Welcome to the Commune Podcast. My name is Jeff Krasno. In today's episode, I sit down with

Linda Appell Lipsius, the executive director of Denver Urban Gardens, also known as Doug.

With an amazing legacy spanning over four decades, Doug has transformed urban spaces into thriving hubs of food production, community connection, and environmental stewardship.

And in this interview, Linda, whose leadership has propelled Doug

into a new era of innovation and impact, delves into the importance of reconnecting with nature,

the therapeutic benefits of gardening for diverse communities, and the role of educating people

around food deserts. From her extensive experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors,

Linda shares invaluable insights into how cultivating gardens can address critical, social, and environmental issues.

Our conversation explores the profound influence of these special spaces on how they enrich lives and neighborhoods alike, from combating loneliness to creating intergenerational connections and, of course, supporting climate solutions.

So without further delay, I present to you, my friend, and the ever-inspiring Linda Appel-Lipsius.

Linda Apple Lipsius, welcome to the commune podcast.

Great to be with you.

So long time coming.

Oh, so happy to be here.

Thanks for having me.

I'm very excited to explore, well, everything that you're doing, but certainly the relationship

between gardens and urban gardens and wellness,

given that's what I talk about a lot here on the podcast.

But I guess before we probe that area,

maybe you could just give us a general overview of the work that you do at Denver Urban Gardens.

Yeah. So Denver Urban Gardens is obviously Denver-based.

We go by Doug.

...