All Around Growth

Rob recaps the July Patreon call, shares his engagement news, and reveals a major shift in podcast focus—from homesteading to Orthodox Christian living.

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📝 Full Episode Summary:

 In this solo episode, Rob returns to the mic with big updates and a raw, honest look at where the podcast—and his life—are headed. 

 First, he offers a recap of the July Patreon Community Call, hosted with Kyriaki. While the June Patreon Zoom Call wasn't recorded, Rob used Zoom's AI summary tool to reconstruct the discussion. He shared how this feature has become a practical tool in his family and property planning, and reminded listeners to join the All Around Growth Patreon community for deeper conversations. 

 The heart of this episode is Rob’s personal announcement: he's engaged. In June, he proposed to Kyriaki at the St. Photios National Shrine in Florida, in front of a reliquary of saints—a moment charged with spiritual significance. This leads into a larger conversation about shifting priorities and realigning his life and work with his faith. 

 That realignment includes a major change to the podcast itself. Once centered on topics like personal development, financial goals, and homesteading projects, the show is now evolving into something more authentic to Rob's lived experience—his journey in the Orthodox Christian faith. He talks openly about the spiritual transformation he's undergone and how homesteading, while still important, no longer reflects his core identity. 

 Rob outlines the upcoming Orthodox feast days, including the Dormition Fast (Aug 1–14) and the Feast of the Transfiguration (Aug 6), where he'll witness the blessing of the grapes for the first time. These moments mark a deepening of his spiritual life, and he sees them as integral to the direction of both the podcast and his personal growth. 

 He also reflects on the Orthodox tradition of memorial services and Koliva, explaining the symbolism and spiritual meaning behind these ancient customs. The way the Church builds community through food and remembrance stands in stark contrast to consumerist culture, and Rob emphasizes how these traditions ground his faith and identity. 

 Tied to this spiritual shift is a lifestyle one: downsizing. Inspired by Kyriaki’s minimalist approach and a compelling video by Wranglerstar, Rob talks about letting go of material possessions and the freedom it brings. He acknowledges the emotional challenge of decluttering but sees it as part of a broader transformation—one where community, faith, and authentic relationships matter far more than career titles or stuff. 

 To wrap it all up, Rob shares his intentions for the show: more regular community calls, honest storytelling, and content that aligns with his values. He owns up to "living a lie" for a while—chasing someone else’s idea of success—and urges listeners to do the hard work of getting real with themselves, even when it means letting go of familiar comforts. 

 This isn’t just a pivot. It’s a declaration of purpose. And it’s an invitation to join a journey that’s just getting started. 

Links Mentioned:

• Join the Patreon community: patreon.com/allaroundgrowth
• St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
• Facebook Save the Date Event for Rob & Kyriaki's Wedding
• OrthodoxWiki

Support the show

Become a Patreon of the Show! ➡️ patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

In this episode of All Around Growth, host Rob Kaiser shares insights from the latest Patreon-exclusive video call, covering topics like AI in communication, real estate challenges, financial planning, and family dynamics.  The call also covered how AI tools can enhance productivity, the balance between business efficiency and personal life, and innovative ways to monetize family assets.

Rob also reflects on his personal journey with faith and prayer, introducing the book The Art of Prayer and how it’s shaping his spiritual growth. As life at York Meadow Farm continues to evolve, he invites listeners to share feedback on the podcast’s direction and engage with the growing community on Patreon and Telegram.

Join the conversation and be part of this ever-evolving journey of personal growth, faith, and self-sufficiency.

🔹 Join the Patreon community: patreon.com/allaroundgrowth
🔹 Connect on Telegram: t.me/allaroundgrowth

💬 What are your thoughts on AI, family, and faith? Let us know in the comments or Telegram group!

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🔹 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/allaroundgrowth

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🔹 Facebook Community:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/allaroundgrowth

🔹 YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@allaroundgrowth

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📖 The Art of Prayer: An Orthodox Anthology: https://a.co/d/aM9d5E5

Support the show

Become a Patreon of the Show! ➡️ patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

Welcome to the first episode of All Around Growth in 2025! Season 6 kicks off with a heartfelt reflection on the past few weeks and a glimpse into life at York Meadow Farm. From preparing for a traditional Orthodox house blessing after Theophany to the simple yet transformative act of cleaning and organizing, this episode dives into the personal growth and new beginnings shaping the year ahead.

Host Rob Kaiser also shares updates on his evolving family dynamics, the progress of his relationship (taking an intentionally traditional approach), and the creative work behind his new video for Patreon subscribers. Plus, he reflects on the surprising peace that comes from stepping back, thinking, and connecting with the All Around Growth community.

Tune in for an inspiring start to the season, and as always, thank you for being part of the journey!

📌 Mentioned in this episode:

• Last episode: "Seizures, Sheriff Encounters, and New Year Reflections"
• Theophany
• Blessing of homes
• The Prayer for the Blessing of Homes at Theophany
• Apolytikion of Theophany in Tone 1
• A Personal Update and Reflections from York Meadow Farm

Connect & Support:

• Join the community: Telegram group
• Support the show: Patreon

Special Shoutouts
Big thanks to our incredible Patreon subscribers Sean, Rachel, Kyriaki, and Brian. Your support is what makes these episodes possible! Also, a warm welcome to all our new listeners—we appreciate your support and help growing the show.

 🎙 Let’s grow together. Subscribe, reflect, and share your thoughts with the community!



Keywords: reflection, Orthodox tradition, Theophany, house blessing, York Meadow Farm, personal growth, family dynamics, mindfulness

Support the show

Become a Patreon of the Show! ➡️ patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

In this first episode of 2025, host Rob shares an intense personal story about how a routine day of errands took a wild and unexpected turn. From preparing a delivery for Keller Café and Bistro to being held at taser point by local law enforcement, Rob recounts how a sudden seizure led to a series of confusing events involving neighbors, sheriff’s deputies, and an unexpected trip to the emergency room.

This candid episode delves into Rob’s recovery, his gratitude for family support, and how this incident has made him reconsider what life without driving might look like moving forward. He also reflects on the importance of community, the kindness of those around him, and how he’s choosing to face challenges in the new year.

Tune in to hear this incredible story, Rob’s heartfelt thanks to his brother, and updates on how you can engage with the All Around Growth community in 2025. Plus, hear Rob’s thoughts on what’s next for the show and how you can support it via Patreon.

Connect & Support:

• Join the community: Telegram group
• Support the show: Patreon

Stay tuned for upcoming changes and more stories throughout the year. Here’s to a less dramatic start to your new year!

Support the show

Become a Patreon of the Show! ➡️ patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

Welcome to this special episode of the All Around Growth podcast. As we enter the Nativity Fast, a sacred season of spiritual preparation, reflection, and renewal, we’ll be taking a brief hiatus from regular podcast recordings. Today’s episode centers around an article by Fr. Steven Kostoff, "Acedia, Us, and Our Lenten Effort." Although written with Great Lent in mind, the insights into acedia—a spiritual affliction akin to restlessness, apathy, or what some liken to modern depression—are deeply relevant to the Nativity Fast and our everyday lives.

We’ll read the article together and explore how its wisdom calls us to confront spiritual struggles through prayer, care for others, and the disciplines that help us draw closer to God. This episode also includes an announcement about our podcast schedule during the fasting season and details about upcoming Patreon community calls.

Key Points in This Episode:

• What is Acedia?
  Fr. Kostoff's explanation of acedia as spiritual torpor, its historical context from the Desert Fathers, and its relevance in modern life.
• Reflections for the Nativity Fast:
  How the practices of prayer, stillness, and care combat restlessness and disengagement.
• Podcast Hiatus Announcement:
  We’re pausing regular podcast recordings during the Nativity Fast to focus on family, prayer, and the sacred rhythms of this season. We’ll resume on New Year’s Eve.
• Patreon Community Updates:
  Monthly video calls will continue for Patreon supporters. These casual, friendly calls are a great way to connect with the community during this hiatus.

Resources Mentioned:

• Article by Fr. Steven Kostoff: "Acedia, Us, and Our Lenten Effort."
• Support the podcast on Patreon to join the monthly video calls.

Stay Connected:

• Next Podcast Episode: New Year’s Eve, December 31
• Join the Patreon Community: Participate in video calls and connect with like-minded individuals during this fasting season. Learn more and sign up here.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we embrace the spirit of the Nativity Fast. Wishing you a season filled with peace, prayer, and purpose!

Support the show

Become a Patreon of the Show! ➡️ patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

In today’s episode, we dive into the life and legacy of Saint John Chrysostom, one of the most eloquent and influential Early Church Fathers. From his humble beginnings to his impactful sermons, we’ll explore why he’s celebrated as “Chrysostom” or “golden-mouthed” and discuss his contributions, like the Divine Liturgy that continues to shape Christian worship today.

