Plant a Revolution

I just released a conversation that MAKES ME FEEL SO HOPEFUL! What a thing to say in today’s world. I needed this one. Neal left his pharmaceutical career in Ireland at 28, moved to a rural village in Guatemala, and accidentally fell into permaculture while helping coffee farmers. Now, he runs Creative Solutions Permaculture (Creasol) — a model permaculture farm, farm-to-table restaurant, impact hub, and online school training what he calls “an army of permaculture designers” around the world.What we talked about:The thing that struck me most about Neal is how he’s figured out the sequencing. He didn’t wait until he had the perfect plan to meditate every morning or spend time with his kids. He just started doing it — and his business, his impact, and his life improved because of it.We covered:* Why permaculture designers don’t think in terms of competition (and what we can learn from that)* How the design emerges when you find the intersection between your deepest desires and what the land is showing you* The 100 hours of observation for 1 hour of work principle* Building eco-communities that actually work* How young families can do this work without sacrificing presence with their kids* Why telling your story is inseparable from permaculture designThe part that gave me chills:Neal and his brother (who runs a storytelling school based on Irish myths) are combining storytelling and permaculture design. Because once you can tell the story of your life and your land, the design naturally emerges.That’s the kind of thinking that makes you realize we’re not just designing gardens — we’re designing lives, communities, cultures.This felt like a Field of Dreams conversation. You build it and they will come. And Neal’s actually done it — created a network of earth stewards who share knowledge freely, who compete with themselves to grow but cooperate with each other to thrive.It’s the only industry I’ve experienced with zero competition. Just: How can we do this 100 times, a thousand fold?Listen to the full episode. Follow Neal’s work:* Instagram: @creasol_permaculture* Website: creasolpermaculture.com (free resources available)* Join their WhatsApp group for free events and Q&A sessionsAnd yes, there will be a Part 2. I have too many questions left.What would you design if you started with your deepest desires instead of your limitations?Plant a Revolution is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Plant a Revolution at plantarevolution.substack.com/subscribe

I sat down with author, activist, and sustainability whisperer Ashlee Piper to talk about her book No New Things—a 30-day commitment that begins as a pause on purchases… and becomes a full-on reclamation of your life.We explore:* Why shopping is emotional, not logical* How to break free from the cycle of “more”* The hidden history of how we became consumers* What gift-giving really means* Simple rituals to ground yourself in gratitude (instead of your cart)* How to model empowerment and sustainability for our kids💡 Ashlee’s radical kindness and clarity make this one of my favorite conversations to date. It’s not about deprivation. It’s about choice, consciousness, and coming back to what actually matters.🎧 Listen on Substack or find it on Apple Podcasts & YouTube.✨ If you’re ready to make different choices this season—start here.#PlanToRevolution #NoNewThings #ConsciousConsumer #SustainableHolidays #EcoParenting #RegenerativeCultureFollow Ashlee Piper on her website, substack, instagram, LinkedIn, and youtube. Get full access to Plant a Revolution at plantarevolution.substack.com/subscribe

You’ve been sold a lie about aging.My second episode breaks it wide open.At 52, Juliana Spaven hit a wall — swollen eyes, mystery rashes, perimenopause symptoms… and ZERO conversations about what was actually happening in women’s bodies.What she discovered next changed everything.In this powerful conversation, we talk about:🔥 the toxins hidden in everyday beauty routines🔥 the strength-training that changed her body🔥 facial exercises that actually work🔥 the mindset that keeps you glowing at 50, 60, 70+🔥 remembering aging is a privilegeThis episode is a wake-up call.A permission slip.A reminder that the best is yet to come. If you’re ready to age naturally, unapologetically, and on your own damn terms—press play.Aging is a privilege — claim it.You can follow today’s guest, Juliana Spaven (@silverhighlights1971) everywhere:✨ Instagram: @silverhighlights1971✨ TikTok: @silverhighlights1971✨ YouTube: @silverhighlights1971✨ Newsletter + programs: silverhighlights1971.comPlant a Revolution is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Plant a Revolution at plantarevolution.substack.com/subscribe

The future of food is here — but no one is talking about it. Mainstream media isn’t covering it. But we are.What if the solution to chronic disease, climate collapse, and even your daily energy was already in our hands… hidden in plain sight on regenerative farms? 🌱This isn’t another fad diet or “superfood.” It’s a quiet food revolution — one that could restore our soil, heal our bodies, and transform the way we live.So let’s talk about HOPE 🕯️With the help of social media, customers can actually see regenerative agriculture with their own eyes. They can see the difference. And the consumer has the power — our dollars can shift big Ag. Our collective consumption is an untapped tidal wave of influence. With our dollars, we can tackle titans of industry and bring the waves of change to support small farmers.Why?Farmers have one of the highest suicide rates in the country. Why? Because extractive agriculture is soul-crushing.But Eric Perner of @repprovisions flips the script: what if farming was about creating life, not killing it? 🌎💚“What if you woke up every day asking: how much more life can I see today?”This episode will change the way you think about farming—and maybe the future of food itself. 🎙️🌱 Every purchase is a vote. Let’s choose regeneration. Click here for 15% off your first order 🥩✨ Drop your thoughts in the comments after watching — we want to hear from you!Plant A Revolution is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Plant a Revolution at plantarevolution.substack.com/subscribe