In this episode of The Good Dirt Podcast, Mary and Emma sit down for a deep dive as a duo into the concept of slow living and what their relationship is to it in 2024. We hear them discuss their philosophy and also the challenges they’ve faced in adopting a slow living mindset, and share how they’ve come to view it as a quest in life. They also answer some listener questions from Instagram, sharing their thoughts on slow living with full schedules, clutter, city living, cooking, and balancing lives as pet owners or parents. Strategies, tips and tricks are explored to overcome these barriers, highlighting the importance of mindfulness and appreciative living. You’ll leave this episode with a sense of how you can apply slow living to your everyday, but if you want an even more guided approach, become a part of the upcoming Slow Living Challenge taking place in March, where you will receive daily prompts and inspirations to help you live in the moment.

Topics Discussed

· Understanding Slow Living

· Personal Experiences with Slow Living

· The Impact of Life Phases on Slow Living

· The Importance of Individual Experiences in Slow Living

· The Role of Clutter in Slow Living

· Defining Slow Living

· The Evolution & Challenges of Slow Living

· The Role of Nature in Slow Living

· The Impact of Productivity on Slow Living

· The Role of Mindfulness in Slow Living

· The Importance of Balance in Slow Living

· Clutter & Waste

· The Role of Nature in Slow Living

· The Impact of Anxiety on Slow Living

· The Role of Food in Slow Living

· The Impact of Takeout on Waste and Stress Levels

· The Role of Conscious Consumption in Slow Living

· Living Slowly in a Fast-Paced City

· The Amazon Dilemma: Convenience vs. Sustainability

· Pets, Slow Living and Sustainability

· Introducing the 2024 Slow Living Challenge

· The Joy of Libraries and Slow Living with Kids

· Embracing Slow Living in Everyday Life

Episode Resources:

· Listen to The Good Dirt “Designing the Life of Your Dreams in a Consumer Culture with Stephanie O'Dea of The Slow Living Podcast”

· The Libby App

· Always Feeling Rushed? The Good Dirt Episode on Time with Mary & Emma

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🌻 About Lady Farmer:

Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

Today's guest is Pamela Tanner Boll who is an artist, filmmaker, writer and activist. She is the Founder and CEO of Mystic Artists Film Productions, joining us to talk about her current project, a film called To Which We Belong which highlights farmers and ranchers leaving behind conventional agriculture and adopting regenerative practices that are improving the health of our soil and sea and saving our planet. Pamela shares with Emma and Mary the misconceptions regarding the climate impact of cattle and the untapped potential of ruminants in climate remediation, the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of every organism on earth, how we as individuals can reduce waste, and ways to foster community in order to better the planet.

Join the Lady Farmer Slow Living Challenge!

Topics Discussed

· Valentine’s Day and Waste

· Interconnectedness of Life

· Connection to the Earth

· Documentary Filmmaking

· Cattle and Their Effect on Climate Change

· Microbes, Fungi, and Bugs

· The Effect of Our Actions on the Planet

· Policy Changes

· Power of Individuals

· Sharing Stories of Sustainability

· Creativity & The Power of Change

· Individualistic Mindset

· The Role of Love in Creating a Better World

· Fixing Earth, not aiming for Mars

· Embracing “Dirty” Aspects of Life

· Supporting Non-profit Organizations

· Gardens

· The Business of Big Agro

· Reversing Soil Erosion

· Where Our Food Comes From

· Seeing the Good

· Being Mindful Consumers

Episode Resources:

· Join the Lady Farmer Slow Living Challenge!

· Slow Living Through the Seasons January

· Watch Allan Savory’s TED Talk “How to green the world's deserts and reverse climate change”

· The Savory Institute

Connect with Pamela Boll:

· Website: https://www.mysticartists.com/about

· Instagram @pamelatannerb: https://www.instagram.com/pamelatannerb/

· Born into Brothels: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388789/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_14_prd

· IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2035066/

· To Which We Belong: https://www.towhichwebelong.com/pamela_tanner_boll

· Who Does She Think She Is: https://www.whodoesshethinksheis.net/pamela_tanner_boll

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🌻 About Lady Farmer:

Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:

• Wendy Gray

Organic Farmer and herbalist Jane Hawley Stevens discovered the magic of natural remedies in her personal life before establishing Four Elements Organic Herbals and developing a complete herbal wellness line. Jane and her husband have a 130 acre farm where they have been certified organic since 1990, and take great care to cultivate their plants sustainably. In her new book “The Celestial Garden” Jane shares the wisdom of planting by the moon and by the zodiac, relying on the earth's natural rhythms for guidance not only in the garden but in so many aspects of life. She explains how the movement of the moon through the constellations of the zodiac provides a detailed calendar of optimal times for planting seeds, roots, and transplants, as well as for pruning, weeding, propagation, harvesting, and even starting new projects or taking a rest. In this conversation, we talk about the different methods and traditions of astrological gardening, the importance of listening to your inner guidance, grounding ourselves in the wisdom of elders and living in harmony with the moon and the Earth.

Topics Discussed

· Introduction and Weather Talk

· Celebrating the Festival of Imbolc and St. Bridget

· St. Bridget's Influence on Lady Farmer

· Jane's Journey into Organic Farming and Herbalism

· Horticulture & The Old Farmer’s Almanac

· Traditional Medicines

· The Story of Finding the Farm

· Exploring Celestial Gardening

· Planting by the Signs

· The Rhythms of Gardening and Life

· Comparing Different Systems of Celestial Gardening

· Adapting to Changing Seasons and Climate

· Winter Activities, Wreath Making, and Holiday Preparations

· Embracing the Non-Gardening Months

· Outdoor Winter Fun

· The Impact of Marketing on Common Sense

· The Importance of Trusting Inner Guidance

· The Shifting Baseline Phenomenon

· The Magic of Plants Choosing You

· The Good Dirt and the Importance of Soil

· Promoting Home Remedies and Reducing Plastic Usage

Episode Resources:

· Listen to The Good Dirt “The History and Folklore of Brigid: Saint, Legend and Lady Farmer with Kathy Spaar”

· Listen to Slow Living Through the Seasons

· Read “The Celestial Garden: Growing Herbs, Vegetables, and Flowers in Sync with the Moon and Zodiac” by Jane Hawley Stevens

· Old Farmer’s Almanac

Connect with Jane Hawley Stevens:

· Website: https://fourelementsherbals.com

· Instagram @fourelementsherbals: https://www.instagram.com/fourelementsherbals/

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🌻 About Lady Farmer:

Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:

• Wendy Gray

Welcome to the cross-quarter between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, a time to celebrate the promise of spring through many cultural traditions. February 1st is the Feast of St Brigid and the Celtic Festival of Imbolc, which overlap with our Groundhog Day and Candlemas, each acknowledging the return of light and life that is beginning for all living things in this hemisphere. As for Gardening by the Signs this month, it's a perfect time for microgreens! Tune in to hear about this easy way to get a jump on growing your own food this season, plus an irresistible Valentine treat from the seasonal kitchen!

Episode Resources

• Some of the linked articles will only be available to current members of The ALMANAC. If you are not currently a member and are interested in subscribing, check out this page for more information.

Chocolate Ganache Brownie Cake

https://lady-farmer.com/blogs/news/6-low-waste-nutrient-dense-valentines-gift-ideas

A Guide to Microgreens

https://lady-farmer.com/blogs/news/a-guide-to-microgreens

Support this podcast and get your own downloadable planting by the moon calendar by becoming a member of The Good Dirt Supporters!

🌻 About Lady Farmer:

• Our Website

• Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram

• Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC

• Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!

Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:

• Wendy Gray

Hustle culture and pressures to accomplish, achieve and produce can result in personal and widespread burnout. Mary and Emma sit down for a deep dive discussion around the idea of "radical rest" and what that might look like in practice. They touch on their personal experiences with rest, acknowledging the exhaustion and burnout many people experience, especially in the wake of a challenging winter season. Together they explore ways to incorporate more resting into daily life through examples of long walks, nourishing food, and intentional, rejuvenating activities. They acknowledge it's not solely about physical rest, but mental and spiritual rest as well. If you've been struggling with rest, this episode will leave you with practical tips to try to incorporate in your daily lives.

Topics Discussed

· The Importance of Rest

· Reflecting on Personal Experiences

· Understanding Radical Rest

· The Intersection of Rest and Social Issues

· The Impact of Culture on Rest

· The Pressure of Productivity

· The Importance of Slowing Down

· Rest and Nature's Rhythms

· Exploring the Nap Ministry and Rest as Resistance

· The Intersection of Rest and Racial Equality

· Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture

· Understanding the 5 Different Types of Resters

· Practicing Radical Rest

· Burnout

· The Effect of the Pandemic

· Working from Home

· Feeling Lazy or Unworthy of Rest

· How Rest Helps Grief

Episode Resources:

· Listen to The Good Dirt “Slow Living Through the Seasons: December”

· Read Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey

· The Nap Ministry

· Read Rest Easy: Discover Calm and Abundance Through the Radical Power of Rest by Ximena Vengoechea

· Read Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May

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🌻 About Lady Farmer:

Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

In this episode, Mary and Emma feature a conversation with Carley Lake and Tanya Dastyar, co-founders of Lucky Sweater, a tech platform designed for a slow fashion community. They share how Lucky Sweater works, allowing users to swap, gift, and trade clothing items, fostering a sustainable and connected community. Carley started out as one of the first 500 employees at Uber before becoming a digital strategist while Tanya was leading product for Microsoft News and Microsoft Managed Desktop before going into freelance Product Design. The conversation outlines the origins and growth of Lucky Sweater and what they are trying to do to combat consumer culture. Carley and Tanya also open up on how they balance work and their personal lives, why they want to shift consumer mentalities towards sustainability, and the impact of technology on our modern lifestyles.

Download Lucky Sweater App here!

Topics Discussed

· Hot Chocolate Recipe

· Being Without Heat

· Slow Fashion

· Environmentally Aware Brands

· Staying Away from Fashion Trends

· Sewers, Crocheters, Knitters, and Crafts

· Fabrics

· Building a Community-Based App

· The Swap Drop

· Shipping & Handling

· The Sell-Resell Market

· Gifting

· Poshmark & the Secondhand Market

· Fast Fashion Trends

· Technology & Social Media

· How Lucky Sweater Makes a Profit

· Amsterdam

· Life’s String of Beads

· The Memories Held in Clothing

· Struggles of Running a Startup

· Exploring the Features and Benefits of Lucky Sweater

Episode Resources:

· Hot Chocolate Recipe

· Rudy Jude Clothing

· Mirrors in the Earth: Reflections on Self-Healing from the Living World by Asia Suler

· Listen to The Good Dirt “Healing Ourselves, Healing the Earth with Asia Suler, Author of ‘Mirrors in the Earth’”

· Light Phone

· “The Artist's Way” by Julia Cameron

Connect with Carley & Tanya:

· Website: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=lucky+sweater&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

· Instagram @lucky.sweater: https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sweater/

· Download the App: Download Lucky Sweater App here!

· TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lucky.sweater?lang=en

· Gift a Sustainer Membership: https://www.luckysweater.com/gift-sustainer

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🌻 About Lady Farmer:

Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

Janna Hockenjos is a long-time listener of the podcast who was so inspired by what The Good Dirt stands for that she created Earth Friends Everywhere, an early education curriculum designed to enrich children’s connection and awareness of nature. Janna has been passionate about the environment every since she was a child, yet her career has taken her in many directions. She has a Masters Degree in Journalism from NYU, is a two-time published author, has owned a yoga studio, and is currently a freelance book editor. Now, as the mother of two children, she has circled back to her fervent passion for the planet and people with Earth Friends. In this conversation, Janna walks us through the conception of her nonprofit, what it’s been like to educate children, and why it is so important to have someone fall in love with the planet early on in life. Janna also shares how she has been impacted by The Good Dirt podcast, and highlights some of her favorite episodes.

Topics Discussed

· 4 Years of the Podcast

· Early Childhood Education

· Where We Live & How We Live

· Changing Careers

· Traumatic Brain Injuries & Yoga

· Foreign Language Study

· Labeling Environmental Education

· Going Back to Basics

· The Language of Environmental Activism

· Compost, Recycling, Landfill, Reuse

· Self-Agency in Kids

· Origin Story of Earth Friends

· Raising Kids in a Sustainable Lifestyle

· Accessibility of Programs to All Kids

· Teaching How Special the Earth Is

· Yamas and Niyamas

· Human Impact

· Falling in Love with the Planet

· Finding Each Child’s Passion in Nature

· Going from Convenience to Connection

· Accessibility

· Fast Fashion

· How The Good Dirt Has Had An Impact

· The Equity Factor

Episode Resources:

· Join Us in The ALMANAC

· Read All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis by Katharine K. Wilkinson and Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

· Read Mirrors in the Earth: Reflections on Self-Healing from the Living World by Asia Suler

· Read Miseducation: How Climate Change Is Taught in America by Katie Worth

· For Days Take Back Bag

· Listen to The Good Dirt “138. The Urgent Need for Restorative Gardening with Mary Reynolds”

· Listen to The Good Dirt “151. "Lawns into Meadows" with Author Owen Wormser on Regenerative Agriculture”

Connect with Janna Hockenjos:

· Website: https://www.jannahockenjos.com/

· Books: https://www.jannahockenjos.com/books

· Instagram @jannacabana: https://www.instagram.com/jannacabana/

· Earth Friends Everywhere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthfriendseverywhere/

· Earth Friends Everywhere Website: https://www.earthfriends.us/

· The Imperfect Green Guide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimperfectgreenguide/?hl=en

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🌻 About Lady Farmer:

Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

Wool is one of the oldest known materials used for textiles. As a renewable resource with a potential for mitigating climate change, we love to highlight wool in our exploration of sustainable living here on this show. Our guest today is Jane Cooper whose passion for knitting led her to search for a rare-breed sheep and their distinctive wool. In her book, “The Lost Flock: Rare Wool, Wild Isles and One Woman's Journey to Save Scotland's Original Sheep”, Jane tells the story of the remarkable and rare little horned sheep, known as the Orkney Boreray, and how she moved to one of Scotland’s wildest islands to save them. Finding she was the sole custodian of this lost flock she began investigating their mysterious and ancient history, tracking down the origins of the Boreray breed and its significance to Scotland's natural heritage.From Viking times to Highland crofts and nefarious research experiments in Edinburgh, this is a so-far untold real-life detective story. Join us as we follow Jane’s journey in securing a future for her beloved sheep, and along the way, how she reveals their deep connection to the Scottish landscape.

Topics Discussed

· The Many Uses of Wool

· Scotland’s Islands & Mainland

· Boreray Sheep

· The Orkney Boreray Community

· Mutton

· Growing Up with a Love of Nature

· Northern European Short-Tailed Sheep

· Life as a Sheep Breeder

· Scottish Sheep Culture: Clothing, Bedding, Milk, Cheese, Sustenance, and Farms

· Rooing Fleece

· The History of Vikings and Sheep (and their Woven Wool Sails)

· The Process of Wool Weaving

· Wool & Felt

· Bast Fibers

· Why Modern Farmers Need to Shear Sheep

· Endangered Sheep Breeds

· Wool Sack for the 20212 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London

· Living on a Scottish Island

· Being a Custodian of the Gene

· Sustainable Fibers

· Living with the Rhythm of the Seasons

· The Highland Clearances of Dunface Sheep

Episode Resources:

· Join Us in The ALMANAC

· Shop Our Wool

· Listen to The Good Dirt "Your Mattress, Your Health: Regenerative Bedding with Holy Lamb Organics' Jason Schaefer”

· Listen to The Good Dirt “A Passion for Wool: What’s Behind a Sustainable Supply Chain with Lani Estill” 

· Listen to The Good Dirt “Regenerative Practices in Textile Production with Jeanne Carver of Shaniko Wool Co.”

· Listen to The Good Dirt “No Fluff: The Inside Info On Wool Insulation with Andrew Legge of Havelock Wool”

· Read Jane Cooper’s “The Lost Flock: Rare Wool, Wild Isles and One Woman's Journey to Save Scotland's Original Sheep”

· Read Charles Darwin’s “The Formation of Vegetable Mould Through the Action of Worms”

· Read Gabe Brown’s “Dirt to Soil: One Family's Journey Into Regenerative Agriculture”

Connect with Jane Cooper:

· Wool Sack Website: http://www.woolsack.org/

· Orkney Boreray Website: https://orkneyboreray.com/

· Instagram @orkneyboreray: https://www.instagram.com/orkneyboreray/

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🌻 About Lady Farmer:

Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

Drywall. Concrete. Limestone. All materials we see in our day-to-day in the buildings we come across and the homes we live in. But did you know that at the core of it all is the element of calcium? Just like the calcium within our bones, the calcium that is extracted from the earth to build homes and skyscrapers is a finite resource that is slowly hurting the soil we all stand in. In this episode, Mary and Emma speak to Korynn Newville, an artist, designer, author, and environmental activist with a Master's in Architecture from the Art Institute of Chicago and a Bachelor of Design from the University of Minnesota. Her thought-provoking book, "Indiscernibile Elements: Calcium", explores the intersection of science, art, design, and nature, urging humans to be more conscious of the natural systems in the built environment. She shares her perspective here — including how architecture can honor the earth, why concrete is a bigger problem than we realize, and how our grief around the Earth's suffering can be directed towards its healing. Korynn will leave you with a new appreciation of the interconnections of all life, by taking us into the world of calcium.

Topics Discussed

• Welcoming 2024 & Celebrating 4 Years of the Podcast

• Reintroducing Ourselves

• What Calcium Can Do

• Green Burials

• How Architecture Can Honor the Earth

• Osteoporosis

• Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

• Artwork & Architectural Design Work

• Environmental Activism & Working in the Corporate World

• Balancing the Housing Issue and Sustainability

• Building Non-Toxic Homes

• Korynn's Dream House

• Bio Retention Areas

• Intentional City Planner

• Why Concrete is a Huge Problem

• Extracting Limestone

• How Drywall is Made

• The Kilning Process

• The Deal with Burying Bones

• Speaking from Calcium's POV

• Discerning Your Wants & Needs

• Grieving Our Earth

Episode Resources:

• Join Us in The ALMANAC 

• Listen to The Good Dirt "Where Nature is Enough: Rethinking Death Practices with Heidi Hannapel of Bluestem Conservation Cemetery"

• Listen to The Good Dirt "Creating Sustainability in the Death Care Industry with Tom Harries of Earth Funeral"

• True Cost Documentary

• Indiscernibile Elements: Calcium by Korynn Newville

• The Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living by Mary Kingsley

Connect with Korynn Newville:

• Website: https://www.newvillekorynn.com/

• IG @kornville https://www.instagram.com/kornville/

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🌻 About Lady Farmer:

• Our Website

• Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram

• Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC

• Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!

Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

🌿 The Good Dirt Producers: Wendy Gray

Have you heard of "Old Christmas?" In this episode, Mary reflects on her Appalachian roots by explaining the origins and traditions of "Old Christmas," a vestige of the the Old World that came to the mountains with the Scots and Irish settlers in centuries past. Also, what does the Planting By the Signs offer us when it's too cold for gardening? Tune in to find out what the moon calendar offers us in January. And in the seasonal kitchen, don't miss the guide to 7 days of delicious, savory "real food" winter meals, with shopping lists and meal food prep included!

7 Days of Savory and Delicious Real Food Winter Meals

Planting By The Signs January Blog

Episode Resources:

• Raising With the Moon: The Complete Guide to Gardening—and Living—by the Signs of the Moon by Taylor Reese and Jack Pyle

• Phil Case from the Facebook Group Planting By the Signs

• Some of the linked articles will only be available to current members of The ALMANAC. If you are not currently a member and are interested in subscribing, check out this page for more information.

Support this podcast and get your own downloadable planting by the moon calendar by becoming a member of The Good Dirt Supporters!

🌻 About Lady Farmer:

• Our Website

• Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram

• Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC

• Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!

Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:

• Wendy Gray