If you're interested in sustainable agriculture, land management, or the intersection of farming and ecology, this episode of Trying 2 Learn is for you. I sit down with Dr. Lisa Norton, a landscape ecologist and agroecologist at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology . Dr. Norton has spent over two decades studying the intricate relationships between agriculture, ecology, and land management. Her work focuses on sustainable land use practices that support biodiversity and ecosystem services.

We delve into the differences between organic and conventional farming systems, discussing how organic practices can enhance biodiversity and landscape complexity . Dr. Norton shares insights from her research on the ecological impacts of farming practices and the importance of integrating ecological principles into agricultural policy and practice.

What if the key to treating disease wasn’t to overpower the body—but to work with its existing systems?

In this episode, I sit down with Frank Borriello, founder of Alloplex Biotherapeutics, to explore a new approach to therapy—one that uses natural immune regulation instead of chemical force. We talk through the science behind Alloplex’s platform, how it’s aiming to activate—not suppress—the body’s own healing potential, and why that shift in mindset could change everything from how we treat cancer to how we think about drug development.

Frank’s not just a scientist or a strategist—he’s someone with a lived stake in the problem. His personal experience with loss gives him a proximity-driven insight that makes this work feel urgent, not theoretical.

If you're interested in biotech, systems thinking, or just want to hear from someone who’s building differently—this one’s worth your time.

Deirdre McCarthy is a distinguished researcher with a passion for understanding the complex interplay between environmental exposures and genetic inheritance. In this episode, we explore her groundbreaking work on substance exposure in mice and how it can impact not only the exposed individuals but also their subsequent generations.

Join us as we unravel the fascinating discoveries made by Deirdre McCarthy and her team, delving into the mechanisms of epigenetics and how they can transmit the effects of substance exposure across generations in mice.