In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we’re joined by Tommy Tickenoff, co-founder and self-proclaimed “Chief Nut” of Fresh Vintage Farms. Based in California’s Central Valley, Tommy and his wife Tara launched Fresh Vintage Farms in 2019 with a mission to craft premium, cold-pressed nut oils while reducing agricultural waste and redefining what quality looks like in a sustainable food system.

Tommy brings humor and honesty to a nuanced conversation about the almond industry, which is one that’s often misunderstood and criticized for its water usage and impact on pollinators. We unpack the myths surrounding almond farming, explore how growers are adapting to new environmental challenges, and highlight the importance of transparency and consumer education in agriculture.

The discussion also touches on Fresh Vintage Farms’ innovative approach to upcycling and product development, including their small-batch almond oil mayonnaise and other cold-pressed creations made entirely from locally grown nuts. Through it all, Tommy emphasizes that sustainability in farming is a continuous process of learning, improving, and caring for the land.

Tune in to learn more about:

• What sustainability means within the almond industry
• Common myths and misconceptions about almond farming
• How California almond growers have reduced water use and improved efficiency
• The crucial role of bees and pollinator health in almond production
• The balance between organic certification and practical sustainability
• How consumer education builds trust and transparency in the food system
• The future of sustainable agriculture in California’s Central Valley

… And so much more!

Tommy’s Resources & Links:

• Website: freshvintagefarms.com
• Instagram: @fresh_vintage_farms
• LinkedIn: Fresh Vintage Farms

Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel

In this episode of the show, we're joined by three incredible leaders working at the intersection of food justice, land access, and community empowerment: Kristina Villa of the Farmers Land Trust, and Femeika Elliott and Laila Malik of the Rooted East Knoxville Collective.

Throughout this conversation, we explore the Farmland Commons model and Rooted East’s grassroots work to restore power to East Knoxville residents through food, land, and housing justice. The conversation dives into the systemic barriers that marginalized communities face in accessing farmland and nourishing food, while also highlighting the innovative solutions that are already being implemented on the ground.

From food apartheid and land stewardship to storytelling, collaboration, and long-term commitment, this discussion underscores the importance of community sufficiency and the ways we can collectively create just and regenerative food systems.

Tune in to learn more about:

• The Farmers Land Trust and how the Farmland Commons model supports equitable land access

• Rooted East’s mission to address food apartheid and empower residents in East Knoxville

• The history of land, housing, and community challenges in East Tennessee

• Why community sufficiency is central to food justice

• The importance of collaboration among diverse organizations

• How storytelling preserves agricultural history and uplifts community voices

• The role of long-term commitment in building truly sustainable systems

• A vision for food, land, and housing justice rooted in solidarity

… And so much more!

Guest Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Rooted East Knoxville: linktr.ee/rootedeastknox
• Follow Rooted East: @rootedeastknox
• Follow The Farmers Land Trust: ⁠@thefarmerslandtrust

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Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel

In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we sit down with Rachel Nafis, owner of Psalter Farm Flowers in San Diego, CA. Since 2019, Rachel and her team have been growing flowers for a 66-member CSA, local flower shops, and event florists across eight neighborhood gardens—all located right in her community.

Rachel shares her journey into agriculture, including the transition from working as an RN to managing a 40-acre vegetable ranch, and ultimately shifting into her innovative urban flower farming model. She offers an honest look at the pros and cons of growing in small, unconventional spaces, and why collaboration and creativity are essential to her farm’s success. We also explore the role of community in this model, how neighborhood gardens foster connection, and why flowers bring a unique kind of joy and meaning to her work.

Tune in to learn more about:

• Rachel’s journey from nursing to farming
• How Psalter Farm Flowers began and evolved into an urban model
• The pros and cons of urban flower farming
• Tips for efficiency and creativity in small growing spaces
• Why collaboration is central to her “flexible farming model”
• The role of community engagement and land literacy in urban agriculture
• Rachel’s favorite flowers to grow and why they inspire her
• Advice for aspiring urban farmers navigating challenges and opportunities

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… And so much more!

Rachel’s Resources & Links:

• Website: psalterfarmflowers.com
• Instagram: @psalterfarmflowers

Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel

In today’s episode, I’m back with a short personal update with where I’m at now in my farming journey. I offer a window into my approach to starting a farm, and share what I’ve learned so far.

Tune in to learn more about:

• Navigating the back-end pieces of starting a farm, from infrastructure to business models
• The barriers between young farmers and land access
• The world of land trusts and mutually supportive farming models
• Why I don’t agree with the transactional nature of buying land
• The challenges of being a vegetable farmer
• How long it typically takes for farmers to make a profit

Connect with Hannah:

Instagram: @hannahkeitel

In this short episode, we explore the tagline of this show - the intricate connection between humans and the planet. I share about my life-changing journey through traditional organic agriculture in India, Nepal, and Europe. I reflect on the insights gained during my travels, and share a poem that encapsulates my experiences and the wisdom of nature.

Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel

In today's episode, we dive into the rich world of permaculture, a holistic design system rooted in ecological principles and sustainable living. We’re joined by Josh Robinson: a father, partner, gardener, farmer, teacher, and ecological instigator with over 20 years of experience designing, installing, and teaching about ecologically abundant gardens, homes, farms, and businesses.

Josh is recognized throughout the Southwestern US as a leader in water harvesting and permaculture, and holds a Master’s Degree in Ecological Landscape Design. He is the co-founder of Ecology Artisans, a design and installation firm behind numerous farms and food forests across Southern California. Today, Josh shares his personal journey into permaculture, and reminds us that individuals can, and do, make a positive impact.

We explore how permaculture emphasizes observation, local adaptation, and biodiversity to solve complex problems in both agricultural and social systems. You’ll hear about the creation of a permaculture farm, the value of integrating diverse crops, and how intentional design allows humans to become positive contributors to ecosystems.

Whether you're a seasoned grower, a community organizer, or just beginning your sustainability journey, this episode offers tangible inspiration and insights for reconnecting with the land and living more in tune with ecological systems.

Tune in to learn more about:

• What permaculture is and how it functions as a holistic design system

• How observing local ecosystems informs sustainable land use

• The intersection of permaculture, agriculture, and social change

• Creating resilience through diversity in crops and practices

• How permaculture education and design courses empower local communities

• The importance of collaboration in successful permaculture projects

• Josh’s vision for ecological design and how individuals can create meaningful change

… And so much more!

Josh's Resources & Links:

• Website: www.ThePermacultureLab.com
• Instagram: @ThePermacultureLab

Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel
  

In this solo episode, I encourage you to reimagine your relationship with weeds. Yep, those wild, inconvenient plants we pull from our gardens without a second thought.

After a morning of weeding at the farm, I reflected on the resilience and overlooked brilliance of plants like dandelions. What if we saw these plants as the generous healers and soil restorers that they are? Perhaps we’ve forgotten their role in the ecosystem?

This episode is a gentle reminder of the medicine, wisdom, and ecological function that weeds offer. From their deep taproots that dredge up vital micronutrients, to their presence in the most toxic soils, weeds are often regenerating the land beneath our feet, and showing us where balance is needed.

Tune in to learn more about:

• Why “weed” is more of a label than a true classification

• The ecological function of dandelions and other deep-rooted wild plants

• How weeds help loosen compacted soil and make nutrients available to other plants

• A new way to see wild plants as allies, not enemies

… And so much more!

Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel
  

In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we speak with Claire Groebner, Associate Director at Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center, about the intersection of food justice, environmental realities, and grassroots solutions. Based in National City, California, Claire brings over a decade of experience in food systems work, resource organizing, and community-led advocacy.

Claire shares her journey from volunteer to organizational leadership and how Olivewood Gardens has become a hub for health education, environmental stewardship, and systemic change. The conversation explores food apartheid and the structural forces that shape access to nourishment, the impact of environmental and policy decisions on food equity, and how gardens can act as catalysts for empowerment.

We also dive into the transformative model of Community-Centric Fundraising, which reframes charity into justice and reimagines what sustainable, relational, and values-aligned fundraising can look like.

Tune in to learn more about:

• The difference between food justice and food charity

• Claire's personal journey into food systems and advocacy

• The history and ongoing impact of food apartheid

• How Olivewood Gardens integrates education, policy, and collective action

• Community-Centric Fundraising as a tool for equity and accountability

• The role of community voice and leadership in program design

• Why systemic change begins with collective care

… And so much more!

Guest Resources & Links:

• Visit Olivewood Gardens: olivewoodgardens.org
• Learn about Community-Centric Fundraising: communitycentricfundraising.org
• Follow Claire & Olivewood: @olivewoodgardens

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Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel