Episodes

  • How do you pursue your passions even as life throws you curveball after curveball? Los Angeles actor, Creator of One Broke Actress, owner of Fast Forward Productions, and Co-Owner of The Membership Sam Valentine comes on to share her story of learning to pivot to the next right thing for her in her career in her pursuit of her art. In this solo interview, Emma and Sam delve into their personal journeys, challenges, pivot points, and the nuances of leading a multi-hyphenate career in a rapidly evolving industry. Sam shares her experiences moving from the Midwest to Los Angeles, grappling with the realities of the acting business, learning to run her own ventures, and finding fulfillment beyond traditional career paths. They touch on embracing how success changes with age, avoiding burnout, and the complexities of social media's role in creative careers. Sam also shares her vision for a more inclusive and dynamic future in entertainment and beyond, and leaves us all feeling inspired to pursue our inner artist.

    🌿This episode is sponsored by Neptune’s Harvest Organic Fertilizer. Use code GOODDIRT at checkout for 5% off your order for products from the ocean to set your plants in motion πŸŒŠ

    Topics Discussed
    · Being a Multihyphenate
    · Moving from Small Midwestern Towns to a Big Urban City
    · Acting & Slow Living
    · Surviving Your Early 20’s
    · Art and Lived Life Experience
    · Defining Success
    · The Future of Fast Forward Productions
    · Giving Back with One Broke Actress
    · Mentoring in The Membership
    · The Fluidity of Dreams
    · Burnout in the Pursuit of Many Goals
    · Actor to Producer Pipeline
    · Nature, Jealousy, and Comparison
    · Relationship to Social Media
    · Creating Content of Service
    · Investing in the Good, not the Toxic

    Episode Resources:
    · Read Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention--And How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari
    · Listen to One Broke Actress “Actor & TIkTok Star Drew Talbert on Advice for Actors on the Internet, Finding Success, and the SAG Influencer Contract”

    Connect with Sam Valentine:
    · Fast Forward Productions Website: https://fastforwardproduction.com
    · Fast Forward Productions Instagram @thewomenarespeaking https://www.instagram.com/thewomenarespeaking/
    · One Broke Actress Website: https://onebrokeactress.com
    · One Broke Actress YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLLnIi2v_7sxQIEzaHra4Ug/videos
    · One Broke Actress Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1R0Vcnx2XdBgbi73EWLtsK · One Broke Actress Instagram @onebrokeactress: https://www.instagram.com/onebrokeactress/ · Links: https://onebrokeactress.com/links
    · Sam’s Personal IG @samvalentine: https://www.instagram.com/samvalentine/
    · The Membership @themembership.co: https://www.instagram.com/themembership.co/

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    🌻 About Lady Farmer:
    · Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community
    · Visit Our Website
    · Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram
    · Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail!
    Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!
    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.
    🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:
    · Wendy Gray

  • This is a free preview of the full paid episode described below. To hear more, visit https://ladyfarmer.substack.com/t/seasonal-living
    ATTENTION GARDENERS! To get your safe, non GMO seeds, go to Pine Tree Garden Seeds at superseeds.com and use our promo code: GOODDIRT2024 for 20% off your entire seed order!

    In this PREVIEW, Mary discusses the arrival of spring and the human connection to nature. She highlights the disconnect between humans and the natural world, emphasizing the need to reclaim our cooperative place on the planet. Mary also explores the significance of Earth Day and the importance of environmental action.
    In the full episode, available here with a paid subscription, Mary discusses gardening by the signs of the moon in April and talks about embracing weeds as a way to reduce work and support biodiversity. She also explains why she is not partaking in a big garden center shopping haul this spring. The episode concludes with a recipe share and a reminder to live in harmony with the Earth.
    Takeaways

    We are nature and the same with all of the natural world.

    Earth Day is an important event that raises awareness and promotes environmental action.

    Gardening can be done in a low-waste manner, reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability.

    Gardening by the signs can help optimize planting and harvesting times.

    Embracing weeds can support biodiversity and provide nutritious additions to meals.


    Chapters
    PREVIEW

    Introduction to Spring and Human Connection to Nature

    The Disconnect Between Humans and the Natural World

    Earth Day and Environmental Action


    FULL EPISODE (available here)

    Gardening and the Low-Waste Garden Challenge

    Gardening by the Signs of the Moon in April

    Embracing Weeds

    Bringing violets into your kitchen with Violet Lemon Crisps



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    🌻 About Lady Farmer:

    Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community

    Visit Our Website

    Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram

    Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!


    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.


    🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:
    • Wendy Gray

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  • In part two of this episode the conversation with Danielle Schwab, creator of Illuminate Food, continues. Danielle discusses the influential role of policy and larger institutions in forming the public's food choices, emphasizing the importance of transparency in supply chains to combat climate change's negative effects. She delves into the benefits and challenges of transitioning to plant-based diets and expresses her advocacy for beans as a sustainable food source instead. We explore consumer responsibility, the impact of food service choices on sustainability, and the complexities involved in shifting our cultural approach to certain foods. Danielle also shares her personal journey from corporate to creating content that sheds light on food system issues, and offers guidance on how to influence positive change in the food chain in our own kitchens.

