Digging In The Dirt with Kevin Gallagher

Professor Judith Enck - The Problem with "Plastic How to Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It’s Too Late”

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:28:05 -0400

Welcome Judith Enck who is a Professor at Bennington College in Vermont. She is the President of Beyond Plastics and former EPA Regional Administrator, appointed by President Obama. Professor Enck is author of the new book "The Problem with Plastic: How to Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It’s Too Late”

Mary Ellen Lemay - Conservation Director for the Aspetuck Land Trust

Kevin Gallagher — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Today's guest is Mary Ellen Lemay. She is the "Conservation Director for the Aspetuck Land Trust", providing outreach, education and engagement to encourage people to improve biodiversity on their land by adding native plants and avoiding pesticides. Lemay's recent work includes designing and installing nature-based, climate smart projects in the City of Bridgeport, including the planting of 8 Miyawaki Forests at public schools and Seaside Park, as well as waterside buffers along rivers and coastal properties in the city.

Her 25 years of conservation work was recognized as Winner of the Aquarion Connecticut Environmental Champion Award in 2022.

Elliot Coleman- The Self-Fed Farm, Barbara Damrosch- A life in the garden & Gloria Frazee of Rewild LI.

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:21:00 -0400

My guest today is Eliot Coleman. Eliot is an American farmer, author, agricultural researcher, educator, and proponent of organic farming. In 1989 he wrote the highly influential "The New Organic Grower". A master’s Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener.

His latest book is "The Self-Fed Farm and Garden", A Return to the Roots of the Organic Method, on Chelsea Green Press.

Then I speak with Eliot's wife Barbara Damrosch about her recent book,"A life in the garden". Barbara is a professional in the field of horticulture and a writer. Her book The Garden Primer is a classic manual of horticulture. For 14 years she wrote a weekly column for The Washington Post called A Cook’s Garden.

Finally Long Islanders, my regular contributor to DITD Gloria Frazee of RewildLongIsland.org drops in to fill us in on many of the amazing events Rewild has going on this spring.

Dana Jackson of CTNOFA, Sarah Layton Ct. Compost Conference & Tim O’Connor Park City Compost Initiative

Kevin Gallagher — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:52:42 -0500

First up on Digging in the Dirt is Dana Jackson, who is the Director of Communications and Development for CT Northeast Organic Farming Association. Prior to joining CT NOFA, he published Edible Nutmeg, a regional magazine focused on western Connecticut’s food community, including farmers, chefs, and locally produced food of all kinds. He also worked for more than a decade as a certified organic farmer in Connecticut, an experience that led him to believe that local food production is the key to building stronger, more resilient communities in our state. Dana is coming here today to tell you about this weeks CT NOFA 44th annual Winter Conference.

My 2nd guest is Sarah Layton Agricultural Programs Coordinator At the Connecticut Resource Conservation & Development Area

She is a Certified Compost Operator, steering committee member of the CT Compost Alliance and the New CT Farmers Alliance, she is also a member of the Deep River Garden Club, and owner of a micro flower farm, Wild Hill Farm, in Deep River CT.
She is here today to talk about the 2026 CT Compost Conference March 19, at Wesleyan University sponsored by the CT COMPOST alliance.

Finally continuing with the subject of composting From the aforementioned Park city compost initiative, (PCCI), I have with me Tim O’Connor Executive Director of Park City Compost Initiative. Since then Tim has secured certification for Solid Waste Facility operations from CT DEEP, the Master Composter certification from UCONN and the Compost Operations Course by US Compost Council.

As Executive Director of Park City Compost Initiative, Tim is all about PCCI's mission to Educate and Activate around aerobic composting.

Tim has served for the past two years on the organizing committee of the CT Compost Alliance who have planned and arranged the March 19th 2026 Ct Compost Conference at Wesleyan University.

Bill McKibben Author, Environmental Activist, Educator & Beck Mordini Executive Director - Biodiversity for a Livable Climate

Kevin Gallagher — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:59:42 -0500

It's a great honor for me to host my next guest on Digging the Dirt, Bill McKibben. Bill is an American environmentalist, author and journalist who has written extensively on the impact of global warming . He has spearheaded many projects to address the climate crisis that faces our planet. Most significantly he founded 350.org and Third Act which focuses on making legislative progress state by state. Bill has a new book out called “Here comes the Sun”.

My second guest on this episode of Digging the Dirt is the Executive Director of Biodiversity for a livable climate, Beck Mordini.

Bio4climate states right upfront on their website that Nature is Climate. Biodiversity loss is not just the result of climate change, it is a primary driver of climate change. Only solutions that prioritize this web of life will create a truly livable climate for all.

Reverend Sara D. Smith President/CEO and Founder Of nOURish BRIDGEPORT

Kevin Gallagher — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:44:05 -0500

It’s my distinct pleasure to have as my guest now Reverend Sara D. Smith, President/CEO and Founder Of nOURish BRIDGEPORT, a volunteer-powered, food-centered, and community-anchored not-for-profit, she founded in 2010, providing direct service programs to the people of Bridgeport. These programs include a SUPER FOOD PANTRY serving 3,000 individuals each week, a BABY CENTER providing diapers and formula to 400 babies each month, a HOT MEAL Program feeding 300 hot healthy meals each week, English as a Second Language classes for 100 immigrants weekly, and the first non-profit INDOOR HYDROPONIC FARM in the state of Ct. with the exclusive purpose of distributing fresh healthy produce to the food insecure. In its first three years of production, nOURish has distributed 17 tons of fresh produce from its Farm all over the City of BPT. In addition Reverend Sara is also Senior Minister of the United Congregational Church of Bridgeport A 330 Year Old Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ and is the Protestant Chaplain Of Sacred Heart University Office of Mission Integration, Ministry, & Community Engagement.

Peter Linderoth Save the Sound Bacteria monitoring report & Tom Anderson of the CT. Audubon Society

Kevin Gallagher — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:56:11 -0500

First up this episode is Peter Linderoth, director of science and watersheds for Save the Sound's Healthy Waters Institute. Save the Sound is doing so many good things to take care of our fragile ecosystem the Long Island sound. He joins me today to tell us about the results of the 2025 bacteria monitoring season in the western Sound.

Then I talk to Tom Anderson, who is Director of communications at CT Audubon Society and editor of the Connecticut state of the birds report

We discuss the key issues that the Connecticut Audubon Society is concerned about.

Professor Michael E. Mann and Filmmaker Doug Hawes-Davis

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:06:08 -0500

Dr. Michael E. Mann Returns to "Digging in the Dirt ", for his 5th visit, to talk about his new book called, "Science Under Siege: How to Fight the Five Most Powerful Forces that Threaten Our World": it is cowritten with Dr. Pete Hotez the Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and professor of virology and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine. Much of this book points fingers very explicitly at some of the bad actors shaping the narratives around Climate Change and Vaccinations. The authors call them the different P's, plutocrats, petro-states, propagandists, pro’s and the press.

Secondly, I’m pleased to welcome to "Digging in the Dirt" the Co-director of the film "The little things that run the world ", Doug Hawes-Davis

The film delves into the story of how insects face unprecedented decline, their fate becomes a stark warning: that without them, neither we, nor the planet can endure. Even still, there is hope! The film is a survey of what E.O. Wilson, the man behind the half earth concept called, “THE LITTLE THINGS THAT RUN THE WORLD”, Insects.

Tom Anderson -CT. Audubon Society/ Author Megan Clendenan

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

This "Digging in the Dirt" starts off with Tom Anderson, who is Director of communications at CT Audubon Society and editor of the Connecticut state of the birds report. We talk about all the threats that our birds are facing. Habitat loss, pesticides, windows and feral cats.

Then joining me is Megan Clendenan author of The book Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault A recent review said of her book, "This tale has an unusual ecological theme that makes seed preservation not only an essential task, but a sacred one. A must-have story."

Kelpie Wilson Author of The Biochar Handbook, Michael Garman of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, Allison Rugila Associate Soundkeeper Save the Sound

Kevin Gallagher — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:28:43 -0400

My first guest is Kelpie Wilson author of The Biochar Handbook, Kelpie researches and teaches techniques for using biochar in compost and manure management and presents many biochar workshops each year to farmers, foresters, and landowners.

Then Michael Garman the Development Coordinator at the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters joins me. The CTLCV's is a nonpartisan, nonprofit environmental organization that works across the state of CT on a myriad of environmental issues.

Then I talk to Allison Rugila Associate Soundkeeper for Save the Sound. Allison covers the western half of Long Island Sound (basically the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson line west into the western narrows of the city). Allison has been deeply involved with shellfish restoration.

Emily Sanders the senior reporter for ExxonKnews, Allison Rugila Associate Soundkeeper Save the Sound, Linley Dixon Co-Director of the Real Organic Project.

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:34:05 -0400

First up this episode is Emily Sanders the senior reporter for ExxonKnews, a project of the Center for Climate Integrity covering fossil fuel industry practices……disinformation, lobbying, and dark money spending -- as well as efforts to hold major oil and gas companies accountable. ExxonKnews is a partner of the Covering Climate Now journalism collaborative, and Emily's climate accountability reporting has been co-published with other outlets including The Lever, Grist, DeSmog, and HEATED. (Emily wants you to know that the actual fine levied against Greenpeace was $660 million dollars)

Second, Allison Rugila has joined Save the Sound as Associate Soundkeeper, to cover the western half of Long Island Sound (basically the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson line west into the western narrows of the city. Allison has been deeply involved with shellfish restoration and has a PhD. In Ecology and Evolution from Stony Brook, where she studied the resilience of shellfish, such as Long Island Sound blue mussels, Shinnecock Bay quahog clams and bay scallops. Focusing on environmental stressors like sea water acidification and warming, and low dissolved oxygen conditions.

Next up Linley Dixon serves as a Farmer representative and Co-Director of the Real Organic Project. Linley owns a vegetable farm in Durango, Colorado, with her husband and daughter. Linley works tirelessly for quality real organic standards with the Real Organic Project. She is here to tell us about the Real Organic Projects upcoming conference in NY called "Saving Real Organic: Antitrust & Food".

Eric Sepenoski Long Island Farmer, Teacher, Southold Town Trustee & Author Melissa Stewart

Kevin Gallagher — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 10:32:22 -0400

My guests on my next Digging the dirt start with Eric Sepenoski. Eric is a fourth-generation farmer at Seps Farm in East Marion, NY, on Long Island's North Fork. He’s also is an elementary school teacher and serves as an elected Trustee for the Town of Southold—where he focuses on stewarding wetlands and protecting coastal features.

Then regular contributor to DITD Gloria Frazee of Rewild Long Island joins me to talk composting on Long Island.

Finally, Author Melissa Stewart joins me to talk about her new children's book about the mighty carbon atom. It's called

From BAM! to BURP! .

Jeff Masters of Yale Climate Connections and Connecticut Fire Chief and emergency management Director James Blanchfield

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 11:26:34 -0400

Jeff Masters meteorologist of the Yale climate connections talks about the heartbreaking tragedy of the recent Texas floods. It's A deeper look at how this happens and what is in store in the future .

Then I rebroadcast an interview with Wilton, Connecticut fire chief and emergency management Director James Blanchfield on what to do if you encounter swift running floodwaters while in your car, amongst other useful advice for emergency situations.

Rita Valley Local Gardener and Greg Lowenthal President of the Long Island Native Plant Initiative

Kevin Gallagher — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:48:44 -0400

Rita Valley is an artist and gardener living in Southbury Connecticut. Her passion for gardening started at an early age, nurtured by her Polish grandmother who tended an impressive vegetable garden. Valley’s love of gardening has persisted and blossomed into a penchant for writing about her gardening exploits as well.
Rita seems to have the same arrangement that my wife and I have: her husband's the veggie guy and she's the flower lady. She maintains that a good sense of humor is every bit as important as a nice shovel or a sharp pair of pruners.

Welcome to DITD Greg Lowenthal, Greg is President of The Long Island Native plant initiative and has served on the Initiatives board for over 4 years. The Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI) is an all-volunteer cooperative effort of over 30 non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, nursery professionals, and citizens. The native plant initiative strives to preserve Long Island's biodiversity by cultivating ethically sourced ecotypic plants to ensure commercial availability of native plants for nurseries, communities, and habitat restorations.

Peter Linderoth - Save the Sound & Sandra Wilson CT. Master Gardener Program

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 30 May 2025 17:09:27 -0400

First up Peter Linderoth, the director of healthy waters and lands for Save the Sound comes to “Digging in the Dirt” with the publication of Save The Sounds 2025 LONG ISLAND SOUND BEACH REPORT. How does your local beach in CT. or Long Island rate?

Then Sandy Wilson joins me. Sandi is employed with the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension System. She is the Fairfield County Master Gardener Program Coordinator based out of the Extension office in Bethel. She has been involved with the Master Gardener program for 25 years.

Then a little bit about tomatoes.

Peter Linderoth - Save the Sound

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 29 May 2025 17:19:00 -0400

Peter Linderoth, the director of healthy waters and lands for Save the Sound Comes to “Digging in the Dirt” with the publication of Save The Sounds 2025 LONG ISLAND SOUND BEACH REPORT. How does your local beach in CT. or Long Island rate?

Sandra Wilson CT. Master Gardener Program

Kevin Gallagher — Wed, 28 May 2025 17:18:00 -0400

My guest is Sandy Wilson. Sandi is employed with the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension System. She is the Fairfield County Master Gardener Program Coordinator based out of the Extension office in Bethel. She has been involved with the Master Gardener program for 25 years.

Vincent Dion -Newtown CT. Gardener & Craig Floyd Regenerative Farmer

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 08 May 2025 14:33:46 -0400

Vincent Dion is a life-long Artist, Gardener, Connecticut resident and Do-it Yourself enthusiast. He maintains a 1,500 square foot backyard garden in Newtown, CT. I have it on good authority that Vincent is quite the gardener and we're here to talk about does his garden grow.

My other guest is Craig Floyd. Craig is a tenth generation Farmer who has been here on DITD several times before. I always like talking with Craig, because of his incredible knowledge of regenerative and organic growing and for his work ethic and empathy for those who have less than the rest of us. Craig is retired from running the Giving Garden in Stonington CT. after a Farm accident severely damaged his left eye. The Coogan farm renamed itself after Craig to honor his legacy. He's now embarking on becoming a public speaker full-time as he teaches us about regenerative growing.

Professor Naomi Oreskes - Remembering Pope Francis & Barry Kresch President of the EV Club of CT.

Kevin Gallagher — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 12:20:04 -0400

We pay our respects to the passing of Pope Francis, who followed in the footsteps of his name sake St. Francis of Assisi, honoring the planet earth and all its creatures. In 2015 he wrote it in encyclical about this and the introduction was by none other than my guest Professor Naomi Oreskes. Professor Naomi Oreskes is a Professor of the History of Science and Affiliated Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University. Naomi who along with her colleague Erik Conway are bestselling authors of the book Merchants of Doubt…about the machinations of the fossil fuel industry and the book “The Big Myth, about the myth of the free market.

Then Barry Kresch President of the EV Club ( Electric vehicle Cub) of CT. is my guest to talk about everything electric vehicles. Barry Kresch has long been involved in environmental activism. He has been a club member and EV owner since 2012. His participation in the club includes doing analytics, including the Interactive EV Dashboard tracking and EV adoption in CT.

