The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

971: Eat Local, Tell Local: The Story of Edible Phoenix Magazine

With Shannan Perciballi A Rosie On The House ReplayThis episode explores Arizona’s local food community through a conversation with Shannon Perciballi, publisher and editor of Edible Phoenix. Shannon shares the story behind the magazine’s evolution, her transition from a 35-year restaurant career into publishing, and why “slow media” matters. The discussion highlights mesquite as an underrated desert food, the importance of supporting local restaurants and farmers, and how storytelling strengthens resilient regional food systems.Shannan Perciballi is the publisher and editor of Edible Phoenix, a quarterly magazine celebrating Arizona’s local food culture. A longtime Phoenix resident, she brings decades of experience in restaurants, wine, and hospitality to her work. Perciballi holds an English degree from Arizona State University and advanced wine certifications, and is deeply involved in supporting farmers, artisans, and regional food systems through storytelling, community partnerships, and advocacy for resilient local economies.Episode HighlightsShannon’s leap from restaurant executive to magazine publisher“We are never going to scoop a story—we are the slow story.”Mesquite flour and its sweet, caramel-like flavor in sourdough breadThe power of seed swaps to spark food-growing conversationsHow summer restaurant slowdowns ripple through the local farm economyThe tactile experience of holding a seasonal, intentionally crafted magazineKey TopicsEdible PhoenixShannon PercevalPamela HamiltonSlow media and quarterly publishingArizona local food cultureMesquite as a desert superfoodLocal First ArizonaUptown Farmers MarketNorth Phoenix Baptist ChurchDesert Botanical GardenSeed swaps and community eventsSupporting independent restaurants and farmersCulinary education through Careers through Culinary Arts ProgramWhat is Edible Phoenix and why does it exist?Edible Phoenix is a quarterly magazine celebrating Arizona’s local food culture. It tells the “slow stories” of farmers, ranchers, bakers, gardeners, and artisans whose work often goes unnoticed in mainstream media. Its mission is to strengthen community through storytelling and support resilient local economies.How did Shannon Perceval become the publisher?After a 35-year career in Arizona’s restaurant and hospitality industry, Shannon purchased the magazine in 2023 when founder Pamela Hamilton retired. A longtime subscriber, she stepped into ownership to preserve and grow a publication she deeply valued.What makes “slow media” different?Unlike fast-breaking news, Edible Phoenix publishes quarterly and focuses on depth over speed. It explores how food is grown, prepared, and shared—embracing seasonality and intentional storytelling rather than headlines.Why is mesquite important to Arizona’s food system?Mesquite trees produce sweet, protein-rich pods that can be milled into flour. Despite being abundant in the desert, they’re often overlooked. Featuring local foragers and educators helps reintroduce this native, climate-adapted food into the regional diet.Why is supporting local restaurants and farmers critical?Local restaurants often source from local farms, creating a circular food economy. When independent restaurants struggle—especially during summer slowdowns—farmers and ranchers feel the impact. Spending locally keeps money circulating in the community and sustains family-owned businesses.How can consumers discover truly local food businesses?Visit farmers markets and ask vendors where their products are served. Farmers often supply independent restaurants directly. Markets like Uptown Farmers Market are hubs for discovering both producers and chefs committed to local sourcing.What role do community events play?Events like seed swaps, cookbook exchanges, and food festivals foster relationships and food literacy. Celebrations such as Devoured at Desert Botanical Garden and Local First Arizona’s Fall Festival connect eaters directly with growers, chefs, and artisans.ResourcesEdible Phoenix — https://ediblephoenix.ediblecommunities.comSubscribe to the magazine — https://ediblephoenix.ediblecommunities.com/subscribeUptown Farmers Market — https://uptownmarketaz.comLocal First Arizona — https://localfirstaz.comVisit www.UrbanFarm.org/971 for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

970: Transforming Western North Carolina's Food Landscapewith Dana Choquette

How to Revolutionize Local FoodIn this Episode Dana Choquette, the Executive Director of the Western North Carolina Food Coalition, shares how a first-generation regenerative livestock farmer became a regional leader in local food system infrastructure. From backyard sheep during COVID to coordinating 12 food hubs and 9 food councils, Dana explains how small farms can transform local economies, reduce food insecurity, and strengthen community resilience. This episode explores food hubs, policy innovation, hunger relief, and why collaboration—not competition—is the future of regional food systems.Our Guest:  Dana Choquette is the executive director of a 19 county community coalition that works to strengthen the local food system in western North Carolina. She mobilizes projects to help people in all corners of the food system from those experiencing hunger to those building viable small farms. All while building local food distribution infrastructure. She's a first generation regenerative livestock farmer, and particularly loves working with sheep and cattle.Key Topics & EntitiesWestern North Carolina Food Coalition (WNC Food Coalition)Dana Choquette’s transition from urban life to regenerative livestock farmingWestern North Carolina’s 19-county food systemFood hubs as aggregation and distribution infrastructureWNC Food Hub Collaborative (12 independent hubs collaborating regionally)Grow Where You Live Policy (community gardens in high-density housing)Food councils (9 hyper-local councils across WNC)Community-based food pantries and 24/7 open-access pantriesManna FoodBank partnershipWarehouse aggregation and distribution modelInstitutional food purchasing vs. national distributorsCarbon footprint and local food sourcingFarmer viability and consistent market outletsChris Smith’s book The Whole OkraKey Questions AnsweredHow did Dana transition from urban living to farming and food systems leadership?Dana had no farming experience until nearly age 30. After relocating from Colorado to Western North Carolina during COVID, she and her husband started with backyard sheep. What began as a trial experiment quickly evolved into expanded livestock, leased land, and a deep commitment to producing food for their community. That hands-on experience led her into food systems work and ultimately to leading the WNC Food Coalition.What is a food coalition and how does it function regionally?A food coalition coordinates local stakeholders across the food system—from hunger relief to farmer support to policy advocacy. In Western North Carolina, the coalition serves 19 counties through 9 hyper-local food councils, each responding to the specific needs of its community.What is a food hub and why is it important?Food hubs are brick-and-mortar aggregation and distribution centers that purchase food from local farmers and redistribute it to consumers, institutions, CSAs, retail outlets, and food pantries. They create consistent market outlets for farmers, reduce distribution gaps, and help keep food dollars circulating locally.How do food hubs differ from national distributors?National distributors aggregate global food at scale, often prioritizing cost efficiency. Food hubs prioritize local sourcing, fair farmer compensation, shorter supply chains, and lower carbon footprints. They also strengthen local economies and improve freshness and nutritional value.How is the WNC region addressing hunger right now?The coalition partners with Manna FoodBank and operates 24/7 open-access community pantries, direct home delivery, and snack bag programs for unhoused individuals. Their approach blends immediate relief with long-term systems change.What is the Grow Where You Live Policy?A proposed Asheville policy requiring new high-density housing developments to include at least 5,000 square feet of community growing space, along with long-term maintenance support.What was the coalition’s biggest failure and lesson learned?Early on, the organization tried to solve too many food system challenges at once. They narrowed their focus, strengthened core programs, and built capacity before expanding again.What is the coalition’s biggest success?Bringing 12 independent food hubs together into a collaborative network focused on regional impact rather than competition.Episode HighlightsDana began farming with Craigslist sheep and YouTube tutorials during COVID.Western North Carolina’s terrain forces farmers to be scrappy and innovative.Food hubs offer consistent year-round markets for small farmers.The region supports 12 collaborating food hubs and 9 food councils.The coalition operates a central warehouse to aggregate donations and distribute food across multiple counties.24/7 open-access pantries remove barriers to food access.Local food improves freshness, nutrition, and taste.Dana’s driving motivation: building a resilient food system for her daughter’s future.ResourcesWestern North Carolina Food Coalition — https://www.wncfoodcoalition.orgInstagram — https://www.instagram.com/wncfoodsystemsBecome a Member — https://www.wncfoodcoalition.org (Join for as little as $1)Show Notes — https://urbanfarm.org/WNCFoodCoalitionBook Recommendation — The Whole Okra by Chris SmithNeed a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more! *Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