    🌿 This episode is sponsored by Neptune's Harvest Organic Fertilizer. Use code GOODDIRT at checkout for 5% off your order for products from the ocean to set your plants in motion 🌊

    Topics Discussed
    · Polices and Optimism in Food Chain Change
    · Climate Beneficial Meat
    · Benefits and Challenges of Transitioning to Plant Based Meats
    · Monocultures
    · Supply Chain Transparency
    · Responsibility of Consumers in Educating Themselves
    · Sustainable Food Practices
    · Why We Should All Eat Beans
    · Diverse Food Sources
    · Overfarming & The Exploitation of Humans and Land
    · Societal Pressure to Eat or Avoid Certain Foods
    · What’s Going on with Soy & Soybeans
    · Responsible Ways to Eat Protein
    · Being Openminded with Food
    · Treating Cooking as a Pleasure over a Chore
    · Creating Content to Share Food

    Episode Resources:
    · Kiss the Ground
    · Primary Beans
    · Rancho Gordo Beans
    · Listen to The Good Dirt “Eating for the Future with Danielle Schwab of Illuminate Food Part 1”

    Connect with Danielle Schwab:
    · Website: https://illuminate-food.com
    · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illuminate_food/
    · Links: https://linktr.ee/illuminatefood
    · Substack: https://illuminatefood.substack.com

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    🌻 About Lady Farmer:
    · Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community
    · Visit Our Website
    · Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram
    · Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail!
    Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!
    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.
    🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:
    · Wendy Gray

  • In this Episode, Danielle Schwab , founder of Illuminate Food discusses her journey from the corporate world to the food industry and her current work in the mushroom meat sector. She has dedicated her career to helping consumers understand our food system so as individuals making personal food decisions we can shift to a more sustainable way of feeding ourselves. In this discussion we explore the complexities of global supply chains and the need for more depth in consumer discussion and understanding. Danielle highlights the importance of individual choices in driving change and the challenges of convincing consumers to try unfamiliar foods, difficulties in innovating the food system, and the tendency to embrace simplistic solutions to the problem of ensuring our food supply for the future.

    This Episode is Sponsored by Pinetree Garden Seeds!
    Order their seeds today from superseeds.com and use our promo code: GOODDIRT2024 for 20% off your entire order!

    Topics Discussed
    · Spring Cleaning
    · Mushroom Meat: What It Is & Its Benefits
    · Foraging & Global Food Systems
    · Journey from the Corporate World to Food Industry
    · Starting a Farm Box Business
    · Structure & Operation of the Farm Box vs. CSAs
    · Accessing Local, Sustainable Food
    · Global Food Supply Chains
    · Viral Content, Awareness, and Social Media Trends
    · Writing About Food
    · The Soybean Industry
    · Innovating Our Food Systems
    · How We Make Our Food Choices
    · Commodity Crops
    · How Policy and Institutions Shape Our Food Choices
    · Challenges in Local & Commodity Scale Production
    · The Struggle with Getting Good Quality Food
    · Being a Flexitarian

    Episode Resources:
    · Illuminate Good Article “Does Being Resourceful Lead to Destruction?”

    Connect with Danielle Schwab:
    · Website: https://illuminate-food.com
    · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illuminate_food/
    · Links: https://linktr.ee/illuminatefood
    · Substack: https://illuminatefood.substack.com

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    🌻 About Lady Farmer:
    · Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community
    · Visit Our Website
    · Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram
    · Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail!
    Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!
    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.
    🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:
    · Wendy Gray

  • In the first of this two-part series on how to achieve a slow and sustainable kitchen, Mary and Emma discuss their own experiences with sustainable food sourcing, including tips for how to find local food and how to shop more sustainably in the grocery store when local food is less available. They also talk about packaging considerations as a guide for sustainable food shopping, and some unique ideas for low waste kitchen storage. More to come in Part 2!
    Topics Discussed

    There are many things to discuss on the topic of the slow kitchen

    Start with local food when possible

    Tips for food sourcing when local food is less available

    Shopping tips

    Packaging and lower waste considerations

    Sustainable kitchen storage--mason jars and more!


    Links

    Find your local food sources HERE


    For sustainable and slow food shopping--Eating on the Wild Side/ The Missing Link to Optimum Health by Jo Robinson


    🌻 About Lady Farmer:

    Our Website

    Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram


    Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC

    Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!

    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

  • In this episode we welcome back Dave and Nicky Schauder to The Good Dirt to reconnect and update our listeners on what’s been happening with their business project, Permaculture Gardens. We talked to them almost four years ago now, in June of 2020, early in lockdown when the buzz about growing your own food was really getting ramped up. Nicky and Dave started Permaculture Gardens to make permaculture and growing food accessible to everyone - especially families! They specialize in education for backyard vegetable gardens, small-space permaculture and indoor gardening solutions. For several years, they grew hundreds of pounds of their own food for themselves and their six children on a small suburban townhouse lot. In this conversation we'll hear about their new location and the innovative new gardening app, Sage, designed to simplify and streamline sustainable gardening practices. Tune in to Dave and Nicky for inspiration on growing your own food, even with limited time and space.

    This Episode is Sponsored by Pinetree Garden Seeds!
    Order their seeds today from superseeds.com and use our promo code: GOODDIRT2024 for 20% off your entire order!

    Topics Discussed
    · A Peak Behind the Scenes: Google Drive Problems
    · Slow Living Challenge Takeaways
    · The Permaculture Principle of 'The Problem is the Solution'
    · Evolution of Permaculture Gardens.
    · The backstory of the Schauders' journey into permaculture f
    · Children's health challenges and their commitment to organic food.
    · The Launch & Impact of Afterschool Permaculture Programs
    · Starting a Personal garden
    · Their Approach to permaculture education.
    · Transition to a larger space for both their family and permaculture projects
    · The development and features of the new app SAGE
    · Community Engagement, Education, and their Observation of Climate Changes on Gardening Choices.
    · Balancing Raising Kids and Permaculture
    · The Kickstarter for their SAGE
    · Fences as a Living Basket
    · Harvesting Your Own Food
    · Native vs. Nonnative Plants
    · Favorite Things to Grow Including: Bananas, PawPaws, Blackberries, Perennials, and more
    · “Lazy Gardening”
    · The Gradual Evolution of Your Garden

    Episode Resources:
    · How to Grow More Vegetables book
    · SAGE: https://www.permaculturegardens.org/sage
    · GIY: https://www.permaculturegardens.org/giy
    · Listen to Nicky and Dave’s First Episode “Grow Your Own Food in 15 Minutes”

    Connect with Nicky & Dave Schauder:
    · Website: **https://permaculturegardens.org/**
    · Instagram @permaculture_garden: https://www.instagram.com/permaculture_garden/
    · YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PermacultureGardens
    · Links: https://linktr.ee/permaculturegardens

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    🌻 About Lady Farmer:
    · Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community
    · Visit Our Website
    · Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram
    · Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail!
    Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!
    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.
    🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:
    · Wendy Gray

  • Spiritual Ecologist and Eco-Theologian Mary DeJong presents her perspective on how we can each reconnect with the sacred Earth through rewilding our inner selves. DeJong works with Waymarkers, guiding others through retreats and pilgrimages, with an emphasis on placing Earth first in each decision we make. In this conversation we explore Celtic tradition and the primacy of creation, how the language we use shifts the various hierarchical ladders in our society, and the way that different spiritualities have more in common than we think. We discuss themes of change, belonging, the importance of reimagining our understanding of divinity in relation to the earth, and the power of stories and language in shaping human experience and perception of the natural world.

    This Episode is Sponsored by Pinetree Garden Seeds!
    Order their seeds today from superseeds.com and use our promo code: GOODDIRT2024 for 20% off your entire order!

    Topics Discussed
    · Exploring Eco Spirituality
    · Impact of Rapid Development on Personal Beliefs
    · Exploring Indigenous Cultures and Traditions
    · The Importance of Reconnecting with Earth
    · Sacred Soil & Putting the Earth First
    · Rewilding Our Inner Selves
    · The Impact of Language on Our Perception of Nature
    · Land Restoration and Living in Harmony with the Seasons
    · The Origin of Our Disconnection from Nature
    · The Power of Local Action
    · Restoration and Reclamation of Urban Landscapes
    · The Transformation of a Landscape
    · Exploring Celtic Spiritual Traditions
    · The Celtic Imagination and Connection to the Divine
    · The Natural World and Spiritual Practice
    · Reading Wisdom in the Wild
    · The Impact of Language on Our Perception of Nature
    · Reimagining the Divine and the Role of Imagination
    · Seeing the Earth as God's Body
    · Our Heroic Journey, Mythology, and Pilgrimage

    Episode Resources:
    · Read “The Dance of the Dissident Daughter: A Woman's Journey from Christian Tradition to the Sacred Feminine” by Sue Monk Kidd
    · Read “ The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd
    · Listen to The Good Dirt “183. Manifesting the Life You Want with Stephanie O'Dea of the Slow Living Podcast”
    · Read “The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image” by Leonard Shlain
    · Read “Hagitude: Reimagining the Second Half of Life” by Sharon Blackie
    · Listen to The Lady Preacher Podcast “Rewilding Our Souls with Mary DeJong”

    Connect with Mary DeJong:
    · Website: https://www.waymarkers.net/aboutmary
    · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waymarkers/
    · WayMarkers Book: https://www.waymarkers.net/waymarkers-book
    · WayMarkers, Wild Winter - Your Seasonal Journey: https://waymarkers.teachable.com/p/wild-winter-your-seasonal-journey
    25% Discount on Wild Spring Online Course with coupon code: WILDLADYFARMER *coupon code does not apply to the monthly pricing plan. Learn more here: ***https://www.waymarkers.net/wild-spring

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    🌻 About Lady Farmer:
    · Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community
    · Visit Our Website
    · Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram
    · Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail!
    Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!
    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.
    🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:
    · Wendy Gray

  • This is a free preview of the full paid episode described below. To hear more, visit https://ladyfarmer.substack.com/t/seasonal-living
    Welcome March and welcome spring! Even with the unpredictable and sometimes extreme weather, we can see life returning to the landscape. In this episode, we will hear the story of Demeter and Persephone, the ancient Greek myth that explains why we have four seasons. We'll also explore the cultural significance of St. Patrick's Day and consider the deeper impact of its origins. Planting begins this month for many, so we'll discuss the moon calendar for getting the growing season off to a good start. We'll learn how the tradition of Hot Cross Buns blends both pre-Christian and Easter traditions, and how the return of the spring peepers brings joy and hope in a time of eco-anxiety.

    Takeaways

    March is a month of anticipation for spring, with its unpredictable weather and the return of life.

    Cultural narratives and traditions can shape our relationship with the earth and impact our collective responsibility.

    Climate change is affecting gardening practices, with earlier seasons and the need for adaptation.

    The unity of pre-Christian traditions and Easter can be celebrated through the tradition of Hot Cross Buns.

    The return of the spring peepers brings hope in a time of environmental challenges.


    Resources Mentioned
    2023 Updated USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

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    🌻 About Lady Farmer:


    Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community

    Visit Our Website

    Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram

    Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!


    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.


    🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:

    • Wendy Gray

  • We all have bodies that we carry with us throughout our entire lives, but how do we take care of ourselves as we get older? Educator, Business Mentor, Coach, and soon-to-be Physical Therapist Sharon Bailey is here to discuss how she approaches her body and her life as she ages, and her advice will apply in your 20s to your 90s. Here on International Women's Day, we are diving into Nature’s Rhythm of the female and menstruating body, and how we are each effected when we go into perimenopause and menopause. Sharon dives into her journey towards becoming a Physical Therapist, strength training, and coaching healers. She touches upon the challenges that healers often face in running their businesses, including frequent burnout and compassion fatigue. This is all about exploring the intersection of lifestyle habits, physical health, shifting hormones, and business sustainability — leaving you filled with joy and hope by the end.
    This Episode is Sponsored by Pinetree Garden Seeds!
    Order their seeds today from superseeds.com and use our promo code: GOODDIRT2024 for 20% off your entire order!

    Topics Discussed
    · International Women’s Day
    · Getting Divorced
    · Changing Business Names
    · Moving to Grand Junction
    · The Transformation of Physical Fitness
    · Pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy
    · Movement as Medicine
    · Strength Training’s Effect on Perimenopause/Menopause
    · Regenerative Business & Regenerative Business Practices
    · Coaching Healers
    · Centering Mental Health as a Business
    · Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in the Healthcare Industry
    · Hormonal Cycles and the Rhythm of Work
    · Allopathic Medicine
    · Remembering that We are the Earth
    · The Magic in the Mundane

    Episode Resources:
    · Lady Farmer’s Guide to Slow Living by Mary E. Kingsley
    · Join Us on SubStack for Our Slow Living Challenge
    · Listen to The Good Dirt “Living in Rhythm: Women’s Well Being with Sharon Bailey”
    · Adam Grant
    · Natasha Oceane
    · Dr. Mary Claire Haver, MD, author of The New Menopause

    Connect with Sharon Bailey:
    · Website: https://sharonbailey.co/
    · Instagram @sharonsharesjoy: https://www.instagram.com/sharonsharesjoy/


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    🌻 About Lady Farmer:
    · Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community
    · Visit Our Website
    · Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram
    · Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail!
    Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!
    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.
    🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:
    · Wendy Gray

  • We last saw Stephanie in Episode 110, “Designing the Life of Your Dream in a Consumer Culture with Stephanie O’Dea of The Slow Living Podcast” and it was an absolute hit with our listeners. Now a few years out of the pandemic, and dozens of episodes of the Slow Living with Stephanie O'Dea Podcast out, Stephanie comes back onto The Good Dirt to dive into how her definition of slow living has changed. She discusses the nostalgia her clients have felt for the slower pace of life during Covid-19 lockdowns and the difficulty of maintaining that slowness when life returns to normal. She also shares her take on the idea of manifestation contrasted against the desire for immediate gratification, and practical tips for achieving long-term goals. If you have been searching for a way to find personal contentment in your life, Stephanie’s advice will give you a starting place to view your aspirations in a completely new light.

    Topics Discussed
    · Welcoming March - AKA Emma’s Birthday Month. the spring equinox and Easter
    · Manifesting What One Wants in Life
    · SMART Goals
    · SLOW - Simply Look Only Within
    · Care Tasks vs. Chores
    · The Great Resignation & Finding Fulfillment Outside of Work
    · Maintaining a Lifestyle Balance
    · Preparing for the Future
    · Looking at the Length of a Lifetime
    · Taking Action & Making Consistent Moves Towards Goals
    · Mindset & Outcomes
    · Societal Expectations on Success & Hustling
    · Consumerism
    · Focusing on Liking How Your Life Feels
    · Decluttering, both Mentally and Physically
    · Intentional Goal Setting
    · How Life & Individual Goals have Evolved Since the Pandemic

    Episode Resources:
    · Join Us on SubStack for Our Slow Living Challenge
    · Listen to The Good Dirt “Designing the Life of Your Dream in a Consumer Culture with Stephanie O’Dea of The Slow Living Podcast”
    · Listen to the Slow Living Podcast “Manifestation vs. Magical Thinking”
    · Watch The Secret
    · Read How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing by KC Davis

    Connect with Stephanie O’Dea:
    · Website, stephanieodea.com
    · Podcast - Slow Living with Stephanie O'Dea
    · Slow Living with Stephanie O'Dea - Apple Podcasts
    · Stephanie's Books
    · On Instagram @stephanieodea
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    🌻 About Lady Farmer:

    Our Website

    Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram


    Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC

    Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!

    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

  • Stanley Cups. We’ve all heard of it at this point. It’s impossible not to. When cars explode and ice remains and Target shelves are empty, it’s crowds seeking the latest edition of this product that was hyped on social media. But what does all of that hype get us? More and more products in production, leading to more waste. mary and Emma sit down to discuss the Stanley Quencher cup phenomenon and how it relates to slow living. They touch on how the cup is a status symbol more than it being associated with sustainability, how buying one also buys into 'perceived luxury', and the effect of a product going viral.

    Topics Discussed
    · Consumer Issues with Slow Living
    · The Stanley Cup
    · Status Symbol Materialism
    · Perceived Luxury
    · When Plastic Water Bottles Became Big
    · The Impact of Consumerism and Culture on the Stanley Quencher Cup Trend
    · Social Media & Overconsumption
    · The Culture of Scarcity
    · The History of Hydration
    · Role of Women in Driving Economy and Culture
    · Budgeting and Alternative Products
    · Making Conscious Choices When Consuming

    Episode Resources:
    · Listen to The Good Dirt “181. Mary & Emma Chat: What is Slow Living?”
    · Story of Stuff

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    🌻 About Lady Farmer:

    Our Website

    Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram


    Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC

    Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!

    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

  • Where does our food come from, and what will happen when we have no farmers coming in to take over the legacy of the farmers of today? In this conversation with business executive, homesteader, and consultant Judith Horvath, Judith speaks extensively on the benefits of regenerative agriculture, her experience in agri-entrepreneurism, and her vision for the development of agrihoods — communities centered around functional farms that provide food for the community. Judith encourages a close connection to the food we consume, supporting local farming communities, and adopting sustainable and regenerative farming practices. Judith also highlights the significance of high-quality soil and efficient farming methods for successful results in small scale farming. She discusses her role as a mentor to aspiring farmers and helps develop plans for regenerative agricultural ventures and her vision for creating a resilient food supply chain through the small local farms.

    Topics Discussed
    · Slow Living Challenge & Daffodils
    · A Farmer’s Living Wage
    · The Agrihood Movement
    · Composting Waste
    · Growing Your Own Food and Knowing the Food Supply Chain
    · Convincing Local Grocery Stores to Provide Cast-off Produce
    · Challenges Faced in Obtaining Cast-off Produce from Grocery Stores
    · Benefits of Supporting Local Farms and Communities
    · The Need for Farmers to Engage in Ongoing Public Awareness Programs
    · Importance of Sustainable Farming Practices, Such as Interplanting and Companion Planting
    · The Value of Open-Pollinated and Heirloom Varieties of Vegetables
    · Encouraging the Acceptance of "Ugly" Produce
    · The Significance of No-Till and Low-Till Farming Practices
    · The Role of Composting and Waste Reduction in Sustainable Farming
    · Encouraging Youth and Individuals with Special Needs to Consider Farming as a Career
    · The Potential of Agrihoods and Eco-Communities in Promoting Sustainable Food Systems
    · The Need for Continued Documentation and Sharing of Experiences in Agrihood Projects

    Episode Resources:
    · Join the Slow Living Challenge on Substack
    · Common Ground Film
    · Kiss the Ground
    · The FOOP

    Connect with Judith Farrell Horvath:
    · Website: https://www.fairhillfarm.com
    · Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judithhorvath/
    · Podcast: https://fairhillfarm.podbean.com
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    🌻 About Lady Farmer:

    Our Website

    Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram


    Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC

    Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!

    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

  • In this episode of The Good Dirt Podcast, Mary and Emma sit down for a deep dive as a duo into the concept of slow living and what their relationship is to it in 2024. We hear them discuss their philosophy and also the challenges they’ve faced in adopting a slow living mindset, and share how they’ve come to view it as a quest in life. They also answer some listener questions from Instagram, sharing their thoughts on slow living with full schedules, clutter, city living, cooking, and balancing lives as pet owners or parents. Strategies, tips and tricks are explored to overcome these barriers, highlighting the importance of mindfulness and appreciative living. You’ll leave this episode with a sense of how you can apply slow living to your everyday, but if you want an even more guided approach, become a part of the upcoming Slow Living Challenge taking place in March, where you will receive daily prompts and inspirations to help you live in the moment.

    Topics Discussed
    · Understanding Slow Living
    · Personal Experiences with Slow Living
    · The Impact of Life Phases on Slow Living
    · The Importance of Individual Experiences in Slow Living
    · The Role of Clutter in Slow Living
    · Defining Slow Living
    · The Evolution & Challenges of Slow Living
    · The Role of Nature in Slow Living
    · The Impact of Productivity on Slow Living
    · The Role of Mindfulness in Slow Living
    · The Importance of Balance in Slow Living
    · Clutter & Waste
    · The Role of Nature in Slow Living
    · The Impact of Anxiety on Slow Living
    · The Role of Food in Slow Living
    · The Impact of Takeout on Waste and Stress Levels
    · The Role of Conscious Consumption in Slow Living
    · Living Slowly in a Fast-Paced City
    · The Amazon Dilemma: Convenience vs. Sustainability
    · Pets, Slow Living and Sustainability
    · Introducing the 2024 Slow Living Challenge
    · The Joy of Libraries and Slow Living with Kids
    · Embracing Slow Living in Everyday Life

    Episode Resources:
    · Listen to The Good Dirt “Designing the Life of Your Dreams in a Consumer Culture with Stephanie O'Dea of The Slow Living Podcast”
    · The Libby App
    · Always Feeling Rushed? The Good Dirt Episode on Time with Mary & Emma


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    🌻 About Lady Farmer:

    Our Website

    Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram


    Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC

    Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!

