Shows
Land Food LifeHarvesting Health: Discovering the Soil-Gut Connection You Need to ThriveYour health journey begins in the soil. This fascinating conversation between nutritionist Kara Kroger and Amy Milliron of Fearless Farmers reveals the profound connections between environmental and human health that most of us don't fully understand how to integrate into our shopping and eating habits.Driven by the loss of her father to cancer related to Agent Orange exposure, Kara has dedicated her career to understanding how our environment shapes our wellbeing. She shares the remarkable parallel between soil and gut microbiomes—both functioning as complex digestive systems that either thrive or suffer based on what they ar...
2025-06-2630 minLand Food LifeWe Are Each Other's Harvest: The Hidden Legacy of Black American Farming with Author Natalie BaszileDive into the hidden legacy of Black American farming with author Natalie Baszile as she unpacks the complex relationship between African Americans and the land that has shaped our nation. This eye-opening conversation takes us through her journey creating "Queen Sugar" – the acclaimed novel adapted by Ava DuVernay and Oprah Winfrey – and her anthology "We Are Each Other's Harvest," which brings to life the true stories of Black farmers across American history.Baszile reveals how her ancestral connections to farming (her great-great-grandfather acquired 600 acres in Alabama after the Civil War) subtly influenced her writing path, creating a pers...
2025-05-081h 00Land Food LifeRoots of Renewal: Empowering Central American Subsistence Farmers for Climate Solutions with Florence ReedJoin us for a compelling conversation with Florence Reed, the visionary founder of Sustainable Harvest International, as we tackle the urgent global challenges of deforestation and agricultural sustainability. Discover the transformative power of climate-smart subsistence farming practices in Central America and the significant role tropical forests play in our climate's health. Florence shares heartwarming stories from her work with rural farmers and a glimpse into her documentary "Roots of Renewal," which beautifully captures the magic of turning degraded lands into flourishing agroforestry systems that allow these farmers to thrive.We'll unpack the short-sighted gains of traditional methods...
2024-12-021h 09Land Food LifeWhat Do Birds Have to Do With It? Regenerative Agriculture through the Eyes of Ecology & Wildlife Biologist Michael McGrawDid you know birds navigate more habitats than almost any other species and are key indicators of planetary and human health? Join us on the Land Food Life podcast with Michael McGraw, an ecology and wildlife biologist, as he shares his journey from herpetology and ornithology to regenerative agriculture. Michael discusses conducting wildlife surveys and how grazing practices affect bird populations, biodiversity, and the nutrient density of our food.This episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical insights. Michael talks about his passion for birdwatching, which was sparked during Timber Rattlesnake observation in the New Jersey...
2024-09-111h 15
Twice 5 Miles RadioWhen Trees Fall In Rivers with agroecologist Kara KrogerWelcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio. I'm your host, James Navé. Today, I'm thrilled to introduce holistic health and agroecology educator Kara Kroger. Our paths crossed serendipitously at ODD's Café in West Asheville, where her passionate conversation about holistic health and agroecology immediately intrigued me.
When I asked her to talk more about her podcast, we had a captivating
conversation about the deep interconnections between gut health, soil health, and overall well-being.
Kara brings a wealth of experience from her 18 years as a Certified Herbalist, Nutritionist, and Chef, running her own business, Kroeger Nutrition LLC. Her journey into agroecology began in Uv...
2024-07-2656 minLand Food LifeDecoding Nutritional Dark Matter: Understanding How Agricultural Growing Practices Influence Nutrient Density with Dr. Stephan van VlietExplore the nexus of agriculture and human nutrition as we learn about cutting-edge research focused on understanding how agricultural growing practices and biodiversity shape the nutrient density of the food on our plates and our well-being. In this episode, nutrition researcher Dr. Stefan Van Vliet from Utah State University enlightens us about his collaborations with farmers, ecologists, and agricultural and nutritional scientists to study the critical linkages at this nexus. Our dialogue traverses the influence of our diets on health metrics, highlighting the stark differences between whole foods and their ultra-processed counterparts. Learn about the transformative power of...