969: Remembering Dr. Elaine Ingham — Soil Food Web Pioneer

Honoring a soil building heroIn this rebroadcast of Episode 185, Greg honors the late Dr. Elaine Ingham, a global leader in soil biology and founder of Soil Food Web Inc. Dr. Ingham shares her journey from childhood microbiology lessons to groundbreaking research on the soil food web. The episode explores composting, soil biology, succession, and how restoring microbial life can regenerate ecosystems and dramatically increase yields.Our Guest: Dr. Elaine Ingham is the Founder, President and Director of Research for Soil Foodweb Inc., a business that grew out of her Oregon State University research program. Behind her user-friendly approach to soil lies a wealth of knowledge gained from years of research into the organisms which make up the soil food web. Her goal is to translate this knowledge into actions that ensure a healthy food web that promotes plant growth and reduces reliance on inorganic chemicals. Elaine also offers a pioneering vision for sustainable farming, improving our current soils to a healthier state, without damaging any other ecosystem. In her spare time, Elaine publishes scientific papers, writes book chapters and gives talks at symposia around the world.Key TopicsElaine InghamSoil Food Web IncOregon State UniversityEnvironmental Protection AgencyUniversity of GeorgiaColorado State UniversityUnited NationsMonsantoSoil food web (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, microarthropods)Genetically engineered Klebsiella planticolaBiosafety protocol debateEcological succession and weedsComposting (thermal, vermicomposting, static)Soil microbiome and human health connectionKey Questions AnsweredHow did Dr. Elaine Ingham begin her journey into soil microbiology?Introduced to microscopes at age six by her veterinarian father, she developed early scientific curiosity. After deciding against medical school, she pursued microbiology, earning graduate degrees at Colorado State University and building foundational methodologies for quantifying soil organisms.What is the soil food web, and why does it matter?The soil food web is the complex community of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and microarthropods that cycle nutrients, protect plants, and build soil structure. Without this biology, plants cannot thrive, and chemical dependency increases.What happened in the EPA experiment involving genetically engineered bacteria?Dr. Ingham and her graduate student tested a genetically engineered strain of Klebsiella planticola designed to produce alcohol from crop residues. In controlled soil experiments, the engineered bacteria killed all terrestrial plants by producing toxic alcohol concentrations at root zones.Why was this discovery globally significant?If released, the bacterium could have spread 10–11 miles per year, potentially eliminating terrestrial plant life. Dr. Ingham presented the findings at the United Nations, contributing to the approval of a biosafety protocol governing genetically engineered organisms.Why did Dr. Ingham leave Oregon State University?After presenting research that challenged biotechnology interests, including major corporate funders, her methodology was questioned. She ultimately left and founded Soil Food Web Inc. in 1996 to continue her work independently.How can growers restore soil health?By rebuilding biology through properly made compost containing diverse organic matter and maintaining aerobic conditions. Composting must be managed intentionally—monitoring temperature, oxygen, and ingredient diversity.Why are weeds part of soil succession?Weeds are early successional plants that establish when soil biology is degraded. As microbial diversity increases, ecosystems move toward more productive crops and perennials.What is the connection between soil microbes and human health?Beneficial microbes on plant surfaces originate in healthy soil and contribute to the human gut microbiome. Chemical inputs disrupt this protective biological layer.Episode HighlightsDr. Ingham’s childhood learning microbiology at age six.Transition from marine microbiology to soil systems research.First published documentation (1985) proving soil biology improves yields and suppresses disease.The EPA microcosm experiment: engineered bacteria killed wheat seedlings in seven days.Presentation at the United Nations biosafety meeting in Madrid.Conflict with university funding tied to agricultural biotechnology.Founding Soil Food Web Inc. to bring soil biology to growers.Compost as the gateway to restoring microbial life.ResourcesSoil Food Web — https://www.soilfoodweb.comUrban Farm Podcast — https://www.urbanfarm.org/podcastVisit www.urbanfarm.org/LifeInTheSoil for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

968: Homesteading from the Heart with Noel Ruiz

A Garden Chat with Don TitmusIn This Episode: Noel Ruiz shares his journey from urban Southern California to rural Southern Oregon, where he and his family run Homestead Culture. What began as a struggling backyard garden evolved into a life centered on permaculture, seed saving, perennial crops, and heart-centered homesteading. Noel explains grexes, seed diversity, and multi-generational thinking—while reflecting on failure, renewal, and cultivating culture from the inside out. This episode explores how growing seeds can also grow resilience, connection, and joy.Our Guest: Noel is a gardener, homesteader, seed saver, lover of plants and a proud father. Together, he and his sweetheart offer homestead grown seeds of perennial vegetables, flowers, herbs in diverse mixes and grexes, through their family business Homestead Culture. Noel shares free resources and online education around seed saving through HomesteadCulture.com. He enjoys writing articles that explore changing culture, personal transformation, gardening and seeds all while blurring the lines between work and life, as he practices homesteading from the heart.Key TopicsHomestead Culture (family-run seed and education business)Permaculture design & soil regenerationWWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms)Seed saving on a homestead scaleGrex breeding & genetic diversityLandrace adaptationPerennial vegetables, herbs, and flowersMulti-generational thinking in homesteadingHomesteading from the heartCultural transformation through gardeningProtecting fruit and nut trees from deer and rodentsLandrace Gardening by Joseph LofthouseOne-Straw Revolution by Masanobu FukuokaKey Questions What happens when your garden fails—and what can it teach you?Noel’s first larger garden struggled due to depleted, scraped topsoil. A permaculture consultation revealed the real issue: soil health, not personal failure. That shift reframed his mindset and launched his journey into regenerative practices.What is WWOOF, and how can it accelerate learning?WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) connects learners with farms and homesteads in exchange for room, board, and hands-on education. Noel spent two years immersed in diverse homesteads, gaining practical skills and mentorship.What does “homestead culture” mean?For Noel, “home” extends beyond a house to watershed and region. “Stead” means to stand firm. “Culture” means to cultivate. Together, it represents rooting deeply in place and tending life in ways that foster abundance, cooperation, and multi-generational resilience.Why plant trees from seed instead of grafted stock?While grafted trees fruit faster, seed-grown trees offer deep relationship and long-term legacy. Noel values the joy of growing plants from infancy and stewarding trees that may outlive him.What is a grex—and why grow one?A grex allows multiple varieties to cross-pollinate, saving seeds from diverse offspring. This increases adaptation, resilience, and joy in diversity. It’s both a practical breeding strategy and a celebration of natural cross-pollination.What is the difference between a seed farmer and a seed producer?Noel distinguishes himself as a homestead-scale seed producer, honoring full-time seed farmers who grow at commercial scale. His focus is small-batch perennial vegetables, flowers, herbs, and grexes.How can personal failure become transformation?After divorce and job loss, Noel entered a period of growth through volunteering and WWOOFing. The journey led to emotional maturity, reconnection with his former spouse, and the foundation of their current homesteading life together.What book is essential for seed savers?Landrace Gardening by Joseph Lofthouse reframed Noel’s approach to seed purity and adaptation. He sees it as required reading for both new and experienced seed savers.Episode HighlightsNoel’s first 300-square-foot garden sparked a lifelong passion.Soil failure became the gateway to permaculture.A paid farm job paid little—but delivered deep purpose.Two years of WWOOFing replaced career confusion with clarity.Homestead Culture emerged as a family-centered, heart-driven brand.Growing trees from seed is about relationship, not speed.Grexes increase resilience and garden-level adaptation.“We are all in it together”—multi-generational problems require multi-generational thinking.ResourcesHomestead Culture — https://homesteadculture.com/8 Freebies for Gardeners & Homesteaders — https://homesteadculture.com/freebies/Best Seed Saving Online Courses & Classes — https://homesteadculture.com/seed-saving-online-courses-classes/Seed Resources (Free Articles) — https://homesteadculture.com/seed-resources/Seed Catalog — https://homesteadculture.com/shop/Coupon Code (15% off seeds & courses for two weeks): URBANFARMRecommended ReadingLandrace Gardening by Joseph LofthouseOne-Straw Revolution by Masanobu FukuokaSponsorsHomestead Culture — Family-grown perennial vegetable, flower, herb, and grex seeds, plus online seed-saving education.https://homesteadculture.com/Visit www.urbanfarm.org/HomesteadCulture for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more! *Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

