Bountifull Podcast

"Doing everything will burn you out. Focus on a few things and do them well—that’s how you build something that lasts."

This week on the Bountifull Podcast, we head to the Shenandoah Valley in rural Virginia (USA) to explore what it means to live with purpose and focus with Ty Walker, a trout farmer and steward of a historic 1930s hatchery. Ty shares his remarkable journey of leaving the noise and distractions of urban life to revive Smoke in Chimneys—a trout farm he resurrected with a century-old manual and a lot of grit. In a world obsessed with doing more, Ty teaches us the power of doing less, staying grounded in our work, and finding fulfillment in simplicity.

From sustainable farming and family to the unexpected lessons hidden in patience, Ty’s wisdom is an antidote to burnout and a reminder that bountiful living comes when we invest deeply in what matters most.

What can you learn about life, business and family from a Trout farmer? As it turns out, quite a bit.

Episode Highlights:

🌾 The Power of Doing Less: Why trying to “do it all” leads to burnout—and how focus is the real key to success.

📚 Learning from History: How Ty used a 1940s trout farming manual and old-school wisdom to rebuild a farm from the ground up.

🐟 Farming with Purpose: What makes Smoke in Chimneys trout so special, and how sustainable practices honor both the land and the fish.

🏡 Balancing Family and Farming: Ty’s reflections on creating a fulfilling life that prioritizes family and work with intention.

🌱 Resilience and Patience: How Ty navigated setbacks, embraced uncertainty, and trusted the process of reviving the hatchery.

🌿 The Spirituality of the Land: Why farming is more than a job—it’s about connection, humility, and stewardship of creation.

Detailed Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Ty Walker, trout farmer, father, and steward of Smoke in Chimneys.
06:15 – Leaving the City: Ty and Shannon’s leap from urban life to farm life—and the search for deeper purpose.
12:20 – The Trout Hatchery Revival: Discovering a forgotten 1930s trout hatchery and learning the ropes from a century-old manual.
20:10 – The Value of Focus: Ty’s belief in doing a few things well instead of trying to do everything.
28:30 – Raising Trout Sustainably: How Ty farms fish with respect for nature and historic methods.
36:45 – Resilience and Starting Over: Ty shares his challenges in rebuilding the land and learning a completely new skill.
44:15 – Family, Faith, and Balance: How Ty integrates his family and values into farm life.
52:00 – Life Lessons from the Land: The spiritual connection between farming, patience, and purpose.
58:00 – Final Reflections: Ty’s advice for slowing down, living intentionally, and reconnecting with what matters most.

Guest Bio:

Ty Walker is the owner and operator of Smoke in Chimneys, a revitalized 1930s trout hatchery located in New Castle, Virginia. Raised on the family farm in the Shenandoah Valley, Ty grew up surrounded by fishing, farming, and a deep appreciation for the land. After spending years in urban life, Ty and his wife, Shannon, returned to their roots with the mission of restoring a historic trout hatchery.

Using old-school methods and sustainable practices, Ty now raises trout that rival those caught in the wild while honoring the land’s legacy. Alongside his work as a farmer, Ty is a husband, father of four, and ordained minister who believes in connecting people to nature and purpose.

https://www.smokeinchimneys.com/

The Bountifull Podcast explores what it means to live a bountiful life through stories of wellbeing, resilience, connection and creativity. Bountifull emerged out of a simple yet profound desire to see more joy in the world.

Join our community and opt in to joy, positivity, serenity and abundance https://www.bountifullworld.com/subscribe/

🌟 "A bountiful life isn’t one without stress—it’s about learning how to embrace and manage it. Without stress, life would lose its meaning." 🌟

In this episode of the Bountifull Podcast, we dive deep into the science of stress, resilience, and the transformative power of awe with Dr. Paula G. Williams, a Professor of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Utah. Paula’s pioneering research explores how individual differences in stress regulation impact mental and physical well-being, and how moments of beauty and connection can serve as restorative forces.

Together, we unpack how stress is not an enemy but a natural part of living a meaningful life. Paula introduces the concept of stress inoculation, explaining how controlled exposure to stress can build resilience over time. She also explores the spectrum of openness—how traits like curiosity and flexibility help us navigate life’s challenges. Whether you’re managing daily stress or navigating burnout, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to live abundantly, even in the face of life’s challenges.

Episode Highlights

🌱 The Role of Stress in a Meaningful Life: Understanding why stress is a natural and essential part of living abundantly.

🛠️ Stress Inoculation: How small, manageable doses of stress can build long-term resilience and help us thrive in unpredictable situations.

🎨 The Power of Awe: How engaging with beauty, art, and nature promotes resilience and well-being.

🧠 Openness and Adaptability: Exploring the spectrum of openness and how curiosity and flexibility can improve our ability to handle stress.

🌙 The Sleep-Stress Connection: Insights into why proper sleep is critical for recovery and long-term health.

🛠️ Practical Stress Recovery Tools: Advice on exercise, mindfulness, and building a restorative nightly routine.

Detailed Timestamps

00:00 – 05:00: Introduction to Paula G. Williams and her work on stress and resilience.

05:01 – 15:00: Defining stress and breaking it down into exposure, reactivity, recovery, and restoration.

15:01 – 25:00: Why stress matters and its physical and mental impacts, including how stress inoculation works.

25:01 – 35:00: Building resilience through openness and adaptability in the face of stress.

35:01 – 45:00: Harnessing awe and aesthetic engagement for stress regulation.

45:01 – 55:00: Practical steps for recovery, including exercise, mindfulness, and improving sleep.

55:01 – End: Paula’s advice on living with stress, building awareness, and embracing life’s challenges.

Guest Bio

Dr. Paula G. Williams is a Professor of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Utah. Her research focuses on individual differences in stress regulation, resilience, and well-being, with a particular emphasis on the restorative power of aesthetic experiences. Paula’s work explores the intersection of personality, psychophysiology, and mental health, providing actionable insights into how controlled stress exposure and traits like openness and curiosity can help us thrive in the face of adversity.

See more of Paula's work here: https://faculty.utah.edu/u0415381-PAULA_G_WILLIAMS/research/index.hml

The Bountifull Podcast explores what it means to live a bountiful life through stories of wellbeing, resilience, connection and creativity. Bountifull emerged out of a simple yet profound desire to see more joy in the world.

Join our community and opt in to joy, positivity, serenity and abundance https://www.bountifullworld.com/subscribe/

🌟 "Sometimes, the most outlandish thing you can do is follow your dreams. For me, that was pastry school." 🌟

Welcome to the start of Season Two! In this episode of the Bountifull Podcast, we’re kick things off with the dynamic and playful Allison Chen, a talented pastry chef, content creator, and creative thinker. Known as "Al Chenny" on social media, Allison has built an audience of nearly 1 million followers by sharing her culinary journey, humor, and honesty about navigating life’s uncertainties. From running a "not restaurant" out of her college apartment to documenting her time in French pastry school, Allison's story is one of embracing creativity, questioning societal norms, and redefining success on her own terms.

This conversation dives into Allison’s journey of rejecting a traditional path, the lessons learned through her culinary adventures, and the value of staying playful and authentic in a world that often prioritizes conformity.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

🤹‍♀️ Balancing Fun and Ambition: Why Allison believes life doesn’t have to be “that serious” and how playfulness fuels creativity.

🥖 The Courage to Pivot: How Allison traded neuroscience studies for French pastry school and never looked back.

🕺 Marching to Your Own Beat: The importance of following passions—even when it’s unconventional.

🌍 Lessons from the “Not Restaurant”: What she learned running an eight-course tasting menu out of her college apartment.

💡 Social Media and Self-Worth: Allison’s thoughts on building a platform, staying authentic, and the reality behind the numbers.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Meet Allison Chen and her journey into pastry and content creation.

05:10 - Breaking away from ballet and early career pressures.

10:15 - "Only child energy" and rejecting traditional life paths.

20:25 - The decision to attend French pastry school and what it taught her.

31:30 - Filming from a bathtub and the playful beginnings of her social media journey.

40:10 - The "not restaurant": Creating a tasting menu experience in a college apartment.

50:20 - Advice for those feeling lost: “Don’t overthink—just do.”

59:00 - Quickfire questions: Favorite foods, life lessons, and what brings her joy.

About Allison Chen:

Allison Chen, better known as Al Chenny on social media, is a pastry chef, content creator, and self-proclaimed "only child energy" enthusiast. After pivoting from neuroscience studies at Duke University to attending French pastry school, Allison found her creative spark in food and storytelling. From running a pop-up restaurant in her college apartment to sharing her baking adventures with nearly a million followers, Allison inspires others to embrace playfulness, reject societal pressures, and build a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.

https://www.tiktok.com/@alchenny

https://www.instagram.com/al.chenny/

https://www.youtube.com/@alchenny

The Bountifull Podcast explores what it means to live a bountiful life through stories of wellbeing, resilience, connection and creativity. Bountifull emerged out of a simple yet profound desire to see more joy in the world.

