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. 7H AGO

    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

  2. MAR 10

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

    Send a text 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

  3. MAR 9

    Green Building & Energy Resilience: Reconstructing Smarter Communities

    Send a text 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

  4. MAR 5

    Planning With Uncertainty: Ukraine’s Urban Future

    Send a text In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, guest host Diana Kruzman speaks with Kolko Trefers, CEO of Roskvit Urban Coalition for Ukraine, about sustainable urban planning during times of crisis. They explore how cities can rebuild thoughtfully, balancing urgent short-term needs with long-term resilience. Drawing lessons from post-disaster recovery efforts around the world, Kolko shares five guiding values shaping recovery efforts today: people first, sustainability, ethics, networking, and education. This conversation focuses on designing cities that are environmentally responsible, socially centered, and built for the future — even in the face of uncertainty. Why Listen? -Learn how cities can plan responsibly during crisis -Understand the difference between short-term fixes and long-term solutions -Explore sustainable building materials and energy planning -Discover how collaboration and education drive urban resilience -Gain insight into planning with uncertainty This episode is about resilience, sustainability, and responsible urban development — not politics. #HarvestingWisdomPodcast #UrbanPlanning #ResilientCities #SustainableCities #ClimateResilience #CityDesign #UrbanDevelopment #GreenInfrastructure #Sustainability #Architecture #EnvironmentalPlanning #UrbanInnovation #CommunityResilience #FutureCities #PlanningForTheFuture

    29 min

  5. MAR 2

    From Farm Poisoning to Soil Pioneer: Kevin Fretz’s Mission

    Send a text In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon sits down with Kevin Fretz, founder of Green Earthology and Patriot Green, to explore how waste can become the solution to pollution. Kevin shares his powerful personal story—from being poisoned on a farm in Canada to pioneering higher compost standards across North America and working alongside leaders like Dr. Elaine Ingham. With over 35 years in organics, compost, waste diversion, and regenerative soil systems, Kevin explains how biology-forward composting, biochar, and soil food web science can address climate change, water conservation, land contamination, and even world hunger. This conversation dives deep into circular economy principles, carbon sequestration, waste-to-energy innovations, and how cities like Phoenix can become models for regenerative transformation. Why Listen? -Learn how composting can reduce pollution and regenerate soil -Discover how regenerative biology improves water retention and lowers costs -Understand why most compost on the market is substandard -Explore how biochar and soil microbes can sequester carbon -Hear real-world solutions for farmers, cities, and developing nations -See how sustainability can be both environmentally restorative AND profitable If you're interested in soil health, climate solutions, regenerative agriculture, circular economies, or waste innovation — this episode is packed with practical insight and hope. 00:00 – Introduction to Kevin Fretz & Green Earthology 03:00 – Kevin’s early life & farm poisoning experience 08:30 – Waste management career & organics diversion in Canada 13:45 – Moving to California & pioneering compost development 18:30 – Creating higher heavy metal standards in compost 22:45 – Transition into horticulture & clean feedstocks 26:30 – Meeting Dr. Elaine Ingham & soil food web biology 31:00 – Why compost biology matters (fungal vs bacterial dominance) 36:00 – Waste-to-energy, pyrolysis & biochar explained 41:30 – Biochar as a carbon sink & soil filter 46:00 – Circular economy & source separation of waste 51:30 – International consulting: Thailand, Brazil & remediation 57:00 – Water structuring, energy efficiency & cost reduction 1:05:00 – Regenerative programs for farms & municipalities 1:12:00 – Why sustainability must be economically viable 1:18:00 – Optimism for Phoenix & Arizona’s compost future 1:22:00 – Final thoughts: Waste as the solution to pollution

