The Force of Nature Podcast

Ep 23 - Building Community Through Food with Cole Mannix

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, host Conan Moynihan speaks with Cole Mannix, founder of Old Salt Co-op, about his journey in the meat industry, the challenges faced by ranchers, and the innovative business model of Old Salt Co-op. Cole shares insights on the importance of community engagement, the need for a more resilient food system, and the existential necessity of decommodifying agriculture. The conversation highlights the connection between ecological stewardship and food production, emphasizing the role of local farmers in creating sustainable food systems. 
 
https://www.oldsaltco-op.com/ 

Ep22 - - Community: The Heart of Agriculture with Sadie Collins

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Sadie Collins from Highland Harmony Farm shares her journey as a farmer in Montana, discussing the challenges of farming in their climate, the transition to regenerative practices, and the importance of education in agriculture. We also discuss the evolution of wheat and its nutritional decline, the importance of connecting with consumers through farmers' markets, and the value of community and human interaction. 
https://www.highlandharmonyfarm.com/  

Ep 21 - Understanding nutrient density with Dan Kittredge

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Dan Kittredge shares his journey from a small organic farm in Massachusetts to founding the Bionutrient Food Association. He discusses the importance of nutrient density in food, the significance of brix as a measure of plant health, and the connection between soil health and human health. We discuss the need for a shift in agricultural practices to focus on quality over quantity, and how this can lead to improved health outcomes for both people and the planet.
 
For more of Dan's work:
https://www.bionutrient.org/ 
 
Dan's Courses in NZ:
https://www.quorumsense.org.nz/events/dankitteridge 

Ep20 - Connecting Land and Heritage with Josh Gilbert

In this episode, host Conan speaks with Josh Gilbert, a Worimi man from New South Wales, Australia. Josh shares his deep connection to the land and his family's agricultural history, spanning over 60,000 years. He discusses the importance of Indigenous agricultural practices, storytelling, and leadership in the agricultural sector. Josh emphasizes the potential for a future where Indigenous knowledge and practices are integrated into modern agriculture, creating a more sustainable and inclusive system.
https://www.joshuagilbert.co/ 

Ep19 - Intentional Growth: Shaping 2025 with Purpose

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan discusses his intentions for 2025, focusing on goal setting through intentionality. He emphasizes the importance of growth, collaboration, setting boundaries, authenticity, and health and wellness. Conan shares his personal experiences and insights on how these areas will shape his year and the impact they can have on his business and personal life.

Ep 18 - The Economic Opportunity of Soil Health with Canaan Ahu

In this episode, Conan chats to Canaan Ahu the CEO of Agrownomics, a independent soil and fertility company based in Christchurch, New Zealand. They discuss various aspects of agriculture, focusing on the importance of understanding soil health, the role of foliar applications, challenges in agricultural research, and the significance of grazing management. Canaan is a big advocate for  the need for a holistic approach to farming that includes understanding soil biology and structure, as well as the significance of education in empowering farmers to make informed decisions themselves. 
⁠https://www.agrownomics.co.nz/⁠ 

Ep 17 - Wingman for Farmers: Mark Benns on Trust, Empathy, and Herd Improvement

In this episode of The Force of Nature Podcast, Conan chats to the legend that is Mark Benns from Wingman. Mark is a former dairy farmer turned to New Zealand's first independent herd improvement consultancy. We cover the importance of openness in the agricultural industry, his transition from farming to consulting, and the significance of empathy and trust in building relationships with farmers. Mark shares his journey of herd improvement and how he aims to help farmers enhance their operations through his business, Wingman. 
 
⁠https://www.yourwingman.co.nz/⁠

Ep16 - Creating pride in New Zealand's food products is essential for market success with Melissa Baer

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan interviews Melissa Baer from Backstory Tech, who shares her journey from growing up on an organic farm in Canada to starting a tech company focused on building brand trust in the food industry. We discuss the importance of marketing in agriculture, the challenges of understanding consumer preferences and  the need for collaboration within the industry. 
To connect with Melissa:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissabaer/?originalSubdomain=nz⁠⁠
https://www.backstorytech.com/about-us⁠