Finally Gloria Frazee of Rewildlongisland.org gives her monthly Long Island report.

Professor Naomi Oreskes - Remembering Pope Francis

Kevin Gallagher — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 11:44:00 -0400

Professor Naomi Oreskes is a Professor of the History of Science and Affiliated Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University.

Naomi who along with her colleague Erik Conway are bestselling authors of the book Merchants of Doubt…about the machinations of the fossil fuel industry and the book “The Big Myth about the myth" of the free market. I invited her here today as we pay our respects to the passing of Pope Francis who followed in the footsteps of his name sake St. Francis of Assisi honoring the planet earth and all its creatures. In 2015 he wrote it in encyclical about this and one introduction was written by none other than my guest professor Naomi Oreskes.

Barry Kresch President of the EV Club ( Electric vehicle Cub) of CT.

Kevin Gallagher — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Barry Kresch has long been involved in environmental activism. He has been a club member and EV owner since 2012. His participation in the club includes doing analytics, including the Interactive EV Dashboard tracking EV adoption in CT.

Chuck Collins - Climate Accountability Research Project plus Julie Tighe - New York League of Conservation voters

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 13:27:19 -0400

Chuck Collins , co-founder of the Climate Accountability Research Project. He’s a researcher and campaigner based at the Institute for Policy Studies, where he coedits Inequality.org. He is the author of the forthcoming book, Burned By Billionaires: How Concentrated Wealth and Power are Ruining Our Lives and the Planet. He is also a major force behind climatecriminals.org

Then Julie Tighe President of the New York league of conservation voters joins me. As President, she oversees the organizations’ policy, political, development, programmatic, and communications team.

Professor Michael E. Mann & Bruce Redman Becker

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:03:57 -0400

Professor Mann is a scientist and author. He is a Presidential Distinguished Professor of Earth & Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania. And Director of the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability and the Media. He is Vice Provost for Climate Science, Policy, and Action. He has contributed our understanding of the science behind our planets historic climate change. We discuss recent current events that will have a deeply negative effect on the health of our planet.

Bruce Becker is President of Becker + Becker, an integrated sustainable architecture and development firm in Westport, Connecticut. Bruce designs buildings that have a transformative social and environmental value. Bruce has transformed the Armstrong Rubber Company Building in New Haven into the Marcel hotel, the country’s first fossil-fuel free hotel.

Bruce Redman Becker - The Marcel Hotel

Kevin Gallagher — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 13:13:00 -0400

Priya Parrotta Safina Center Fellow, Bill Freese Science Policy Analyst Center for food safety, Gloria Frazee RewildLongIsland.org

Kevin Gallagher — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:59:50 -0400

-Priya Parrotta is a Senior fellow at the Safina center in Long Island NY. Priya is a historian, author, songwriter, composer, singer, and multimedia artist dedicated to furthering environmental consciousness across borders.

-Bill Freese is the Science Policy Analyst For the Center for food safety on the efforts by the pesticide industry to protect pesticide manufacturers from lawsuits brought by those harmed by their products.

-DITD regular contributor Gloria Frazee joins me to go over what is happening on Long Island this spring with RewildlongIsland.org

Ann Molloy-Neptune's Harvest Organic Co., Jeff Masters of the Yale climate Connections, Victor DeMasi on Neonicotinoids, Freedom Gerrado - Small farmers & DOGE,

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:14:29 -0400

Digging in the Dirt guests this show are Ann Molloy Sales Director at Neptune's Harvest Organic Fertilizer Company which fully utilizes 100% of the fish they catch, by turning the gurry (everything that’s left after you fillet a fish) into an organic fertilizer.

Up next Jeff Masters of the Yale Climate Connections talks with me about the effects the DOGE initiated cuts at The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Are having on tracking major weather events and climate change.

Then citizen scientist Victor DeMasi member of The Pollinator Pathway drops by to telling us why he dressed as a Bee, (looking like Belushi) while visiting our politicians up in Hartford.

And last but not least Freedom Gerrado puts a human face on the budget cuts and freezes by DOGE with his story of losing his grant to develop a Connecticut Hemp industry.

Ann Malloy of The Neptune's Harvest fertilizer company.

Kevin Gallagher — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

After several years of traveling around the country and world, ( more on that later ) she settled back there and has been helping run her family business. For over 30 years. Ann has overseen the marketing and sales for the Neptune’s Harvest division of Ocean Crest Seafoods, which came about to fully utilize 100% of the fish they catch, by turning the gurry (everything that’s left after you fillet a fish) into an organic fertilizer. Ann has a wide knowledge of organic fertilizers, and the fishing industry.

Save the Sound - Peter Linderoth, Louise Washer - Norwalk River Watershed Association and Gloria Frazee - RewildLongIsland.org

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 13:58:10 -0500

I like to welcome for a second visit to digging in the dirt, Peter Linderoth, director of science and watersheds for Save the Sound's Healthy Waters Institute. Then Louise Washer joins us. Louise is President of the Norwalk River Watershed Association and serves on the Board of the Pollinator Pathway. Louise is here again to continue the conversation about neonicotinoid pesticides in our local waters. Finally, Gloria Frazee of Rewild Long Island.org joins me now. Rewild Long Island is always busy doing something good for our local ecology. She's here to tell us what's up on their calendar now and the growing number of community gardens Rewild is nurturing,

Michael E. Mann Author "Our Fragile Moment"

Kevin Gallagher — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0500

My guest today on DITD is Michael E. Mann. Arguably the foremost living paleoclimatologist and geophysicist. He is the director of the Center for Science, Sustainability and the Media at the University of Pennsylvania. Mann has contributed to the scientific understanding of historic climate change based on the temperature record of the past thousand years. His latest book is “Our Fragile Moment”. How Lessons from Earth's Past Can Help us survive the Climate Crisis.

Kim Stanley Robinson - "The Ministry for the Future"

Kevin Gallagher — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0500

My guest on this DITD this episode is Km Stanley Robinson. Stan Robinson is a New York Times Best selling Author and winner of the Hugo, Nebula and Locus Awards. He is author of more than 20 books including his much loved Mar's Trilogy and he will be here today to talk about his latest book "The Ministry for the Future". In 2008, he was named a "Hero of the Environment" by Time magazine, and he works with the Sierra Nevada Research Institute. He lives in Davis, California.
"[A] gutsy, humane view of a near-future Earth...Robinson masterfully integrates the practical details of environmental crises and geoengineering projects into a sweeping, optimistic portrait of humanity's ability to cooperate in the face of disaster. This heartfelt work of hard science-fiction is a must-read for anyone worried about the future of the planet."―Publishers Weekly on The Ministry for the Future

Paul Hawken Regeneration - Ending the climate crisis in one generation

Kevin Gallagher — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0500

On this “Digging in the Dirt” my guest is environmentalist, entrepreneur and author Paul Hawken. Paul is a leading voice in the worlds environmental movement. His visionary ideas emphasize changing the relationship between business and the Earth, as humanity seeks to rise to the challenge of our time, Globalwarming. In his new book "Regeneration - Ending the climate crisis in one generation", Hawken provides a refreshingly positive and comprehensive approach to global warming solutions.

Chuck Collins of ClimateCriminals.org

Kevin Gallagher — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Chuck Collins of climatecriminals.org is my guest on this "Digging in the Dirt". Chuck is here to talk about why he believes It’s time to name the names of the individuals delaying climate action and financing the climate crisis, so they can be held accountable.
Chuck Collins is an American author and a senior scholar at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, DC, where he directs the Program on Inequality and the Common Good. His latest book is a novel, “Altar to an Erupting Sun,” an eco-fiction exploration of the causes of climate disruption.

Peter Byck Director, producer and writer of the Film "Roots so deep you can see the devil down there". Plus, Gloria Frazee of RewildLongIsland.org on their community gardens grant program.

