Under A Tin Roof is a mother-daughter company created by today's guest, Kayloa Lobermeier and her mother Jill Haupt, inspiring others, as their motto says, in living a wholesome, simple, historical life by the seasons. Demonstrating the ways of a slower, more intentional lifestyle, Kayla helps others in bringing the best of domestic history and tradition forward to fit the needs of the present day. As a family-owned and operated business, Under a Tin Roof has much to offer both on site and online, including goods from their small handmade shop and their flower farm, to instruction in traditional recipes and food preservation methods on social media and through Kayla's blog, and even providing intimate dining experiences at their farm. Her love for cooking meals from scratch with homegrown and local ingredients continues to be her main passion and motivation. Kayla's shares her love of 18th-19th century homesteading through her hand made goods such as embroidery, soaps, apothecary items and the historic clothing we see her wearing. As a busy mom of two boys, Kayla still finds time to write articles for her blog sharing with subscribers historically inspired country recipes, resources for growing and preserving your own food organically, information on herbal and botanical skincare and remedies, and low waste home ideas.  Join us In this week’s episode, as we discuss with Kayla the joys, challenges, and contradictions in living a simple, historical lifestyle along with the pros and cons of growing a business through social media. It's a great conversation! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Simplecast, Podtail, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: Learn more about 18th and 19th-century homestead living Impact of social media on lifestyle What it takes to expand and grow a business Living life at a slower pace on a family farm Growing and preserving your own food organically Resources Mentioned: Under a Tin Roof Beekman Boys Sustainable Documentary The Year 1000 by Valerie Hansen Garden Visit: Secrets of Another Century at Colonial Williamsburg Foodways at Colonial London Town The Food Timeline: History Notes--Colonial America and 17th and 18th Century France Guest Info Connect with Kayla on Instagram. Follow Us: Our Website Instagram

For today's guest Jenny Freeman, what sprouted as an idea to tackle food insecurity during the pandemic has now grown into a fully registered 501(c)(3) organization that offers individuals and organizations the ability to get involved in the local food movement. Her organization, Community FarmShare, is a community-based initiative that connects food-insecure families with local produce farmers in Montgomery County. This organization works by way of donation and is completely volunteer-run, all of the money is put towards purchasing Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm shares. These shares are then used to purchase weekly bags and boxes of organically grown produce at one of seven local participating vegetable farms.  CSA programs have recently received widespread attention for their ability to provide unique benefits to communities, environments, and economies. In a nutshell, CSAs directly connect consumers and producers to help create a more profitable and transparent local food system. This helps in reducing food insecurity among families that cannot afford organically grown foods. Jenny is passionate about tackling this issue by providing a solution that links families experiencing food insecurity with local vegetable and fruit growers. Jenny shares this mission with the rest of her community in order to create transformative change in her local community.  In this week’s episode, we will discuss Jenny’s journey creating Community FarmShare and how you can get involved with her organization. Join us on this week’s episode to find out more about Jenny’s story and learn how you can implement a similar project in your community! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Simplecast, Podtail, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: What is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and how does it work? Learn more about Community FarmShare and Jenny’s story as its founder Supporting Afghan refugees in the United States Resources Mentioned: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change  Community FarmShare Community Cheer Community Food Rescue Finding the Mother Tree The Overstory Guest Info Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn. Follow Us: Our Website Instagram

Located in a small town in New England, Wing & A Prayer Farm began as an idea sparked during a trip to England in 2000. Inspired by the many sheep farms dotting the countryside, Tammy and her children decided to start their own sheep farm with a few Shetland rescues. It is now a flourishing farm with a variety of animals and avenues of business.  It is home to Clun Forest, Poll Dorset, Colored Merino, Cotswold, Wensleydale, Teeswater, and Cormo sheep. It is also home to Vermont’s first Valais Blacknose Sheep. Currently, the farm sells fiber for yarn, which is derived from registered Shetland, Cormo, Cotswold, and Merino sheep, registered Angora goats, and alpacas. Along with the fiber, Wing & A Prayer sells fresh eggs, chickens, turkeys, honey, homemade soap and homemade pies! It must be noted, Farmer Tam is more than a fiber farmer. She also has a passion for the making arts--creating unique wood products, naturally hand dyed fiber products and home baked goods on her farm. Her passion as a teacher has also led her to run classes teaching fiber farming and sheep rearing. In this week’s episode, we will discuss Tammy’s journey building a successful business and the hilarious stories of the animals living on her farm. Interested in learning more about Tammy’s personal story? Join us on this week’s episode to find out more.  Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Simplecast, Podtail, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: Farming and sheep rearing What is fiber farming? Agriculture and sustainable practices Animal caretaking  Resources Mentioned: Wing & A Prayer Farm Guest Info Connect with Tammy on her website. Follow Us: Our Website Instagram

Lotta grew up in Sweden and began her career as a journalist before immigrating to the US in the ’80s. After settling in Charlottesville, Virginia, she transitioned into graphic design, bringing the Nordic design aesthetic of simplicity, elegance, and clear lines into her work. Like many artists, Lotta dreamed of the creative work she would like to pursue outside of the requests of her clients, and started combining her interests in gardening and natural materials as inspiration. She began leaning away from working with synthetic dyes and paints, aware of both the health and environmental effects of working closely with these toxins. What started as a hobby developed into a production line of linen household items including pillows, napkins, and runners, all using leaves and natural plant materials found outside in her immediate environment. Lotta soon discovered that the natural dyes had benefits beyond the lack of toxic chemicals, finding that she was able to realize colors she could never achieve with the synthetic dyes. Her artwork now extends beyond just textiles to printmaking and book arts, and features an eco-printing technique called "botanical contact printing." Lotta carries her sustainable principles through every part of the artistic process from composting old leaves used in the printing to creating her own processing solution from iron scraps. So much of Lotta’s art and life revolves around the slow principles we espouse at Lady Farmer. She reflects on how growing up in Sweden with the ability to wander freely and explore the natural world has fostered within her a deep, personal connection with nature. When she isn’t in the studio, she is outside cultivating her naturalist garden, tending to the trees and plants grown on her property that will be translated into the design and colors of her artwork. She also incorporates the meditative practice of hand stitching into her art. On this episode of The Good Dirt, Lotta encourages us to find beauty in the natural world all around, and experience the wonder that is everywhere. Join us on this week’s episode to find out more. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Captivate, Podtail, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: Art being informed by one’s personal principles  Lotta’s sustainable and biodegradable dyeing process using linen, silk, and wool The Swedish concept of Allemansrätten, or right of public access Society’s pressure to be constantly producing The meditative practice of hand stitching Finding beauty in the simple and common natural world around us Resources Mentioned: India Flint The School of Nomad Arts Sewanee Wheesht: Creative Making in Uncertain Times Guest Info: Connect with Lotta on her website. Follow Us: Our Website Instagram

In Kate Kilmurray’s experience, weaving is one of the best practices for mindfulness, grounding ourselves in nature, and returning to who we really are. As our hands get involved with each thread, our mind is free to rest from our conscious stream. In this stillness, we are able to ground ourselves and find our inner center within our tumultuous and chaotic surroundings. Join us on today’s episode as we gain more insight into Kate’s journey and how she teaches weaving as a form of meditation to realign with our inner selves.  After graduating with a degree in Art History from the University of Pennsylvania, Kate ran a small textile business and worked for several years at Swan Gallery in Philadelphia. Faced with health challenges, she discovered yoga and meditation, and found herself called to the path of conscious and contemplative living. Kate received a certification in Mindfulness Meditation, and for fifteen years ran the Mystic River Yoga Studio in Medford, MA with her husband, Arthur, helping students slow down, find freedom in movement, and reconnect to their true nature. After a move from the east coast to California, Kate became inspired to begin teaching and presenting her visual art with others. She has developed a line of handwoven potholders and textiles made from a simple 7 x 7 inch metal handloom, which she uses in teaching her “Weaving As Meditation” classes. Kate teaches women the principles of hand weaving, while guiding them to slow down, connect to the breath, and tap into their creative channels. "Women leave my workshops with a new set of skills to create their own inner calm and beauty in their corner of the world," she says. Kate has sold her products at over 100 lifestyle stores across the United States, as well as shops in Canada, Denmark, and Japan. Listen to this week’s episode as we explore how the visual arts can be harnessed as a powerful tool of meditation and mindfulness! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Captivate, Podtail, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: Interconnectedness and how it nurtures one’s creativity Nourishing ourselves and growing from healthy soil  Reconnecting with our breath Using weaving as a form of meditation  Resources Mentioned: The Great Work Dream of the Earth Guest Info: Connect with Kate on her website. Follow Us: Our Website Instagram

