Regenerative Renegades

Mitchel Barthel: Cattle, Community, and the Changing American Farm

What happens when the cows disappear from the countryside? For nearly 30 years, Mitch Barthel has had a front-row seat to one of the biggest shifts in American agriculture: the decline of the family farm and the steady loss of cattle across the Midwest. In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host and Chief Renegade Matt Maier sits down with Mitch Barthel, owner of Tri-County Stockyards and Perham Stockyards, lifelong cattleman, and nationally recognized livestock auctioneer. From selling cattle as a young farm kid in Minnesota to becoming on of the top livestock auctioneers in the country, Mitch shares the lessons, challenges, and stories he's gathered from a lifetime in the cattle business. Together Matt and Mitch explore why so many diversified farms have exited the cattle business, the economic forces reshaping rural America, the labor challenges facing producers, and what the future holds for cattle, beef, and regenerative agriculture. They also discuss nutrition, soil health, government policy, livestock genetics, and the enduring connection between cattle, stewardship, and life on the land. Whether you're a rancher, farmer, homesteader or simply care about where your food comes from, this conversation offers an honest and thought-provoking look at the past, present, and future of American agriculture.

FACE Ag Network Part 2: Leveling the Agricultural Playing Field

How do we build a more resilient, humane, and regenerative food system? And who has the power to make it happen? In Part 2 of this two-part series, host Matt Maier continues the conversation with Eric Boatti, Senior Manager of Farmer Advocacy at the ASPCA, and Mike Guebert, Western Regional Leader of the FACE Ag Network, regenerative livestock farmer, and Program Director of the Oregon Pasture Network. Together, they explore how farmers can influence policy, why collective advocacy matters, and the critical role consumers play in shaping the future of agriculture. The discussion covers food policy, greenwashing, animal welfare, consumer demand for regenerative products, and the importance of amplifying the voices of pasture-based livestock farmers. Most importantly, they share why they remain hopeful that farmers, consumers, and communities can work together to create meaningful change in our food system. Learn more about the FACE Ag Network (Farmers for Animals, Communities, and the Environment): https://faceag.org

FACE Ag Network Part 1: Supporting Farmers to Advocate for Agricultural Policy Reforms

Most people know the ASPCA for its work with cats and dogs, but what role does it play in the future of regenerative agriculture? In the first episode of this two-part series, host Matt Maier welcomes Eric Boatti, Senior Manager of Farmer Advocacy at the ASPCA, and Mike Guebert, Western Regional Leader of the FACE Ag Network, regenerative livestock farmer, and Program Director of the Oregon Pasture Network. Together, they share their journeys into regenerative agriculture, discuss the challenges of industrial animal agriculture, and explore why pasture-based livestock systems offer a more humane and resilient future for animals, farmers, communities, and the environment. The conversation also introduces the FACE Ag Network (Farmers for Animals, Communities, and the Environment), a national farmer-led advocacy network that helps pasture-based producers engage in policy discussions and amplify their voices to drive meaningful change in our food system. Learn more about the FACE Ag Network (Farmers for Animals, Communities, and the Environment): Farmers for Animals Communities & the Environment

Leah Kleinschrodt: Practical Nutrition for Better Health

In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier sits down with Leah Kleinschrodt, Registered Dietitian, Nutrition Educator, and host of the Dishing Up Nutrition podcast, to explore the powerful connection between food and health. Leah shares her personal journey from struggling with digestive issues, anxiety, chronic cravings, and inflammation to discovering the life-changing benefits of nutrient-dense, real food nutrition. Together, Matt and Leah discuss why healthy fats have been misunderstood for decades, how blood sugar impacts energy and mood, and why simple dietary changes can produce significant health improvements in just a few weeks. They also dive into practical strategies for eating real food, improving metabolic wellness, reducing inflammation, and creating sustainable habits that support long-term health. Whether you're looking to boost your energy, improve digestion, or better understand the role food plays in overall wellness, this conversation offers actionable insights for your health journey.

Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin: The Foundation of Regenerative Agriculture

Before we can regenerate our soil, regenerate our farms, or regenerate our food system, we must first regenerate ourselves. In this deeply personal and philosophical conversation, Regenerative Renegades host Matt Maier sits down with Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, regenerative agriculture pioneer, founder of the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance, CEO of Tree-Range Farms, and one of the leading voices advancing regenerative food systems rooted in ecological function, community well-being, and Indigenous wisdom. Drawing from his journey from Guatemala to Minnesota, Reginaldo shares how freedom, purpose, gratitude, and stewardship shaped his life and work. Together, Matt and Reginaldo explore the invisible forces that keep us from becoming our fullest selves and discuss why true regeneration begins within. Along the way, Reginaldo reveals why he believes regenerative agriculture is not a set of practices, but the natural outcome of a regenerative way of being. This thought-provoking conversation challenges conventional thinking about farming, success, and what it means to live in harmony with the land. This episode lays the foundation for a future conversation on regenerative production systems and Reginaldo's bold vision for feeding and nourishing the world. "Land practices are the result of regenerative living, not the source of it."

Aaron Ehalt: Grilling, Grass Fed Beef & the Mindset Shift That Changed Everything

On this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier sits down with Aaron Ehalt to explore the connection between food, health, and one of Matt’s favorite topics—grilling! From a diet built on convenience foods to one centered around grass fed beef and whole ingredients, Aaron shares how small, intentional shifts led to major improvements in how he feels, and how he now inspires others to do the same. The conversation covers everything from grilling confidence to seed oils, nutrient density, and why simplicity often wins in the kitchen. Then, they step outside to the grill — cooking a flank steak and ribeye over open flame and putting these principles into practice. If that all sounds and you would like to see Aaron’s mastery of the charcoal grill, visit our YouTube channel and select Podcasts.

John Ritter: Tribulations, Faith, and the Rise of Rise Up Country

John Ritter's story is one of relentless resilience, faith, and starting over again and again. On this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host and Chief Renegade Matt Maier sits down with John, creator and host of Rise Up Country, a nationally syndicated radio show heard on over 240 stations across America. From being given just two weeks to live as a child to building a career that has touched millions, John's life is a testament to perseverance and purpose. His journey has taken him from painting houses and playing small gigs to performing in casinos, writing hit songs, and ultimately creating a show centered on faith, relationships, and real human stories. Along the way, he's lost everything more than once and rebuilt from the ground up each time—guided by conviction, grit, and a refusal to quit. In this conversation, Matt and John explore what it takes to keep going when there's no safety net, how faith can reshape a life and a relationship, and why the most powerful stories are the ones rooted in struggle, redemption, and hope. It's a raw and inspiring look at what happens when you choose to follow through—no matter how many times you have to start over.

Tommy Jensen: The Evolution of Nutrition in College Athletics

What if the future of elite performance comes down to what’s on your plate? On this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier sits down with University of Minnesota Assistant Athletic Director of Sports Nutrition, Tommy Jensen, for a fast-moving conversation on how nutrition is becoming a competitive edge in modern athletics. Tommy shares his journey, the rising expectations of today’s athletes, and why individualized nutrition, supplements, sustainability, and even AI are reshaping college sports. A powerful, insightful return episode you won’t want to miss.

Scott Davis: The Art of Cooking with Intention

What if the most satisfying meals don't start in the kitchen, but rather in fields and pastures? In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier joins chef and distiller and executive chef Scott Davis in the kitchen for a hands-on conversation about food, flavor, regenerative agriculture, and community-driven food systems. As Scott cooks, they explore his unexpected journey into the Minneapolis culinary world, the evolution of 45th Parallel Spirits, and why sourcing locally and cooking with intention leads to meals that truly nourish both people and the land.

Allison Hohn: Driving Food Innovation Through Connections and Collaboration

In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier talks with Allison Hohn, Executive Director of Naturally Minnesota, about her food industry journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Drawing on her experience in food science, product development, and R&D at companies like Land O’Lakes and Target, Allison shares the challenges of bringing new food products to market and the importance of collaboration and community engagement for entrepreneurs. She also highlights Minnesota’s unique position as a food hub, the rise of consumer health consciousness, and the growing focus on transparency, trust, and nutrient density—offering insights into how innovation, storytelling, and relationships are shaping the future of food.

Todd Lein: Lessons from Two Decades in Regenerative Agriculture

In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier sits down with Todd Lein, Thousand Hills’ first employee and longest-tenured team member, to reflect on more than 22 years of regenerative agriculture in action. Todd shares an inside look at the early days of Thousand Hills and the challenges of championing grass fed beef long before it was mainstream. He and Matt also discuss the evolution of regenerative farming practices, the role of conservation and community, and why a strong land ethic remains foundational to the company’s mission. Through personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and a forward-looking perspective, Todd offers insight into what it takes to build a values-driven food system—and where regenerative agriculture is headed next.