2024-05-101h 00Land Food LifeA Taste of the Wild and Domestic with Chef Jesse Griffiths: An Exploration of Local Meat Food Systems Through Hunting, Ranching, and CookingJoin me, Kara Kroeger, and one of my favorite chefs and mentors, Jesse Griffiths, as we embark on a fascinating exploration of Central Texas' vibrant wild and domesticated meat scene with a man who knows it like no other. Our rich dialogue interweaves Jesse's commitment to utilizing and supporting his local food system at a level few other chefs achieve, with stories from Dai Due Butcher Shop and Supper Club, to his educational wild game hunting and cooking pursuits at the New School of Traditional Cookery. Jesse's passion shines as we unravel his journey from chef to celebrity huntsman t...
2024-02-141h 22Land Food LifeTales from the Soil: Nurturing Our Land Back to Life with Peter BreznyEmbark on a journey exploring regenerative farmscapes with myself, Kara Kroger, and the insightful Peter Brezny of Psycho Chicken Eco Farm. Together, we traverse the evolution from conventional to regenerative agriculture, uncovering the power of holistic farming practices. We promise a journey of enlightenment; from the role of energy efficiency and biological fertility to the perils of chemical dependencies, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone passionate about the future of farming, food, and our planet.As we chart the course through our discussions, we honor the legacies of visionaries like Charles Walters of A...
2024-01-151h 21Land Food LifeAnchoring with Nature: An Eco-Spiritual Journey on the Oneness of Being with Dr. Fred ProvenzaCan you imagine sitting down to chat with a plant, asking it to share its innate wisdom with you, and then taking the nourishing messages of its flavors into your body as food and medicine? Well, guess what, whether you know it or not we all do this to some degree everyday. Tune in for an enriching conversation with renowned Range Scientist, Dr. Fred Provenza and myself, your Land Food Life Podcast host Kara Kroeger. In this conversation Fred beautifully weaves his journey, from uncovering the remarkable functions of plants as food for livestock to appreciating their pr...
2023-12-0754 minLand Food LifeShake, Shift, Evolve: Embracing Disruption as A Means to Change Your Mindset & Grow Personally with Kelsey Ducheneaux-ScottWhat if disruption wasn't something to be feared, but rather embraced as a catalyst for growth and change? Join us for an unforgettable conversation with the steadfast Kelsey Scott, a woman who's redefining what disruptions means in her life to evolve as a human being. As a Lakota tribeswoman raised on The DX Ranch on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, Kelsey's unique insights on embracing disturbance, managing pressure, and enhancing resilience are informed by her life experiences on the ranch and her innovative approaches to engagement in Indian Agriculture as the Chief Strategy Officer of the...
2023-11-021h 00Land Food LifeTurning the Tables on Toxins & Toxicants: How to Use Food to Upregulate the Body's Detoxification Pathways with Kara KroegerIs it hard to believe that you can be exposed to approximately 500 chemicals before ever leaving your home for the day ? This shocking fact is a stark reality that Kara Kroeger delves into in this episode of the Land Food Life Podcast. Join her as she embarks on a journey of understanding the importance of shielding our bodies from these everyday toxins and toxicants, and how we can actively pave the way towards better health with our food choices.Kara narrates her deeply personal and moving experience of losing her father due to chemical exposure from Agent O...
2023-09-051h 12Land Food LifeHarnessing Detoxification, Vagal Nerve Tone, and Whole Body Regeneration Through Infrared Sauna Therapy, Cold Exposure, and More with Heather O'NeillHave you ever wondered how infrared sauna and cold exposure therapy work to improve your mood, heal injuries and deeply detoxify your body? Join us as we sit down with Heather O'Neill, a seasoned expert in fitness, injury recovery, and therapies for detoxification and optimal health. Heather shares her personal journey of helping her son overcome severe autism through nutritional therapies and how this experience sparked her interest in gut health and detoxification. She enlightens us about the cutting edge services she provides through her businesses - CryoFit Alamo Heights and Sweat Equity Infrared Saunas, such as cryotherapy, cold w...
