Harvesting Wisdom Podcast with Mike McMahon

Mike McMahon
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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. JUL 29

    Mayor Corey Woods: Vision for a Greener Tempe

    Send us a text In this engaging episode of Harvesting Wisdom, Dr. Roselle, Chief Operating Officer of Urban Farming Education, steps in for host Mike McMahon to welcome a remarkable leader—Mayor Corey Woods of Tempe, Arizona. Together, they dive into the dynamic intersection of sustainability, public transportation, affordable housing, and community engagement. Mayor Woods shares his journey from aspiring educator to public servant, highlighting pivotal moments in his political career, including his groundbreaking election as Tempe’s first African American city council member and later mayor. He discusses transformative initiatives such as the expansion of light rail and modern streetcar systems, innovative affordable housing projects, and Tempe's bold Climate Action Plan 2.0. Through meaningful dialogue, they underscore the importance of sustainability as a multifaceted strategy—connecting transportation, housing, and resource stewardship. This episode provides a visionary look at how intentional policy and inclusive community planning can reshape urban landscapes and build resilient, future-ready cities. Why Listen? At Harvesting Wisdom, we believe “We’ve all taken a bite out of the apple.” This episode is an inspiring example of how leadership, collaboration, and practical vision can bridge the gap between information and action. Learn how Tempe is setting a new standard for climate-smart cities and how YOU can be part of shaping sustainable communities that leave a lasting social footprint. Timestamps & Key Moments: 00:00 – Welcome from Dr. Roselle & podcast mission 00:53 – Meet Mayor Corey Woods of Tempe 01:48 – From education to politics: Corey’s journey to leadership 03:34 – Breaking barriers: Elected as Tempe’s first African American council member 04:05 – Policy focus: Affordable housing and community development 06:07 – Affordable housing as a sustainability initiative 07:08 – The transformative impact of Tempe's light rail system 10:13 – Streetcar expansion plans and regional cooperation 13:18 – Boosting local business through transportation investment 16:03 – Light rail’s influence on tourism and economic development 18:16 – Creating shade and livability through tree planting 20:04 – Redefining affordable housing through utility and energy costs 21:04 – ASU partnerships & educational collaboration 23:39 – Tempe’s Climate Action Plan 2.0: Changing hearts and minds 25:34 – Green building codes and voluntary adoption by developers 26:55 – Unified city council voice accelerates change 28:05 – Cost savings through sustainable design 30:16 – Educating for change: Helping the public embrace sustainability 31:39 – Local spotlight: Red Velvet Bakery & community connection 33:57 – Final reflections & Mayor Woods' inspiring impact Call to Action: -Inspired by this episode? Help close the gap between information and action. -Get involved with Urban Farming Education and support initiatives that empower sustainable cities and communities. -Donate to leave a lasting social footprint: www.weareufe.org -Subscribe to Harvesting Wisdom and share this episode to amplify change! -Explore our curriculum and bring climate-smart education to your school or community. #HarvestingWisdom #SustainableCities #UrbanFarmingEducation #TempeAZ #AffordableHousing #ClimateAction #GreenBuilding #MayorCoreyWoods #PublicTransportation #LightRail #ClimateSmart #ASUPartnerships #SustainabilityLeadership #LeaveASocialFootprint

