Grounded in Maine

*Grounded in Maine is thrilled to be partnering with Connor Tyson to support listeners with financial coaching. Connect with Sponsor Coach Connor Tyson of Progress Solutions LLC here: https://bit.ly/48eM9Mc

I learn so much from Lauren Landers, AKA The Zero Waste Homestead on Instagram, so I thought it would be fun to record some stuff for the rest of us to get to hear. Lauren is something of a Sustainability Educator in Northern Maine (north of me, at least), which I didn't realize until we were talking, but who better to chat with about sustainability, right? Worked out perfectly!

Lauren moved to Ellsworth, Maine just a couple of years ago, and is making a name for herself by speaking at events and gardening classes, etc in her area. This is her first podcast appearance, though - first of many, I imagine!

The two of us geeked out a little about worms, and talked about shampoo bars and the cleaners and soaps she makes- listen to the whole conversation here-

You can find Lauren on the socials here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zerowaste.homestead/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezerowastehomestead/
Twitter/X : https://twitter.com/ZeroHomestead

And her website is here: https://zerowastehomestead.com/

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Like this episode? Send me a message!

Please follow the podcast on Instagram here
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Email me at [email protected]
Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: 

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more here

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

Grounded in Maine is curr...

*Grounded in Maine is thrilled to be partnering with Connor Tyson to support listeners with financial coaching. Connect with Sponsor Coach Connor Tyson of Progress Solutions LLC here: https://bit.ly/48eM9Mc

Hayley Knight and I started our "mutual admiration society" on Instagram and decided to pair up and talk about the cool things that she's up to, since I talk all the time, and her life seems way more exciting than mine...

Hayley and her spouse Marcus have a PR firm called Be Yellow and are traveling the world; they are 2 and 1/2 years in right now. This all started from a severe career burnout, and Hayley was ordered by a Dr to get away. We learn a lot about burnout and the danger of letting it get too far, how Hayley is keeping it at bay, and what lights her up these days. As well as learning about where they've traveled...

Hayley's firm works with sustainable businesses, and that's a non-negotiable for them; it's that important to only support people who are working to better the earth's situation. It must be so satisfying to be able to exercise that kind of power!

When asked what message Hayley wanted to leave the listeners with, it was this: "Do what you can, with what you have."  She also said "We have to Progress to make progress..." which I loved.

Hear all about Haley here!

If you'd like to learn more about the work that Hayley (and Marcus) does, or would like to work with them, check out their website here: https://www.beyellow.life/

Their Instagram page is here - definitely check out to drool over travel pics and drooly views:  https://www.instagram.com/hayleyandmarcus/

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Support the show

Like this episode? Send me a message!

Please follow the podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel
Email me at [email protected]
Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: 

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more here

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

Grounded in Maine is curr...

*Grounded in Maine is thrilled to be partnering with Connor Tyson to support listeners with financial coaching. Connect with Sponsor Coach Connor Tyson of Progress Solutions LLC here: https://bit.ly/48eM9Mc

When I say this guest is special, you may be thinking that I keep saying it (it's true, and I feel so lucky to get to talk to all of these incredible  people!), but Karee Upendo is truly an inspiration. This episode is a little on the shorter side, but I hope that you'll follow her on Instagram or TikTok where she's active, to get more from her, but I fully intend to do more with Karee in the future, because she is a powerful force and a great role model!

I don't want to spoil her story, but Karee did not have a typical childhood, but you know, that's why she has so much heart for what she's doing. She was a designer, she was a teacher, and now she's a farmer - an autistic black farmer, paving the way for the next generation, and showing them all that's possible if you believe in yourself.

Listen here to learn more, and be hooked on Karee like me!

I usually give the website address, but the LinkTree covers that and so much more! Check out all the incredible things the Upendos have done (award winning film, published books, their AirB&B and their website)!  https://linktr.ee/upendoEstates

Please give Karee a follow on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/upendoestatesfarm/
and/or on TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@upendoestatesfarm?lang=en
There's also a YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@upendoestates


Link to connect with Coach Connor for financial coaching: https://bit.ly/48eM9Mc

Send me a message!

Support the show

Like this episode? Send me a message!

Please follow the podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel
Email me at [email protected]
Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: 

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more here

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

Grounded in Maine is curr...

I met Ben Whatley officially in 2020, just as the Covid Pandemic was ramping up, and, as a farmer, Ben was reserving time at the commercial kitchen I used for my jam business, and was asked to help rent out, so we talked - and he was SO cool. So much to share, and so much knowledge and passion for caring for the earth he was responsible for. I felt that instantly, and he was one of my first thoughts when starting this podcast, because he is so open about a lot of things.

Let me tell you I learned a LOT in this conversation! I had no idea how much Ben would share, and how cool of a story he had! Languages, car breaking down, crop failure, but also tons of great wins - he's had some of his employees for years! They have a great attitude toward crap weather. He has 2 cutie baby kids (I found out about # 2 just before recording - he's 11 weeks old!), and a beautiful life partner, and supportive family.

