What the Field?! A podcast by CrowdFarming

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

Dr. Jenny Goodman on Ecological Medicine, Pesticides, and Regenerative Farming Dr. Jenny Goodman describes becoming disillusioned during clinical training because hospital medicine focused on symptom management with drugs, avoided “healing,” and ignored root causes and prevention, though she valued emergency care. After leaving practice, she taught medical sciences in alternative-medicine colleges and later found the British Society for Ecological Medicine in the late 1990s, leading her to a practice centered on nutrition and environmental medicine as applied biochemistry. She defines ecological medicine as treating the body as an interconnected ecosystem and as inseparable from Earth’s ecosystems, linking human health to farming and pollution. Goodman argues industrial monocrop agriculture, pesticides (including glyphosate), and synthetic fertilizers deplete nutrients, disrupt the microbiome, and contribute to neurological disease, cancer, endocrine disruption, and infertility, with possible multigenerational effects. She recommends organic food, water filtration, and detox strategies (vitamin C, vegetable juicing, Epsom salt baths, short saunas with wiping, targeted supplements, colonic hydrotherapy, and sprouting), and calls for policy changes supporting organic/regenerative farming and curbing junk food and pesticide use. 00:00 Meet Dr Jenny Goodman 01:07 Disillusioned on the Wards 03:16 Leaving Medicine Behind 04:44 Finding Ecological Medicine 07:26 What Ecological Medicine Means 10:12 Farming as Public Health 17:01 Organic on a Budget 20:48 Detoxing Pesticides Safely 23:59 Colonic Hydrotherapy Basics 24:52 Sprouting for Nutrient Boost 25:36 Filter Water for Detox 26:38 Avoiding Retox Sources 28:42 Pesticides and Disease Links 31:49 How Neurotoxins Disrupt Nerves 35:19 Cancer and Endocrine Damage 40:19 Why It's Still Legal 43:18 Glyphosate and the Microbiome 46:04 Building Change Through Schools 47:14 Practical Hopeful Wrap-Up Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

What happened to our insects, and what can we do about it? Current estimates suggest that Europe may have lost as much as 90% of its insects over the last century. Dave Goulson is a professor of biology at the University of Sussex and one of Europe’s leading experts on insect ecology. He has spent the better part of three decades studying bee populations, the drivers of insect decline, and the relationship between the way we farm and the health of the ecosystems that farming depends on. His latest book, Eat the Planet Well , published this month, turns that lens onto our plates, examining the environmental and health costs embedded in the food we buy, and offering a clear-eyed guide to navigating a system that is, as he puts it, not one anyone would have designed from scratch. In this episode of What The Field?!, we spoke to Dave about how insects underpin the food chain most of us take for granted, and about why the prognosis — despite everything — is not entirely bleak. There is, he argues, a great deal that individuals and communities can do, and insect populations, unlike pandas or rhinos, can recover quickly when given the conditions to do so. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

The meat debate is often stuck in extremes. In this episode, we spoke with farmers Benedikt Bösel (Gut&Bösel) and Alfonso Chico de Guzmán (La Junquera) about what it really means, in practice, to raise a cow — and to slaughter one. That uncomfortable line between integrating livestock to rebuild ecosystems… and killing and selling animals for profit. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

What if the future of farming was not only better for biodiversity and soil health, but also a smarter long-term investment? In this episode of What The Field?! , we sit down with Alessia Lenders, Head of Impact at SLM Partners, a pioneering investment firm proving that ecological farming and solid financial performance can go hand in hand. Alessia’s journey into regenerative agriculture did not begin in the fields but in the world of traditional finance. Searching for investment solutions that could genuinely improve biodiversity, she found herself returning again and again to agriculture: one of the biggest drivers of environmental degradation, but also one of the greatest opportunities for change. Today, SLM Partners manages more than 760 million dollars in farmland and forestland across the United States, Australia and Europe. Their approach is simple yet radical: invest in land, partner with skilled farmers, and scale regenerative systems that rebuild soil, protect water and secure long-term productivity. What you will discover in this episode 1. The economic logic behind regenerative agriculture Alessia explains why long-term, patient capital fits naturally with regenerative transitions: healthier soils, more diverse revenue streams (including carbon projects in Australia) and more climate-resilient farms. Far from being a financial compromise, regenerative systems can improve profitability by reducing input costs, stabilising yields and tapping into premium and organic markets. 2. Why investors are turning to farmland Farmland behaves differently from stocks and bonds, which makes it an attractive diversifier for institutional investors. SLM adds another layer: regenerative farms that can outperform conventional systems over the long term while delivering measurable environmental impact. 3. The crucial role of the farmer SLM’s model is farmer first. They partner with experienced growers who want to expand but lack the capital to acquire land. SLM buys the land, the farmer manages it and both commit to a regenerative transition adapted to local realities. The result is a partnership that supports young farmers, protects landscapes and proves that ecological agriculture can scale. 4. A clearer picture through data From soil microbiology to water modelling, biodiversity indicators and carbon estimates, SLM collects an extraordinary amount of data to understand and communicate how landscapes change over time. This allows them to build business models that anticipate droughts, evaluate water security and verify real ecological outcomes. 5. Regenerative agriculture is not one size fits all Whether transitioning almond orchards in Spain, grasslands in Australia or mixed farms in the United States, SLM adapts regenerative principles to each context. For some farms, the target is organic certification. For others, it is a regenerative outcome-based approach focused on soil health, biodiversity and long-term resilience. This episode goes deeper than we ever have into the financial mechanics behind regenerative agriculture. It is a rare look at how capital, ecology and farming come together to build food systems that work for both people and the planet. If you have ever wondered whether regenerative agriculture really adds up financially, ecologically or both, this is the conversation you will not want to miss. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

This episode of What The Field?! looks at a simple question with complex answers: how do farm practices shape the nutritional quality of food? Our guest is Raiza Rezende, co-founder of RHEA — Regenerative Healthcare European Association. RHEA works on three fronts—education, research, and policy—to connect agriculture and healthcare, and is currently running nutrient-density trials in olives and almonds with European universities and farm partners Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

In this episode of What the Field?! , we sit down with Sabine Bonnot, President of Planet-score, to discuss how their food labelling system is helping consumers better understand the environmental impact of what they buy — and why some types of information matter more than others. Drawing on research conducted in supermarkets across Europe, Sabine explains why shoppers distrust simplified, aggregated scores, and how transparency on issues like pesticide use, biodiversity, animal welfare, and production methods can guide them towards more sustainable choices. Sabine shares insights on: Why climate impact often ranks lower for consumers choosing food products How detailed labels can shift purchasing decisions towards nature-positive farming The role of clear communication in building trust between farmers and eaters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

In this episode, we sit down with Reniera O’Donnell, Food Lead at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, to talk about the power of food design — and what it means to truly rethink the system from the ground up. We dive into the Foundation’s Big Food Redesign Challenge, an initiative inviting food companies to radically redesign their products using circular economy principles. What happens when you apply circular design for food not just on farms, but in food innovation labs, ingredient sourcing, and supermarket shelves? Reniera shares insights on: How better food design can drive biodiversity and soil health Why diversity in ingredients is key to reshaping our supply chain What it takes to bring products to market that are designed for nature to thrive Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

Birdsong is disappearing from our landscapes—but why? In the latest episode of What the Field , we sit down with Ariel Brunner, Regional Director of BirdLife International , to talk about why the dramatic decline in bird populations across Europe is not just a tragedy for nature lovers, but a warning sign for the future of our food systems. Drawing from decades of experience in conservation, Ariel explains how industrial agriculture has devastated biodiversity—especially among farmland birds—and how rethinking the way we farm, consume, and organise politically could turn things around. From the disappearance of house martins in southern Spain to the global expansion of monocultures, we unpack how our current food production model is ecologically unsustainable. But this isn’t just another story of environmental collapse. Ariel also shares tangible examples of hope: collaborative projects like “ Olivares Vivos ” that restore biodiversity in olive groves, and ways city dwellers can make space for birds even without a garden. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

In this episode of What The Field?! , we sit down with Analisa Winther, co-founder of Top 50 Farmers, to discuss the importance of recognising and celebrating the individuals behind our food. Analisa shares insights on how visibility can transform the agricultural landscape and why it's crucial for the future of regenerative farming. We delve into: The mission of Top 50 Farmers and its impact on the farming community. How more visibility can turn into policy influence, new markets and stronger community ties. How scaling regenerative farming starts with knowing who your favourite farmer is. Join us as we explore how making farmers famous isn't just a catchy idea—it's a necessary step towards a more regenerative and connected food future. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

We talk a lot about fair prices. But what if we told you the price tag on your food is lying to you? In this episode of What The Field?! , we dive into true cost accounting — what it is, why it matters, and how it can change the way we think about food. Our guest Pietro Galliani from True Price and the Impact Institute breaks down the invisible costs behind what we eat: environmental damage, underpaid farmers, and social inequalities that never make it onto the label. We also explore how businesses and consumers can start closing the “true price gap” — without waiting for someone else to fix the system. Because change doesn’t start in boardrooms. It starts at the checkout. 🎧 Listen now and find out: Why “cheap” food isn’t cheap at all How true pricing can fund real solutions What regenerative farmers and consumers can do to shift the system 👇 Ready to stop being fooled by fake price tags? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

In this episode of What The Field?! , we sit down with Bastien Sachet, CEO of Earthworm, to dig into whether big businesses are actually walking the talk on regenerative agriculture—or just riding the sustainability wave. Earthworm is an impact-driven global non-profit working on the ground to create scalable solutions for nature and people to thrive. It started with Nestlé’s no-deforestation pledge, proving that when corporations commit, real change can happen. A key takeaway: It’s Not the Company, It’s the People Bastien reminds us that businesses don’t change—people inside them do. Often, corporate sustainability efforts start with one determined person pushing for better practices. While companies love to talk about soil health, only a few back it up with real action. Farmers need financial support, long-term security, and better tools to measure progress—things most corporate commitments still lack. Many companies only adopt sustainability policies after public pressure, legal risks, or supply chain disruptions (e.g., Nestlé’s palm oil scandal with Greenpeace). Why Soil Health is the Next Big Thing Beyond carbon footprints, regenerative agriculture could revolutionise food quality. Healthier soils may lead to more nutrient-rich crops—giving businesses a powerful new reason to invest in soil regeneration. Ready to find out if the world’s biggest brands are really getting their hands dirty? Tune in to the latest episode of What The Field?! and hear Bastien break it all down! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

This month on What The Field?! , we had the absolute joy of chatting with the brains and hearts behind our documentary, Rage is Good, Action is Better. We dove deep into why storytelling is such a big deal when it comes to showcasing inspiring stories (like those of regenerative farmers) and making big, political topics feel personal and real. We also talked about what it’s actually like to make a documentary. Spoiler alert: it’s a lot of hard work, a ton of heart, and plenty of unexpected moments (some hilarious, some challenging). If you haven’t seen Rage is Good, Action is Better yet, it’s all about shining a light on the farmers who are flipping the script on traditional agriculture and doing things differently — regeneratively. So, if you’re into behind-the-scenes tea, love a good story, or just want to hear about how we’re using film to get people thinking differently about food and farming, this episode is for you. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

This month on What The Field?! , we sit down with Benedikt Bösel, a regenerative agriculture pioneer and the steward of a 3000-hectare estate near Berlin. From a career in finance to a transformative journey into the heart of regenerative farming, Benedikt’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and profound connection to nature. In this episode, Benedikt shares his challenges managing sandy soils and minimal rainfall, why monocultures are “ticking time bombs,” and how he’s turning his land into a living laboratory for agroforestry and regenerative methods. But it’s not just about the land—Benedikt’s philosophy extends to reshaping mindsets, embracing education, and inspiring a new appreciation for farmers and food systems. Don’t miss this powerful conversation about the future of farming, available now on all major podcast platforms. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

This month, on What The Field?! , we dive into the fascinating world of conservation biology with Astrid Vargas. Known for her groundbreaking work in endangered species recovery, from the Iberian lynx in Spain to Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka, Astrid has dedicated her life to protecting biodiversity. She founded Inspiration for Action , where she blends community, art, and landscape restoration, illustrating how creativity can inspire environmental change. She was also a founder of the Alvelal project, that we are very close to here at CrowdFarming. In our conversation, Astrid shared insights from her book, On a Butterfly’s Wing , focusing on pollinators' critical role and their lessons on adaptation. She also reflected on the evolution of regenerative practices, the rise of ecological awareness, and the importance of community-driven conservation efforts. This conversation felt like a beacon of hope, Astrid really transfers a sense of optimism and positive action that is inspiring. At the end of the chat we felt that, together, we could do anything! Tune in to explore Astrid’s inspiring journey and hear how her work unites art and science in a powerful mission for the planet. We guarantee that listening to this conversation with Astrid will put you in a good mood! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

Bernard’s story is incredible, after working in impact investment for various financial institutions here in Europe, he bought a coffee farm in Honduras and moved there 2 years later, and is now selling his coffee through CrowdFarming! Bernard’s project is so much more than just coffee, to start, his coffee is called “Melipona bee coffee”, Melipona is the name of a family of stingless bees native to the tropics. As an organic coffee farmer, Bernard has always had in mind to plant plants to attract pollinators, among them the melipona bee. It is a kind of bee that hardly anyone knows about (although it is mentioned in the podcast bee happy) which is why Bernard is a big promoter! He is a “meliponiculturist” which means he also produces honey from these bees! On top of this, his farm also runs social projects, trainings with his staff and more. If you want to know more about the farming and production process of coffee and also discover Bernard's wonderful and inspiring story, you will love this episode. Listen now on all streaming platforms. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

We’re excited to bring you the latest episode of "What The Field?!" with our special guest, Béla Janovich. Bela’s done it all—tech startups, running his own regenerative farm and investing in a groundbreaking farming app. In this episode, Béla shares his journey from the high-paced tech world to the peaceful fields of regenerative farming. He talks about how his experience in all these different spaces has helped him in many aspects. As an experienced entrepreneur, board member, and investor, Béla Janovich is passionate about creating healthy landscapes and resilient ecosystems to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. He believes that this can be achieved successfully with a holistic approach, collaboration with stakeholders, a long-term perspective, and a sound business case at its foundation. Béla is equally comfortable working with local operators on the farms he leads and in the boardrooms of international for-profit and non-profit organisations. His experiences range from farm-level operations and local community engagement to large-scale landscape restoration. His deep knowledge of applied technology that enables these processes benefits both sectors. Tune in now to catch Béla Janovich on "What The Field?!" and hear all about his wonderful story. You don’t want to miss this one! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

In this new episode of What The Field?! we were thrilled to welcome Alfredo to our CrowdFarming offices to record the podcast in person. It is always such a treat to be able to have our conversation in person and record the video as well as the audio, so make sure you don’t miss out on the video recording if you prefer them! Alfredo Poves is the CPO and CEO of Ixorigue a company that offers livestock farmers an innovative solution to better manage and track their livestock. This product allows them so save time and better care for their animals. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

Hey everyone! Ready for another episode of What The Field?! This time, we had the incredible Dimitri Tsitos join us, and let me tell you, it was a conversation you don't want to miss. Fun fact: Dimitri and I went to the same university, and he speaks a bunch of languages! Dimitri is the co-founder of AgroSystemic, whose mission is to provide the tools to facilitate the regenerative transition in the Mediterranean basin, with a special focus on tree crops. It’s all about de-risking the transition for farmers. Dimitri brought a fresh perspective to the table. He reminded us that the conversation around regenerative farming shouldn't be about pointing fingers at large-scale industrial farmers or the Big Agriculture industry. Instead, it's about making sure everybody is part of the conversation and that change is happening on all levels. When farmers see how regenerative practices can improve their yield and benefit the environment, they become the biggest champions for change. Our chat left us feeling optimistic, challenged and inspired to carry on in our vision of a world where regenerative farming is the norm, not the exception. To get there, we need policies that support these practices, financial incentives, and a shift in how consumers think about their food. Catch the full episode here, and let's keep the conversation going. Together, we can foster a farming community that’s informed, and committed to the health of our soil, our people, and our planet. See you next time on What The Field?! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/

In this month's episode of “What The Field?!”, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Jolien Walhof, the Head of Impact at The WaterBear Network. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about climate action and the transformative power of filmmaking and storytelling. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowd_farming/ Blog: https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/