    35 min

  2. JUL 25

    Powering Phoenix: EV Equity, Access, and Innovation with Karen Apple

    Send us a text In this illuminating episode of Harvesting Wisdom, Dr. Roselle sits down with Karen Apple, the Electric Vehicle Program Manager for the City of Phoenix's Office of Sustainability. Karen breaks down the city’s bold mission to become the most sustainable desert city on the planet by transforming transportation, equity, and workforce development through electric vehicle infrastructure. She discusses the six pillars guiding her work, from EV charging deployment and policy to community equity and public education. Listeners will learn about Phoenix’s new EV-ready building codes, efforts to reduce air pollution, inclusive strategies for underserved communities, and a powerful roadmap for scaling sustainability in urban areas. With practical insights for businesses, residents, and city planners, this episode offers a blueprint for what it means to "leave a social footprint" and "close the gap between information and action." Why Listen? At Harvesting Wisdom, we believe "we have all taken a bite out of the apple"—we’re all responsible for shaping a sustainable future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in climate-smart urban development, clean transportation, or equitable access to green technology. Whether you're a business owner, policymaker, or resident, Karen Apple’s transparent, practical strategies show how cities can lead systemic change that benefits all communities. Key Timestamps: 00:27 — Introduction to Karen Apple and her role 01:18 — The mission: Air quality, sustainability, and EVs 02:19 — Six pillars of Phoenix’s EV strategy 03:14 — EV-ready building codes (single-family homes) 04:26 — Workforce gaps & economic opportunity 04:52 — Community equity outreach: 16 community meetings 06:17 — Electric car share, rideshare, e-bikes & scooters 07:05 — October 4th EV Ride & Drive Event at Gateway Community College 09:07 — Systemic barriers: access, cost, grid capacity 10:03 — Business case for EV chargers at local shops 13:16 — Pricing models: network vs. non-network chargers 14:54 — Branding opportunity: becoming a "green business" 16:35 — EV charging in apartment complexes 18:13 — Solar surplus & workplace charging strategy 21:00 — Education & outreach: combating range anxiety and misinformation 23:01 — Libraries and public EV infrastructure 24:04 — Public charging locator apps: PlugShare, A Better Route Planner 25:09 — Pricing structure & vendor challenges (Blink, Stable Auto) 27:01 — Future solutions: Business competition & bulk charging deals 29:02 — SRP rebates and incentive opportunities 30:14 — Partnering nonprofits with businesses for shared EV benefits 32:09 — Phoenix’s 2030 EV goals and Transportation Electrification Action Plan 34:00 — Upcoming October 1st Ride & Drive Event & community engagement Call to Action: Empower your community by getting involved: 🔋 Attend the Ride & Drive EV Experience on October 4th at Gateway Community College. 📱 Download the PlugShare app to locate chargers and explore accessibility in your area. 🏷 Are you a business? Learn how installing EV chargers can attract customers and build your green brand. 🌍 Support Urban Farming Education’s mission: Close the gap between information and action by donating, partnering, or volunteering at weareufe.org. #EVEquity #SustainableCities #CleanTransportation #ElectricVehicles #UrbanFarmingEducation #HarvestingWisdom #ClimateSmartFuture #GreenBusiness #CommunityResilience #DriveElectric #KarenApple #PhoenixSustainability #CloseTheGap #LeaveASocialFootprint

    38 min

  3. JUL 23

    Sipping Sustainability: The Fair Trade Journey of Stephanie Vasquez

    Send us a text In this inspiring episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon sits down with Stephanie Vasquez, founder of Fair Trade Cafe and Empowering Latina Leaders in Arizona (ELLA). Stephanie shares her journey from middle school science teacher to pioneering entrepreneur and sustainability advocate. A transformative trip to Costa Rica opened her eyes to the hidden environmental and social costs of coffee production. This revelation sparked her mission to build a business—and later a nonprofit—that champions ethical sourcing, composting, community empowerment, and climate-smart practices. Listeners will hear how Stephanie navigated the challenges of sourcing fair trade coffee, built strong community partnerships, and fostered sustainable change through education and representation. Her story is a testament to how one person’s passion can ripple into lasting impact. Why Listen? At Harvesting Wisdom, we believe “We have all taken a bite out of the apple”—we are all responsible for sustainability challenges and solutions. This episode empowers you to: -Rethink your daily choices and their global impact. -Learn practical steps to support local businesses that prioritize sustainability. -Discover how community engagement and collaboration fuel lasting change. -Be inspired by Stephanie’s mission to close the gap between information and action and “leave a social footprint” in Phoenix and beyond. Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or eco-conscious consumer, Stephanie’s story will motivate you to act—and remind you that real change starts with small, intentional steps. Key Timestamps: 0:00 Welcome to Harvesting Wisdom: Exploring life, sowing curiosity, harvesting wisdom. 0:28 Live at Red Velvet Bakery: Sustainability series with elected officials and business partners. 0:54 Meet Stephanie Vasquez: Fair Trade Cafe founder, local leader, and sustainability advocate. 1:16 The power of buying local and its role in sustainable communities. 2:03 Costa Rica trip: A life-changing lesson on the hidden costs of coffee. 3:07 What Fair Trade certification really means for people and the planet. 4:25 From teaching to entrepreneurship: How Stephanie built Fair Trade Cafe from the ground up. 5:50 Composting and sustainable business practices: A 15-year journey. 7:09 Educating customers gently: The art of weaving sustainability into the customer experience. 8:39 Partnerships and programs that support sustainability in Phoenix. 12:01 Community as the key to business resilience and growth. 13:24 Founding Empowering Latina Leaders in Arizona: Closing equity gaps and fostering representation. 15:05 A 7-year-old entrepreneur’s story of inspiration and representation. 17:19 Staying innovative: Following intuition over trends. 18:37 Social media tips for businesses: Leveraging free tools to amplify your mission. 20:14 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: Start with one small step and keep checking in. 21:02 Connecting with Fair Trade Cafe and ELLA: Digital presence and accessibility. 22:01 Phoenix light rail’s impact on downtown community growth. Call to Action: At Urban Farming Education, we believe in empowering communities to bridge the gap between knowing and doing. Inspired by Stephanie’s story? Here’s how you can take your next step: -Visit Fair Trade Cafe in downtown Phoenix to experience sustainability in action. -Support Empowering Latina Leaders in Arizona (ELLA) to uplift underrepresented entrepreneurs. -Join the movement at weareufe.org and explore ways to leave your social footprint. -Like, subscribe, and share this episode to inspire others. Together, we can

    24 min

  4. JUL 19

    Community Roots: Phoenix’s Sustainability Journey with Councilwoman Hodge Washington

    Send us a text In this inspiring episode of Harvesting Wisdom, guest host Dr. Russell sits down with Councilwoman Hodge Washington to explore the City of Phoenix’s innovative sustainability efforts. From efficient waste management systems and green organics programs to the transformative South Central light rail project, this conversation highlights how intentional urban planning and community engagement are driving a climate-smart future. They discuss challenges, successes, and visions for a more connected, equitable, and sustainable Phoenix. With real-world examples and practical insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about urban sustainability and community-driven solutions. Why Listen? At Harvesting Wisdom, we believe “We have all taken a bite out of the apple” and share a collective responsibility for creating resilient, climate-smart communities. This episode empowers listeners with actionable knowledge and showcases how local government and grassroots efforts can close the gap between information and action—leaving a lasting social footprint for future generations. Time Stamps 00:00:02 – Introduction: Dr. Russell and Councilwoman Hodge Washington 00:01:20 – Phoenix’s leadership in sustainability: Solid waste and shade tree initiatives 00:02:52 – Green Organics program and community engagement 00:04:09 – Foodscapes and the potential of fruit-bearing trees 00:06:31 – Community hackathons and innovative solutions 00:07:32 – Light rail’s impact on connectivity and local businesses 00:13:27 – Future initiatives: healthcare access, intentional development 00:17:16 – Preserving culture while promoting growth 00:17:58 – Closing remarks and preview of the community outreach series Join the movement for a climate-smart future. Support Urban Farming Education by participating in programs, donating to create sustainable community resources, and sharing this episode to inspire others. Together, let’s leave a lasting social footprint. 🌱 Donate or Get Involved 🎧 Subscribe to Harvesting Wisdom on your favorite podcast platform. #SustainableCommunities #UrbanFarming #ClimateSmart #HarvestingWisdom #PhoenixSustainability #CommunityEngagement #PublicTransportation #FoodScapes #SocialFootprint #GreenOrganics

    19 min

  5. JUL 16

    Empowering Communities: The LemonAid & ChariTea Story

    Send us a text In this powerful episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon sits down in Hamburg with Aileen Puhlmann, a dynamic leader at the LemonAid & ChariTea Foundation. Together they unpack how a beverage company channels its success into a social enterprise model that funds grassroots organizations around the world. Aileen shares her journey from Ghana and Germany to South Africa, her deep sense of justice, and the foundation’s focus on empowering local communities through entrepreneurship, education, and sustainable livelihoods. This heartfelt conversation explores why small, intentional acts can lead to global transformation and challenges listeners to ask themselves: Why bother? Why Listen? At Harvesting Wisdom, we believe “We have all taken a bite out of the apple.” This episode challenges apathy and inspires action. Hear how one organization’s unique model proves you can build a successful business and invest in global justice. Learn how empowering local leaders and communities creates lasting social footprints. If you’ve ever wondered how your choices ripple outwards, this episode offers a roadmap for meaningful change. Time Stamps: 00:01:03 – Aileen’s journey from Ghana and Germany to South Africa 00:03:37 – The power of childlike logic in addressing injustice 00:06:33 – Why bother? Finding personal purpose in global action 00:10:14 – Building a sustainable product and ethical supply chain 00:17:22 – LemonAid & ChariTea’s mission: sustainable livelihoods for all 00:20:04 – Ingredients from 7 countries and their global impact 00:23:39 – The importance of funding local organizations directly 00:27:50 – Scaling impact without becoming a multinational NGO 00:36:12 – Inspiring other companies to adopt similar models 00:44:50 – Unlocking the volunteer potential in every person 00:47:11 – Closing thoughts on collective responsibility and small acts Call to Action: Join the movement. Listen, share, and subscribe to Harvesting Wisdom. Visit weareufe.org to learn how you can help close the gap between information and action. Leave a social footprint by supporting community-driven sustainability projects. Together, we can cultivate a climate-smart future. Website:  https://lemonaid-charitea-ev.org/ #SustainableDevelopment #SocialEnterprise #GlobalJustice #WhyBother #UrbanFarmingEducation #HarvestingWisdom #ClimateAction #Entrepreneurship #CommunityEmpowerment #LemonAidChariTea

    48 min

  6. JUL 11

    Sustainability in Practice: Arizona Worm Farm’s Story (Part 2)

    Send us a text In this enlightening episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon continues his journey at the Arizona Worm Farm with Daniel Domenech. Daniel, front-end manager and sustainability educator, shares how the farm transforms waste into vital resources through innovative practices like composting, vermiculture, and black soldier fly larvae cultivation. Together, they explore how these closed-loop systems support no-till gardens, thriving food forests, and even affordable, off-grid housing for the unhoused. This episode showcases practical solutions for regenerative farming in challenging desert environments and emphasizes the power of community-driven sustainability. Why Listen? Join Daniel Domenech as he reveals how Arizona Worm Farm integrates nature’s cycles to create a model for sustainable living. This episode offers hands-on insights into composting, soil health, and climate-smart innovations perfect for gardeners, farmers, and eco-enthusiasts. Be inspired to transform your own space—no matter the size—into a thriving, resilient ecosystem. Time Stamps 00:29 – Meet Daniel Domenech and Arizona Worm Farm overview01:50 – Operations: composting, no-till gardens, worms, and black soldier fly larvae03:15 – Community classes and hands-on education04:21 – Building affordable, off-grid homes from adobe and straw06:20 – Composting processes and challenges in the Arizona heat08:46 – Food forest with 100+ edible trees and creating microclimates11:20 – Larva Land: black soldier fly larvae and its unique benefits17:50 – The Love Shack: reproducing black soldier flies24:45 – Larvae as fertilizer and animal feed26:18 – Compost screening and upcycling waste streams28:40 – Worm wedges: harvesting castings and managing vermiculture32:06 – Chickens, future aquaponics with tilapia, and integrated systems33:09 – Call to action: visit, learn, and grow your own foodCall to Action 🌱 Ready to transform your garden and your community? Visit the Arizona Worm Farm to experience regenerative farming in action. Join Daniel Domenech’s hands-on classes, explore sustainable solutions, and take your first step toward leaving a social footprint. Subscribe to Harvesting Wisdom for more inspiring stories, and visit weareufe.org to support climate-smart education. #Sustainability #UrbanFarming #Vermiculture #Composting #RegenerativeAgriculture #BlackSoldierFly #FoodForest #ClosedLoopSystems #ClimateSmart #ArizonaWormFarm #DanielDomenech #HarvestingWisdom

    36 min

  7. JUL 8

    Sustainability in Practice: Arizona Worm Farm’s Story (Part 1)

