Food Forest Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Maddy Harland, co-founder of Permaculture Magazine, shares her lifelong journey in permaculture, from her childhood love of gardening to creating food forests on poor soils and building a global platform for ecological design. She highlights the importance of patience, joy, and community in shaping regenerative projects and emphasizes making permaculture accessible to everyone.

In this episode, host Louis De Jaeger speaks with activist Robin Greenfield about his journey from a conventional, consumer-driven lifestyle to one rooted in sustainability, minimalism, and service to the planet. Robin shares how foraging, self-love, and community engagement have shaped his approach to activism and regenerative living. He also discusses his initiative to plant one million community fruit trees, demonstrating the power of grassroots action to foster ecological and social resilience.

From Bozeman, Montana, Kareen Erbe shares how to design thriving food forests in cold climates, build soil health, and grow resilient communities. In this episode, she talks about her journey from human rights work to permaculture, the importance of local food systems, and how community gardening can foster connection, sustainability, and hope – even where winters are long and harsh.

From childhood gardening in Brazil to designing thriving agroforestry systems in Australia, Thiago Barbosa shares a journey rooted in passion, resilience, and the belief that nature thrives through collaboration. In this episode, he talks about building a community farm for people with disabilities, the vital role of support species, understanding local climates, and how growing your own food can tackle fears about scarcity and build a sustainable future.

Climate psychologist Thomas Doherty explores the intersection of climate change and mental health. This episode discusses eco-anxiety, the role of environmental identity, the importance of community, and how hope and emotional literacy help us navigate ecological challenges.

In this episode of the Food Forest podcast, host Louis De Jaeger speaks with Anastasiya Volkova, a leader in Ukrainian permaculture, about her experiences and efforts during the ongoing war in Ukraine. Anastasiya discusses the challenges of living in a war zone, the mental health impacts on the community, and how permaculture has adapted to support displaced people. She emphasizes the importance of community networks, resilience, and the healing power of nature. The conversation also touches on the future of permaculture in Ukraine, food security, and the personal responsibility of individuals to foster peace.

In this episode of the Food Forest podcast, Klaus Lotz shares his incredible journey from Germany to New Zealand, highlighting his experiences with Syntropic Agroforestry and the importance of indigenous wisdom in agriculture. He discusses the transformative power of permaculture and the role of education in fostering sustainable farming practices. Klaus also delves into his innovative approaches to mushroom cultivation and the significance of community involvement in regenerative agriculture. Through his insights, he emphasizes the need for a shift towards perennial crops and the potential for Syntropy to revolutionize food production.

In this episode of the Food Forest podcast, Robert Guyton shares his journey of developing a thriving permaculture food forest in New Zealand over 35 years. He discusses the evolution of his garden, the importance of biodiversity, and the role of community engagement in sustainability. Robert emphasizes the significance of storytelling and personal connections to plants, advocating for a philosophy of co-creation with nature. He envisions a future where localized communities thrive, and he encourages listeners to actively participate in their environments through observation and creativity.

In this episode of the Food Forest podcast, Rebel Black, founder of The Hungry Spirits, discusses her journey in regenerative agriculture, focusing on Syntropic Agroforestry and its potential to transform dryland farming in Australia. She emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking, community healing, and the role of intuition in decision-making. Rebel shares her experiences with climate challenges, plant species suited for arid environments, and the emotional aspects of farming and personal growth. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of healing the land and the soul, and the need for a shift in perspective towards sustainability and resilience.

Eric Toensmeier, pioneer in agroforestry and perennial agriculture, reveals why perennial plants hold the key to sustainable farming, carbon sequestration, and climate resilience. From edible leaves to carbon farming and Project Drawdown, this episode explores how trees can transform our food systems and fight climate change.