“The only way to help people get out of poverty is to help them make money.”

The episode unpacks how long-term poverty alleviation must go beyond charity and shift toward systems that generate wealth locally. Using the lens of real estate development, the conversation reveals that when people are empowered with knowledge, infrastructure, and access, they gain both dignity and sustainability. The key lies in designing environments where communities can thrive economically, socially, and ecologically—not as recipients of aid, but as creators of value.

Sam Sells shares deep lessons from his years in military global health, working with NGOs and governments in underserved countries. He explains how Impact Growth Capital is rethinking affordable housing by integrating solar-powered infrastructure, on-site education, childcare, and an AI platform to guide residents from $0 to $50K income in two years. He critiques the inefficiencies of top-down aid and lays out how economic incentives can drive transformative regeneration.

Sam Sells is the CEO of Impact Growth Capital and the host of The Disruptive Capitalist. A U.S. military veteran, he spent over a decade in global health and now builds purpose-driven communities that uplift the poor while delivering returns for investors.

 * Website: https://impactgrowthcap.com [https://impactgrowthcap.com/]
 * Email: Sam@impactgrowthcap.com
 * LinkedIn: Samuel Sells [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-sells/]
 * Podcast: The Disruptive Capitalist

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:
Discover more about Paulownia trees and their sustainable potential at https://www.paulownia-la.com/https://www.paulownia-la.com/.
Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.
Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.
Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

EP31: Sam Sells - Redesigning Poverty Through Real Estate

“We’re losing the ability to think. Every waking moment is now consuming information… but we’re not thinking. We’ve stopped becoming creative. And my biggest fear for the new generation coming through is that they’re not thinkers, they’re not innovators.”

Real estate can be a tool for regeneration—not just profit. In this episode, we explore how land and buildings can be transformed to restore ecosystems, unlock creativity, and generate lasting value. Whether it’s converting sheep farms into vineyards or office buildings into AI data centers, this conversation reveals how design and innovation can turn real estate into an engine for ecological and economic resilience.

Dolph De Roos shares how he’s used real estate to regenerate deserts, spark local economies, and increase property value without heavy spending. From coffee shop installs to methane-powered dairy farms, his examples reveal how vision paired with practicality can create major impact.

Dolph De Roos is a world-renowned real estate educator, author of 23 books, and one of the top 20 real estate teachers globally. With a background in electrical engineering, he blends science, finance, and creativity to change how we see land and possibility.

Learn more & connect:

https://www.dolfderoos.com/homepage-a

101 Ways to Massively Increase the Value of Your Real Estate without Spending Much Money

https://a.co/d/bHhmniD

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:
Discover more about Paulownia trees and their sustainable potential at https://www.paulownia-la.com/https://www.paulownia-la.com/.
Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.
Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.
Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

EP30: Dolf De Roos - Building Wealth by Healing Land

“Making sure that we’re really blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, you know, and figuring out how to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor programming so it seems really seamless.”

Creating spaces that truly work means thinking beyond aesthetics. In this episode, we explore how thoughtful design can blend indoor and outdoor environments, support multiple uses, and foster genuine human connection. From health and wellness amenities to vibrant hospitality experiences, it’s about designing places that adapt to the way people actually live, work, and gather—today and in the future.

Paige Byrd shares her approach to creating multifunctional hospitality spaces by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, integrating nature into built environments, and helping clients phase developments through feasibility studies. She explains how to build “vibes,” not just buildings, and why thoughtful planning leads to more resilient and vibrant communities. Her advice? Listen deeply, adapt smartly, and lead with heart.

Paige Byrd is the Co-President of Thiel & Thiem, a multidisciplinary architecture and interior design firm specializing in hospitality, wellness, and community-centric projects. She’s a passionate leader who blends business savvy with soulful design.

Learn more & connect:

https://thielandteam.com/

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:
Discover more about Paulownia trees and their sustainable potential at https://www.paulownia-la.com/https://www.paulownia-la.com/.
Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.
Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.
Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

EP29: How Thoughtful Design Shapes Community | Paige Byrd

“I believe that the best way to inspire change is to live it out loud.”
In this special solo episode, I’m doing something new: every two weeks, I’ll be sharing personal insights and lessons from the field to help you make your business—and your life—more regenerative.

To kick things off, I’m telling my own story: how I went from a conventional path to designing landscapes, projects, and businesses that serve both people and the planet. I also highlight some of the most powerful moments from past episodes—so if you’re new here, this is the perfect place to start.

Expect reflections on soil, strategy, slow growth, and how small decisions can lead to big impact over time.

If you’re ready to build something meaningful, grounded, and truly alive—this one’s for you.

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:
Discover more about Paulownia trees and their sustainable potential at https://www.paulownia-la.com/https://www.paulownia-la.com/.
Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.
Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.
Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

EP28: Solo episode with me: My Personal journey in Regeneration and Highlights of the RDP so far

“I think it’s really important to like, keep your morals and your values in your business that you have in your private life.”

Many people dream of doing meaningful work, but few manage to build a business that regenerates both human health and the planet. This episode dives deep into what it means to grow a regenerative brand—literally and figuratively—rooted in whole foods, soil health, and uncompromising quality. From freeze-dried mushrooms to rainforest conservation, this is entrepreneurship in service to life.

We hear from someone who bootstrapped a business from a dusty festival stall to a globally shipped wellness brand without compromising on values. Through stories of failed ventures, compost bucket disasters, and high-integrity product decisions, he explains why growing food and growing business aren’t so different: both require patience, consistency, and reverence for nature.

Justin A.H. Snyder is the founder of Forest Superfoods, an Australia-based company offering high-integrity superfood products. A lifelong entrepreneur and regenerative advocate, he’s also a passionate home grower and conservation supporter funding rainforest protection through every sale.

Learn more & connect:

 1. Forest Superfoods

🔗 https://www.forestsuperfoods.com.au [https://www.forestsuperfoods.com.au/]

🔗 https://www.forestsuperfoods.com [https://www.forestsuperfoods.com/]

 1. Rainforest Rescue

The nonprofit Justin partners with to protect and restore Australia’s Daintree Rainforest.

🔗 https://www.rainforestrescue.org.au [https://www.rainforestrescue.org.au/]

 1. Bill Hicks

A comedian referenced by Justin for his sharp, unfiltered commentary on society and nature.

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:
Discover more about Paulownia trees and their sustainable potential at https://www.paulownia-la.com/https://www.paulownia-la.com/.
Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.
Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.
Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

EP27: Rooted in Integrity: How Regenerative Business Can Heal People and the Planet | Justin A.H. Snyder

"Belonging is a human desire that we have. And so, you know, we just want to help people connect in a meaningful way. And here at HOA.com, we focus on doing life with your neighbors, the people that you live next to, and we believe you should help the people around you and really get connected to the neighborhood that you live in.”

Regenerative design isn’t just about soil health and water conservation—it’s about people. Strong, connected communities are the foundation of resilient, thriving ecosystems, and the way we design neighborhoods can either foster or hinder those connections. By rethinking homeowner associations (HOAs) and integrating communal spaces, shared green areas, and meaningful interactions, we create a future where people feel a deep sense of belonging. In an age of automation and digital distraction, real human connection may just be the most valuable resource we can cultivate.

Brandon Barnum has spent his career mastering the art of community-building, from the mortgage industry to tech startups to his current venture, HOA.com. He believes that unity through community isn’t just a slogan—it’s a necessity for both personal and business success. In this episode, he shares insights on how referrals, collaboration, and local engagement can transform the way people connect and do business. From creating local events to structuring partnerships that benefit entire neighborhoods, his work focuses on making communities more connected, functional, and profitable.

Brandon Barnum is the founder and CEO of HOA.com, a platform designed to improve homeowner associations and help local businesses connect with their communities. He is also the author of Raving Referrals, a book that teaches business owners how to build strong referral networks. With a background in the mortgage industry and tech entrepreneurship, he has dedicated his career to fostering trust, connection, and economic growth within communities.

Learn more & connect:

Home Owner’s Association website:

https://www.hoa.com [https://www.hoa.com/]

Raving Referrals by Brandon Barnum

https://www.amazon.com/Raving-Referrals-Blueprint-Attract-Clients/dp/1953153898

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles

https://www.amazon.com/Ikigai-Japanese-Secret-Long-Happy/dp/0143130722

Podmatch (Podcast guest and host matching platform)

https://www.podmatch.com

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:

Discover more about Paulownia trees and their sustainable potential at https://www.paulownia-la.com/.

Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.

Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.

Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

Ep 26: Regenerative Communities & The Power of Connection | Brandon Barnum

“We’ve reached the stage where we need to be more than green, we need to be more than sustainable, which is an upgrade from green, we need to become regenerative.”

The future of sustainability isn’t only about doing less harm—it’s about reversing damage. Regenerative design takes this challenge head-on, integrating nature-positive strategies in construction, energy, and agriculture to create systems that not only sustain but actively improve the environment. By shifting away from conventional materials like concrete, steel, and timber—which contribute heavily to carbon emissions and deforestation—there’s a massive opportunity to build homes and infrastructure that are healthier, longer-lasting, and energy-independent. The key? Using abundant, locally sourced materials like compressed earth bricks and integrating passive solar design, renewable energy, and closed-loop food production systems.

Frederic Pouyot is a pioneer in regenerative construction, advocating for building systems that are cost-effective, durable, and fully energy-autonomous. His projects blend earth-based building techniques with advanced energy solutions, creating communities that generate more energy than they consume. His approach challenges the outdated paradigms of conventional construction, proving that regenerative housing can be built faster, at half the cost, and with a fraction of the environmental footprint. He is also involved in large-scale projects integrating solar energy and sustainable transportation, including a high-speed, elevated rail system.

Frederic is the Dean of the International Real Estate Development Institute, President of E3 Habitat, and CEO of GPEKS. With a background spanning solar energy, international development, and regenerative architecture, he has consulted for governments, utilities, and organizations like the World Bank. Now, he’s turning decades of research into action, developing regenerative housing communities and infrastructure projects across Canada and beyond.

Learn more & connect:

 * ⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederic-pouyot
 * ⁠Earth Construction NGO: E3habitat.org [https://sites.google.com/view/e3habitat/]
 * ⁠Executive Master in Green Land Development: https://sites.google.com/view/iredi/
 * ⁠Development Company: gpeks.com [https://gpeks.com/]
 * “The Ploughman’s Folly” by Edward H. Faulkner

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10241734-plowman-s-folly

 * “Common Ground” documentary

https://commongroundfilm.org/

https://www.paulownia-la.com/

https://www.12lawsofnature.com/

https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/

https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams

Ep. 25: Catalytic Enabling Officer (CEO) at GPEKS Group – The King of Green Development

“Nature is this incredibly complex organism, and if you put good things in, good things tend to come out.”

Let me tell you something about the big lessons from life: they often involve water, wind, and a touch of madness. At least, that’s my takeaway after diving into this transcript. It’s all about navigating challenges—whether you’re steering a ship through wild oceans, grappling with complex environmental issues, or simply finding purpose in your daily grind. The principles? Embrace hard things, adapt to what’s real, and never underestimate the power of genuine effort. Adventure, it turns out, isn’t just about going places—it’s about living with intention, whether you’re on a boat or behind a desk.

Our guest, a sailor-turned-scientist-turned-digital-marketer (because why not?), takes these principles to heart. From braving the treacherous Southern Ocean to conducting groundbreaking citizen science, his insights highlight the interconnectedness of everything. He discusses how small, focused efforts—like deploying scientific tools or supporting good policy—can lead to monumental impacts. Whether it’s protecting marine ecosystems or helping others build their digital presence, his stories remind us that tackling tough challenges is worth every ounce of effort.

Bert terHart is an adventurer, oceanographer, and entrepreneur with a knack for turning wild ideas into impactful realities. The first North or South American to complete a nonstop solo circumnavigation of the globe using only a sextant, Bert combines a love for the sea with a passion for technology. As the founder and CEO of Next Generation SEO and Lead Brain AI, he’s not only helping businesses get noticed online but also making waves in environmental research and advocacy.

