In this transformative episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon reconnects with Dale Overton, founder of Overton Environmental Enterprises Inc., for a deep dive into the future of soil health, microbial science, and climate-smart agriculture. Broadcasting live from the Heritage headquarters in downtown Phoenix during a sustainability conference, this episode is filled with practical insights and inspiring stories from the front lines of environmental innovation.

Dale shares his journey from quantitative ecology and reclamation projects to becoming a global pioneer in biologically-based farming products. With over a million acres impacted and clients ranging from major food processors to high-profile urban landscapes like Google’s San Jose campus and YouTube headquarters, Overton’s story exemplifies how ecological expertise and entrepreneurial strategy can create massive change.

Listeners will learn how Dale developed Eco Tea®, a suite of biologically engineered soil amendments designed to boost plant resilience, nutrient uptake, and soil microbiology. From liquid seed coatings that replace fungicides to precision in-furrow applications, Dale breaks down how microbes are changing the game in modern agriculture.

Why Listen?
🌱 At Harvesting Wisdom, we believe "We have all taken a bite out of the apple"—we’re all part of the sustainability story. This episode is a masterclass in “closing the gap between information and action”, showing how one man's mission to regenerate soil has become a scalable, international movement that leaves a lasting social footprint.

Key Highlights:

01:00 – Dale’s journey into reclamation and microbial research

03:40 – Composting with J.R. Simplot & food industry waste diversion

07:20 – From worm bins to bioengineered seed coatings

08:43 – Eco Tea®'s expansion into Europe and partnerships with global fertilizer companies

10:00 – Launching Seed Success, a retail-ready microbial coating for home gardeners

13:08 – Real-time data on cold germination and drought resilience

15:57 – Strategic pivot from bulk composting to precision microbial products

17:46 – Ecological dexterity: creating regionally adaptable microbial blends

20:30 – Metagenome profiling and soil benchmarking in long-term trials

23:47 – Business insights: tipping fees, scaling, and product distribution

26:51 – Industrial-scale worm farming and automation for 20 million+ acres

27:53 – Precision application metrics: 10 gallons per acre, or a $10 seed pack per acre

30:54 – Compatibility with regenerative and industrial agriculture alike

Links:
https://overtonenvironmental.ca/
www.harvestingwisdompodcast.com
www.weareufe.org

#EcoTea #SoilHealth #CompostingInnovation #MicrobialFarming #SustainableAgriculture #UrbanFarmingEducation #HarvestingWisdom #ClimateSmartFarming #SeedSuccess #DaleOverton

Episode Summary – Harvesting Wisdom Podcast
In the final installment of the La Crema Sustainability Series, host Mike McMahon brings together themes of regenerative agriculture, community collaboration, and innovation at the intersection of business and environmental stewardship. Recorded live from the newly inaugurated Heritage Headquarters in downtown Phoenix, this episode captures the spirit of transformation and purpose-driven action.

Mike begins by exploring practical solutions for global cooking challenges using hemp-based biomass, advocating for sustainable alternatives that address both environmental degradation and local resource needs. This leads into a broader conversation about composting practices and carbon sequestration at La Crema Winery, where vegan and animal-based compost blends, enhanced with biosolids, support vineyard health and resilience.

Listeners are taken on a tour of La Crema's forward-thinking farming methods—from groundwater recharge experiments to rotating livestock like Dorper sheep and chickens for soil health and pest control. The team’s dedication to creating holistic systems, such as using winery waste for compost and integrating closed-loop water systems, exemplifies the regenerative mindset that defines the La Crema approach.

The episode then pivots to a Business Spotlight on Heritage Headquarters, a dynamic cultural hub and collaborative space co-founded by Caroline and Jose Torres. Caroline shares her journey from the Dominican Republic to becoming a visionary leader in real estate and entrepreneurship. Heritage Headquarters serves as a multicultural connector, offering flexible facilities for podcasts, networking events, and community-led education—perfectly aligning with the mission of Urban Farming Education (UFE).

Caroline and Mike reflect on how Heritage is not just a space, but a movement that encourages people to “Connect, Cultivate, and Grow.” This echoes UFE’s core value: “We have all taken a bite out of the apple,” recognizing shared responsibility for sustainability and inviting listeners to take meaningful action in their own communities.

🌱 Why Listen?

This episode closes the La Crema Series by showcasing the tangible steps leaders are taking—from soil to society—to “close the gap between information and action.” It’s a compelling blend of ecological insight, community-building, and business innovation, reminding us all that sustainability is not a solo journey but a shared responsibility. You’ll walk away inspired to create your own lasting social footprint.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Hemp as a sustainable cooking and compost solution
02:42 – Biochar, composting, and soil carbon strategies at La Crema
04:46 – Animal-based compost: ducks, chickens, and biosolids
06:03 – Water systems and vineyard reservoirs
07:21 – Groundwater recharge with vineyard flooding
08:54 – Compost tea systems and thermophilic processing
09:45 – Vineyard chickens: egg production and pest management
11:54 – Dorper sheep as vineyard grazers and natural lawnmowers
14:04 – Business Spotlight: Welcome to Heritage Headquarters
15:15 – Caroline Torres shares her journey from banking to real estate
17:26 – Heritage’s mission: Connect, Cultivate, Grow
19:26 – U.S. Compost Council AZ branch and community collaboration
21:29 – Building stage and podcast space at Heritage
23:11 – Warehouse District history and Phoenix revitalization
25:32 – Amphitheater, event hosting, and ASU art gallery neighbors
27:34 – Heritage as a bridge for sustainability and culture
28:44 – Co-founder Jose Torres and community education
30:08 – Outro: Future collaborations, education, and innovation

In this refreshing and thought-provoking episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon sits down with filmmaker Kelly Salloway to explore how storytelling, sustainability, and even beer can shape a better world. Kelly, co-founder of Perennial Films, brings a vibrant background in unscripted media and shares the journey behind two of her powerful documentaries: Prairie Prophecy and the newly released short film, Beer Saves the World.

Kelly unpacks the origins of Kernza, a perennial grain with climate-resilient properties, and how it became the foundation for Patagonia Provisions’ sustainable beer initiative. With deep roots (literally up to 12 feet!), Kernza is revolutionizing the future of agriculture by requiring less tillage, improving soil health, and sequestering carbon. Through humor, heritage, and hops, Kelly’s film demonstrates how even the smallest shifts—like choosing the right beer—can contribute to solving the world’s biggest problems.

The episode weaves through climate resilience, agricultural innovation, and the powerful role of media in shaping collective action. From working with Wes Jackson and The Land Institute to collaborating with breweries like Arizona Wilderness and Deschutes, Kelly shares how storytelling becomes a tool to “leave a social footprint.”

Why Listen?
This episode reminds us that sustainability isn’t only about sacrifice—it can be fun, flavorful, and full of impact. By highlighting real-world solutions like Kernza beer, Mike and Kelly illustrate how we can all "close the gap between information and action" and empower communities for a climate-smart future. Whether you’re a film lover, foodie, farmer, or future change-maker, this one’s for you.

Key Highlights & Timely Moments:
00:01:12 – Kelly’s unconventional journey into documentary film

00:03:27 – Transitioning to battery-powered equipment in landscaping

00:06:15 – Launching Prairie Prophecy, a film on Wes Jackson and natural systems agriculture

00:13:01 – Introduction to Kernza: perennial grain that keeps on giving

00:16:53 – The Patagonia connection: from grain sack to national beer production

00:17:48 – Only 50 of 9,000+ U.S. brewers are fully organic

00:18:53 – How Kernza beer can “save the world”

00:21:33 – Perennial roots and drought resistance

00:26:57 – Premiering Beer Saves the World at Climate Week NYC

00:29:44 – Connecting environmental education to youth via UFE

00:30:47 – The golden age of documentaries and democratized storytelling

Quotes to Remember:
“We have all taken a bite out of the apple—and we all have a role in saving it.”
— Mike McMahon

“Beer might not save the world on its own, but it sure gets the conversation started.”
— Kelly Salloway

Links:
www.weareufe.org
www.harvestingwisdompodcast.com
www.prairieprophecy.com/beer-saves-the-world


#BeerSavesTheWorld #SustainableAgriculture #Kernza #PatagoniaProvisions #DocumentaryFilm #PerennialGrains #ClimateResilience #ArizonaWilderness #UrbanFarmingEducation #HarvestingWisdom

Let’s raise a glass to climate action—and remember, knowledge is only the first sip. Action is what leaves a lasting social footprint. 🍻