Start living more sustainably. The Good Dirt podcast explores all aspects of a sustainable lifestyle with healthy soil as the touchpoint and metaphor for the healing of our relationship with the planet. Mother and daughter team Mary & Emma bring you weekly interviews with farmers, artists, authors, and leaders in the regenerative and sustainable living space.
This is an ENCORE EPISODE, originally published on July 7, 2023
In this episode, Emma and Mary sit down to talk to Smruti Aravind, who oversees fundraising, donor communications, and grants at the Story of Stuff Project. Smruti brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, with an emphasis on digital storytelling and network-building to drive systemic change. Prior to joining the Story of Stuff, she led communications at Faith in Action East Bay, a federation of the largest faith-based organizing network in the U.S. Smruti shares about her work and her perspective on creating meaningful social impact, as well as the campaign work that Story of Stuff is doing in order to create policy change. She introduces the Bottle Bill project as well as the Reuse Revolution, and why burning plastic is not the solution that you may believe it to be. Smruti also touches on what other countries are doing to deal with their waste, the impact on The Global South, and how we can all flex our citizen muscles and advocate for plastic reduction laws to be codified.
Topics Discussed
•Smruti's Work in the Nonprofit Sector
•How the Story of Stuff Came to Be
•Using the Power of Media to Influence Policy Change
•Content Creation & Advocacy
•The Story of Microbeads & The Story of Plastic
•Founder Annie Leonard's Inspiration for the Documentary
•Increasing BIPOC Voices in the Search of a Solution
•Systems Thinking for the General Public
•The Break Free From Plastic Movement Treaty
•How Millennials and Gender Z Approach Environmental Activism
•Shifting From Individual Responsibility to Systemic Change
•Real Solutions vs. False Solutions
•The Great Pacific Plastic Patch
•Why Burning Plastic & Buying Plastic Clothes Doesn't Work
•Stopping the Tap with Campaign Work: The Bottle Bill & The Reuse Revolution
•What Other Countries Are Doing
•The Impact of Waste on the Global South
•Flexing Our Citizen Muscles
•What Corporations are Able to Change
•Moving to Florida & the Way that Different States Handle Plastic Waste
•Cloth Diapers
•Slow Living in a Big City
•The Impact of the Individual
Episode Resources:
•Watch The Story of Stuff Documentary
•The California Plastic Incinerator
Connect with Smruti Aravind:
•Website: https://www.storyofstuff.org/blog/people/smruti-aravind/
•YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/storyofstuffproject
•Instagram: @storyofstuff https://instagram.com/storyofstuff/
•Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyofstuff
•Links: https://linktr.ee/storyofstuff
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🌻 About Lady Farmer:
•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.
In this episode, Dr. Bill Schindler discusses the impact of modern diets on health and the importance of ancestral dietary practices. He shares the journey of the Modern Stone Age Kitchen, a restaurant dedicated to using ancestral approaches to make nutritious and sustainable food accessible, and his family's personal evolution in food preparation and consumption. Dr. Schindler also highlights the significance of seasonal eating, shares fascinating stories from his global travels to learn traditional food practices, and provides practical advice for people looking to improve their health and relationship with food. He emphasizes the necessity of flexibility in diets, understanding cultural and emotional connections to food, and making small, manageable shifts towards more nourishing eating habits.
00:00 The Best Diet Myth
00:27 Seasonal Eating Made Easy
04:34 Introducing Dr. Bill Schindler
07:19 Understanding Ancestral Foods
17:52 The Impact of Technological Revolutions on Diet
18:37 The Cold Chain Revolution
26:02 Personal Journey and Aha Moments
43:31 The Birth of the Sourdough Bread Company
49:11 The Reluctant Restaurant Owners
50:25 Struggles of Homemade Nourishment
52:26 Community and Outreach
53:52 The Food Lab and Educational Programs
55:31 Documenting Indigenous Food Practices
57:56 Traditional Cheese Making in Norway
01:01:34 Exploring Manioc Processing in the Amazon
01:04:38 Adventures in Kenya: The Ash Yogurt Story
01:14:35 Embracing Slow Living and Health Tracking
01:17:52 The Philosophy of Good Dirt
01:19:15 Advice for the Average Family
01:26:33 Celebrating Birthdays with Healthy Desserts
01:30:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Resources:
Bill Schindler's Website modernstoneage.com
Eat Like a Human: Nourishing Foods and Ancient Ways of Cooking to Revolutionize Your Health by Dr. Bill Schindler
Fire the Spark that Ignited Human Evolution by Francis D Burton
Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond
The Worst Mistake in the History of the Human Race by Jared Diamond
The Pulse Cure by Dr. Torkil Faero
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🌻 About Lady Farmer:
Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Lady Farmer.
The Good Dirt podcast is proudly part of the Connectd Podcasts network.
🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:
• Wendy Gray
This is an ENCORE EPISODE, originally published on July 9, 2021
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:
In this episode, Corinna Wood, a visionary teacher of women's wisdom, discusses her thirty year career with herbalism, teaching, and community building--all while embracing an earth-based, woman-centered approach to women's inner growth and healing. Corinna reflects on her early influences in herbal medicine and wise woman ways, her experiences founding the Southeast Wise Women Herbal Conference, her contributions to herbal medicine through Red Moon Herbs and her current work supporting women on their own healing journeys.
00:00 Introduction to Radical Self-Care
00:30 Catching Up with Emma
01:13 The Evolution of Air Conditioning
03:08 Reflecting on Hot Summers
05:32 The Impact of Climate Change
05:57 The History of Freezers and Ice
08:20 Appreciating Agricultural Workers
08:56 Introducing Corinna Wood
10:31 Corinna's Journey into Herbal Medicine
17:12 Founding the Southeast Wise Women Herbal Conference
23:09 Memorable Moments at the Conference
27:15 The Wise Woman Needs Wheel
29:14 Teaching Tools for Inner Growth
30:04 Introduction to the Wise Woman Needs Wheel
31:55 Seasonal Needs and Human Connection
38:30 Rituals and Herbal Practices
42:59 The Journey of Red Moon Herbs
47:29 Current Programs and Teachings
51:13 Addressing the 'Not Enough' Belief
55:18 Healing Through Earth-Based Practices
01:00:57 Embracing Slow Living and Cycles
01:06:17 Final Thoughts and Resources
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🌻 About Lady Farmer:
Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Lady Farmer.
The Good Dirt podcast is proudly part of the Connectd Podcasts network.
🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:
• Wendy Gray
This episode was originally published on June 23, 2023
Meet Maria Rodale, an author and advocate for organic regenerative farming. An explorer in search of the mysteries of the universe, Maria is the author of "Love Nature Magic: Shamanic Journeys into the Heart of My Garden", "Organic Manifesto", "Scratch", and is the author of a children's book series called written by the under the pen name "Mrs. Peanuckle". Her book "Love Nature Magic" was featured as a part of the a recent selection for the Lady Farmer book club, so it was truly an honor to get to talk with her on The Good Dirt. Together, Mary, Emma, and Maria discuss her new book, her family legacy in the world of regenerative agriculture, as well as her evolution from a CEO to (in her own words) a “crazy gardener.” Maria is truly a voice for the power and magic of nature and a guide for all of us seeking to rekindle a meaningful connection to the earth.
Maria is the former CEO and Chairman of Rodale Inc, and has served on multiple nonprofit boards including the Rodale Institute, Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project, and the Pennsylvania Federal Reserve Advisory council. She has received awards for her lifetime of service and activism, including the National Audubon Rachel Carson Award and the United Nations Population Fund’s Award for the Health and Dignity of Woman Everywhere.
Topics Discussed
• Growing up on as 3rd Generation Farmer at the Rodale Institute
• Moving Out at 18 to Becoming CEO: Family Loss & Legacy
• The Implosion of the Publishing Industry
• Following Her Nose: How Maria Found Writing
• The Making of "Love Nature Magic"
• What is a Shamanic Journey?
• Dealing with Mugwort in Gardens
• Decolonizing Our Relationship with Nature
• A Garden's Desire to be Wild
• Why the Biggest Changes Come from a Change in Behavior
• Being Open to Hearing Nature's Message
• Changing the Future by Modeling What Could Be Over What Is
• Recovering from a Stroke
•"Regenerative" over "Sustainability"
Episode Resources:
•The Rodale Institute: 75 Years of Organic Agriculture Leadership
•"Love, Nature, Magic: Shamanic Journeys into the Heart of My Garden"
•"Organic Manifesto: How Organic Food Can Heal Our Planet, Feed the World, and Keep Us Safe"
•"Scratch: Home Cooking for Everyone Made Simple, Fun, and Totally Delicious: A Cookbook"
•The Good Dirt: "The Urgent Need for Restorative Gardens with Mary Reynolds"
Connect with Maria Rodale:
• Website: https://www.mariarodale.com/
• Mrs. Peanuckle Website: https://www.mrspeanuckle.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariarodale/
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🌻 About Lady Farmer:
•Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram
•JSign up to join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC
•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.
