What if you could actually see what’s happening in your soil—and use that to grow healthier food and more resilient farms? On this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, meet bestselling author, educator, and citizen scientist Matt Powers and explore the soil science behind regenerative agriculture—and how it’s being taught from classrooms to farms around the world. Matt shares how his unexpected journey through public education led to the creation of his K–12 “seed to table” curriculum, now used by everyone from homeschool families to colleges. His work connects biology, chemistry, and ecology through hands-on, project-based learning that helps people of all ages understand soil in a practical, measurable way. This conversation dives into the living biology of soil—and how farmers, ranchers, gardeners, and even consumers can better understand the systems that grow our food. You’ll learn how tools like microscopy, DNA testing, and mineral analysis can reveal the full story of your soil—and how even simple at-home tests can help you start improving soil health today. Matt also shares his vision for a more transparent, community-driven future in agriculture, where growers can compare results, share data, and identify what’s truly working in regenerative systems. Whether you're producing food or simply want to better understand where it comes from, this episode offers a powerful look beneath the surface. MEET OUR GUEST: MATT POWERS is a bestselling author, an educator, citizen scientist, and family guy who is helping gardeners, small and large scale farmers and ranchers, work with the soil, plants, microbes, and microscopy in new and regenerative ways that can be tracked and proven. TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters 00:28 Meet Matt Powers 02:08 Teaching Without a Curriculum 04:20 From Subbing to Full-Time Teacher 05:43 Who Uses Matt's Coursework 08:39 Project-Based Soil Learning 11:31 Soil Microbiome and Health 14:34 Data Driven Regenerative Farming 17:30 If We Don't Look, We Don't See 19:03 Simple Soil Tests 21:32 Microscope Setup Tips 23:51 Scaling Up and Cutting Noise 27:40 Creative Breakthroughs in Microscopy 29:06 Teaching Kids Soil Wonder 29:59 Seeing Water Biofilms 31:14 Meditation Driven Epiphanies 32:54 Writing the Regenerative Soil Textbook 35:23 Visualizing Soil Cycles 38:50 Research Library 39:33 Microscopy Kickstarter Leap 41:42 Practical Soil Testing and Timing 47:27 Mycorrhizae Glow Method 49:56 DIY Learning Community 53:55 FREE Webinar And Poster from Matt Powers 55:16 Connect with Matt Powers And Farewell 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨ Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG. ⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️ Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG 🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase. --------------------------------- Join the Soil Sisters Co-Op here. Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSisters Submit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