Join our community and opt in to joy, positivity, serenity and abundance https://www.bountifullworld.com/subscribe/

🌟 "I think we've all got antennas on our head... if you tune your antennas into the goodness in humanity, the possibilities, that's what you'll see." 🌟 Join us on the Bountifull Podcast for an inspiring conversation with Sabina Read, a psychologist, human behavior expert, and media commentator. Sabina brings her deep understanding of the human experience to this episode, sharing insights on living a bountiful life by tuning into our inner wisdom, nurturing meaningful connections, and embracing possibility. Whether it's in relationships, personal growth, or dealing with life's challenges, Sabina’s approach is grounded in authenticity, curiosity, and compassion.Episode HighlightsTuning into Abundance: Sabina discusses her concept of abundance and how she believes it’s closely related to living a bountiful life through the lens of connection and possibility.The Power of Connection: Emphasizing that quality over quantity is key, Sabina highlights how meaningful connections are at the core of living abundantly.Overcoming Fear and Judgment: Sabina reflects on how fear and judgment often stop us from exploring new experiences and shares her insights on how to tune into our inner voice and make decisions based on what truly resonates with us.Navigating Grief and Suffering: Sabina shares her understanding of universal human suffering and how acknowledging it, along with compassion and connection, can help us navigate through difficult times.Finding Joy and Playfulness: Through personal stories like her participation in Sydney’s Mardi Gras, Sabina encourages listeners to embrace joy, playfulness, and a curious mindset, even in unfamiliar or challenging situations.Improving Relationships: Sabina offers practical advice on improving relationships by focusing on how we show up, tuning into our emotions, and avoiding the trap of judgment.Detailed Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and welcome to Sabina Read, discussing her background and approach to psychology and human behavior.05:15 – Sabina’s take on living a bountiful life and her connection with the word "abundance."10:30 – The importance of tuning into our own needs and turning up the volume on our internal wisdom.18:20 – Sabina's personal experience at Mardi Gras and how it connected her to the joy and non-judgment she values.25:00 – The value of meaningful connections and how they shape a bountiful life.33:00 – Navigating grief and suffering and recognizing the universal nature of these emotions.40:10 – How Sabina sees the world through a positive lens and the role of compassion and kindness in our lives.48:20 – Exploring language, emotion, and how tuning into ourselves can help us better communicate with others.55:30 – Improving relationships through self-awareness and curiosity rather than seeking change in others.1:03:00 – Quick Fire Round: Sabina answers random questions and shares more about how she views life through the lens of possibility.Guest BioSabina Read is a psychologist, human behavior expert, and media commentator with a passion for helping individuals and organizations tap into their inherent wisdom and potential. Sabina has worked across multiple domains, from clinical psychology to corporate consulting, public speaking, and media engagements. She’s known for her relatable and practical approach to navigating life’s challenges, whether it’s improving relationships, enhancing mental well-being, or fostering personal growth. Sabina’s philosophy is centered on connection, curiosity, and a deep respect for the human experience. Through her work, Sabina inspires others to explore their own potential, embrace possibility, and live with compassion and authenticity.Follow Bountifull on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bountifullworld/Visit our Website:https://www.bountifullworld.com/podcast/Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://www.bountifullworld.com/subscribe/

🌟 "I just wanted to have a place that executed food at a very high level but literally anyone could feel comfortable at. Whether you're wearing a suit or a Motorhead t-shirt, it kind of didn't matter." 🌟 Join the Bountifull Podcast for an engaging conversation with Matt Lambert, a renowned chef who recently returned to New Zealand. Matt’s journey from his Kiwi upbringing to earning a Michelin star in New York City is a testament to his culinary mastery and innovative approach. In this episode, Matt shares insights on his culinary journey, the challenges of achieving and maintaining a Michelin star, and the importance of creating an inclusive dining experience.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

Culinary Beginnings: How Matt’s upbringing in New Zealand and family influences shaped his passion for cooking.

Achieving a Michelin Star: Insights into Matt’s journey to earning a Michelin star at The Musket Room and the challenges of maintaining it.

Living a Bountiful Life: Balancing professional success with personal fulfillment, and how moving back to New Zealand has provided a more relaxed lifestyle.

Innovative Techniques: Matt’s use of unique cooking methods, like cooking over fire and experimenting with fermentation, to create distinct flavors.

Practical Tips: Advice on sourcing quality ingredients, the importance of tasting everything, and cooking tips like pre-salting meat and making flavorful brines.

Detailed Timestamps:

Guest Bio: Matt Lambert is a chef of international acclaim who recently returned home to his native New Zealand. Born and raised in New Zealand, Lambert’s food draws on his Kiwi upbringing and his passion for incredible produce, coupled with a modern innovative approach to cooking techniques. Lambert has seen great success in the USA, having led the teams in AVRoKO kitchens like PUBLIC, Double Crown, and Saxon and Parole. He went on to open his own restaurant, The Musket Room, where he quickly earned a Michelin star, holding it from 2013-2020. Matt has also competed on Food Network’s "Chopped" and appeared on CBS New York and NBC New York. He has consulted on amazing projects with Nestle, Pepsi, the American Tomato Board, and Freshly, and most recently designed the food offering for Virgin Voyages’ ship, The Scarlet Lady's restaurant "The Test Kitchen." Matt is now the Executive Chef at Rodd and Gunn's The Lodge Bar in Queenstown and Auckland. He is also a proud father and husband.

https://www.chefmattlambert.com/

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🌟 "What does it mean to live a bountiful life? For me, it's waking up happy, working happy, and going to bed happy. If I can do that, that’s the most important thing in my life." 🌟 Join the Bountifull Podcast for an inspiring conversation with Scott Eddy, one of the worlds top travel influencers and digital entrepreneur. Scott’s journey from investment banking to traveling over 85 countries and becoming a global influencer with over 1 million followers is filled with resilience, exploration, and digital transformation. He sold all of his belongings and now lives in hotels and on cruise boats, prioritizing waking at sunrise and replying to any comments that come in overnight because, in the online world, that is good manners. Scott isn’t one for trends; he believes in being authentic, and the biggest compliment you can give him is by saying that he is exactly the same online as he is in real life. He encourages brands not leveraging social media to stop being dinosaurs and urges people who know what makes them happy but aren’t practicing it to just do it—life’s too short to be focusing on the wrong things.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

Finding Joy in Travel: Scott discusses how traveling has shaped his perspective on life and human connections, emphasizing the importance of being present and enjoying every moment.

The Power of Social Media: Explore Scott’s journey in the digital world, from founding the first digital agency in Southeast Asia to becoming a top travel influencer with over 1.1 million followers. He shares his strategies for authentic engagement and the impact of social media on the hospitality industry.

Living Without Regrets: Learn about Scott's philosophy of seizing opportunities and living without regrets. He talks about the significance of taking risks and learning from both successes and failures.

Human Connections and Kindness: Scott reflects on the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, whether online or in person. He highlights how genuine interactions and maintaining positive relationships are crucial in his life.

Staying Authentic: Discover how Scott remains true to himself in the public eye and the value of authenticity in building a personal brand.

Travel Tips and Insights: Scott shares practical travel tips, his favorite destinations, and how to bring a sense of adventure into everyday life without traveling far.

Guest bio:

Scott Eddy’s life took an unexpected turn when his father, a police officer, was killed in the line of duty just before his high school graduation. After a decade in investment banking, he resigned and bought a one-way ticket to Thailand, sparking a passion for travel and digital marketing. In Bangkok, he founded the first and largest digital agency in Southeast Asia, which he ran for five years. Over 17 years, Scott lived in six countries, building his personal brand and becoming a top travel influencer with over 1 million followers. Now a full-time traveler, Scott turns storytelling into ROI for tourism and hospitality, and hosts the travel series Video Globetrotter on Lifetime Television. A true citizen of the world, Scott believes in the power of human connection and authenticity, making him a sought-after digital expert in the travel industry.

Follow Scott:

https://www.instagram.com/mrscotteddy/

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🌟 "Never have any regrets. Do it because you don't want to move on and wish you had." 🌟 Join us on the Bountifull Podcast as we explore the life and philosophy of David Hoskins, the visionary behind Herons Flight Vineyard. In this episode, David shares his journey from the United States to New Zealand in the 1970s, founding an alternative school, and creating a legacy through his unique approach to winemaking. Discover his passion for Italian grape varieties in a land dominated by French grapes, and how he embraces curiosity and authenticity in every aspect of his life. David’s story is a testament to following whims, creating meaningful connections, and living a life without regrets.

https://www.heronsflight.co.nz/

People of all ages seek to live a bountiful life irrespective of their generation, yet the journey is not always easy—and it is always deeply personal.

