Raising Connections

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Would you use the same knife in the same mayonnaise jar for six months? 🤢 Probably not—so why are you still holding onto that ancient mascara? 

From changing careers on a whim to running a multi-practitioner wellness hub, what does it really take to care for your skin and your soul?  

Tune in as we sit down with Rachel Ferraro, owner of Home Skin Care and Wellness, to talk skincare secrets, entrepreneurship, and building a community dedicated to total mind-body health.

Whether you're curious about routine maintenance across the seasons or interested in the hustle of small business ownership, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on self-care and community. 

HOME Skincare and Wellness | Enhance Your Wellbeing Today

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Communities are built with hospitals, libraries, schools, and LEEF certified farms. Farmers tell their stories. Neighbors learn the value of land stewardship.

 Elizabeth Hoffman, Program Manager for Maryland's new Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming (LEEF) Program, joins Rachann to discuss this statewide program that will recognize and reward conservation efforts, promote effective implementation, and honor Maryland farmers who adopt practices that benefit both the community and the agricultural industry.

Learn more about it. You’ve always known it. LEEF in with us!

Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming Program | Maryland Department of Agriculture

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Communities are built with hospitals, libraries, schools, and LEEF certified farms. Farmers tell their stories. Neighbors learn the value of land stewardship.

Elizabeth Hoffman, Program Manager for Maryland's new Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming (LEEF) Program, joins Rachann to discuss this statewide program that will recognize and reward conservation efforts, promote effective implementation, and honor Maryland farmers who adopt practices that benefit both the community and the agricultural industry.

Learn more about it. You’ve always known it. LEEF in with us!

Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming Program | Maryland Department of Agriculture

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What does it take for entrepreneurs, farm owners, and pet lovers to step away for a two-week Irish escape?

 Join host Rachann Ennis Mayer on Raising Connections as she catches up with Fora Travel advisor Joyce Johnson. They discuss the vital pre-planning needed for farm and pet owners heading overseas, the magic of small-group travel, and how unexpected moments—from divining rods and Irish lace to ancient ruins—make a journey truly transformative. 

Joyce Johnson | Fora Travel

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Did you know jack-o'-lanterns were originally carved from turnips? Or that pumpkins are technically fruits... and even berries? 🤯

Step into the pumpkin patch and uncover the fascinating roots of Halloween with a farmer's perspective. Rachann is joined by writer, artist, horticulturist, and community leader Kevin Dayhoff to discuss this spooky holiday! From the ancient traditions of the Celts and Pagans in the British Isles to the celebration of All Hallow’s Eve and All Saints’ Day, this episode explores how harvest season, folklore, and the belief that evil spirits were free to roam shaped the holiday we know today. Discover the history behind jack o’lantern carving and find out how these versatile fruits can be used for decoration, cooking, and canning. Whether you're a gardener, history enthusiast, or Halloween fan, this harvest-themed conversation is packed with seasonal traditions, horticultural insights, and pumpkin-filled fun. 🎃🍂

Cranberries with Kevin Dayhoff 01-05-2025

Kevin Dayhoff – Baltimore Sun

RaisingConnections #Halloween #Pumpkins #PumpkinPatch #JackOLantern #HalloweenHistory #FallHarvest #AutumnLife #PumpkinPie #Horticulture #Agriculture #CommunityConnections #MarylandAgriculture #FallTraditions #Podcast #HarvestSeason 🍂🎙️🎃

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A Federal Wildlife Biologist Walks into a Kombuchery

Step inside the world of kombucha, where green tea, fruits, and vegetables come together in a lively, fermented sweet tea that has become a favorite sparkling probiotic beverage. In this podcast Rachann sits down with Eric Kelchlin a brewer and Federal Wildlife Biologist, to explore the science, craft, and culture behind this naturally effervescent drink. 

From sourcing local produce to developing a distinctive flavor profile, you'll hear how a modern kombuchery transforms simple ingredients into a refreshing craft beverage. They discuss the role of living culture in fermentation, the connection between healthy food options from local agriculture, and the creativity that goes into every batch.

Whether you're a longtime kombucha fan or simply curious about the art of fermentation, this conversation offers a fresh look at the people, ingredients, and passion that brings this vibrant beverage to life. 

https://www.boochycall.com/

Mount Airy Farmers Market - Marylands Best

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Tune in to Learn: How Cornfusion becomes comedy, a four-acre maze turns into mayhem, what keeps families laughing, and why fir trees take seven years to become Christmas trees.

Step into the world of agritourism as Rachann talks with Lisa of Showvaker's Quality Evergreens Farm. They explore the creativity behind the modern corn maze, from choosing a unique theme to designing intricate patterns that become stunning pictures when seen from above. Discover what it takes to turn a four-acre field of corn into a seasonal attraction. They talk about the challenge of navigating winding paths and the many fall activities and games that keep families coming back. This episode takes you from autumn season fun through the holiday tradition of cut-your-own Christmas Trees. Join us for a behind the scenes look at the experiences, memories, and rural traditions that make farm-based entertainment a favorite destination for all ages.

Home of Showvaker's Quality Evergreens and Cornfusion Corn Maze

Agritourism Passport 2026 - Carroll County Grown

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Ever wonder what happens when a certified spirits specialist decides to ditch the alcohol and start shaking up the mocktail world?

What does it take to build a successful and inclusive beverage brand in a highly competitive beverage industry? In this podcast, Rachann sits down with Lexx Mills, one of the two sisters behind Stursi. Discover how they've built a thriving mocktail brand with zero adaptogenic ingredients. 

Whether you're interested in beverage business strategy, alcohol-free alternatives, branding, or the fast-growing mocktail movement, this episode delivers practical lessons and inspiring stories from two sisters who are helping redefine what it means to raise a glass.

Stursi 0-Proof Cocktails | mocktails

If you liked this episode, like and follow for more! New episodes post every Monday.

Images courtesy of Lexx & Livv Mills-Stursi.

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Ever wonder why mushroom cultivation looks more like a high-tech science lab than traditional farming? A devastating chicken disease forced a sudden and brilliant pivot into the world of gourmet mushrooms.

In this podcast Rachann speaks with Iain Davis of Manchester Mushroom Farm. They follow the journey from laboratory-grown spores and sterile environments to successful harvest for farmers markets, wholesale buyers, and restaurant chefs.

Learn how contamination prevention, standard operating procedures, and USDA Good Agricultural Practices help mushroom growers produce safe, high-quality crops while meeting the demands of today's marketplace.

For the science behind production to the realities of marketing and sales, this episode offers valuable insights for farmers, growers, and anyone interested on local agriculture.

Manchester Mushroom Farm – Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms

ILT Know the Symptoms.pdf

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Join Rachann Mayer and Kaitlyn Harless, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Science Coordinator of The American Chestnut Foundation, as they discuss the American Chestnut Tree that once dominated forests throughout the Appalachian Range stretching from Maine to Georgia. Valued as a major cash crop for its lumber and abundant nuts, this species played a vital role in the biology and ecology of eastern North American forests. Then a devastating blight arrived on imported Chinese Chestnut trees, girdling mature trees and transforming one of America's most important forest giants into an endangered species. The American Chestnut Foundation's mission is clear - To restore surviving American Chestnuts and rebuild the environment that once relied on this iconic tree.

The American Chestnut Foundation | Rooted in Restoration

Cryphonectria parasitica: The Pathogen Causing Chestnut Blight - Biology Insights

https://www.milkhousebrewery.com

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