What if the key to better health, stronger communities and a more sustainable future lies beneath our feet? This week, I'm joined by author Robert Ashton to discuss his new book Down to Earth and explore our relationship with soil. From farming and education to mental health and conservation, Robert reveals why reconnecting with the land could be one of the most important challenges of our time.

Benny's Insect of the Week: The Shieldbug Stalker

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Down to Earth by Robert Ashton

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Robert Ashton, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 328: Soil, Health & Nutrition

In this episode, Sam Hamrebtan explores the links between soil health, food quality and human wellbeing. It's an excellent companion to Robert's discussion of our relationship with soil and the importance of caring for the living systems that sustain us.

Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary

In this episode, Joshua Sparkes discusses innovative approaches to farming and food production, challenging conventional ideas about agriculture and land use. It's a natural follow-on from Robert's reflections on regenerative farming, sustainability and how we can build a healthier relationship with the land.

What if the secret to connecting more deeply with nature lies in the stories we tell about plants? This week, I'm joined by landscape architect and Plant Connection podcast host Lisa Cutshaw to explore how folklore, history, and careful observation can transform the way we see the natural world.

Benny's Insect of the Week: The Harlequin Ladybird

Links

Website

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Plant Connection

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Lisa Cutshaw, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 53: Garden Design for Every Species

In this episode, John Little shares his approach to creating gardens that support wildlife at every level, encouraging us to think beyond purely human needs and consider our place within a wider ecological community. It's a great companion to Lisa's reflections on reconnecting with nature and building meaningful relationships with the living world.

Episode 219: The Wheel of the Year

In this episode, Rebecca Beattie explores seasonal cycles, folklore, and our relationship with the natural world through the lens of the Wheel of the Year. It's a thoughtful follow-on from Lisa's discussion of plant stories, cultural meaning, and finding deeper connections with nature.

Could a simple circular garden help solve food insecurity in some of the world's harshest climates? In this episode of Roots and All, I'm joined by Sam Evans, whose dissertation took him to Lesotho to explore keyhole gardens — ingenious compost-fed growing systems that help communities grow food sustainably in extreme conditions. We discuss how they work, the wider benefits they bring, and what they could teach us about growing food in a changing climate.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Harlequin Ladybird

Please support the podcast on Patreon

And follow Roots and All:

On Instagram @rootsandallpod

On Facebook @rootsandalluk

On LinkedIn @rootsandall

If you enjoyed this week's episode with Sam Evans, you might also like these conversations from the archives:

Episode 23: Esiah Levy's SeedsShare Project
A fascinating discussion about seed sovereignty, food growing and empowering communities through accessible, sustainable gardening initiatives — themes that closely connect with today's conversation about keyhole gardens and food security.

Episode 185: Food Forests for Plant Lovers
This episode explores resilient growing systems, biodiversity and regenerative planting approaches, making it a perfect companion to today's discussion on sustainable food production and climate-smart gardening.