Hands in the Soil

Hannah Keitel
  • 5.0 (14)
  • 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. 2D AGO

    57. Reimagining the CSA: Farming in Community w/ Alyssa Frutos

    In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with Alyssa Frutos, co-owner of Ranchito Milky Way, a small organic vegetable farm in Bonita, California. Ranchito Milky Way operates across multiple urban plots, growing seasonal produce and distributing it through a unique, farmstand-style CSA designed to bring people directly onto the land. Rooted in organic and regenerative practices, Alyssa and her husband Christian are creating a space where people can reconnect with their food, their farmers, and the ecosystems that sustain them. Alyssa shares her journey into agriculture, from dairy farming and international work in the Peace Corps to co-creating a thriving, community-centered farm business. We explore the realities of small-scale farming, low-to-no-till soil practices, and the evolution of their farmstand CSA model. This conversation is both practical and deeply human, offering insight into what it looks like to build a farm rooted in relationship, curiosity, and care. Tune in to learn more about: Alyssa’s path into agriculture, from WWOOFing and dairy farming to international work and farming in San DiegoWhat it looks like to operate a farm across multiple urban plots, and the challenges and opportunities within that modelHow Ranchito Milky Way reimagined the traditional CSA into a flexible, farmstand-style experienceThe intention behind bringing customers onto the farm, and how it deepens connection to foodLow-to-no-till soil practices, composting strategies, and the use of Korean Natural Farming (Jadam) inputsWhy ongoing education (through courses, mentorship, and community) is essential for farmersThe relationship between growing and eating food, and why both are necessary for a thriving food cultureA reframe on pests, biodiversity, and what it means to farm in partnership with nature Connect + Learn More Visit Ranchito Milky Way: www.ranchitomilkyway.farmInstagram: @ranchito.milkyway.farmstandFarm Stand Hours: Sundays, 10am - 2pm (7275 San Miguel Rd, Bonita, CA 91902)Connect with Hannah: ⁠⁠@hannahkeitel ⁠ Foundations in Land Stewardship: Alyssa will be one of the teachers in the upcoming Foundations in Land Stewardship program in San Diego, a 3-month, in-person farm school designed for aspiring farmers, land stewards, and anyone looking to deepen their relationship with land and food systems. Applications close on April 25th, with limited spots remaining and full scholarships available. You can find more details and apply here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/farmschool⁠d

    54 min

  2. APR 14

    56. The Evolution of Cardiff Tiny Farm w/ David Berning

    In this episode, we sit down with David Berning of Cardiff Tiny Farm for a return conversation, two years after his first appearance on the podcast. David shares what has unfolded since stepping fully into stewardship of the farm, and what it’s been like to grow not just food, but a business, a community space, and a deeper relationship with the land. What began as a small, uncertain venture has evolved into a thriving micro-farm model - one that challenges assumptions about scale, profitability, and what’s possible on a tenth of an acre. We explore the intersection of heart and business - what it means to hold integrity while also making something financially viable, and the realities of running a farm as both a livelihood and a calling. David also opens up about the uncertainty of the farm’s future, as the land he’s stewarding is temporary. With the possibility of losing the space at any time, he shares how he’s approaching this season with intention, focusing on building community, expanding his CSA program, and creating something that can live beyond the land itself. We also touch on Harmonize, a data-tracking tool David built to support farmers in the field, and his vision for how technology and agriculture can coexist in a more intentional, human-centered way. More than anything, this episode is a reflection on what it means to devote yourself to something uncertain, and to choose to create beauty anyway. In this episode, we talk about: David’s journey from tech into agriculture and the origins of Cardiff Tiny FarmWhat it looks like to run a farm as a real businessThe balance between integrity, community, and profitabilityThe concept of “farming in public” and transparency in small farm economicsHow a 1/10 acre farm can feed a communityThe realities of scaling a small farm sustainablyNavigating uncertainty and impermanence in land accessBuilding a CSA model that goes beyond food into education and connectionThe importance of local food and its impact on personal and community wellbeingHarmonize: a tool for farmers to track data simply and efficientlyWhy creating beauty anywhere is meaningful work Connect + Learn More:  Follow David on Instagram: ⁠@cardifftinyfarmLearn more about Cardiff Tiny Farm ⁠⁠https://www.cardifftinyfarm.com⁠⁠Try Harmonize (data tracking tool)⁠⁠ https://harmonize.one⁠⁠Connect with Hannah: ⁠@hannahkeitel ⁠ Foundations in Land Stewardship: If you’ve been feeling called to deepen your relationship with land, food, and community, we are currently enrolling for Foundations in Land Stewardship - a 3-month in-person farm school here in San Diego. This program is designed for aspiring farmers, land stewards, and anyone wanting to reconnect with food systems in a meaningful way. Saturdays from 9-2May 2nd through August 1stFull scholarships availableDavid will be one of our teachers throughout the program. You can find more details and apply here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/farmschool⁠d