It was a privilege to sit down with playwright, actress, and journalist Connor Amor-Bendall to understand how she overcame adversity, navigated loss, and the impact that had on her life. We discussed how she chooses to live by love and kindness and how she found solace in her creativity, the arts, and getting back to nature.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

Navigating Loss and Grief: Connor Amor-Bendall shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming adversity and navigating the profound loss of her father, offering insights into the emotional and mental challenges she faced.

Creative Healing: Learn how Connor found solace and healing through her creative pursuits in playwriting, acting, and journalism, and how these outlets helped her process and express her grief.

Living by Love and Kindness: Discover Connor’s philosophy of living by love and kindness, and how these values guided her through her toughest times, providing her with strength and resilience.

Supporting Loved Ones: Explore Connor’s experience in supporting her father through his terminal illness, the impact it had on her life, and the importance of spending time with loved ones.

Finding Solace in Nature: Understand how reconnecting with nature became a crucial part of Connor’s healing journey, offering her peace and a sense of grounding during tumultuous times.

Personal Growth and Resilience: Hear about Connor’s reflections on personal growth, resilience, and the life lessons she gained from her experiences, emphasizing the importance of being kind to oneself and persevering through difficult times.

Creative Processes and Projects: Delve into Connor’s creative process, her latest projects, and how she uses her art to explore and communicate complex and gritty themes with authenticity and vulnerability.

Detailed Timestamps:

Guest Bio:

Connor Amor-Bendall is an accomplished writer, playwright, and actor. She graduated from The Actors Program in 2021 and has since brought her talent to screen roles in Shortland Street, Netflix's Sweet Tooth, Power Rangers, and Warner Bros' Testify. She is currently pursuing a Master's in Creative Writing at Auckland University and holds a Master's in Journalism as well as an undergraduate degree in Political Science and International Relations. Her debut play, The Clitoris Conundrum, premiered to a sold-out season at Basement Theatre for Pride 2024. Connor is also a member of Indian Ink Theatre Company's Next Generation cohort. When she isn't working on her creative pursuits, Connor enjoys connecting with friends and loved ones, getting back to nature, surfing, her dog, and nurturing her tomatoes.

You can connect with Connor here:

https://www.instagram.com/conconcan_/

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🌟 "I love learning and discovering new things, even if they don’t immediately make sense. They often become the missing piece of the puzzle later on." 🌟

Join the Bountifull Podcast as we delve into the world of hospitality, wine, and entrepreneurship with Vianney Establet, owner of the V Wine Salon in Melbourne, Australia. Vianney shares his journey from a small village in Bordeaux, France, to becoming a sommelier and working at prestigious establishments around the world, including a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Corsica.

We explore his philosophy on creating inviting spaces, the nuances of passion, joy, and drive, and the importance of connecting with people through wine. Discover the essence of his family heritage in winemaking, the restless energy of entrepreneurship, and why some places exude captivating atmospheres while others fall short.

Detailed Timestamps:

Guest Bio:

Vianney is the owner of V Wine Salon, a renowned wine bar located in central Melbourne, Australia. Originally from a small village near Bordeaux, France, Vianney comes from a fifth-generation winemaking family. His journey has taken him across the globe, from working in Michelin-starred restaurants to creating a unique wine bar that emphasizes human connection and the joy of wine. Vianney’s passion for wine and entrepreneurship is evident in his dedication to creating inviting spaces where people can learn about and enjoy wine in a relaxed, welcoming environment. His multifaceted talents include documentary making and aspiring to be a pilot, all while maintaining a deep connection to his roots in winemaking.

If you found this episode insightful, please rate and leave a review on Youtube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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🌟 "Ultimately, money should enable opportunities, helping you live the life you want." 🌟 Join the Bountifull Podcast for an insightful conversation with Brooke Roberts, co-founder of Sharesies. Brooke discusses her philosophy on money, the impact of financial literacy, and the significance of creating equal opportunities. Hear about her journey from navigating the world of finance to building a platform that democratises investing for everyone.

Brooke shares her thoughts on the role of money in creating opportunities, balancing pressure and care in the workplace, and the importance of financial literacy. She also provides insights on embracing your strengths, directing your energy for maximum impact, and finding joy and fulfillment in the process.

Discover how small habits can lead to significant financial empowerment and how finding joy in small moments can enhance your life.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

Detailed Timestamps:

Guest bio:

Brooke Roberts is a New Zealand entrepreneur and businesswoman. She is the co-founder and co-chief executive of the online investment platform Sharesies. Launched in 2017, Sharesies now serves more than 600,000 investors across Aotearoa and Australia. At Sharesies, the belief is that everyone deserves the opportunity to grow their wealth and that investing should be accessible to everyone.

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