In this energizing episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon sits down with acclaimed indie film producer Gill Holland, whose work spans from Sundance-winning features to green urban redevelopment in Louisville’s NuLu district. Holland unpacks how storytelling intersects with sustainability—revealing how documentary filmmaking, music, and architecture can serve as catalysts for environmental and social change. From building Kentucky’s greenest structure to tackling mountaintop removal through cinema, his journey is a masterclass in transforming passion into impact. Learn how anyone can green light themselves, why strong stories spark real movements, and how you can start creating change with the tools you already have.
In this captivating second installment of our Galápagos journey, Harvesting Wisdom host Mike McMahon is joined aboard the National Geographic Islander II by two exceptional guides: Fernando Ortiz and Socrates Tomala. Their deep expertise and lived experience in the Galápagos provide a rare look into one of the most biologically unique and environmentally protected places on Earth.Fernando Ortiz, a seasoned naturalist who has spent 35 years navigating and studying the Galápagos, shares how this protected archipelago—though impacted by human activity—has maintained much of its ecological integrity due to strict conservation policies and geographical isolation. He discusses the evolutionary processes behind endemic species like the Galápagos tortoise and how ocean currents and geological formations sustain the region's incredible biodiversity.Later in the episode, we meet Socrates Tomala, a native of Santa Cruz Island and a National Geographic ambassador, whose passion for ecology led him from beetle sampling as a teen to founding Forest for Tomorrow, a nonprofit dedicated to reforesting critical wildlife corridors in Ecuador's cloud forests. Socrates’ story highlights the intersection of tourism, education, and activism in preserving ecosystems threatened by fragmentation.Together, their insights weave a powerful narrative about climate resilience, the need for biodiversity, and the urgency of bridging the gap between knowledge and action—a core mission of Urban Farming Education and the Harvesting Wisdom podcast.
In this enlightening episode of the Harvesting Wisdom Podcast, host Mike McMahon sits down with Michelle Harris, the vibrant host of the popular Alive and Well TV Show. Dive deep into Michelle's motivations and experiences as she shares her journey of creating a show that inspires viewers to live healthier, happier lives. From her passion for wellness to the behind-the-scenes stories, Michelle offers a wealth of insights and inspiration. Tune in to discover the driving force behind Alive and Well TV and how Michelle is making a positive impact in the world of health and wellness.
In this episode, Aubrey Aquino, the executive producer and host of California Bountiful, takes listeners behind the scenes to reveal the unique experiences of interviewing a diverse farming population. She shares fascinating stories and insights about the resilience and adaptability of farmers as they navigate environmental challenges. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of the agricultural community and the strength that drives them forward.