    Send us a text In this inspiring first part of a two-part series on Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon sits down with Zach Brooks of Arizona Worm Farm to explore how one man transitioned from a high-powered career in management consulting to building a regenerative farm in the heart of Phoenix. Zach shares his journey of semi-retirement turned full-time mission to create a self-sustaining oasis using nothing but sunshine, rainwater, and “other people’s garbage.” The conversation dives deep into practical strategies for vermiculture, composting, and sustainable farming practices that balance innovation with tradition. From navigating zoning restrictions and urban development challenges to experimenting with scalable worm farming systems, Zach illustrates what it means to build community resilience amid climate uncertainty. Listeners will hear candid reflections on the emotional and financial realities of sustainability, insights from global vermiculture tours, and actionable ideas for transforming waste into thriving ecosystems. Why Listen At Harvesting Wisdom, we believe “We have all taken a bite out of the apple” and share a collective responsibility for cultivating a climate-smart future. This episode empowers you to: See how urban farming can thrive even in the desert.Learn how small-scale systems like worm wedges can scale into commercial production.Get inspired to close the gap between information and action in your own backyard.Timely Highlights 00:01:07 – From Accenture partner to sustainability advocate00:01:54 – The 10/10/10 vision: 10 families, 10 acres, 10 years00:04:17 – Zoning challenges and family engagement in farm life00:05:35 – Turning sunshine, rainwater, and waste into abundance00:08:03 – Touring 25 worm farms worldwide: lessons learned00:09:01 – Efficient vermiculture: wedge systems vs. continuous flow00:12:44 – Urban development pressures and neighbor dynamics00:17:16 – Navigating regulations while staying mission-driven00:18:55 – Climate resilience: keeping worms alive in desert heat00:21:28 – Electric farming equipment and solar-powered goals00:23:50 – How Arizona Worm Farm meets rising compost demand00:25:31 – Global stories of worm farmers and community impactCall to Action Be part of the movement. Visit weareufe.org to learn how you can close the gap between information and action. Support Urban Farming Education’s mission to empower communities for a climate-smart future. Subscribe and leave a review—your engagement helps us inspire more changemakers. #SustainableAgriculture, #UrbanFarming, #Vermiculture, #Composting, #ClimateSmart, #CommunityResilience, #WasteToAbundance, #ArizonaWormFarm, #HarvestingWisdom, #LeaveASocialFootprint

    28 min

  8. JUL 3

    GCU GROW: From Campus Gardens to Global Impact

    Send us a text Episode Summary In this inspiring episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon welcomes leaders and changemakers from Grand Canyon University (GCU) — Dr. Dina, Assistant Dean of Science, and student leader Matt — along with co-host Joe Rozelle. Together they explore how students and faculty are partnering with Urban Farming Education (UFE) to create meaningful sustainability initiatives on campus and beyond. From launching the new GCU GROW club to planning international eco-tourism experiences in Zimbabwe, this conversation highlights the power of hands-on education, community action, and youth leadership in closing the gap between information and action. Listeners will hear about building foodscapes on campus, fostering global perspectives through travel, and leaving a lasting social footprint in local and international communities. Why Listen? At Harvesting Wisdom, we believe that “We have all taken a bite out of the apple”—we all share responsibility for the sustainability challenges we face. This episode will empower you to turn inspiration into action and see how young leaders like Matt are proving that anyone can make a difference. Whether you're a student, educator, or community leader, you’ll discover practical ways to bridge the gap between knowledge and implementation, creating a legacy of resilience and positive change. Timestamps 00:01:05 – Meet the guests: GCU leaders and their inspiring backgrounds00:06:06 – GCU’s partnership with UFE and the importance of hands-on learning00:08:22 – Matt’s journey: From Brazil to GCU and finding purpose in sustainability00:13:09 – Launching eco-tourism initiatives in Zimbabwe with GCU students00:19:34 – The transformative power of student travel and experiential education00:28:25 – GCU GROW Club: Building foodscapes and rethinking campus sustainability00:33:44 – Planning the next sustainability conference: Student-led impact00:41:50 – Why bother? The case for collective action in a cynical world00:44:22 – Call to action: Get involved, stay inspired, leave your social footprintCall to Action  Join the movement to close the gap between information and action. Visit weareufe.org to support Urban Farming Education.Subscribe to Harvesting Wisdom on YouTube and your favorite podcast app.Partner with us or donate to help leave a lasting social footprint in communities worldwide.#SustainableAgriculture, #ClimateSmartEducation, #UrbanFarming, #GCUGrow, #HarvestingWisdom, #EcoTourism, #YouthLeadership, #FoodSecurity, #GlobalImpact, #CloseTheGap

    45 min
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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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