Ancient Organics - The Permaculture Podcast

Ancient Organics Studio

A data-driven storytelling podcast for modern farmers, regenerative dreamers, and off-grid builders. Hosted by Phoenix and Bella, it blends ancient land wisdom with today’s tools to help you grow food, restore soil, harvest water, and build intentionally. From permaculture and agroecology to rainwater harvesting, food forests, and animal integration — each episode breaks down complex ideas into practical, purposeful steps for conscious living.

Episodes

  1. S01E03: Techies Turn Farmers – Real Stories & How to Plan the Leap

    05/16/2025

    S01E03: Techies Turn Farmers – Real Stories & How to Plan the Leap

    What do a Wipro engineer, a Bengaluru software architect, and a Chinese product manager have in common? They all left tech to grow food — and they’re thriving. In this rich, research-backed episode, Phoenix and Bella explore the global rise of techies becoming farmers, with firsthand stories, transition strategies, and advice for making your own leap to the land. Featured farmers & stories include: • Shashi Kumar (India) – ex-Wipro, founder of Akshayakalpa Organic Dairy (₹300 crore brand) • Roja Reddy (India) – former IT pro who built a 50-acre organic network earning ₹1 crore/year • Nanda Kishore Reddy (Hyderabad) – IT engineer turned greenhouse farmer • Tang Xinchen (China) – ex-PM turned fruit orchard innovator using AI and drone tech • A. Srinath (Malaysia) – ex-software engineer now earning RM 40–50k/season from chillies • Someshwar Singh (India) – part-time IT, part-time papaya farmer earning ₹15L/year • Manohar Sambandam (Tamil Nadu) – built a cotton-picking robot to solve labor shortages In this episode, you’ll learn: • How techies started farming while keeping their jobs • How much they invested, earned, and failed along the way • The tools they carried from tech: spreadsheets, sensors, digital marketing • How to design a transition strategy with low risk and high learning • Why organic, regenerative systems offer long-term mental and financial health Sources & research referenced: • Case studies from The Better India, NST Malaysia, China Daily, and AgriTech Market Reports • Insights from USDA, FAO, and global smart-agriculture data • Ground-level observations from farms across India, Kenya, and Southeast Asia ⸻ Takeaway: The digital-to-dirt transition is real — and you don’t have to leap blindly. Let this episode be your blueprint to start small, plan well, and grow something meaningful.

    16 min

About

A data-driven storytelling podcast for modern farmers, regenerative dreamers, and off-grid builders. Hosted by Phoenix and Bella, it blends ancient land wisdom with today’s tools to help you grow food, restore soil, harvest water, and build intentionally. From permaculture and agroecology to rainwater harvesting, food forests, and animal integration — each episode breaks down complex ideas into practical, purposeful steps for conscious living.