967: Permaculture Beyond the Garden with Gigi White

In This Podcast: Gigi shares how permaculture extends far beyond gardening into communication, community resilience, and social systems change. From EcoVillage living and military service to composting toilets after Hurricane Helene, Gigi explores earth care, people care, and fair share as a lived philosophy. This conversation dives into resource-based economies, repair culture, and the power of collective action. It’s a joyful, grounded exploration of how permaculture shapes both land and relationships..Our Guest:  Gigi White was introduced to permaculture and foraging in college at Ithaca, New York in 2007 while studying acting and living at the Eco Village Ithaca. Which launched the rocket ship of figuring out how we can begin to work together in groups to live sustainably. After serving as an officer in the US Air Force with a tour in Iraq, she became a lifelong student of connecting nature to people sustainable. And joyful living through Improvisational music and acting. Key Topics & EntitiesPermaculture principles: Earth Care, People Care, Fair ShareEcoVillage at IthacaUnited States Air Force service and sustainabilityAnimal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara KingsolverTransition Towns movementThe Humanure Handbook by Joseph JenkinsHumanure and composting toilet systemsHurricane Helene disaster response in AshevilleTool libraries and repair cafésNonviolent Communication (NVC) in permacultureResource-based vs. capitalistic economiesRocket mass heaters and appropriate technologyGrafting fruit trees and perennial agricultureKey Questions AnsweredWhat is permaculture beyond gardening?Permaculture is a philosophy and design framework rooted in Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share. It includes communication styles, economic systems, animal husbandry, energy design, and community-building—not just food production.How can communities respond sustainably during disasters?After Hurricane Helene disrupted water systems in Asheville, Gigi organized education sessions and materials for composting toilets. By mobilizing volunteers, sourcing buckets and sawdust, and partnering with a local tool library, she helped residents create safe, low-resource sanitation systems.What is humanure and why does it matter?Humanure is composted human waste managed safely through carbon layering (like sawdust) and proper aeration. When done correctly, it becomes soil after about a year in temperate climates, reducing strain on water systems and rebuilding topsoil.How does permaculture apply to social systems?Permaculture extends into communication (including Nonviolent Communication), collective decision-making, barter systems, repair culture, and resource-sharing networks. It asks, “Why are we doing what we’re doing?” and challenges systems like planned obsolescence.What lessons come from failure in sustainable design?After a rocket mass heater installation led to a house fire, Gigi learned the importance of risk assessment, thorough research, and asking difficult questions—especially in high-stakes projects involving heat and combustion.What drives long-term sustainability work?A deep love of the natural world. For Gigi, the magic of witnessing transformation—like a moth emerging from a chrysalis—fuels her dedication to ecological living and education.Episode HighlightsPermaculture is “a word for everything”—a philosophy of being, thinking, and relating.Living at EcoVillage at Ithaca revealed that sustainability can mean thriving—not surviving.Local food challenges in Alaska sparked deeper community connection and dietary awareness.Barter systems and lending exchanges offer alternatives to money-centered economies.Post-disaster “Poop Fairy” organizing helped Asheville residents regain sanitation independence.Tool libraries and repair cafés push back against planned obsolescence.A rocket mass heater fire became a powerful lesson in risk management and self-trust.Humor, humility, and joy are essential tools in sustainable living.Calls to Action & ResourcesThe Humanure Handbook — The Humanure HandbookIntentional Communities Directory — https://www.ic.orgTransition Movement — Transition TownsShow Notes — https://urbanfarm.org/gigisgardenNeed a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with us to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.