Down to Earth
Down to Earth is a podcast about regenerative agriculture. It’s about the place where food production and conservation come together, where the food we eat actually improves the health of land, water, people—and climate.
Above all, it’s a podcast about hope. We focus not on doom but instead on people who are developing practical, innovative solutions. We invite you to meet farmers, ranchers, scientists, land managers, writers, and many others on a mission to create a world in which the food we eat is healthy—for us, for wildlife, for the lives and livelihoods of the producers, and for the planet.
Recent Programs
From suburban Illinois to rural Montana: the journey of a bison rancher
Matt Skoglund was an attorney with a conservation non-profit, but over time was drawn to work on the land. With no prior agrarian experience he started a successful bison ranch using regenerative principles.
A matter of conscience: Will Harris on regenerating an industrial ranch
In his new book Will Harris describes the moment when he saw that his industrial ranch was cruel to animals and bad for the land. And before he’d ever heard the phrase “regenerative grazing” he started doing it. The rest is history.
The robber barons of today’s food corporations
Iowan Austin Frerick saw his home state transform from a world of farms to one of toxic factory food and hollowed out rural communities. Yet he offers optimism and real solutions.
Farm Aid: Food, festivity, and fighting for farmers
In 1985 Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young organized a concert to benefit farmers and spread awareness of the farm crisis. Since then Farm Aid has become a force for farm justice––and ongoing music and culinary celebration.
Healthy fish snacks––what cod be better?
Nick Mendoza studied marine science, but felt he could make a bigger difference as an entrepreneur, bringing sustainably-produced fish products to market.
The Carbon Credit Conundrum
What are carbon credits? And do they actually work to reduce carbon in the atmosphere? Ecosystem scientist Jane Zelikova explains––including the role of farmers and ranchers in this emerging market.
Our Roots
Down to Earth is produced by Mary-Charlotte Domandi, long-time public radio and podcast producer/host, in collaboration with the Quivira Coalition, a non-profit organization that promotes healthy agricultural lands and food systems across the West—and across the world.
We’re dedicated to the idea of the Radical Center, in which people from divergent political, cultural, and professional worlds leave their differences aside and come together to work on the things they believe in—healthy soil, landscapes, and food…clean water and air…wise use of science and technology…and flourishing rural communities.
