The Good Dirt: Sustainability Explained

Tune in to the July episode of Slow Living Through the Seasons, in which Mary highlights the nostalgic soundtrack of July flies, the societal and physical impact of air conditioning, gardening by the signs in midsummer, and a simple recipe for fermented cucumbers. With the 12th episode in this series, we've now completed a full journey around the sun with seasonal reflections, memories, gardening guidance, tips, and a whole year of planting and gardening by the signs of the moon. After taking a pause from this monthly program, Mary will be picking up this discussion again but in a different format moving forward, bringing it more directly into the community for sharing and conversation and adding more personal interaction into the experience. Read more what's in store for Slow Living Through the Seasons HEREhttps://ladyfarmer.substack.com/t/seasonal-livingPINE TREE GARDEN SEEDS Order their seeds today from superseeds.com and use our promo code: GOODDIRT2024 for 20% off your entire order!NEPTUNE'S HARVEST ORGANIC FERTILIZERS Use code GOODDIRT at checkout for 5% off your order for products from the ocean to set your plants in motion 🌊━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🌻 About Lady Farmer: Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community Visit Our Website Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you! Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:• Wendy Gray Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this thought-provoking episode, Emma and Mary delve into the concept of eco-spirituality, discussing its origins, significance, and their personal experiences with it. They reflect on various interviews they've conducted with guests who have touched on this topic, exploring the integration of spirituality with a love for the earth and nature. The episode is a deep dive into how eco-spirituality informs their work with Lady Farmer and The Good Dirt podcast, and how it serves as a path to healing both personally and globally.Key Points: Introduction to Eco-Spirituality: Eco-spirituality combines the study of ecology and spirituality. Historically, spirituality and nature were never separate until modern times. The separation between humans and nature is perceived, not real. Personal Journeys: Mary shares her spiritual journey and how it led to her interest in eco-spirituality. Emma discusses her observations of environmental changes growing up and her connection with nature. Influential Conversations: Recap of impactful interviews with guests like Ian C. Williams, Paul Hawken, and Asia Suler. Insights on how eco-spirituality involves healing oneself to heal the earth. Themes and Reflections: The importance of language in discussing eco-spirituality. The challenge of integrating spirituality and ecology without perpetuating the idea of separateness. How personal healing practices can contribute to environmental regeneration. Practical Applications: Encouragement to connect with nature daily as a form of grounding and healing. Discussion on how eco-spirituality can be a response to climate change and environmental degradation. Exploring ways to live with eco-spiritual principles in modern society. The role of sacredness and reverence in how we treat the natural world. Resources Mentioned: Ian C. Williams' book, Soil and Spirit, Seeds of Purpose, Nature's Insight and the Deep Work of Transformational Change Asia Suler's book, Mirrors in the Earth: Reflections on Self Healing from the Living World Osprey Orielle Lake's work on climate justice and rights of nature Claire Dunn's experience of living in nature for a year The Good Dirt Episodes Mentioned: Mary DeJong Ian C Williams Asia Suler Leah Rampy Osprey Orielle Lake Pt. 1 & Pt. 2 Claire Dunn 🌻 About Lady Farmer: Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community Visit Our Website Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you! Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:• Wendy Gray Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

*This episode is a replay of Episode 64, initially published on October 22, 2021 under the title Homesteading is What You Make ItOn today’s episode of The Good Dirt, we’re chatting with Angela Ferraro Fanning of Axe and Root Homestead, a six-acre farm in central New Jersey. Angela shares the story of how she went from being a graphic designer to a homesteader in 2012, when she told her husband she'd like to trade her job income for time outside growing food they would no longer have to buy. Now she finds herself balancing a life raising two boys with managing a working farm, as well as authoring a cookbook, a children's book series and hosting a homesteading podcast.In this conversation, we discuss not only the benefits of growing your own food, but the many options available to the modern homesteader. Though the concept of homesteading appeals to a lot of people, the reality of shifting to such a lifestyle is often intimidating and seemingly full of obstacles. Angela explains that homesteading doesn't look the same for everyone, and doesn't have to be defined by what you see when you look out your window. She encourages her followers to begin with the smallest task, such as growing one plant, and taking that longing for connection to food and nature just one step at a time. It doesn't have to involve raising and harvesting your own animals, or all of your food, baking artisan bread or keeping bees. There are likely others in your area that can do all of that. Instead, she says to focus on what interests you, and rely on your community for the rest. The homesteading mindset is about hands-on, local, seasonal living.Join us on today’s episode to hear more about the first steps that Angela took in growing her own food, how she got comfortable with the constant trial and error of homesteading, and how she’s slowly expanding her business through writing and online media.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Simplecast, Podtail, or on your favorite podcast platform.Topics Covered: A day in the life of Angela  The joys and challenges of farm life Getting back to basics and not relying on machinery  Homesteading on a plant-based diet  Sharing her story and expertise through writing, podcasting, and online courses  Guest Info Website Instagram The Definitely Not Simple Life Podcast The Harvest Table: A Collection of Seasonal Plant- Based Recipes Inspired by the Home Garden Little Country Cottage: An Autumn Treasury of Recipes, Crafts and Wisdom Follow Us: Our Website Instagram Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Leah Rampy, author, educator and retreat leader, discusses her work and recent book release“Earth and Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate Chaos”. She emphasizes how facing the reality of climate change and loss can help us open our hearts and "come to our senses" , allowing our grief to empower us in reconnecting to the living world. Leah integrates ecology, spirituality and personal practices in guiding others to deepen this relationship. In this conversation, we also discuss the epidemic of loneliness, the importance of community, the concept of indigeneity and the challenges of finding one's place in a changing world. We hear all about the co-housing community in West Virginia where Leah lives with her husband, and her involvement with the Church of the Wild-Two Rivers, a place to find hope through community and connection with nature.Topics Discussed· Leah discusses her book· Working with Al Gore & Biodiversity for a Livable Climate· Eco-Anxiety and Eco Grief· Older vs. Younger Generation Perceptions of Climate Loss· The Loss of Spring· How Being Busy Distances Us from the Earth· The Paradigm of Human Superiority· Our Language towards Nature· Distance or Disconnection· The Beauty of Worms· The Co-housing Movement· The Epidemic of Loneliness· A Community of Like-minded People or Like-hearted People· Indigeneity and Connection to the Land· Active Listening to the World Around Us· How Science Helps Us Understand Our World· The Tricky Thing about Hope· Age Diversity· Retreats and PilgrimagesEpisode Resources:· Read “Earth and Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate Chaos” by Leah Rampy· Biodiversity for a Livable Climate· Shepherd Village· The Church of the Wild· Read the Lady Farmer Article "St Brigid The Lady Farmer”· Listen to The Good Dirt “The History and Folklore of Bridgid: Saint, Legend and Lady Farmer with Kathy Spaar”· Listen to The Good Dirt “185. Reimagining Our Place in the Landscape: Eco-Spirituality and Rewilding with Mary DeJong”· Read "Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest" by Suzanne SimardConnect with Leah Rampy· Website: https://www.leahmoranrampy.com/· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahrampy/· Join Leah’s Mailing List: https://www.leahmoranrampy.com/subscribe.html━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🌻 About Lady Farmer:· Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community· Visit Our Website· Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram· Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail!Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:· Wendy Gray Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This bonus episode originally aired on June 19th, 2021We 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 episode3:00 - Tony Cohen on the history of Juneteenth15:00 - The transition into freedom20:00 - The shift to “waged” labor and the evolution of slavery28:00 - Fair trade31:00 - Local emancipation41:00 - Celebrating Juneteenth42:30 - The happenings at Button Farm48:00 - 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 🌻 About Lady Farmer:· Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community· Visit Our WebsiteThe Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living· Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram· Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail!Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:· Wendy Gray Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode was initially published on April 21, 2023 under the title The Urgent Need for Restorative GardeningInternationally acclaimed landscape designer, activist and bestselling author of The Garden Awakening and her newly released title We are the Ark, Mary Reynolds discusses her efforts to restore the earth through her global ARK campaign, (Acts of Restorative Kindness). She launched her career by achieving a gold medal for garden design at the Chelsea flower show in 2002, the story of which was made into a 2016 movie called “Dare to be Wild”. She later founded the global movement “We are the ARK”, an organization advocating for more wild spaces and to raise awareness of our current extinction event.Topics Discussed Mary's new book We Are the Ark: Returning Our Gardens to Their True Nature Through Acts of Restorative Kindness with illustrations by Ruth Evans Mary's story of the pivotal moment that changed her career How Mary reframes the concept of gardens The ARK concept How the idea of feeding the world is greenwashing, when we should support the world to feed itself. Floral designer Amber Tamm @ambertamm Doug Tallamy, founder of Home Grown National Park - a grassroots organization regenerating local biodiversity Native species vs non-native plants and how they affect local eco-systems The 100th monkey syndrome Shifting Baseline Syndrome/ Daniel Pauly  How has Mary's mission evolved from The Garden Awakening to We Are the Ark Mary's project in Westport, County Mayo The difference between a garden and an ark is intention How can people become less afraid of the wildness? Where does Mary find hope that we will be able to save the planet and ourselves?  Spreading the message of The ARK all over the world From What is to What If written by Rob Hopkins The book Silent Spring  written by Rachel Carson Connect with Mary: Website: We Are the Ark Instagram: wildmarymary 🌻 About Lady Farmer:· Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community· Visit Our Website· Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram· Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail!Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:· Wendy GrayOriginal music by John Kingsley. Our technical partner for this series is CitizenRacecar, Post-Production by Alex Brouwer and José Miguel Baez, Coordinated by Gabriela Montequin and Mary Ball. 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 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

CEO of Broken Ground Kareen Erbe has dedicated herself to helping people in cold climates grow their own food so they can eat healthier, live more sustainably and be more self-reliant. She delves into permaculture and how it applies not only to growing food and helping the earth , but also creating community. Kareen helps her clients by designing integrated edible landscapes and encourages them in cultivating community alongside the cultivation of their gardens. She goes into her permaculture design principles for families, those in cold climates, and those who live in urban environments. You will also hear about integrating gardens into lawns, creating beneficial relationships between plants and people, and the benefits of including your neighbors to help with gardening tasks. This episode is about gardening, sustainability, building stronger, more self-sufficient communities and the wider ranging significance of permaculture principles.Topics Discussed· Low Waste Gardening· Growing Food in Cold Climates· Kareen’s Grandmother’s Diaries· Permaculture Hot Takes· Pollinator Gardens· Taking Before/After Photos· Kareen’s Most Impactful Books· Weeds & Welcoming Wildness· Raising Kids in Nature· Herbal Lawns· Quackgrass· Growing Zones· Montana Growing Seasons· Cultivating Lawns & Community· Permaculture in Urban Spaces· Embracing Diversity in Gardens· Hope and Regeneration in Agriculture· Adapting to Climate Challenges· Resources and Programs for Permaculture EnthusiastsEpisode Resources:· Listen to The Good Dirt “151. "Lawns into Meadows" with Author Owen Wormser on Regenerative Agriculture”· Listen to The Good Dirt “138. The Urgent Need for Restorative Gardening with Mary Reynolds”· Listen to The Good Dirt “163. Sailors for Sustainability Searching for Solutions: A Journey Around the World”· Listen to The Good Dirt “110. An Ecological Civilization for All with Andrew Schwartz”· Listen to The Good Dirt “156. Pathways Toward an Ecological Civilization with Phillip Clayton of EcoCiv”· Read Gorillas in the Mist by Dian Fossey· Read Jane Goodall’s Books· Read "Gaia's Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture" by Toby Hemenway· Read "Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants" by Robin Wall Kimmerer· Read “Earth User's Guide to Teaching Permaculture” by Rosemary Morrow· Read "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle - Tenth Anniversary Edition: A Year of Food Life" by Barbara Kingsolver· Read "Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard" by Douglas W Tallamy”· Read "We Are the Ark: Returning Our Gardens to Their True Nature Through Acts of Restorative Kindness" by Mary ReynoldsConnect with Kareen Erbe:· Website: https://brokengroundpermaculture.com/· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokengroundmt/· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/brokenground━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🌻 About Lady Farmer:· Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community· Visit Our Website· Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram· Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail!Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:· Wendy Gray Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tune in to celebrate the many joys of June--the beautiful weather, carefree childhood memories, the miracle of fireflies and all the berries! Also, hear Mary's reflection on the summer solstice and all the tips for planting by the signs of the moon for the month.Read more about Slow Living Through the Seasons HEREhttps://ladyfarmer.substack.com/t/seasonal-livingPINE TREE GARDEN SEEDS Order their seeds today from superseeds.com and use our promo code: GOODDIRT2024 for 20% off your entire order!NEPTUNE'S HARVEST ORGANIC FERTILIZERS Use code GOODDIRT at checkout for 5% off your order for products from the ocean to set your plants in motion 🌊━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🌻 About Lady Farmer: Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community Visit Our Website Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you! Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:• Wendy Gray Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On the other side of the interview this week, we're sharing the episode we did with Bailey Van Tassel of Garden Culture Podcast! We'll be back next week with another interview from The Good Dirt! ______________________________________________________________________________________Emma and Mary Kingsley are the mother-daughter duo behind Lady Farmer, a brand that began with a sustainable clothing line and now is a successful podcast (The Good Dirt) around slow and conscious living. Emma and Mary talk about each of their childhoods and how it informed their current path together. They chat about what moved them to do a Kickstarter campaign which led to where they are now, on a sustainable path and how they live within that ethos. This chat is a great peek into how it takes nothing other than a passion and interest to move into a life that you're inspired by and proud of. They share about plastic in our clothing, where they shop, and what we all can think about to start getting more intentional.Emma and Mary's Fave Books:Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererWe are the Ark by Mary ReynoldsLove, Nature, Magic by Maria RodaleFor more info on Bailey Van Tassel go to www.baileyvantassel.com and join her monthly gardening membership here: www.thekitchengardensociety.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Mary and Emma sit down with a longtime listener Nathalie Girod, a designer with a rich multicultural background, who shares her journey and experiences in slow and sustainable living. Nathalie discusses how her upbringing in a family with French and Bolivian roots has influenced her sustainable practices, her professional career in fashion design, and her commitment to living a life that minimizes environmental impact.Key Takeaways Cultural Influences on Sustainability: Nathalie talks about how growing up with French and Bolivian grandparents who valued resourcefulness and minimal waste deeply impacted her lifestyle choices. Sustainable Fashion: Nathalie shares insights from her career in fashion, emphasizing the importance of custom-made, slow fashion as opposed to mass-produced, fast fashion. Daily Sustainable Practices: Nathalie outlines her daily habits and choices that contribute to a sustainable lifestyle, from cooking seasonal food to making her own cleaning products. Independent Thinking: Embracing slow living requires courage and independent thinking, especially in a world driven by consumerism and convenience. Topics Discussed Differences in sustainable practices between Europe and the United States Nathalie's journey in the fashion industry and her focus on slow, custom-made fashion Practical sustainable living tips, including: Cooking seasonal and homemade food Making homemade cleaning products Using reusable and low-waste products The importance of independent thinking in adopting a sustainable lifestyle Resources Mentioned Karen Logan's Book: Clean House Clean Planet – A guide for making homemade cleaning products. Mary Reynolds' Wildlife Sanctuary: Nathalie mentions being inspired by Mary Reynolds to create a wildlife sanctuary. Sustainable Fashion Tips: Insights on slow fashion and custom-made clothing from Nathalie's experience. Connect with Nathalie: @isa.maisa on Instagram_______________________________________🌻 About Lady Farmer:· Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community· Visit Our WebsiteThe Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living· Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram· Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail!Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:· Wendy Gray Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy