18: Creating Community Through Farming, Food, & Nature | Alex Meizlish Ecolibrium Farms

This week, we sit down with Alex Meizlish of Ecolibrium Farm, a market gardener from Seattle with a passion for building community through food. Alex shares his journey from studying science in university to teaching environmental education in the Pacific Northwest, and finally to becoming a small-scale farmer.  We explore his experiences working with chefs, the challenges of creating a resilient organic farm, and his vision for connecting people to their food through memorable culinary experiences. The conversation touches on the importance of community, the artistry of sustainable farming, and the fulfillment of reconnecting with nature. PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you! Timestamps [3:00] Discussion on growing food, personal reflections on childhood food culture. [6:05] Reflections on American food culture vs. international food cultures. [8:22] The emotional significance of food and family gatherings. [15:00] Journey from childhood gardening to farming. [25:17] Transition from outdoor education to farming and environmental awareness. [40:10] Reflections on building food culture through farming and culinary experiences. [57:20] Conversations on the culinary arts, notable food experiences. [1:03:15] Selling to chefs, discussing farm and restaurant collaborations. [1:30:00] Community, connection, and the impact of farming gatherings. [1:36:53] Rapid fire Q&A Sponsors Tessier Use promocode MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions (Ontario, the Maritimes, and the states of Vermont, Maine, New York, and New Hampshire).  Bootstrap Farmer Market Gardener Institute   Limited time offer of $99 USD on our online course Introduction To Organic Farming. Links/Resources Market Gardener Institute:  https://themarketgardener.com/  Masterclass:  https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass/  Newsletter:  https://themarketgardener.com/newsletter Blog:  https://themarketgardener.com/blog  Books: https://themarketgardener.com/books Growers & Co: https://growers.co/ Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/ The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/ Follow Us Website: http://themarketgardener.com  Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute  Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners  Guest Social Media Links Alex Meizlish: Website: https://www.ecolibriumfarms.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecolibriumfarms/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ecolibriumfarms/  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier