Harvesting Wisdom Podcast with Mike McMahon

Mike McMahon
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Discover insights that grow a greener world with Harvesting Wisdom Podcast hosted by Mike McMahon. 🌱🎙️ Leading experts share wisdom on agriculture, sustainability, and education in Arizona and beyond. Policy makers, industry experts, and international outreach champions – we cover it all! Tune in for a harvest of knowledge. 🌍🌾

  1. Jun 2

    The Future of Landscaping: Are Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers Dead?

    Send us Fan Mail The landscaping industry is undergoing a major transformation. In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, Mike McMahon sits down with representatives from Greenworks to discuss the shift from gas-powered equipment to battery-powered technology, the rise of robotic lawn mowers, and how automation could reshape landscaping over the next decade. They also discuss infrastructure challenges, real-world adoption, cost savings, and why their documentary recently won an environmental film festival award. Why Listen? Learn why commercial landscapers are switching to battery-powered equipment Discover how robotic lawn mowers may transform the industry Understand the financial impact of electric landscaping tools Hear firsthand experiences from large-scale landscaping operations Explore the role of automation, AI, and sustainability in outdoor maintenance Key Topics ✔ Electric vs. Gas Landscaping Equipment ✔ Robotic Lawn Mowers ✔ Commercial Landscaping Operations ✔ Battery Technology ✔ Sustainability & Environmental Impact ✔ AI & Automation in Landscaping ✔ Film Festival Award-Winning Documentary ✔ Future of Outdoor Maintenance Notable Moments 00:00 Introduction & Greenworks Partnership 03:00 Winning an Environmental Film Festival Award 08:00 The Real Challenges of Going Electric 12:00 Robotic Lawn Mowers & Automation 16:00 Infrastructure and Charging Solutions 20:00 What the Future of Landscaping Looks Like 24:00 AI, Robotics & Workforce Changes 27:00 Final Thoughts Connect With Harvesting Wisdom Harvesting Wisdom explores the ideas, innovations, and people shaping a more sustainable future through agriculture, technology, education, and community action. Subscribe for new episodes every week. www.harvestingwisdompodcast.org

    32 min

  2. May 27

    Can Regenerative Farming Save the Family Farm?

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when a fourth-generation California farmer decides to completely rethink the way farming is done? In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, Mike McMahon sits down with regenerative farmer Richard Filipe from Hanford, California, to discuss the future of agriculture, soil health, food quality, and why so many family farms are disappearing across America. Richard shares his personal journey from conventional farming to regenerative practices after facing health challenges and watching neighboring farms sell out to large corporations. From chemical-free pistachio farming to rebuilding living soil ecosystems, this conversation explores how regenerative agriculture could restore not only our food systems, but rural communities themselves. Topics include: Regenerative farming vs conventional agriculture Soil health and food quality Why family farms are disappearing Chemical fertilizers and pesticides Farming traditions and generational change The future of American agriculture Healing land through biodiversity If you care about where your food comes from, sustainability, or the future of farming in America, this episode is a must-watch. Why Listen -Hear a real farmer explain why regenerative agriculture matters -Learn how soil health impacts the food we eat -Understand why family farms are struggling across America -Discover the difference between industrial farming and regenerative systems -Insightful discussion on sustainability, biodiversity, and food systems -Honest conversation about the risks farmers face when changing traditional methods Highlight Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Richard Filipe and regenerative farming 02:15 – Four generations of farming in California 04:20 – Why family farms are disappearing 06:00 – Industrial agriculture and the decline of rural communities 08:10 – Why modern food tastes different today 10:30 – Richard’s health journey that changed his perspective on farming 13:15 – Transitioning from conventional to regenerative agriculture 16:20 – Pushback from traditional farming communities 19:10 – Eliminating synthetic fertilizers and pesticides 22:00 – The challenges and fears of regenerative farming 25:45 – Soil biology, microbes, and ecosystem restoration 29:10 – Why regenerative farming requires full commitment 33:00 – Seeing real results in the orchards 36:20 – Richard’s father changing his mind about regenerative farming 40:15 – The future of farming in America