Growing flax and processing it into linen is one of the oldest methods of clothing manufacturing on the planet. Sandy Fisher and Durl Van Alstyne have prided themselves in reviving this old craft here in the United States through their company, The Chico Flax Project. Through their work, they are bringing a new industry and social enterprise for fiber production of flax to Northern California in collaboration with local community members, farmers, artisans, and institutions.  For Sandy, weaving has always been an important part of her life—beginning as a young child when she learned how to knit. In 2012, a phone call during the Bangladesh fires inspired her to grow flax on her plot to use for weaving clothes. Durl is equally drawn to using natural fibers for clothing, his background coming from teaching at public schools for the past 35 years. Now, he works alongside his wife as a regenerative agricultural flax farmer.  In this week’s episode, we will discuss how garments made from flax fibers will create opportunities for employment and for meaningful craft, the process of designing clothes from natural fibers, and how they began The Chico Flax Project. Interested in learning more about Sandy’s and Durl’s story? Join us on this week’s episode to find out more.  Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Simplecast, Podtail, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: Weaving with flax seeds Process of designing clothes from natural fibers Impact of Covid-19 on agriculture Increasing the market of domestically grown linen Resources Mentioned: Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems 2021 Field Day The Big Book of Flax by Christian and Johannes Zinzendorf Guest Info Connect with Sandy and Durl on their website. Follow Us: Our Website Instagram

Separately, Dan Miller and Spike Gjerde knew that they needed to find a way to support regenerative farmers and producers using their own natural talents and expertise. Dan’s family had been farming in the Chesapeake Bay since the late 1800s, but he never understood how a region could have what appears to be a thriving agricultural system while also struggling economically. Meanwhile, Spike wanted to start a new restaurant concept that focused on growing seasons and local sourcing. It wasn’t until Dan created Steward, a platform that enables people to fund regenerative agriculture, that the two found each other and realized their shared passion.  Dan and Spike define regenerative agriculture as a system of farming principles and practices that seeks to rehabilitate and enhance the entire ecosystem of the farm by placing a heavy premium on soil health. The benefits of this kind of farming practice seem obvious, but individuals and families running regenerative farms often achieve such small profit margins that they can’t invest in the equipment, training, and labor that allows them to scale. Dan hopes Steward will change that by allowing people to make small or large contributions to regenerative farms in their area. In turn, investors receive all of the environmental benefits while also making a competitive return on their investment. When your local farms are thriving, you can taste the difference. That's why Spike has broken with traditional restaurant conventions and plans his menu with the seasons. You won't find lemons in your water at Woodberry Kitchen, but what you will get is food that supports everyone in the production chain. He encourages us to ask "How much does this really cost?" when we are tempted to question the high prices of local goods. Join us in this week’s episode of The Good Dirt Podcast to learn more. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Simplecast, Podtail, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: Regenerative Agriculture Human Scale Farming Community-Supported Agriculture(CSA) Sustainable Agriculture Grower Lending Resources Mentioned: Steward Woodberry Kitchen Aggie Bond Program - Business Oregon Chesapeake Bay Program Fisheye Farms Roundup (herbicide) - Wikipedia Guest Info Connect with Dan Miller on LinkedIn and Twitter. Connect with Spike Gjerde on LinkedIn and Instagram. Follow Us: Our Website Instagram

The greatest secret to mastering the art of cooking? It's' not the recipes, but in using the freshest ingredients that are indigenous to the land. In France, this means buying locally grown, in-season fruits and vegetables from the nearest farmer's market. This is a long-held practice in Gascony, a rural province of southwestern France where "the good dirt" is prized and protected for the preservation of its culinary heritage.  The culture of food in Gascony has its own unique flavors and methods. Kate has been collecting recipes for years, gathered from friends and neighbors and even from knocking on the doors of strangers to learn how to cook something new. Kate teaches methods such as oven roasting, braising, emulsifying sauces, and has recently been featured on a "Cooking with Wine" series streaming on Somm TV. But it doesn’t stop there, Kate also intertwines these culinary lessons with in-person road trips in France and Spain.  Kate masterfully wears multiple hats in her personal life and profession. She is a cook, teacher, mentor, and wonderful storyteller. In “A Culinary Journey in Gascony: Recipes and Stories from My French Canal Boat'," she tells the story of how she first discovered the region while floating slowly down the Canal de Garonne, and subsequently purchased the 18th-century farmhouse in the area which has been her home and culinary inspiration for the past thirty years.  Interested in learning more about Kate and her personal story? Join us on this week’s episode to find out more.  Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Simplecast, Podtail, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: French gastronomy and its influence on French culture Buying fresh, locally grown food The culture of food in Gascony Appreciating the experience and processes of cooking The role of food in human culture Resources Mentioned: A Culinary Journey in Gascony: Recipes and Stories from My French Canal Boat Cooking with Wine Gascony, France Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen French Dirt by Richard Goodman Jamie Beck on The Good Dirt Guest Info: Connect with Kate on her website. Follow Us: Our Website Instagram

Nature provides the greatest elixirs: sunshine, water, air, and plants. By harnessing that power and bringing these elements into our everyday beauty routines, we can embrace a simpler, more natural concept of beauty that is free from the questionable ingredients in many commercially available products, allowing these elements to revive the spirit and body.   Nadine Artemis has used plants as her teachers her entire life. Her curiosity and ingenuity led her into this exploration of ingredients at an early age, and since then, she has been challenging conventional notions of beauty and wellness by creating natural beauty products that are supported by extensive research into current science.  In 1992, Nadine opened the first North American full concept aromatherapy store namedOsmosis. She now runs Living Libations, a company that provides organic and pure renegade beauty products that honor human health and beauty. Nadine is also the author of Renegade Beauty: Reveal and Revive Your Natural Radiance and Holistic Dental Care: The Complete Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums, in which she shares her story and message of rethinking conventional notions of wellness. Curious to learn more? Join us on this week’s episode to learn more about Nadine’s story. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Simplecast, Podtail, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: Rethinking conventional notions of beauty and wellness Using natural remedies to  enhance health Becoming discerning regarding commercial products Allowing the elements of nature to revive the body Synthetic vs. plant-based ingredients Resources Mentioned: Renegade Beauty: Reveal and Revive Your Natural Radiance Holistic Dental Care: The Complete Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums Living Libations Guest Info Connect with Nadine on her website Living Libations. (Use code LADYFARMER for 10% off!) Follow Us: Our Website Instagram

Where can you find nearly one hundred thousand acres of land protected for food and outdoor recreation this close to a metropolitan area? Not many, except for Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve. It is the hidden gem of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area, as it continues to provide economic services, food resilience networks, and environmental services for the region. It has also been heralded as one of the best examples of land conservation policies in the country, and encompasses almost a third of the county’s natural resources.   Caroline Taylor, today’s guest and executive director of the non -profit organization Montgomery Countryside Alliance, shares with us the potential of the Ag Reserve in local food production, climate change mitigation and as a resource for people to experience and enjoy natural spaces. The Agricultural Reserve has also served to inform and influence the formation of land-use policies across the country, and has helped to shape the United States’ suburban landscape in a positive way .  According to Caroline, more connection with nature and relationship to our open spaces will lead to increased general wellness, awareness and momentum in seeking meaningful solutions to climate change. Curious to find out more? Join us on this week’s episode to learn all about the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve, a national model in land use planning for a sustainable future.   Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Simplecast, Podtail, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: Environmental stewardship and creating preservation goals Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve Producing food within the urban and suburban footprint Preservation programs and competing interests Regenerative solutions to combat climate change Resources Mentioned: Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve Montgomery Countryside Alliance Washington DC Defenders of Wildlife Guest Info Connect with Caroline on LinkedIn. Follow Us: Our Website Instagram

