We are gradually losing our soil, and along with that our rural economies. If we don’t change, suddenly we WILL lose everything. And we’ll no longer be able to nourish ourselves or sustain our American rural way of life. Renewal is possible through Regenerative Agriculture. The restoration of soil and nature. And the revitalization of rural economies. At the grassroots, there are many determined folks who are making this revitalization happen, many who have worked decades, relegated away to relative darkness. Not doing it for fame or fortune, but because they knew changes in our food system were necessary for our collective health and future. These are the stories of the Regenerative Renegades. In this podcast, host and regenerative agriculture expert Matt Maier talks to these passionate, resilient people as they share their stories of trial, hope, and triumph. Are you a Regenerative Renegade? We hope you’ll join us. The opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of Thousand Hills as a presenting partner.
Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin: The Foundation of Regenerative Agriculture
Before we can regenerate our soil, regenerate our farms, or regenerate our food system, we must first regenerate ourselves. In this deeply personal and philosophical conversation, Regenerative Renegades host Matt Maier sits down with Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, regenerative agriculture pioneer, founder of the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance, CEO of Tree-Range Farms, and one of the leading voices advancing regenerative food systems rooted in ecological function, community well-being, and Indigenous wisdom. Drawing from his journey from Guatemala to Minnesota, Reginaldo shares how freedom, purpose, gratitude, and stewardship shaped his life and work. Together, Matt and Reginaldo explore the invisible forces that keep us from becoming our fullest selves and discuss why true regeneration begins within. Along the way, Reginaldo reveals why he believes regenerative agriculture is not a set of practices, but the natural outcome of a regenerative way of being. This thought-provoking conversation challenges conventional thinking about farming, success, and what it means to live in harmony with the land. This episode lays the foundation for a future conversation on regenerative production systems and Reginaldo's bold vision for feeding and nourishing the world. "Land practices are the result of regenerative living, not the source of it."
Aaron Ehalt: Grilling, Grass Fed Beef & the Mindset Shift That Changed Everything
On this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier sits down with Aaron Ehalt to explore the connection between food, health, and one of Matt’s favorite topics—grilling! From a diet built on convenience foods to one centered around grass fed beef and whole ingredients, Aaron shares how small, intentional shifts led to major improvements in how he feels, and how he now inspires others to do the same. The conversation covers everything from grilling confidence to seed oils, nutrient density, and why simplicity often wins in the kitchen. Then, they step outside to the grill — cooking a flank steak and ribeye over open flame and putting these principles into practice. If that all sounds and you would like to see Aaron’s mastery of the charcoal grill, visit our YouTube channel and select Podcasts.
John Ritter: Tribulations, Faith, and the Rise of Rise Up Country
John Ritter's story is one of relentless resilience, faith, and starting over again and again. On this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host and Chief Renegade Matt Maier sits down with John, creator and host of Rise Up Country, a nationally syndicated radio show heard on over 240 stations across America. From being given just two weeks to live as a child to building a career that has touched millions, John's life is a testament to perseverance and purpose. His journey has taken him from painting houses and playing small gigs to performing in casinos, writing hit songs, and ultimately creating a show centered on faith, relationships, and real human stories. Along the way, he's lost everything more than once and rebuilt from the ground up each time—guided by conviction, grit, and a refusal to quit. In this conversation, Matt and John explore what it takes to keep going when there's no safety net, how faith can reshape a life and a relationship, and why the most powerful stories are the ones rooted in struggle, redemption, and hope. It's a raw and inspiring look at what happens when you choose to follow through—no matter how many times you have to start over.
Tommy Jensen: The Evolution of Nutrition in College Athletics
What if the future of elite performance comes down to what’s on your plate? On this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier sits down with University of Minnesota Assistant Athletic Director of Sports Nutrition, Tommy Jensen, for a fast-moving conversation on how nutrition is becoming a competitive edge in modern athletics. Tommy shares his journey, the rising expectations of today’s athletes, and why individualized nutrition, supplements, sustainability, and even AI are reshaping college sports. A powerful, insightful return episode you won’t want to miss.
Scott Davis: The Art of Cooking with Intention
What if the most satisfying meals don't start in the kitchen, but rather in fields and pastures? In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier joins chef and distiller and executive chef Scott Davis in the kitchen for a hands-on conversation about food, flavor, regenerative agriculture, and community-driven food systems. As Scott cooks, they explore his unexpected journey into the Minneapolis culinary world, the evolution of 45th Parallel Spirits, and why sourcing locally and cooking with intention leads to meals that truly nourish both people and the land.
Allison Hohn: Driving Food Innovation Through Connections and Collaboration
In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier talks with Allison Hohn, Executive Director of Naturally Minnesota, about her food industry journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Drawing on her experience in food science, product development, and R&D at companies like Land O’Lakes and Target, Allison shares the challenges of bringing new food products to market and the importance of collaboration and community engagement for entrepreneurs. She also highlights Minnesota’s unique position as a food hub, the rise of consumer health consciousness, and the growing focus on transparency, trust, and nutrient density—offering insights into how innovation, storytelling, and relationships are shaping the future of food.
Todd Lein: Lessons from Two Decades in Regenerative Agriculture
In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier sits down with Todd Lein, Thousand Hills’ first employee and longest-tenured team member, to reflect on more than 22 years of regenerative agriculture in action. Todd shares an inside look at the early days of Thousand Hills and the challenges of championing grass fed beef long before it was mainstream. He and Matt also discuss the evolution of regenerative farming practices, the role of conservation and community, and why a strong land ethic remains foundational to the company’s mission. Through personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and a forward-looking perspective, Todd offers insight into what it takes to build a values-driven food system—and where regenerative agriculture is headed next.
Jessica Wright and Scott Dicker: Informing Wellness Trends and Conscious Consumption
In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier sits down with SPINS leaders Jessica Wright, Vice President of Product Intelligence at SPINS, and Scott Dicker, Director of Market Insights at SPINS. SPINS is an industry-leading data and product intelligence company that connects shopper values to product innovation across the natural, organic, and wellness marketplace. Together, they break down what SPINS' real-time retail data reveals about today's conscious consumers— from rising demand for transparency and sustainability to the growth of global flavors, functional ingredients like mushrooms and tallow, and nutrient-dense protein sources. They also explore how personalized health data is reshaping purchasing decisions and driving more aligned, values-forward innovation.
Dan Kittredge: Connecting Soil Health to Human Health
In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, guest host Melissa Larsen—an expert in nutrition and public health—engages Dan Kittredge in an enlightening discussion about improving nutrient value in our food system. Dan, the founder of the BioNutrient Food Association, shares his journey from organic farming to championing soil health and nutrient density in food. Together, they explore the global impact of nutritional deficiencies, innovative tools for measuring nutrient density, and the power of community-driven initiatives. Dan emphasizes the need for a universal definition of nutrient density and how regenerative agriculture can help combat chronic disease and improve overall health.
Finian Makepeace: The Power of Each Additional Person in the Regenerative Agriculture Movement
Join Matt Maier, host of Regenerative Renegades, in a conversation with Finian Makepeace — co-founder of Kiss the Ground, producer of the acclaimed films Kiss the Ground and Common Ground, and partner at The Ryzosphere. They explore Finian’s journey from touring musician and activist to one of the most compelling voices in the regenerative agriculture movement. Together, they discuss the power of storytelling, the importance of “second people” in building movements, and how regeneration offers real, hopeful solutions to our most pressing environmental and societal challenges.
Thomas Schroeder: How Connection Creates Conservation
In Part 2, Thomas Schroeder, Senior Partnerships Manager for Audubon Conservation Ranching, returns to discuss how Audubon’s work with ranchers and producers is helping biodiversity take flight. This episode explores the power of connection, curiosity, and conservation in the regenerative movement.
Thomas Schroeder: Bringing Birds Back to the Land
In this two-part series, Thomas Schroeder, Senior Partnerships Manager for Audubon Conservation Ranching, joins host Matt Maier to discuss how ranchers and conservationists are teaming up to restore grassland ecosystems and protect declining bird populations. From his background as a chef to his work in regenerative agriculture, Thomas highlights the deep connection between food, land, and community—and how stewardship can help both people and wildlife thrive. Don’t miss Part 2, releasing November 10th!
Kevin Ouzts: The Necessity of Honest Food
Join Matt Maier, host of Regenerative Renegades, in a conversation with Kevin Ouzts, chef-turned-founder of The Spotted Trotter. They discuss the evolution of food and farming, Kevin’s journey from fine dining to charcuterie making, and the importance of local sourcing, community, and celebrating regional flavor. Together, they explore how culture, creativity, and conscious eating can shape the future of our food systems.
Jonathan Lundgren: Can Regeneration Feed the World?
Join Matt Maier for a conversation with Dr. Jonathan Lundgren — agroecologist, former USDA scientist, and founder of Blue Dasher Farm and the Ecdysis Foundation. Jonathan shares why he walked away from conventional research to pursue regeneration, what he’s learned from the Thousand Farms Initiative, and how farming with nature can restore soil, communities, and hope for the future.
Carrie Balkcom: Beyond the Label— What Grass-Fed Really Means
Join Matt Maier, host of Regenerative Renegades for a sit-down interview with Carrie Balkcom, Executive Director of American Grassfed Association. Carrie shares her journey into agriculture and the pivotal role she's played in establishing trusted grass-fed standards. Together, they dive into the fight for honest food labeling, the importance of consumer awareness, and why not all "grass-fed" claims are created equal. This episode pulls back the curtain on what transparency in food really means— for farmers, consumers and the future of our planet.
Stephan Van Vliet: Our Hidden Hunger
This week on Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier continues his conversation with Dr. Stephan Van Vliet, a leading nutrition scientist at Utah State University with deep expertise in metabolomics. In Part 2, they dig into an omnivorous diet, why cravings don’t meet our true needs, the nutrient decline in modern agriculture, and how whole foods and regenerative systems offer hope for the future of food.
Stephan Van Vliet: You are What Your Food Eats
This week on Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier kicks off a two-part conversation with Dr. Stephan Van Vliet, a leading nutrition scientist at Utah State University with deep expertise in metabolomics. Together, they explore how regenerative agriculture impacts the nutrient density of meat, why “you are what your food eats” is more than a catchy phrase, and what the latest science reveals about grass-fed beef, phytochemicals, and flavor.
Elizabeth Ries: Beautifully Simple Food
In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, we're shaking things up! Host Matt Maier steps aside to introduce a special guest host- his daughter and the show's producer, Melissa Maier. Melissa takes the reins to interview Minnesota's media powerhouse, Elizabeth Ries. Elizabeth has been co-hosting Twin Cities Live for 16 years and is a weekly contributor to Minnesota Live . She shares her passion for intentional living through her blog, Home to Homestead , and her podcast, Best to the Nest , where she explores how to bring your best self to your home life with her husband and their children. Beyond her media career, Elizabeth is a dedicated urban homesteader—growing her own food, raising chickens, composting, and cooking—all from her home in Minneapolis. She believes that every household, regardless of size or location, can embrace homesteading principles and live more sustainably.
Anthony Hauck: Audubon Conservation Ranching “Birds and Herds”
In this episode of Regenerative Renegades, host Matt Maier welcomes Anthony Hauck of the National Audubon Society to discuss the symbiotic relationship between grazing cattle and grassland birds. Mr. Hauck serves as Communications Manager of the Audubon Conservation Program, the organization's flagship grassland habitat effort to stabilize declining grassland bird populations in partnership with farmers and ranchers. Regenerative Renegades presenting sponsor Thousand Hills Lifetime Grazed recently earned the Audubon's Bird-Friendly Land Certification. Thousand Hills’ grassfed beef products—available at more than 2,500 retail locations nationwide—will begin displaying the Audubon Certified Bird-Friendly seal on the entire Thousand Hills grassfed beef product portfolio. The Audubon Conservation Ranching certification label recognizes products grazed on products grazed on land managed for birds and herds. Thousand Hills’ independent ranches were rigorously audited by Audubon, ultimately meeting the requirements centering on habitat management, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare to earn the Audubon Bird-Friendly Land certification.
Patrice Bailey: Stretching Diversity of Mindsets; Global, State and Local Agricultural Perspectives
Patrice Bailey, Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture for Minnesota Department of Agriculture Patrice Bailey speaks with host, Matt Maier, about a range of topics His path from Harlem to agriculture Global and societal perspectives of agriculture and where the U.S. prioritizes agriculture Tariffs, Price Gouging and the Value of Food Farmers as Innovators What gives him hope