So many things inspire me about Ben and his farming practices - I'll let him tell them over these 2 episodes, but one of my favorite things if their dedication to use less plastic  - and that they have Anna, who loves trying out recipes with the produce and sharing (we'll talk about it in the 2nd episode), but also how the farmers in Maine all share info and help each other out with new ideas and tips to get past hurdles - for instance, this past summer's deluge of rain...

So many topics discussed - don't miss out!

If you want to learn more about Whatley Farm's practices and sign up for their newsletter for recipes, etc, check out https://whatleyfarm.com/

Their Facebook Page is here: https://www.facebook.com/whatleyfarm

And Instagram is here: https://www.instagram.com/whatleyfarm/

Send me a message!

Support the show

Like this episode? Send me a message!

Please follow the podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel
Email me at [email protected]
Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: 

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more here

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

Grounded in Maine is curr...

 Ok, I guess I lied about whittling down this episode; it IS long - in my defense, I tried, but I couldn't bear to take anything out! So this is another 2 part-er...

I met Ben Whatley officially in 2020, just as the Covid Pandemic was ramping up, and, as a farmer, Ben was reserving time at the commercial kitchen I used for my jam business, and was asked to help rent out, so we talked - and he was SO cool. So much to share, and so much knowledge and passion for caring for the earth he was responsible for. I felt that instantly, and he was one of my first thoughts when starting this podcast, because he is so open about a lot of things.

Let me tell you I learned a LOT in this conversation! I had no idea how much Ben would share, and how cool of a story he had! Languages, car breaking down, crop failure, but also tons of great wins - he's had some of his employees for years! They have a great attitude toward crap weather. He has 2 cutie baby kids (I found out about # 2 just before recording - he's 11 weeks old!), and a beautiful life partner, and supportive family.

So many things inspire me about Ben and his farming practices - I'll let him tell them over these 2 episodes, but one of my favorite things if their dedication to use less plastic  - and that they have Anna, who loves trying out recipes with the produce and sharing (we'll talk about it in the 2nd episode), but also how the farmers in Maine all share info and help each other out with new ideas and tips to get past hurdles - for instance, this past summer's deluge of rain...

So many topics discussed - don't miss out!

If you want to learn more about Whatley Farm's practices and sign up for their newsletter for recipes, etc, check out https://whatleyfarm.com/

Their Facebook Page is here: https://www.facebook.com/whatleyfarm

And Instagram is here: https://www.instagram.com/whatleyfarm/

Send me a message!

Support the show

Like this episode? Send me a message!

Please follow the podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel
Email me at [email protected]
Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: 

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more here

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

Grounded in Maine is curr...

Shoot, This moment has been a long time coming for me, and I couldn't be more happy to share this with you all - I'm such a big fan of Sonya Parenti - Miss Love Terra on Instagram, and her hard work to educate people and ask for mindfulness when purchasing cheap clothing, to be wary of its journey and consequences. I think I pride myself in being somewhat of a 'system bucker,' and fashion in general is not my thing (if you see me in pics I'm usually wearing a flannel shirt and jeans), so I enjoy this poking at the fashion worlf maybe a little more than I should...

These are Sonya's own words from my guest form:
"I’m full of enthusiasm about joining this podcast because, as an experienced professional in the fashion industry, I have a deep knowledge about the industry's complexities and challenges. I believe that transforming the fashion business is crucial in our collective efforts to address global warming. This podcast, hosted by Amy, serves as a powerful platform to have meaningful conversations and inspire change in ourselves and others. By joining forces, we can boost our impact, educating and motivating listeners to make choices that favour ethical and sustainable fashion. My goal is to use this opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable future, sharing insights and strategies that can guide us towards a greener, more responsible fashion industry."

And I just LOVED this (my fave question on the guest form)
"The message I want listeners to take away is an understanding of the impact of collective actions on the environment. The quote 'RELAX IT’S JUST ONE CHEAP T-SHIRT', SAID 8 BILLION PEOPLE, highlights that while individual choices may seem small, when multiplied across billions of people, they have a huge impact on society and the environment. It's a call to be more conscious of our buying decisions, understanding that our demand for cheap, fast fashion contributes to unsustainable practices, environmental degradation, and poor labor conditions. The key takeaway for listeners is that people have the power to change big issues with our small daily choices."
Really, Sonya doesn't need me to add  anything to this at all.  Please listen for the full  conversation!

Here is Sonya's website to learn more about her work: https://www.love-terra.com/
Follow Sonya on Instagram: at https://www.instagram.com/missloveterra/
You can find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonya-parenti-3a416a7/
She has a YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@loveterra4533?si=BISTPFeT0iqPWXnR

Send me a message!

Support the show

Like this episode? Send me a message!

Please follow the podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel
Email me at [email protected]
Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: 

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more here

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

Grounded in Maine is curr...

Welcome back to Part 2 of Mara Mennicken's conversation- we get a little bit deep, and it is fun to see so much passion from Mara - and it's much more than chocolate alone. Mara talks about social sustainability, and if you're trying to imagine what that's like in your head, just listen here - it's at the beginning of this segment, and it's SO good.

I ask the question below to everyone in my guest form, and I just loved her answer:

Is there a specific message you'd like listeners to come away with?