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:11:40 -0500

My guest on Digging in is Peter Byck director, producer and writer of a 4 part documentary series called Roots so deep, you can see the devil down there. He’s also currently producing an on-going series of short films called Carbon Cowboys. The film documents a $10 million research project comparing Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP) grazing with conventional grazing; collaborating with 20 scientists and 10 farm families, focused on soil health & soil carbon storage, microbial/bug/bird biodiversity, water cycling and much more. Its all about the inventive farmers and maverick scientists building a path to solving climate change with hooves, heart and soil. Plus, Gloria Frazee of RewildLongIsland.org on their community gardens grant program.

Isabella Rossellini - Mama Farm Long Island

Kevin Gallagher — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0500

Im very pleased to welcome to Digging in the Dirt Isabella Rossellini. In addition to a very successful modeling career, Isabella has starred in some extraordinary films, Like “Blue Velvet”. I Invited her here today not to talk about films but to talk to me about her wonderful organic farm in Brookhaven Long Island, called Mama Farm …..where Ms. Rossellini has a popular CSA and raises endangered breeds of farm animals.

David Wallace-Wells - "The Uninhabitable Earth"

Kevin Gallagher — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0500

My guest on this “Digging in the Dirt” is the Climate Columnist for the New York Magazine and a best selling author of the book The Uninhabitable Earth. David gives us an assessment of what is happening on the planet Earth largely do to the industrial revolution and the massive carbon emissions it has unleashed. David then attempts to provide us with some possible futures for the climate of the planet and mankind's ability to continue living in an environment that we are radically and possibly fatally remaking.

David Pogue - Author How to prepare for climate change

Kevin Gallagher — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0500

My guest today is Author David Pogue. David talks to me about his new book "How to prepare for climate change." A practical guide to surviving the chaos. It is a practical and comprehensive guide to surviving what could be the greatest disaster of our time. David is a New York Times bestselling self-help author and CBS Sunday Morning science and technology correspondent .

Bill Weir - CNN Anchor Author of "Life as We Know It (Can Be)"

Kevin Gallagher — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0500

My guest is Bill Weir. Bill is a CNN anchor and Chief Climate Correspondent and he is host and executive producer of the acclaimed CNN Original Series "The Wonder List with Bill Weir." Now Bill is the author of a wonderful new Book entitled "Life as We Know It (Can Be) Stories of People, Climate, and Hope in a Changing World."

Dr. Elizabeth Sawin -Director of Multisolving Institute.

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:44:31 -0400

Dr. Sawin is an expert on multisolving, actions that address equity, climate change health, well-being, and economic vitality as integrated issues. She developed the concept after studying bright spots around the world where people created systems change by building connections across silos. In 2021, Beth founded Multisolving Institute to share this research and to develop tools tailored for multisolving.

Doug Tallamy - Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation 2021

Kevin Gallagher — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0400

Doug Tallamy is a professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware and a NY Times best selling author.
He Has written Three books..... the critically acclaimed Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants. The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden and his latest Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard. I find this book to be A great optimistic look at the issues facing our environment and a positive way to get ourselves as a species back on track one yard, one community at a time.

Digging in the Dirt The Real Organic Project, The Pollinator Pathway and Rewild Long Island

Kevin Gallagher — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:10:00 -0400

My guests this show are Lindley Dixon of the Real Organic Project. Linley serves as a Farmer representative and Co-Director of the Real Organic Project. Then Louise Washer a founder of the Pollinator Pathway joins me to tell us the latest news on the neonicotinoid pesticides problem Finally Gloria Frazee of Rewild Long Island makes her monthly visit to talk about….Rewilds fall programs and how long Islanders can get involved in community composting and planting pollinator friendly native plants.

Jeff Masters (Hurricane Expert, Yale Climate Connection), Kaitlyn Kimball (Director of Agriculture for Cityseed, New Haven), James Blanchfield (Wilton, Connecticut Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director)

Kevin Gallagher — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 21:01:49 -0400

This week on Digging in the Dirt, it's all about heavy weather. The first of Kevin Gallaghers three guests will be Yale Climate Connection meteorologist, and hurricane expert, Jeff Masters who will review how hurricane Helene became so devastating. Next up is farmer Kaitlyn Kimball Director of agriculture for Cityseed in New Haven. She weighs in on the recent heavy flooding affecting Connecticut small farmers. Then Wilton, Connecticut fire chief and emergency management Director James Blanchfield gives us some tips on what you should do if you and your car get stuck in swift running floodwaters.

John Feldman - Filmmaker "Regenerating Life" Documentary

Kevin Gallagher — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 13:06:00 -0400

My guest today joins me for a 2nd time here on “DITD”. He is filmmaker John Feldman. I first met John when I discovered his film Symbiotic Earth about the renowned , unknown to the public, scientist Lynn Margulis. A wonderful film. Now he is out with his latest film. “Regenerating Life”. A three part documentary that highlights the importance of biodiversity and natural ecosystems in regulating the climate. The poem that follows, "Mama Nature," is written and performed by Naima Penniman

Rana Foroohar - Author / Associate Editor at the Financial Times

Kevin Gallagher — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400

My guest on this show is Rana Foroohar an American author, associate editor at the Financial Times and CNN's global economic analyst. We will be discussing her newest book Homecoming: The Path to Prosperity in a Post-Global World and her short film of the same title. Ms. Foroohar contends that unregulated globalization has produced serious negative consequences for society. That While globalization has made the planet wealthier as a whole, that wealth has been concentrated largely at the very top, among financial and managerial elites who own the most assets.

Denise Baden - Author "Habitat Man" The power of positive climate narratives.

Kevin Gallagher — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400

My guest is Denise Baden, a Professor of Sustainable Business within Southampton Business School at the University of Southampton in Britain. Denise set up the Green Stories Project which includes free writing competitions that encourage storytellers to embed climate solutions into stories aimed at mainstream readers across a variety of formats. She believes that solution-focused stories were more likely to inspire pro-environmental behavior. Prof. Baden is also on the Forbes list of Climate Leaders. There are links below.

Jeff Masters Meteorologist - Atmospheric rivers

Kevin Gallagher — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 13:00:00 -0400

I welcome back to DITD Jeff Masters of the Yale Climate Connection. Jeff, worked as a hurricane scientist with the NOAA Hurricane Hunters from 1986-1990. He has a Ph.D. in air pollution meteorology from the University of Michigan. In 1995, he co-founded the Weather Underground weather channel. On Monday Jan 22nd , a relatively weak atmospheric river, along with favorable winds in the mid-to-upper atmosphere, combined to deliver a deluge to San Diego, with the city seeing 2.73 inches of rainfall in a very short amount of time causing major flooding and destruction of property. Now California is being slammed up and down the coast in the same manner. What's going on?

Jeff Masters Meteorologist Yale Climate Connection 2024

Kevin Gallagher — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:00:00 -0400

I welcome back to DITD Jeff Masters of the Yale Climate Connection.
Jeff Masters, worked as a hurricane scientist with the NOAA Hurricane Hunters from 1986-1990. He has a Ph.D. in air pollution meteorology from the University of Michigan.
In 1995, he co-founded the Weather Underground weather channel. He also was creator of the Category 6 blog, one of the Internet's most popular and widely quoted sources of extreme weather and climate change. What with all this worrisome heat and rain and extreme weather we’ve been experiencing, I thought it would be a good time to check in with Jeff.

Clare Maloney - Ft. Myers Florida 3 years after Hurricane Ian

Kevin Gallagher — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 17:01:00 -0400

My guest today is someone special to me. It's my youngest sister Clare. In light of what's going on in Los Angeles with the horrific destruction by the wind driven fires and what a monumental task of rebuilding will be. I thought what she has to say about her recent experience in Ft. Myers Florida would be interesting to you. What she experienced during her vacation was not what she had expected.

Craig Floyd - The Craig Floyd Giving Garden at Coogan Farm

Kevin Gallagher — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:38:00 -0400

My guest now is Craig Floyd. Craig has been here on DITD several times before. I always like talking with Craig, because of his incredible knowledge of regenerative and organic growing, his work ethic and empathy for those who have less than the rest of us. Craig is retiring from running the Giving Garden in Stonington CT., which grows tons of wholesome food and gives it away.

Lori Cochran-Dougall Director of the Westport Farmers Market and Kaitlyn Kimbal Agriculture Director Cityseed, New Haven CT.

Kevin Gallagher — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 10:05:00 -0400

Lori Cochran-Dougall Director of the Westport Farmers Market and Kaitlyn Kimbal Agriculture Director Cityseed, New Haven CT. join me to about farmers markets in the area, specifically the Westport Farmers market. Then Samantha Jo, Project Manager of Rewild Long Island, joins me to tell you about their upcoming Sustainable Garden Design online work shop.

Carl Safina Author - Alfie & Me: What owls know, What humans believe.

Kevin Gallagher — Sat, 07 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0400

Returning for the third time to “Digging in the Dirt” is my guest Dr. Carl Safina the endowed chair for Nature and Humanity at Stony Brook University and a MacArthur “genius fellowship" award winning ecologist and founder of the Safina Center and now author of a wonderful new book called "Alfie and me" - What owls know, what humans believe.

Carl Safina - Author of "Owls in our yard"

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 10:49:00 -0400

I'd like to welcome back Dr. Carl Safina from the Safina Center to Digging in the dirt. Carl has taken the story of his previous book "Alfie and Me" to another level and created a picture book for children called "Owls in our yard" !
Carl is a good friend of Digging in the Dirt and WPKN radio. Dr. Safina is the endowed chair for Nature and Humanity at Stony Brook University. A MacArthur “genius fellowship" winning ecologist and founder of the Safina Center.

Carl Safina Safina Center -A Lifelong Conversation with the Living World

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0400

My next guest here on Digging in the Dirt is making his 2nd visit to talk to us about an upcoming event he is participating in on August 27th in Sag harbor. A Lifelong Conversation with the Living World in Words and Birds and Music where the urgency of life on Earth will be
Expressed through various art forms. With a very intriguing group of guest speakers I believe the program is led by The performance artist Laurie Anderson, Grammy-winner Paul Winter a friend of ours here at WPKN will be there, noted nature writer and poet J. Drew Lanham (Sparrow Envy), and my guest Carl Safina.

Ryland Engelhart Exec. Director Kiss the Ground 2021

Kevin Gallagher — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 15:00:00 -0400

Ryland is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Kiss the Ground. Kiss the Ground has become a premier online educational hub for regenerative agriculture, Now, a new feature Documentary called Kiss the Earth has premiered on Netflix. Narrated by Woody Harrelson, the film parallels The Kiss the ground Organizations mission to awaken people to the possibilities of regenerating our planets environment by taking care of the soil. Ryland is here to talk about it.

Lynn Stoddard - Executive Director Sustainable CT 2024

Kevin Gallagher — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:23:00 -0400

My guest this afternoon on “Digging in the Dirt Is the Executive Director of Sustainable CT Lynn Stoddard. Sustainable CT is a free, dynamic voluntary certification program that inspires, supports, and accelerates actions to help Connecticut communities thrive.
Lynn has more than 20 years of experience in developing and implementing sustainability programs. Her Expertise is in climate change and energy, energy efficiency, environmental land use planning, recycling, waste management, sustainable farming and local food systems, and environmental policy. I invited Lynn here today because I saw that Sustainable CT. has announced the Sustainable CT 2023 Awards and Celebration.

Paul Greenberg - Author Four Fish & The Climate Diet

Kevin Gallagher — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0400

My guest on this Digging in the Dirt is Paul Greenberg. Paul writes at the intersection of the environment and technology, seeking to help his readers escape screens and find emotional and ecological balance with their planet. He is the author of the James Beard Award-winning bestseller Four Fish and the books American Catch and The Climate Diet: 50 Simple Ways to Trim Your Carbon Footprint. He is a regular contributor to The New York Times and currently hosts the podcast Fish Talk.

Professor Naomi Oreskes on Climate change Disinformation 2020

Kevin Gallagher — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0400

My guest today on Digging in the Dirt is Naomi Oreskes a Professor of the History of Science, at Harvard and the author of many books, most notably Merchants of doubt and Why trust science?
Professor Oreskes is one of the leading critics of Exxon and the oil and gas industry in general as they conduct what she says is their decades old campaign to finance Climate change denialism and thwart any attempts to address the climate crisis the world now faces. The professor recently appeared before the US Congress twice testifying on the practices of the Oil & gas industry and In 2014, Oreskes had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis at a special meeting at the Vatican on climate change and sustainability, and in 2015 wrote the introduction to the Melville House edition of the Papal Encyclical on Climate Change and Inequality, Laudato Si’.

Prof. Naomi Oreskes - Author "The Big Myth:

Kevin Gallagher — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 13:16:00 -0400

My guest today on DITD is Professor Naomi Oreskes who along with her colleague Erik Conway are bestselling authors of the book Merchants of Doubt…about the machinations of the fossil fuel industry, and now they have a new tome called the “The Big Myth” which is a startling history of one of America's most tenacious--and destructive--false ideas: the myth of the "free market."

Leah Penniman Author - Black Earth Wisdom 2024

Kevin Gallagher — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:48:00 -0400

Leah Penniman, author of Farming While Black and co-founder of Soul Fire Farm. She is a Black Kreyol farmer, author, mother, and food justice activist who has been tending the soil and organizing for an anti-racist food system for 25 years.
Leah returns to DITD to talk to me about her new book that is called Black Earth Wisdom - soulful conversations with black environmentalists. It’s been said that Leah weaves together the lessons from today’s most respected Black environmentalists, those who have cultivated the skill of listening to the lessons that Earth has whispered to them.

Edwina Von Gal - 2 Thirds For The Birds - from the Perfect Earth Project 2024

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 14:52:00 -0400

My guest on this segment of DITD today is Edwina Von Gal. In 2013 she founded the Perfect Earth Project. Promoting toxic-free lawns and landscapes for the health of people, their pets, and the planet. Edwina is here today to talk to me about her latest project. “ 2/3s for the birds.” Its an initiative launched by this environmental activist her nonprofit to help us move toward Healthy Landscapes, Healthy Birds, Healthy Us.

Chuck Collins of ClimateCriminals.org

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 10:09:16 -0400

Climate accountability

What Your Food Ate - Authors Anne Bickle and David Montgomery 2023

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0400

My guests on this segment are Anne Biklé and David R. Montgomery Authors of a new book entitled "What Your Food ate: How to Heal Our Land and Reclaim Our Health. Far too many of us remain poorly nourished despite eating more than enough food.
It's your premise that the soil health is so poor that the food is not nutritious. Something that modern nutritional analysis overlooks are things like phytochemicals, micro minerals and other nutrients. My guests explain why and what we should do to address the problem.

Mike Nadeau Sustainable, organic, ethical land care 2024

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 15:00:00 -0400

I'm here with the winner of the 5th annual Bill Duesing Organic Living on the Earth Award, Michael Nadeau. Michael is one of the leading authorities in the field of sustainable organic and ethical land care strategies in the United States. He is sought after for creating attractive sustainable and restorative environments using organic practices that respect the ecology of the property and reflect the philosophy of the client. Michael’s organic and sustainable holistic land care approach carefully maximizes wildlife habitat with specific plantings and techniques, improving the overall health of land, water, and wildlife. He is a co-founder of CT NOFA’s Organic Land Care program and owner of a organic land care consulting business.
www.michaelnadeau.org/

Half-Earth Socialism - Authors Troy Vettese & Drew Pendergrass

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 15:00:00 -0400

My guests on this episode of Digging in the Dirt are The authors Troy Vettese and Drew Pendergrass who have written a new book entitled Half - Earth Socialism: A Plan to Save the Future from Extinction, Climate Change and Pandemics. We discuss what the issues are that face the planet and humanity and how we are going to deal with the very real crises that are coming our way.
Troy Vettese is an environmental historian who specializes in environmental economics, animal studies, and energy history. Troy writes on a wide array of environmental topics for a popular audience, and has had essays published in the Guardian, Boston Review and the New Statesman, among others. Drew Pendergrass is a PhD student in Environmental Engineering at Harvard University. His current research uses satellite, aircraft and surface observations of the environment to correct supercomputer models of the atmosphere. His environmental writing has been published in Harper’s, the Guardian and Current Affairs.

Ray Nayler Author - The mountain under the sea

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 14:58:00 -0400

Today I have a little something different for DITD. Most who follow me know me as a hardcore environmentalist, but something you may not know is I’m also a big Sci-fi reader. That is why I have author Ray Nayler here today . He has written the critically acclaimed novel THE MOUNTAIN IN THE SEA, that covers a lot bases with me. Winner of the LOCUS AWARD FOR BEST FIRST NOVEL THE MOUNTAIN IN THE SEA was A FINALIST FOR THE LA TIMES BOOK AWARDS', THE RAY BRADBURY PRIZE AND THE NEBULA AWARD.

The Long Island Sound Lobster Trap Project

Kevin Gallagher — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0400

My guests today are all doing great things for the Long Island sound. Dr. Sarah Crosby, who is a marine ecologist trained in
conservation science with extensive experience in coastal and marine ecosystems. Kat Cuzco of the Lobster trap team has worked as a marine science educator at Project Oceanology since 2019. At Project O. She also works on the Lobster Trap Recovery and Assessment Partnership (L-TRAP). Also Bill Lucey, a sound keeper for Save The Sound. We are here to discuss the problem of 10’s of thousands of Abandoned lobster traps in Long Island Sound.

Norwalk Maritime Aquarium

Long Island Sound

Susan Vogel board member of the Norwalk River watershed Association working to restoring riparian buffers

Kevin Gallagher — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 12:29:00 -0400

Today's guest on "Digging in the Dirt" is Susan Vogel. Susan is a board member of the Norwalk River Watershed Association working to restore and expand native habitats along the waterways in her area known as "riparian buffers". She has lived in Connecticut for almost 30 years and currently calls Norwalk home.

Lisa Shanahan - The new Gas Leaf Blower ordinance in Norwalk CT.

Kevin Gallagher — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 09:53:00 -0400

Lisa Shanahan is the President of the Norwalk Land Trust, an organization that provides an important education function to Norwalk along with preserving open spaces. She is Chair of the Ordinance Committee of the Norwalk Common Council. She is here to Tell us, among other developments, about the new Gas Leaf Blower ordinance in Norwalk.

Ellen Montgomery - Director at Environment America 2024

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0400

My guest this episode on DITD will be Ellen Montgomery the Director of the Public Lands Campaign for Environment America. Environment America is Working together with many organizations on a myriad of environmental issues . We be talking about EA's efforts to preserve the U.S ‘s old growth forests from logging because they are one of our best defenses against the warming of the planet.

Kaitlyn Kimball CitySeed Director of agriculture

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0400

I'd like to welcome to Digging in the Dirt, Kaitlyn Kimball Director of agriculture for CitySeed up in New Haven. CitySeed has a mission to create a healthy, sustainable, and just food system for all.” We will be talking about CitySeed's fabulous Farmers Markets.
Kaitlyn is also Owner of Sunset Organic farm in Naugatuck Ct. with Lawrence Passeck . Sunset is a USDA Certified
Organic vegetable and flower farm focused on sustainability and community.

Kaitlyn Kimball Cityseed - Storms Effects On Small Farmers

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Director of Agriculture at CitySeed in New Haven which we talked about on a previous segment which you can hear in our podcasts section if you missed it. Kaitlyn is Owner of Sunset Organic farm in Naugatuck Ct. she is back to talk to me now about some of the issues farmers are facing due to some of this extraordinary weather many of us are experiencing.

Kaitlyn Kimball Farmer at Sunset Organic Farm Naugatuck Ct.

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 11:53:42 -0400

Organic farmer Kaitlyn Kimball is my guest on this show.
Kaitlyn is Owner of Sunset Organic farm in Naugatuck Ct. with her husband Lawrence Passeck. Sunset is a USDA Certified Organic vegetable and flower farm focused on sustainability and community. Kaitlyn is also Director of Agriculture at CitySeed in New Haven. CitySeed has a mission to "create a healthy, sustainable, and just food system for all.”

Hardy Kern American Bird Conservancy "Neonic - The new pesticide"

Kevin Gallagher — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 16:00:00 -0400

My guest is E. Hardy Kern lll, The Director of Government relations pesticides and Birds Campaign for the American Bird Conservancy. Hardy will address “Neonics” Neonicotinoids, the New DDT pesticide and it’s threat to birds. The American Bird Conservancy is a non-profit membership organization with the mission of conserving wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Its focus is on threats to birds in the Western Hemisphere – threats which include overuse of pesticides, urban sprawl, habitat destruction, and invasive species.

Brad Kurtz - Vineyard Director of Gloria Ferrer vineyards

Kevin Gallagher — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 12:17:00 -0400

I'd like you to welcome to Digging in the Dirt Brad Kurtz Vineyard Director of Gloria Ferrer vineyards. Brad has led his winery into becoming a leader in sustainable and regenerative practices within the California sparkling market.
Brad focuses on sustainable agricultural programs and technology to advance wine quality across a broad range of varietals and vineyard sites. Brad is here to talk about all that….. as well the fact that Gloria Ferrer recently was named winner of the California Green medal.

Michael E. Mann author of "The New Climate War" 2021

Kevin Gallagher — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0400

My guest on this edition of "Digging in the Dirt" is Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science at Penn State Michael E. Mann who has come back for his 3rd visit to DITD to talk with me about his new book The New Climate war the Fight to take back our planet. It’s a timely analysis of where we are at in the debate over climate warming and recent current events in our society that are changing the playing field in favor of the planets ecosystem.

Jeff Goodell - The Water will Come - Rising Seas 2018

Kevin Gallagher — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 14:00:00 -0400

If your in your 20's or 30's and you're already thinking about owning a home in a coastal community, you need to listen to my interview with Jeff Goodell, because by the time your ready to retire, living near the water could be radically different than today. Jeff's new book, The "Water will Come, Rising Seas, Sinking cities, and the remaking of the Civilized World," has been described as "A frightening, scientifically grounded, and starkly relevant look at how climate change will affect Coastal cities." The book is full of tales of people dealing with sea rise right now in 2017.

Mark Fulford Innovative farmer and consultant

Kevin Gallagher — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 18:01:00 -0400

My guest on this edition of "Digging in the Dirt" is world known Innovative farmer and Consultant Mark Fulford. Mark has traveled the world to learn more about age old practices of farming that he brings back to his farm in Maine and shares with anyone who wants to listen. Check out the wisdom of Mark Fulford on "Digging in the Dirt"

Dina Brewster - Farmer at the Hickories & Former Exec. Dir. Ct. NOFA 2021

Kevin Gallagher — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 07:40:00 -0400

My guest today on Digging in the Dirt is Dina Brewster. Dina was the Executive Director of The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut (CT NOFA), she owns The Hickories a one acre vegetable garden and has overseen the development of new products and new acreage as the family business has grown. Committed to connecting people with working land, Dina chose to return to her family's farm in Ridgefield and start the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program, one that still exists as the backbone of the farm's business plan.

Nicholas Money - The Selfish Ape Human nature and our path to extinction.

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 17:58:00 -0400

My next guest on DITD is Nicholas Money. NIK is is a gentleman of letters, mycologist, and professor at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He most recently authored the book “The Selfish Ape: Human Nature and Our Path to Extinction. The selfish Ape explores human genetics, reproduction, brain function, and aging,... viewing man as a brilliantly inventive, yet a very self-destructive animal. This is a book about human biology, the intertwined characteristics of human greatness and failure and the way that we have plundered the biosphere.

Soil Foodweb. Inc - Elaine Ingham- Executive Director

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 17:56:00 -0400

World-renowned leader in soil microbiology, Dr. Elaine Ingham joins Kevin to discuss the Soil Foodweb. . Dr Ingham is founder, president, and director of research for Soil Foodweb. Elaine has dedicated her career to exploring the organisms which make up the soil food web, with the goal of translating this knowledge into practical actions that ensure a healthy ecosystem that promotes plant growth and reduces reliance on inorganic chemicals.

"The Need To Grow" Documentary Filmmaker Rob Herring 2020

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 17:53:00 -0400

My guest on this episode of Digging in the Dirt is Director Rob Herring who along with Ryan Wirick Directed wrote and produced the film “The Need to Grow” which lays out the many issues of modern industrial farming and what it will take to change over to a more sustainable, regenerative system of growing our food.

Mark Cohen Regenerative Farmer, Organic Inspector

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 17:50:00 -0400

My guest on this segment of DITD is Organic Certification Inspector, ethnobotanist and educator, Mark Cohen....... Mark, lives in Southern Ohio at Far Valley Farm a 30 year old intentional community he helped co-found....... he grows a wide range of crops, seeds,honey, mushrooms and medicinals. Mark also founded the agroforestry Research in Belize where he lived for 25 winters, practicing and teaching tropical permaculture. Mark not only is an expert in these areas he lives it.

Sean Sublette - Meteorologist Climate Central / Climate Matters 2019

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 17:48:00 -0400

Research shows that meteorologists are trusted messengers on climate change. The majority of weather people understand that climate change is real and that the science of climate change needs to be communicated to the public. To my mind, there seems to be a dearth of reporting on our climate crisis on the drive time news and Climate Central is one organization out to change that. My guest Sean Sublette is an award-winning meteorologist working at Climate Central on their Climate Matters program, bringing 19 years of experience as a broadcast meteorologist. Climate Central is an independent organization of leading scientists and journalists researching and reporting the facts about our changing climate and its impact on the public.

The Real Organic Project - Dave Chapman Farmer Activist 2020

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 17:43:00 -0400

Dave Chapman runs Long Wind Farm in Vermont and is a Co-Director of the Real Organic Project. He is a founding member of the Vermont Organic Farmers. He has been active in the movement to Keep The Soil In Organic. He is proud to be a current member of the Policy Committee of the Organic Farmers Association. He served on the USDA Hydroponic Task Force.

Mary Swander Author, Dramatist 2023

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0400

My guest today is Mary Swander is an Author, Dramatist, Performer, Speaker, Teacher. An emerita Distinguished Professor of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Swander taught creative writing for thirty years at Iowa State University and She is the Executive Director of AgArts, a nonprofit designed to imagine and promote healthy food systems through the arts. She is here to talk to me about the many projects that keep her busy.

"Farming while Black" Leah Penniman - Digging in the Dirt

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 14:01:00 -0400

My guest on this ‘Digging in the dirt’ is Leah Penniman a Farmer and Co -Director and Program Manager of Soul Fire farm in upstate New York is author of the new book “Farming while Black”. A comprehensive “how to” guide that is specifically aimed at African-heritage growers seeking healthy food independence and reclaiming their place in American Agriculture.
Karen Washington founder of the Garden of Happiness in the Bronx and the national organization of Black Urban Growers, says
'Farming while Black' encourages us to reach for greatest and settle for nothing less. Know your history. Share and tell our stories. Pay respect and honor our elders. Pass on the gift of knowledge and fortitude to our youth. Find strength in family and community, but above all love one another, love the Earth, and be true to one’s self.

Victor DeMasi- The pollinator Squad -Butterflies and Bees

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 14:00:00 -0400

My guest on this segment of DITD is Victor DeMasi. Victor is a self described citizen scientist. Victor was a wetland conservation officer in his hometown of Redding CT for 20 years and is presently a curatorial affiliate at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History in New Haven. He busies himself with preserving open space in town and preserving butterflies in the museum. His field work with butterflies contributed almost a thousand citations to the recently published Connecticut Butterfly Atlas. He has contributed articles to scientific publications and his mark-recapture studies with Swallowtail butterflies was recently cited in the book Swallowtails of the Americas.

Symbiotic Earth - A Film by Director John Feldman

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 14:00:00 -0400

My guest on Digging in the Dirt is Filmmaker and passionate naturalist John Feldman. John has a wonderful documentary entitled Symbiotic Earth, "How Lynn Margulis rocked the boat and started a scientific revolution." Symbiotic Earth is about the maverick scientist Lynn Margulis, where John combines his lifelong passions for film making and the natural sciences. This is a deep film, touching on a lot of subjects that our species and planet is dealing with today. Lot's of food for thought.

Michael Astera Author "The ideal Soil" 2020

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 14:00:00 -0400

My guest on this epiisode of "Digging in the Dirt" is Michael Astera, author of “The Ideal Soil: and small businessman in the business of providing Agricola 4-8-4, a top quality Mineralized organic fertilizer with an array of minerals, minerals and more minerals. Listen in to really tweak the quality of your soil and grow quality vegetables. www.soilminerals.com/

The Soil Health Academy - Ray Archuleta Digging in the Dirt

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Kevin's guest this episode is Ray Archuleta, a retired Soil Health Specialist and Conservation Agronomist with the USDA. He has recently co-founded "The Soil Academy" to teach Biomimicry strategies and Agroecology principles for improving soil function on a national scale.

Dr. Alexander "Sande" Beddoe - Reams Biological Theory of Ionization 2019

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 13:52:00 -0400

My guest on this program is Dr. Sande Beddoe A leading authority on Dr. Carey A. Reams' Biological Theory of Ionization and how it applies to soil, plant, animal and human nutrition. Whether you grow veggies for fun or are a corporate agricultural operation covering thousands of acres, you can have a part in changing the health of the world, if you understand how to grow the highest quality (brix content) food possible. And whether you are a mother feeding a family or a health professional analyzing the lifestyle and wellness of thousands of clients or patients, the Reams' Biological Theory of Ionization provides the only way to truly understand the cause and effect behind those illusive health challenges we refer to as dis-ease.

Dan Kittredge Executive Director Bionutrient Food Association 9-17-2019

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 13:50:00 -0400

My next guest has been here many times before. He is Dan Kittredge. Dan is a Farmer, founder and Executive Director of the Bionutrient Food . Dan is here to talk about what's going with on with the BFA's "Real Food Campaign" and the their upcoming annual Soil and Nutrition conference in November.

Bryan O'Hara - Farmer, Author No -Till intensive Vegetable Culture

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 13:48:00 -0400

My next guest on Digging in the Dirt has been here before. Bryan is a master vegetable Farmer. Bryan and I cross paths at various conferences now and then and I have gotten to know what high regard Bryans knowledge of growing is held in. .
Bryan O’Hara has been growing vegetables on his Connecticut farm, Tobacco Road for over 25 years. He speaks throughout the Northeast on vegetable production techniques and is known for providing “mountains of details in a concise, practical, and cohesive manner.” His farm produces high quality, nutrient-dense food using no pesticides and working with nature as much as possible in a close relationship. With an intensive focus on building the health of the soil, he employs no-till natural farming methods and now he's written it all down for you in his new book/manual entitled. No-till intensive vegetable Culture... Pesticide-Free methods for restoring soil and growing Nutrient-Rich High yielding Crops. His book is an exhaustively comprehensive manual on how to grow vegetables.

Seed: The untold story - Director Jon Betz

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 13:44:00 -0400

Kevin is joined by Jon Betz of Collective Mind Films, to talk about his gorgeous, maddening new film Seed: The Untold Story. Here is what the directors, Taggert Siegel and Jon have to say about their new effort.
"For years, we have passionately made films that reveal our deep connection to nature and our food. The Real Dirt on Farmer John (2005), tells the story of a maverick farmer who saves his family farm against all odds. Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us? (2010) investigates the mysterious colony collapse disorder ravaging honeybees around the world. Our latest film, SEED: The Untold Story began with an article in National Geographic reported that up to 96% of the vegetable seeds available in 1903 have disappeared. Within moments we knew that was our next film. The speed and scope of this loss is staggering, and its implications for our future are stark.... As we filmed seed savers, farmers, scientists and indigenous communities for SEED, we were struck by how little their voices are heard. SEED presents audiences with a hidden fabric of our food, the people that painstakingly and meticulously curate the diversity of our food. The film charts a David and Goliath battle as these marginalized people fight the large corporate power of chemical companies that now control the majority of our food.

"Epic Tomatoes" Craig LeHoullier - Author 2019

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 13:41:00 -0400

I was very pleased to have Craig LeHoullier as my guest here on "Digging in the Dirt". Craig is one of the best tomato growers and seed savers in the country, having gone so far as to give the heirloom tomato, Cherokee Purple it's name and write a couple of books, one of which is the fabulous “Epic Tomatoes” It's a great resource book for any level grower. Join two tomato fanatics as we talk about summers culinary delight, HOME GROWN, Tomatoes.

Compostable Bioplastics with Dan Martens V.P, of Novamont North America

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 13:40:00 -0400

Diggng in the Dirt" Monday Feb 10th at 5 pm, My In studio guest on Digging in the Dirt will be Dan Martens Vice President of Novamont North America. He is a Board Member on the Council of Canadian Composters, Board Member Biodegradable Products institute, Advisory Board Member 5-year USDA SCRI Compostable Product in Soil Study, Winner Innovation of Bioplastics Award 2019 and something he is most proud of, he holds a UConn Master Composter Certificate. Novamont is a maker of bulk compostable Bio Plastics among other products. These materials are turned into all kinds of eco-friendly products such as compostable produce bags for your veggies.

Ungardening Native Plants - Aubree Keurajian 2021

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 13:38:00 -0400

Aubree Keurajian Aubree is an ecologist from central Connecticut, and the founder of Ungardening Native Plants, a small scale nursery and yard consultation service working to make the tools and ideas of ecological restoration accessible to all. She has a bachelor's degree in Systems Ecology from Cornell University, and worked in the public, private, and academic sectors doing ecological research and environmental restoration before founding "Ungardening".

Robin L. Avant Author The Spirit of Gardening

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 13:35:00 -0400

My guest on this DITD is author Robin l. Avant a local lady who lives here in Bridgeport and is Academic Dean at Housatonic Community College. Robin is an enthusiastic gardener. So much so, she has written a lovely, personal book called “The spirit of Gardening” Gardening for new Bees, the life revealed through gardening.

Kami McBride - The Herbal Kitchen 2021

Kevin Gallagher — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 13:33:00 -0400

My guest on this segment of Digging in the Dirt is Kami McBride. Kami is a clinical herbalist and the author of The Herbal Kitchen detailing uses for 50 Easy-To-Find Common Herbs and with over 250 Recipes. For at least 25 years she has been teaching people to grow and use herbs in their daily lives for every day common ailments.

Harry Hanson Gloria Ferrer wine maker 2024

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 14:43:00 -0400

My guest today is Harry Hansen. Mr. Hansen is Director of Winemaking for Gloria Ferrer Winery. He has worked 30 plus years in the California wine industry, making many fine sparkling and still wines. Gloria Ferrer was the first Sparkling Winery in Carneros, Sonoma. We talk about organic and regenerative wine making practices amongst other subjects.

Louise Washer Of the Pollinator Pathway banning Neonicotinoids 2023

Kevin Gallagher — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 14:33:00 -0400

My guest today is Louise Washer returning to Digging in the Dirt because she is doing great work for us here in the state of CT. and for our planet. Louise Washer serves on the board of the Pollinator Pathway, a grassroots movement she helped create in 2017, in Wilton, CT and which has since spread to over 325 communities across 11 states. The PP helps give pollinators of all kinds habitats to thrive in. She also serves as president of the Norwalk River Watershed Association, as a member of the Norwalk Mayor’s Water Quality Committee, and on the steering committee of the Hudson-to-Housatonic Regional Conservation Partnership known as (H2H).

Park City Harvest - Grow to Eat w/ Richard Myers & Shawn Joseph

Kevin Gallagher — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 14:36:00 -0400

My guests this show are two local Bridgeport residents doing good things on their Urban farm called Park City Harvest. Richard Myers & Shawn Joseph just self published a new book entitled "Grow to Eat" - A vegetable Growing Guide and Cookbook.

Mark Haubner the President of the North Fork Environmental Council, Kris Liem, master gardener Eastern Long Island Surfriders, Ocean Friendly Gardens Committee, Rewild Long Islands Gloria Frazee, The Director of Government relations, pesticides and Birds Campaign for the American Bird Conservancy E. Hardy Kern lll

Kevin Gallagher — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 11:55:00 -0400

This episode of "Digging in the Dirt". my guests will be Mark Haubner the President of the North Fork Environmental Council on Long Island who is working closely now with Biodiversity for a Livable Climate. Mark talks to me about several projects and events coming up on the North Fork of Long Island. Then, I speak with Kris Liem, master gardener who works with the Eastern Long Island Surfriders, Ocean Friendly Gardens Committee. We will discuss Bio swales. Then my monthly contributor from Rewild Long Island Gloria Frazee joins me to talk composting your pumpkins after Halloween and finally E. Hardy Kern lll, The Director of Government relations, pesticides and Birds Campaign for the American Bird Conservancy explains the new 10 million acreage campaign to help protect our birds…

Woody Tasch "Call To Farms" - Beet Coin/Slow Money

Kevin Gallagher — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 15:32:00 -0400

My guest Woody Tasch makes his 2nd visit . I recommend going to the WPKN archives to hear our 1st conversation to get a more detailed look at what Woody is up to. Today he is here to talk about The Slow money Institute and Beetcoin's upcoming Zoom roundtable about their project .. Entitled “Call to farms” . Woody will be joined by a group of leading farmers and financiers for a roundtable discussion celebrating the print release of a Call To Farms: sub titled Some Thoughts on Food, Money and Nonviolence in Honor of Wendell Berry, in tandem with the launch of the Beetcoin 2.0 website.

Dani Baker Author - The Home-scale Forest Garden

Kevin Gallagher — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 15:41:00 -0400

My guest today on DITD is the author of the new book entitled
The Home-Scale Forest Garden - How to Plan, Plant, and Tend a Resilient Edible Landscape
"Working with the natural world in our gardens has never been more important with the challenges we now face through climate change. Forest gardening offers hope, inspiration, and solutions for the future, and Dani Baker shows gardeners how to embrace this important method on a smaller scale to build resilience and create a low maintenance edible haven with this accessible guide." That was written by Kim Stoddart, editor of The Organic Way magazine