Topics of Discussion:

• Early Life and Rise to Archbishop of Constantinople
• Chrysostom’s eloquence in public speaking and his enduring influence on preaching
• Denunciation of abuses of power in both the Church and Roman Empire
• The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom – Origins and significance
• Relics of Chrysostom – The journey from Constantinople to Rome and back
• John Chrysostom’s Legacy Today – Honored across Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican traditions

For listeners who want to explore more, check out these links:

• Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom
• Biography of John Chrysostom on OrthodoxWiki
• The Three Holy Hierarchs
• Festal Orthros (The Synaxarion)
• Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Special Shoutouts
Big thanks to our incredible Patreon subscribers Sean, Rachel, Kyriaki, and Brian. Your support is what makes these episodes possible! Also, a warm welcome to all our new listeners—thanks to your enthusiasm, we’ve seen a huge boost of over 500 new downloads this past month!

Tune in to learn more about one of the Church’s greatest figures and discover what makes Saint John Chrysostom’s life and works resonate even today.

Support the show

Become a Patreon of the Show! ➡️ patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

In this episode, we’re diving into a practical project that can make a big difference in organizing your workspace: easy-to-build shelving suitable for your garage, barn, or outbuildings. Using basic materials—2x3" lumber and 4x8' sheets of plywood—this sturdy and affordable shelving setup requires minimal cuts and produces little waste, resulting in a highly efficient solution.

We’ll go through the construction process, sharing tips on modifying this system to fit your unique space and needs. With our barn currently full and a big project on the horizon (like building an egg mobile!), we need to clear up floor space. Today, you’ll hear how we’re tackling our own shelving needs and get ideas to kickstart your own.

If you’re thinking about building custom shelving for your space, this episode will cover everything from materials to estimated costs, so you can compare with other shelving options.

For our Patreon supporters, we’ve got a behind-the-scenes video tour coming your way, showing our shelving unit in action. We’ll also be building a special unit designed to house multiple 27-gallon HDX Storage Totes from Home Depot—perfect for anyone looking for accessible, unstacked storage.

Thanks to all our Patreon supporters for making this project possible! Stay tuned until the end for a shoutout to each one of you by name. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, or leave a five-star review on your favorite podcast player—it helps us connect with others looking for the same kind of content.

Show Notes:

• Intro & Project Overview – What we’re building today and why.
• Materials & Construction – Simple, sturdy shelving with 2x3" lumber and 4x8' plywood.
• Modifying for Your Space – Tips for adapting the shelving for garages, barns, and other spaces.
• Project Costs – Rough cost breakdown to help you compare with other shelving options.
• Future Projects – Clearing space for the upcoming egg mobile build and more.
• Patreon Exclusive – Video tour and detailed breakdown of the HDX Storage Tote shelving unit.
• Patreon Shoutouts – Thanks to all our supporters for making this possible!
• Closing – Like, share, or review the show to support our work and help us grow the community.

Links and Resources:

• Join our Patreon community for exclusive project content.
• Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
• Check out the   we’ll be discussing

Thank You to Our Patreon Supporters:

Special thanks to our current Patreon subscribers—Sean, Rachel, Kyriaki, and Brian. You guys keep the show going and I truly appreciate it!

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Like & Follow on Social Media or connect via email!

Telegram Group Chat: https://t.me/allaroundgrowth

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/allaroundgrowth

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/allaroundgrowth

Email:  [email protected]

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/allaroundgrowth

Facebook Community:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/allaroundgrowth

Support the show

Become a Patreon of the Show! ➡️ patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

In today’s episode, we dive into the not-so-glamorous but necessary task of renting a dumpster to help us clean up and demolish an old trailer that had been used as a "business office" by our tenant farmer. This project is part of the ongoing efforts here at York Meadow Farm, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the endeavor!

Using some helpful talking points from a local waste & recycling company guide on dumpster rentals, we walk through:

• The importance of dumpster rentals for large projects like home renovations, farm cleanouts, and demolition jobs.
• Understanding dumpster sizes: From 10-yard to 40-yard options, and how to choose the right one based on your project’s needs, volume, and debris type.
• Why we opted for a larger size—because as my mom used to say, “It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.”
• Project-specific tips: Whether you’re cleaning out a home, doing a landscaping project, or taking on a big construction job, having the right dumpster makes everything smoother and easier.

Throughout the episode, I also share some behind-the-scenes stories about our tenant farmer's old trailer and the fun (and chaos) of tearing it down and clearing it out.

