Hands in the Soil

Hannah Keitel
  • 5.0 (13)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Hands in the Soil, the podcast that dives deep into all things food, farming, and our intricate connection to the planet. We’re shining the spotlight on all those who work closely with the Earth – from farmers and ranchers, backyard gardeners and forestry workers, to indigenous seed keepers, waterway protectors and more. Together, we'll be uprooting the unseen, and learning from stewards at the frontlines of creating solutions to the existential threats we face in the era of climate change, food scarcity, and exploitation of our finite natural resources.

  1. 11/25/2025

    52. A Note on Rest & Our Yearly Winter Break

    In this episode, we take a moment to reflect on the importance of rest, both in our bodies and within the ecosystems we care for. As winter settles in, it’s vital to remember that this season naturally invites us to slow down, retreat inward, and regenerate, even as our culture encourages the opposite. Through the lens of gardening and seasonal wisdom, I examine how our industrial food system has all but eliminated rest, and what that teaches us about imbalance in ourselves.  Whether you’re feeling stretched thin by holiday demands or simply craving permission to pause, this episode offers a gentle reminder that it’s okay to slow down. Tune in to learn more about: Why winter invites us to slow down and go inwardHow cultural expectations clash with natural seasonal rhythmsThe value of rest in the garden, and why abundance depends on itWhat the industrial food system reveals about exhaustion and extractionRecognizing your body’s cues for restWhy I don’t celebrate the “new year” on January 1stHow creating spaciousness nurtures creativity and clarity And on that note, we’ll be taking a break from the podcast until January 2026. Happy holidays, and we'll see you on the other side!  Connect with Hannah: Instagram: @hannahkeitel

    11 min

  2. 11/11/2025

    51. Can Organic Agriculture Really Feed the World?

    In this episode, we explore one of the most common and complex questions I hear: Can organic agriculture really feed the world? With so much skepticism surrounding sustainable farming, we take a data-informed look at what this question really means, and what’s hidden between the lines. I break down why the data often appears skewed, how conventional yields decline over time, and why the conversation about global food supply must include issues of distribution, waste, and sovereignty. I encourage you to expand your perspective beyond yield numbers to the deeper systems that determine how food is produced, valued, and shared. What kind of food are we really talking about when we ask whether organic agriculture can “feed the world”? And could it be that we already grow more than enough? Tune in to learn more about: Why skepticism around organic agriculture persistsHow to read between the lines of agricultural dataThe difference between productivity and true sustainabilityWhy conventional yields decline over timeThe importance of biodiversity and soil healthThe global reality of food waste and inequitable distributionHow efficiency in the current system hides deep inefficiencyWhat food sovereignty really means, and why it mattersWhy regenerative and organic agriculture aren’t just possible, but essential... And so much more! Connect with Hannah: Instagram: ⁠@hannahkeitel

    14 min

  3. 10/29/2025

    50. Celebrating 50 Episodes & My Birthday: Ask Me Anything!

    In this special milestone episode of Hands in the Soil, we celebrate 50 episodes of the podcast (and my birthday!), and reflect on my journey through farming, community, and personal transformation. We’re joined by my best friend, Shannon, who steps in as guest interviewer.  Our conversation touches on identity, purpose, and the evolving meaning of sustainability. I share how getting my hands in the soil has shaped my worldview, the importance of building community through generosity, and why growing food is one of the most profound ways to reconnect with life itself.  Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or if you’ve been here since the beginning, I want you to know how grateful I am for your support. Thank you for joining me!  Tune in to learn more about: Reflections on 50 episodes and the journey of the Hands in the Soil podcastMy connection to nature, and what farming has taught meNavigating imposter syndrome and self-doubt in the agricultural spaceThe real meaning of sustainability, and how it’s often misunderstoodHow growing food transforms relationships with nourishment and selfBuilding community through generosity and shared abundanceSimple ways to start your own connection with the land… And so much more! Connect with Shannon: Website: https://www.shannonkeating.com/ Connect with Hannah: Instagram: @hannahkeitel

    58 min

  4. 10/14/2025

    49. Sustainability in the Almond Industry with Tommy Tickenoff

    In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we’re joined by Tommy Tickenoff, co-founder and self-proclaimed “Chief Nut” of Fresh Vintage Farms. Based in California’s Central Valley, Tommy and his wife Tara launched Fresh Vintage Farms in 2019 with a mission to craft premium, cold-pressed nut oils while reducing agricultural waste and redefining what quality looks like in a sustainable food system. Tommy brings humor and honesty to a nuanced conversation about the almond industry, which is one that’s often misunderstood and criticized for its water usage and impact on pollinators. We unpack the myths surrounding almond farming, explore how growers are adapting to new environmental challenges, and highlight the importance of transparency and consumer education in agriculture. The discussion also touches on Fresh Vintage Farms’ innovative approach to upcycling and product development, including their small-batch almond oil mayonnaise and other cold-pressed creations made entirely from locally grown nuts. Through it all, Tommy emphasizes that sustainability in farming is a continuous process of learning, improving, and caring for the land. Tune in to learn more about: What sustainability means within the almond industryCommon myths and misconceptions about almond farmingHow California almond growers have reduced water use and improved efficiencyThe crucial role of bees and pollinator health in almond productionThe balance between organic certification and practical sustainabilityHow consumer education builds trust and transparency in the food systemThe future of sustainable agriculture in California’s Central Valley… And so much more! Tommy’s Resources & Links: Website: freshvintagefarms.comInstagram: @fresh_vintage_farmsLinkedIn: Fresh Vintage Farms Connect with Hannah: Instagram: @hannahkeitel

    50 min

  5. 09/30/2025

    48. Solidarity and Community Sufficiency: Land Justice, Food Justice and True Community Empowerment with Kristina Villa, Femeika Elliott & Laila Malik

    In this episode of the show, we're joined by three incredible leaders working at the intersection of food justice, land access, and community empowerment: Kristina Villa of the Farmers Land Trust, and Femeika Elliott and Laila Malik of the Rooted East Knoxville Collective. Throughout this conversation, we explore the Farmland Commons model and Rooted East’s grassroots work to restore power to East Knoxville residents through food, land, and housing justice. The conversation dives into the systemic barriers that marginalized communities face in accessing farmland and nourishing food, while also highlighting the innovative solutions that are already being implemented on the ground. From food apartheid and land stewardship to storytelling, collaboration, and long-term commitment, this discussion underscores the importance of community sufficiency and the ways we can collectively create just and regenerative food systems. Tune in to learn more about: The Farmers Land Trust and how the Farmland Commons model supports equitable land access Rooted East’s mission to address food apartheid and empower residents in East Knoxville The history of land, housing, and community challenges in East Tennessee Why community sufficiency is central to food justice The importance of collaboration among diverse organizations How storytelling preserves agricultural history and uplifts community voices The role of long-term commitment in building truly sustainable systems A vision for food, land, and housing justice rooted in solidarity … And so much more! Guest Resources & Links: Learn more about Rooted East Knoxville: linktr.ee/rootedeastknoxFollow Rooted East: @rootedeastknoxFollow The Farmers Land Trust: ⁠@thefarmerslandtrust Connect with Hannah: Instagram: @hannahkeitel

    1h 26m

  6. 09/16/2025

    47. High Efficiency Urban Flower Farming with Rachel Nafis

    In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with Rachel Nafis, owner of Psalter Farm Flowers in San Diego, CA. Since 2019, Rachel and her team have been growing flowers for a 66-member CSA, local flower shops, and event florists across eight neighborhood gardens—all located right in her community. Rachel shares her journey into agriculture, including the transition from working as an RN to managing a 40-acre vegetable ranch, and ultimately shifting into her innovative urban flower farming model. She offers an honest look at the pros and cons of growing in small, unconventional spaces, and why collaboration and creativity are essential to her farm’s success. We also explore the role of community in this model, how neighborhood gardens foster connection, and why flowers bring a unique kind of joy and meaning to her work. Tune in to learn more about: Rachel’s journey from nursing to farmingHow Psalter Farm Flowers began and evolved into an urban modelThe pros and cons of urban flower farmingTips for efficiency and creativity in small growing spacesWhy collaboration is central to her “flexible farming model”The role of community engagement and land literacy in urban agricultureRachel’s favorite flowers to grow and why they inspire herAdvice for aspiring urban farmers navigating challenges and opportunities … And so much more! Rachel’s Resources & Links: Website: psalterfarmflowers.comInstagram: @psalterfarmflowers Connect with Hannah: Instagram: @hannahkeitel

    38 min

  7. 09/02/2025

    46. Personal Updates & The Process of Starting a Farm

    In today’s episode, I’m back with a short personal update with where I’m at now in my farming journey. I offer a window into my approach to starting a farm, and share what I’ve learned so far.  Tune in to learn more about: Navigating the back-end pieces of starting a farm, from infrastructure to business models The barriers between young farmers and land accessThe world of land trusts and mutually supportive farming models Why I don’t agree with the transactional nature of buying land The challenges of being a vegetable farmer How long it typically takes for farmers to make a profit  Connect with Hannah: Instagram: @hannahkeitel

    10 min

  8. 08/19/2025

    45. If Trees Could Speak: A Poem

    In this short episode, we explore the tagline of this show - the intricate connection between humans and the planet. I share about my life-changing journey through traditional organic agriculture in India, Nepal, and Europe. I reflect on the insights gained during my travels, and share a poem that encapsulates my experiences and the wisdom of nature. Connect with Hannah: Instagram: @hannahkeitel

    7 min
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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Welcome to Hands in the Soil, the podcast that dives deep into all things food, farming, and our intricate connection to the planet. We’re shining the spotlight on all those who work closely with the Earth – from farmers and ranchers, backyard gardeners and forestry workers, to indigenous seed keepers, waterway protectors and more. Together, we'll be uprooting the unseen, and learning from stewards at the frontlines of creating solutions to the existential threats we face in the era of climate change, food scarcity, and exploitation of our finite natural resources.

Information

  • Creator
    Hannah Keitel
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Hannah Keitel
  • Show Website
    Hands in the Soil