    57 min

  3. APR 7

    55. Small-Scale Farming Tools, Systems, and Strategy w/ Hernan Cavazos

    In this episode of Hands in the Soil, I’m joined by Hernan Cavazos, co-founder of Solidarity Farm and a longtime grower, mentor, and community builder in San Diego’s farming ecosystem. Hernan shares his journey into agriculture, which began with a desire to grow nourishing food for his family and evolved into over a decade of cultivating diversified crops, raising animals, and helping train the next generation of farmers. What started as a small project has grown into a place of learning, experimentation, and community. We explore what human-scale farming means, why it matters, and how it offers a path toward more resilient, localized food systems. Hernan speaks to the importance of having many small farms working together, rather than relying on large-scale industrial systems, and the role that cooperation plays in building a sustainable future for agriculture. This conversation also touches on tools, efficiency, and the realities of farming today. We talk about how small farms can thoughtfully use technology without losing connection to the land, and what tools actually make a difference in day-to-day operations. In this episode, we talk about: Hernan’s journey into agriculture and the origins of Solidarity FarmWhat “small-scale” or “human-scale” farming really meansWhy localized, cooperative farming systems are key to resilienceThe role of tools and technology in small farm efficiencyFavorite tools for small farms (including seeders, prep rakes, and two-wheel tractors)The current state of regenerative agriculture, and why it must remain farmer-ledChallenges facing new farmers, especially in CaliforniaThe importance of mentorship, experience, and “playing the long game”The role of co-ops and collaboration in the future of farming Connect + Learn More:  Follow Solidarity Farm on Instagram: @solidarityfarmConnect with Hannah: @hannahkeitel Foundations in Land Stewardship: If you’ve been feeling the call to get your hands in the soil and learn in community, we are hosting an in-person farm school program here in San Diego called Foundations in Land Stewardship. This is a three-month immersive program for those looking to get into farming, land stewardship, or deepen their relationship with land and food systems. We begin on May 2nd, and Hernan will be one of the farm teachers throughout the program, offering a rare opportunity to learn directly from his years of experience. You can find more details and apply here: ⁠⁠https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/farmschool⁠

    32 min

  4. MAR 31

    54. The Land Holds the Answers: Jessica Sanchez on Earth Tending & Regeneration

    In this episode of Hands in the Soil, I’m joined by Jessica Sanchez - an Earth Tender whose work is rooted in the understanding that the land holds the answers. Jessica shares how her journey into agriculture began with activism, and the winding road that brought her to Madre Sanctuary. What started as growing food has become something much deeper - cultivating spaces where people can reconnect with themselves, each other, and the land. We talk about what it really means to steward land, especially land that has been shaped by industrial systems, and what it takes to transition it into something living, reciprocal, and regenerative. Jessica speaks to the patience required, the challenges of that process, and the deeper vision that continues to guide her work. This conversation is also about identity, courage, and trust; about leaving behind more conventional paths and listening to what’s calling you forward. She speaks about embracing your uniqueness, and recognizing that the way you’re meant to contribute is already within you. Jessica’s work reminds us that tending the land is not separate from tending ourselves, and that when we begin to repair one, we begin to repair the other. In this episode, we talk about: How the Zapatista movement informed Jessica’s personal philosophyThe evolution from Terra Madre Gardens to Madre SanctuaryTransitioning land from industrial use to regenerative systemsWhat land stewardship really means in practiceThe role of patience, time, and relationship in regenerative workCultivating not just food, but culture, healing, and belongingLeaving conventional paths and trusting a different way forwardEmbracing your uniqueness as part of your contributionThe connection between tending land and tending self Connect + Learn More: Madre Sanctuary / Terra Madre Gardens:https://www.terramadregardens.com/Follow Jessica on Instagram: @madresanctuary.healing.gardensApply for the Foundations in Land Stewardship Program: ⁠https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/farmschool⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram: ⁠@hannahkeitel

    1h 15m

  5. MAR 24

    53. Introducing... The Foundations in Stewardship Program w/ Cathryn Henning

    In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we’re joined once again by farmer, mentor, and collaborator Cathryn Henning to introduce a project that has been months in the making: the Foundations in Land Stewardship Program, a hands-on farm school based in San Diego. We share the story behind how this program came to life, the gap it’s designed to fill, and why land-based education is more needed now than ever. Drawing from our lived experiences as farmers, we explore what it truly means to steward land in a way that is reciprocal, values-driven, and rooted in community. This conversation is both an invitation and ultimately a vision - one that extends beyond San Diego - calling in a new generation of farmers, land stewards, and engaged community members to participate in rebuilding our relationship with land and food systems. Tune in to learn more about: Why there is a growing need for accessible, land-based educationThe inspiration behind creating a farm school in San DiegoWhat it really takes to step into farming (beyond the romanticized version)The structure of the program, including hands-on learning, mentorship, and integration sessionsHow diverse farming practices and perspectives shape a more resilient food systemThe importance of building a shared language around land stewardshipHow community support can help farms (and farmers) truly thriveWhat it means to be in relationship with land through values like reciprocity and care About the Program:The Foundations in Land Stewardship Program is a three-month, in-person farm school designed to support those entering or deepening their relationship with land and food systems. Students will: Visit multiple farms across San Diego CountyLearn directly from experienced farmers and land stewardsParticipate in hands-on activities and real-world applicationsEngage in integration sessions to process and apply what they’re learningReceive mentorship and support on a personal projectThe program runs from May 2nd to August 1st, with classes held on Saturdays from 9am–2pm. Applications are open, with limited scholarships available.  Connect + Learn More: Apply for the Foundations in Land Stewardship Program: https://www.handsinthesoil.farm/farmschoolFollow Hannah on Instagram: @hannahkeitel

    33 min

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (58)

5
out of 5
14 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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Hannah Keitel
  • Show Website
    Hands in the Soil

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