The Good Dirt: Sustainability Explained

This episode initially aired on June 19th, 2021We have a special bonus episode for you this week in celebration of our newest national holiday-- Juneteenth! Mary and Emma reunite with author, historian and farmer Tony Cohen for an exploration into the history of Juneteenth and the holiday’s complex folklore and origins. Tony takes us back in time to examine how this monumental declaration of freedom spread in a variety of ways depending on the geographic, economic and social landscape of the time.Mary, Emma and Tony pause to reflect upon what freedom means and looks like in the modern era and why society continues to resist a hard look at injustice. Tony points to how altering behavior can feel like giving up our own freedoms and comforts and reminds us that the fair trade movement has deeply historic roots. He also reflects upon the transition from enslavement to the tenant farming system and points to how that system affects us still today. The trio grapples with some hard truths about freedom itself and acknowledges the work still left to be done. Tony shares how he celebrates Juneteenth at Button Farm and rejoices in community as he reflects upon the precious ability to gather and take new found enthusiasm into the world. Let’s get into the episode:1:30 - Emma introduces this week’s special episode3:00 - Tony Cohen on the history of Juneteenth15:00 - The transition into freedom20:00 - The shift to “waged” labor and the evolution of slavery28:00 - Fair trade31:00 - Local emancipation41:00 - Celebrating Juneteenth42:30 - The happenings at Button Farm48:00 - Creating Community Things Mentioned: Button FarmOprah’s visit The Menare FoundationHipCamp - Camp at Button Farm Anthony CohenThe Good Dirt - Episode 31 The AG Reserve - Montgomery County The Underground railroad in Montgomery County, Maryland: A history and driving guideJuneteenth becomes a federal holiday Lift Every Voice and SingDC Emancipation Day Montgomery County Historical Society 13th Amendment 14th Amendment15th AmendmentStay in touch & keep the conversation going:Have thoughts on this episode? A question for Mary and Emma? We'd love to hear from you — send us a message at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail at 443-459-1950. Tell us what the good dirt means to you.And stay tuned — Jill and Mary and Emma have so much more to explore together. Part Two is coming.🌻 About Lady Farmer:Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & CommunityVisit Our WebsiteFollow @weareladyfarmer on InstagramEmail us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com 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 Lady Farmer. The Good Dirt podcast is proudly part of the Connectd Podcasts network.🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:Wendy GrayAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Corinna Wood, a visionary teacher of women's wisdom, discusses her thirty year career with herbalism, teaching, and community building--all while embracing an earth-based, woman-centered approach to women's inner growth and healing. Corinna reflects on her early influences in herbal medicine and wise woman ways, her experiences founding the Southeast Wise Women Herbal Conference, her contributions to herbal medicine through Red Moon Herbs and her current work supporting women on their own healing journeys.00:00 Introduction to Radical Self-Care00:30 Catching Up with Emma01:13 The Evolution of Air Conditioning03:08 Reflecting on Hot Summers05:32 The Impact of Climate Change05:57 The History of Freezers and Ice08:20 Appreciating Agricultural Workers08:56 Introducing Corinna Wood10:31 Corinna's Journey into Herbal Medicine17:12 Founding the Southeast Wise Women Herbal Conference23:09 Memorable Moments at the Conference27:15 The Wise Woman Needs Wheel29:14 Teaching Tools for Inner Growth30:04 Introduction to the Wise Woman Needs Wheel31:55 Seasonal Needs and Human Connection38:30 Rituals and Herbal Practices42:59 The Journey of Red Moon Herbs47:29 Current Programs and Teachings51:13 Addressing the 'Not Enough' Belief55:18 Healing Through Earth-Based Practices01:00:57 Embracing Slow Living and Cycles01:06:17 Final Thoughts and Resources━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🌻 About Lady Farmer:Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & CommunityVisit Our WebsiteFollow @weareladyfarmer on InstagramEmail us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com 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 Lady Farmer. The Good Dirt podcast is proudly part of the Connectd Podcasts network. 🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:• Wendy GrayAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This bonus episode originally aired on June 19th, 2021We have a special bonus episode for you this week in celebration of our newest national holiday-- Juneteenth! Mary and Emma reunite with author, historian and farmer Tony Cohen for an exploration into the history of Juneteenth and the holiday’s complex folklore and origins. Tony takes us back in time to examine how this monumental declaration of freedom spread in a variety of ways depending on the geographic, economic and social landscape of the time.Mary, Emma and Tony pause to reflect upon what freedom means and looks like in the modern era and why society continues to resist a hard look at injustice. Tony points to how altering behavior can feel like giving up our own freedoms and comforts and reminds us that the fair trade movement has deeply historic roots. He also reflects upon the transition from enslavement to the tenant farming system and points to how that system affects us still today. The trio grapples with some hard truths about freedom itself and acknowledges the work still left to be done. Tony shares how he celebrates Juneteenth at Button Farm and rejoices in community as he reflects upon the precious ability to gather and take new found enthusiasm into the world. Let’s get into the episode:1:30 - Emma introduces this week’s special episode3:00 - Tony Cohen on the history of Juneteenth15:00 - The transition into freedom20:00 - The shift to “waged” labor and the evolution of slavery28:00 - Fair trade31:00 - Local emancipation41:00 - Celebrating Juneteenth42:30 - The happenings at Button Farm48:00 - Creating Community Things Mentioned: Button FarmOprah’s visit The Menare FoundationHipCamp - Camp at Button Farm Anthony CohenThe Good Dirt - Episode 31 The AG Reserve - Montgomery County The Underground railroad in Montgomery County, Maryland: A history and driving guideJuneteenth becomes a federal holiday Lift Every Voice and SingDC Emancipation Day Montgomery County Historical Society 13th Amendment 14th Amendment15th Amendment🌻 About Lady Farmer:· Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & Community· Visit Our WebsiteThe Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living· Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram· Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com 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 GrayRead lessAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Good Dirt Podcast, we delve into the profound connections between spirituality, ecology, and our natural world with Leah Rampy and Beth Norcross, co-authors of 'Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees.' The discussion explores how trees can teach us about relationships, gratitude, reciprocity, and resilience. The authors share personal experiences and practices for deepening our connection to nature and discuss the importance of understanding and preserving our natural ecosystems. They also touch on the environmental and emotional impacts of deforestation, the significance of native versus invasive species, and how small personal actions can contribute to ecological and spiritual wellbeing. The episode invites listeners to slow down, observe, and embrace a deeper harmony with the natural world.00:00 Introduction to the Hidden World Beneath Our Feet00:31 Welcoming June and Embracing Slow Living02:49 Introducing Leah Rampy and Beth Norcross04:17 Beth Norcross: From Politics to Spiritual Ecology06:10 Leah Rampy: A Journey of Ecology and Spirituality07:04 The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees Course and Book11:58 The Importance of Connection and Kinship with Nature19:20 Language and Reciprocity in Our Relationship with Nature38:53 Introduction to Personal Reflections39:52 Shifting Perspectives on Invasive Species47:31 The Complexity of Tree Replacement51:20 Understanding Tree Sentience54:48 The Concept of Teacher Trees58:50 Reflections on Slow Living01:03:45 The Importance of Good Dirt01:09:07 Final Thoughts and Hope for the Future ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🌻 About Lady Farmer:Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & CommunityVisit Our WebsiteFollow @weareladyfarmer on InstagramEmail us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com 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 Lady Farmer. The Good Dirt podcast is proudly part of the Connectd Podcasts network. 🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:• Wendy GrayAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode delves into the journey of Paula Whyman, author of Bad Naturalist: One