Linen is a woven and durable fabric that gets pulled out of the closet when summer rolls around or spread across one’s bed as a soft blanket or duvet cover. But the big question remains: how sustainable is linen? We speak to Heidi Barr about how she has worked with reclaimed fabrics to reduce textile waste in the industry. She noticed the need for more sustainable solutions when she saw the urgency for making these changes in order to build a healthy, vibrant future with kitchen products that you will want to use every day. Heidi Barr is the founder of The Kitchen Garden Textiles, a line of kitchen textiles made with natural and reclaimed materials sold to support urban agriculture. Her business began by making napkins out of the backs of second-hand men’s shirts and selling them to support her local urban CSA farm. Now, her company has gained significant traction in the textile industry and is used by some of Philly’s top chefs including Ari Miller, co-owner and chef at Musi BYOB, and by Judy Wicks, environmental activist, author, and founder of the White Dog Cafe. As a former dancer turned costume designer, her business combines her love for the environment, fabric, and sewing. Heidi uses this passion to continue to inspire other individuals to live a more environmentally conscious and plastic-free lifestyle. Join us on this week’s episode as we dive into the topics of ethically sourced products, environmental stewardship, and Heidi’s personal journey as an entrepreneur. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Simplecast, Podtail, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: Replacing single-use plastics with sustainable solutions Environmental stewardship Ethical business practices Affordability and sustainable products Greenwashing in the textile industry Resources Mentioned: The Kitchen Garden Textiles Weavers Way Farms Henry Got Crops The Flax Project  Guest Info Connect with the guest on Heidi’s website or by email at [email protected] Follow Us: Our Website Instagram

In this week’s episode, Mary and Emma talk with Amanda Cather from The Million Acre Challenge, a nonprofit organization that helps Maryland farmers build soil health, increase farm profitability, and improve water quality – while making farms resilient and active in the face of climate change. Their farmer-focused collaborative uses soil health science, economics, education, and incentives to achieve their mission. Amanda's early training in pre-med led her from an interest in equitable food access to a career path in urban agriculture, and ultimately to running her own farm raising grass-fed livestock. Now, alongside the team at Million Acre, the goal is to achieve one million agricultural acres in Maryland using healthy soil techniques by 2030, while sharing best practices and making healthy soil connections throughout the Chesapeake watershed.   Throughout the episode, Amanda shares her knowledge surrounding the effort. She educates us on the industrial versus ecological models, and introduces us to the multiple factors that affect the way farmers must approach soil improvement. She stresses the importance of listening to farmer’s voices and supporting their journey, as well as, fighting for systems that reward good stewardship and value biodiversity. She explains there are multi-pathways to healthy soil and no one way to achieve the goal. The key to progress in this effort is maintaining curiosity and communication along the way, and remembering that healthy soil (good dirt!) is the foundation of everything.     1:30 - Mary and Emma check in to see how Plastic Free July is going!  4:00 - Amanda Cather of Million Acre Challenge  Let’s get into the episode: 5:45 - Amanda introduces herself  11:00 - What is the Million Acre Challenge?  20:30 - Connecting to the issues  23:30 - Incentivising soil health and funding the transition  27:00 - Nutritional quality of crops  34:00 - Equity  43:00 - Lobbying to change  48:00 - Engaging with farmers  50:00 - What does the Good Dirt mean to you?  Things Mentioned:  Million Acre Challenge  IG: @soilchallenge The Land Institute  Plow and Stars Farm Guidelight / Patagonia Report  Pasa Sustainable Agriculture Soil Health BenchMark Study UMD Organic Grains Transition Project  American Farmland Trust Soil Health Institute   Maryland Department of Agriculture USDA FFAR The Farm’s Project  Regen1 The Real Food Project  The Agriculture Resilience Act Fair Farms Pledge Lady Farmer  The ALMANAC

In this week’s episode, Mary and Emma dive deep into the world of plastic consumption and waste management with Lauren Olson, a Zero Waste Manager at World Centric, exploring the world of compostables and the use of plastic in our daily lives. The discussion covers several aspects of the topic, including the difficulties of “zero-waste," how plastic sneaks into our homes even when we are consciously trying to avoid it, and all the ways in which existing systems make it difficult to create true sustainability in our homes.  Lauren explains the science behind bioplastics, as well as the difference between industrial vs home compostables. She also shares how to determine genuinely compostable products and helps us imagine a cradle to cradle world where waste equals food for the earth, and not the other way around!  Mary and Emma ask the vital questions, what can we do to work through this monumentally large plastic problem, and is it really possible to achieve the ultimate goal of a zero-waste economy? Lauren gives practical tips for individual action, while encouraging all of us to use our voices as paying consumers to demand change from the top down. 1:30 - Mary and Emma catch up and talk about plastic problem solving!  10:30 - World Centric  Let’s get into the episode: 11:30 - Introducing Lauren & the world of World Centric  16:30 - Is zero waste really achievable?   22:00 - Bioplastics  30:00 - Landfills as coffins for waste  35:00 - What can we do?  36:00 - Greenwashing  43:00 - Facing this massive issue  50:00 - What does the Good Dirt mean to you?  USE CODE: "thegooddirt" for 10% off online at World Centric. Valid for 30 days.  Things Mentioned: World Centric  The Ecology Center  Nature Works Polystyrene BPI  Compost Manufacturers Alliance (CAM)   ASTM 6400 or 6868 Findacomposter.com World Centric’s Giving Program

Mary and Emma have an enlightening conversation this week with grower and legal educator Eva Moss, discussing an aspect of the homestead dream that is too often overlooked. Knowing farm law and preparing for unexpected issues through healthy communication before they come up creates legal protection for all parties involved. Eva shares with us the story of how a life transition left her and her farm legally vulnerable. With help, she found her way through that experience all the wiser, and now uses her voice and legal knowledge to educate the farming community through her work at Farm Commons. Throughout the episode, Eva speaks to the power of finding healthy pathways forward in our relationships within the business, with each other and with the land. She reminds us that we have the power to create our own solutions and that we have significant creative power to (legally) cultivate the lady farmer life we’re dreaming of if we take the time to talk about our needs and goals. Mary, Emma and Eva also discuss how to cultivate a slow life as a hardworking homesteader and the important distinction between self-sufficiency and community resiliency. 1:30 - Mary and Emma catch up and talk about Plastic Free July!  7:30 - Introducing Eva Moss Let’s get into the episode:  9:25 - Eva introduces herself  18:30 - Creating a foundation...grounded in the law  21:30 - Eva’s homestead story  26:30 - Finding pathways   32:00 - A great place to start  39:30 - Looking ahead  47:00 - Setting boundaries  50:00 - Grappling with “homesteading”  57:00 - Carving out community  59:30 - What does the Good Dirt mean to you?    Shop our Plastic Free July zero waste products in the marketplace!  Use Code: plasticfreejuly for 15% OFF   Things Mentioned: Plastic Free July  Lady Farmer Marketplace Heart Strong Farm Farm Commons North Carolina Farm Link Land Link Montgomery  Thistle Farms Cooperative Extension

This week, Mary and Emma have a wonderful conversation with photographer, chef, cookbook author, educator and entrepreneur turned homesteader, Eva Kosmas Flores. Eva shares her journey to the slow living lifestyle, led by an ancestral pull and deep familial ties that have guided her back to a connection with home, the garden, food, family and community. Always leading with curiosity, Eva talks about her new adventures as a homesteader and what she’s learning from the land.  Throughout the episode, Mary, Emma and Eva talk about the pursuit of the creative life and how to make it work, native species, permaculture gardening and the complexity of our forest ecosystems. They also discuss their sustainable home projects, creating beautiful and enduring interiors, and the complicated decisions involved in the process. Eva reminds us that real life is an intersection of all the things we love, and we have permission to pursue all the parts of ourselves.   1:25 - Mary and Emma catch up and talk berries!  5:00 - Eva Kosmas Flores  Let’s get into the episode:   6:20 - Eva introduces herself  15:50 - Finding and creating a homestead  21:00 - Forestry and restoring the soil  22:30 - The importance of native species  29:00 - Breaking ground  33:00 - A sustainable home   39:30 - Timeless, natural interiors   52:00 - Loving lots of things 57:30 - What does the Good Dirt mean to you?     Things Mentioned: Eva Kosmas Flores  Adventures In Cooking First We Eat  https://www.firstweeat.co Adventures in Chicken The Hidden Life of Trees  The National Scenic Area  Simplicity by Nancy Braithwaite  The Nature of Home by Jeffery Dungan  Braiding Sweetgrass  