    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

  • Today's guest is Pamela Tanner Boll who is an artist, filmmaker, writer and activist. She is the Founder and CEO of Mystic Artists Film Productions, joining us to talk about her current project, a film called To Which We Belong which highlights farmers and ranchers leaving behind conventional agriculture and adopting regenerative practices that are improving the health of our soil and sea and saving our planet. Pamela shares with Emma and Mary the misconceptions regarding the climate impact of cattle and the untapped potential of ruminants in climate remediation, the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of every organism on earth, how we as individuals can reduce waste, and ways to foster community in order to better the planet.
    Join the Lady Farmer Slow Living Challenge!
    Topics Discussed
    · Valentine’s Day and Waste
    · Interconnectedness of Life
    · Connection to the Earth
    · Documentary Filmmaking
    · Cattle and Their Effect on Climate Change
    · Microbes, Fungi, and Bugs
    · The Effect of Our Actions on the Planet
    · Policy Changes
    · Power of Individuals
    · Sharing Stories of Sustainability
    · Creativity & The Power of Change
    · Individualistic Mindset
    · The Role of Love in Creating a Better World
    · Fixing Earth, not aiming for Mars
    · Embracing “Dirty” Aspects of Life
    · Supporting Non-profit Organizations
    · Gardens
    · The Business of Big Agro
    · Reversing Soil Erosion
    · Where Our Food Comes From
    · Seeing the Good
    · Being Mindful Consumers

    Episode Resources:
    · Join the Lady Farmer Slow Living Challenge!
    · Slow Living Through the Seasons January
    · Watch Allan Savory’s TED Talk “How to green the world's deserts and reverse climate change”
    · The Savory Institute

    Connect with Pamela Boll:
    · Website: https://www.mysticartists.com/about
    · Instagram @pamelatannerb: https://www.instagram.com/pamelatannerb/
    · Born into Brothels: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388789/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_14_prd
    · IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2035066/
    · To Which We Belong: https://www.towhichwebelong.com/pamela_tanner_boll
    · Who Does She Think She Is: https://www.whodoesshethinksheis.net/pamela_tanner_boll

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    🌻 About Lady Farmer:


    Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter

    Visit Our Website

    Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram

    Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!


    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.


    🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:

    • Wendy Gray

  • Organic Farmer and herbalist Jane Hawley Stevens discovered the magic of natural remedies in her personal life before establishing Four Elements Organic Herbals and developing a complete herbal wellness line. Jane and her husband have a 130 acre farm where they have been certified organic since 1990, and take great care to cultivate their plants sustainably. In her new book “The Celestial Garden” Jane shares the wisdom of planting by the moon and by the zodiac, relying on the earth's natural rhythms for guidance not only in the garden but in so many aspects of life. She explains how the movement of the moon through the constellations of the zodiac provides a detailed calendar of optimal times for planting seeds, roots, and transplants, as well as for pruning, weeding, propagation, harvesting, and even starting new projects or taking a rest. In this conversation, we talk about the different methods and traditions of astrological gardening, the importance of listening to your inner guidance, grounding ourselves in the wisdom of elders and living in harmony with the moon and the Earth.

    Topics Discussed
    · Introduction and Weather Talk
    · Celebrating the Festival of Imbolc and St. Bridget
    · St. Bridget's Influence on Lady Farmer
    · Jane's Journey into Organic Farming and Herbalism
    · Horticulture & The Old Farmer’s Almanac
    · Traditional Medicines
    · The Story of Finding the Farm
    · Exploring Celestial Gardening
    · Planting by the Signs
    · The Rhythms of Gardening and Life
    · Comparing Different Systems of Celestial Gardening
    · Adapting to Changing Seasons and Climate
    · Winter Activities, Wreath Making, and Holiday Preparations
    · Embracing the Non-Gardening Months
    · Outdoor Winter Fun
    · The Impact of Marketing on Common Sense
    · The Importance of Trusting Inner Guidance
    · The Shifting Baseline Phenomenon
    · The Magic of Plants Choosing You
    · The Good Dirt and the Importance of Soil
    · Promoting Home Remedies and Reducing Plastic Usage

    Episode Resources:
    · Listen to The Good Dirt “The History and Folklore of Brigid: Saint, Legend and Lady Farmer with Kathy Spaar”
    · Listen to Slow Living Through the Seasons
    · Read “The Celestial Garden: Growing Herbs, Vegetables, and Flowers in Sync with the Moon and Zodiac” by Jane Hawley Stevens
    · Old Farmer’s Almanac

    Connect with Jane Hawley Stevens:
    · Website: https://fourelementsherbals.com
    · Instagram @fourelementsherbals: https://www.instagram.com/fourelementsherbals/
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    🌻 About Lady Farmer:


    Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter

    Visit Our Website

    Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram

    Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!


    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.


    🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:

    • Wendy Gray

  • Welcome to the cross-quarter between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, a time to celebrate the promise of spring through many cultural traditions. February 1st is the Feast of St Brigid and the Celtic Festival of Imbolc, which overlap with our Groundhog Day and Candlemas, each acknowledging the return of light and life that is beginning for all living things in this hemisphere. As for Gardening by the Signs this month, it's a perfect time for microgreens! Tune in to hear about this easy way to get a jump on growing your own food this season, plus an irresistible Valentine treat from the seasonal kitchen!