    37 min

  3. May 24

    Angela Judd

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to grow food successfully in the Arizona desert? In this episode of the Harvesting Wisdom Podcast, Dr. Joe Roselle sits down with Arizona gardening educator, author, speaker, and founder of Growing in the Garden, Angela Judd. Angela has spent years helping thousands of gardeners learn how to successfully grow food in hot desert climates through practical, beginner-friendly education. What started as frustration trying to grow food for her family in Arizona eventually became a mission to simplify gardening for others through articles, classes, videos, and online resources. Her work focuses on sustainable gardening, soil health, organic growing methods, and making desert gardening approachable for everyone. Together, Angela and Dr. Joe Roselle explore: -Why gardening in Arizona is completely different from other regions -The biggest mistakes beginner gardeners make -How living soil transforms plant health -Vermicomposting and microbial soil life -Why mulch is essential in extreme heat -The importance of hands-on learning and experimentation -Building sustainable backyard food systems Angela also shares insights from teaching gardening classes across the Valley and explains how understanding soil, water, sunlight, and timing can dramatically improve gardening success. Whether you’re an experienced grower or just starting your first raised bed, this episode is packed with practical knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in sustainability, food security, and growing their own food. Why Listen -Learn how to garden successfully in Arizona’s desert climate -Discover beginner-friendly strategies that simplify gardening -Understand why soil biology is the foundation of healthy plants -Hear practical tips on watering, mulch, sunlight, and timing -Learn sustainable gardening techniques from a trusted educator -Get inspired by Angela Judd’s journey from beginner gardener to widely respected gardening resource Important Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction to Angela Judd and her gardening background 1:05 – Moving to Arizona and struggling with desert gardening 2:15 – Why traditional gardening advice often fails in Phoenix 3:30 – Discovering the Master Gardener Program 5:10 – Starting a blog and helping beginner gardeners 7:00 – The four fundamentals of successful gardening 9:05 – Understanding microclimates in your yard 11:15 – Best resources for beginner gardeners in Arizona 13:20 – Why healthy soil is the foundation of gardening 15:10 – Vermicomposting and keeping soil alive 17:25 – The benefits of mulch in desert climates 20:00 – Teaching desert gardening classes across Arizona 22:00 – Final thoughts on sustainable gardening and learning by doing

    46 min

  4. May 20

    Inside Sundance & The Vision Behind Arizona Skyfire

    Send us Fan Mail Earlier this year, before the inaugural Arizona Skyfire Film Festival took place in March, the Harvesting Wisdom team traveled to Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, to explore what makes world-class film festivals so impactful. In this episode, Mike McMahon reflects on the experience of attending Sundance and shares how film, storytelling, environmental awareness, civic pride, and community collaboration helped shape the vision behind Skyfire. From learning how activations engage communities to discussing how cities can transform through arts and culture, this conversation captures the inspiration and ideas that fueled Arizona’s first environmental film festival. The episode also dives into the power of storytelling, innovation, education, and why events like Skyfire can help bring communities together while creating meaningful environmental awareness and economic impact. Why Listen Go behind the scenes of Sundance Film Festival Hear the inspiration behind Arizona Skyfire Film Festival Learn how film festivals can transform cities and communities Discover how storytelling drives environmental awareness Explore the connection between film, innovation, education, and civic pride Get insight into how Arizona is building a growing arts and environmental movement 00:00 – Introduction from Sundance Film Festival 02:05 – Why Arizona Skyfire Film Festival was created 05:20 – Student filmmakers and youth involvement 08:15 – Lessons from Chicago’s World Fair and civic pride 14:00 – Innovation, architecture, and the story behind the Ferris Wheel 18:05 – “Boys in the Boat” and communities coming together 23:00 – ASU innovation and Arizona’s transformation 27:40 – The long-term vision behind Skyfire 31:00 – What Sundance “activations” are and why they matter 36:45 – Sponsors, storytelling, and community engagement 41:30 – Environmental storytelling and global perspectives 47:10 – Why Phoenix is positioned for cultural growth 53:50 – Expanding Skyfire across Arizona 58:10 – Paying it forward and building community impact 1:02:40 – Closing thoughts from Sundance #HarvestingWisdom #SkyfireFilmFestival #SundanceFilmFestival #EnvironmentalFilm #ArizonaEvents #PhoenixArizona #DocumentaryFilm #Sustainability #Storytelling #FilmFestival #CommunityImpact #Innovation #ClimateAwareness #EnvironmentalPodcast #ArizonaArts