We have a special bonus episode for you this week in celebration of our newest national holiday-- Juneteenth! Mary and Emma reunite with author, historian and farmer Tony Cohen for an exploration into the history of Juneteenth and the holiday’s complex folklore and origins. Tony takes us back in time to examine how this monumental declaration of freedom spread in a variety of ways depending on the geographic, economic and social landscape of the time. Mary, Emma and Tony pause to reflect upon what freedom means and looks like in the modern era and why society continues to resist a hard look at injustice. Tony points to how altering behavior can feel like giving up our own freedoms and comforts and reminds us that the fair trade movement has deeply historic roots. He also reflects upon the transition from enslavement to the tenant farming system and points to how that system affects us still today. The trio grapples with some hard truths about freedom itself and acknowledges the work still left to be done.  Tony shares how he celebrates Juneteenth at Button Farm and rejoices in community as he reflects upon the precious ability to gather and take new found enthusiasm into the world.    Let’s get into the episode: 1:30 - Emma introduces this week’s special episode 3:00 - Tony Cohen on the history of Juneteenth 15:00 - The transition into freedom 20:00 - The shift to “waged” labor and the evolution of slavery 28:00 - Fair trade 31:00 - Local emancipation 41:00 - Celebrating Juneteenth 42:30 - The happenings at Button Farm 48:00 - Creating Community   Things Mentioned:  Button Farm Oprah’s visit  The Menare Foundation HipCamp - Camp at Button Farm  Anthony Cohen The Good Dirt - Episode 31  The AG Reserve - Montgomery County  The Underground railroad in Montgomery County, Maryland: A history and driving guide Juneteenth becomes a federal holiday  Lift Every Voice and Sing DC Emancipation Day  Montgomery County Historical Society  13th Amendment  14th Amendment 15th Amendment

On today’s episode of The Good Dirt, Mary and Emma have a conversation with artist, teacher and “sorceress of the stitch” Christi Johnson. Christi’s art reflects communion and connection with plants, revealing the hypnotic beauty of botanicals. Her work includes alchemy, herbalism, and images which are stitched slowly and methodically into fabric. Christi is dedicated to rejoining the art of embroidery with its complex and meaningful origins. Throughout the episode, Christi discusses her own history within the fashion industry. Mary, Emma and Christi remind us that “cheap is never a bargain” and discuss how many of the problems with manufacturing in the fashion industry are hidden from the consumer. Christi also dives into the concept of images as language, and talks about allowing the creative process to be a conversation between you and the work that is ever-changing and not predetermined. Christi discusses her dedication to experimentation, exploration and evolution in her work, shares her dream of bringing art and meaning back into traditional craft and how giving our art power in turn allows us to empower ourselves. Christi’s new book is entitled “Mystical Stitches: Embroidery for Personal Empowerment and Magical Embellishment”.  THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY PLAINE PRODUCTS. USE CODE LADYFARMER FOR 20% OFF.   Let’s get into the episode: 1:30.  Mary tells the story of her plant rescue mission 9:00 - Christi Johnson, sorceress of the stitch  11:20 - Christi introduces herself  15:30 - Understanding composition  30:30 - The intersection between herbs and art  34:00 - A “good” price  37:30 - Images as language  52:00 - Working with the seasons   1:00 - Mystical Stitches  1:01 - What does the Good Dirt mean to you? Things Mentioned: Mixed Color  Mystical Stitches  Magic Threads  Stitch Wish Shop Plaine Products  Textile Arts Center Doug Johnston Emily Fisher: Haptic Lab  Braiding Sweetgrass  The ALMANAC Summer Enrollment  A History of the World in Seven Cheap Things 

In this episode, we talk with Lady Farmer and chef Michelle Aronson, creator of Farmbelly, an educational platform dedicated to sharing the love of growing, cooking, and eating wonderful food.  Although Michelle wasn't particularly interested in cooking while growing up in the suburbs of the Midwest, once she moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia for college, she I discovered her love for food and farming. After several summers apprenticing on different small-scale farms, and after managing  an educational farm in Charlottesville, complete with laying hens, bee hives, and lots of eager student volunteers, she recognized that she needed to level up her cooking skills  in order to enjoy the hard-earned fruits and veggies she was learning to grow. In the spring of 2013 Michelle attended culinary training at the Ballymaloe Cooking School, located on a 100-acre organic farm on the coast of Ireland, where almost all of the dairy, meat, vegetables, and herbs come straight from the fields into the teaching kitchens. Inspired by the incredible teachers, fresh ingredients, and straightforward culinary ethos at Ballymaloe, Michelle returned home to work in many sectors of the food/farming world, and ultimately to where she now lives on a beautiful 10-acre farm near Saxapahaw, North Carolina, cultivating a diverse market garden + farmstand, and teaching  gardening + cooking classes. Michelle shares about  her journey and her mission to make farm-fresh food accessible and less intimidating for folks...and to help everyone get a “farm belly." What's that? Listen in to find out!  Timestamps, Links & Resources Introduction: Slow Living Intensive The ALMANAC open enrollment 6:36: Introducing Michelle 8:35: Michelle describes her journey 10:27: Ballymaloe Culinary School in Ireland 11:28: Starting Farmbelly 12:33: A day in the life at Ballymaloe Culinary School 16:17: What is a  "farm belly" ?  18:45: Food culture now 20:00 The value of sitting down together for a meal 22:22 Focus on the farm 24:00 The farmstand, how it works 27:00 Cooking with the produce 31:30: Planting season 33:00 Lady Farmers 34:00. Michelle's Inspiration 38:30  Sustainability and  good dirt Follow Michelle on Instagram @farmbelly or via her website!    

On today’s episode of The Good Dirt, Mary and Emma sit down with artist, writer and teacher Katrina Rodabaugh to discuss her slow fashion journey, sustainability as a process, embracing imperfection and mending as healing. Katrina dives into her own outlook on embracing a more sustainable lifestyle, a process that takes place over time and many small steps. The three discuss the importance of accessibility in the movement, and how remembering the values of the past doesn't have to mean giving up the progress we have made as a society. They also talk about how slow fashion practices such as thrifting, mending and making are important as a disruption of the industry and a positive step towards change.  A poet and fiber artist at heart, Katrina has published three books, Make Thrift Mend (2021); Mending Matters (2018); and The Paper Playhouse (2015). Her writing and artwork has appeared in publications such as the New York Times, Boston Globe, Martha Stewart Living, Mother Earth Living, Sewing Magazine, Sunset magazine, Sweet Paul Magazine, Taproot magazine, and more.  Katrina currently lives with her artist husband and their young sons on a two-hundred-year-old farmhouse in Hudson Valley, New York where they grow dye plants, flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables while caring for chickens and honeybees.  Let’s get into the episode: 1:30 - Mary and Emma catch up and talk “cultivation” and upcoming events  4:00 - Katrina Rodabaugh: Artist, Writer, Teacher  5:20 - Katrina introduces herself  13:30 - Make Thrift Mend  20:00 - Accessible sustainability  34:00 - Remembering slow fashion   41:50 - Mending as healing  47:40 - What does the Good Dirt mean to you? Things Mentioned: Slow Living Intensive  ALMANAC summer open enrollment  Make Thrift Mend Mending Matters  Katrina Rodabaugh Studios  2013 Garment Factory Collapse

On today’s episode, Mary and Emma sit down to talk about what’s currently captivating their interest and the latest happenings on the farm. Mary shares her experience and knowledge gardening by the moon and encourages the use of the lunar cycle as a framework for the things we want to cultivate in our lives. The mother and daughter duo discuss the mesmerizing emergence of the seventeen-year cicada and embrace the celebratory nature of the phenomenon. drawing the parallel of a cultural emergence that's unfolding a year after a worldwide lockdown.  Let’s get into the episode: 1:30 - Mary and Emma catch up and talk about gardening by the moon  11:30 - The 17 year cicada  19:00 - The insect sounds of summer  23:00 - Fireflies at the farm  23:50 - Upcoming events and announcements    Things Mentioned: Slow Living Intensive The Farmer’s Almanac  The 17 year cicada The Almanac lady-farmer.com Raising With the Moon: The Complete Guide to Gardening and Living By the Signs of the Moon by Jack R. Pyle and Taylor Reese You and the Man and the Moon: The Complete Guide to Using the Almanac by Jack R. Pyle and Taylor Reese

