Guardian Grange

Mark Matzeldelaflor

Guardian Grange is a veteran powered humanitarian and environmental regeneration project, founded by former US Navy SEAL, Mark "Matz" Matzeldelaflor, to protect natural resources, strengthen communities, and uplift veterans with a renewed sense of purpose. Our focus is facilitating individual and community healing through working in nature. We are growing a decentralized network of regenerative permaculture properties to build the infrastructure for a soil based economy, and serve as healing spaces for veterans and co-creative community projects that build deep-rooted relationships and inspire stronger sense of community for generations to come. Guardian Grange is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3), EIN 85-3841605. Contributions are tax deductible. Your donations support our efforts to improve humanity and the environment by uplifting veterans to protect natural resources and strengthen communities. Donate directly through our website www.guardiangrange.org and connect with us on social media to follow along with our progress as we help transform the world into a more beautiful, healthy, and friendly place one community at a time. read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

Environmental Architecture and Following Passion with Fred Phillips | PART ONE
Apr 18 2023
Environmental Architecture and Following Passion with Fred Phillips | PART ONE
Mark Matzeldelaflor, founder of Guardian Grange and former Navy Seal, is dedicated to promoting veteran healing through work in nature. In this podcast, he interviews Fred Phillips, an environmental scientist and landscape architect who has dedicated over 20 years to promoting sustainable practices and community-based conservation around the world. Fred has designed numerous wetland and riparian habitat restoration projects in the United States, Mexico, and Indonesia. His work has been recognized in various publications, including The New Yorker and Landscape Architecture Magazine. Phillips' passion for his work stems from his upbringing on a small farm with ties to agriculture and nature. He was inspired by a professor's alternative approach to landscape architecture that focused on rivers, watersheds, regions, cultures, stewardship of land as well as indigenous wisdom guiding landscape architecture rather than development squares or corporate headquarters designs. This led him to design a thousand-acre project on the Ahakhav Tribal Preserve on the Colorado River Indian Reservation when he was still a student at Purdue University. The project received millions in grants which helped build trails, native plant nurseries, and environmental education programs.The conversation touches on challenges faced in their respective careers, but also highlights the importance of trusting instincts and being open to new opportunities. Overall, they emphasize finding fulfillment in one's work as a measure of true success. Both Fred & Mark believe that hard work and community building is a form of therapy, and that there is a dire need for clear and coherent communication between the heart and mind.For more information on how to support Guardian Grange, please visit www.GuardianGrange.orgGuardian Grange Inc is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3), EIN 85-3841605. Contributions are tax deductible. Donations support our efforts to improve humanity and the environment by uplifting veterans to protect natural resources and strengthen communities.
Unplug Technology & Reconnect with What Matters | Special Guest Anya Pechko
Sep 19 2022
Unplug Technology & Reconnect with What Matters | Special Guest Anya Pechko
It's no secret that technology has overtaken the lives of most people in modern society, but is this really the best path forward for humanity?Does it enrich communities and cultures, or does it erode them?As technologay continues to advance, do humans advance as well, or are we left in a neglected, apathetic state?Is it optimal, or even healthy, for children to grow up technology addiction?Guardian Grange is all about reconnecting as humans within our highest natural state, and in this episode founder, Mark "Matz" Matzeldelaflor, chats with Anya Pechko of Project Be to discuss community, social cohesion, and going back to our natural roots with a nurturing mindset and collective entreprenuership.There is a big part of our society that is struggling, and humanity needs to be nurture at the moment. Anya and Mark's visions align in that they both feel its part of our human duties to help when we identify ways to be of service.We all could use more connection...We should work to improve ourselves and set good examples for younger generations who are learning how to be in this world.The media is sick and filled with divisive content and corporate propaganda, and nothing seems to be changing for the better from within the system. Therefore it is up to us to step up and build parallel structures that focus on the nourishment of family, community and