The Connection Between Soil and Human Health

What if the secret to better health starts not in your body, but deep in the soil where your food is grown? In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, we are exploring the connection between soil and human health with Think Regeneration. Listen in as Dianne, Ryan, and Denise dig into regenerative agriculture, the importance of consumer education, and the obstacles of affordability and equity in accessing high-quality food. Denise and Ryan share practical insight into farming practices that restore ecosystems, support farmers, and lead to better outcomes for both people and the planet.

Gain an understanding of how innovative food prescription programs are transforming health outcomes and get an insider’s look at their upcoming Advancing Food is Medicine conference. Whether you’re a farmer, nutrition professional, or curious consumer, this conversation sheds light on how food, soil, and community health are deeply interconnected—and how we can all play a part in building a better food future.

About Think Regeneration:

Think Regeneration is 501(c)(3) nonprofit coalition of organizations, farmers, ranchers, scientists, researchers, and philanthropists who want to accelerate on-the-ground regenerative food supply projects. Our programs support projects that repair food-growing ecosystems, reverse trends in chronic disease rates, elevate the voices of regenerative growers, and build more community resilience. Contact us today to learn more about partnership opportunities, and our active Think Regeneration programs in 2025.

NTI promo code for conference: NTI10

Ryan Slabaugh is the founder and director of Think Regeneration and former executive director of Acres U.S.A., a 51-year-old education and media company known for being the Voice of Eco-Agriculture. Ryan has more than 20 years of experience leading businesses and individuals through change, including fifteen years at community newspapers in Colorado and California. You can reach him at ry**@***************on.com.

Denise Nicol is the director of strategy and experience for Think Regeneration’s programs. Her background in experience management, focus groups, business strategy, and conservation serve our programs to ensure we are continuously improving. Denise grew up on a multi-generational farm in Ohio, and is passionate about food and farming as a career for young people. She volunteers regularly, including starting a composting club in her local school district. You can reach her at de****@***************on.com.

Think Regeneration

Advancing Food is Medicine conference

Dianne, Ryan, and Denise discuss the connection between soil and human health:

• 01:32 – Executive director, Ryan, explains Think Regeneration
• 03:15 – Denise’s background and what she is working towards
• 05:25 – What regeneration means to them
• 09:24 – Thinking beyond regenerative farming
• 12:32 – Is the term ‘sustainable’ being coopted?
• 16:00 – Animals are crucial to the cycle but they are being used as a scapegoat
• 23:20 – The connection between soil health and human health
• 37:42 – The affordability pushback
• 42:40 – The Food Prescription Program
• 49:00 – The Food as Medicine conference 
• 57:17 – Special promo code for the conference
• 57:52 – Connect with Think Regeneration

NTI’s PodTalk is available on all major podcast platforms! Find us by searching “NTI PodTalk” in your favorite podcast platform or following any of the links below.

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Google Podcasts

Learn more about regenerative and organic food systems:

Protecting the Organic Food System

Protecting Farmers and Their Consumers

NTI PodTalk with Autumn Smith, co-founder of Paleovalley and Wild Pastures

NTI PodTalk with Kestrel Burcham, Cornucopia Institute Policy Director

Become an Advocate for Wellness

Becoming a Nutrition Therapist Master and creating a positive impact on your community’s health is an opportunity you don’t want to pass up. Reach out to our admissions counselors now or attend our informational webinar to discover how you can arm yourself with the essential tools to optimize wellness in your community. Don’t miss out on this chance to make a difference. Take action today!

This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.