On today’s episode of The Good Dirt, Mary and Emma talk with dancer, writer and quiltmaker Marlee Grace to consider the question, what are we practicing and showing up for in our day to day lives? Throughout the episode, Mary, Emma, and Marlee dig into the concept of “personal practice” as they reimagine art forms as a practice rather than a performance. Marlee shares why she stepped away from social media, questions the role it plays in our lives, and addresses the platform’s inherently performative nature. She also shares where she finds encouragement and inspiration, and reminds us to take our work seriously (but not ourselves).  Marlee’s work focuses on the self, rituals of devotion, creativity, and art-making. Her practice is rooted in improvisation as a compositional form expressed through dance, writing, quilting, teaching, and hosting artists. Her dance project Personal Practice has been featured in the New York Times, Dance Magazine, Vanity Fair, and The Huffington Post. Marlee is the author of Getting to Center: Pathways to Finding Yourself.  THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY PLAINE PRODUCTS. USE CODE LADYFARMER FOR 20% OFF! 1:30 - Mary and Emma catch up and talk about natural dyeing and quilting!  6:40 - Dancer, Writer, and Quiltmaker Marlee Grace  Let’s get into the episode: 8:30 - Marlee Grace introduces herself  15:50 - Personal practice  24:20 - Escaping the chaotic and addictive loop of social media 37:00 - Improvisational quilting  39:30 - What inspires and encourages you? 45:30 - Slow living and its challenges  53:00 - What does the Good Dirt mean to you?    Things Mentioned: Natural Dye and Slow Fashion Pop Up  Line + Tow Marleegrace.space Getting to Center: Pathways to Finding Yourself Within the Great Unknown New York Times feature Vanity Fair feature Huffingtonpost feature Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now  Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler  The Freedom Quilting Bee  Acres of Ancestry Initiative Natural Dyeing Intensive Plaine Products: Use code LADYFARMER for 20% off! 

In today’s episode, Mary and Emma sit down with Lani Estill, founder of Lani’s Lana ~ Fine Rambouillet Wool; a commercial wool business and small yarn line based in Northern California. Alongside her family, Lani also owns and operates a vertically integrated diversified livestock ranch producing cattle, sheep, alfalfa and grass hay in the Northern California/Northern Nevada region. With the help of partners like Fibershed and the Carbon Cycle Institute, Lani’s family ranch is now running under a climate-fighting Carbon Farm Plan! Throughout the episode, Mary and Emma dig into Lani’s life on the ranch and chat about the complexities of owning and operating a truly sustainable supply chain. They also speak to the power of the consumer and talk about the soul satisfying decision to invest in climate beneficial products.   1:20 - Mary and Emma catch up and talk about upcoming events!  Let’s get into the episode: 9:30 - Lani’s Lana Wool! 12:15 - Lani introduces herself  16:00 - Regeneration on the ranch 20:00 - The early days at Fibershed  23:40 - Investing in carbon farming  30:00 - The team  32:30 - The sheep  35:10 - The fabrics  42:00 - The cost of climate beneficial products  49:00 - Dyers and natural dyes 51:20 - What does the Good Dirt mean to you?   Things Mentioned: Kefir Workshop with Mary  Lani's Lana   Water mountain weavers    Fibershed   TGD - Rebecca Burgess   TGD - Elizabeth Cline   Northface Backyard Project   Carbon Cycle Institute

1:30 - Mary and Emma catch up and talk fermentation around the farm!  8:20 - Introducing Kirsten Shockey of Ferment Works   Let’s get into the episode: 10:30 - Kirsten introduces herself  16:50 - What is fermentation?  19:40 - Bioavailability 22:40 - Fermentation vs Pickling  28:05 - The Wonderful World of Vinegar  34:50 - Fermentation School 38:35 - Fermenting dairy  39:50 - Fermenting safety & policy...it’s safe y’all!  42:00 - Fermentation vs canning...fermentation for the win!  45:35 - Tips & tricks  47:55 - Kirsten’s favorite ferment  49:20 - Gateway ferment for getting started!   51:50 - What does the Good Dirt mean to you?  52:55 - Don’t be afraid and you've got this Kirsten's Books: The Big Book of Cidermaking; (award winning) Miso, Tempeh, Natto & Other Tasty Ferments Fiery Ferments Homebrewed Vinegar  Fermented Vegetables Things Mentioned: Upcoming Kefir Workshop Ferment Works Plaine Products 20% OFF with CODE: ladyfarmer fermentationschool.com THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR PLAINE PRODUCTS: USE CODE "LADYFARMER" FOR 20% OFF YOUR PURCHASE

Liz Kimball (MFA, CPC) is a creativity catalyst, writer, coach, speaker, and founder of The Collective, a network of women creators and thought leaders dedicated to fostering cultural change through creativity. Her work has been featured at TEDx, Oprah.com, the NBA, The Guggenheim, NYU, and at universities and institutions throughout the country. In today's episode, we talk about the creative process from many angles, how pursuing our dreams might not be the straight path we imagine, how to foster our creative selves in a world that demands much from us, and how some of these things might be shifting from the pandemic year. Liz talks about the importance of detaching yourself from labels that you’ve placed on yourself since adolescence. Your work in the world is much more important than a title. We discuss how the ideas of slow living and "good dirt" are essential to cultivating the creative life, and building a future we can’t wait to wake up to! Let's get into the episode:  1:30 - Mary & Emma catch up and chat about plants! 7:00 - Liz introduces herself 20:00 - Rewriting the rules  23:00 - The Collective 27:00 - Discussion around time 35:00 - The creative process 50:00 - Mary recalls her own journey with her creative process   Things Mentioned:  Liz's Website - The Collective Liz's TED Talk Howard Thurman - The Sound of The Genuine Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert The ALMANAC - Sharon Bailey's Workshop (available to members only)  Lynn Felton - @bonzart     

1:30 - It’s Fashion Revolution week! 10:00 - Elizabeth introduces herself 11:00 - Has there been much change in the last two decades in the fashion industry? 20:00 - Why are corporations not paying their factories? 28:00 - The problems in your own closet 38:00 - The PayUp Campaign  42:00 - What does The Good Dirt mean to you? 50:00 - How Farmers in West Texas inspired Elizabeth Things Mentioned: Fashion Revolution  Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion by Elizabeth Cline The Conscious Closet by Elizabeth Cline Lady Farmer Essential Collection Line and Tow Line at Lady Farmer Grace Brian The Twilight of the Ethical Consumer article PayUp Fashion SB 62 - The Garment Worker Protection Act Elizabeth Cline Instagram PayUp Fashion Instagram Greenwashing article for Patagonia Another Tomorrow The ALMANAC

On this special live episode of The Good Dirt, Mary and Emma talk with Rebecca Burgess, the founder of Fibershed, a non profit organization that develops regional fiber systems that build soil and protect the health of our biosphere. Fibershed envisions the emergence of regional textile communities that facilitate soil-to-soil textile processes, and create opportunities for localized clothing production and supply. Rebecca speaks about the origins of the organization and its efforts in connecting wearers in numerous regions with local fields where the clothes are grown, working to build viable systems that can be sustained for generations to come. 1:40 - Next week is Fashion Revolution Week Let’s get into the interview! 6:13 - Rebecca shares her biggest influences 11:35 - The moment that started Fibershed 16:35 - What is Fibershed? 22:50 - Hemp in the fashion industry 30:00 - What’s to come of Fibershed? 40:00 - What does the Good Dirt mean to you? 41:00 - Seniors and the working community 44:00 - What makes for a healthy fibershed? Things mentioned: Fashion Revolution Lady Farmer Marketplace Lady Farmer Instagram Fibershed Fibershed by Rebecca Burgess Chesapeake Fibershed The ALMANAC Harvesting Color by Rebecca Burgess

