In this episode of BETTER, host Mark Brand sits down with legendary farmer, organizer, and food justice leader Karen Washington. Together they unpack why the food system “is not broken, it’s doing exactly what it’s geared to do,” and what it really takes to transform it.

Karen traces her journey from a Bronx backyard garden and the first life‑changing bite of a real tomato to decades of urban farming, community organizing, and calling out systemic racism in the food system. She explains why she rejects the term “food desert” in favor of “food apartheid,” and how that shift in language exposes the historical and political forces that determine who gets to eat well.

Mark and Karen also explore:

• Life and organizing before the internet—door‑knocking, church basements, and deep listening.
• How communities are responding to the dismantling of DEI funding by building local ecosystems and mutual aid networks.
• The difference between charity and solidarity, and why nonprofits must drop the savior complex and build long‑term trust and relationships.
• The global fight for food sovereignty, seed freedom, and biodiversity.
• Karen’s work at Rise & Root Farm in New York’s Hudson Valley—a queer, Black and brown, women‑led farm rooted in social justice and healing.

Throughout, Karen returns to a simple, radical idea: food is a human right, and real change comes when power and land return to us and when we rediscover our connection to one another.

In this episode of Better, host Mark Brand reflects on a powerful conversation with farmer, organizer, and food justice leader Karen Washington.

Together they unpack why “food deserts” is the wrong language for the right problem, and why Karen insists we call it what it is: food apartheid.

Mark and Madison explore what true leadership looks like, making complex issues accessible without watering them down, and how Karen’s decades of community organizing, urban farming, and movement-building have reshaped how we think about land, power, and who gets to eat well.

They dive into: Why food is never “just food,” but history, policy, dignity, and power How communities can build ecosystems of trust that don’t rely only on government. The role of youth and elders in driving change together What it takes to move from feeling overwhelmed to believing in and building universal access to food.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn outrage into action, and how ordinary people can do extraordinary things for their communities, this episode is your invitation.

karenthefarmer.com

In this episode of Better, host Mark Brand interviews with Hope Blooms Manager of Social Business and Innovation, Kolade and artist, author, and community leader Keonte Beals for a powerful conversation about self‑love, healing, and the transformative impact of community. This episode explores how safe spaces, mentorship, and representation can turn barriers into bridges and dreams into real careers.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

• Hope Blooms & Uniacke Square
• Self‑Love as Daily Practice
• From Pain to Purpose
• Connection, Collaboration & Community Ripples

About Hope Blooms
Hope Blooms is a community‑driven organization in Uniacke Square that nurtures young leaders through gardening, food, entrepreneurship, and mentorship.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about Hope Blooms
• Explore the work of Keonte Beals

This podcast is proudly supported by East Coast Credit Union.

At East Coast Credit Union, we’re proud to support community voices and meaningful conversations. The thoughts and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of East Coast Credit Union.