Grounded in Maine

I got to meet Patrick Kelly this past January at Podfest, and we talked about doing this episode then - timing was just weird, but I think maybe it was just meant to happen now... Pat is the host of The Produce Industry Podcast and also runs The Produce Industry Network, on the side of his actual produce business and family life... I've said so many times that we should know where our food comes from, and I've talked about my jam business, and how I picked my own berries to feel better about the fruit I was using, and I'm so glad to have had the chance to get from the industry that I was doing things the hard way (that's SO me). 

I learned so much from this conversation - Pat has been working in this industry for 25 years, and before that, he heard all about it from his dad, so he KNOWS.  He set me straight on a couple of things, and gave a good overview of what the industry is really like, and it is wild! It takes a real passion and energy to work in an unpreserved food world - always hustling to make sure food isn't wasted, and I'm glad that Pat is there!

The Produce Industry Podcast is exactly what it sounds like - all things produce, which, for me, at least, is fascinating. And the network puts out 5 episodes each week, so there's something for everyone. I just finished listening to their segment on The Lewellings, which takes place in the early 1800s and involves so much US history - they had the first commercial nursery in Iowa! You'll have to listen to his podcast to hear more--

You can find The Produce Industry Podcast wherever you listen to or watch podcasts, or at https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/ 

You can find Pat on Linkedin here

Or 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...

MaryEllen Lundy has thought of everything, it seems, with An Eco-Organized Approach downsizing! It's inspiring to hear her talk about how circular her system is, from cleaning out to rehoming belongings, and everything in between. She shares a few stories that show just how much thought and care goes into her projects, which makes sense, considering she is entering someone's home and personal space, and helping them let go of things they've held tight to- it takes a very special personality to handle the deep emotional ties that some folks have to their belongings (I'm one of those people - things hold memories for me because my brain doesn't recall well without help), and gently assisting with the removal, or cleanout. MaryEllen has already put a ton of thought into a project before removing anything from the home, like what types of items can be fixed up. or repurposed, donated to a school, community program or a retirement home, or as an absolute last option is landfill. She works so hard to not have landfill be that option

When I asked MaryEllen about a message she hopes you'll remember, she said this: "Did you know every item in your home, in your life really…has its own lifetime? Its own beginning, middle, and - thanks to an Eco Organized Approach,  end."

You can find all things MaryEllen and An Eco-Organized Approach here: https://anecoorganizedapproach.com/

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

And on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/AnEcoOrganizedApproach

Send me a message!

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...

Maxx Cumby McGee has been planning the Gott Street Blues clothing brand since the 90s when she was one of a very few women in the construction world - life just delayed it. Maxx's story is both hillarious and eye opening; how she started in modeling at 19, and got into construction by making friends with the CEO of Anheuser-Busch, and showing up on her first day with a pink toolbox and men's work clothes that nearly got her injured because there were no women's work clothes. This is a longer episode, but I'll bet it goes by quicker than you expect, because Maxx is very entertaining, and this story about fashion for the workplace is fascinating!

If you asked Maxx  what GottStreet Blues is about, she would say,"Clothing for women doing physical labor, clothing that was made with women in mind, getting past vanity sizing, meeting comfort with functionality and fit for women specifically." We talk about this a lot because it's been a real issue for her at work, and it affects others today, as more women are entering the trades for work. GottStreet Blues is a sustainable clothing company for women who work in the trades - or women who have trouble finding clothes that really fit (raising my hand). 

Maxx's message she wants you to remember: "Trust yourself, you can do anything, anytime, at any age." 

To Dye For documentary: https://www.todyeforthedocumentary.com/

You can find Maxx's website here https://gottstreetblues.com/

She's also on TikTok here https://www.tiktok.com/@maxxwell814

Send me a message!

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 had a great time talking with Bridget Shirvell about her new book Parenting in a Climate Crisis; A Handbook for Turning Fear into Action - I may have gotten a little excited when she was talking about the contents of the book, knowing there was a chapter about activism... 

Bridget is a freelance writer, and has done pieces for Martha Stewart and PBS, Conde Nast and New York Times, and others about food, travel and the environment. Having her own young child inspired her to write the book, to prepare young people to take on the world that we leave, by teaching the love of nature.

From her website: "In this urgent parenting guide, learn how to navigate the uncertainty of the climate crisis and keep your kids informed, accountable, and hopeful–with simple actions you can take as a family to help the earth.

Kids today are experiencing the climate crisis firsthand. Camp canceled because of wildfire smoke. Favorite beaches closed due to erosion. Recess held indoors due to extreme heat. How do parents help their children make sense of it all? And how can we keep our kids (and ourselves) from despair?"

You can find all of Bridget's incredible work (and her book!) at her website here: https://breeshirvell.com/

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

Send me a message!

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...

You may be thinking "what makes Kurt Avery have a heart of gold?" You'll have to listen to this conversation, because it's hard to put into words how quietly wonderful Kurt is. And if you're not wondering that, then let's get to the quiet part-

Kurt is the CEO of Sawyer Products, and if you do any outdoor activities, you're familiar with the brand; they make water filters for your water bottles, sunscreen and first aid products for hiking and camping. They are THE name for the most effective products. But did you know that Kurt and Sawyer Products has provided water filters for the military stationed abroad? And that they are donating THOUSANDS of water filters to countries that have had high illness rates due to lack of clean water, and to places that have experienced natural disasters? 

Kurt also wrote a book called Sawyer Think; How A Small Company Disrupts Markets and Changes the World, and I haven't read it yet, but I feel pretty confident that it will only confirm what I've heard from him about his charity work.

I've never really been a camper or hiker, but I'll definitely be sure to support Kurt and Sawyer Products any way I can. I hope you enjoy this conversation!

You can find Kurt's company Sawyer Products here: https://www.sawyer.com/

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

They're on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/people/Sawyer-Products/61563796295518/

The company Linkedin page is here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sawyer-products/posts/?feedView=all

Sawyer's YouTube channel is here: https://www.youtube.com/c/SawyerProducts/featured

And on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sawyerproducts

Send me a message!

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 was thrilled to get to talk to Jeremiah Jancik, because I've ALWAYS got questions about energy. Maybe too many? 

Jeremiah is an Energy Consultant, and we're talking about installing solar panels, heat pumps, insulation and doing energy audits - all things home efficiency - which he has decades of experience in. In his 12 year career he's performed over 4000 energy assessments! Now he's focusing on training new people and consulting, and doing virtual solar inspections. He wants to help you learn how to save energy in your home while staying comfortable, and lowering your carbon footprint at the same time. 

Jeremiah also talks a little bit about the book he wrote during the pandemic titled After Oil 2047. I didn't know 2047 is an actual deadline in the industry!

You can find all things Jeremiah Jancik on his website here: https://www.jeremiahjancik.com/

Send me a message!

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...

Have you ever felt confused or conflicted about organic food labels? I know I've said something like if I have to choose between organic from far away and in plastic, or local, I'd choose local; and I'm sure I've had dirty looks. It's just gotten confusing. And it costs almost half as much as regular foods, so I've wondered if its really better... So this week I'm talking to Linley Dixon of The Real Organic Project, to help us (me) better understand what it all means.

Linley works for The Real Organic Project, and also is the Co-Host of The Real Organic Project podcast AND is a small organic farmer, so I feel like we're in capable hands. The Real Organic Project is an extra certification that is free, once the USDA Organic certification is attained. And Linley explains that for us so well!

I love Linley's stories of working into her current farm - as I'm in a similar search, I was glued to her words. The Real Organic Project website has a database of growers they work with that you can look up your area to see who's participating - that's very helpful.

Her message she hopes you'll take away: "how to find good food and grow good food for yourself."

Check out https://realorganicproject.org/ and the podcast with the same name to learn ALL about organic food!

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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'm sneaking in an extra episode because it's summer, and this is about sunscreen, so hopefully it's not publishing too late for you--

Arielle Moody is the CEO/Founder of Mama Sol Sunscreen, and she said within 2 weeks of the launch, she was featured on Access Hollywood, which catapulted Mama Sol's sales. She has several awards and honors for best product! She says a tagline is "if sunscreen and a spa day had a baby, it would be Mama Sol." I love so much that she says her sunscreen has a light lavender scent, and Arielle tells us the reason for that. 

Arielle talks about the differences between sunscreen types and the strengths, ingredients we should definitely be careful about, and what makes hers stand out. She also talks about how often we should be using sunscreen (hint: it's every day of the year!) and why. She also talks about the packaging, she uses, and why, even though they're not plastic, she doesn't put the recycle symbol on all of her packaging - and gives an important recycling tip for ALL of us.

Mama Sol's website: https://www.shopmamasol.com/  Arielle has very generously offered a 15% discount to Grounded in Maine listeners - use code Groundedmama15

You can find Mama Sol on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/shopmamasol/

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...

Lauren Connolly is a person I relate to so much. She had me as a guest on her podcast Wildly Unplug, because we found out that we both recharge by being outside. Lauren has a very personal story about burnout, and how turning to nature brought her the fulfillment she was needing. She is an artist; she paints and is a photographer, a podcaster, and now she's added Author to the list of accomplishments! Her book is called Wildly Unplug, just like the podcast. 

She says about her book: "Wildly Unplug — A Creative Guide to Reconnecting with Nature, which offers inspiration, journaling prompts, and simple ways to unplug from the digital world and reconnect with what truly matters. It's a journey of overcoming burnout by reconnecting with nature through art, nature journaling, and conservation work. How slowing down to observe and create deepens our connection to the natural world and becomes a powerful tool for healing."

Lauren's message she hopes you'll take away: "You don’t have to move off-grid or grow all your own food to reconnect with the natural world. Small, intentional acts—like picking up a paintbrush, journaling your observations, or simply sitting quietly outside—can ground you, reconnect you to the land, and remind you that you’re part of nature, not separate from it."

You can find Lauren's work on her website: https://wilddevelopmentsstudio.com/

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

Send me a message!

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...

Be Your Own Shaman is the title of Jane Barlow Christensen's book she co-authored with her son, teaching people how to identify, harvest and use the medicinal plants found all around us. It is beautiful, hard cover book, full of pictures to make identifying as easy as possible.

Jane talks about how her own father taught her and her siblings to recognize and appreciate the plants that are often already available in our yards to help support the human body. She tells a story about riding in the car with the family, and her dad pulling the car over and getting everyone out of the vehicle to show them a plant on the side of the road - I have the best vision of this in my head!

I'm so interested in all herbalist work, and it's exciting to learn about the medicinal plants in our own yard growing wild, and the ones that are considered "weeds" by many. Jane's book talks about the best time to harvest and best ways to use the plants, which is super interesting! I encourage anyone who is even remotely interested in medicinal/helpful plants, to check out this book and episode - Jane has studied plants her entire life, and has so much wisdom to share.

You can find Jane's website here; there's also an online catalog of herbal supports and supplements: https://barlowherbal.com/

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

She's also on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/barlowherbal/

On Thursdays Jane does a special segment on Youtube, but has a TON of helpful stuff here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtq9uAZnU8ay7y2e8Xl2mGQ

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...