Jessica Wright and Scott Dicker: Informing Wellness Trends and Conscious Consumption

In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier sits down with SPINS leaders Jessica Wright, Vice President of Product Intelligence at SPINS, and Scott Dicker, Director of Market Insights at SPINS. SPINS is an industry-leading data and product intelligence company that connects shopper values to product innovation across the natural, organic, and wellness marketplace. Together, they break down what SPINS' real-time retail data reveals about today's conscious consumers— from rising demand for transparency and sustainability to the growth of global flavors, functional ingredients like mushrooms and tallow, and nutrient-dense protein sources. They also explore how personalized health data is reshaping purchasing decisions and driving more aligned, values-forward innovation.

Dan Kittredge: Connecting Soil Health to Human Health

In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, guest host Melissa Larsen—an expert in nutrition and public health—engages Dan Kittredge in an enlightening discussion about improving nutrient value in our food system. Dan, the founder of the BioNutrient Food Association, shares his journey from organic farming to championing soil health and nutrient density in food. Together, they explore the global impact of nutritional deficiencies, innovative tools for measuring nutrient density, and the power of community-driven initiatives. Dan emphasizes the need for a universal definition of nutrient density and how regenerative agriculture can help combat chronic disease and improve overall health.

Finian Makepeace: The Power of Each Additional Person in the Regenerative Agriculture Movement

Join Matt Maier, host of Regenerative Renegades, in a conversation with Finian Makepeace — co-founder of Kiss the Ground, producer of the acclaimed films Kiss the Ground and Common Ground, and partner at The Ryzosphere. They explore Finian’s journey from touring musician and activist to one of the most compelling voices in the regenerative agriculture movement. Together, they discuss the power of storytelling, the importance of “second people” in building movements, and how regeneration offers real, hopeful solutions to our most pressing environmental and societal challenges.

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Thomas Schroeder: How Connection Creates Conservation

In Part 2, Thomas Schroeder, Senior Partnerships Manager for Audubon Conservation Ranching, returns to discuss how Audubon’s work with ranchers and producers is helping biodiversity take flight. This episode explores the power of connection, curiosity, and conservation in the regenerative movement.

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Thomas Schroeder: Bringing Birds Back to the Land

In this two-part series, Thomas Schroeder, Senior Partnerships Manager for Audubon Conservation Ranching, joins host Matt Maier to discuss how ranchers and conservationists are teaming up to restore grassland ecosystems and protect declining bird populations. From his background as a chef to his work in regenerative agriculture, Thomas highlights the deep connection between food, land, and community—and how stewardship can help both people and wildlife thrive. Don’t miss Part 2, releasing November 10th!

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Kevin Ouzts: The Necessity of Honest Food

Join Matt Maier, host of Regenerative Renegades, in a conversation with Kevin Ouzts, chef-turned-founder of The Spotted Trotter. They discuss the evolution of food and farming, Kevin’s journey from fine dining to charcuterie making, and the importance of local sourcing, community, and celebrating regional flavor. Together, they explore how culture, creativity, and conscious eating can shape the future of our food systems.

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Jonathan Lundgren: Can Regeneration Feed the World?

Join Matt Maier for a conversation with Dr. Jonathan Lundgren — agroecologist, former USDA scientist, and founder of Blue Dasher Farm and the Ecdysis Foundation. Jonathan shares why he walked away from conventional research to pursue regeneration, what he’s learned from the Thousand Farms Initiative, and how farming with nature can restore soil, communities, and hope for the future.

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Carrie Balkcom: Beyond the Label— What Grass-Fed Really Means

Join Matt Maier, host of Regenerative Renegades for a sit-down interview with Carrie Balkcom, Executive Director of American Grassfed Association. Carrie shares her journey into agriculture and the pivotal role she's played in establishing trusted grass-fed standards. Together, they dive into the fight for honest food labeling, the importance of consumer awareness, and why not all "grass-fed" claims are created equal. This episode pulls back the curtain on what transparency in food really means— for farmers, consumers and the future of our planet.

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Stephan Van Vliet: Our Hidden Hunger

This week on Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier continues his conversation with Dr. Stephan Van Vliet, a leading nutrition scientist at Utah State University with deep expertise in metabolomics. In Part 2, they dig into an omnivorous diet, why cravings don’t meet our true needs, the nutrient decline in modern agriculture, and how whole foods and regenerative systems offer hope for the future of food.

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