In this episode, Mary and Emma have a wonderful conversation with Eliza Blue, a singer/songwriter who lives and works on a regeneratively-managed ranch raising grass-fed cattle and fiber sheep with her husband and two children. She talks about going from the life of a touring musician to a teaching job in South Dakota, and the pivotal moment when she walked into a friend’s lambing barn at lambing season and knew she had found her calling. Eliza's connection to the land is evident in her stories of life on the ranch and her daily involvement with the animals and the natural environment. She has written a book called "Accidental Rancher," which came out this past spring, and she writes and produces audio "postcards" about ranch life for the North Dakota and South Dakota NPR affiliates. In addition, she has just finished filming for a new series that celebrates rural life through stories and songs called Wish You Were Here. 1:23 - It’s been a year since The Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living has been released! Let’s get into the interview! 8:35 - Eliza introduces herself 13:20 - Eliza’s creative endeavor  18:00 - Eliza’s shares a story from the ranch 30:00 - How the pandemic has affected Eliza’s life 33:00 - What inspires Eliza’s music and songwriting? 44:00 - Regenerative Agriculture in the grasslands 50:00 - What does The Good Dirt mean to Eliza? Things Mentioned: The Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living Book Accidental Rancher by Eliza Blue Postcards from the Prairie Wish You Were Here Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan The History and Folklore of Brigid: Saint, Legend and Lady Farmer with Kathy Spaar Eliza's Spotify  

Today's guest is Sharon Bailey of The Glow Emporium, a woman’s wellness education and empowerment community. As a homesteader, mother, entrepreneur, and educator living in a small mountain town, Sharon espouses a life lived in sync with nature, and helps other women connect with their own feminine rhythms for a happier and healthier lifestyle. Emphasizing the counter- cultural art of slowing down as a fundamental necessity for coping with the many demands of women today, Sharon offers empowering information and advice for dealing with exhaustion and burnout. In this conversation, Sharon shares her own story of early challenges that led to destructive habits in early adulthood, and how through the experience of giving birth and early motherhood, she came to an understanding of the necessity for taking care of herself and her body. Her passion for supporting other women on the path to claiming full health and well being for themselves is the inspiration for the work she does today. 1:30 - Mary and Emma talk about planning by the moon Let’s get into the interview! 6:53 - Sharon introduces herself 9:00 - How did Sharon get into health and wellness? 16:15 - The current mission of The Glow Emporium 25:00 - Planning around your hormonal cycle 32:00 - What are we trading our time for? 40:00 - Making sustainability more accessible 48:00 - What does Sharon want us to most take away from this conversation? Things Mentioned: The ALMANAC The Glow Emporium The Glow Apothecary Unrefined SHE Podcast The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan

Cynthia Main @sunhousecraft is an artisan maker in Berea, Kentucky who has built a thriving business hand making home goods. Inspired by the timeless traditions of Appalachian crafts, her wooden wares are hand made, often hewn with axe and knife. Brooms are hand woven, with a non-electric process, with utmost attention given to the details of each piece. The materials are sourced and harvested from local, sustainable materials. In this conversation, Cynthia discusses her lifelong passion for learning traditional agrarian skills and the arts of self sufficiency, from farming to building, wood working, furniture making and crafting the basic tools of everyday life. With many of these skills largely forgotten by our consumer culture, Cynthia shares the story of how she has made her way, rediscovering these skills for herself, teaching others, and demonstrating an alternative path through a life of making. 1:20 - Catch up with Mary and Emma Let’s get into the interview! 12:00 - Cynthia introduces herself 17:50 - The importance of mindful supply chains 20:40 - Broommaking and Appalachia 31:00 - Crafts, accessibility and price 39:00 - Claiming your own power 45:00 - Cynthia’s work in relation to The Good Dirt 48:30 - How 2020 has affected Sunhouse Craft Things Mentioned: Sunhouse Craft Emma's quilting course - A Quilt is Something Human State the Label East Fork Pottery Raleigh Denim Serviceberry: An Economy of Abundance by Robin Wall Kimmer The Way Home - Tales From a Life Without Technology by Mark Boyle Let’s Talk About Your Skin! Herbal Skincare with Militza Maury Sunhouse Craft on Youtube

Alyson Morgan (@alysonsimplygrows) is an environmentalist, gardener, artist and photographer, as well as a slow living advocate and mother. Through this conversation, Alyson gives us a glimpse of conscious living through her lens, the realities of juggling a creative business and motherhood, the desire for activism alongside the need for slowing down and being present, and the power of plants in everyday life. Through her beautiful photography and her writing, along with the flower essences she creates for Earth Star Herbals, Alyson offers her gifts of healing to her audience and the world.  1:20 - Mary and Emma talk about the seasonal transition Let’s get into the interview! 5:34 - Alyson introduces herself 8:40 - How did Alyson get into herbalism 18:00 - Plant allies and personal growth 22:00 - What is a flower essence? 29:00 - Rest and Productivity 33:40 - Living by the moon 40:40 - Balancing slow living and motherhood with COVID 45:00 - What does Good Dirt mean to you? Things Mentioned: The ALMANAC Wintering by Katherine May Lady Farmer Playlists on Spotify Numero Group Earth Star Herbals Alyson’s Instagram

In today's episode, Mary and Emma talk with Kathy Hattori of Botanical Colors about natural plant dyes, and how she created a business from her desire to connect herself and others to the natural world. She talks about a personal wake-up call that led to her decision to quit her corporate job in pursuit of a more creative and personally fulfilling career, despite her fears around the uncertainties of such a move. Though at the time, Kathy couldn't imagine the career potential in the world of plant dyes, Botanical Colors is now the premier source for all things related to dyeing with plants, including sustainably sourced materials, supplies, information and education. 1:30 - Come join us in The ALMANAC for the Spring season! 6:15 - Sign up now for the Grow Your Own food Intensive Let’s get into the interview! 6:46 - Kathy introduces herself 11:50 - What is Botanical Colors and how did it get started? 20:00 - How does working with dye companies look like? 30:00 - Living with natural vs synthetic goods 41:00 - The effect of the pandemic on Botanical Colors 45:50 - Natural dyes and the good dirt 50:15 - What is it that Kathy wants us to come away with most? Things Mentioned: The ALMANAC Grow Your Own Food Intensive Botanical Colors Earth Hues Eileen Fisher x West Elm Numero Group Feedback Friday All We Can Save edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine K. Wilkinson

For this special birthday episode of "The Good Dirt," Emma goes solo as host, talking with Lindsey and Krista from the "Almost 30" podcast. Emma reflects on her twenties and discusses her feelings about this passage in her life. Krista and Lindsey share some of their own journey through their twenties and the transition into their thirties, and give their advice on seeking your own true path. In this episode we talk about how the good dirt of experience is fertile ground for growing your most authentic life!  1:40 - Mary and Emma reflect on the significance of this day.  Let’s get into the interview! 15:00 - Get to know Krista and Lindsey 18:00 - Emma opens up about her dreams of a career in acting.  24:50 - What is turning 30 like? 35:50 - Emma’s favorite things about being involved in theatre. 38:30 - How do you feel "rooted" in your life? 47:00 - What does "good dirt" mean to you? 50:12 - What to come away with from Krista and Lindsey about transitioning through this significant phase of life.  Things Mentioned: Almost 30 Podcast Grow Your Own Food Intensive Workshop

