The Soil Sisters welcome one of their former coaches and teachers, Dr. Nelson Coulter, to the podcast to discuss his experience in Texas public schools. This discussion takes a ground-level look at changing school food systems and what becomes possible when communities prioritize health. Dr. Coulter explains the steps and bureaucracy involved in formally leaving the National School Lunch Program, the budget tradeoffs required, and why small districts can oftentimes innovate faster. The conversation covers what changed after the shift—less food waste, steadier energy and performance throughout the day, improved athletic practices, reduced after-school overeating at home, and better behavioral self-regulation—along with ideas for making healthier student meals feasible in all school districts. Dr. Coulter also shares how permaculture and regenerative practices shape his family’s ranch life, food production, and self-sufficiency.

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, hear Nate Sheets' vision for Texas agriculture. A Texas food and agriculture entrepreneur, Nate shares his journey from a hobby beekeeper to leading Nature Nate's into a national honey brand and now running for Texas Ag Commissioner. The conversation covers vital topics such as integrating regenerative agricultural practices, improving school lunch quality, the potential of industrial hemp, and Texas's water challenges. Nate shares his approach and commitment to both local farmers and consumer health. Additionally, Nate discusses the urgent need for change in our food system and why he thinks he's the man for the job.

The Soil Sisters welcome Ethan Peters and Angela Bartys to discuss the school of life and the value of a holistic education that nurtures the whole child—Mentally, Spiritually, Physically, Emotionally, Socially, and Creatively. We dig into school lunches and opportunities for local farmers to provide quality ingredients to school cafeterias. Angela and Ethan also introduce their new Lockhart-based 'School of Life' educational initiative, set to begin as a homeschool/farm school co-op next month (Sept 2024) and as a full-fledged Apogee education center by August 2025. We get in the weeds on developing emotional intelligence and authenticity, project-based learning, reconnecting with nature, and integrating family education, all while fostering community collaboration. Whether or not you have children of your own, this episode contains pearls of wisdom to serve us all. We never graduate from the school of life, so we invite you to listen, subscribe, and grow with the Soil Sisters.