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Formerly Agenda 23, this podcast has evolved into Dollars or Sense: Exploring the Economic Case for Sustainability.
Do we really need to make an economic case for sustainability, or does focusing on dollars distract us from deeper social and ethical questions? Dollars or Sense explores whether today’s economic systems can truly support a sustainable future, and what would need to change if they can’t.
Hosted by Mackenzie Feldman and John Ikerd, the podcast digs into the assumptions behind markets, business, and policy, asking why environmental degradation, resource extraction, and social exploitation persist even when they undermine long-term economic viability. We explore sustainability through the lens of farms and food systems, while recognizing that no sector can be sustainable without broader economic and societal transformation.
Episodes
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Formerly Agenda 23, this podcast has evolved into Dollars or Sense: Exploring the Economic Case for Sustainability.
In this first episode of the new season, Mackenzie and John introduce their new podcast! The podcast will be exploring whether today’s economic system can truly support a sustainable future, and what would need to change if it can’t.
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Monday Jan 15, 2024
In this episode we speak with Connor Kippe, Policy Specialist at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC). We discuss the policy priorities for NSAC and what YOU can do to get involved in the movement for a better food system!
Saturday Aug 12, 2023
Saturday Aug 12, 2023
On this episode, we talk with Dr. Alex Racelis, associate professor in the UTRGV School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences and director of Agroecology and Resilient Food Systems Program. We discuss the inaugural Agriculture Subcommittee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Equity Commission, where Racelis is one of 15 appointees. We also discuss the research Racelis conducts, (and Mackenzie who is in Racelis' lab!), which is driven by a better understanding of how agriculture, urban development, invasive species and resource management affects certain ecological processes in the light of pressing social and environmental issues, such as climate change, food and water security, sustainable development, and social justice.
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
In this episode, it's a conversation between the two hosts, Mackenzie Feldman and John Ikerd. Mackenzie asks John about his recent research around Farm and Food Policies for A Sustainable Future and how what we can learn from the past for the 2023 Farm Bill.
Tuesday Oct 18, 2022
Tuesday Oct 18, 2022
We are joined by Anié Henry, food systems futurist and "agvocate", and Ricardo Salvador, senior scientist and director of the Union of Concerned Scientists Food & Environment Program.
Tuesday Aug 23, 2022
Tuesday Aug 23, 2022
In this episode, we talk with Alan Guebert, an award-winning agricultural journalist, syndicated columnist of The Food and Farm File, and author of The Land of Milk and Uncle Honey.
Music by Josh Woodward - joshwoodward.com
Tracks Used: Coffee and East Side Bar
Produced by - Navgeet King Zed - nkzed.com
Wednesday Jan 05, 2022
Wednesday Jan 05, 2022
In this episode, we talk with Vanessa García Polanco, Federal Policy Director of the National Young Farmers Coalition.
Music by Josh Woodward - joshwoodward.com
Tracks Used: Coffee and East Side Bar
Produced by - Navgeet King Zed - nkzed.com
Friday Aug 27, 2021
Friday Aug 27, 2021
In this episode, we talk with Linley Dixon, Associate Director of the Real Organic Project.
Music by Josh Woodward - joshwoodward.com
Tracks Used: Coffee and East Side Bar
Produced by - Navgeet King Zed - nkzed.com
Monday May 24, 2021
Monday May 24, 2021
In this episode, we talk with CEO of Rodale Institute, Jeff Moyer. We hear from Jeff about the history of the Rodale Institute and talk about the importance of soil health and regenerative agriculture. We also discuss the recent Cargill and Rodale partnership to transition 50,000 acres to organic.
Music by Josh Woodward - joshwoodward.com
Tracks Used: Coffee and East Side Bar
Produced by - Navgeet King Zed - nkzed.com
Tuesday Mar 09, 2021
Tuesday Mar 09, 2021
In this episode, we talk with the former rural outreach coordinator for Elizabeth Warren's campaign, John Russell, and discussed what a Farm Bill could look like to support rural America.
Music by Josh Woodward - joshwoodward.com
Tracks Used: Coffee and East Side Bar
Produced by - Navgeet King Zed - nkzed.com