298: Organic to Regenerative Agriculture – with Jeffrey Burke

January 1, 2026 |

Dr. Burke started working in health food stores while in college at the University of Michigan. In the late 70s and early 80s, he worked with industry pioneer Dr. Earl Mandel, eventually managing a chain of 170 stores. For 42 years, he hosted a national radio talk show focused on health. He now hosts the Honest Health with Jeffrey Burke podcast and serves as the Director of Education for Kokora Life, founded by Rick Scalzo.

The Industry Evolution

He credits his interest in natural medicine to his Ukrainian and Polish grandmother, who used to forage for mushrooms and dandelion tea and kept a perpetual pot of bone broth on the stove. This generational wisdom sparked a lifelong dedication to natural health that has spanned over four decades.

Organic vs. Regenerative Farming

Organic farming primarily focuses on what is not in or on the crop… no herbicides, GMOs, or synthetic chemicals. However, traditional organic farming still involves heavy tilling, which degrades soil over time.

Regenerative farming follows organic methods but goes further by focusing on soil health and restoration. Key practices include no-till farming to prevent erosion, cover crops ensuring the ground is never “naked,” bio-ferments that create a “probiotic” for the soil, biochar using burnt bamboo remnants, and increased worm populations that aerate the soil.

Why Soil Health Matters

Regenerative crops are often four to five times stronger than traditional crops. The transition at Rick Scalzo’s farm resulted in a turmeric crop that was five times larger and significantly more potent.

Burke notes that due to overtilling and chemical use, the planet may only have about 60 crops left. We’ve lost 40% of insect populations and 50% of bird populations. Regenerative food provides the mineral density the body craves, leading to better satiety.

Health and Longevity Advice

Shop the outer areas of grocery stores… avoid processed, chemical-laden foods in the middle. Real food has a short shelf life.

Citing Blue Zones like Okinawa, Burke notes that the longest-living people eat a simple, consistent diet of 7 to 8 high-quality foods rather than a hyper-varied diet.

When starting regenerative supplements, start with half the recommended dose because the potency is much higher. Watch the documentary “Kiss the Ground” to understand soil revitalization, and ask for regenerative products at your local health food store.