Tea for the Tillerman - Michael D. Ham
From Chatter that Matters by Tony Chapman
April 23, 2026 · 30 min · Season 4 · Episode 293
About this episode
A conversation with Michael D. Ham about purpose, resilience, and building a meaningful business in harmony with nature.
I borrowed the title of this episode from Cat Stevens, and you will soon see why. To Cat Stevens, Tillerman represented, "the man of the Earth," working to make things on this planet. And Tea, well, my guest knows tea. In honour of Earth Day, I sit down with Michael Don Ham, entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and co-founder of Wild Orchard Teas, for a beautiful conversation about purpose, resilience, and what it really means to build a business that matters. A business in constant conversation with Mother Nature. From the son of immigrants to a teacher to arriving in New York just before 9/11, to finding his passion in regenerative farming, clean air, and human health. Michael's journey is anything but conventional. But what ties it all together is a higher calling: to help people live healthier, more connected, more meaningful lives. This is a conversation about longevity, leadership, and the courage to choose purpose over quick profit. It is also a reminder that in a world moving too fast, slowing down, sharing time with others, and building with intention may be exactly what matters most. Enjoy Michael's words of wisdom over a cup of Tea.
People in this episode
Host: Tony Chapman
Guest: Michael D. Ham
Topics covered
- entrepreneurship
- wellness
- regenerative farming
- business purpose
- Earth Day
- leadership
- human health
Keywords
- Michael D. Ham
- Cat Stevens
- Wild Orchard Teas
- Earth Day
- regenerative farming
- wellness
- business purpose
- leadership
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Wild Orchard Teas
Books & works: Tea for the Tillerman
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