Dean Petty’s philosophy of riding life in the direction it’s going serves as the core of his conversation on the podcast. With insights drawn from his father’s wisdom and his own experiences, Dean delves into his passion for surfing and building, particularly the iconic ‘Bueno Barn’ he constructed on his oceanfront property in Cow Bay, Nova Scotia. The conversation sheds light on Dean’s values of craftsmanship, the role of mistakes in learning, and the therapeutic impact of manual labor. His dedication to creating with purpose and finding joy in every piece of the process speaks to a broader ethos of living authentically.

Hey! It is our second week of Wednesdays with Wendell.

Sorry about the sound quality!

Peter Reek joins the Practice People podcast to discuss his approach to midlife transition, drawing from his book 'Shift: Seven Mindsets for an Inspired Midlife.' He emphasizes the significance of mindsets and the role of inquisitive questioning in fostering personal growth. By drawing from his life experiences and coaching practices, Peter illustrates how embracing curiosity and intention can yield profound changes without needing a complete life overhaul. Listeners are invited to explore questions that bring them closer to their true selves, celebrating progress in small steps – from walking, to journaling, to self-inquiry  – and thus transforming their midlife journey.

Peter leaves us with this question to ask ourselves and consider...If I was willing to let go of X, X could be waiting for me.

In the inaugural episode of 'Wednesdays with Wendell,' I begin our journey of sharing the wisdom of poet, authour, and farmer Wendell Berry. The episode features a reading of Berry's popular poem, 'Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front,' emphasizing the need for people to find wisdom in nature and question societal norms. 

I have always loved the way this poem encourages us to embrace actions that defy conventional logic, to love unconditionally, and value the seemingly unimportant. 

So, in the pursuit of peace let's make more tracks than necessary. Some in the wrong direction.

Be well!

Anna Hunter has long been someone I hold deep respect for. She is an authour, farmer, mother, spouse, and community activist. Based in Manitoba, Anna and her family are knitting an inspiring and challenging story. Their farm, Long Way Homestead serves not only as a farm but as a platform for education and change. Through her personal journey from climate activist to a first-generation sheep farmer, Anna connects us with the origins of wool. She addresses crucial topics such as economics, climate change, and colonization, using her farm and writing to engage a wider audience. By drawing parallels between textiles and environmental sustainability, she inspires a reevaluation of our consumption habits, advocating for wool as a key player in building a more regenerative future.

In this episode of the Practice People Podcast, Jess Janz, writer, community facilitator, and the creator of Dinner With Strangers, talks about her journey and the practices that ground her. Jess shares insights into her creative process, emphasizing the importance of finding truth in writing. Jess discusses the significance of her journaling routine as a vital tool for centering herself amidst the busyness of life, providing a candid perspective on balancing creativity and existential musings as she works on various projects including crafting poetry and hosting unique events.

And get excited! Jess has an upcoming book, The Table Where We Meet, due out early in 2026.

You can learn more about Jess on Instagram at @jessjanz or on the web at https://www.jessjanz.com/

Go learn more about her events at https://www.with-strangers.co/

And find her writing at https://substack.com/@jessjanz

The Practice People Podcast, hosted by Mike Janz, challenges the age-old adage 'practice makes perfect.' Instead, it delves into the idea that practice can make us better, more present, and more congruent. Through engaging conversations with a diverse array of guests, including poets, surfers, makers and mystics, the podcast explores various practices that underpin how we engage with life. These discussions aim to make us more authentic and content in our roles, whether as friends, partners, or workers. While there’s no ultimate endpoint, the journey promises growth and deeper connections with ourselves and others.

I promise you, these conversations won't be perfect AND they will be good.

https://www.instagram.com/thepracticepeople/