
Ep 53: Dave McIntyre Goes Deep in the Dirt
11/04/21 • 46 min
There's an age-old practice that allows human beings to physically and mentally flourish, not to mention that it can keep us alive during times of turmoil: gardening! Whether you have a 10-acre farm like today’s guest, Dave McIntyre, or a few square feet of open land in your backyard, you can turn it into a space that can provide you with the nutrients your body needs, as well as improve your mental health and quality of life. In today’s episode, Dave shares some of the best ways to look after your soil; from collecting maple leaves, to using fish fertilizer. Yes, you read that right! If you're put off by the thought, consider the fact that the ocean is home to every mineral on the planet, and by putting the nutrients absorbed by fish into your soil, you're transferring them to your plants, and subsequently, to you! Our conversation also covers the principles which govern regenerative agriculture, how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our food supply chains, and why we should all spend more time in the dirt! In a world that is constantly changing, and full of unknowns, being sure about where your next meal is going to come from, and the quality of that meal, is a wondrous thing!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Some of Dave’s favorite plants on his 10-acre organic farm.
- Mulch: what it is and why you should be adding it to your soil.
- What it means if you have mushrooms popping up in your soil.
- Problems you will run into if your soil’s nitrogen levels are too high.
- Recommended methods for creating manure.
- The benefits of using fish fertilizer.
- How home gardening can combat food insecurity.
- The mental health aspects of gardening.
- Dave shares an example of how regenerative agriculture works.
- The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our food supply chains.
- Dave’s concern about imported foods that are classified as organic.
- How you can reduce inflammation in your body.
- A rapid-fire round with Dave.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Fierce Fish Fermented Fertilizer
Deliciously Geeky on Instagram
There's an age-old practice that allows human beings to physically and mentally flourish, not to mention that it can keep us alive during times of turmoil: gardening! Whether you have a 10-acre farm like today’s guest, Dave McIntyre, or a few square feet of open land in your backyard, you can turn it into a space that can provide you with the nutrients your body needs, as well as improve your mental health and quality of life. In today’s episode, Dave shares some of the best ways to look after your soil; from collecting maple leaves, to using fish fertilizer. Yes, you read that right! If you're put off by the thought, consider the fact that the ocean is home to every mineral on the planet, and by putting the nutrients absorbed by fish into your soil, you're transferring them to your plants, and subsequently, to you! Our conversation also covers the principles which govern regenerative agriculture, how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our food supply chains, and why we should all spend more time in the dirt! In a world that is constantly changing, and full of unknowns, being sure about where your next meal is going to come from, and the quality of that meal, is a wondrous thing!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Some of Dave’s favorite plants on his 10-acre organic farm.
- Mulch: what it is and why you should be adding it to your soil.
- What it means if you have mushrooms popping up in your soil.
- Problems you will run into if your soil’s nitrogen levels are too high.
- Recommended methods for creating manure.
- The benefits of using fish fertilizer.
- How home gardening can combat food insecurity.
- The mental health aspects of gardening.
- Dave shares an example of how regenerative agriculture works.
- The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our food supply chains.
- Dave’s concern about imported foods that are classified as organic.
- How you can reduce inflammation in your body.
- A rapid-fire round with Dave.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Fierce Fish Fermented Fertilizer
Deliciously Geeky on Instagram
Previous Episode

Ep 52: Amanda Swinimer with the Superpowers of Seaweed
When most of us think of seaweed, what comes to mind is the slimy stuff that we avoid when we’re swimming in the sea. What comes to the mind of Amanda Swinimer is one of the world’s best, and most sustainable superfoods, which is also responsible for the absorption of a third of global atmospheric carbon dioxide! Amanda, 'the mermaid of the Pacific,' is the founder of Dakini Tidal Wilds, and is on a mission to educate the world about the remarkable properties of this under-appreciated member of the algae family. In today’s episode, get ready for a deep dive into the variety of types of seaweed that exist, why we should all incorporate seaweed into our diet, and the importance of protecting our wild seaweed stocks. If you’re hesitant about consuming seaweed, Amanda has products and recipe ideas which are sure to convert even the biggest skeptics!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Examples of the different types of edible seaweeds.
- Amanda’s favorite seaweed to snack on.
- The limited variety of seaweeds sold in the shops.
- How different types of seaweeds are used in meals.
- Unique minerals found in seaweed.
- Some of the major health benefits of seaweed.
- The “user friendly” version of seaweed that Amanda sells.
- A fun fact about dark sea lettuce.
- Compounds in seaweeds that excite Amanda the most.
- The sustainability potential of seaweed as a food source.
- Factors contributing to the decline of kelp in the oceans.
- Impacts of the decline in kelp on ocean ecosystems.
- How we can all do our part to protect kelp and other seaweeds.
- Why you should be checking the sources of the seaweed that you buy.
- An explanation from Amanda about the spiritual side of seaweed.
- One of Amanda’s favorite ways to cook seaweed.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
The Science and Spirit of Seaweed on Harbour Publishing
The Science and Spirit of Seaweed on Chapters Indigo
Deliciously Geeky on Instagram
Next Episode

Ep 54: Joel Thuna 2.0 6 Proven Ways to Boost Your Immunity Naturally
Between the constant hand washing, social distancing, and mask-wearing of the COVID-19 pandemic, it seemed that colds and flu were a thing of the past. Now that we’re all experiencing some sort of return to normalcy, however, they are back with a vengeance and our poor immune systems are struggling to cope! That’s why, in today’s episode, we speak with herbal wizard, Joel Thuna, about some of the best ways to support your immunity naturally. Joel is the brains behind Pure-Lē Natural, Canada’s oldest herbal company. Tune in as he shares his insight and knowledge with us, from which adaptogens to reach for to help your body cope with stress and how to boost immunity using polysaccharides and fungus to getting the right amount of the right species of probiotics and the importance of getting sufficient sleep. We also discuss micronutrients, the value of whole foods, and vitamin D, as well as vitamin K2, so make sure not to miss this jam-packed and informative conversation!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Joel comments on the anomaly of the last year and why no one experienced colds or flu.
- How we can support our immune system naturally, starting with reducing stress.
- The role that proper sleep and nutrition play in helping your body cope with stress.
- First, Joel shares the adaptogens to reach for: Siberian Ginseng or Imperial Ginseng.
- How ginseng combats stress hormones, enabling you to perform better.
- Understanding the multiple systems that make up your immune system, including your gut.
- The second most effective way to boost immunity using polysaccharides and fungus.
- Find out why Chaga is Joel’s favourite mushroom and some of its uses and benefits.
- Third on our list are probiotics; how to get the right amounts of the right species.
- Why it is important to ensure that there is a prebiotic included in your probiotic product.
- Number four for boosting immunity is sufficient sleep, which helps our bodies repair themselves and get rid of waste.
- Tips for improving the quality of your sleep, including chamomile or lavender tea.
- Learn more about number five on our list; micronutrients and how to get them from food.
- Finally, hear about the sixth best way to boost your immunity naturally: vitamin D.
- The interaction between vitamins D and K2 and why Joel always takes them together.
- Find out why sunshine isn’t an adequate source for us to get enough vitamin D.
- Understanding the difference between vitamin D2 and D3 and the best sources of both.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
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