    28 min

  5. May 20

    Inside Sundance & The Vision Behind Arizona Skyfire

    Send us Fan Mail Earlier this year, before the inaugural Arizona Skyfire Film Festival took place in March, the Harvesting Wisdom team traveled to Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, to explore what makes world-class film festivals so impactful. In this episode, Mike McMahon reflects on the experience of attending Sundance and shares how film, storytelling, environmental awareness, civic pride, and community collaboration helped shape the vision behind Skyfire. From learning how activations engage communities to discussing how cities can transform through arts and culture, this conversation captures the inspiration and ideas that fueled Arizona’s first environmental film festival. The episode also dives into the power of storytelling, innovation, education, and why events like Skyfire can help bring communities together while creating meaningful environmental awareness and economic impact. Why Listen Go behind the scenes of Sundance Film Festival Hear the inspiration behind Arizona Skyfire Film Festival Learn how film festivals can transform cities and communities Discover how storytelling drives environmental awareness Explore the connection between film, innovation, education, and civic pride Get insight into how Arizona is building a growing arts and environmental movement 00:00 – Introduction from Sundance Film Festival 02:05 – Why Arizona Skyfire Film Festival was created 05:20 – Student filmmakers and youth involvement 08:15 – Lessons from Chicago’s World Fair and civic pride 14:00 – Innovation, architecture, and the story behind the Ferris Wheel 18:05 – “Boys in the Boat” and communities coming together 23:00 – ASU innovation and Arizona’s transformation 27:40 – The long-term vision behind Skyfire 31:00 – What Sundance “activations” are and why they matter 36:45 – Sponsors, storytelling, and community engagement 41:30 – Environmental storytelling and global perspectives 47:10 – Why Phoenix is positioned for cultural growth 53:50 – Expanding Skyfire across Arizona 58:10 – Paying it forward and building community impact 1:02:40 – Closing thoughts from Sundance

    28 min

  6. May 19

    Inside the Minds of Chimpanzees with Drew Enigk

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon sits down with Drew Enigk, Associate Director of Development for Natural Sciences at Arizona State University, to explore his incredible journey from Ohio to the forests of Uganda studying wild chimpanzees. With a Ph.D. in evolutionary anthropology and primatology, Drew shares what it was like spending over a year conducting field research in Uganda’s Kibale National Park, observing chimpanzee behavior, social strategies, competition, adaptation, and survival in the wild. The conversation dives into evolutionary science, conservation, sustainable agriculture, study abroad experiences, and what humans can learn from our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. This episode offers a fascinating blend of science, storytelling, anthropology, wildlife research, and environmental awareness. Why Listen? Hear firsthand stories from chimpanzee research in Uganda Learn how chimpanzees adapt socially and survive in competitive environments Explore the connection between human and chimpanzee behavior Discover what life is really like conducting field research in Africa Gain insight into conservation, anthropology, and evolutionary science Perfect for wildlife lovers, students, researchers, travelers, and sustainability enthusiasts 00:00 – Welcome to Harvesting Wisdom 01:10 – Meet Drew Enigk from ASU 03:00 – Growing up in Ohio and studying animal behavior 05:20 – Study abroad experiences in Costa Rica and sustainable agriculture 08:10 – Pursuing a Ph.D. in evolutionary anthropology 10:30 – Moving to Uganda for chimpanzee field research 14:15 – Life inside Kibale National Park 18:20 – Understanding adolescent male chimpanzee behavior 24:10 – Competition, coalitions, and social survival among chimpanzees 29:45 – Similarities between chimpanzees and humans 34:20 – Visiting mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 38:10 – Safety, research ethics, and observing primates in the wild 42:30 – Conservation and protecting endangered species 46:15 – Lessons humans can learn from nature and adaptation