Special Shoutouts: We’ve seen a big boost in downloads recently, so thank you to all of our new and loyal listeners! Special thanks to our current Patreon subscribers—Sean, Rachel, Kyriaki, and Brian—for your consistent support. You guys keep the show going and I truly appreciate it!

If you haven’t already, consider joining the Patreon community for a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening here at York Meadow Farm. There’s a lot going on, and this is your chance to get the insider scoop!

Thanks for tuning in, and stay tuned for more updates on our projects around the farm!

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Like & Follow on Social Media or connect via email!

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/allaroundgrowth

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/allaroundgrowth

Email:  [email protected]

Telegram Group Chat: https://t.me/allaroundgrowth

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/allaroundgrowth

Facebook Community:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/allaroundgrowth

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Discussion Links:

Rumpke Dumpster Rental Guide

Support the show

Become a Patreon of the Show! ➡️ patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

In today’s episode of All Around Growth, we’re diving into the exciting details of our first property walk that took place last Friday, October 11, 2024. We’ll be receiving a full report soon and will use this data alongside consultations with other permaculture experts to shape the future of York Meadow Farm. For full access to the report and exclusive insights, Patreon subscribers will be the first to receive all the detailed information! Head over to Patreon to join.

Special shoutout to our amazing Patreon supporters—Sean, Rachel, Kyriaki, and Brian—your support means the world!

During the property walk, we learned about the three critical elements of property design: Water, Access, and Structures. In this episode, we discuss how these components will shape our homestead and how our original plans have shifted to focus on new priorities. From heavy equipment logistics to exciting new projects (starting as soon as this weekend!), we’ve got a lot to share about the next 18-24 months at the farm.

We’ll also touch on a heartwarming story from our local community: a convoy of over 50 trucks and trailers successfully delivered $150,000+ worth of hay, feed, and medical supplies to those in need in North Carolina, showcasing the power of God’s love and generous hearts in action.

It’s been a whirlwind, balancing our small business, homestead growth, and community involvement, but with faith and a solid mindset, anything is possible. Join us for this jam-packed episode, and thank you for being part of our journey!

#Permaculture #Homestead #CommunitySupport #YorkMeadowFarm #PatreonExclusive #FarmLife #GodsLoveInAction

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Like & Follow on Social Media or connect via email!

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/allaroundgrowth

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/allaroundgrowth

Email:  [email protected]

Telegram Group Chat: https://t.me/allaroundgrowth

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/allaroundgrowth

Facebook Community:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/allaroundgrowth

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Discussion Links:

Documenting Our Search for a Permaculture Designer at York Meadow Farm

Homestead Update at York Meadow Farm

"HAY" North Carolina! Northeast Ohio is On The Way With A Good Stuff Convoy

Keller Meats - Facebook Page

Keller Meats - Website

Support the show

Become a Patreon of the Show! ➡️ patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

Episode Summary: In this episode, we provide a homestead update from York Meadow Farm, covering recent changes and exciting developments. We recap our search for a permaculture designer, website and social media updates, and opportunities for tenant farmers. We also celebrate record-breaking sales at the Medina Fall Fest and share details about the "Stock-Up Saturday" market closeout, plus a special community harvest dinner.

Key Topics:

• Recap of our search for a permaculture designer
• Website updates & the search for a social media intern
• Tenant farming opportunities
• Record sales at Medina Fall Fest & special thanks to the community
• "Stock-Up Saturday" & new trial-size bath products
• Community harvest dinner wrap-up

Shoutout: Thank you to our Patreon supporters: Sean, Rachel, Kyriaki, and Brian!

Support the Show: Join us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

Thank you and God bless!

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Like & Follow York Meadow Farm on Social Media!

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/yorkmeadowfarm

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/yorkmeadowfarm/

Twitter:  https://x.com/yorkmeadowfarm

Telegram Channel:  https://t.me/yorkmeadowfarm

York Meadow Farm Group:  Help us grow our little Facebook group!

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/1315009008651464

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Discussion Links:

Documenting Our Search for a Permaculture Designer at York Meadow Farm

Join Our Team: Website and Social Media Intern Position Now Open!

Join Our Growing Co-op: York Meadow Farm is Looking for Tenant Farmers!

Record-Breaking Weekend at Medina Fall Fest!

Final Market of the Season: Stock-Up Saturday—20% Off ALL Products!

Main Street Medina

Elaine's Cleaning Services:  Call or Text - (330) 635-1076

Support the show

Become a Patreon of the Show! ➡️ patreon.com/allaroundgrowth