Food Forest Podcast

In this episode, Laurie and Dan share the story behind Freedom Food Forest, their permaculture project in the UK, and how it has transformed their relationship, their health, and their understanding of freedom. They talk about leaving behind conventional expectations, travelling and learning from indigenous cultures, and slowly building an off-grid, largely self-sufficient lifestyle. Along the way, they reflect on growing up, healing, and finding purpose through working with the land. Their goal of producing around 80% of their own food becomes a doorway into deeper questions about community, mental health, and what it really means to live freely in today’s world.

In this episode, host Louis De Jaeger sits down with Andy Dibben, head grower at Abbey Home Farm, to explore what a truly community-focused farm looks like in practice. Andy shares how the farm supplies fresh food for around 800 people every week, integrates trees into vegetable production, and uses agroforestry to build climate-resilient systems. They talk about the realities behind the numbers – the wins, the risks, and the ongoing experimentation needed to keep both land and business healthy. From biodiversity and perennial crops to wildlife-friendly fields and evolving systems, this conversation offers a grounded, hopeful roadmap for farmers and eaters who want a more sustainable food future.

Host Louis De Jaeger speaks with Elspeth Hay, author of Feed Us With Trees, about humanity’s forgotten relationship with perennial food systems. They explore trees as historic staple foods, the resilience of perennials, Indigenous food knowledge, and how reconnecting with tree-based nourishment can reshape our food systems, culture, and sense of belonging. #FoodForestPodcast #PerennialFood #TreesAsFood #Agroforestry #IndigenousKnowledge #RegenerativeFood #FoodSystems #EcologicalAbundance #SustainableLiving

In this episode, host Louis De Jaeger speaks with water expert Zach Weiss, student of Sepp Holzer and founder of Elemental Ecosystems. They discuss the vital connection between water, land, and community – and how restoring natural water cycles can reverse ecological degradation. Zach explains the importance of designing with water in mind, empowering communities to steward their landscapes, and fostering a new mindset of care, collaboration, and regeneration.

In this episode, host Louis De Jaeger speaks with Scottish food forester Alan Carter, author of A Food Forest in Your Garden and a pioneer of sustainable land use in the north of Scotland. Alan shares lessons from planting over a million trees, discusses the country’s deforestation history, and explores how agroforestry can coexist with traditional farming. He also reveals how small gardens can become abundant forest ecosystems – even in unpredictable climates.

Tara Lynn Hubbard shares her inspiring journey of deepening her connection with nature and championing biodiversity in Florida’s unique ecosystems. She reflects on her work in agritourism, sustainable wildlife management, and the struggles facing the citrus industry, while highlighting the urgent need for rewilding and responsible land stewardship. This episode invites listeners to reconnect with the natural world and take meaningful steps toward protecting and restoring it.

Jerome Osentowski, founder of the Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute, shares his journey from ski slopes to pioneering indoor food forests and climate battery greenhouses. He reflects on perennial systems, community collaboration, and the vision of a “perennial economy” built on creativity, education, and regenerative livelihoods.

In this episode, host Louis De Jaeger speaks with Greek regenerative farming pioneer Sheila Darmos, founder of Southern Lights. Sheila shares how she transformed her family’s organic farm into a thriving agroforestry system with over 150 fruit trees and shrubs, weaving together biodiversity, education, and community empowerment. Together, they explore what it means to build a bioregional movement rooted in connection, creativity, and care for the land.

Scott Hall, a fifth-generation Australian farmer, shares his journey into syntropic agriculture – a farming approach centered on plant succession, biodiversity, and working with natural cycles. He discusses the role of observation, pruning, disturbance, and cultural exchange in fostering resilient, regenerative farming systems that thrive by aligning with nature.

Maddy Harland, co-founder of Permaculture Magazine, shares her lifelong journey in permaculture, from her childhood love of gardening to creating food forests on poor soils and building a global platform for ecological design. She highlights the importance of patience, joy, and community in shaping regenerative projects and emphasizes making permaculture accessible to everyone.

In this episode, host Louis De Jaeger speaks with activist Robin Greenfield about his journey from a conventional, consumer-driven lifestyle to one rooted in sustainability, minimalism, and service to the planet. Robin shares how foraging, self-love, and community engagement have shaped his approach to activism and regenerative living. He also discusses his initiative to plant one million community fruit trees, demonstrating the power of grassroots action to foster ecological and social resilience.

John D. Liu – ecologist, filmmaker, and founder of the Ecosystem Restoration Camps movement – shares his journey from journalism to becoming a global voice for ecosystem restoration. In this conversation, he reflects on the urgent need to repair degraded landscapes, the role of media in raising awareness, and how community-driven action can reshape our economy around ecological health.

Astrid Adler has spent over two decades nurturing Ireland’s oldest food forest on challenging bogland. In this episode, she reflects on her journey from Germany to Ireland, the lessons of syntropic agriculture, the abundance of wild edibles, and the healing power of tending the land.

Mohammed Erribani shares his transformation from chef to permaculture designer, blending purpose, spirituality, and environmental stewardship. From addressing water scarcity in Morocco to applying lessons from restoration projects in India, he explores how community, gratitude, and resilience are key to regeneration. Discover why self-sufficiency is a collective effort and how anger can be turned into a force for positive change.

Scarlet Allen shares her inspiring journey from Switzerland to Mallorca, where she created Son Selva – a sustainable food forest rooted in permaculture principles. Learn how she transitioned from design to gardening, overcame the challenges of small-space urban gardening, and embraced water management, animal care, and community engagement. Scarlet also talks about the mental health benefits of reconnecting with nature and the impact of small actions on the planet.

Jurgen Heytens shares his journey from Belgium to Congo, where he founded a reforestation project focused on empowering communities and fighting deforestation. Learn about the importance of cultural integration, sustainable agriculture, and the innovative use of carbon credits to support both ecology and local economies. Jurgen also discusses job creation and education as vital pillars for long-term impact.

Herbalist Anne Stobart shares insights into the world of herbal medicine, holistic health, and growing medicinal plants, even in small spaces. Learn about clinical herbalism, the importance of education, and how herbalism can complement conventional medicine. Discover how community and shared knowledge are vital to the future of herbalism.

Tony Rinaudo, the mind behind the Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration movement, reveals how degraded lands can be revived by regenerating trees from existing root systems. From his childhood love of trees to his breakthrough moment in Niger, Tony shares how farmers, communities, and small actions can spark a global restoration revolution rooted in hope, education, and shared vision.

Join host Louis De Jaeger as he interviews Steve Gabriel, co-owner of Wellspring Forest Farm and author of Farming the Woods. Discover how to transform existing forests into thriving food-producing ecosystems through agroforestry. Steve shares insights on mushroom cultivation, tapping trees for sap, and the crucial role of biodiversity and community in sustainable land management. Perfect for anyone interested in regenerative agriculture and deepening their connection to nature.

From Bozeman, Montana, Kareen Erbe shares how to design thriving food forests in cold climates, build soil health, and grow resilient communities. In this episode, she talks about her journey from human rights work to permaculture, the importance of local food systems, and how community gardening can foster connection, sustainability, and hope – even where winters are long and harsh.