    39 min

  7. May 17

    Why Saguaros Are Exploding: The Future of the Sonoran Desert

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon sits down with Alexandra Schuessler from the Desert Botanical Garden to explore the fascinating world of the Sonoran Desert. From growing up barefoot in the forests of Northern California to studying plant and fungal interactions at Northern Arizona University, Alexandra shares the journey that led her to desert science and conservation. The conversation dives into the growing concern surrounding Arizona’s iconic saguaros, including the mysterious phenomenon of exploding cacti, climate stress, desert ecosystems, plant relationships underground, and why Phoenix’s desert landscape is far more alive and interconnected than many people realize. This episode is a powerful look at environmental stewardship, desert resilience, sustainability, and the science helping protect one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Why Listen? Learn why Arizona’s saguaros are suddenly “exploding” Discover the hidden fungal networks supporting desert plants Hear how climate and environmental changes are impacting the Sonoran Desert Explore the beauty and biodiversity of Arizona’s desert ecosystem Gain insight into conservation, restoration, and sustainability efforts happening locally Perfect for nature lovers, gardeners, environmentalists, students, and Arizona locals 00:00 – Welcome to Harvesting Wisdom 01:05 – Allie’s childhood growing up in Northern California forests 03:10 – Discovering plant and fungal science at NAU 05:12 – Moving to Phoenix and falling in love with the Sonoran Desert 07:45 – The importance of the Desert Botanical Garden 10:20 – Phoenix, sustainability, and public transportation growth 14:30 – What Allie researches at the Desert Botanical Garden 16:40 – Why saguaros are suddenly exploding 19:15 – Climate stress and desert ecosystem concerns 22:10 – The surprising range and lifespan of saguaros 25:00 – Mike’s experience with desert plant salvage and restoration 31:20 – How desert plants naturally grow in connected ecosystems 35:45 – Why preserving native desert landscapes matters

    44 min

  8. Apr 22

    Inside Lahaina’s Recovery: Wildfire Devastation & Hope for the Future

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon takes us to Lahaina—a once-thriving coastal community now navigating the long road to recovery after devastating wildfires. Through firsthand footage and on-the-ground storytelling, we explore the lasting impact of the disaster and what rebuilding truly looks like—physically, economically, and emotionally. Mike sits down with local artist and business owner Ryan Staub, whose journey reflects both loss and resilience. After losing millions in artwork and facing repeated setbacks, Ryan shares what it takes to rebuild not just a business, but a sense of normalcy in a community forever changed. Support Ryan’s work and explore Moana Glass: https://moanaglass.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo1wpWsKaIYQwTc8WduNF77L8PyZzz8P6PFjYewmaxExS4LNofN This episode is a raw look at climate impact, community resilience, and the human spirit’s ability to rise—even when everything feels lost. Why Listen Experience real, on-the-ground storytelling from a disaster recovery zone Hear a powerful personal story of resilience from a local business owner Understand the long-term effects of environmental disasters on communities Gain insight into climate, rebuilding, and sustainable future planning Connect with a story that goes beyond headlines—this is about people, not just places 00:00 – Introduction to Lahaina, Maui after the wildfire 01:10 – First look at the devastation along Front Street 03:00 – How the fire spread and long-term impact on the community 05:15 – Signs of rebuilding and community resilience 06:30 – Interview begins with Ryan Staub (Moana Glass) 07:45 – Ryan’s journey: from success to losing everything in the fire 10:20 – The financial and emotional toll of rebuilding 12:30 – Lack of support and challenges with insurance 14:10 – What recovery really looks like 2 years later 15:30 – The unpredictable reality of business in Lahaina today 17:00 – Hope, resilience, and the future of Lahaina 18:30 – How you can support local businesses like Moana Glass 19:30 – Closing thoughts + call to action

    21 min
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Discover insights that grow a greener world with Harvesting Wisdom Podcast hosted by Mike McMahon. 🌱🎙️ Leading experts share wisdom on agriculture, sustainability, and education in Arizona and beyond. Policy makers, industry experts, and international outreach champions – we cover it all! Tune in for a harvest of knowledge. 🌍🌾

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