Does Human Health Start In The Soil?
with Jeff Tkach
About this episode
This week, we chat with Jeff Tkach, CEO of the Rodale Institute, the global leader in regenerative organic agriculture. For over 75 years, the Rodale Institute has been at the forefront of organic agriculture research and education, guided by the belief that healthy soil = healthy food = healthy humans.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore how Jeff brings his own passion for health into his role as CEO, discuss the 40+ years of research comparing organic and conventional agriculture at Rodale, delve into the concept that healthcare truly begins in the soil, and examine the cultural shift that is drawing more people back to the land.
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[4:01] History of Rodale Institute – J.I. Rodale story – Land Grant system
[16:41] Jeff’s past health problems and how it led him to farming
[28:05] Healthcare to farming connection – Doctors conference on a farm
[38:26] Research comparing organic to conventional ag – nutrient density of food
[49:56] “Regenerative Organic” and Rodale’s ROC certification
[55:58] Transitioning from conventional to organic – Rodale’s consultancy program & farmer training
[1:03:05] Cultural shift of people going back to the land – Food has energy and meaning
[1:13:20] Food as medicine – meal at the Old Mill
[1:22:54] Critics of organic farming and how they misuse science
[1:29:32] “The earth is healing us, not the other way around.”
[1:34:09] Jeff’s “ikigai” (reason for getting out of bed in the morning)
[1:37:43] The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma
[1:39:34] The miracle that is soil
Mentioned Links & Resources
Jeff Tkach - Rodale Institute
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