    Episode Resources
    • Some of the linked articles will only be available to current members of The ALMANAC. If you are not currently a member and are interested in subscribing, check out this page for more information.

    Chocolate Ganache Brownie Cake
    https://lady-farmer.com/blogs/news/6-low-waste-nutrient-dense-valentines-gift-ideas

    A Guide to Microgreens
    https://lady-farmer.com/blogs/news/a-guide-to-microgreens

    Support this podcast and get your own downloadable planting by the moon calendar by becoming a member of The Good Dirt Supporters!

    🌻 About Lady Farmer:
    • Our Website
    • Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram
    • Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC
    • Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!
    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

    🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:
    • Wendy Gray

  • Hustle culture and pressures to accomplish, achieve and produce can result in personal and widespread burnout. Mary and Emma sit down for a deep dive discussion around the idea of "radical rest" and what that might look like in practice. They touch on their personal experiences with rest, acknowledging the exhaustion and burnout many people experience, especially in the wake of a challenging winter season. Together they explore ways to incorporate more resting into daily life through examples of long walks, nourishing food, and intentional, rejuvenating activities. They acknowledge it's not solely about physical rest, but mental and spiritual rest as well. If you've been struggling with rest, this episode will leave you with practical tips to try to incorporate in your daily lives.

    Topics Discussed
    · The Importance of Rest
    · Reflecting on Personal Experiences
    · Understanding Radical Rest
    · The Intersection of Rest and Social Issues
    · The Impact of Culture on Rest
    · The Pressure of Productivity
    · The Importance of Slowing Down
    · Rest and Nature's Rhythms
    · Exploring the Nap Ministry and Rest as Resistance
    · The Intersection of Rest and Racial Equality
    · Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture
    · Understanding the 5 Different Types of Resters
    · Practicing Radical Rest
    · Burnout
    · The Effect of the Pandemic
    · Working from Home
    · Feeling Lazy or Unworthy of Rest
    · How Rest Helps Grief

    Episode Resources:
    · Listen to The Good Dirt “Slow Living Through the Seasons: December”
    · Read Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey
    · The Nap Ministry
    · Read Rest Easy: Discover Calm and Abundance Through the Radical Power of Rest by Ximena Vengoechea
    · Read Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May

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    🌻 About Lady Farmer:

    Our Website

    Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram


    Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC

    Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!

    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

  • In this episode, Mary and Emma feature a conversation with Carley Lake and Tanya Dastyar, co-founders of Lucky Sweater, a tech platform designed for a slow fashion community. They share how Lucky Sweater works, allowing users to swap, gift, and trade clothing items, fostering a sustainable and connected community. Carley started out as one of the first 500 employees at Uber before becoming a digital strategist while Tanya was leading product for Microsoft News and Microsoft Managed Desktop before going into freelance Product Design. The conversation outlines the origins and growth of Lucky Sweater and what they are trying to do to combat consumer culture. Carley and Tanya also open up on how they balance work and their personal lives, why they want to shift consumer mentalities towards sustainability, and the impact of technology on our modern lifestyles.

    Download Lucky Sweater App here!

    Topics Discussed
    · Hot Chocolate Recipe
    · Being Without Heat
    · Slow Fashion
    · Environmentally Aware Brands
    · Staying Away from Fashion Trends
    · Sewers, Crocheters, Knitters, and Crafts
    · Fabrics
    · Building a Community-Based App
    · The Swap Drop
    · Shipping & Handling
    · The Sell-Resell Market
    · Gifting
    · Poshmark & the Secondhand Market
    · Fast Fashion Trends
    · Technology & Social Media
    · How Lucky Sweater Makes a Profit
    · Amsterdam
    · Life’s String of Beads
    · The Memories Held in Clothing
    · Struggles of Running a Startup
    · Exploring the Features and Benefits of Lucky Sweater

    Episode Resources:
    · Hot Chocolate Recipe
    · Rudy Jude Clothing
    · Mirrors in the Earth: Reflections on Self-Healing from the Living World by Asia Suler
    · Listen to The Good Dirt “Healing Ourselves, Healing the Earth with Asia Suler, Author of ‘Mirrors in the Earth’”
    · Light Phone
    · “The Artist's Way” by Julia Cameron

    Connect with Carley & Tanya:
    · Website: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=lucky+sweater&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
    · Instagram @lucky.sweater: https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sweater/
    · Download the App: Download Lucky Sweater App here!
    · TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lucky.sweater?lang=en
    · Gift a Sustainer Membership: https://www.luckysweater.com/gift-sustainer
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    🌻 About Lady Farmer:

    Our Website

    Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram


    Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC

    Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail! Call and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!

    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

  • Janna Hockenjos is a long-time listener of the podcast who was so inspired by what The Good Dirt stands for that she created Earth Friends Everywhere, an early education curriculum designed to enrich children’s connection and awareness of nature. Janna has been passionate about the environment every since she was a child, yet her career has taken her in many directions. She has a Masters Degree in Journalism from NYU, is a two-time published author, has owned a yoga studio, and is currently a freelance book editor. Now, as the mother of two children, she has circled back to her fervent passion for the planet and people with Earth Friends. In this conversation, Janna walks us through the conception of her nonprofit, what it’s been like to educate children, and why it is so important to have someone fall in love with the planet early on in life. Janna also shares how she has been impacted by The Good Dirt podcast, and highlights some of her favorite episodes.

    Topics Discussed
    · 4 Years of the Podcast
    · Early Childhood Education
    · Where We Live & How We Live
    · Changing Careers
    · Traumatic Brain Injuries & Yoga
    · Foreign Language Study
    · Labeling Environmental Education
    · Going Back to Basics
    · The Language of Environmental Activism
    · Compost, Recycling, Landfill, Reuse
    · Self-Agency in Kids
    · Origin Story of Earth Friends
    · Raising Kids in a Sustainable Lifestyle
    · Accessibility of Programs to All Kids
    · Teaching How Special the Earth Is
    · Yamas and Niyamas
    · Human Impact
    · Falling in Love with the Planet
    · Finding Each Child’s Passion in Nature
    · Going from Convenience to Connection
    · Accessibility
    · Fast Fashion
    · How The Good Dirt Has Had An Impact
    · The Equity Factor

    Episode Resources:
    · Join Us in The ALMANAC
    · Read All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis by Katharine K. Wilkinson and Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
    · Read Mirrors in the Earth: Reflections on Self-Healing from the Living World by Asia Suler
    · Read Miseducation: How Climate Change Is Taught in America by Katie Worth
    · For Days Take Back Bag
    · Listen to The Good Dirt “138. The Urgent Need for Restorative Gardening with Mary Reynolds”
    · Listen to The Good Dirt “151. "Lawns into Meadows" with Author Owen Wormser on Regenerative Agriculture”

    Connect with Janna Hockenjos:
    · Website: https://www.jannahockenjos.com/
    · Books: https://www.jannahockenjos.com/books
    · Instagram @jannacabana: https://www.instagram.com/jannacabana/
    · Earth Friends Everywhere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthfriendseverywhere/
    · Earth Friends Everywhere Website: https://www.earthfriends.us/
    · The Imperfect Green Guide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimperfectgreenguide/?hl=en
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    🌻 About Lady Farmer:

    Our Website

    Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram


    Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC

    Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!

    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

  • Wool is one of the oldest known materials used for textiles. As a renewable resource with a potential for mitigating climate change, we love to highlight wool in our exploration of sustainable living here on this show. Our guest today is Jane Cooper whose passion for knitting led her to search for a rare-breed sheep and their distinctive wool. In her book, “The Lost Flock: Rare Wool, Wild Isles and One Woman's Journey to Save Scotland's Original Sheep”, Jane tells the story of the remarkable and rare little horned sheep, known as the Orkney Boreray, and how she moved to one of Scotland’s wildest islands to save them. Finding she was the sole custodian of this lost flock she began investigating their mysterious and ancient history, tracking down the origins of the Boreray breed and its significance to Scotland's natural heritage.From Viking times to Highland crofts and nefarious research experiments in Edinburgh, this is a so-far untold real-life detective story. Join us as we follow Jane’s journey in securing a future for her beloved sheep, and along the way, how she reveals their deep connection to the Scottish landscape.

    Topics Discussed
    · The Many Uses of Wool
    · Scotland’s Islands & Mainland
    · Boreray Sheep
    · The Orkney Boreray Community
    · Mutton
    · Growing Up with a Love of Nature
    · Northern European Short-Tailed Sheep
    · Life as a Sheep Breeder
    · Scottish Sheep Culture: Clothing, Bedding, Milk, Cheese, Sustenance, and Farms
    · Rooing Fleece
    · The History of Vikings and Sheep (and their Woven Wool Sails)
    · The Process of Wool Weaving
    · Wool & Felt
    · Bast Fibers
    · Why Modern Farmers Need to Shear Sheep
    · Endangered Sheep Breeds
    · Wool Sack for the 20212 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London
    · Living on a Scottish Island
    · Being a Custodian of the Gene
    · Sustainable Fibers
    · Living with the Rhythm of the Seasons
    · The Highland Clearances of Dunface Sheep

    Episode Resources:
    · Join Us in The ALMANAC
    · Shop Our Wool
    · Listen to The Good Dirt "Your Mattress, Your Health: Regenerative Bedding with Holy Lamb Organics' Jason Schaefer”
    · Listen to The Good Dirt “A Passion for Wool: What’s Behind a Sustainable Supply Chain with Lani Estill” 
    · Listen to The Good Dirt “Regenerative Practices in Textile Production with Jeanne Carver of Shaniko Wool Co.”
    · Listen to The Good Dirt “No Fluff: The Inside Info On Wool Insulation with Andrew Legge of Havelock Wool”
    · Read Jane Cooper’s “The Lost Flock: Rare Wool, Wild Isles and One Woman's Journey to Save Scotland's Original Sheep”
    · Read Charles Darwin’s “The Formation of Vegetable Mould Through the Action of Worms”
    · Read Gabe Brown’s “Dirt to Soil: One Family's Journey Into Regenerative Agriculture”

    Connect with Jane Cooper:
    · Wool Sack Website: http://www.woolsack.org/
    · Orkney Boreray Website: https://orkneyboreray.com/
    · Instagram @orkneyboreray: https://www.instagram.com/orkneyboreray/
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    🌻 About Lady Farmer:

    Our Website

    Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram


    Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC

    Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!

    Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.