This week on Talkin’ Dirt, I sit down with Troy and Vi from OK Farms — a 320-acre operation rooted in the heart of Hilo, Hawai‘i. We talk about what real sustainability looks like on the ground: restoring soil health, growing diverse crops through agroforestry, and navigating the challenges of farming in one of the most beautiful and unpredictable places on Earth.

They share the story behind their new conservation easement, their approach to regenerative practices, and how these techniques are helping them build resilience from the soil up. It’s an inside look at the balance between tradition, innovation, and stewardship in Hawai‘i’s modern farming landscape.

In this episode of Talkin’ Dirt, I sit down with Eva Lee, co-founder of Tea Hawai‘i, tucked into the Hawaiian jungle on the lush slopes of Mt. Kīlauea. Eva has been at the forefront of Hawai‘i’s tea movement for decades, helping transform the islands into an unexpected haven for high-elevation, small-batch teas.

We talk about the art and science behind cultivating tea in volcanic soil, how elevation and environmental factors shape the flavor of different cultivars, and what it takes to grow a truly local tea industry in the middle of the Pacific. From traditional methods to modern experimentation, Eva’s passion and knowledge pour through every cup.

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In this episode of Talkin’ Dirt, I sit down with Stephen Yundt of Puna Gold Estate on Hawaiʻi’s Big Island. Stephen is not only a farmer cultivating a diverse food forest, but also a chocolate maker bringing out the best of cacao grown right in the islands. We talk about how he and his wife Liz have transformed three acres into a thriving mix of tropical crops, the journey from cacao pod to finished bar, and why Hawaiʻi has become such a unique place for chocolate making. Whether you’re a farmer, a foodie, or just love chocolate, this conversation offers a rich taste of what it means to grow and craft chocolate in Hawaiʻi.

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Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠TalkinDirt.farm

In this episode of Talkin’ Dirt, I sit down with Nat Bletter, a PhD botanist, chocolate maker, and plant-grafting wizard in Honolulu. We dive into high-density urban farming, the art of grafting dozens of varieties onto a single tree, and the surprising ways food, science, and community come together in his garden.

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Website: ⁠⁠⁠TalkinDirt.farm

In this episode of Talkin’ Dirt, I sit down with Darren Story, the founder of Coastal Sun Farm in Watsonville, California. Coastal Sun is a regenerative cannabis and blueberry farm that uses living soil and biodiversity to grow in harmony with nature. Darren shares his vision for farming that goes beyond products, focusing on healing the land and raising the standard for the industry.

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Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠TalkinDirt.farm

In this episode of Talkin’ Dirt, I visit a Seattle farm that turned a simple idea into a thriving pumpkin patch. You’ll hear how a young entrepreneur’s dream grew into a community tradition, bringing families together each fall. From the challenges of starting out, to the joy of seeing kids pick their first pumpkins, this story is all about passion, perseverance, and a love for farming.

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Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@TalkinDirtPod⁠⁠⁠

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Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠TalkinDirt.farm

Talkin’ Dirt is about real conversations with farmers and growers who work the land. Each episode explores the challenges, joys, and stories behind farming life — from the soil underfoot to the communities being built around it. Our first episode kicks things off with a solo female farmer on Vancouver Island, sharing what it’s like to farm on her own and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

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Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@TalkinDirtPod⁠⁠⁠

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Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠TalkinDirt.farm