Episodes
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In this special episode, we're bringing back two cherished holiday-themed recordings from our archives. Whether it’s the miracle of light, the birth of a Holy Child, or the warmth of family traditions, December celebrations connect us to a shared human experience rooted in vulnerability to nature’s rhythms.
First, in this excerpt from the December episode of Mary's Slow Living Through the Seasons series from 2023, Mary reflects on the winter solstice and its significance across cultures, exploring what we share with our ancestors during the darkest days of the year. Discover the deeper meaning behind festive traditions and how modern celebrations can sometimes pull us away from the natural cycle of the seasons.
Then, we revisit a delightful musical performance from the Lady Farmer Archives. Recorded in Seneca, Maryland, in November 2020, this casual fireside set by the Missing Sister Band warms the soul with soulful harmonies.
Topics Covered:
The winter solstice as a universal human experience, excerpted from Slow Living Through the Seasons
Yuletide reflections and our connection to ancient traditions
The story behind holiday symbols like the wreath
A soulful musical set featuring holiday-inspired covers
Music Setlist:
"White Flag" by Joseph
"Helplessly Hoping" by Crosby, Stills, and Nash
"Strangers" by The Kinks
"Baby Where You Are" by Ted Lucas
"Dogs Laying Around Playing" by My Bubba
"Long Time Traveller" by Sacred Harp
Performed by the Missing Sister Band:
Vocals: Anna Glenn, Charlotte Henderson, Shannon Beston (guitar), Caitlin Robinson, Emma Kingsley
Guitar: Cameron Palmer
Audio/Visuals: David Smith, Emma Kingsley, Mary Kingsley
Editing: Emma Kingsley
Tune in for an episode that celebrates the beauty of gathering, the wonder of the solstice, and the joy of shared music. Happy Holidays! πΆβ¨
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π» 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.
πΏ The Good Dirt Producers:
• Wendy Gray -
In today’s episode, we’re talking to Melissa and Jaci from Pinetree Garden Seeds, a family owned and operated business since 1979. Pinetree Garden Seeds was founded with the simple mission of offering low prices on quality seeds to the home gardener. Over the years offerings have expanded to include over 1300 varieties of seeds, including many heirlooms & organics, a huge assortment of tools and gardening gear, books, and live plants. Located in rural Maine, they operate out of a 300 year old farmhouse and strive to offer the best service and products with a personal touch. In 2011, the company was passed down from its founder, Dick Meiners, to his stepdaughter Melissa. She and her family are excited to continue the mission of supporting the home gardener by offering affordable, high quality seeds and goods. In this conversation we delve into the story of Pinetree Garden Seeds, the complexities of GMO's, heirloom seeds and the practices of the company. Melissa and Jaci share their passion for helping others succeed in gardening, emphasizing the simplicity and joy of growing food that promotes the health of humans and the planet.
πΏ Podcast listeners can use the code DIRTPGS20 for 20% their seed order at superseeds.com !
Topics
Introduction to Pinetree Garden Seeds
History of the company
Seed Selection and Catalog Creation
Work environment at Pinetree
Seed Packing technology
Seed Sourcing
Gardening Practices and Trials
Understanding the Safe Seed Pledge
Understanding the types of seeds: heirloom, hybrid and GMO
The value of heirloom seeds
Seed longevity and germination
The seasonal flow and Pinetree Garden Seeds
The value of gardening in community and connection
03:20 Meet the Pine Tree Team
04:11 The History and Evolution of Pine Tree Seeds
05:53 Learning the Business of Seeds
08:47 The Art of Seed Catalogs
11:06 Gardening Experiments and Trials
17:49 Understanding Seed Types and Safety
20:31 Understanding GMO vs. Hybrid
22:15 Heirloom Seeds: Stories and Significance
25:00 Seed Longevity and Germination
28:38 A Day at Pine Tree Seeds
31:31 The Concept of Slow Living
34:29 The Good Dirt: Meaning and Metaphor
36:04 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
πΏ Podcast listeners can use the code DIRTPGS20 for 20% their seed order at superseeds.com !
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π» 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.
πΏ The Good Dirt Producers:
• Wendy Gray -
Episodes manquant?
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In this episode of The Good Dirt Podcast, hosts Mary Kingsley and her daughter Emma talk with Florence Reed, founder of Sustainable Harvest International, a nonprofit that has worked with smallholder farmers in Central America for over 27 years in adopting regenerative farming practices. Florence tells the story of how Sustainable Harvest International got its start, and highlights the importance of healthy soil, biodiversity, and the role of local technical assistance in fostering long-term agricultural transformation. She points out how these practices alone applied to small farms the world over could significantly contribute to the United Nations' goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Florence tells us that there are many inspiring success stories, including one that she shares about a farmerl who restored his land and sent both of his daughters to college as a result of his farming success following the SHI program. The conversation offers a hopeful message about the potential for individual and collective action in combating climate change.
,00:00 Introduction
00:31 Welcome to the Good Dirt Podcast
00:57 Guest Introduction: Florence Reed
03:25 Florence Reed's Background and Motivation
06:04 Early Challenges and Realizations
08:05 Founding Sustainable Harvest International
11:52 Initial Steps and Early Support
14:22 Challenges of Slash and Burn Farming
20:40 Sustainable and Regenerative Practices
27:42 Community Engagement and Program Implementation
30:48 Deciding Where to Work
31:32 Challenges and Demand
32:17 Global Impact of Small-Scale Farmers
33:40 Resistance to Change in Farming Practices
39:59 Success Stories and Long-Term Impact
46:02 Personal Reflections and Slow Living
49:16 Future Plans and Getting Involved
LINKS
Sustainable Harvest International
Roots of Renewal: A Film on Farming for a Hopeful Future
Eliot Coleman: The New Organic Grower
Barbara Damrosch: The Garden Primer
The Good Life: Helen and Scot Nearing's Sixty Years of Self Sufficient Living
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π» 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.
πΏ The Good Dirt Producers:
• Wendy Gray -
In celebration of the holiday this week, and upcoming "Black Friday", we're re-airing our favorite slow-living take on the matter...Slow Friday!
RE-AIR FROM 11/26/21
You're in for something a little different this Friday...it's a solo show with Mary and Emma!
At Lady Farmer, we're always thinking about ways to shift our thinking to live into a more slow and sustainable lifestyle, and today is a great opportunity to do just that. What if Black Friday became Slow Friday, and what would that look like?
Join us on this week’s episode of The Good Dirt as we share a bit about our own Christmas memories and experiences with gift-giving as well as how we're thinking about being more mindful with our consumer habits during the holiday season.
Enjoy this week's episode, let us know what you think, and we'll be back with another interview next week!
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Simplecast, Podtail, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Topics Covered:
The negative impacts of consumerism and how to think differently about our consumer habits
The importance that we have placed on gift-giving and receiving during the holiday season
Slow Friday Challenge
Resources:
Unplug the Christmas Tree
Christmas by Peter Spier
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π» 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.
πΏ The Good Dirt Producers:
• Wendy Gray
ο»Ώ -
In this episode, Zandra Zuraw, founder of Slow Style Home, shares her insights on interior design. Slow Style Home is an interior design coaching platform for people looking to create a beautiful, meaningful home without breaking the bank, hiring a designer, or hurting the planet to get one. Zandra discusses her step-by-step framework, the importance of a vision for your space, and offers tips for decluttering and balancing aesthetics with functionality. Zandra also touches on the broader concept of slow living. She encourages everyone to find a personal and meaningful approach to home decoration and stresses the emotional satisfaction that comes from using and transforming what we already have. Listeners are inspired to appreciate and design their living spaces mindfully, focusing on beauty and personal expression.She's currently writing a book about her Slow Style approach to design, to be released in Spring 2025 .and is also the host of the popular podcast, Slow Style Home.
00:00 Introduction to Slow Style Home
01:23 Zandra Zuraw's Personal Journey
02:17 The Concept of Slow Style
02:54 Navigating Interior Design Challenges
06:37 Creating a Vision for Your Space
19:25 Balancing Sentimentality and Practicality
22:09 The Impact of Disposable Decor
26:18 The Emotional Weight of Objects
26:51 Struggles with Waste and Disposal
30:29 Decluttering Strategies and Challenges
37:18 The Concept of a Slow Home
40:04 Balancing Organization and Livability
46:56 The Importance of Good Dirt
49:17 Final Thoughts and Resources
Zandra's Website
Slow Style Home Podcast
Peter Walsh: Let it Go
Tracy McCubbin: Making Space, Clutter Free
Monica Leed: Simply Spaced
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π» 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.
πΏ The Good Dirt Producers:
• Wendy Gray -
In this conversation, Casey and Brooke Oberg from Detroit Mulch Company share their journey of transforming tree waste into mulch in the urban landscape of Detroit. They discuss their backgrounds, how they came to the project, various types of mulch, the significance of topsoil and the role of composting in community engagement. The conversation highlights the community impact of their work repurposing organic materials into beneficial mulch, a product that provides environmental sustainability and circularity into the local economy. The discussion also touches on the concept of slow living and how it relates to their work, culminating in a reflection on the meaning of good dirt and its impact on the environment and local communities.
Topics Discussed:
γ»The beginnings of Detroit Mulch Company
γ»Sustainable practices in Mulching
γ»Benefits of Mulch Gardening
γ»Addressing concerns about tree waste
γ»Community Impact
γ»The role of mulch in urban revitalization
γ»The future of tree waste management
γ»Encouraging sustainable practices beyond Detroit
γ»The importance of mulch and compost for top soil
γ»Composting practices and community engagement
γ»Embracing slow living and the idea of 'the good dirt'
Connect with Brooke and Casey:
Detroit Mulch Company Website
Instagram: @detroitmulch
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π» 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.
πΏ The Good Dirt Producers:
• Wendy Gray -
In this episode of The Good Dirt, Mary & Emma explore sustainability in the spirits industry with Harrison Holditch of Half Shell Vodka. At just 33 years old, Harrison has pioneered innovative sustainable practices in producing vodka, including using recycled materials and local partnerships. Among Half Shell Vodka's noteworthy achievements is its revolutionary 100% recyclable cardboard bottle made from 94% recycled materials. The discussion covers Harrison's journey, the company’s sustainable practices, and innovations like their unique filtration system using oyster shells and coconut carbon. The episode also highlights the challenges and benefits of adopting sustainable methods in distilling.
00:00 Welcome to The Good Dirt
01:34 Introducing Half Shell Vodka
03:21 Harrison Holditch's Journey
09:11 Sustainability Practices at Half Shell Vodka
17:26 The Innovation of the Paper Bottle
26:05 Sustainability and Glass: A Complex Relationship
27:07 The Global Supply Chain and Carbon Footprint
29:43 Exploring Alternatives: Paper Bottles and Beyond
32:40 Challenges and Innovations in the Spirits Industry
37:48 Living the Slow Life: A Personal Perspective
39:57 Navigating Natural Disasters: Life on the Gulf Coast
41:55 The Good Dirt: What It Means to Us
42:58 Where to Find Half Shell Vodka
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π» 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.
πΏ The Good Dirt Producers:
· Wendy Gray -
What are more sustainable death practices that we can can consider as alternatives to the expensive and consumptive services offered in the modern funeral industry? CEO of Endswell Cremation Hunter Beattie is our guest today, here to discuss the green burial movement, the problems with our current death rituals and practices and how the process of aquamation offered by his company is another choice over cremation or burial. Hunter shares his honest emotional personal journey with death, the founding of Endswell and the philosophy behind providing thoughtful, compassionate end-of-life services.
Topics Discussed
· The Good Death Movement
· The Green Burial Movement
· Misconceptions About Cremation
· The Deal with Spreading Ashes
· Death Cafe, Death Doulas, and Death Conferences
· End of Life Care with Your Parents
· Living with Grief
· Neurodegenerative Conditions
· The Predatory Nature of the Funeral Industry
· The History of the Modern Funeral Industry
· Working with Hospice Workers
· Understanding Aquamation
· Green Burial Movement
· Community Involvement
· Burying On Your Own Land
· Reclaiming Death Rituals Rituals and Eco-Friendly Death Care
· Eco-Friendly Death Care
Episode Resources:
· Listen to The Good Dirt “Episode 65 | Where Nature is Enough: Rethinking Death Practices with Heidi Hannapel of Bluestem Conservation Cemetery
· Listen to The Good Dirt “Creating Sustainability in the Death Care Industry with Tom Harries of Earth Funeral”
· WorkAway
· Final Exit
· Read Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond
· NPR Article “A plain pine coffin and eco-friendly cremation are the last acts of Desmond Tutu” on Desmond Tutu’s Aquamation
· Order of the Good Death
Connect with Hunter Beattie:
· Website: https://endswellcremation.com
· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endswellaquamationandgallery/
· Farewell Earth Network: https://farewellearth.org
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π» 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.