This week we spoke with historian, nonprofit founder, and author Tony Cohen, who operates Button Farm, Maryland’s only living history center depicting 19th-century slave plantation life and the heroic story of the Underground Railroad. Tony has dedicated his studies and work to preserving the Underground Railroad’s history, historic sites and environments. In this episode, he shares with us stories of his own travels along the Underground Railroad on foot, in an effort to recreate some of the original travelers' sensory experience of the landscape and the monumental physical challenges they endured in the pursuit of freedom. Tony also shares the story of meeting Oprah Winfrey and working with her in preparation for her starring role in the film, BELOVED, based on the book by Toni Morrison. Tony is founder and director of the Menare Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to the creation of cutting edge educational programs, including an Underground Railroad immersion experience based on the work he did with Oprah Winfrey.    1:20 - Mary and Emma check in with the Slow Living Challenge 7:10 - The Spring Grow Your Own Food Intensive Let’s get into the interview! 8:40 - Tony introduces himself and The Menare Foundation 12:50 - Why start a nonprofit? 17:00 - Tony’s experience walking the route of The Underground Railroad 20:00 - Mary’s land and its connection to The Underground Railroad 27:00 - Tracking down your roots along The Underground Railroad 36:00 - Tony’s connection to the Harriet Tubman Museum 38:00 - How Tony got involved with Oprah Winfrey 49:00 - What is Button Farm? 57:00 - Tony’s work in relationship to Good Dirt  Mentions:  Slow Living Challenge Grow Your Own Food Intensive Workshop The ALMANAC Button Farm Living History Center The Menare Foundation The Underground railroad in Montgomery County, Maryland: A history and driving guide Chesapeake Tours The Chesapeake Fibershed Beloved by Toni Morrison

Mary and Emma chat with Farai Harreld, an herbalist and writer known as the Hillbilly African, who takes inspiration from both her African and rural American roots. Farai grew up in Botswana and came to America to go to college, where she encountered the challenges of an entirely different culture. Her journey into herbalism began as a struggle with her hair, and led her into a deeper knowledge of plants as a source of healing and support. Now as a mother, a writer, a doula and a folk herbalist, she inspires others as a champion of slow living, local engagement and community building.  3:00 - Grow Your Own Food Intensive Workshop Let’s get into the interview! 6:00 - Farai explains her origin story 11:30 - Farai’s garden 16:00 - Farai’s love of the folklore of plants 25:40 - What does sustainability mean to you? 30:00 - What will you bring from 2020 into 2021? 35:00 - The importance of rest 39:00 - Good Dirt means good conversation 45:00 - The origin of Hillbilly African  Things Mentioned: - Episode 11 with Nicky and Dave - Grow Your Own Food Intensive Workshop - The ALMANAC - Farai’s Instagram - Farai’s Patreon - Farai’s Website - Slow Living Challenge 2021

Mary and Emma chat with Alissa Hessler, creator of Urban Exodus, a project highlighting people from a variety of backgrounds who have made the switch from urban to rural living. Alissa tells the story of her own life transformation, from chasing the career and paycheck to creating a more intentional life and more meaningful work in a rural setting. The message is not that you have to move to the country to have the life you desire, but about making choices in the direction of what you want, regardless of where you live or what you think is holding you back. Alissa encourages everyone to pay attention to those dreams. It's never too late to make a shift in your own life story!  1:40 - Use #ladyfarmerinthecity and share with us your posts! 5:40 - Let’s get into the interview! 9:00 - Alissa talks about her backstory 18:00 - Raising a child in the country 23:00 - Your worth is not based on your paycheck 26:00 - Things that hold people back from moving to a rural area 30:00 - Getting the benefits of rural living without making the move 34:00 - Learning from 2020    Things Mentioned: Urban Exodus Ditch the City and Go Country Book Blueberries for Sal Sherri Powell Urban Haven Photography

In this special live episode, Mary and Emma talk with Ellen Polishuk, an organic vegetable farmer for 25 years and now a teacher and consultant for those in the farming business. Ellen speaks from years of experience as both a grower and a consumer on food sustainability, including topics such as organic certification, composting, GMO's, soil basics, eating locally, community supported agriculture and the potential for a world in which everyone is well fed and farmers can earn a living. This episode is full of great information for anyone who grows or eats food!    Let’s get into the interview! 8:40 - Ellen introduces herself 13:50 - Changes in the organic agricultural industry  18:40 - What is organic certification? 29:00 - What is non GMO, what is GMO? 33:00 - Importance of healthy soil 42:00 - Local or Organic? 45:30 - Growing your own food and Composting 51:50 - Are animals worth the cost for labor on your farm? 01:02:00 - Advice for aspiring farmers Things Mentioned: The Almanac Potomac Vegetable Farms Correction @ 25:45 - Glyphosate was patented as an antibiotic in 2010, not 2014 Start Your Farm by Ellen Polishuk Plant To Profit website Ellen’s Instagram Growing for Market magazine

Today's episode is about Brigid, saint and legend, known for her skills at the hearth, the loom, midwifery, healing, poetry and animal husbandry. Kathy Spaar, spiritual director, pilgrimage leader and nature educator shares many of the folklore and stories of this legendary figure from Celtic tradition. As a figure of feminine wisdom and power who presides over the land and the homestead, we consider Brigid the quintessential Lady Farmer, our guide, protector and inspiration for slow living through the seasons. 1:20 - January is here! 1:50 - Mary and Emma introduce Kathy and Brigid Let's get into the interview! 7:15 - Kathy introduces herself 10:00 - Brigid's Feast Day 12:30 - Kathy's favorite stories of Brigid 20:00 - Brigid - the quintessential Lady Farmer 27:00 - How does Brigid relate to the times we are in now 31:00 - The most important thing Brigid has taught Kathy Things mentioned: The Almanac Brigidine Sisters Children's Book “Brigid’s Cloak: An Ancient Irish Story” by Bruce Milligan. "Symbols of Plenty" by Ruth Bidgood "Rekindling the Flame " by Rita Minehan

Mary and Emma talk with Militza Maury, the creator of Little Green Dot, an educational space dedicated to natural skincare. In a world where the beauty industry is so often urging us to consume, Militza urges us to take a step back and consider not only what it is we are putting on our skin, but the messages we're getting about why we need all of these products. Combining her love of herbalism and cooking with her fascination with the skin, Militza shares with us her wealth of information and guidance on this topic so relevant to the sustainability conversation. Militza has just released a book on how to make your own skincare from whole food ingredients, and teaches Skincare Herbalism classes.  1:15 - Mary and Emma discuss their own experiences with skincare Let’s get into the interview! 9:00 - Militzia introduces herself 20:00 - Our skin connects us with the rest of the world 25:00 - A pivotal time when skincare shifted to include more chemicals 30:00 - The parasympathetic system and skincare 38:00 - Sourcing ingredients 41:00 - Trial and error when creating recipes 45:00 - How the pandemic has affected the natural skincare world *Things Mentioned: * -Little Green Dot -Natural Homemade Skin Care, by Militzia Maury

Mary and Emma sit down with Kip and Angelique, the founders of Smarter by Nature - an urban and rural farming business serving the community in Tallahassee, Florida. Their goal is to provide fresh produce and opportunities for economic sustainability through education as well as to take care of the soil and protect the natural environment. Kip and Angelique share their challenges, methods and aspirations for the future.  1:30 - Catch- up with Mary and Emma 6:20 - Introducing Kip and Angelique Now let’s get into the interview! 9:36 - K&A introduce their business 14:56 - K&A’s role as regenerative farmers 20:00 - Guiding principles of Smarter by Nature 25:00 - The magic of mycelium  30:00 - How to check the minerals in your soil 38:25 - Smarter by Nature’s business model 44:00 - Permaculture and microclimates 48:00 - Transitioning a food desert into an oasis 52:00 - Applying sustainability in every aspect of life Things Mentioned: Microgreens Blog The Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living Book The Hands-On Home book by Erica Strauss The ALMANAC  Mycelium Running book IFAS Extension Office Etsy Smarter By Nature Youtube Smarter By Nature Instagram

Mary and Emma sit down with Eric Henry from TS Designs who has been navigating sustainability through the fashion industry for the past 40 years. Henry discusses the effects of NAFTA on TS Designs and the process of rebuilding his business with the triple bottom line - People, Planet, Profit - in the forefront of operations. Eric pushes you to think about the impact of the goods you consume and the places you spend your money while considering that sustainability is a journey not a destination. 1:55 - Mary and Emma talk about the New Year in pandemic times Let’s get into the interview! 7:10 - Eric introduces himself and TS Designs 13:30 - What is NAFTA and how did it affect business? 16:00 - How TS Designs facilitates their production 26:40 - The 10,000 pounds project 40:00 - The value of connecting to local food 41:00 - Hope for the future of the clothing industry with the impact of Covid 48:20 - The production of T-shirts and soil health Things Mentioned: TS Designs NAFTA Eric Henry Ted Talk WTO agreement Rehance technique 10,000 Pounds project Solid State clothing Gaslighting article Amy Dufault

Mary welcomes in the New Year by sharing the story of Old Befana, a tale for Epiphany. However you're celebrating this year, we hope that this story brings you joy and light!    The Almanac  

Mary and Emma sit down with Bridget Jones from Wildberry Farm. Bridget discusses how she and her husband Matt are keeping the family farm going by combining their marketing and graphic design backgrounds with traditional farming and agritourism. Agritourism provides innovative and creative experiences that bring visitors to the farm, and offers opportunities for the the community to come together. In this digital age, Bridget and Matt prove that growing crops and raising livestock aren't the only ways to have a successful farm enterprise.  4:20 - The launch of The ALMANAC Let’s get into the interview! 13:56 - Bridget introduces herself and Wildberry Farm 23:00 - Keeping the family farm alive 30:10 - The history of the farm 37:30 - No-till farming 43:00 - How has the pandemic affected such a young business? 48:40 - Advice for starting your own business Things Mentioned: The ALMANAC Wildberry Farm

Mary and Emma sit down to reflect on this past year of Lady Farmer - discussing their growth during the difficult year that was 2020. With the holidays around the corner, there’s a lot to think about. Mary and Emma share their tips to help balance your time when things may seem to be out of your control. From gift-giving to decorating to making time to connect with nature and getting plenty of rest, slowing down to make your own rules during this holiday season is essential - and of course, don’t forget to shop well, buy well and support small and local makers!  2:00 - A reflection on the past year of Lady Farmer 18:00 - Slowing down during this holiday season 33:40 - Mary shares the origin of hanging wreaths  Things mentioned: The Almanac The Social Dilemma  The Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living Lady Farmer Instagram Email - [email protected]

On this special, live episode, Mary and Emma talk with Natalie Chanin, the founder and creative director of Alabama Chanin, about sustainability in the clothing industry. Natalie shares with us how difficult it is to maintain a small business that has grown into something much bigger and the conversations she has to endure to create balance. 11:00 - An introduction to Natalie and the trajectory of her career 14:40 - Natalie’s documentary, Stitch 18:00 - Issues in the fashion industry 21:00 - A reflection on food and clothing in past generations 28:00 - How Natalie has held on to older customs and techniques in her business 36:00 - Overcoming hardships as a sustainable business 43:45 - How community ties into Alabama Chanin 51:00 - Shifts of the fashion industry 58:00 - What is Natalie’s favorite piece of her brand to wear? 1:03:00 - Do you see a good future for more organic textile production in the US? 1:06:20 - Connection between Alabama Chanin and The Good Dirt 1:07:46 - Certifications and small businesses 1:13:00 - How often do you rotate your wardrobe? 1:14:30 - What is it that Natalie wants people to know about her work? Things Mentioned: Holy Lamb Organics Lady Farmer Marketplace Alabama Chanin Stitch documentary  The Almanac Alabama Chanin book The Story of Stuff video Zingerman’s Muscle Shoals documentary Florence, Alabama monument - healing site  Rana Plaza collapse 12 for life organization Texas Organic Cotton Growers Organization

Mary and Emma sit down with Jason from Holy Lamb Organics to discuss all things natural bedding. Jason talks us through the processing as well as the certifications and requirements the wool that is used for HLO must go through before it is used. The mattress industry is a 9 billion dollar industry and the majority of the companies produce a ton of waste and use a plethora of chemicals. Learn why better products cost more money and why we should support products and companies that are transparent to avoid greenwashing! 2:50 - Reading a podcast review 6:57 - Holy Lamb Organics is sponsoring the Good Dirt live recording at the Slow Living Retreat Let’s get into the interview! 9:30 - Know what’s in your mattress - your health depends on it 14:00 - Harmful substances in your mattress 16:18 - Where does HLO’s wool come from? 19:00 - What certifications are out there other than organic? 24:00 - HLO is worth the money and here’s why 30:00 - What HLO’s mattresses are made of 41:33 - Difficulties of running a sustainable business 46:00 - Greatest rewards of running a sustainable business 52:00 - The reality of returning products Resources: Holy Lamb Organics Slow Living Retreat - tickets close November 1! Natalie Chanin - Alabama Chanin Holy Lamb Organics 20% off in Lady Farmer store NaturePedic SavvyRest

Mary and Emma sit down with one another at the farm to chat a bit about how Mary got started on her journey as a Lady Farmer. Anyone, anywhere can achieve a slower, more sustainable lifestyle, as it is an ongoing evolution - grounded in the decisions you make everyday. Mary discusses her love for the outdoors, the animals she has on the farm and how life in the city made her long for a farmhouse of her own. 1:20 - Emma introduces what’s coming up with Lady Farmer 5:46 - Had Mary always wanted a farm? 11:00 - Eating “right” while raising children 16:30 - Finding the farm 19:30 - Where did Mary get her inspiration for the farm? 24:26 - Would this lifestyle be feasible with three younger children? 28:00 - A slower lifestyle does not happen overnight Links Retreat Omnivore’s Dilemma  Back to Eden film CSA Alabama Chanin

Mary and Emma sit down with Elana Jadallah (@elanaloo), a photographer, educator, marketing strategist and environmental advocate. From her time spent living in Hawaii, Elana eloquently shares her journey through raising awareness of the plastic pollution affecting our oceans through the awakening of the truth of her own contributions. Elena encourages listeners to realize that although you may be part of the problem, you can also be part of the solution by shopping locally and seasonally and consuming clothing made of raw materials. 1:25 - Join the Lady Farmer Community - Virtual Slow Living Retreat  4:44 - The ALMANAC - a new Lady Farmer project Let’s get into the interview 7:40 - Intro to Elana 9:00 - What is sustainable business? 12:40 - Finding your purpose and deepening it 19:00 - Realizing you are part of the problem and becoming part of the solution 25:46 - Phases of Activation 29:50 - Microplastics in “earth-friendly” clothing 42:00 - Questioning your consumption habits during the pandemic 46:00 - Cutting down your carbon footprint - Where does our food come from? 1:05:00 - Taking on the responsibility of our choices and taking action Everything Mentioned: Slow Living Retreat The ALMANAC Elana Jadallah The True Cost Documentary Phases of Activation How To Give Up Plastic by Will McCallum Microfiber Filter or Microfiber Bag Farming and Plastics article Join your local CSA 1000 Eco Farms VIP Retreat Ticket Retreat Scholarship Email Acres of Ancestry Initiative  Follow us @weareladyfarmer on Instagram and check out our website!

Mary and Emma sit down with Julian, the Director of ANIMA Casa Rural - a B&B, artist residency and working farm located in the municipality of Tala in Jalisco, Mexico. ANIMA offers a space that emphasizes the importance of working with nature as opposed to against it. Through permaculture, Julian and his family’s shared ecological beliefs/practices, and focus on the elimination of processed foods, Julian wishes to create a working community amongst every person who visits ANIMA Casa Rural. 1:15 - Virtual Retreat announcement on confirmed workshops - see the resources below for the mentioned instructors 4:00 - A recording of all the workshops will be available to purchase - included in the VIP ticket, but also can be purchased separately  5:40 - What is Permaculture? Let's get into the interview! 10:00 - What is ANIMA Casa Rural? 15:30 - How ANIMA grows and produces their own food  20:00 - The organic growth of ANIMA as a business 24:00 - WWOOF and ANIMA  33:00 - The structures and architecture on the ANIMA property 41:00 - A day in the life at ANIMA  51:00 - What is the biggest takeaway? 54:00 - How Julian has been inspired by Thomas Berry Resources: Virtual Slow Living Retreat VIP ticket Micro greens workshop with @beardedbirdsfarm Regenerative Agriculture workshop with @smarterbynature DIY skincare workshop with @littlegreendot Little Green Dot Book Cooking classes with @hen_ofthewoods Medicinal Herb workshop with @thehillbillyafrican Bill Mollison - creator of permaculture ANIMA Casa Rural WWOOF Metzeri - The Moon Building Thomas Berry - The Great Work Thank you to:  Marcin Wisniewsky Adam Williams Aidan Cowling Geo Alternativa Site + Cycle / Lift Artists in Residency TV. Griebel Family Proyecta Jalisco Tala Cultura All friends and family