Episodios
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You can feel it now, even if you do not want to admit it. The hint, the suggestion, just the slightest note of autumn. August is close and with it you will be closer to the autumnal equinox than you are the summer solstice. Harvests of the literal and the figurative now begin. The hay in the fields, the berries in the briar, the trees destined for the wood pile by the cellar door.
First we see the second cutting of hay and all the avian activity that follows. The crows descend on the freshly mowed fields to forage insects and seeds, the turkeys wander out from the tree line for the first time since spring no longer wary of the long grass, and the raptors seek the befuddled field mice who suddenly no longer have cover in which to hide. The farmer harvests the hay, and the birds harvest what the hay hid. All throughout the field there is more visible activity now that the long hay is gone. The chickens especially enjoy the larger area to forage and will wander further now, emboldened by the lack of tall grass where fangs and claws lie in wait. It is liberating for them and yet it also leads them to push the boundaries just a little more; instead of foraging at the edge of the lawn and hay field, they now forage at the edge of the hay field and into the forest. Intrepid and bold, always drawn to the next fertile hunting ground in spite of all dangers. We owe chickens an apology: we associate them with cowardice but it may be more appropriate to tie them to images of reckless hunts, of great risk and great reward.
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The fields do not hold the only harvest. The edge places are fruitful too. The ditches at the roadside and untenable land for agriculture hold the briars and their good dark fruit: the blackberry. Mention blackberries to anyone and they will likely begin looking into the distance, into their past, and recounting where the best bushes of their childhood were, of what their mother made with them, of the scratches left by thorns, of memories of days that were slower and held less labor, more joy. Does any other fruit hold such idyllic associations? Apples and apple picking, perhaps, but it strikes me that blackberries hold a certain territory in our hearts that no other fruit touches. We may look back fondly on a u-pick blueberry outing or strawberries grown in our greenhouses, but mention blackberries and suddenly legends of brambles the size of houses and famous cobbler recipes come into play. We think too of our own children and their first blackberry foray. We remember the scraped knees, the sticky hands, the baskets overfilled with joyful abandon. No fruit holds a candle to the blackberry’s contribution to our high summer memories.
The crows caw in the newly-reaped meadow, the chickens wander far afield, and the sound of axe and saw echo from hills. Drive around the old dirt roads here and you will see piles of firewood dumped by woodsheds and cellar doors, men and women at the tree lines of their properties felling trees, youngster swinging their mauls for the first time, children playing with the little splits. Some wood is delivered by the maple sugar makers. Firewood and sugaring go hand-in-hand as trees need to be culled or deadfall cleared by the dutiful woodsmen of the sugaring crews. Some are the products of the household’s labors with families working together to ensure the wood pile grows. Trees are felled, cut into rounds, moved, split, and stacked neatly by bulkheads and cellar doors. There is still time for the wood to dry, to season, before winter but not much. The clock ticks. The light wanes. Take a Sunday drive along the dirt roads where the old country homes stand tired but proud and you will see these wood piles in various stages of development: fallen tree, cut rounds, split pile, or nothing at all. You can begin to gauge who is ahead, who is behind, who is ready for winter. August arrives and we have to look around and ask “have I done enough? Am I prepared?” Yes, there are all the modern conveniences of our oil furnaces and heat pumps but there are those of us with the gnawing voice in the back of our minds that reminds us of the fragility of all things: of the winters past with extended power outages, of frozen pipes, of icy rivers flooding. We think too of our neighbors who may not be as prepared. The oil man only comes on certain days. The wood man stops deliveries in October. When your pile is low and your tank empty on an off day, what then? An uncomfortable scene unfolds unless a neighbor is ready to help. Perhaps they are new to the area or just overcome with all the things that demand our time in a rural place. Whatever the case may be, everyone falls short sometimes and we throw an extra cord on the wood pile with them in mind. If the charity is not needed, the wood can light the hearth the following year. It, like charity, is never wasted.
August arrives and with it all the warm harvests, all the little culminations of days upon days of sun-ripened vines, all the joys.
Find them.
Show your children.
They will not forget.
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Hearth Fathers is a podcast where rural fathers are asked to reflect on their relationship with their home, land, and legacy.
In a fast world, Hearth Fathers is a slow and deliberate podcast; our conversations are not rushed but instead seek to glean wisdom about life from fathers who live in the country. Before you listen, consider pouring a drink, getting comfortable, and slowing down yourself.
Episodes of Hearth Fathers are free and release on Saturday mornings.
This podcast does not have advertisements but you can help me keep the fire burning by becoming a paid subscriber today. Paid subscribers get access to episodes a week early.
Adam Mokelke is a lifelong Alaskan, educator and outdoorsman. He raised his children in rural Alaska, where he grew up, and now operates a charter school in Anchorage Alaska dedicated to getting kids outdoors in nature.
A note: Hearth Fathers will be taking a hiatus during the month of August as my wife and I prepare for our new daughter to be born. Thank you and see you in September.
Get full access to Echoes from an Old Hollow Tree at oldhollowtree.substack.com/subscribe -
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Hearth Fathers is a podcast where rural fathers are asked to reflect on their relationship with their home, land, and legacy.
In a fast world, Hearth Fathers is a slow and deliberate podcast; our conversations are not rushed but instead seek to glean wisdom about life from fathers who live in the country. Before you listen, consider pouring a drink, getting comfortable, and slowing down yourself.
Episodes of Hearth Fathers are free and release on Saturday mornings.
This podcast does not have advertisements but you can help me keep the fire burning by becoming a paid subscriber today. Paid subscribers get access to episodes a week early.
Ceri John Phillips is a storyteller and Cyfarwydd for Bro Dinefwr, Wales, focusing on the Mabinogi tradition and lesser-known Welsh folk tales. He has previously worked extensively in the media in Wales and across Britain, from gigging in dingy comedy clubs to starring in and writing on shows for the BBC, ITV and S4C.
Keep the fire burning.
Get full access to Echoes from an Old Hollow Tree at oldhollowtree.substack.com/subscribe -
Hearth Fathers is a podcast where rural fathers are asked to reflect on their relationship with their home, land, and legacy.
In a fast world, Hearth Fathers is a slow and deliberate podcast; our conversations are not rushed but instead seek to glean wisdom about life from fathers who live in the country. Before you listen, consider pouring a drink, getting comfortable, and slowing down yourself.
Episodes of Hearth Fathers are free and release on Saturday mornings.
This podcast does not have advertisements but you can help me keep the fire burning by becoming a paid subscriber today. Paid subscribers get access to episodes a week early.
Michael Thomas is a cider maker, shepherd, home builder, & motivating force behind the new Catholic Land Movement. He lives in upstate New York with his wife and children.
You can read more about the Catholic Land Movement and their upcoming conference at https://catholiclandmovement.info/about
Keep the fire burning.
Get full access to Echoes from an Old Hollow Tree at oldhollowtree.substack.com/subscribe -
Hearth Fathers is a podcast where rural fathers are asked to reflect on their relationship with their home, land, and legacy.
In a fast world, Hearth Fathers is a slow and deliberate podcast; our conversations are not rushed but instead seek to glean wisdom about life from fathers who live in the country. Before you listen, consider pouring a drink, getting comfortable, and slowing down yourself.
Episodes of Hearth Fathers are free and release on Saturday mornings.
This podcast does not have advertisements but you can help me keep the fire burning by becoming a paid subscriber today. Paid subscribers get access to episodes a week earlier than everyone else.
Nate Norman is a bowhunter, speaker, author, coach, and -- most importantly -- a father. We sat down to talk about the three important things to him as a father — the three “M’s” and the villianous Slump Pumpkin Dumpkin he helps other men vanquish.
Keep the fire burning.
Get full access to Echoes from an Old Hollow Tree at oldhollowtree.substack.com/subscribe -
Hearth Fathers is a podcast where rural fathers are asked to reflect on their relationship with their home, land, and legacy.
In a fast world, Hearth Fathers is a slow and deliberate podcast; our conversations are not rushed but instead seek to glean wisdom about life from fathers who live in the country. Before you listen, consider pouring a drink, getting comfortable, and slowing down yourself.
Episodes of Hearth Fathers are free and release on Saturday mornings.
This podcast does not have advertisements but you can help me keep the fire burning by becoming a paid subscriber today.
Bill Davison is an award-winning wildlife photographer, biologist, farmer, and agroforester on a joyful journey to share my love of nature with others.
Keep the fire burning.
Get full access to Echoes from an Old Hollow Tree at oldhollowtree.substack.com/subscribe -
Hearth Fathers is a podcast where rural fathers are asked to reflect on their relationship with their home, land, and legacy.
In a fast world, Hearth Fathers is a slow and deliberate podcast; our conversations are not rushed but instead seek to glean wisdom about life from fathers who live in the country. Before you listen, consider pouring a drink, getting comfortable, and slowing down yourself.
Episodes of Hearth Fathers are free and release on Saturday mornings.
Paid subscribers to this SubStack are granted access a week early!
Help me keep the fire burning by becoming a paid subscriber today.
Adam Rossi is a wildly successful tech founder, CEO, and most importantly, father of three amazing children. Adam cherishs moments spent farming, fishing, and beekeeping on his off-grid Virginia farm and finds solace in hiking, camping, and embracing the great outdoors.
Keep the fire burning.
Get full access to Echoes from an Old Hollow Tree at oldhollowtree.substack.com/subscribe -
Hearth Fathers is a podcast where rural fathers are asked to reflect on their relationship with their home, land, and legacy.
In a fast world, Hearth Fathers is a slow and deliberate podcast; our conversations are not rushed but instead seek to glean wisdom about life from fathers who live in the country. Before you listen, consider pouring a drink, getting comfortable, and slowing down yourself.
Episodes of Hearth Fathers are free and release on Saturday mornings.
Paid subscribers to this SubStack are granted access a week early!
Help me keep the fire burning by becoming a paid subscriber today.
Andrew Bragg is first and foremost a family man. His most impressive titles and achievements are husband to a great wife, and Father to 6 wonderful children. Andrew’s professional pursuits have varied, but his mission and purpose is to encourage others to live out a more traditional lifestyle as he feels that is the best way to come closer to God and to fulfill the measure of one’s potential.
Andrew and his family live in the Northern California countryside on 5 acres in an area that spawned the Gold Rush era of 1849. The land is rich in rolling hills, mature oaks, rivers, streams, and the remnants of a Native people. If Andrew could convey one thing it would be to move away from the bland existence of the city and suburbs, and get back into connection with the human existence through living in better harmony with the land and nature surrounding us. This is better for children and adults alike.
Keep the fire burning.
Get full access to Echoes from an Old Hollow Tree at oldhollowtree.substack.com/subscribe -
Hearth Fathers is a podcast where rural fathers are asked to reflect on their relationship with their home, land, and legacy.
In a fast world, Hearth Fathers is a slow and deliberate podcast; our conversations are not rushed but instead seek to glean wisdom about life from fathers who live in the country. Before you listen, consider pouring a drink, getting comfortable, and slowing down yourself.
Keep the fire burning.
M.A. Franklin is an author writing at the intersections of faith, history, education, literature, and children's fiction. He is, of course, also a father. We sat down to talk about the importance of tucking your children in and cultivating a sense of wonder in the beauty of the world.
He can be found on X, formerly known as twitter.
Episodes of Hearth Fathers are free and release on Saturday mornings.
Paid subscribers to this SubStack are granted access a week early!
Help me keep the fire burning by becoming a paid subscriber today.
Get full access to Echoes from an Old Hollow Tree at oldhollowtree.substack.com/subscribe -
Hearth Fathers is a podcast where rural fathers are asked to reflect on their relationship with their home, land, and legacy.
In a fast world, Hearth Fathers is a slow and deliberate podcast; our conversations are not rushed but instead seek to glean wisdom about life from fathers who live in the country. Before you listen, consider pouring a drink, getting comfortable, and slowing down yourself.
Keep the fire burning.
Wally Chamberlain is a poet and father who is deeply concerned with the rural diaspora of New England youth. He wrote a viral poem, All the Ways you Can Stay, that serves as a counter argument to Dr. Suess’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go! A warning: if you are a country kid like me, it is bound to make you cry.
He can be found on X, formerly known as twitter.
Episodes of Hearth Fathers are free and release on Saturday mornings.
Paid subscribers to this SubStack are granted access a week early!
Help me keep the fire burning by becoming a paid subscriber today.
Get full access to Echoes from an Old Hollow Tree at oldhollowtree.substack.com/subscribe -
Hearth Fathers is a podcast where rural fathers are asked to reflect on their relationship with their home, land, and legacy.
In a fast world, Hearth Fathers is a slow and deliberate podcast; our conversations are not rushed but instead seek to glean wisdom about life from fathers who live in the country. Before you listen, consider pouring a drink, getting comfortable, and slowing down yourself.
Keep the fire burning.
Josh Centers is an author, prize-winning body builder, homesteader, and father. We sat down to talk about introducing his family to the Orthodox faith, preparing for an increasingly chaotic world, and what he hopes for his children.
His best-selling SubStack can be found here and he can be found on X, formerly known as twitter.
Episodes of Hearth Fathers are free and release on Saturday mornings.
Paid subscribers to this SubStack are granted access a week early!
Help me keep the fire burning by becoming a paid subscriber today.
Get full access to Echoes from an Old Hollow Tree at oldhollowtree.substack.com/subscribe -
Hearth Fathers is a podcast where rural fathers are asked to reflect on their relationship with their home, land, and legacy.
In a fast world, Hearth Fathers is a slow and deliberate podcast; our conversations are not rushed but instead seek to glean wisdom about life from fathers who live in the country. Before you listen, consider pouring a drink, getting comfortable, and slowing down yourself.
Keep the fire burning.
Donald Ward is a salmon slinging fisherman, retired rural reporter, gear jamming truck driver, duck wrangler, and father in the fertile valleys of the Palouse in Washington State and the shores of Bristol Bay Alaska. We sat down to talk about generational fishing, what he hopes for his daughter, and what he hopes for all children.
He can be found on twitter and the catch from his family’s boat can be found at twoifbyseafoods.net.
Episodes of Hearth Fathers are free and release on Saturday mornings.
Paid subscribers to this SubStack are granted access a week early!
Get full access to Echoes from an Old Hollow Tree at oldhollowtree.substack.com/subscribe -
Hearth Fathers is a podcast where rural fathers are asked to reflect on their relationship with their home, land, and legacy.
In a fast world, Hearth Fathers is a slow and deliberate podcast; our conversations are not rushed but instead seek to glean wisdom about life from fathers who live in the country. Before you listen, consider pouring a drink, getting comfortable, and slowing down yourself.
Keep the fire burning.
Josiah Young is a farmer, avid hunter, and father of six children. He and his wife Lauren run Over the Moon farm. He can be found on Twitter.
Episodes of Hearth Fathers are free and release on Saturday mornings.
Paid subscribers to this SubStack are granted access a week early.
Get full access to Echoes from an Old Hollow Tree at oldhollowtree.substack.com/subscribe -
Hearth Fathers is a podcast where rural fathers are asked to reflect on their relationship with their home, land, and legacy.
In a fast world, Hearth Fathers is a slow and deliberate podcast; our conversations are not rushed but instead seek to glean wisdom about life from fathers who live in the country. Before you listen, consider pouring a drink, getting comfortable, and slowing down yourself.
Keep the fire burning.
Evan is a newcomer to Vermont and to living in the country, but that has not stopped him from diving headfirst into challenges. He was gracious enough to sit down with me to discuss the challenges he, his wife, and their young son faced in their first years on the homestead and meeting those challenges with grace.
We reference a fun chicken video in this podcast, and you can see it and other homesteading moments
on Evan’s X account, @VTFlatlander.
Episodes of Hearth Fathers are free and release on Saturday mornings. Paid subscribers are granted access a week early.
Get full access to Echoes from an Old Hollow Tree at oldhollowtree.substack.com/subscribe -
Hearth Fathers is a podcast where rural fathers are asked to reflect on their relationship with their home, land, and legacy.
In a fast world, Hearth Fathers is a slow and deliberate podcast; our conversations are not rushed but instead seek to glean wisdom about life from fathers who live in the country. Before you listen, consider pouring a drink, getting comfortable, and slowing down yourself.
Keep the fire burning.
Bill Fulton grew up on a ranch in Montana, he then spent eight years as an Infantryman in the United States Army. After a disabling injury Bill opened his own security company and retail store selling military and survival products in Alaska. He now spends his time on a small holistic sustainable farm in New England with his wife and two children. Bill consults on holistic integrative agriculture, disaster preparedness, and climate change mitigation.
Bill sat down with me to discuss preserving his ancestral Celtic traditions, building with stone, and carving out a space on his hill for his two daughters.
Bill can be found on Instagram and X as “@DZBillFulton”
His new book “Survive and Thrive” can be found anywhere books are sold.
Episodes of Hearth Fathers are free and release on Saturday mornings. Paid subscribers are granted access a week early.
Get full access to Echoes from an Old Hollow Tree at oldhollowtree.substack.com/subscribe -
Hearth Fathers is a podcast where rural fathers are asked to reflect on their relationship with their home, land, and legacy.
Simon Ingall sat down with me to discuss his family’s multigenerational farm. The conversation turned to how to carve out space for children, involving them in our processes, and how that effects whether or not they stay.
In a fast world, Hearth Fathers is a slow and deliberate podcast; our conversations are not rushed but instead seek to glean wisdom about life from fathers who live in the country. Before you listen, consider pouring a drink, getting comfortable, and slowing down yourself.
Keep the fire burning.
Simon can be found on X as @SimonIngall
His website is www.grisamoreciderworks.com/
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Episodes of Hearth Fathers are free and release on Saturdays at noon.
Paid subscribers are granted access a week early.
Get full access to Echoes from an Old Hollow Tree at oldhollowtree.substack.com/subscribe -
Hearth Fathers is a podcast where rural fathers are asked to reflect on their relationship with their home, land, and legacy.
Mathew was gracious enough to be our first guest and set the tone for the podcast, reflecting on the daily rituals around his own hearth with his family, what stewarding land actually means for his children, and what he hopes to leave behind.
In a fast world, Hearth Fathers is a slow and deliberate podcast; our conversations are not rushed but instead seek to glean wisdom about life from fathers who live in the country. Before you listen, consider pouring a drink, getting comfortable, and slowing down yourself.
Keep the fire burning.
Mathew can be found on X as Mathew_of_LWFAH
His website is https://littlewayhomestead.com/
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Episodes of Hearth Fathers are free and release on Saturdays at noon. Paid subscribers are granted access a week early.
Get full access to Echoes from an Old Hollow Tree at oldhollowtree.substack.com/subscribe
