Brad Peacock is a veteran, an organic farmer, and a former candidate for the United States Senate. He's also an author who has been featured in 7 days, VT Digger, The Washington Blade, and The New York Times. He lives with his husband on land that he is rehabilitating with native plants and flowers. James Crews is the author of numerous prize-winning collections of poetry. He runs an online writing community called The Monthly Pause and also speaks and leads workshops on kindness, mindfulness, and writing for self-compassion. Brad and James live together on forty rocky acres in the woods of Southern Vermont and they recently co-edited LOVE IS FOR ALL OF US. On today’s show, Brad, Annmarie, and James discuss love stories, farming, and how poetry might just be the thing that saves us all.

Episode Sponsors

Battenkill Books – A local, independent bookstore selling general interest, new books in the Battenkill Valley. The store offers a broad range of books from current bestsellers to the classics, and from history and romance to gardening and cooking, and more. We also have an outstanding collection of books for children. And Battenkill carries maps, gifts, toys, cards, and an eclectic selection of magazines. Stop by or shop online at battenkillbooks.com.

Big Hill Books – The happiest bookstore in Minneapolis. Big Hill Books welcomes you to Bryn Mawr, one of the most charming and eclectic neighborhoods in the Twin Cities. As a general interest bookstore, we offer an engaging, inclusive inventory of titles and a bright, airy space for customers to sit, read and relax. Our feline friends, Goose and Addie, are also available for some complimentary lap time. Visit Big Hill Books and help us build a community in which "we all do better when we all do better." Find us online at bighillbooks.com.

Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Love Is for All of Us: Poems of Tenderness and Belonging, edited by James Crews and Brad Peacock

How to Love the World: Poems of Gratitude and Hope, edited by James Crews

Healing the Divide: Poems for Kindness and Connection, by James Crews

Here’s a clip from G.I. Jane that includes “Self-Pity,” a poem by D.H. Lawrence. 

Follow Brad Peacock and James Crews:

Instagram: @theheartofafarmer AND @james.crews.poet

Facebook: @brad.peacock.5836 AND @crewspoet

Substack: @JamesCrews

jamescrews.net

**Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing abroad, consider joining Annmarie and co-leader Athena Dixon for a writing retreat in Italy in September, 2025.

You can travel to a beautiful place, meet other wise women, and write your own stories. We’d love to help you make your wishes come true.

As of this moment, we only have 2 spots left. This will sell out. Act now and join us!

Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, message Annmarie to learn more.

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