2023-08-221h 03Land Food LifeExploring Mayan Rainforest Remedies, Abdominal Massage, and Ancient Healing Wisdom with Herbalist Rosita ArvigoGet ready for an enlightening journey with the globally acclaimed herbalist, napropathic doctor, and prolific author, Rosita Arvigo. Prepare to be entranced by her rich experiences and profound wisdom as we navigate the power of Mayan rainforest remedies and the ancient practice of abdominal massage that has proven to be a game changer in restoring hormonal and digestive balance and emotional healing. Sit back as we delve into Rosita's intriguing tales of 13 years of study with a Mayan shaman and 10 years with a Belizean midwife, her encounters with possession and healing, and her profound understanding of human-plant communication.
2023-08-081h 15Land Food LifeRevitalizing Soil and Gut Health: A Holistic Approach to Agriculture and Nutrition with Kara KroegerAre you aware of the fascinating link between soil health and your gut health? Today on the Land Food Life podcast, join me, Kara Kroger, as we take a deep look at how our agricultural practices are wreaking havoc on our soils and, indirectly, our gut health. However, don't lose heart; this episode isn't all about doom and gloom. Together, we'll explore six transformative principles that can rejuvenate our soil and gut health, enhancing nutrient absorption, and overall well-being.Have you ever thought about the impact of industrial farming, pharmaceuticals, and unhealthy consumption patterns on your health...
2023-07-231h 07
ATTRA - Voices from the FieldSupporting Beginning Farmers Market VendorsIn this episode, Maura Henn, a community food system specialist with the National Center for Appropriate Technology's Western Regional Office in Butte, Montana, talks with representatives of the Oregon Farmers Market Association.They are Kelly Crane, OFMA's executive director; Amanda Cross, OFMA's programs manager; and Mallory Rahe, PhD, assistant extension professor of Agriculture and Applied Economics at the University of Missouri.The discussion centers on OFMA's beginning vendor support network and the ways OFMA aids beginning vendors.Related ATTRA Resources:Tips for Selling at Farmers MarketsFarmers Markets: Marketing and Business...
2021-05-1446 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldAg Strategies for Ogallala Aquifer. Part 2This episode is the second of a two-part discussion with Kara Kroeger, a sustainable agriculture specialist with the National Center for Appropriate Technology's Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas, and Dr. Chris Grotegut of Hereford, Texas, which is located in the Texas Panhandle.Chris is a veterinarian, farmer, and stockman, as well as a cutting-edge producer of organic crops and livestock. Hereford has rich agricultural history that is fueled by the waters of Ogallala Aquifer, which has been in perilous decline over the past hundred years as land has been plowed for row cropping and cattle...
2021-05-1340 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldAg Strategies for Ogallala Aquifer. Part 1This episode is the first of a two-part discussion with Kara Kroeger, a sustainable agriculture specialist with the National Center for Appropriate Technology's Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas, and Dr. Chris Grotegut of Hereford, Texas, which is located in the Texas Panhandle.Chris is a veterinarian, farmer, and stockman, as well as a cutting-edge producer of organic crops and livestock. Hereford has rich agricultural history that is fueled by the waters of Ogallala Aquifer, which has been in perilous decline over the past hundred years as land has been plowed for row cropping and cattle...
2021-05-1238 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldAlderspring Ranch. Part 2This episode is the second in a two-part series featuring NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Kara Kroeger talking with family members Glenn, Melanie, and Linnaea Elzinga from Alderspring Ranch in Idaho. Glenn and his family raise wild, organic grass-fed beef on their remote family ranch and deliver their products to customers across the nation. In this episode, they discuss the family's innovative marketing strategies and tools.In the first part of the series, they discuss the family dynamics they have cultivated, how each family member determines his or her role, and the effects of COVID-19, among other topics...
2021-02-2440 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldAlderspring Ranch. Part 1This episode is the first in a two-part series featuring NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Kara Kroeger talking with ifamily members Glenn, Malanie, and Linnea Elzinga from Alderspring Ranch in Idaho. Glenn and his family raise wild, organic grass-fed beef on their remote family ranch and deliver their products to customers across the nation. In this episode, they discuss the family dynamics they have cultivate, how each family member determines his or her role and the effects of COVID-19, among other topics.In the upcoming second part of the conversation, they talk about Alderspring's innovative marketing tools.
