Nurturing Abundance Week!

Steve’s journey began as a frustrated home cook in the San Francisco Bay Area. Unsatisfied with the limited selection of beans available in stores, he decided to grow his own, discovering a treasure trove of heirloom varieties with rich flavors and fascinating histories. Recognizing their culinary potential, Steve set out to share these “superstar” beans with the world. Today, Rancho Gordo grows more than 25 varieties on the West Coast and partners with small-scale indigenous farmers in Mexico to bring rare, traditional beans to the U.S.

Steve’s work has caught the attention of chefs like Thomas Keller, Deborah Madison, and Paula Wolfert, as well as home cooks eager to elevate their meals with quality ingredients. Rancho Gordo’s products—including beans, corn, chiles, and other staples—have become key components in the New American cuisine movement, with Steve at the forefront of the seed-saving revolution. His efforts have been widely recognized: Saveur named Rancho Gordo number two on its “Saveur 100” list in 2008, Bon Appétit included Steve in its “Hot 10” for 2009, and Food & Wine praised him as a leader in the seed-saving movement. His most recent cookbook, The Bean Book, is a New York Times Bestseller.

In addition to running Rancho Gordo, Steve is an accomplished author. His books include:

• Heirloom Beans (with Vanessa Barrington) (2008)
• The Rancho Gordo Heirloom Bean Grower’s Guide(2011)
• Supper at Rancho Gordo (2014)
• The Rancho Gordo Vegetarian Kitchen (with Julia Newberry) (2017)
• The Rancho Gordo Pozole Book(2019)
• The Rancho Gordo Vegetarian Kitchen, Volume 2 (with Julia Newberry) (2021)
• The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans, from the Rancho Gordo Kitchen (with Julia Newberry) (2024) (NYT Bestseller)

His publications combine recipes, storytelling, and practical advice, helping readers bring the magic of heirloom beans into their kitchens.

Based in Napa, California, Steve continues to champion the indigenous ingredients of the Americas. Whether traveling to Mexico to work with small farmers, developing new recipes in his kitchen, or connecting with customers through Rancho Gordo’s Bean Club, Steve remains dedicated to his mission: preserving the agricultural heritage of the Americas and sharing its incredible flavors with the world.

Later, as CEO of the Paley Center for Media in New York and Los Angeles, she convened global leaders to examine the media’s role in shaping culture and society. A lifelong activist, Mitchell is now focused on advancing women’s leadership as a catalytic force for addressing the global climate crisis through Project Dandelion, the women-led movement she co-founded. She serves on the boards of the Skoll Foundation, the Woodruff Arts Center, and the Sundance Institute (as Trustee and former Chair), Emeritus Chair of the Women’s Media Center, and the IMAGINE mission board. She is a founding member of the board of V-Day, a global campaign to end violence against the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, and she’s also a member of CARE’s Global Advisory Council. In her memoir, “Becoming a Dangerous Woman: Embracing Risk to Change the World,” Pat shares her journey as a frontline advocate for a just, equitable and sustainable world.

A bridge between ancient traditions and modern life, Tom has traveled widely to offer guidance on sustainable living, topsoil regeneration, and spiritual dimensions of ecological balance. His voice carries both the cadence of the ancestors and the urgency of the present moment, reminding us that we are the result of thousands of love stories— and that our choices today shape the generations to come.

Through gatherings, teachings, and the Earthkeepers movement, Tom Blue Wolf continues to inspire communities around the world to walk gently upon Earth, to speak what is true and kind, and to live as stewards of the great web of life.

which supported African Americans in understanding the benefits of adopting sustainable lifestyles; co-designing, teaching with and directing Pathways to Resilience-a permaculture and social entrepreneur training program that worked with men and women returning home after incarceration; and working with the Urban Permaculture Institute in Marin City supporting a People’s Planning Process that helps community members assess and design strategies for their own resilience. Her lifelong commitment to honoring the ancestral legacies of earth stewardship among peoples of African Ancestry culminated in her most recent gift to the planet: founding the Earthseed Farm, the first Afro-Indigenous permaculture center in Sonoma County. Earthseed’s farming and center programming elevate the earth stewardship contributions and legacy of people of African ancestry throughout the Diaspora.

and has contributed to over 300 news segments, including Good Morning America, CNN, ABC News, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR. She hosts The Whole Health Cure podcast and her popular TED-Ed video on how stress affects the body has been viewed over eight million times. Her book, The Stress Paradox (HarperCollins, 2025) distills years of research into daily habits that help us reach our highest potential for health, happiness, and longevity, offering hope and empowerment through our innate capacity for resilience and regeneration.

She received her Bachelor of Science in molecular biophysics and biochemistry from Yale College, medical degree from Harvard Medical School, and completed her residency in internal medicine at Harvard’s Brigham & Women’s Hospital. She is an associate professor at Emory University and medical director of Emory’s Executive Health program.

Links:
Website: https://drsharonbergquist.com/
The Stress Paradox book: https://drsharonbergquist.com/the-stress-paradox
Good Stress Digest newsletter: https://dr-sharon-bergquist.kit.com/newsletter
Social media:
LinkedIn: Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist
Instagram: @thegoodstressdoctor

She is involved in efforts to safeguard white sage (Salvia apiana), a plant deeply rooted in the cultures and lifeways of Indigenous peoples that is currently threatened by poaching to supply international demand.

Through their work and partnerships, Tarah (re)connects individuals to the wisdom and power within themselves and nature in order to heal and strengthen communities. They create safer spaces for cooperative learning and help bridge gaps to healthier, more heart-centered ways of moving through the world. Currently, Tarah passionately serves as the Programs and Outreach Manager for Earthseed Farm (the first Afro-Indigenous permaculture center in Sonoma County) centering interdependence, outdoor education, and ancestral practices for wellness through land stewardship. A yogi since 2015, Tarah is 200hr YTT certified and trained in Trauma Conscious Yoga. While experienced in many asana styles, they love teaching Yin and Restorative as well as Yoga Nidra, Meditation, and Pranayama. Known for their gently powerful style as well as their bright, welcoming energy, Tarah is exploring ways to integrate yoga into future Earthseed Programming.

He has had many great teachers along the way. Each class intention is to deepen the practice of who you really are, as a spiritual being, with the gift of using the body as a tool. We will heal and grow together this week. Namaste

Laura is the CEO of the Joyful Business, Inc., host of Joyful Business TV and podcast, and author of The Daily Magic Scripting Journal. She guides Highly Attuned leaders and changemakers to create purposeful, joyful lives and businesses by blending intuition, creativity, and practical strategy. Her work empowers people to discover their true design, embrace abundance, and express their unique brilliance with confidence and joy. More info: JoyfulBusiness.com

She has been President of Fundación La Puerta since 1996, a nonprofit serving the city of Tecate which created and maintains Parque del Profesor,  providing environmental education, wildland conservation and extensive programs for youth and families.  Twenty years ago Fundación La Puerta initiated a citywide campaign to rescue the Tecate River from being channeled in concrete and championed the development of the Tecate River Park.  The Tecate watershed continues to be a focus of Fundación La Puerta’s programming through city wide river clean ups spanning 20 years, curriculums and workshops on water and educational festivals such as Olipiaguas, a collaboration with the State Water Authority.  Currently, water treatment, water healing and reuse are part of the effort to restore the Tecate River and the watershed.

Pamela Rose is that rare breed of entertainer who connects solidly with her audience by always delivering a personal and unforgettable musical experience. Her rich, bold, warm voice and easy rapport with musicians’ thrills audiences of all ages. “Outstanding vocals…Pamela Rose hits that jazz and soul sweet spot”.  Frank John Hadley, DownBeat. Rose is also best known for her touring concerts celebrating remarkable women in blues and jazz.  Her Wild Women of Song and Blues is a Woman shows resulted in a book and concert series which has toured nationally.

Kristen Strom has played alongside many well-known artists, including Manhattan Transfer, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, Johnny Mathis, Jimmy Heath, Pamela Rose, and the touring company of Blues is a Woman. She also performs in a celebrated duo with husband/guitarist Scott Sorkin. In addition to her albums, Intention, Sojourn and Moving Day: The Music of John Shifflett, she has recorded more than 40 CDs with various jazz and pop artists. Her latest album, Moving Day, was listed as one of Best Jazz Albums of 2018 by The Mercury News and has gotten national and international airplay.

Scott Sorkin is a Bay Area guitarist, composer, producer, teacher and recording engineer who performs and records in styles ranging from jazz to Brazilian and Latin styles. His solo CD “Laika” was released in 2017. Performance credits include the Count Basie Orchestra, Mary Wilson (The Supremes), Nnenna Freelon, Paula West, Louie Bellson, Vince Giordano, Tammy Hall, Pamela Rose, Kristen Strom, touring shows “Dream Girls” and Disney’s “Newsies”, Symphony Silicon Valley, Great Performances, PBS Television and SFJAZZ. Sorkin has extensive recording credits as well as film scores (including composer credits). Scott co-leads the international jazz group “Crossing Borders”, featuring Kristen Strom, Jennifer Scott, and Rene Worst. He’s been a featured artist at many festivals.

Oakland resident Ruth Davies has lent her fluid, expressive upright bass stylings to many internationally touring artists. Jazz and blues stars such as Charles Brown, Bonnie Raitt, Clark Terry, Elvin Bishop, and Van Morrison are among her long list of tour and recording credentials. Her impressive discography includes many platinum and Grammy-winning recordings.  Ruth has toured with Pamela Rose for many years, with her Blues is a Woman and Wild Women of Song shows.

Daria “Shani” Johnson is a San Francisco based drummer, singer and multi-instrumentalist with a smooth, sensual style and dynamic spirit on stage. She has become one of the most sought-after drummers in the Bay Area.  After graduating from the Berklee College of Music, Daria toured with her band London Street in the US and Europe, opening for major acts India Airie, Erykah Bada, Brandi Carlisle, and John Legend.  Daria also debuted and starred in the Blues is a Woman show, bringing the audience to their feet night after night.