We chat with Jessie Dean from Asheville Tea Company, about her farm to teacup business approach and the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. This episode was originally recorded in July 2024 prior to the hurricane. The storm led to the complete destruction of their building, resulting in the loss of inventory, equipment, and office space. Despite the shock, the company has been actively rebuilding with immense support from their community, local farmers, and collaborating tea businesses

Greg interviews Keri Evji, founder of Healing Roots Design LLC, a regenerative landscaping company in Asheville, North Carolina. Keri shares her journey of integrating nature’s principles into her life and business, emphasizing a holistic approach to social and ecological change. She discusses her personal experiences and the inspiration behind her book, ‘Regenerative Life Design Playbook,’ which offers a multimedia toolkit for living a more connected and resilient life. Keri explores the concept of permaculture, its applications beyond gardening, and the importance of embracing our inner ecology for personal and cultural growth.

The podcast features Jeremy Chevalier, a Phoenix native and serial entrepreneur, who is pioneering urban food forest initiatives with his charity, Homegrown, aiming to combat food shortages by promoting regenerative agriculture and self-sufficient communities. Jeremy discusses his journey from a conventional career to founding Homegrown, influenced by his community experiences and discoveries in soil health and permaculture. His initiatives include permaculture-based landscape services, a soil-focused real estate project, and a local food system in Phoenix that encompasses gleaning and urban farming. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement in transforming urban landscapes into food-producing areas while addressing the logistical challenges of distributing harvested produce.