2021-02-1743 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldNative SeedsIn this episode, Kara Kroeger, a sustainable agriculture specialist who works out of NCAT's Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas, talks with Bill Nieman, the owner of Native American Seed, a native seed company in Junction, Texas. Bill shares his history in the native-seed business and talks about how native seeds can help improve ecosystem health, among other benefits. He also shares success stories of folks he's worked with over the years.We'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to complete a survey about the podcast. It really helps us improve our sustainable-agriculture...
2020-09-231h 32ATTRA - Voices from the FieldErosion Control and MitigationIn today's episode, we hear from Kara Kroeger, Sustainable Agriculture specialist at NCAT's Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas. She interviews Mollie Walton, Land and Water Program Director for the Quivira Coalition in New Mexico. The Quivira Coalition works on biodiversity, building soil and resilience on western working landscapes. Mollie has a Texas ranching background and holds a PhD in biology from the University of Dayton in Ohio. She has been working in northern New Mexico since 2006.Kara and Mollie discuss methods of slowing and sinking water on hillsides, slowing erosion, building soil, mitigating floods, enhancing...
2020-05-141h 00ATTRA - Voices from the FieldThe PLFA Soil TestIn this episode, Kara Kroeger, a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program, talks with soil specialist Lance Gunderson about the PLFA soil test.The conversation is the second of two that Kara and Lance have had on ATTRA: Voices from the Field concerning soil tests – last week's podcast featured Lance's take on the Haney test. You can find the link to that podcast in the notes below.This week, they discuss the scientific basis of the PLFA, when it's appropriate, and a number of the ways in which it's scored.Kara wo...
2020-03-0443 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldThe Haney Soil TestIn this episode, Kara Kroeger, a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program, talks with soil specialist Lance Gunderson about the Haney soil test.They discuss the history of the Haney test, how it's scored, its effectiveness on both cropland and pasture and range land; the management practices it can suggest, and more.The conversation is the first of two that Kara and Lance will have concerning soil tests – next week's podcast will feature Lance's take on the phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) test. Be sure to listen to that discussion, as well.Ka...
2020-02-261h 04ATTRA - Voices from the FieldA Talk with Fred Provenza. Part 2This episode is the second of two featuring a conversation between Kara Kroeger, a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program, and Fred Provenza. Fred is a well-known author and expert on animal health, human health, plant health, and how they are related – as well as their role in the care of ecosystems.Kara works out of NCAT's Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas. The conversation took place at the recent 2019 Regenerate Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, hosted by the Quivira Coalition, Holistic Management International, and the American Grassfed Association. There may be a bit of...
2020-01-0250 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldA Talk with Fred Provenza. Part 1This episode is the first of two featuring a conversation between Kara Kroeger, a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program, and Fred Provenza. Fred is a well-known author and expert on animal health, human health, plant health, and how they are related – as well as their role in the care of ecosystems.Kara works out of NCAT's Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas. The conversation took place at the recent 2019 Regenerate Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, hosted by the Quivira Coalition, Holistic Management International, and the American Grassfed Association. There may be a bi...
2019-12-1931 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldUnderstanding the Soil Microbiome with Nicole MastersIn this episode, Kara Kroeger, a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program, talks with Nicole Masters, a New Zealand agroecologist and director of Integrity Soils. Kara, who works out of NCAT's Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas, caught up with Nicole via telephone while Nicole was visiting a client in Big Timber, Montana. They talk about ways in which the "soil microbiome" system that acts as a plant's digestive system mirrors the microbiome of the human digestive system. They discuss how to understand the health of an agricultural operation's soil microbiome, and they talk about...
2019-05-301h 09ATTRA - Voices from the FieldHelping Young FarmersIn this episode, Kara Kroeger, a sustainable agriculture specialist with the NCAT ATTRA sustainable agriculture program, talks with Kate Greenberg – who at the time was the acting Western program director of the National Young Farmers Coalition and chair of the board of the Quivira Coalition.Kate has since left those positions to become the Colorado Agriculture Commissioner.Kara works out of NCAT's Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas.Their discussion was recorded during the recent "Regenerate" Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which was sponsored by the Quivira Coalition, Holistic Management International, and th...
2019-02-2847 min