Grounded in Maine

I first learned about Linda Ugelow when she was a guest on my friend Ande Lyons's podcast Don't Be Caged By Your Age in 2025 and she was just so graceful about everything. Then she was invited to be the guest speaker at the New England Podcasters' Meetup. Then I got to meet her in person at NEPG, where she said, "you know... I used to have an organic CSA and currently am growing lots of uncommon fruits..." Say no more, Linda - you had me at fruit! 

Linda and her husband practice permaculture on their suburban property outside of Boston, with tons of different fruits and other perennial plants! She hosts a podcast called Delight in the Limelight - about speaking with confidence (175+ episodes now!), and wrote a book by the same name. She also works in intuitive dance and movement.

I'm so glad for this time getting to know Linda better, and hear about her fascinating life! And I seriously cannot wait for the chance to have a tour of her haven she's been nurturing - her reverence toward the earth is really inspiring, and makes me want to do better - I hope you feel the same way,

Her message she hopes you take from this conversation is this: "the satisfaction and fun of growing, eating and preserving common and uncommon perennial foods from your yard." I definitely did - how about you?

You can find all things Linda here: https://lindaugelow.com/about/

Her Instagram reels are SO good! https://www.instagram.com/lindaugelow/

Really, she's everywhere @lindaugelow

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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...

Nothing makes me happier than a conversation that goes deep unexpectedly... and Cameron Ungar delivered! Trash and Stash is a cleanout and downsizing service based in North Carolina. They are the first B-Corp Certified Junk Removal business in the US, and Cameron takes that certification very seriously. He talks about being thrifty - not like cheap, but about putting value on the effort made. He talks about simplifying our lives and homes being an act of rebellion (love that word!), and says that small, consistent actions have big results.

Cameron offers an efficiency bonus for his employees, because just filling a dumpster is not preferred; he prefers repurposing or reusing, to keep things in circulation. In fact, his whole office is thrifted - he said he spent maybe $1000 for everything in the office. He also trains his employees in patience and encourages them to listen to their clients, knowing that some people will struggle with letting go of things.

And his company gives back. Started during Covid, this still young company is giving a percentage of all profits to the International Cancer Foundation. They also have a space where they store some of the stuff they've taken from homes/offices to resale or donate to people who need it.

A phrase Cameron said has stuck with me is " Junk is a verb, not a noun." Just think on that for a moment. I love the heart behind Trash and Stash so much - a desperately needed service, and offered with a kindness that is often lacking in that field.

Find Trash and Stash here: https://www.trashandstash.com/

They're on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/trashandstash 

And Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/yourlocaltrashandstash/

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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...

Asia Sharif Clark messaged me that she's starting a new program just for mid-life women to bring back their creative spark, and I just couldn't wait to share all we got up to, talking about it, so this is a bonus! Asia was a guest over 3 years ago, talking about her burnout, and how she turned to planting herbs to give her that needed distraction. It seems that time frame may have been a bit of mid life chaos as well, and she just needed to find her peace...

Paint Together is her new community  on Mighty Networks that is just opening up next week, July 27th - you can spend as long or as little time as you want - if you're super busy, try to carve out 15 minutes to 1/2 hour to get your creative juices flowing and make friends! Community is so healing, and helps us not feel so alone as we maneuver our way through - "community is a renewable resource," she says.

Paint Together will be focused on painting, but feel free to pull up some other creative venture you're working on. Asia will offer some playful prompts - she wants to make this easy and accessible, so we can get our creativity ON!

I just love any chance to spend time with Asia - she is so easy, and has the nicest smile. I hope you love this time as much as I did! See you at Paint Together some night!

Learn more about Paint Together here: https://paint-together.mn.co/landing/

Asia's Instagram is here: https://www.instagram.com/asiasharifclarkartist/

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Like this episode? Send me a message!

Please follow the podcast on Instagram here
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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 approached Kelly Weger through a newsletter we both subscribe to - her bio was too intriguing to resist - and I wasn't disappointed at all! I want you to look carefully at her profile- I complimented her on her hair highlight color, and she said she just braids in YARN - genius! Natural fibers and low maintenance!

Kelly was a LEED Certified Architect in her previous career, and now is the Head of Sustainability for a solar company. She also has written a book called How to Kill the Planet in 8 Easy Steps: A Humorous Guide by a Satirical Snarkitecht. The world feels very serious and heavy, and she chooses to use humor as a coping mechanism. She does public speaking, and talks about small behavior changes that add up to a big impact, and the future of climate change. Like this: She also said that we can push back against AI by opting out of AI searches. She said that a straight Google search uses 10 times less electricity than the AI Google search.

A "bright side" that Kelly mentioned is that many companies have posted their sustainability goals with an end goal of 2030, which means they should be crunching on those goals to make progress... 

I did bend her ear for a bit, asking about recycling solar, and digital clutter - sorry, and you're welcome? It was helpful for me, at least...

Learn ALL about Kelly here: https://kellyweger.weebly.com/

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Like this episode? Send me a message!

Please follow the podcast on Instagram here
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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...

Anyone who knew me as a young person I think will have a giggle at this conversation with Toni Buzzeo, because I was terrified of pretty much all flying things - yes, chickens, too... I've been stung once, and I can tell you where it happened, and on what part of the body when I was around 8 years old. My sister is very much the same, but I'm much better than I used to be - working in a garden gives a person a lot of appreciation for their job.

Toni Buzzeo spent many years in southern Maine - her husband built her a beautiful writing cottage there, and she wrote many of her books there. She has written 31 picture books, a novel, and 11 books for teachers. As a longtime Librarian, and college and High School writing teacher before that, Toni settled on writing, and is very happy there. 

Her most recent book is called Buzz: Being Brave Around Stinging Insects. Toni has young grandchildren, and she wanted them to not be afraid, but also to appreciate them for all that pollinators make happen in our world. 

Find everything about Toni at her website: https://tonibuzzeo.com/

She's also on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arlingtonnonna/

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Like this episode? Send me a message!

Please follow the podcast on Instagram here
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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...

It's been bugging me that there hasn't been an episode devoted to composting in 4 years! In March of this year, I think, there was a compost week, and friend of the podcast Alexa Pavan did a post about it, and it wasn't hard to convince her to come back Her first episode was # 107 in August of 2024 - link here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1952444/episodes/15591760-107-go-green-with-alexa-pavan ) and talk about composting, because she LOVES talking about it! This is something she's been talking about for a while - in fact, her regional composting service asks her to fill in when they need someone to educate and promote in her area!

Alexa talks about the art of composting, and personally uses a composting company - she talks about the parts needed to keep a compost balanced and doing its job (a 4:1 ratio carbon to organic waste); she is just passionate about it and wants everyone to find a way to compost food waste - and she talks about why that matters, if you're curious. She brought up a phrase that hit me hard talking about why we need to protect our oceans by composting: "our oceans are the world's circulatory system." 

Her tagline is Imperfect Sustainability, because it's important to feel empowered to be part of the solution (does that sound familiar?), and we're most likely not going to do everything all the time to do it perfectly; but if we're doing our best, that's progress! 

Alexa is a copywriter, and writes for organizations that focus on sustainability. She's a lifelong diver and ocean warrior, content creator and climate communicator. She does a lot of education and volunteer events throughout the year; a lot of volunteer trash sorting and talking about composting.

Learn all about Alexa here on her website:

https://www.gogreenwithalexa.com/home

Her Instagram page is here (this is how I learned about her!): https://www.instagram.com/gogreenwithalexa/

She goes in depth on some topics she's passionate about on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@gogreenwithalexa/videos

Alexa's composting company if you want to learn more: https://liverenuable.com/

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Like this episode? Send me a message!

Please follow the podcast on Instagram here
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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 with Derek Haynes AKA The Chocolate Botanist was so fun! I "met" Derek as a participant of a workshop offered through the New England Botanical Gardens - they had him come talk about the Vanilla Orchid, and it was FASCINATING! Derek adds in some history we weren't (at least I wasn't) told, that opens up a whole different story...

Derek has a Plant Biology degree and background, as well as experience working on plant-based vaccines and therapeutics, so he knows what he's saying. He enjoys de-bunking plant rumors on social media. He also is one of the Co-Hosts of The Dirt on Gardening podcast. I love that Derek isn't so serious, though he totally had me sucked in a couple of times...

I loved this section of his Bio so much: "Plants offer so much more than home decor, and Derek wants to show you how. He understands that the ancient and the modern don’t need to compete, but rather can work together in harmony, offering viable solutions to pressing questions like food insecurity and mind-body-spirit holistic wellness."

We talked about making chocolate, and when I settle somewhere, I'll definitely be inviting Derek to do a chocolate making workshop - just definitely not in the winter... I'm already looking forward to that day! 

Derek's website: https://thechocolatebotanist.com/

He's on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/thechocolatebotanist

And Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/thechocolatebotanist

His YouTube channel is here: https://www.youtube.com/c/thechocolatebotanist

New England Botanical Garden website (in case you want to become a member and attend in person or virtual workshops): https://nebg.org/

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Like this episode? Send me a message!

Please follow the podcast on Instagram here
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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...

Omar Al Shafie, Co-Founder of Teregen Ag digs into regenerative agriculture (pun intended)— specifically how mineralized worm castings and biodynamic farming practices are helping growers rebuild soil health and make their crops more resilient to increasingly volatile weather. We cover what's actually happening at the soil-biology level, how micronutrients play into natural pest resistance, and the practical (and economic) realities farmers face when moving away from conventional methods.

I love how this product is not just for farmers, but for backyard growers and house plants. And that farmers who are nervous about not using conventional fertilizers and pesticides can ease into Teregen Ag, and use both - though it's not necessary... I also love that they have a foliar spray, and the vision Omar gives of the veins in the leaves absorbing the nutrients and directing them to the roots and stem to strengthen the plant. He said he can see the plant is more vibrant in just 1 day! 

You can tell that Omar is excited about this product - and he's been researching for a long time, even before Teregen Ag, so this feels like a perfect pairing.. 

You can shop and learn more about Teregen Ag here: https://teregenag.com/

They're on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/teregenag/

They're on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teregen-Ag/61576042121212/

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Support the show

Like this episode? Send me a message!

Please follow the podcast on Instagram here
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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 loved getting to hear all about The Bloom Edit; a beautiful collaboration with Holly Berry's Floral Design Company, A Natural Design and Laura Grauer Photography to create a beautiful day of self appreciation! The Bloom Edit will be in person in the Seattle, WA area on July 17th - which is also around Lara's 50th birthday... Lara said she usually does a birthday selfie, and for her 50th she's sharing it with YOU if you're nearby! The main color of the day is purple, and the photography subjects will literally have their head as part of a flower bouquet. This is open to anyone who wants to feel special, because these ladies . 

Lara met Holly in a networking group and very quickly knew they were supposed to work together. I've known Holly for about a year and 1/2 - we met through The Passionistas Project, and have been talking about a farm since about that time. I aso attended a workshop Holly hosted through The Passionistas about NOR (Natural Organic Reduction - green burial - I didn't know what it was, either...). 

This pairing of flowers and photography seem just meant to be, don't they?

Website for The Bloom Edit is here: https://www.laragrauerphotography.com/the-bloom-edit. Please go if you're in the area, and send me lots of photos - I'm so excited for this! July 17th!

Lara's website: https://www.laragrauerphotography.com/

Holly's website: https://anaturaldesign.com/

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Support the show

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...

I know I've said this before, but being asked if cat overpopulation was a conversation I'd be interested in was an easy yes for me! I'm so happy to share this conversation I got to have with Deborah Felin Magaldi. Deborah works with Helen Sanders Cat Paws in the Los Angeles area, where they're making progress, and have learned a lot to be able to teach others (us). 

Deborah met Helen Sanders back in 2001, and Cat Paws became a legit non-profit in 2010; they've rescued/fostered around 5,000 cats and kittens, and if you think about how many might have reproduced, that number could be so much larger. She once took in 29 cats and newborn kittens! The numbers and stats she shares are hard to hear, but also are empowering. Fostering can be so rewarding if you have the right opportunity, and knowing that you're helping someone who is completely dependent on you gives all the warm fuzzies.

Helen Sanders Cat Paws says that fostering cats and kittens has the highest impact for homeless cats, and that accessible spay/neuter is the single most powerful tool communities have to stop the cycle. They also have a "kitten kit" for rescuing newborn kittens with formula, bottles and instructions. On their website they show you how to DIY, which I thought would be a great group activity to have handy in communities. Deborah says that equipping communities makes everyone a first responder. She also said that we can help by lobbying to our local municipalities about ending backyard breeding. 

I'm really grateful for Deborah's experience, and that she's sharing what she's learned so freely. I'd love to foster some animals someday now. Have you fostered or rescued pets? tell me all about it, please!

Learn more about Helen Sanders Cat Paws, and get the DIY Kitten Kit instructions at their website: https://helensanderscatpaws.com/

Their YouTube channel is here: https://www.youtube.com/@CatPAWSRescue

Their Instagram page is here: https://www.instagram.com/helensanderscatpaws/

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Support the show

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...