living in balance with the natural blessings of this earth.We cover a lot in this conversation, but it can all be summed up with shifting the focus of humanity to get back to reality and value nature.Find more information about PROJECT BE below:But first, thank you for listening to the Guardian Grange podcast. We are a grass roots movement sowing the seeds for a soil-based economy. Please find us on social media and join our email list to stay updated with our projects as we grow. Feedback is always welcome and encouraged!How To Support The Podcast & Guardian Grange VisionPlease share this podcast with friends and family, and stay connected to Guardian Grange on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) and at our website www.guardiangrange.org to follow along with our progress as we help transform the world into a more beautiful, healthy, and friendly place one community at a time.Guardian Grange is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3), EIN 85-3841605. Contributions are tax deductible.Your donation supports our efforts to improve humanity and the environment by uplifting veterans to protect natural resources and strengthen communities.DonationsYou can also donate through our website here https://www.guardiangrange.org/support/Subscribe to the YouTube channel here so we can hit 100 subs and secure our channel name found here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoggg7qUsc7HFAticoKn4gALearn more about PROJECT BE below:Between then and now we lost sight of what it means to just…BE.Project BE raises awareness about the growing dangers of media (influence & addiction) and inspires others to shift their habits to live happier, healthier lives.Project Be is raising awareness by leveraging expertise, evidence-based science, and current events to reveal the complexities occurring beneath the surface of daily life.https://www.projectbe.com/
Navy SEAL Finds New Way to Serve with Dana De Coster
Apr 13 2022
Navy SEAL Finds New Way to Serve with Dana De Coster
In this podcast Guardian Grange founder, Mark "Matz", chats about military service and transition back into society with former teammate Dana De Coster who is a retired US Navy SEAL Commander with 20 years in leading and synchronizing fast-paced teams on high-stakes missions. During his military career, Dana experienced first hand the power and influence of harnessing advanced data analytics with an intuitive user interface, and he has merged his former skills into the civlian marketplace as the co-inventor of PATCH and co-founder and COO of Roper Solutions, Inc. where he serve a new mission. Roper Solutions, Inc. is a woman and veteran-owned technology company that is revolutionizing the IoT and wearables market with high performance, cost-effective sensing and communicating technologies.We dive into the PATCH technology he and his partner Maeve Garigan, CEO use to track cattle for ranching. This same technology is the backbone for providing off-grid encrypted communication ability through cell phones for hikers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.PATCH is currently avialable for pre-sale through a Kickstarter campaign found here https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/danadecoster/patch-encrypted-off-grid-texting-and-gps-made-in-usaFind more information about PATCH and links to Roper Solutions below:But first, thank you for listening to the Guardian Grange podcast. We are a grass roots movement sowing the seeds for a decentralized, local-focused, family-oriented network of food sovereign communities. Please find us on social media and join our email list to stay updated with our projects as we grow. Feedback is always welcome and encouraged!How To Support The Podcast & Guardian Grange VisionPlease share this podcast with friends and family, and stay connected to Guardian Grange on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) and at our website www.guardiangrange.org to follow along with our progress as we help transform the world into a more beautiful, healthy, and friendly place one community at a time.Guardian Grange is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3), EIN 85-3841605. Contributions are tax deductible.Your donation supports our efforts to improve humanity and the environment by uplifting veterans to protect natural resources and strengthen communities.DonationsDonate directly through our Donorbox campain here: https://donorbox.org/guardian-grange-donationYou can also donate through our website https://www.guardiangrange.org/ by clicking the "Support The Vision" button.Subscribe to the YouTube channel here so we can hit 100 subs and change the channel name to: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoggg7qUsc7HFAticoKn4gAMore buzz about PATCHThe technology trailblazer, Roper, has launched a new product to keep your team connected even in the most remote locations. Styled as a US flag, PATCH is an ultra-slim and waterproof device that is made in the US and uses the same wireless charging as a smartphone. Packed with the latest encrypted technology, PATCH pairs with your smartphone so you can text, share GPS and maps, and monitor your team’s activity—all without cell service, Wi-Fi or satellite.Roper is a hardware-software company focused on high performance encrypted sensors for rural and off-grid markets, all proudly designed and built in the USA. Invented by a US Navy SEAL and a DOD engineer, our flagship product PATCH is the ultra-lightweight, low profile, high perfor
