Advertise on podcast: Rocks To Roots

On this episode of Rocks to Roots, hosts Hilary and Duane sit down with Heather Delanoy of Wild Sage Farms, a woman veteran-owned farm in Deep Creek Canyon just outside Spokane that has grown into a local powerhouse in just four years. Heather shares how she left a long career in aerospace to farm full time, and how she now grows a little bit of everything: spring plant starts, summer produce, CSA boxes, and value-added goods for the winter markets.The conversation digs into the good stuff, literally. Heather talks building rich, high-organic-matter soil on land that was once one of the area's first homestead dairy farms, growing giant pumpkins from championship seed, and the twenty-plus varieties of hot peppers she has ready as starts this season. She also gets into supplying local restaurants and schools through Link Co-op and the Scale House Co-op, why eating local and in season matters, and how a CSA box can turn anyone into a more adventurous cook.Whether you are a backyard gardener, a market regular, or someone who just wants to eat a little more local, this episode is full of inspiration and practical wisdom on growing food, caring for the land, and staying woven into your community. Follow Wild Sage Farms on Instagram @wildsagefarmsspokane and shop plant starts and CSA shares at wildsagefarmsspokane.com.

In this episode of Rocks to Roots, Hilary and Duane sit down with Frankie Browning of Browning Beef to talk about what it means to raise cattle in a way that prioritizes healthy land, healthy animals, and healthy food. A first-generation rancher, Frankie shares her journey from teaching and living abroad in Japan to building a thriving grass-fed beef operation just south of Spokane. Along the way, she discusses the challenges of growing a local food business, raising a family on the ranch, and creating a direct connection between consumers and the land that feeds them. Whether you’re interested in regenerative agriculture, local food, ranching, or simply understanding where your food comes from, this episode offers an inspiring look at the people working every day to care for the land while feeding their communities. Learn more about Browning Beef at:https://www.browningbeef.com

In this episode of Rocks to Roots, Hilary and Duane sit down with Mary Bishop, owner of All Things Regenerative, to explore how regenerative practices and permaculture can help homeowners, gardeners, and communities create healthier landscapes and stronger connections to the land. Mary shares her journey from a 25-year career in education to becoming a passionate advocate for regenerative living. The conversation dives into practical ways people can improve soil health, harvest water, support pollinators, build wildlife habitat, and create productive spaces that are both beautiful and functional. From community gardens and food forests to SpokaneScape landscaping and front-yard gardening, Mary offers approachable ideas for anyone looking to steward their property more intentionally—whether they have ten acres or a small backyard. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your landscape more resilient, reduce maintenance, grow more food, or simply reconnect with nature, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice to help you get started. Learn more about Mary and All Things Regenerative at:https://allthingsregenerative.com

In this special live episode of Rocks to Roots, Hilary and Duane record from the Scale House Market’s one-year anniversary celebration and sit down with Brittany Tyler and Rachael Gewock, the visionaries behind one of Spokane’s most unique local food hubs. Inspired by a mission to strengthen local food systems and support small businesses, Brittany and Rachael share the story of how Four Roots evolved from distributing food boxes across Eastern Washington into creating the Scale House Market. The conversation explores the market’s remarkable first year, including its growth to more than 160 local businesses, over $1.6 million in sales, tens of thousands of customer transactions, and the ongoing effort to make local food more accessible throughout the community. From supporting farmers and food entrepreneurs to creating educational opportunities and building a true community gathering place, Brittany and Rachael discuss what it takes to grow something that is truly “more than a market.” Join us as we celebrate one year of Scale House Market and look ahead to what’s next for one of Spokane’s most impactful local food initiatives. Learn more about the Scale House Market at:https://www.scalehousemarket.com/

In this episode of Rocks to Roots, Hilary and Duane sit down with Spokane native, educator, biologist, and Primal Survivor host Hazen Audel for a wide-ranging conversation about nature, storytelling, conservation, and the power of community.   From growing up across the street from Manito Park to living alongside Indigenous communities, Hazen shares the experiences that shaped his lifelong connection to the natural world. The conversation explores everything from biodiversity and plant knowledge to Spokane’s overlooked landscapes and why developing a deeper relationship with nature matters now more than ever.   Hazen also opens up about his unconventional path through education, living in the rainforest as a teenager, studying botany and biology, teaching at Ferris High School, and eventually becoming the host of a globally recognized television series. Along the way, he reflects on sustainability, Indigenous knowledge, conservation, and how modern life has disconnected many people from the environments around them.   This episode is equal parts inspiring, thoughtful, and adventurous — and serves as a reminder that some of the most extraordinary stories can start right here in Spokane. Learn more about Hazen’s at: https://www.hazenaudel.com/ https://www.hazenaudelartworks.com/

In this episode of Rocks to Roots, Hilary and Duane sit down with Jorge and Madyson of Casa Cano Farms to talk about their journey from high school sweethearts to first-generation farmers building one of Spokane County’s most inspiring local farms. The two share how a conversation in an AP Environmental Science class at Ferris High School planted the seed for what would eventually become their farm in Valleyford. From starting on rented land to developing their own 60-acre operation, Jorge and Madyson talk about the challenges, risks, and determination it took to build Casa Cano Farms from the ground up. They also discuss their commitment to regenerative farming practices, creating resilient local food systems, and building community through their farm store, CSA program, wholesale partnerships, and the Casa Cano Food Hub. Whether you’re a farmer, food lover, or simply curious about where your food comes from, this episode offers an inspiring look at the passion and perseverance behind one of Spokane’s next generation of farmers. Learn more about their farm at: https://casacanofarms.com/

In this episode of Rocks to Roots, Hilary and Duane sit down with Josh Riddle of Farm It for a grounded and motivating conversation about what it means to farm with the future in mind. Josh shares his journey from farming alongside his grandfather and dad to now embracing regenerative agriculture on his own land. They talk about the shift from traditional methods to innovative practices like cover cropping, no-till systems, and reducing synthetic inputs — all to rebuild soil health and create a more sustainable food system. From finding support through his biofarming Group to rethinking what success looks like on the farm, Josh brings a thoughtful, hopeful perspective to what it means to grow food that’s good for people and the planet. Whether you’re a grower, a curious eater, or someone who just wants to better understand how food and conservation connect, this episode offers a fresh look at the power of farming in partnership with nature.

In this episode of Rocks to Roots, Hilary and Duane sit down with Michael Townshend of Wildland Cooperative for an inspiring conversation about the challenges and rewards of running a regenerative farm on Green Bluff, Washington. From cultivating vegetables and Christmas trees to brewing beer and building a community hub, Michael shares the mission behind Wildland Co-op and the values that guide their work. They discuss the importance of sustainable practices, supporting local food systems, and how the co-op is creating space for connection and education. Whether you’re passionate about farming, local food, or the future of cooperative business models, this episode highlights the heart and hard work behind one of Spokane’s most community-driven farms. Learn more about Wildland Cooperative at: https://www.wildland.coop/

In this fiery and flavorful episode of Rocks to Roots, Hilary and Duane bring you along for a live podcast recording at Spokane’s first-ever Spice Fest at Scale House Market. From basement-grown ghost peppers to bold bottles on local shelves, hot sauce maker John Zagajeski of Elixir Hot Sauce shares the story behind his small-batch success. Learn how collaborations with Vets on the Farm and Wild Sage Farms have helped turn up the quality—and the heat—of every bottle. Plus, you’ll hear the hilarious (and slightly painful) Truth or Heat Challenge between John and Duane, and a grand finale Carolina Reaper tasting you won’t forget. Whether you’re a spice-head or just love supporting local, this episode is a flavorful celebration of Spokane’s growing hot sauce scene. Learn more: www.elixirsauce.com