"Put your dollar where your heart is! Every dollar spent is a mini investment in the people and their mission who are behind the product or service- Buying local, organic, or from social enterprises makes an impact!"
And to that, I'll just say  AMEN!

I know you all want to learn about Mara's sustainable chocolate - here's her website: https://thegoodchocolatier.com
You can find her on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodchocolatier/
And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGOODChocolatier
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-mennicken-24609469/

Send me a message!

Support the show

Like this episode? Send me a message!

Please follow the podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel
Email me at [email protected]
Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: 

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more here

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

Grounded in Maine is curr...

*This conversation was long, but I couldn't bare to take anything out, so I split it into 2 weeks, so make sure to listen next week for the wrap up!*

Mara Mennicken and I met on a podcasting Facebook page and it took me a fraction of a second reading about her sustainable chocolate business to know I had to have her on the podcast to tell me all about it!

Mara is from Germany, but came to British Columbia as part of a school exchange program, and knew she wanted to be there. She's done very well for herself, it seems!

Her thoughts on sustainability are a little more broad than some people's, and I'm totally here for it. Her company is sustainable, but more than just physical, like packaging and product, but social sustainability is very important to her, and she'll explain how and why. And speaking of important, I ask the question below to everyone in my guest form, and I just loved her answer:

Is there a specific message you'd like listeners to come away with?

"Put your dollar where your heart is! Every dollar spent is a mini investment in the people and their mission who are behind the product or service- Buying local, organic, or from social enterprises makes an impact!"
And to that, I'll just say  AMEN!

I know you all want to learn about Mara's sustainable chocolate - here's her website: https://thegoodchocolatier.com
You can find her on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodchocolatier/
And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGOODChocolatier
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-mennicken-24609469/

Send me a message!

Support the show

Like this episode? Send me a message!

Please follow the podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel
Email me at [email protected]
Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: 

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more here

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

Grounded in Maine is curr...

I am so thrilled to share this conversation with you guys - I have wanted to have Hannah Semler on the podcast since the beginning! I'm a big fan of FarmDrop - I'm both a customer and a vendor, and I love having the ability to try items from several different local farmers that are bringing their product practically to me! Hannah will say it better, so I'll leave her to it.

Hannah also hosted a podcast called What is American Food, because she is so passionate about the origins - AND she was working with a food  waste rescue group as well. She also started a FarmDrop delivery program for Seniors who are homebound, so they, too can be nourished by our skilled farmers.
Listen to the episode for more about all of this, and why Farmdrop is so important to her!

Hannah and her trusty sidekick Barley travel the state of Maine together,  making sure things are organized and operating smoothly when customers come to pick up their goods. There are several dropoff/pickup Hubs throughout the state, and trying to get the vendors' products spread to other hubs than the one closest to them can't be easy!
You're going to love Hannah - I can't imagine not loving her passion for what she does!
Call to Action: I'd love to share this episode wide, and see if we can get some interest in other areas of the country for FarmDrop! Do you know of an area lacking a farmers market, or are you interested in being a FarmDrop vendor? The reach is WIDE with these products!

FarmDrop website is here - check out all the options available at different locations, and see how cool it would be to start your own or be part of one! Reach out to Hannah with inquiries about FarmDrop! https://farmdrop.us/

Farmdrop is on Instagram and Facebook as @farmdropus

Send me a message!

Support the show

Like this episode? Send me a message!

Please follow the podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel
Email me at [email protected]
Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: 

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more here

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

Grounded in Maine is curr...

I know I keep saying that this episode is SO good, but I really feel like it is - and this conversation is no different - I had such a great time talking to Jen Joray of Eastern River Farm - I loved hearing their process of going from city dwellers to farmers, because I feel like it's a dream of many - at least mine, but I have a feeling that others are feeling it, too. So this can be somewhat of a 'blueprint' of a path - or an example of how it can be done - and successfully! They are teaching their daughters all the aspects of the farm, and have them assist with as much as possible. The farm business is mainly wedding flowers - did you see that coming? You may want to consider after listening to Jen talk about them!

Jen and her husband were doing their best to provide for their 2 daughters as teachers in Massachusetts when her Chemist husband one day came home and said " I think I need to be a farmer." And so they made that happen. But the journey wasn't instant, which is helpful - she documents it well, for anyone wanting to follow their lead...

Jen is an educator through and through, and has done SO much research into soil amendments and animal husbandry and planting and what plants work well, and ALL the farmy subjects, and, educator that she is, would absolutely LOVE to have to opportunity to share the info and experience that she's gained - seriously! Reach out to me, or reach out to her with any questions, and if she doesn't know the answer, she'll want to learn, and will find the answer for you!

Please check out https://www.easternriverfarm.com and/or 
on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/easternriverfarm/
or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Easternriverfarm/
to see and learn more.
This is the last episode of 2023 - thank you so much for listening! Happy Holidays!
New awesome episodes will continue, so please stay with me!

Send me a message!

Support the show

Like this episode? Send me a message!

Please follow the podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel
Email me at [email protected]
Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: 

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more here

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

Grounded in Maine is curr...