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