πΏ The Good Dirt Producers:
· Wendy Gray -
Join Mary and Emma as they discuss a slow living Halloween, the second largest consumer season in the US. From the ancient traditions of the Celtic Samhain celebrations, to the modern day spook fest that dominates this time of year, you'll hear how you can embrace the special beauty and magic of nature during this time, letting go of much of the waste and frenzy but keeping all of the fun!
Things Mentioned:
Zero Waste Candy Alternatives
The Scariest Thing About Halloween is the Plastic Waste
National Retail Federation Prediction for Halloween Spending in 2022
About Lady Farmer:
Our Website
@weareladyfarmer on Instagram
Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC
Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!
Email us at [email protected]
Original music by John Kingsley. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.
Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well being. -
In this episode, Mary welcomes back Krista Arias and her daughter, Fia, from Tierra Soul, a homestead and learning space in Magdalena, New Mexico. They catch up on their conversation from a year ago, discussing ongoing and new projects at Tierra Soul, such as the community cafe project and plans for their first holistic homesteading festival. They also discuss their signature 8 week holistic homesteading online program,"Lazy Lady Living," which provides an overview of multiple topics such as soulful permaculture, sustainable economy, biodynamics, traditional food, cultivated ecology and more. Tierra Soul is now offering "Lazy Lady Living" at a reduced price. Enroll HERE during their fall sale beginning October 15th!
Tierra Soul Website
Enroll in Lazy Lady Living for $500 off
00:36 Welcoming Krista and Fia from Tierra Soul
04:34 Updates from Tierra Soul Homestead
09:25 The Evolution of Tierra Soul's Cafe
12:34 Challenges and Philosophies of Running a Cafe
25:50 The Future of Tierra Soul: Events and Gatherings
28:52 Bridging the Gap Between Presenters and Attendees
29:51 Influence of Indigenous Ceremonies
32:10 Holistic Homesteading Festival: Gather and Give
32:22 Introduction to Lazy Lady Living
37:11 The Philosophy Behind Lazy Lady Living
40:59 The Importance of Connection in Farming
45:22 The Feminine Perspective in Permaculture
50:15 The Adaptive Nature of Plants and Earth
53:43 Concluding Thoughts on Slow Living
π» 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 Lady Farmer
πΏ The Good Dirt Producers:
· Wendy Gray -
In this episode, Mary & Emma begin their discussion on consumerism by reflecting on a recent social media trend dubbed "underconsumption', and how that idea overlaps with the fundamentals of slow living. They ask the questions, are we drawn to the true ideals of a lifestyle or the visual aesthetics as represented on social media, and how likely are we to feel compelled to "buy" into it due to feelings of lack in our own lives? Mary and Emma also discuss personal vulnerabilities in consumer habits, referencing their own experiences with fashion, skincare, and digital consumption. The conversation addresses the impact of social media on consumer behavior, emphasizing awareness and conscious decision-making in a consumer-driven society. They conclude by encouraging listeners to balance needs and desires within the context of appropriate consumption as part of a slow living lifestyle.
00:00 Introduction to Simple Living
00:51 Life Updates and New Beginnings
02:01 Exploring Conscious Consumerism
02:48 The Trend of Underconsumption
03:56 Media Influence on Consumption
14:37 Personal Vulnerabilities in Consumerism
23:54 Navigating Consumer Habits
27:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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π» 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 Lady Farmer
πΏ The Good Dirt Producers:
• Wendy Gray -
How do you pursue homesteading while honoring the wildness of the nature around you? The flowers, animals, and flora that live on the land can impact the way you approach your garden. Julie Stonefelt, a full-time park ranger and co-founder of Wild Homestead Living with her husband Kevin, has sought to live off the land while preserving the natural ecosystem of her 2 acre property in the state of Washington. Despite a suburban upbringing, Julie has spent decades honoring a dream she first had with her childhood best friend. Julie is also a breast cancer survivor, and shares her compelling story of discovery and resilience on her journey "from cancer to country living." Her goal is to support others in moving in the direction of a more sustainable lifestyle, regardless of their location, while understanding and respecting the wildness around us all. Julia emphasizes respecting nature in homesteading, creating resilient, conflict-free gardens, and forming symbiotic relationships with wildlife.
Topics Discussed
· Experiencing Fresh Food
· Being a Full Time Park Ranger
· Enforcement Rangers vs Interpretive Rangers
· Having a Spouse with Type 1 Diabetes
· Surviving Breast Cancer
· Reviving Old Dreams
· Living in Snoqualmie Valley
· Gardening with Nature in Mind
· The Human-Animal-Nature Connection
· Holding Space for Animal’s Natural Habitats
· Beavers, Bears, and Coyotes
· Creating Your Dream Life
· Dealing with Envy Towards Others
· Do You Need to Grow all Your Own Food to be a Homesteader?
· Challenges of Being an Online Creator
· Facing Your Grief
· Starting Wild Homestead Living
· Reaching Harmony with Wildlife
· Resources and Courses for Homesteading
· Cancer Journey and Its Impact on Julie’s Approach to Homesteading
Episode Resources:
· Listen to The Good Dirt “166. The Human-Animal Connection with Alison Zak, author of "Wild Asana"
· Read "Wild Asana: Animals, Yoga, and Connecting Our Practice to the Natural World" by Alison Zak
· Hawthorn Farm
· Read "Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest" by Suzanne Simard
· Read "The New Organic Grower: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener" by Eliot Coleman
Connect with Julie Stonefelt:
· Website: https://wildhomesteadliving.com
· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildhomesteadliving/
· Courses: https://courses.wildhomesteadliving.com/connect
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π» 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.
πΏ The Good Dirt Producers:
· Wendy Gray -
In the second of this episode series, Emma and Mary discuss some obstacles that may come up in trying to live more slowly and sustainably, as well as addressing a few frequently asked questions. They discuss how slow living often seems so out of reach to many of us given all of the distractions of modern life, and offer ways to make it seem a little more accessible. They also talk about how the concept of convenience often gets in the way of more conscious living, giving examples of some practices that have worked in their own lives and offering ideas they've gotten from others as well. Mary and Emma also respond to the idea that slow living is expensive, and therefore not an option for many. As always, the conversation will help you reflect on the possibilities that are already available to you, and encourage those small shifts that make all the difference!
π» About Lady Farmer:
· Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community
· Visit Our Website
The Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living
Episodes mentioned:
Episode # 110 Designing the Life of Your Dreams with Stephanie O'Dea
Episode #150 One Family's Journey in Sustainable Living with Jamilla Edwards
Episode # 183 Manifesting the Life You Want with Stephanie O'Dea
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.
πΏ The Good Dirt Producers:
· Wendy Gray -
Chwynyn Vaughan is the creator of Slow Botanicals, and for over 30 years she has been blending science and wise woman wisdom to create a sustainable lifestyle. With her background in midwifery and conventional healthcare, Chwynyn found a deep love for botanicals and plants that prompted her to create her fully certified-organic skincare line. Full of fresh ingredients and essential oils, Chwynyn takes advantage of her herbal knowledge to make botanical skin creams, shampoos, shave soaps, and bars that all come from her organic regenerative garden. Chwynyn discusses her lifestyle and business, as well as the quarter-acre plot where she lives along with her husband and children, taking inspiration from the earth and seasonal living.
Use Code “GOODDIRT” to get 10% off at Slow Botanicals!
Topics Discussed
· Growing Your Own Herbs
· Creating High-Quality Organic Skincare
· Living in a Commune
· Herbal Medicine
· Being a Midwife
· The Gardening Industry
· The Life Cycle of a Garden
· Starting Seeds and Peat-Free Potting Mix
· Favorite Natural Skincare Products
· Collagenase
· Manufacturing Certified Organic Products
· Packaging Products sustainably
· Protecting your Peace
· Gardening Techniques and Philosophy
· The Journey to Herbal Medicine and Skincare
· Creating a Personal Connection with Your Garden
Episode Resources:
· Floret Flower Farm
· Back to the Roots Organic All-Purpose Peat-free Premium Potting Mix
Connect with Chwynyn Vaughan
· Website: slowbotanicals.com
· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow.botanicals/?hl=en
· Threads: https://www.threads.net/@slow.botanicals?xmt=AQGzClLZvasxn2Du8hsDGSaOiv4nKM46-NJus9dC2XAkjR8
· Newsletter: https://slowbotanicals.ck.page
· Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chwynyn-vaughan-2171a1281?
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π» 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.
πΏ The Good Dirt Producers:
· Wendy Gray -
In the first of this bonus episode series, Emma and Mary discuss the concept and meaning of slow living. Using the quote from The Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living, they discuss slow living in terms of making conscious choices in how we live our lives, paying attention to how we spend our time, money, and resources, and stepping back from industrialized systems that have come to provide our daily needs. They also highlight the importance of observing our own consumer habits and how they intersect with our quality of life. The conversation encourages questioning, reflection, and making small shifts towards a more sustainable and intentional lifestyle.