Sleep Crisis and Restful Health Recovery with Robert Sweetman
Dec 11 2021
Sleep Crisis and Restful Health Recovery with Robert Sweetman
Lack of deep, restful sleep is a major crisis among the military and verteran community which too often throws medication at the symptoms leading to a growin list of problems. My friend and fellow SEAL Team 7 veteran, Robert Sweetman, jumps on this episode to discuss the sleep inadequacy issue that affects so many, and shares a wealth of knowledge that anyone can use, along with his nonmedicated, empowering approach with the Sixty Two Romeo mission to improve veteran's mental health through sleep. This is a very interesting and empowering episode not only for veterans, but for all people who suffer daily from a lack of sleep leading to grogginess and energy crashes that are too often covered up with caffeine by day and sleep medications by night. Join us on this podcast, and get motivated to take back the rest you deserve with a more holistic understanding of why sleep issues persist and a natural trajectory toward recovery. How To Support The Podcast & Guardian Grange Vision Please share this podcast with friends and family, and stay connected to Guardian Grange on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) and at our website www.guardiangrange.org to follow along with our progress as we help transform the world into a more beautiful, healthy, and friendly place one community at a time. Guardian Grange is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3), EIN 85-3841605. Contributions are tax deductible. Your donation supports our efforts to improve humanity and the environment by uplifting veterans to protect natural resources and strengthen communities. Donations Donate directly through our Donorbox campain here: https://donorbox.org/guardian-grange-donation You can also donate through our website https://www.guardiangrange.org/ by clicking the "Support The Vision" button. Subscribe to the YouTube channel here so we can hit 100 subs and change the channel name to: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoggg7qUsc7HFAticoKn4gA Find more information about Robert's sleep program and technology at his websites: https://www.restnode.org/ https://www.existtribe.com/ And watch his Sixty Two Romeo program mini documentary here: https://vimeo.com/644132452
Bottom's Up Community Building & Post-Partisanship with Seneca Scott
Sep 23 2021
Bottom's Up Community Building & Post-Partisanship with Seneca Scott
In this episode, I’m honored to chat with Seneca Scott who is a really awesome human doing a lot of good work in his community out in West Oakland and the surrounding area bringing people together around food, culture and nurturing healthy environments. Seneca is part of a great team at Oakhella that was born in the Lower Bottoms of West Oakland to preserve the cultural fabric of their community while welcoming newcomers. They officially launched as a micro-music festival in 2016, and have since grown into a community organization made up of young professionals who recognize the need to create spaces that encompass the broader culture of Oakland, well known for its multi-generational appeal.  Seneca also helped build Oakhella’s sister organization, Bottoms Up Community Garden which is home to an experimental localized food system in West Oakland intended to re-shape the Lower Bottoms’ understanding of food security. They believe that through decolonizing the current industrial agricultural system, community health, nutritional awareness and biodiversity will improve… and we have some good conversations on this in the episode. And if that’s not enough, Seneca also founded Neighbors Together Oakland which is an organization dedicated to bringing post-partisan unity and preparedness to Oakland neighborhoods. But wait… there’s more… he recently ran for city council of district 3, and even tossed his hat in for Oakland mayor. He’s a Cornell University graduate from their school of industrial and labor relations, and he’s been an active member of Gaurdian Grange as we grow this organization. So, needless to say Seneca is a very active member of his community and working extremely hard to do good things. I’m honored to call him a friend and excited about the work we’re doing in alignment to help communities become more resilient and food sovereign. We actually recorded this podcast on location at Bottoms Up Community Garden, so you’ll hear some of the city sounds in the background mixed in with some chickens and other activity. And just so you’re aware, this is a free flowing conversation that touches on wide range of topics and sensitive issues with some colorful language at time, so keep an open mind and if your ears are sensitive to swear words, just be aware that they do get thrown around in here. I try to be as clean as possible, but it’s part of the fabric of who I am and this is a real, raw conversation where we aren’t holding anything back.  