

The Good Dirt: Sustainability Explained
Lady Farmer
Start living more sustainably. The Good Dirt podcast explores all aspects of a sustainable lifestyle with healthy soil as the touchpoint and metaphor for the healing of our relationship with the planet. Mother and daughter team Mary & Emma bring you weekly interviews with farmers, artists, authors, and leaders in the regenerative and sustainable living space.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 24, 2023 • 1h 2min
130. It Starts in the Kitchen: Sustainable Living with Anne-Marie Bonneau of Zero Waste Chef
Our guest today is someone who began her plastic-free journey in her kitchen, and has now become the renowned Zero Waste Chef, Anne-Marie Bonneau! Starting as a Zero Plastic Chef, she took the next step in her sustainability journey and became the Zero Waste Chef working towards producing zero waste in her own kitchen and inspiring others to do the same. She talks about how to shop differently, buy differently, and cook differently to reduce waste in the kitchen!Topics Discussed:
Hugelkultur
Anne Marie’s transition to plastic free
Beginning tips for zero waste
Zero Waste as a goal
Anne Marie’s rhythm with food prep
Fighting Food waste
The idea of convenience contributing to waste
Zero waste can be simple
The attention economy informs our perception of what we can do
Thneeds (from The Lorax by Dr. Suess)
The Good Ancestor
Is there hope for conscious consumerism?
Greta Thunberg
The slow food movement began in Italy
Alton Brown baked beans
Connect with Anne-Marie Bonneau
Instagram: @zerowastechef
Website
Anne-Marie's Book, The Zero Waste Chef
This Episode is Sponsored by Frank and Oak: Frank & OakUse our code "gooddirt30" for $30 off orders over $99 on frankandoak.com!About Lady Farmer:
Our Website
@weareladyfarmer on Instagram
Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC
Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!
Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com
Original music by John Kingsley. Our technical partner for this series is CitizenRacecar, Post-Production by Alex Brouwer and José Miguel Baez, Coordinated by Gabriela Montequin and Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Feb 17, 2023 • 1h 4min
129. Foraging & Feasting: Food, Medicine, and Herbal Healing with Dina Falconi
Meet Dina Falconi, herbalist, teacher, and author, of Feasting and Foraging. In this episode, we hear about her journey toward leading a meaningful, healthy life and finding natural medicine through food. Specializing in permaculture and herbal healing, Dina explores about how we can make changes in our everyday lives to improve our physical, mental, and spiritual health.Topics discussed:
Dina's journey with plants beginning at age 11 in the East Village of NYC
Micky Carter, Dina's early mentor
Worked and studied at an herb company with Pam Montgomery, https://www.wakeuptonature.com/about/
William Lassasier--herbal teacher
Earthy Bodies and Heavenly Hair
Dina's work in the Hudson River Valley, NY creating virtual teachings with her son and filmmaker Sam Falconi
How Dina shares content on digital media without a cellphone
Dina talks about living without a cellphone
Claire Dunn Episode
Dina's clinical herbalist is connected to food activism and foraging
How do city dwellers experience wild foods?
Ecosystem stewardship and land care are big themes for foragers
A discussion about invasives
Mugwort
The process of creating Foraging and Feasting
Wendy Hollender / illustrator for Foraging and Feasting
Plant foraging and healing with herbs as a growing topic of interest/ the "hipster wave"
Knowledgeable foraging can create more biodiversity and abundance in the landscape
Slow living as plant literacy, observing nature's processes
Botanical Arts Press
Dina Falconi's YouTube Channel
In the Wild Kitchen
Connect with Dina Falconi
Instagram @foragingandfeasting
Facebook @ForagingFeasting
Dina's Website, www.botanicalartspress.com
Foraging and Feasting by Dina Falconi, Illustrated by Wendy Hollender
This Episode is Sponsored by Ettitude: ettitude.com/thegooddirt^Use code THEGOODDIRT for $25 off your first order!About Lady Farmer:
Our Website
@weareladyfarmer on Instagram
Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC
Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!
Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com
Original music by John Kingsley. Our technical partner for this series is CitizenRacecar, Post-Production by Alex Brouwer and José Miguel Baez, Coordinated by Gabriela Montequin and Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Feb 10, 2023 • 59min
128. Futuresteading with Jade Miles of Black Barn Farm
Ever dream about moving to a Homestead? In today's episode, we're talking to Jade Miles of Black Barn Farm. Jade is the author of FUTURESTEADING, a practical and inspirational guide to living in a way that values tomorrow and the host of a podcast by the same name. Futuresteading is grounded in a slower, simpler, steadier existence as the first step – one that’s healthier for humans and the planet. In addition, Jade runs Black Barn Farm with her husband and their three children, inspired by their belief in building a localized fair food system.Topics Discussed:
Jade tells us about her background and journey to Black Barn Farm
Jade and her husband Charlie's commitment to land stewardship and local food systems
Experiencing the 2019-2020 fires in Australia
Governmental vs. individual responsibility in addressing the global environmental issues
Diversity and Permaculture at Black Barn Farm as a “beyond organic” orchard, an educational resource, a nursery, a local food provider and a working homestead for Jade and her family
Farm Scale permaculture
Futuresteading is about “...assessing whether or not the decision that you make will have an outcome that is regenerative, sustainable or degenerative.”
Growing Mountain Pepper, an indigenous bush food
Connecting with the indigenous First Nations people of the land
Educational opportunities at Black Barn Farm include school and upskilling workshops
Sustainable Table
Futuresteading the book
Futuresteading the podcast
More information on the indigenous tribes discussed:
Pallanganmiddang people
Pangerang
Learn more about the Mad Agriculture program!More information on StewardCheck out our podcast with Dan Miller and Spike Gjerde of Steward!Connect with Jade:InstagramFacebook This Episode is Sponsored by Ettitude: ettitude.com/thegooddirt^Use code THEGOODDIRT for $25 off your first order!About Lady Farmer:
Our Website
@weareladyfarmer on Instagram
Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC
Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!
Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com
Original music by John Kingsley. Our technical partner for this series is CitizenRacecar, Post-Production by Alex Brouwer and José Miguel Baez, Coordinated by Gabriela Montequin and Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Feb 3, 2023 • 59min
127. Discovering the Roots of Good Health with Lauren Haynes of Wooden Spoon Herbs
Today's discussion is with Lauren Haynes, founder of Wooden Spoon Herbs, a company providing products and education to help you build your routine of herbal support. Lauren's goal is to make earth-grown, time-tested herbal formulas accessible for the health of ourselves and our planet. In this conversation, we discuss Lauren's background in Appalachia and her education as an herbalist, the challenges of regulations around herbal products, educating consumers about product use, and the role of herbalism in healing the broken relationship between humans and earth.Topics Discussed:
Lauren's journey to Wooden Spoon Herbs
How Lauren was first drawn to herbalism
The issue of compliance in the utilization of herbalism
The Appalachian Center for Natural Health
Phyllis D. Light
Green Comfort School of Herbal Medicine
Candice Pert, Your Body is Your Subconscious Mind
Molecules of Emotion
Herbalism is NOT a replacement for professional health care, but it can be a compliment
What is unique about Wooden Spoon Herbs
The challenge of regulations around herbal products and education
The DSHEA Act Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act
Wooden Spoon Herbs sourcing
Lauren's background growing up in Appalachia
Isaias Hernandez @queerbrownvegan
The role of herbalism in healing the broken relationship between humans and earth
How can slow living be accessible to everyone?
Stephanie O'Dea
Jessie Inchauspe @theglucosegoddess
@tartvinegar
Connect with Lauren:
@woodenspoonherbs on Instagram
Wooden Spoon Herbs Website
This Episode is Sponsored by Ettitude: ettitude.com/thegooddirt^Use code THEGOODDIRT for $25 off your first order!About Lady Farmer:
Our Website
@weareladyfarmer on Instagram
Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC
Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!
Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com
Original music by John Kingsley. Our technical partner for this series is CitizenRacecar, Post-Production by Alex Brouwer and José Miguel Baez, Coordinated by Gabriela Montequin and Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jan 31, 2023 • 42min
BONUS: The History and Folklore of Brigid: Saint, Legend and Lady Farmer with Kathy Spaar | Episode 27 Reprise
Today's episode is about Brigid, saint and legend, known for her skills at the hearth, the loom, midwifery, healing, poetry and animal husbandry. Kathy Spaar, spiritual director, pilgrimage leader and nature educator shares many of the folklore and stories of this legendary figure from Celtic tradition. As a figure of feminine wisdom and power who presides over the land and the homestead, we consider Brigid the quintessential Lady Farmer, our guide, protector and inspiration for slow living through the seasons.Intro:Follow Kesslyn @gemwellnessofficial for more about her journey as a midwife and her exploration of St. Brigid.Episode Reprise:
Imbolc is here!
Mary and Emma introduce Kathy and Brigid
Kathy introduces herself
Brigid's Feast Day
Kathy's favorite stories of Brigid
Brigid - the quintessential Lady Farmer
How does Brigid relate to the times we are in now
The most important thing Brigid has taught Kathy
Mentions:The Almanac Brigidine Sisters Children's Book “Brigid’s Cloak: An Ancient Irish Story” by Bruce Milligan. "Symbols of Plenty" by Ruth Bidgood "Rekindling the Flame " by Rita MinehanAbout Lady Farmer:
Our Website
@weareladyfarmer on Instagram
Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC
Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!
Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com
Original music by John Kingsley. Our technical partner for this series is CitizenRacecar, Post-Production by Alex Brouwer and José Miguel Baez, Coordinated by Gabriela Montequin and Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jan 27, 2023 • 1h 8min
126. No Fluff: The Inside Info On Wool Insulation with Andrew Legge of Havelock Wool
Looking for a natural insulation option? Look no further than the world's oldest...wool! In today's episode, Mary & Emma chat with Andrew Legge, founder of Havelock Wool to discuss wool insulation, how it differs from more conventional insulation methods, and why you might want to consider it for your tiny home, van conversion, or even full home renovation!Topics DiscussedJoin the Lady Farmer Slow Living Challenge! (Starts 2.6.23)Interview:
Andrew discusses his background and the path to Havelock Wool
The shift in consumer knowledge and demand for alternative building projects
Wool as a dynamic fiber
The contrast between wool and synthetic fibers as insulation
Design obsolescence, how consumers are conditioned to expect the need to replace products
The power of the consumer in choosing alternatives
Build better, build less, build slower. Don't build space that you don't need
As shelter from the elements, the building's key feature is insulation.
Common sense in the construction industry
If wool is a natural product, why is it more expensive?
Wool insulation manufacturing as a sustainable and low waste process
Embodied vs operational carbon
Biophilic design
Sourcing wool from New Zealand
Why not source the wool in the US or other places?
Havelock as the go-to insulator for van conversions
Connect with Havelock Wool:
Website
Instagram
This Episode is Sponsored by Ettitude: ettitude.com/thegooddirt^Use code THEGOODDIRT for $25 off your first order!About Lady Farmer:
Our Website
@weareladyfarmer on Instagram
Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC
Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!
Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com
Original music by John Kingsley. Our technical partner for this series is CitizenRacecar, Post-Production by Alex Brouwer and José Miguel Baez, Coordinated by Gabriela Montequin and Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jan 20, 2023 • 1h 9min
125. How Smokey the Bear Changed America: The Importance of Grasslands with Kyle Lybarger of The Native Habitat Project
Today's guest is Kyle Lybarger, a forester and conservationist from north Alabama. His passion is identifying, protecting, and managing the overlooked grassland ecosystems in his region and educating the public about the environmental value and climate benefits of these native plants. Most people don't realize that so many of our forested areas were once actually native grasslands that were maintained by the grazing of native animal life and the management practices of the native people. In this conversation, Kyle also explains the importance of fire in land management, both the naturally occurring fires and those that indigenous people practiced to sustain local food systems. Tune in to hear Kyle's take on Smokey the Bear, rewilding and the "no-mow" movement, how our domestic landscape has shifted here in the United States and what we can all do to reinvigorate our land and secure our food system. Topics Discussed:Join the Lady Farmer Slow Living Challenge! (Starts 2.6.23)
How Kyle got to the Native Habitat Project and how that evolved
Grassland ecosystems
The need for education about native plants
The ecological role of grasslands
Why the grasslands have disappeared
Kyle discusses "rewilding"
Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee
The role of burning in maintaining grasslands
How Native Americans utilized the grassland ecosystems
How Smoky the Bear and growing populations changed land management practices
Porter's Goldenrod
Hartselle Sandstone Barren
How Kyle established an outdoor classroom in his hometown
How forestry competes with biodiversity
Grasslands are valuable for sequestering carbon
Birds for Beef
Jenny Harris of White Oak Pastures
Grazing Gone Native with The American Forage Council
Discretionary use of sprays to restore grasslands
Restoring lawns to native habitats for wildlife diversity and for creating reliable food sources
Connect with Kyle:
Native Habitat Project's website
Kyle's FB page, Native Habitat Managers
On Tik Tok @nativeplanttok
On Instagram @nativehabitatproject
The Native Habitat Podcast
This Episode is Sponsored by Havelock Wool: Visit https://havelockwool.com/gooddirt to learn all about wool insulation!About Lady Farmer:
Our Website
@weareladyfarmer on Instagram
Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC
Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!
Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com
Original music by John Kingsley. The Good Dirt podcast is edited and engineered by Aleksandra van der Westhuizen and produced by Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jan 13, 2023 • 1h 2min
124. Exploring Real Life Environmentalism with Julia Blandford of the Seeking Sustainability Podcast
Today's episode is with Julia Blandford, a recent graduate from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Fashion Marketing and Management, and host of the Seeking Sustainability Podcast. Join us for this fun and refreshing conversation with one of the younger voices within our community. Julia identifies herself as on the cusp of the Millennial and Gen Z generations, openly sharing about her passion as a self-proclaimed environmentalist as well as the doubts and frustrations along her own sustainable living journey. We find it hopeful and enlightening to hear how Julia and her contemporaries are approaching the challenges that face us in our world today.Topics Discussed:Join the Lady Farmer Slow Living Challenge! (Starts 2.6.23)
Julia's story as a Gen Z environmentalist
How she started her podcast--Seeking Sustainability
ESG: Environmental Sustainable Governance
Environmentalism in hard times
How Julia's personal struggles informed her environmentalist views
Privilege and sustainability
How Julia felt like she failed at sustainability
There's no formula for what it means to be an environmentalist
Julia's experience with being a vegan
Small steps to getting around degenerative systems
Accountability and empathy
Sustainability and consumerism
Intersectional environmentalism
Cottage core
Gen Z and sustainability
"Trends don't exist outside of social media for my generation."
What does slow living mean outside of social media?
Julia's slow-living stew
Connect with Julia:
On Instagram @seekingsustainability.pod
Seeking Sustainability Podcast
This Episode is Sponsored by Havelock Wool: Visit https://havelockwool.com/gooddirt to learn all about wool insulation!About Lady Farmer:
Our Website
@weareladyfarmer on Instagram
Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC
Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!
Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com
Original music by John Kingsley. The Good Dirt podcast is edited and engineered by Aleksandra van der Westhuizen and produced by Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jan 6, 2023 • 17min
Reprise: Little Christmas and a Story for Epiphany, The Legend of Old Befana
In this episode, Mary and Emma discuss the meaning of January 6th as the Feast of Epiphany. According to the Christian Liturgical Calendar, this day commemorates the three Magi's visit to the scene of the nativity and marks the end of the Christmas season. In the Appalachian tradition, Epiphany was known as "Little Christmas" or "Old Christmas," hearkening back to Old World traditions of extending the Christmas season over 12 days as an extended period of celebration and rest, ending with "Little Christmas" on January 6th. This episode concludes with Mary's telling of an Epiphany story from Italy, the Legend of Old Befana, which is a replay from two years ago.Topics Discussed:
Epiphany
Little Christmas or Old Christmas
The Legend of Old Befana
About Lady Farmer:
Our Website
@weareladyfarmer on Instagram
Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC
Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!
Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com
Original music by John Kingsley. The Good Dirt podcast is edited and engineered by Aleksandra van der Westhuizen and produced by Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 30, 2022 • 26min
123. Year End Review: Mary and Emma Look Back at Top Moments from 2022
Tune in as Mary and Emma each discuss and review their picks for the most impactful episodes from 2022. The year has been so full of fun, informative and inspiring interviews, it's hard to narrow it down, but here are just some of the conversations that stand out as they look back on another year of The Good Dirt.Episodes Discussed:
#101 Andrew Schwartz of EcoCiv
#104 Heidi Barr and Emma DeLong of the PA Flax Project
#80 Lincoln Smith, Forested LLC
#96 Marti Buckley
#88 Rose and Doug Phillips
#110 Stephanie O'Dea
#94 Bex Partridge
#84 Eliza Greenman
About Lady Farmer:
Our Website
@weareladyfarmer on Instagram
Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC
Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!
Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com
Original music by John Kingsley. The Good Dirt podcast is edited and engineered by Aleksandra van der Westhuizen and produced by Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy


