From The Soil Up Podcast

Ep 44: From Force of Nature to From the Soil Up: The Story Behind the Shift

This episode marks a new chapter for the podcast.
 
The Force of Nature Podcast is now From the Soil Up Podcast.
 
In this solo episode, Conan shares why the name has changed not because the message has shifted, but because the conversation has expanded. What began as a focus on soil health and farming systems has grown into something broader: conversations about the entire food system, from soil and production to human health, business, leadership, and long-term performance.
 
The values remain the same. The lens is wider. The conversations are deeper.
Because real performance doesn’t come from chasing the latest idea . It comes from doing the fundamentals properly. And that starts in the soil.

Ep 43: Dylan Graves: Understanding the power of Biochar in farming

Summary
In this episode, Conan Moynihan interviews Dylan Graves, a passionate permie, about biochar and its applications in farming. They discuss what biochar is, how it is made, and its numerous benefits for soil health, water retention, and nutrient cycling. Dylan shares his personal journey into permaculture and the importance of raising awareness about biochar among farmers. The conversation also touches on the barriers to adoption, the potential for scaling the biochar industry in New Zealand, and the future of biochar in agriculture.
https://biochar.net.nz/
https://passionatepermies.wordpress.com/
 

Ep 42: Dave Pratt - Succession, Strategy, and Sustainable Farm Businesses

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan speaks with former owner at Ranch Management Consultants and Ranching for Profit, Dave Pratt about the critical issues surrounding succession planning in farming. They discuss the importance of communication, understanding expectations, and the need for a paradigm shift in how ranchers view their businesses. Dave shares his journey from a struggling rancher to a successful educator, emphasizing the need to work on the business rather than just in it. The conversation also touches on the role of nature in agriculture, the significance of fun in farming, and the distinction between economics and finance in making sound business decisions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about building resilient, profitable, and future-ready farming businesses.

Ep 41 - Nic Thompson: From Control to Trust. The Evolution of Purpose-Driven Leadership

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Nic Thompson discusses the evolution of leadership and management practices, emphasizing the importance of self-management, decentralization, and emotional intelligence in organizations. He shares personal experiences that shaped his views on leadership and highlights the need for a purpose-driven approach in business. The conversation explores the Teal management framework, the significance of transparency, and the role of authenticity in fostering a positive organizational culture. Thompson provides actionable insights for leaders looking to navigate change and empower their teams effectively.
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasgilesthomson/?originalSubdomain=au
https://itsiceberg.com/

Ep 40 – Thomas Holmes: Rethinking the Future of the Arable Sector

In this episode, I’m joined by Thomas James Holmes to unpack the challenges currently facing the arable sector and what they reveal about the wider agricultural system.
 
We discuss how agriculture often focuses on the positives in good times, while sectors under pressure are overlooked. Thomas shares why flexibility, adaptability, and stronger support systems are critical for navigating economic uncertainty, and why collaboration across sectors is essential for long-term resilience.
 
This conversation is a timely reminder that no part of agriculture operates in isolation and that sustainable solutions require awareness, change, and collective effort.
 
https://ruralleaders.co.nz/opportunities-and-challenges-for-the-future-of-arable-farming-in-canterbury/
 
 

Ep 39 - Fran Bailey & Chanelle O'Sullivan: Connecting Through Soil and Community

In this episode I sit down with two of the founders from the Underground Festival in New Zealand, Fran Bailey and Chanelle O'Sullivan. UNDERGROUND is a two day festival celebrating soil, food and farming featuring international & local soil legends, talks, workshops, field experiences, local kai and music. In this episode we chat about how they came to create the festival, whose it for and how to get the most out of attending it plus a whole lot more.
 
https://www.undergroundfestival.co.nz/
https://www.instagram.com/franbaileypr/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/chanelle.osullivan/?hl=en

Ep 38 - Jack Heinemann: Navigating the Risks of Genetic Modification

In this episode, Professor Jack Heinemann breaks down the often-overlooked risks of genome editing in agriculture. As New Zealand considers deregulation, he explains how genetic tool, while promising, can unintentionally disrupt vital ecosystem services, compromise farm productivity, and create long-term environmental consequences, even without intent to cause harm.
This conversation highlights why thoughtful regulation and a clear understanding of the risks are essential for protecting the future of New Zealand’s agricultural landscapes.
 
https://profiles.canterbury.ac.nz/Jack-Heinemann

Ep 37 - Daniel Judd: The Soil’s Gap. Rethinking Fertiliser and Farm Science

Conan sits down with dairy farmer and Kellogg Scholar Daniel Judd to unpack his report “The Soil’s Gap.” Together they explore why New Zealand’s agricultural science has focused on fertiliser over soil biology, what that means for productivity and resilience, and how mindset, not just management shapes the future of farming. From fertiliser efficiency and lost nutrients to bridging the divide between conventional and regenerative systems, this is a deep, honest look at where the next evolution of farming begins: in the soil.
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-judd-b5a89a2ba/?originalSubdomain=nz
https://ruralleaders.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Daniel-Judd_K53_Final-Report.pdf