I pride myself on being transparent, and I feel we did a really good job in that regard on this podcast… Please stay connected to Guardian Grange on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) and at our website www.guardiangrange.org to follow along with our progress as we help transform the world into a more beautiful, healthy, and friendly place one community at a time. Guardian Grange is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3), EIN 85-3841605. Contributions are tax deductible. Your donation supports our efforts to improve humanity and the environment by uplifting veterans to protect natural resources and strengthen communities. Donations Donate directly through our Donorbox campain here: https://donorbox.org/guardian-grange-donation You can also donate through our website
The Vision | Veteran Healing Through Nature & Community with Mark "Matz" Matzeldelaflor
Aug 9 2021
The Vision | Veteran Healing Through Nature & Community with Mark "Matz" Matzeldelaflor
Guardian Grange is a veteran powered humanitarian and environmental regeneration project, founded by a former US Navy SEAL to protect natural resources, strengthen communities, and uplift veterans with a renewed sense of purpose. Our focus is facilitating individual and community healing through working in nature. We are growing a decentralized network of regenerative permaculture properties to build the infrastructure for a soil based economy, and serve as healing spaces for veterans and co-creative community projects that build deep-rooted relationships and inspire stronger sense of community for generations to come. Hello friends and fellow humans, thank you for tuning in to the very first Guardian Grange podcast. I am your host, Mark Matzeldelaflor, founder of our non-profit mission and Co-creative Engagement Officer. In this first episode, I'm going to discuss a little bit about myself, and my life's path from early childhood to becoming a Navy SEAL, combat experience, dealing with the tragedy of suicide and veterans mental health issues, experience with earth based sacraments (or entheogens, often referred to as psychedelics or "hallucinogens" with undeserving stigma) and reigniting my fire for life which is what lead me to start this nonprofit mission to facilitate veteran healing through working with nature... and why I've dedicated my life to building a regenerative permaculture network for food sovereignty and a community focused infastructure for a soil based economy...  We'll dive into the Guardian Grange vision, and chat about what our core team has been able to accomplish so far... where we're going, and how you can assist. Finally, I'll close with how you can help support our effort (see links below), manifesting the Guardian Grange vision, along with some final thoughts... Our mission at Guardian Grange is to uplift veterans, protect nature's resources and strengthen communities through humanitarian and environmental services dedicated to repurposing veterans’ skillsets for regenerative agriculture, holistic land management, rehabilitating public building projects, repairing ecological damage, and transforming distressed land into healthy ecosystems. By connecting to nature in a community setting to do good works, veterans can reignite passion and rediscover purpose to lead communities through service, protecting the land and people in new and honorable ways.   While we are a young organization, there is no shortage of work to be done, and we have been diligently building programs that will require significant resources and volunteer effort. Any contribution to our cause will greatly help us achieve our goals by funding veteran rehabilitation, land restoration, and other activities that support our mission. Please stay connected to Guardian Grange on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) and at our website www.guardiangrange.org to follow along with our progress as we help transform the world into a more beautiful, healthy, and friendly place one community at a time. Guardian Grange is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3), EIN 85-3841605. Contributions are tax deductible. Your donation supports our efforts to improve humanity and the environment by uplifting veterans to protect natural resources and strengthen communities. Donations Donate directly through our Donorbox campain here: https://donorbox.org/guardian-grange-donation You can also donate through our website https://www.guardiangrange.org/ by clicking the "Support The Vision" button. Survey Link https://forms.gle/FJTTsdobTtp2mcDJ8 (Open til 15 Nov 2021)