Originally recorded at the 2021 Farm & Food Symposium, this special panel brings together four influential voices to explore the importance of nutrient density in our food and why it should matter to all of us — farmers, consumers, and everyone in between. Moderated by Hilary Gonzalez of the Spokane Conservation District, this conversation features: David Montgomery & Anne Biklé, authors of What Your Food Ate Scott Gail, Bio Farming Manager at the Spokane Conservation District David Knaus, Founder of Apical Labs Together, they dig into how soil health, farming practices, and regenerative systems are deeply tied to the nutritional quality of what ends up on our plates. The panelists offer science-backed insights and practical steps to move toward a more resilient, health-focused food system. 🎧 Whether you’re in the ag space or care about what’s fueling your body, this episode offers rich, timely perspectives on food, health, and the future of farming. Don’t Miss This Year’s Farm & Food Symposium + Tilth Conference 📍 Spokane Valley, WA 📅 November 12–15 🔗 Register by October 28: tilthalliance.org/event/tilth-conference-farm-food-symposium

We’re back! Rocks to Roots returns for its 8th season, and we’re kicking things off with a powerful episode hosted by Hilary Gonzalez & Duane Zbranek. In this conversation, our hosts sit down with Randy Johnson of Johnson’s Homestead to talk about legacy, land, and local food. From taking over the family farm as a teenager to building a community-centered business, Randy shares his journey through the ups and downs of farming life and why local food systems matter now more than ever. Learn more about Johnson's Homestead at johnsonhomesteadmedicallake.com

In this Rewind episode, we revisit one of our most inspiring conversations — with John Edmondson, Director of Growing Neighbors, a Spokane-based initiative rooted in the belief that food, farming, and friendship can transform communities. Originally aired on October 6, 2021, this episode explores how Growing Neighbors is turning neighborhood yards into thriving farm plots, building hyper-local food systems, and fostering meaningful human connection through shared work and purpose. John shares how urban agriculture can be a tool for food access, sustainability, and deep community engagement — all while keeping things simple, joyful, and collaborative. Whether it’s your first listen or a fresh revisit, this episode is a reminder of the power of growing things — together.

To kick off our Rocks to Roots Rewind Series, we’re going all the way back to where it started — Episode 1 with Vicki Carter, Director of the Spokane Conservation District. In this conversation, recorded during the wild and unpredictable summer of 2020, Vicki shares the history of the Conservation District, its impact across Spokane County, and her bold vision for the future of land stewardship in our region. You’ll also hear an early mention of what was then just a dream: the 50-acre Quarry campus that has since become the new home of the SCD — and a hub for conservation, education, and community connection. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are just joining in, we’re so glad you’re here. Let’s jump in.

After a year full of life changes, late nights, and a lot more coffee, Rocks to Roots is back! In this bonus comeback episode, Hilary and Duane reunite in the studio to catch up on everything from becoming new parents (hello nap time!) to launching small businesses, teaching college classes, and expanding conservation programs across Spokane County. They reflect on what it means to return to the mic with a fresh perspective, a deeper appreciation for the work, and a whole new rhythm of life. Plus, they share updates on the Spokane Conservation District’s latest projects — from regenerative farming and tree giveaways to the 10-year anniversary of Vets on the Farm and the launch of Spokane’s first year-round farmers market at the Quarry.

Sam Kalk owns Dryland Revival, a business he started to help educate homeowners on how to adopt sustainable and regenerative land practices. Whether you have a sprawling back 40 or a cozy backyard, Sam shares the principles of regenerative landscaping, including building healthy soil, protecting pollinators, and using local materials. Sam's journey began in Austin, Texas, but he found his calling in Spokane, Washington. Starting with his yard, Sam transformed traditional grass lawns into thriving landscapes filled with native plants and natural materials. Now in its third season, Dryland Revival helps homeowners create beautiful, low-maintenance yards that align with environmental and aesthetic goals. Tune in to Rocks to Roots with Sam Kalk to discover how to revamp your yard sustainably! To learn more about Dryland Revival, follow them on Instagram at @drylandrevival or visit their website at www.drylandrevival.com.