    35 min

  6. FEB 28

    Dr. Zamba on Mongolia’s Climate Future: Parks, Policy & Supercomputers

    Send a text In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, we speak with Dr. Zamba — former Minister of Environment, climate envoy, and scientist — about Mongolia’s unique climate realities and the policy choices shaping its future. Dr. Zamba reflects on Mongolia’s transition years, his diplomatic work as ambassador to Japan, and why Mongolia experiences climate impacts intensely despite contributing very little to global emissions. We explore Mongolia’s heavy dependence on coal, the promise (and barriers) of renewables, and how climate change is accelerating drought, glacier melt, and water scarcity — especially in the western regions. He also shares three major environmental achievements from his time in government: building a stronger environmental legal framework, expanding and formalizing national parks (with a long-term goal of protecting 30% of the country), and creating science-based decision systems through environmental databases and advanced computing. The result is a powerful conversation about how nations adapt when the climate is harsh, the population is sparse, and the stakes are high. Why Listen? Learn why Mongolia’s climate is so extreme (deep continental, high elevation, low moisture). Understand the tension between coal dependence and renewable potential (wind + solar). Hear an inside view of Mongolia’s policy evolution: laws, national parks, and environmental governance. Explore how glacier melt and water scarcity shape agriculture and livelihoods. Get a rare look at how data, modeling, and supercomputers support climate adaptation and forecasting. Walk away with a practical lesson: sustainability moves faster when policy is science-based and built for continuity. 00:00 – Intro to Harvesting Wisdom 01:00 – From politics to public service: Director General & reforms 03:10 – Ambassador to Japan: why Japan mattered for Mongolia 06:10 – Adding environmental priorities into Mongolia–Japan cooperation 08:20 – Mongolia’s climate: deep continental extremes & low precipitation 12:30 – Why livelihoods and the economy depend tightly on weather 14:40 – Western Mongolia: Great Lake Depression, drought, and glacier-fed water 18:10 – Mongolia’s emissions: small share globally, high per-capita pressures 20:30 – Coal dependence, subsidies, and why renewables are hard to scale 24:00 – Wind/solar potential vs. investment risk + grid economics 28:00 – Transition lessons: Russia-style shock vs. China-style gradualism 33:30 – Environmental conflicts: mining vs. protected areas & public protest 37:10 – Success story: stopping extraction to protect a major lake ecosystem 40:20 – Mongolia’s next 5 years: where policy should focus 42:30 – Achievement #1: building an environmental legal framework 45:10 – Achievement #2: expanding and formalizing national parks 49:00 – 30% protected by 2030: Mongolia’s early commitment 51:30 – Achievement #3: science-based decisions via national databases + IT 55:00 – Supercomputers, forecasting, and climate scenario planning 58:20 – Economic incentives: the “half achievement” and what’s still hard 1:01:00 – Closing reflections + future collaboration

    40 min

  7. FEB 24

    Mobility, Memory & Survival: Nomadic Wisdom from Mongolia pt 1

    Send a text In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, we journey into the vast Mongolian steppe to explore how nomadic herders are navigating climate change, economic transformation, and shifting cultural traditions. Geographer and researcher Batbunyan Batchal of the Center for Nomadic Pastoralism Studies shares decades of insight into Mongolia’s pastoral systems — from collective farming to market economy transitions, from traditional mobility strategies to the growing challenges of desertification and overgrazing. We explore the devastating impact of dzud — extreme winter disasters reaching -40°C — and how reduced mobility, changing livestock practices, and land tenure complexities are reshaping herders’ resilience. This conversation reveals a powerful truth: movement is not just migration — it is strategy, stewardship, and survival. Why Listen? Learn how nomadic herders predict and adapt to extreme climate events. Understand the impact of market economies on traditional land management. Explore the link between mobility and ecological resilience. Discover how education, community-based resource management, and traditional knowledge intersect. Gain perspective on land commons, desertification, and global sustainability lessons. This episode offers powerful parallels for regenerative agriculture, urban farming, and sustainable land governance worldwide. 00:00 – Introduction to Harvesting Wisdom & Mongolia’s vast steppe 02:15 – Growing up in rural Mongolia & academic beginnings 05:40 – Mongolia’s transition from socialism to market economy 08:10 – Participatory land mapping & community-based management 12:30 – Creating the Center for Nomadic Pastoralism Studies 16:00 – Educating herder children after school dropouts 20:15 – What is Dzud? Understanding Mongolia’s extreme winters 24:50 – Climate frequency shifts & resilience strategies 29:10 – Mobility as survival: moving 20+ times per year 34:40 – Reduced movement & overgrazing challenges 39:00 – Five livestock species & increasing labor pressures 44:15 – Collective herding systems vs. independent households 50:30 – Desertification & mixed livestock impacts 56:20 – Hybrid breeds vs. traditional adaptation 1:02:10 – Land tenure, commons, and reciprocity culture 1:07:00 – The future of Mongolian pastoralism