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This bonus episode originally aired on June 19th, 2021
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:
🌻 About Lady Farmer:
· Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community
The 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
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This episode was originally published on June 25th, 2021
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:
In this episode of The Good Dirt Podcast, we delve into the profound connections between spirituality, ecology, and our natural world with Leah Rampy and Beth Norcross, co-authors of 'Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees.' The discussion explores how trees can teach us about relationships, gratitude, reciprocity, and resilience. The authors share personal experiences and practices for deepening our connection to nature and discuss the importance of understanding and preserving our natural ecosystems. They also touch on the environmental and emotional impacts of deforestation, the significance of native versus invasive species, and how small personal actions can contribute to ecological and spiritual wellbeing. The episode invites listeners to slow down, observe, and embrace a deeper harmony with the natural world.
00:00 Introduction to the Hidden World Beneath Our Feet
00:31 Welcoming June and Embracing Slow Living
02:49 Introducing Leah Rampy and Beth Norcross
04:17 Beth Norcross: From Politics to Spiritual Ecology
06:10 Leah Rampy: A Journey of Ecology and Spirituality
07:04 The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees Course and Book
11:58 The Importance of Connection and Kinship with Nature
19:20 Language and Reciprocity in Our Relationship with Nature
38:53 Introduction to Personal Reflections
39:52 Shifting Perspectives on Invasive Species
47:31 The Complexity of Tree Replacement
51:20 Understanding Tree Sentience
54:48 The Concept of Teacher Trees
58:50 Reflections on Slow Living
01:03:45 The Importance of Good Dirt
01:09:07 Final Thoughts and Hope for the Future
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🌻 About Lady Farmer:
Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Lady Farmer.
The Good Dirt podcast is proudly part of the Connectd Podcasts network.
🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:
• Wendy Gray
This episode was originally published on June 2, 2022
Despite her life being as busy as ever, Bex Partridge tells us about the ways it feels full of better, more fulfilling things since she made the shift from a corporate job to working as a full-time flower farmer and floral designer. Bex is the founder of Botanical Tales, a dried flower installation business based in Devon, England, where she provides beautiful, low-waste floral designs to her community from her own garden. Since moving to Devon, her family has enjoyed being part of a close-knit community which supports local makers and growers. She encourages listeners to trust the process as they seek to pursue a more sustainable lifestyle, and to remember that we are not separate from nature - we all come from the good dirt.
Topics Covered:
Resources Mentioned:
Guest Info:
Follow Us:
Original music by John Kingsley @jkingsley1026
Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well being.
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This episode delves into the journey of Paula Whyman, author of Bad Naturalist: One Woman's Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop. Paula discusses her transformation from a nature enthusiast to a dedicated ecological restorer. The conversation touches on the diverse challenges and rewarding experiences of managing invasive species, the necessity of well-considered ecological interventions, and the intricate balance required to support native plants and wildlife. Through her personal anecdotes and expert insights, Paula illustrates the importance of connecting with nature right where you are and the impact of slow, deliberate efforts in ecological restoration.
00:00 Discovering Nature Close to Home
01:30 Traveling with a Baby: Tips and Experiences
04:19 Gardening Adventures and Native Landscaping
05:29 The Irony of Mowing Less
07:54 Introducing Paula Wyman and Her Book
09:35 Paula Whyman's Journey to Becoming a 'Bad Naturalist'
10:34 Challenges and Rewards of Land Restoration
24:46 The Importance of Native Plants and Ecological Balance
33:55 Invasive Species Statistics
35:09 Tree of Heaven: A Persistent Problem
39:10 Spotted Lantern Fly Invasion
40:15 The Origin and Spread of Tree of Heaven
42:49 Autumn Olive: A Regrettable Introduction
45:45 Challenges with Multiflora Rose
48:20 The Importance of Native Plants
50:13 Creating Habitats for Declining Bird Species
52:07 The Concept of Slow Living
01:00:08 The Good Dirt: Restoring Soil Health
01:01:04 Ongoing Projects and Future Plans
01:03:06 Final Thoughts and Resources
Resources:
Wilding by Isabella Tree
Nature's Best Hope by Doug Tallamy
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🌻 About Lady Farmer:
Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Lady Farmer.
The Good Dirt podcast is proudly part of the Connectd Podcasts network.
🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:
• Wendy Gray
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