What if restoring the soil could help restore something in us?

In this episode of God of Dirt, Dana sits down with geologist and bestselling author David R. Montgomery, author of Growing a Revolution, Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations, and Regen: A New Future for Farming, Food, and Health.

David has spent years studying what happens when civilizations neglect the land that sustains them—and what becomes possible when we learn to work with nature instead of against it.

Together, we explore regenerative agriculture, soil health, farming, food systems, ecology, civilization, and our relationship with place. But underneath all of that is a bigger question:

What happens when we remember that the world beneath our feet is alive—and that we are part of it?

David shares the surprising story of how his wife, biologist Anne Biklé, transformed the lifeless soil in their own yard, changing his understanding of how quickly soil can be restored. We talk about the farmers who are rebuilding degraded land, why regenerative agriculture isn't a single formula, and why healthy soil may be one of the most important foundations for human flourishing.

We also venture into more unexpected territory: belonging, spirituality, awe, modern disconnection, and the future of civilization.

Because perhaps the revolution we need isn't simply agricultural.

Perhaps it's a revolution in the way we see our place in the world.

Books & resources mentioned:

• Growing a Revolution — David R. Montgomery
• Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations — David R. Montgomery
• The Hidden Half of Nature — David R. Montgomery & Anne Biklé
• What Your Food Ate — David R. Montgomery & Anne Biklé
• Regen: A New Future for Farming, Food, and Health — David R. Montgomery
• Elaine Ingham and the concept of the soil food web
• Dig2Grow — David Montgomery & Anne Biklé: dig2grow.com

If you've ever wondered what healthy soil has to do with healthy people, healthy communities, and the future of civilization, this conversation is for you.

Follow God of Dirt and join us as we remember how to belong—to people, to place, and to purpose.