Beyond the Garden: Soil-Based Solutions for Sustainable Health

Episode Summary:
In this transformative episode of Harvesting Wisdom, Dr. Joe Roselle, COO of Urban Farming Education, steps in for host Mike McMahon to interview Ashlee, a passionate advocate for holistic nutrition and regenerative gardening. Ashlee shares her journey from studying nutrition and dietetics to leading impactful gardening initiatives at Grand Canyon University. She explains how gardening isn’t just about growing food—it’s a form of medicine that addresses physical, mental, and spiritual health. Her capstone research explores how soil-based microbes influence gut health and weight loss, offering a natural alternative to pharmaceutical interventions. This conversation dives into functional medicine, soil health, composting, sustainable practices, and the power of hands-on community engagement. Ashlee also outlines her future goals to empower people in Colorado Springs through personalized garden consulting and urban garden development.

Why Listen?
Discover how gardening transcends nutrition and becomes a catalyst for holistic wellness. Ashlee’s insights into soil biology, regenerative agriculture, and community engagement inspire listeners to see food as medicine and gardens as tools for social transformation. At Harvesting Wisdom, we believe "We have all taken a bite out of the apple" and share a collective responsibility to shift from apathy to action. This episode is your invitation to leave a social footprint.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction by Dr. Joe Roselle
02:00 – Ashlee’s education and journey into nutrition
03:27 – Gardening as holistic medicine
05:02 – Sustainability through local nutrition
06:32 – Internship experiences and community engagement
09:02 – Soil microbes vs. probiotics for gut health
11:48 – Natural alternatives to weight loss drugs
13:42 – Gardening routines and holistic lifestyle advice
16:06 – Difference between dirt and soil
17:53 – Capstone research design and goals
21:27 – Applications of soil-based microbes
22:13 – Student-led garden and kitchen projects
24:10 – Policy and nutrition advocacy
25:33 – Health care systems and incentives
27:33 – Ashlee’s future goals in Colorado Springs
29:12 – Closing and reflections

Call to Action:
Get involved in building climate-smart communities. Visit weareufe.org to support urban gardening education, donate to sustainability projects, or start a garden in your own neighborhood. Subscribe to Harvesting Wisdom and share this episode to inspire others.

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