Conscious Consumption Part 2: The Physical and Spiritual Effects of Modern Farming with Alan Rosenberg
In Part 2 of this special series on Alt Life, Sadaf Vahedna and Alan Rosenberg continue their exploration of regenerative and biodynamic agriculture, revealing how conscious consumption and sustainable practices can transform our physical and spiritual well-being. This conversation delves into the practical challenges of transitioning to regenerative methods, as well as the profound connections between soil health, probiotics, and human health.
Alan shares insights on the power of effective microorganisms and how they serve as the best form of probiotics for enhancing gut health and healing the environment. The discussion touches on the critical role of humus, the decomposed organic matter essential to soil fertility and life, linking its presence in soil to healing our own bodies. By examining the interconnectedness of nature’s systems, Sadaf and Alan offer a compelling vision of how mindful agriculture and conscious living can lead to a healthier, more harmonious world.
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Join us as we explore in Part 2 of this series:
- The Threefold Social Order
Balancing spiritual life, social rights, and economics for a healthier society. - Community and Consumer Role in Food Systems
How consumers can influence food systems and support sustainable practices. - Microorganisms and Soil Health
The unseen heroes of soil health and how they impact human wellness. - Rudolf Steiner’s Spiritual Science
How Steiner’s spiritual teachings connect to farming and human growth. - Environmental Responsibility and Water Stewardship
Why responsible water use and ecosystem care are vital for agriculture. - The Journey to Agriculture and Biodynamics
Alan’s path to biodynamic practices and the wisdom gained along the way. - Challenges and Resistance to Biodynamic Practices
Overcoming skepticism and resistance in the farming community. - Personal Growth and Frustration in Agricultural Work
The challenges and personal evolution faced in adopting sustainable practices. - Nature as a Teacher and the Role of Humus
Learning from nature’s cycles and the importance of humus in healthy soil. - Understanding Interconnectedness
Recognizing the web of life that binds humans, soil, and all living things. - Mindfulness and Being Present
How a mindful approach to agriculture can transform lives and health. - Optimism for Agroecology and Systemic Change
Why there is hope for change through collaboration and sustainable practices. - Critique of Food and Pharmaceutical Industries
Questioning the motivations and impacts of these powerful industries. - Holistic Training and Service-Oriented Leadership
The role of community-minded leadership in reshaping food and farming. - Reflections on Personal Growth and Legacy
Alan’s thoughts on the legacy he hopes to leave and the importance of lifelong growth.
- (00:00) - Introduction to Part 2
- (00:48) - The True Cost of Convenience of our health
- (06:40) - Choosing Freedom: Breaking Away from Food Corporations
- (11:32) - Probiotics: Finding Life in Diversity
- (18:49) - Harnessing the Power of Nature’s Transformative Forces
- (26:42) - Conscious Consumers and a Shift in Awareness
- (29:10) - The miracle of humus and other processes in soil
- (34:15) - Reconnecting with the soul through food
- (39:04) - A Vision for Healthier Minds, Bodies and Planet
- (44:41) - Modern vs Holistic Approaches to Health and Food
- (54:06) - OUTRO
Follow us on:
Instagram: @altlifeZA
Tiktok: @altlife.podcast
Connect with Alan Rosenberg:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-rosenberg-7233a91/?originalSubdomain=za
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.
Production Credits:
Produced by Sadaf Vahedna
Podcast Manager: AVC Studio | Sarah Jane Ponce Asok
Video Editing: Simbarashe Nyahwa
Instagram: @altlifeZA
Tiktok: @altlife.podcast
Connect with Alan Rosenberg:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-rosenberg-7233a91/?originalSubdomain=za
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.
Production Credits:
Produced by Sadaf Vahedna
Podcast Manager: 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.