    33 min

  8. FEB 18

    Guardians of the Gobi: Tradition, Climate & Conservation in Mongolia part 2

    Send a text In Part 2 of this two-part series, we continue our powerful conversation with Dr. Tungalag Ulambayar of the Zoological Society of Mongolia. This episode explores how Mongolia transitioned from being a representative office of the Zoological Society of London into a fully independent national NGO — and what that means for wildlife conservation on the ground. We dive deep into: -Illegal wildlife trafficking across Mongolia’s borders -Community-based conservation and rangeland management -The threat of climate change and water scarcity in the Gobi -Wild camel conservation and hybridization risks -Overgrazing, livestock pressure, and economic policy impacts -How local herders are becoming biodiversity stewards Dr. Ulambayar shares how conservation must move beyond top-down funding models and instead empower local communities with the tools, training, and ownership needed to protect their ecosystems. From snow leopards to wild camels, this episode reveals how fragile desert ecosystems truly are — and why global support for grassroots conservation is more urgent than ever. Why You Should Listen -This episode is for you if you care about: -Wildlife conservation beyond the headlines -Climate change impacts on fragile ecosystems -Community-driven environmental solutions -The complexity of desert biodiversity -Illegal wildlife trade and global supply chains -Real-world conservation funding challenges You’ll walk away understanding that conservation isn’t just about protecting animals — it’s about policy, economics, culture, and collaboration. And most importantly: local wisdom matters. Key Time Stamps 00:00 – Introduction Welcome back to Part 2 of our Mongolia conservation series. 00:01 – Origins of the Zoological Society of Mongolia From the Zoological Society of London (est. 1826) to national independence after COVID restructuring. 05:21 – Illegal Wildlife Trade in Mongolia Snow leopards, argali sheep, marmots, and falcons — trafficking routes and border pressures. 08:11 – Working with Herders Turning hunters into stewards through education and biodiversity monitoring. 11:07 – Community-Based Conservation Model Why local action creates faster, more lasting change than political policy alone. 13:36 – Climate vs. Human Pressures Overgrazing, disease transfer, hybridization, and water scarcity. 16:23 – Only 700 Wild Camels Left Genetic purity, hybrid threats, and umbrella species protection. 18:52 – Overgrazing & Economic Policy How export bans and lack of domestic industry increase livestock pressure. 21:30 – Water Scarcity in the Gobi Solar-powered pumps, boreholes, and wildlife adaptation strategies. 24:14 – Funding Gaps for Local NGOs Why small conservation organizations struggle to access global funds. 28:59 – The Four Signature Focus Areas Illegal wildlife trade Community-based conservation Canine enforcement programs Local protected areas 31:11 – Does Community Rangeland Management Work? Social success vs. ecological complexity. 32:36 – Closing Reflections #HarvestingWisdomPodcast #WildlifeConservation #CommunityConservation #Mongolia #SnowLeopard #WildCamel #IllegalWildlifeTrade #ClimateImpact #DesertEcosystems #Biodiversity #SustainableRangelands #GrassrootsConservation #EnvironmentalLeadership #GlobalConservation #ProtectTheGobi

    34 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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