A Sampling of Related Episodes:
Episode 88: Conscious Clothing
Episode 86: Loving the World Through Simple Living with Danielle Alvarado of Sustainably Kind Living
Episode 186: Grow Your Own Food with Nicky and Dave Schauder of Permaculture Gardens
π» About Lady Farmer:
· Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community
· Visit Our Website
The Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living
· 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.
πΏ The Good Dirt Producers:
· Wendy Gray -
Alexia Allen is a suburban homesteader. She and her husband Daniel are transforming their own corner of suburbia into a permaculture paradise. They spent all of 2017 doing a hand harvested food challenge, which meant they were eating only hand harvested food right down to salt from the ocean. Daniel and Alexia are long time educators with a passion for authentic earth based skills. As Suburbia grew up around them, it made sense to share these skills with people eager to learn. In this conversation with Alexia, we hear about the organic growth of their community, their experience with the hand harvested food challenge, and the importance of fostering nature connection through personal grounding practices and educational programs. With help from an amazing "farm-ily, the small community of people that live and work together on the homestead, and a lively crew of program helpers, Hawthorn Farm has offered learning opportunities for the past 15 years.
Topics Discussed
· Alexia's Journey to Homesteading
· Multigenerational Communal Living
· Balancing Public and Private Spaces
· Age Diversity
· Suburban Living
· Dealing with the Perception of Time
· Social Ecology
· The Underappreciation of Farming
· Making Money as a Homesteader
· Being a “Farm Grandma”
· Nurturing Healthy, Happy Humans
· Lifelong Educators
· The Ups and Downs of Intentional Community
· Grounding Practice — All You Have to do is Sit!
· The Hand Harvested Food Challenge
· Consistency over Decades
· Allowing Change
· Reconnecting with Your Environment
· Finding Your Strengths and Leaning on Others for Theirs
Episode Resources:
· Listen to The Good Dirt “191. Paul Hawken on Carbon, Climate and Connection”
· Nature Connection Mentors
· Wilderness Connection School
Connect with Alexia Allen:
· Website: https://www.hawthornfarm.org
· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hawthornfarm/?hl=en
· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawthornfarmheals/
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π» 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.
πΏ The Good Dirt Producers:
· Wendy Gray -
This episode originally aired on August 23, 2022.
What aspects of the back-to-school season are tapping into core memory making, and how much is just consumer hype? Listen in as Mary & Emma peel away the marketing from the emotion, and discuss ideas for reframing this season in a more sustainable way for kids AND parents.
Things Mentioned:
Episode 135 with Wisdom Supply Co.
Michael Pollan, author of In Defense of Food - An Eater's Manifesto
Lady Farmer Marketplace
Wool Lunchbox
Jute Sandwich Bag
Jackalo Clothing
About Lady Farmer:
Lady Farmer is a sustainable apparel and lifestyle brand, with education around sustainability and sustainable living at the forefront of our mission. Lady Farmer is proud to produce The Good Dirt podcast.
Our Website
@weareladyfarmer on Instagram
Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC
Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or tell us what the good dirt means to you.
Email us at [email protected]
Original music by John Kingsley @jkingsley1026 -
Ellen Gordon of the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve in Maryland is an environmental activist spearheading an effort to help transition local farmland to regenerative farming practices. She joins Mary in this episode to discuss the benefits of regenerative farming, including the improvement of soil health, enhancing biodiversity, reducing costs and sequestering carbon. Ellen shares her journey from studying biology and working in ocean and coastal issues to her involvement with a local nonprofit and becoming an advocate for sustainable farming methods. The conversation also explores the challenges and rewards of regenerative agriculture and the importance of reconnecting with indigenous farming practices, the need to change the way we view and interact with the land, and the potential of regenerative agriculture in the mitigation of climate change.
Topics Discussed
· Sustainable Farming
· Regenerative Agriculture
· The Importance of Regenerative Agriculture
· Challenges and Resistance in Transitioning to Regenerative Farming
· Education on Sustainable Practice
· Green Revolution
· How to Grow New Soil
· The Value of Biodiversity
· Creating Resilient Food Systems
· From Ocean Studies to Regenerative Farming
· The Difficulties of Open Land
· Indigenous Practices
· Modern Hurdles to Farming
· Supporting Healthy Soil, Water, and Air
· Handling Resistance to Change
· Plans for the Future
Episode Resources:
· The Montgomery County Maryland Agriculture Reserve
· Sugarloaf Citizens Association
· The Montgomery Countryside Alliance
· Read "Dirt to Soil: One Family's Journey Into Regenerative Agriculture" by Gabe Brown
· Rockland’s Farm Winery
· White Oak Pastures
Connect with Elle Gordon:
· Website: The Montgomery County Maryland Agriculture Reserve
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π» 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.
πΏ The Good Dirt Producers:
· Wendy Gray -
Heidi is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Austin, Texas. She works in multiple media including clay and watercolor, striking a balance between classical and intuitive painting. For the past 10 years, she has sought to reduce the waste from art supplies in her own work by creating dyes that use the Earth’s soil, insects, and plants. She discusses her journey of learning about natural pigments, her artistic process, and the influences of science and nature on her work. We explore the intersection of art, environmental stewardship and education, especially as it comes to Heidi's commitment to sustainability and her efforts to inspire others to connect with the natural world. Learn to celebrate the peaceful and messy aspects of the natural world with Heidi, so you can also celebrate those same aspects in yourself.
Topics Discussed
· Oil and Acrylic Paints
· Being a Multidisciplinary Artist
· Paint in the Past
· The Ingredients in Paint
· Heidi's Journey to Natural Paints
· The Art of Making Natural Paints
· Foraging and Creating Paints
· Challenges and Discoveries in Paint Making
· Heidi's Artistic Background and Inspirations
· Environmental Advocacy Through Art
· Community Reactions and HOA Challenges
· Creative Projects and Future Plans
· Collecting and Painting with Ashes and Biochar
· Exploring Soil Colors
· Art Supplies and Environmental Impact
· Composting Adventures
· Touch Grass Movement
· Soil Science
· Where Science and Art Intersect
Episode Resources:
· Earth Native Wilderness School
· The Art of Soil
· Listen to The Good Dirt “138. The Urgent Need for Restorative Gardening with Mary Reynolds”
· Terry Tempest Williams
· Listen to The Good Dirt “199. Coming to our Senses with Author and Retreat Leader Leah Rampy”
Connect with Heidi Lowell:
· Website: https://heidilowell.art
· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidilowellart/
· Links: https://linktr.ee/heidilowellart
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π» 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.
πΏ The Good Dirt Producers:
· Wendy Gray -
Brittany Felton is a writer, editor, producer, baker, crafter, restauranteur, and host of the “Yeah, I’d Hang Out with Her” Podcast. Her mother and Mary have been friends since the 90's and participated in an early Artist’s Way group together. Brittany’s connection with Lady Farmer led her to invite Mary and Emma onto the podcast, and today we're sharing that interview here with all of you. You’ll hear all about Mary and Emma’s deep-seated connection to the land, their journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle and the inspiration for Lady Farmer. Mary shares her long quest to find the land she now calls home and some glimpses into the writing of “The Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living”. Meanwhile, Emma recounts her experience in creative freelancing and how it ultimately led to the Lady Farmer initiative. This episode encapsulates the essence of Lady Farmer, highlighting its evolution from a clothing line to a broader community advocating for slower, more intentional living.
Topics Discussed
· Introduction to the Podcast
· Meet the Hosts: Mary and Emma
· Brittany's Backstory and Connection
· Mary's Origin Story
· Emma's Journey to Lady Farmer
· The Birth of Lady Farmer
· The Magic of the Farm
· Understanding Slow Living
· Consumer Habits and Sustainability
· The Pandemic's Impact on Slow Living
· The Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living
· Sustainable Fashion and Climate Change
· The Good Dirt Podcast
· Community and Support Systems
· Personal Slow Living Journeys
· Daily Routines and Reflections
· Mary & Emma’s Creative Pursuits
Episode Resources:
· “Yeah, I’d Hang Out with Her” Podcast
· Read “The Artist's Way: 30th Anniversary Edition” by Julia Cameron
· Read “The Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living” by Mary E. Kingsley
Connect with Brittnay Felton:
· Website: https://www.brittanyfelton.com/myfilms
· Instagram @brittfelt: https://www.instagram.com/brittfelt/?img_index=1
· Substack: https://brittanyfelton.substack.com/
· Links: https://linktr.ee/brittanyfelton
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π» 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.
πΏ The Good Dirt Producers:
· Wendy Gray - Montre plus
