Beer Saves the World: Brewing a Regenerative Future with Kernza®

Send us Fan MailIn this refreshing and thought-provoking episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon sits down with filmmaker Kelly Salloway to explore how storytelling, sustainability, and even beer can shape a better world. Kelly, co-founder of Perennial Films, brings a vibrant background in unscripted media and shares the journey behind two of her powerful documentaries: Prairie Prophecy and the newly released short film, Beer Saves the World.Kelly unpacks the origins of Kernza, a perennial grain with climate-resilient properties, and how it became the foundation for Patagonia Provisions’ sustainable beer initiative. With deep roots (literally up to 12 feet!), Kernza is revolutionizing the future of agriculture by requiring less tillage, improving soil health, and sequestering carbon. Through humor, heritage, and hops, Kelly’s film demonstrates how even the smallest shifts—like choosing the right beer—can contribute to solving the world’s biggest problems.The episode weaves through climate resilience, agricultural innovation, and the powerful role of media in shaping collective action. From working with Wes Jackson and The Land Institute to collaborating with breweries like Arizona Wilderness and Deschutes, Kelly shares how storytelling becomes a tool to “leave a social footprint.”Why Listen?This episode reminds us that sustainability isn’t only about sacrifice—it can be fun, flavorful, and full of impact. By highlighting real-world solutions like Kernza beer, Mike and Kelly illustrate how we can all "close the gap between information and action" and empower communities for a climate-smart future. Whether you’re a film lover, foodie, farmer, or future change-maker, this one’s for you.Key Highlights & Timely Moments:00:01:12 – Kelly’s unconventional journey into documentary film00:03:27 – Transitioning to battery-powered equipment in landscaping00:06:15 – Launching Prairie Prophecy, a film on Wes Jackson and natural systems agriculture00:13:01 – Introduction to Kernza: perennial grain that keeps on giving00:16:53 – The Patagonia connection: from grain sack to national beer production00:17:48 – Only 50 of 9,000+ U.S. brewers are fully organic00:18:53 – How Kernza beer can “save the world”00:21:33 – Perennial roots and drought resistance00:26:57 – Premiering Beer Saves the World at Climate Week NYC00:29:44 – Connecting environmental education to youth via UFE00:30:47 – The golden age of documentaries and democratized storytellingQuotes to Remember:“We have all taken a bite out of the apple—and we all have a role in saving it.”— Mike McMahon“Beer might not save the world on its own, but it sure gets the conversation started.”— Kelly SallowayLinks:www.weareufe.orgwww.harvestingwisdompodcast.comwww.prairieprophecy.com/beer-saves-the-world#BeerSavesTheWorld #SustainableAgriculture #Kernza #PatagoniaProvisions #DocumentaryFilm #PerennialGrains #ClimateResilience #ArizonaWilderness #UrbanFarmingEducation #HarvestingWisdomLet’s raise a glass to climate action—and remember, knowledge is only the first sip. Action is what leaves a lasting social footprint. 🍻