Harvesting Wisdom Podcast with Mike McMahon

Mike McMahon

Discover insights that grow a greener world with Harvesting Wisdom Podcast hosted by Mike McMahon. 🌱🎙️ Leading experts share wisdom on agriculture, sustainability, and education in Arizona and beyond. Policy makers, industry experts, and international outreach champions – we cover it all! Tune in for a harvest of knowledge. 🌍🌾

  1. May 20

    Inside Sundance & The Vision Behind Arizona Skyfire

    Send us Fan Mail Earlier this year, before the inaugural Arizona Skyfire Film Festival took place in March, the Harvesting Wisdom team traveled to Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, to explore what makes world-class film festivals so impactful. In this episode, Mike McMahon reflects on the experience of attending Sundance and shares how film, storytelling, environmental awareness, civic pride, and community collaboration helped shape the vision behind Skyfire. From learning how activations engage communities to discussing how cities can transform through arts and culture, this conversation captures the inspiration and ideas that fueled Arizona’s first environmental film festival. The episode also dives into the power of storytelling, innovation, education, and why events like Skyfire can help bring communities together while creating meaningful environmental awareness and economic impact. Why Listen Go behind the scenes of Sundance Film Festival Hear the inspiration behind Arizona Skyfire Film Festival Learn how film festivals can transform cities and communities Discover how storytelling drives environmental awareness Explore the connection between film, innovation, education, and civic pride Get insight into how Arizona is building a growing arts and environmental movement 00:00 – Introduction from Sundance Film Festival 02:05 – Why Arizona Skyfire Film Festival was created 05:20 – Student filmmakers and youth involvement 08:15 – Lessons from Chicago’s World Fair and civic pride 14:00 – Innovation, architecture, and the story behind the Ferris Wheel 18:05 – “Boys in the Boat” and communities coming together 23:00 – ASU innovation and Arizona’s transformation 27:40 – The long-term vision behind Skyfire 31:00 – What Sundance “activations” are and why they matter 36:45 – Sponsors, storytelling, and community engagement 41:30 – Environmental storytelling and global perspectives 47:10 – Why Phoenix is positioned for cultural growth 53:50 – Expanding Skyfire across Arizona 58:10 – Paying it forward and building community impact 1:02:40 – Closing thoughts from Sundance #HarvestingWisdom #SkyfireFilmFestival #SundanceFilmFestival #EnvironmentalFilm #ArizonaEvents #PhoenixArizona #DocumentaryFilm #Sustainability #Storytelling #FilmFestival #CommunityImpact #Innovation #ClimateAwareness #EnvironmentalPodcast #ArizonaArts

    28 min

  2. May 19

    Inside the Minds of Chimpanzees with Drew Enigk

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon sits down with Drew Enigk, Associate Director of Development for Natural Sciences at Arizona State University, to explore his incredible journey from Ohio to the forests of Uganda studying wild chimpanzees. With a Ph.D. in evolutionary anthropology and primatology, Drew shares what it was like spending over a year conducting field research in Uganda’s Kibale National Park, observing chimpanzee behavior, social strategies, competition, adaptation, and survival in the wild. The conversation dives into evolutionary science, conservation, sustainable agriculture, study abroad experiences, and what humans can learn from our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. This episode offers a fascinating blend of science, storytelling, anthropology, wildlife research, and environmental awareness. Why Listen? Hear firsthand stories from chimpanzee research in Uganda Learn how chimpanzees adapt socially and survive in competitive environments Explore the connection between human and chimpanzee behavior Discover what life is really like conducting field research in Africa Gain insight into conservation, anthropology, and evolutionary science Perfect for wildlife lovers, students, researchers, travelers, and sustainability enthusiasts 00:00 – Welcome to Harvesting Wisdom 01:10 – Meet Drew Enigk from ASU 03:00 – Growing up in Ohio and studying animal behavior 05:20 – Study abroad experiences in Costa Rica and sustainable agriculture 08:10 – Pursuing a Ph.D. in evolutionary anthropology 10:30 – Moving to Uganda for chimpanzee field research 14:15 – Life inside Kibale National Park 18:20 – Understanding adolescent male chimpanzee behavior 24:10 – Competition, coalitions, and social survival among chimpanzees 29:45 – Similarities between chimpanzees and humans 34:20 – Visiting mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 38:10 – Safety, research ethics, and observing primates in the wild 42:30 – Conservation and protecting endangered species 46:15 – Lessons humans can learn from nature and adaptation

    39 min

  3. May 17

    Why Saguaros Are Exploding: The Future of the Sonoran Desert

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon sits down with Alexandra Schuessler from the Desert Botanical Garden to explore the fascinating world of the Sonoran Desert. From growing up barefoot in the forests of Northern California to studying plant and fungal interactions at Northern Arizona University, Alexandra shares the journey that led her to desert science and conservation. The conversation dives into the growing concern surrounding Arizona’s iconic saguaros, including the mysterious phenomenon of exploding cacti, climate stress, desert ecosystems, plant relationships underground, and why Phoenix’s desert landscape is far more alive and interconnected than many people realize. This episode is a powerful look at environmental stewardship, desert resilience, sustainability, and the science helping protect one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Why Listen? Learn why Arizona’s saguaros are suddenly “exploding” Discover the hidden fungal networks supporting desert plants Hear how climate and environmental changes are impacting the Sonoran Desert Explore the beauty and biodiversity of Arizona’s desert ecosystem Gain insight into conservation, restoration, and sustainability efforts happening locally Perfect for nature lovers, gardeners, environmentalists, students, and Arizona locals 00:00 – Welcome to Harvesting Wisdom 01:05 – Allie’s childhood growing up in Northern California forests 03:10 – Discovering plant and fungal science at NAU 05:12 – Moving to Phoenix and falling in love with the Sonoran Desert 07:45 – The importance of the Desert Botanical Garden 10:20 – Phoenix, sustainability, and public transportation growth 14:30 – What Allie researches at the Desert Botanical Garden 16:40 – Why saguaros are suddenly exploding 19:15 – Climate stress and desert ecosystem concerns 22:10 – The surprising range and lifespan of saguaros 25:00 – Mike’s experience with desert plant salvage and restoration 31:20 – How desert plants naturally grow in connected ecosystems 35:45 – Why preserving native desert landscapes matters

    44 min

  4. Apr 22

    Inside Lahaina’s Recovery: Wildfire Devastation & Hope for the Future

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon takes us to Lahaina—a once-thriving coastal community now navigating the long road to recovery after devastating wildfires. Through firsthand footage and on-the-ground storytelling, we explore the lasting impact of the disaster and what rebuilding truly looks like—physically, economically, and emotionally. Mike sits down with local artist and business owner Ryan Staub, whose journey reflects both loss and resilience. After losing millions in artwork and facing repeated setbacks, Ryan shares what it takes to rebuild not just a business, but a sense of normalcy in a community forever changed. Support Ryan’s work and explore Moana Glass: https://moanaglass.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo1wpWsKaIYQwTc8WduNF77L8PyZzz8P6PFjYewmaxExS4LNofN This episode is a raw look at climate impact, community resilience, and the human spirit’s ability to rise—even when everything feels lost. Why Listen Experience real, on-the-ground storytelling from a disaster recovery zone Hear a powerful personal story of resilience from a local business owner Understand the long-term effects of environmental disasters on communities Gain insight into climate, rebuilding, and sustainable future planning Connect with a story that goes beyond headlines—this is about people, not just places 00:00 – Introduction to Lahaina, Maui after the wildfire 01:10 – First look at the devastation along Front Street 03:00 – How the fire spread and long-term impact on the community 05:15 – Signs of rebuilding and community resilience 06:30 – Interview begins with Ryan Staub (Moana Glass) 07:45 – Ryan’s journey: from success to losing everything in the fire 10:20 – The financial and emotional toll of rebuilding 12:30 – Lack of support and challenges with insurance 14:10 – What recovery really looks like 2 years later 15:30 – The unpredictable reality of business in Lahaina today 17:00 – Hope, resilience, and the future of Lahaina 18:30 – How you can support local businesses like Moana Glass 19:30 – Closing thoughts + call to action

    21 min

  5. Apr 15

    Rebuilding Without Waste: Circular Economy in Ukraine’s Recovery

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Harvesting Wisdom, guest host Diana Kruzman sits down with Lydia Shimon, Project Manager at Neo Eco Ukraine, to explore how sustainability is being redefined in the face of crisis. Broadcasting from Kyiv, Lydia shares how her team is transforming war debris into reusable materials through circular economy strategies—turning destruction into opportunity. From recycling construction waste to rebuilding communities with eco-conscious methods, this conversation highlights how innovation, resilience, and environmental responsibility can coexist—even in the most challenging conditions. Why Listen This episode offers a rare, real-world perspective guided by Diana Kruzman, bringing thoughtful storytelling and global context to a critical conversation. If you care about environmental impact, innovation, or global change, this episode will expand how you think about sustainability. Highlights Insights from guest host Diana Kruzman What a circular economy looks like in real-world application How up to 95% of construction waste can be reused Turning debris into new, usable building materials The importance of community education and engagement Challenges of rebuilding during ongoing conflict Global collaboration shaping sustainable recovery

    36 min

  6. Mar 20

    From Film to Impact: How Storytelling is Changing the Future of Our Planet

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Harvesting Wisdom Podcast, host Mike McMahon sits down with environmental filmmaker Alan Lacy and producer Kelly Sallaway to explore how storytelling is shaping the future of environmental awareness and action. Alan shares his journey launching Real Earth Films, a nonprofit focused on giving back to the communities and ecosystems featured in environmental films—challenging the traditional “extractive” filmmaking model. Kelly dives into her role curating the Skyfire Environmental Film Festival, highlighting the power of global storytelling, youth filmmakers, and community engagement. Together, they unpack the deeper connection between film, economics, environmental responsibility, and innovation—while offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create impactful films, from wildlife cinematography to international storytelling. This conversation is a powerful reminder that storytelling isn’t just about awareness—it’s about driving real change. Why You Should Listen 🌎 Learn how environmental films can create real-world impact—not just awareness 🎥 Get insider knowledge on film festivals, filmmaking, and storytelling 🌱 Discover how young filmmakers are shaping the future of sustainability 🐺 Hear behind-the-scenes insights into wildlife cinematography and patience in storytelling 🔥 Understand the vision behind the Skyfire Environmental Film Festival and its global reach 💡 Walk away inspired by how small actions today can shape the next 100 years Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Harvesting Wisdom 01:10 – Meet Alan Lacy & Real Earth Films 03:45 – Rethinking filmmaking: giving back vs. extractive storytelling 06:10 – Kelly’s journey: from event producer to environmental film curator 08:20 – Inside the Skyfire Environmental Film Festival 11:30 – Youth filmmakers & global storytelling impact 15:40 – Powerful stories from around the world (Ireland, Korea, Kyrgyzstan) 20:15 – Environmental issues: waste, economics & human impact 25:10 – AI, job shifts & the future of work 28:40 – Becoming a parent & finding hope for the future 32:20 – Building Arizona as a sustainability & film hub 36:10 – Connecting filmmakers, nonprofits & opportunities 40:00 – What makes film festivals powerful (beyond the films) 44:30 – Why filmmaking takes years (not minutes) 48:20 – Wildlife cinematography & capturing rare moments 52:10 – Arizona wildlife, wolves & biodiversity 56:30 – Upcoming Arizona-focused documentary series 59:00 – Skyfire Festival highlights & Alan’s live seminar 01:03:30 – Final thoughts & call to action #HarvestingWisdom #SkyfireFilmFestival #EnvironmentalFilms #Sustainability #Filmmaking #DocumentaryFilm #ClimateAction #UrbanFarming #StorytellingMatters #WildlifeFilmmaking #ArizonaEvents #EcoStorytelling #FutureOfFilm #GreenInnovation #EnvironmentalEducation

    40 min

  7. Mar 10

    Green Building & Energy Resilience: Reconstructing Smarter Communities (Pt. 2)

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 2 of this conversation, guest host Diana Kruzman continues speaking with Irina Sokhodov and Olena Rybak about practical strategies for energy resilience and high-performance reconstruction. They explain how well-insulated buildings can stay livable longer during energy disruptions, and what it takes to upgrade older multi-family buildings—financially and socially—through grants, loans, and homeowner cooperation. The guests also share real project examples: new social housing developments, NZEB (nearly zero energy) school rehabilitations, and municipal infrastructure upgrades that combine renewables, storage, and efficiency to strengthen reliability for communities. This episode highlights a simple theme: better building performance isn’t just sustainability—it’s comfort, continuity, and resilience. Why Listen? Learn how insulation improves comfort + resilience during energy disruptionsUnderstand why upgrading older apartment blocks is a coordination challengeHear how grants, loans, and energy funds support retrofitsGet real examples of NZEB schools, housing, and municipal upgradesSee how renewables + storage help essential services stay reliableWalk away with a clear message: efficiency is often the best “first fuel”00:00 – Intro 00:30 – Building resilience: how long well-insulated buildings can “hold heat” 03:00 – What comfort looks like in older buildings (real-life temperature reality) 05:30 – Retrofitting older apartment blocks: what’s possible + what’s hard 08:00 – Funding pathways: grants, resident contributions, and bank loans 11:00 – The biggest barrier: getting residents aligned (housing unions) 14:00 – Speed vs sustainability: why retrofits won’t scale fast enough alone 16:30 – Project highlight: new social housing + green certification example 19:00 – Case study: a citywide master-planning approach to guide donors 25:00 – Off-grid residential pilot: PV + storage + heat pumps 28:30 – NZEB schools pilot: going beyond code with renewables + efficiency 31:30 – Municipal resilience: renewables + storage for water/heating services 34:00 – Closing reflections: hope through action + measurable results 36:00 – Outro + subscribe reminder

    28 min

  8. Mar 9

    Green Building & Energy Resilience: Reconstructing Smarter Communities

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, guest host Diana Kruzman sits down with Irina Sokhodov (Ukrainian Green Building Council) and Olena Rybak (Managing Director, IC Ukraine) for a practical conversation on green reconstruction and energy-resilient rebuilding. They break down what sustainable recovery looks like on the ground: rehabilitating schools and hospitals, repurposing existing buildings for housing, improving district heating and water systems, and meeting donor requirements for energy reduction and emissions performance. The discussion also explores the trade-offs teams face in real projects—how to balance speed, affordability, and long-term efficiency—plus what “nearly zero energy buildings” mean, how renewable energy can support building performance, and why the biggest energy resource is often the energy we never have to use. Why Listen? Understand what “green reconstruction” looks like in real projectsLearn how donor criteria shape energy and sustainability decisionsGet a clear explanation of nearly zero energy buildings (NZEB)Hear the real-world tradeoffs: faster vs greener vs affordableExplore the role of district heating, on-site renewables, and grid strategyDiscover why energy efficiency is still the biggest opportunity00:00 – Welcome to Harvesting Wisdom 00:30 – Diana introduces the guests & the focus on green reconstruction 02:30 – IC Ukraine’s background: energy efficiency + public building rehab 06:00 – Post-crisis priorities: housing, critical infrastructure, water/heat systems 09:00 – Green certification + energy modeling: how it carries into public projects 12:00 – Personal “why”: careers rooted in sustainability and energy systems 16:00 – Then vs now: how energy efficiency became a widely accepted priority 20:00 – The big tradeoff: build greener vs build faster (budget vs apartments) 25:00 – Who makes the calls: donors, eligibility criteria, and national standards 29:00 – What NZEB means + what it takes to reach it 33:00 – District heating vs individual systems (regional differences) 37:00 – On-site renewables vs grid mix: how to think about both 42:00 – Solar growth, local generation, and practical limitations 47:00 – Long-term strategy: efficiency upgrades as the biggest “energy source” 52:00 – Closing + subscribe reminder

    33 min
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About

Discover insights that grow a greener world with Harvesting Wisdom Podcast hosted by Mike McMahon. 🌱🎙️ Leading experts share wisdom on agriculture, sustainability, and education in Arizona and beyond. Policy makers, industry experts, and international outreach champions – we cover it all! Tune in for a harvest of knowledge. 🌍🌾

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