permaculture Farm, further honing his skills and knowledge in sustainable farming practices. He draws influence from notable figures in the field, including Charles Dowding, Richard Perkins, and the innovative methods employed at Henbant.

On this podcast appearance, Stephen shares insights into the establishment of Willow Edge Farm, emphasizing its role in inspiring others to embrace permaculture and community gardening. With his dedication and commitment, Stephen embodies the spirit of sustainable agriculture, demonstrating how small-scale farming can make a big impact.

https://www.instagram.com/willow_edge_farm/
https://twitter.com/willowedgefarm

For all our episodes go to:
https://vinepermaculture.com/vinepodcast/

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vinepermaculture

Cormac Harkin
Learn digital permaculture design and technology with Vine Permaculture
https://www.pdc2pro.com

Cormac Harkin
Nostr: npub1zu9ryv52rk0dms6jh7se5cgdmk52rn5zxv0jvlqgr57z7r73qtwsvw7cuc
www.cormacharkin.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CormacHarkin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cormac_harkin/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pcormacharkin/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaL6jhuMicFoUrFTi9pauQ

Permaculture Vine Podcast
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-permaculture-vine-podcast/id1684662630
Spotify: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/eMxAhvMC7yb
Fountain FM: The Permaculture Vine Podcast
Youtube @thepermaculturevine
Linkedin group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12697534/