Conscious Consumption: The Physical and Spiritual Effects of Modern Farming with Alan Rosenberg Part 1
In Part 1 of this 2 part series on Alt|Life, Sadaf Vahedna sits down with Alan Rosenberg to uncover the powerful connections between modern farming practices and their physical and spiritual impact on our lives. Together, they dive into how industrialized agriculture has moved away from traditional, ecologically harmonious methods, leading to nutrient-depleted soils and foods. From the role of chemical inputs like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) to the degradation of soil health, Alan shares how profit-driven practices have distanced us from nature’s original balance.
Tune in to learn how we can all play a role in nurturing a more sustainable future by embracing mindful consumption and connecting with nature’s cycles!
Join us as we explore in Part 1 of this series:
Tune in to learn how we can all play a role in nurturing a more sustainable future by embracing mindful consumption and connecting with nature’s cycles!
Join us as we explore in Part 1 of this series:
- Origins of Chemical Fertilization
- Tracing the historical shift from traditional farming to chemical-heavy practices.
- Consequences of Synthetic Fertilizers
- Exploring how synthetic fertilizers have affected soil health and human well-being.
- Glyphosate and GMO Crops
- Understanding the rise of glyphosate, GMOs, and their far-reaching impacts.
- Regenerative and Biodynamic Agriculture
- Discovering holistic methods that prioritize health, soil, and interconnectedness.
- Agricultural Evolution and Organic Practices
- The journey from industrialized to more natural farming practices.
- Evolution of Agricultural “Brands”
- How different philosophies and approaches have shaped the world of farming.
- Plato’s Allegory of the Cave in Modern Context
- Seeing how societal views on agriculture mirror Plato’s allegory of perception and reality.
- Seventh Generation Principle
- Acting with future generations in mind and why this matters in farming.
- A Shift in Consciousness in Agriculture
- Changing the mindset around food production and its impact on human health.
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Alan Rosenberg’s bio:
Alan Rosenberg’s bio:
Alan Rosenberg, with over 50 years in agriculture across four countries, is a leading advocate for sustainable farming, specializing in soil health, fertility, and agroecology. Educated at Glen Agriculture College in South Africa and trained in Biodynamic Farming at Emerson College in the UK, Alan has earned multiple certifications, including Permaculture Design and Holistic Resource Management.
He has held influential roles in South Africa's organic agriculture sector, shaping national policies through positions with the Biodynamic Agricultural Association of Southern Africa and the South African Organic Sector Organization. Alan is also an accomplished author, with notable works like *Organic Agriculture: A Handbook* and *Agroecology: The Promise of Future Flourish*. He continues to drive innovation as the founder of Lindros Whole Earth Consultants, developing agroecological systems and initiatives like the ROAM Mindfulness-based Learning™ Program.
Residing in South Africa, Alan is a passionate educator, consultant, and family man, dedicated to a resilient, sustainable agricultural future.
- (00:00) - INTRO
- (00:50) - The Loss of Life in Soil and Food
- (02:43) - The Crisis in Global Health and Soil Degradation
- (07:19) - The Role of Microorganisms
- (14:43) - The Origins of Fertilizer
- (19:48) - The Dangers of Herbicides and Pesticides
- (22:47) - Beyond Organic: A Higher Philosophy of Food
- (28:34) - Are We Feeding Our Souls or Just Our Stomachs?
- (30:29) - The Spiritual Aspects of Farming
- (34:58) - Breaking Free From Empty Nutrition
- (46:19) - Outro
- (46:29) - Stay Tuned for Part 2
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Alan Rosenberg Link:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-rosenberg-7233a91/?originalSubdomain=za
Alan Rosenberg Link:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-rosenberg-7233a91/?originalSubdomain=za
Production Credits:
Produced by Sadaf Vahedna
Podcast Manager and Marketing: AVC Studio | Sarah Jane Ponce Asok
Video Editing: Simbarashe Nyahwa
Podcast Manager and Marketing: AVC Studio | Sarah Jane Ponce Asok
Video Editing: Simbarashe Nyahwa
Creators and Guests
Host
Sadaf Vahedna
Sadaf Vahedna has been an entrepreneur since the age of 21, turning around a business in multi-million dollar debt, and later founding a tech business and worked in the entrepreneurship development space. Despite her many successes, Sadaf realized her constant quest for overachievement didn’t soothe her soul the way connection did. Over the past three years, she’s embarked on a spiritual journey that reshaped her understanding of the world. Alt|Life is part of this discovery, offering listeners insights into personal growth, emotional intelligence, and transformational practices. Through the podcast, Sadaf invites others to explore how one can achieve the fulfillment they deserve and live the life of their dreams by expanding their perspective on what's possible
Designer
Sarah-Jane Asok
Sarah-Jane Ponce Asok is Alt|Life's podcast manager and guides the production process alongside Sadaf while also working with Sadaf to ensure the marketing for the podcast is done right. Sarah Jane Ponce Asok is a visionary entrepreneur and community advocate. As the co-founder and driving force behind AVC Studio, she has spearheaded the production of over 3,000 episodes, the successful launch of more than 70 podcasts, and the creation of 100+ shows in just 12 years. AVC Studio is more than just a digital marketing firm; it’s a mission-driven initiative tackling high unemployment rates by hiring and transforming local out-of-school youth into high-caliber leaders. Under Sarah’s leadership, AVC Studio has attracted notable clients, including BossBabe, with over 3 million Instagram followers; Fat Burning Man, with 7 million podcast downloads; and former WNBA President Lisa Borders. Her expertise has also driven the impressive growth of a podcast from 10,000 to 250,000 downloads per month.
Editor
Simbarashe Nyahwa
Simbarashe Nyahwa is a filmmaker and media analyst with over four years of experience in the TV and Film Industry. Specializing in producing and post-production, he has honed his expertise across various roles, including content curation, editing, and production management. Simbarashe holds a professional certificate in Film and Television Production from Multichoice Talent Factory and a B.A (Hons) in Media and Cultural Studies from Great Zimbabwe University. He is currently pursuing an M.A. in Film and Television Studies at the University of Cape Town. Throughout his career, Simbarashe has worked on numerous film and TV productions, most notably as an EPK producer for Chisara Series (2021). He has also contributed his skills as a VFX supervisor, line producer, and assistant editor for projects across various platforms, for the Multichoice Talent Factory. Simbarashe is passionate about the intersection of media, culture, and storytelling, continuously pushing the boundaries of film production in Africa. His commitment to his craft has earned him recognition in programs such as the One World Media Fellowship and the ‘Future of Film’ Africa initiative.