Finding Genius Podcast

Joining us today is Matthew Helmers, the Director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, the Dean’s Professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and a Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University.  Since 2003, Matthew has been on the faculty of Iowa State studying how water moves across our landscape – specifically in agricultural areas of the US. Known as watershed hydrology, this area of investigation looks at how much water falls, and where it goes…  Click play to uncover: What a watershed is, and what it tells us about the landscape as a whole.  Why slowing water down can improve crop production. How soil quality and treatment influence the way water moves through it.  The primary function of retention ponds.  To find out more about Matthew and his work, click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

In this episode, we sit down with Richard L. Mulvaney, a Professor of Soil Fertility at the University of Illinois. He joins us today to discuss the use of nitrogen and carbon in the fertilization of plants and soil. As an Illinois native, Richard has had a long history of connection to the region’s agricultural field. His immense interest in soil science led him to get three degrees in it – recently concentrating his research on a very intriguing topic: nitrogen fertilizer.  Join the conversation now to uncover: How nitrogen fertilization typically occurs. The history of nitrogen fertilization, and why it plays a large role in bolstering the food supply.   What “morrow plots” are, and what they tell us about soil organic carbon and nitrogen.  What “variable rate nitrogen” is, and how it can improve crop yields. What is the long-term impact of nitrogen fertilizer on soil? Why is it such a staple in our food production? Tune in now to find out! To connect with Richard’s work for yourself, click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

We should have the right to practice whichever religion suits us, but what happens when this freedom is regulated? Sociologist Roger Finke joins the podcast today to discuss the relationship that religion has with the state – and the consequences of restricting religious freedom… Roger Finke is a Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Religious Studies at The Pennsylvania State University and Director of the Association of Religion Data Archives. For the past several years, he has been on a mission to understand the implications government restrictions have for religious organizations, civil liberties, and social conflict. Jump in the conversation now to uncover: The difference in religious freedom across countries. The importance of defining the boundaries of religious freedoms. How religious freedoms relate to other civil rights.  Why restrictions can result in violence against a particular group.  To find out more about Roger and his work, visit www.thearda.com now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

We hear the term "sustainable" a LOT these days. But what does it really mean when it's applied to agriculture? Joshua Earl Arnold, professor of sustainable agriculture at Warren Wilson College, explains.  Press play to learn more about:    Socioeconomic to biophysical challenges faced by urban farmers Sustainable agriculture's reliance on ecosystem services, including insect and plant activity and soil-building, and how the ecosystem is disrupted in urban farming   What the lack of agricultural subsidies for irrigation means for urban farmers How nutrient cycling on urban farms works The issue of security of tenure for urban farmers and how parklands, schools, and faith-based communities are helping Interested in learning more? Want to learn more about Joshua and his outlook on sustainable agriculture? Click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

Dr. Eric Thomas Stafne joins the podcast to discuss fruit and nut crops – and what it takes to enhance them. With more than 17 years of experience as a horticulturist, Dr. Stafne has greatly refined his understanding of fruit and nut crops, enabling him to uncover factors that are creating issues for growers. Dr. Stafne is an Extension and Research Professor at Mississippi State University and the Coastal Research and Extension Center. Here, he researches Mississippi’s primary fruit crops, including blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and muscadines. From breeding techniques to pruning procedures, Dr. Stafne is on a mission to sustainably optimize fruit and nut production… Join the conversation now to learn more about: The fastest growing and yielding crops. How crop-yielding timelines can be modified.  The importance of experimenting with crop optimization. You can find out more about Dr. Stafne and his work by clicking here! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

The human microbiome has been a hot topic recently, especially as it relates to our physical and mental health. And just like humans, plants host complex microbiomes of fungi and bacteria, which play crucial roles in their health, productivity, survivability, and more. Michelle Afkhami shares her insights. Press play to learn: How plant microbiomes impact plant drought resistance What habitat fragmentation is and how it impacts productivity in native plant communities How plant defense chemicals can end up in nectar, thereby effecting pollinators The role of biological soil crust Afkhami is an associate professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Miami. She joins the show to discuss her area of expertise: unique, complicated, and meaningful interactions between plants and microbiomes, both at the molecular and ecological levels. Tune in and visit Michelle Afkhami (miami.edu) to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

Do policymakers make assumptions about how the public feels without genuinely understanding the public? How can communication between policymakers and the people be improved for everyone? These questions are at the center of Steven Kull’s work as Founder and President of Voice of the People, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to amplifying the voice of “the people” in government. Press play to explore: How the public tends to respond to pro and con arguments on a topic and how common ground between Republicans and Democrats is often formed The difference between the primacy effect and the recency effect Abortion, immigration, environmental health, energy, and beyond … topics at the center of discussion among both policymakers and the public How to communicate with your representatives in Congress Kull is a political psychologist and Director of the Program for Public Consultation in the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland. He offers an in-depth look at the importance and interconnectedness of policymaking, public opinion, politics, human psychology, and more. Tune in and learn more at Voice of the People Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

Nita Sweeney returns to the podcast to discuss her new book, Make Every Move A Meditation: Mindful Movement for Mental Health, Well-Being, and Insight. As an award-winning author, meditator, and mental health advocate, Nita’s teachings have helped countless individuals across the globe develop a new relationship with their psychological well-being…  Whether you have anxiety, depression, or any other mental illness, Nita’s wise insight is geared towards helping mitigate these feelings with healthy and sustainable mindset tools. Nita is someone who has struggled with these issues herself – and by taking incremental steps to improve her welfare over time, she has transformed her life for the better.  Offer: Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wearable technology on the market. This revolutionary product releases the engaged muscles holding your body out of structural balance. The results are legendary, improving posture, sleep, and relaxation while decreasing pain. It produces results within seconds of wear. Tested over the past 7 years for maximum effectiveness in quality of life improvements. Think about an 80% better REM and Deep Sleep per night. Try a patch, last for 7 days, and see for yourself. Visit intelligentthreads.com. For more discussions on Intelligent Threads please listen to the podcast “ It’s a Body Structure Thing” on Spotify and YouTube In this episode, Nita touches on: How “movement” can change your overall lifestyle. The importance of meditation and mindfulness for mental health stability. The “trifecta” of self-improvement actions that she has seen results with. How physical movement can tie into meditation practice.  Why it is critical to be patient with yourself.  Want to learn more about Nita and her unique outlook on life? Click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

Dr. Brandon M. Collins joins the podcast today to discuss fire dynamics and forest management. As an adjunct professor at UC Berkeley and the lead scientist at Berkeley Forests, Dr. Collins spends his time researching how fire influences forest ecosystems – and how management in these ecosystems influences fire and forest health.  Wildfires have been an ongoing problem that seems to be getting worse. Dr. Collins is not interested in eliminating these fires altogether, instead, he is dedicated to finding ways for forests to better tolerate them…  Offer: Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wearable technology on the market. This revolutionary product releases the engaged muscles holding your body out of structural balance. The results are legendary, improving posture, sleep, and relaxation while decreasing pain. It produces results within seconds of wear. Tested over the past 7 years for maximum effectiveness in quality of life improvements. Think about an 80% better REM and Deep Sleep per night. Try a patch, last for 7 days, and see for yourself. Visit intelligentthreads.com. For more discussions on Intelligent Threads please listen to the podcast “ It’s a Body Structure Thing” on Spotify and YouTube In this episode, we cover: What drove Brandon to pursue this particular career path. The typical duties of those on the frontlines of forest management.  Why forests actually depend on fire.  Why it is necessary to keep tree density in check.  You can find out more about Dr. Collins by clicking here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

What we put in our bodies greatly affects our overall health and wellness. With the industrialization of food production, healthy food has become harder and harder to come by. Fortunately, people like Blaine Hitzfield and his family are bringing humane and nutritious farming values to the world when it seems to need them most… Blaine oversees daily marketing and distribution activities at Seven Sons Farms, a farm started by his parents in the late 1980s. What began as a strictly conventional agricultural operation turned into a regenerative pasture-based farm – with an emphasis on nutrient-dense and ethically raised foods. Blaine is the second of seven sons, and he plays a critical role in the functionality of Seven Sons Farms. Spending most of his time managing and communicating the high-level vision of Seven Sons Farms to the founders and leadership team, Blaine is a driving force behind his family’s business practices.   Offer: Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wearable technology on the market. This revolutionary product releases the engaged muscles holding your body out of structural balance. The results are legendary, improving posture, sleep, and relaxation while decreasing pain. It produces results within seconds of wear. Tested over the past 7 years for maximum effectiveness in quality of life improvements. Think about an 80% better REM and Deep Sleep per night. Try a patch, last for 7 days, and see for yourself. Visit intelligentthreads.com. For more discussions on Intelligent Threads please listen to the podcast “ It’s a Body Structure Thing” on Spotify and YouTube In this episode, we discuss: What inspired Seven Sons Farms’ transition to ethical farming methods. The basis of industrial agriculture, and why it is generally unhealthy to consume. The role farmers play in the health of society.  Why it is so critical for animals to be adapted to an individual farm’s environment. You can find out more about Seven Sons Farms by clicking here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C