{"podcast":{"title":"BIOACTIVE","slug":"bioactive-6545085","podcast_index_feed_id":6545085,"rss_url":"https://feeds.megaphone.fm/bioactive","website_url":"https://bioactivepodcast.com/","image_url":"https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/1b9102fc-2359-11ef-b492-d766a942e4cd/image/aefeaefa99852c82e07c128f3e985279.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress","author":"Riley D. Kirk, Ph.D.","episode_count":91,"summary":"Dr. Riley Kirk is a cannabis research scientist and educator. She obtained her Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, specializing in natural product chemistry, studying the traditional and contemporary uses of hundreds of medicinal plants. She is currently an assistant associate professor at the University of Rhode Island, has worked as an immunology scientist in the biotech industry, and works in the cannabis industry studying the chemical complexity of cannabis smoke. Riley is also the co-founder of the cannabis research and education non-profit organization called the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP). Through NAP and on her podcast, Riley uses science as advocacy to research and communicate findings that highlight the unique power of natural products. The goal of Riley’s work is to unite people in the Cannabis industry, academia, and consumers to further the reach of Cannabis education and reduce harm. Riley is passionate about making Cannabis science accessible through social media channels and alternative media which lead to Bioactive; an educational podcast which disseminates the chemistry and pharmacology of natural products. On this bi-weekly podcast, she covers current…","last_synced_at":"2026-07-31T08:18:58.543133+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/bioactive-6545085"},"episode":{"title":"Unlocking Soil Secrets (& Science) with Brandon Rust","slug":"unlocking-soil-secrets-science-with-brandon-rust","published_at":"2026-05-29T12:56:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/bioactive-6545085/unlocking-soil-secrets-science-with-brandon-rust","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/bioactive-6545085","url":"https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/p.podderapp.com/8355482824/pscrb.fm/rss/p/prfx.byspotify.com/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/SOMC3918200083.mp3","audio_url":"https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/p.podderapp.com/8355482824/pscrb.fm/rss/p/prfx.byspotify.com/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/SOMC3918200083.mp3","summary":"In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk is joined by Brandon Rust, founder and CEO of FulCrop Sciences, for a fascinating conversation about the hidden biological systems that drive plant health and productivity. Brandon shares insights from years of cultivation experience, explaining how modern growing practices have shifted away from natural ecosystem processes and why rebuilding biological balance may be one of the most important steps for improving plant performance and long-term sustainability. The discussion explores how microbes, organic matter, mineral interactions, and natural nutrient cycling influence everything from root development to crop resilience and overall plant quality. Brandon also breaks down practical approaches growers can use to better support healthy ecosystems while reducing dependence on heavily synthetic inputs. They also discuss practical cultivation strategies for home growers and commercial cultivators alike, including compost teas, microbial inoculants, biological crop steering, mineral balancing, and the importance of understanding soil as a dynamic ecosystem rather than an inert growing medium. The discussion further examines the intersection of plant science, sustainability, cannabis cultivation, food systems, and the future of regenerative farming. Throughout the episode, Brandon shares insights into biological fertility, plant stress responses, nutrient cycling, and how healthier soils can ultimately lead to healthier plants and healthier people. Whether you’re interested in regenerative agriculture, cannabis cultivation, soil science, plant biology, sustainable farming, or microbial ecology, this episode is packed with practical insights and science-backed education. Chapters: 00:00 Childhood Foster Trauma 01:05 P…","meta_description":"In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk is joined by Brandon Rust, founder and CEO of FulCrop Sciences, for a fascinating conversation ab…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":4870,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/bioactive-6545085/episodes/unlocking-soil-secrets-science-with-brandon-rust/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/bioactive-6545085/unlocking-soil-secrets-science-with-brandon-rust.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}