Learn more and connect:

Bert on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bertterhart/?originalSubdomain=ca]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bertterhart/?originalSubdomain=ca

LeadBrainAI

https://gbpcrush.leadbrain.ai/

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:
Discover more about Paulownia trees and their sustainable potential at https://www.paulownia-la.com/https://www.paulownia-la.com/.
Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.
Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.
Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

Ep. 24: Charting a Sustainable Future - Lessons from the Ocean and Beyond with Bert terHart 

“Hey, it's not a cost. It's a lot of doom and gloom; sustainability, climate change, all that stuff. It's actually a business opportunity. And by the way, you're not exploiting it properly. This is how you should do it.”

If sustainability isn't woven into the fabric of your business strategy, you're missing out on more than just saving the planet—you're leaving money on the table. In this episode, sustainability expert Lee Stewart dives into how businesses can transform ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) challenges into opportunities for growth and competitive advantage. From his early inspirations in New Zealand to crafting award-winning strategies for corporate giants, Lee shares practical steps to embed sustainability into every layer of your business. The secondary theme—"building impactful legacies"—emphasizes how companies can use sustainability as a vehicle for long-term societal and environmental contributions, turning good intentions into transformative action.

Lee also talks about his book, "How to Build Sustainability into Your Business Strategy," which outlines his confidence, commitment, and consistency (Triple C) framework. He offers insights into making sustainability part of daily operations, moving beyond mere reporting to real, measurable action. Whether you're a mid-sized company or a corporate giant, this conversation provides actionable strategies for achieving both profitability and purpose.

Lee Stewart is a best-selling author and ESG specialist with over 20 years of experience in corporate sustainability. Known for his Triple C framework, Lee has helped countless businesses integrate sustainability into their operations while driving growth. Based in Australia, Lee is also an advocate for regenerative practices in the Pacific Islands, working with governments to create circular economies.

Learn more and connect:

- Lee Stewart’s website: http://LeeStewart.com.au [http://leestewart.com.au/]

- Corporate site: http://ESGStrategy.com.au [http://esgstrategy.com.au/]

- Book: How to Build Sustainability into Your Business Strategy

https://a.co/d/708XBPT

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:
Discover more about Paulownia trees and their sustainable potential at https://www.paulownia-la.com/https://www.paulownia-la.com/.
Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.
Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.
Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

Ep. 23: Transforming Sustainability into Business Success with Lee Stewart

“Stop waiting for the stars to align. And waiting for money. See, I don’t even think you need money. There’s ways to do anything without money.”

Here’s something you might not know: the U.S. has an untapped treasure trove of government grants ready to support regenerative design projects. In this episode, the iconic Matthew Lesko—also known as the “Question Man”—guides us through the maze of resources available to help you fund your environmental dreams. With over 50 years of experience, Matthew shares his unique journey and the quirks that led him to become the go-to expert on government grants. From farming subsidies to funding community gardens, this episode explores practical steps to secure financial support for your green initiatives while staying true to your mission.

Matthew Lesko, famously known as the “Question Man,” has dedicated his career to uncovering government grant opportunities in the U.S. His colorful personality (and suits!) make him unforgettable, but it’s his expertise in helping people navigate free resources to better their lives and communities that sets him apart.

Learn more and connect:

• Findhelp.org [http://www.findhelp.org/]

http://www.findhelp.org/

• LeskoHelp.com [https://www.leskohelp.com/]

https://www.leskohelp.com/

• Matthew Lesko’s YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/MatthewLesko]

https://www.youtube.com/MatthewLesko

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:
Discover more about Paulownia trees and their sustainable potential at https://www.paulownia-la.com/https://www.paulownia-la.com/.
Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.
Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.
Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

Ep. 22: Funding the Future: Matthew Lesko on Grants for Regenerative Design and Sustainability

This is the Regenerative Design Podcast with your host Matthieu Mehuys. 

In this show we interview the leading authorities in the world of regenerative practices, people who do well and do good. 



Matthieu Mehuys

Shows