From The Soil Up Podcast

Conan Moynihan
  • 5.0 (1)
  • BUSINESS

From the Soil Up is a podcast about performance in farming, food systems, business, and life. Hosted by Conan Moynihan, it explores what it really takes to build resilient, high-performing systems by getting the fundamentals right from soil health and farm profitability to leadership, mindset, and human health. No trends or dogma. Just honest conversations with farmers, scientists, advisors, and thinkers about what actually works. Because real performance isn’t built on shortcuts. It’s built from the soil up.

  1. FEB 10

    Ep 45 - Kane Brisco: Farming Under Pressure: Mental Fitness, Resilience, and Perspective

    In this episode of the From the Soil Up podcast, Conan Moynihan is joined by Kane Brisco, author of The Tools for the Top Paddock and founder of Farm Fit, to unpack the mental pressures of modern dairy farming. They explore why today’s challenges are more mental than physical, how stepping back creates clarity under pressure, and why simple tools like writing things down can transform decision-making. Kane also shares his personal journey through hardship, highlighting the power of vulnerability, resilience, and community in farming.   https://www.facebook.com/FarmFitNZ/ https://farmfitnzshop.com/ https://www.instagram.com/farmfit_nz/?hl=en A grounded, honest conversation about mental fitness and performance in agriculture.

    58 min

  2. FEB 3

    Ep 44: From Force of Nature to From the Soil Up: The Story Behind the Shift

    This episode marks a new chapter for the podcast.   The Force of Nature Podcast is now From the Soil Up Podcast.   In this solo episode, Conan shares why the name has changed not because the message has shifted, but because the conversation has expanded. What began as a focus on soil health and farming systems has grown into something broader: conversations about the entire food system, from soil and production to human health, business, leadership, and long-term performance.   The values remain the same. The lens is wider. The conversations are deeper. Because real performance doesn’t come from chasing the latest idea . It comes from doing the fundamentals properly. And that starts in the soil.

    17 min

  3. JAN 27

    Ep 43: Dylan Graves: Understanding the power of Biochar in farming

    Summary In this episode, Conan Moynihan interviews Dylan Graves, a passionate permie, about biochar and its applications in farming. They discuss what biochar is, how it is made, and its numerous benefits for soil health, water retention, and nutrient cycling. Dylan shares his personal journey into permaculture and the importance of raising awareness about biochar among farmers. The conversation also touches on the barriers to adoption, the potential for scaling the biochar industry in New Zealand, and the future of biochar in agriculture. https://biochar.net.nz/ https://passionatepermies.wordpress.com/

    1h 3m

  4. JAN 20

    Ep 42: Dave Pratt - Succession, Strategy, and Sustainable Farm Businesses

    In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan speaks with former owner at Ranch Management Consultants and Ranching for Profit, Dave Pratt about the critical issues surrounding succession planning in farming. They discuss the importance of communication, understanding expectations, and the need for a paradigm shift in how ranchers view their businesses. Dave shares his journey from a struggling rancher to a successful educator, emphasizing the need to work on the business rather than just in it. The conversation also touches on the role of nature in agriculture, the significance of fun in farming, and the distinction between economics and finance in making sound business decisions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about building resilient, profitable, and future-ready farming businesses.

    1h 6m

  5. JAN 13

    Ep 41 - Nic Thompson: From Control to Trust. The Evolution of Purpose-Driven Leadership

    In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Nic Thompson discusses the evolution of leadership and management practices, emphasizing the importance of self-management, decentralization, and emotional intelligence in organizations. He shares personal experiences that shaped his views on leadership and highlights the need for a purpose-driven approach in business. The conversation explores the Teal management framework, the significance of transparency, and the role of authenticity in fostering a positive organizational culture. Thompson provides actionable insights for leaders looking to navigate change and empower their teams effectively.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasgilesthomson/?originalSubdomain=au https://itsiceberg.com/

    1h 5m

  6. 12/18/2025

    Ep 40 – Thomas Holmes: Rethinking the Future of the Arable Sector

    In this episode, I’m joined by Thomas James Holmes to unpack the challenges currently facing the arable sector and what they reveal about the wider agricultural system.   We discuss how agriculture often focuses on the positives in good times, while sectors under pressure are overlooked. Thomas shares why flexibility, adaptability, and stronger support systems are critical for navigating economic uncertainty, and why collaboration across sectors is essential for long-term resilience.   This conversation is a timely reminder that no part of agriculture operates in isolation and that sustainable solutions require awareness, change, and collective effort.   https://ruralleaders.co.nz/opportunities-and-challenges-for-the-future-of-arable-farming-in-canterbury/

    1h 2m

  7. 12/02/2025

    Ep 39 - Fran Bailey & Chanelle O'Sullivan: Connecting Through Soil and Community

    In this episode I sit down with two of the founders from the Underground Festival in New Zealand, Fran Bailey and Chanelle O'Sullivan. UNDERGROUND is a two day festival celebrating soil, food and farming featuring international & local soil legends, talks, workshops, field experiences, local kai and music. In this episode we chat about how they came to create the festival, whose it for and how to get the most out of attending it plus a whole lot more.   https://www.undergroundfestival.co.nz/ https://www.instagram.com/franbaileypr/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/chanelle.osullivan/?hl=en

    48 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    Ep 38 - Jack Heinemann: Navigating the Risks of Genetic Modification

    In this episode, Professor Jack Heinemann breaks down the often-overlooked risks of genome editing in agriculture. As New Zealand considers deregulation, he explains how genetic tool, while promising, can unintentionally disrupt vital ecosystem services, compromise farm productivity, and create long-term environmental consequences, even without intent to cause harm. This conversation highlights why thoughtful regulation and a clear understanding of the risks are essential for protecting the future of New Zealand’s agricultural landscapes.   https://profiles.canterbury.ac.nz/Jack-Heinemann

    1h 3m
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About

From the Soil Up is a podcast about performance in farming, food systems, business, and life. Hosted by Conan Moynihan, it explores what it really takes to build resilient, high-performing systems by getting the fundamentals right from soil health and farm profitability to leadership, mindset, and human health. No trends or dogma. Just honest conversations with farmers, scientists, advisors, and thinkers about what actually works. Because real performance isn’t built on shortcuts. It’s built from the soil up.

Information

  • Creator
    Conan Moynihan
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    From The Soil Up Podcast

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