Woman's Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop. Paula discusses her transformation from a nature enthusiast to a dedicated ecological restorer. The conversation touches on the diverse challenges and rewarding experiences of managing invasive species, the necessity of well-considered ecological interventions, and the intricate balance required to support native plants and wildlife. Through her personal anecdotes and expert insights, Paula illustrates the importance of connecting with nature right where you are and the impact of slow, deliberate efforts in ecological restoration.00:00 Discovering Nature Close to Home01:30 Traveling with a Baby: Tips and Experiences04:19 Gardening Adventures and Native Landscaping05:29 The Irony of Mowing Less07:54 Introducing Paula Wyman and Her Book09:35 Paula Whyman's Journey to Becoming a 'Bad Naturalist'10:34 Challenges and Rewards of Land Restoration24:46 The Importance of Native Plants and Ecological Balance33:55 Invasive Species Statistics35:09 Tree of Heaven: A Persistent Problem39:10 Spotted Lantern Fly Invasion40:15 The Origin and Spread of Tree of Heaven42:49 Autumn Olive: A Regrettable Introduction45:45 Challenges with Multiflora Rose48:20 The Importance of Native Plants50:13 Creating Habitats for Declining Bird Species52:07 The Concept of Slow Living01:00:08 The Good Dirt: Restoring Soil Health01:01:04 Ongoing Projects and Future Plans01:03:06 Final Thoughts and ResourcesResources:Paula Whyman's Website Bad NaturalistWilding by Isabella TreeNature's Best Hope by Doug Tallamy━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🌻 About Lady Farmer:Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & CommunityVisit Our WebsiteFollow @weareladyfarmer on InstagramEmail us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com 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 Lady Farmer. The Good Dirt podcast is proudly part of the Connectd Podcasts network. 🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:• Wendy GrayAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode delves into the evolving art of ecological gardening and landscaping with Edwina von Gal, founder of the Perfect Earth Project. Edwina shares her journey from traditional landscape design to championing nature-based solutions, recounting her 'aha' moment with chemical-free gardening. The conversation broadens to discuss the cultural shifts in gardening aesthetics and the move towards living lands. Key topics include challenges and strategies for managing meadows and various invasive plants without chemicals, and the importance of community and professional education in ecological landscaping. Edwina also highlights upcoming events and resources offered by the Perfect Earth Project to support ecological land care.00:00 Introduction to Gardening Philosophy01:36 Exciting Symposium on Invasive Plants at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture02:36 Understanding Restorative Landscaping06:14 Meet Edwina von Gal: Landscape Designer09:07 The Evolution of Gardening Practices13:05 Challenges and Realizations in Eco-Friendly Gardening16:39 Rewilding and Partnering with Nature29:25 Closing the Loop: Sustainable Gardening Practices34:48 Sustainable Seaweed Harvesting35:15 The Importance of Natural Leaf Decomposition36:23 Understanding Land Succession37:11 Maintaining Open Spaces39:10 Managing Invasive Species39:42 Effective Mugwort Control Techniques42:39 Event Announcement: Managing Meadows Symposium46:17 Perfect Earth Project Initiatives50:58 The Therapeutic Value of Gardening53:07 Embracing Slow Gardening55:28 Cultural Expectations and Natural Gardens59:01 The Future of Sustainable LandscapingThe Perfect Earth ProjectDoug Tallamy Nature’s Best Hope by Doug TallamyDiscovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees by Beth Norcross and Leah RampyWilding: Returning Nature to our Farm by Isabella TreeWe Are the Ark by Mary ReynoldsBad Naturalist by Paula WhymanCarbon: The Book of LIfe by Paul Hawken━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🌻 About Lady Farmer:Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & CommunityVisit Our WebsiteFollow @weareladyfarmer on InstagramEmail us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com 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 Lady Farmer. The Good Dirt podcast is proudly part of the Connectd Podcasts network. 🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:• Wendy GrayAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Good Dirt Podcast, Mary & Emma discuss Fashion Revolution Week and its significance, referencing the Rana Plaza disaster as a catalyst for the movement.The episode features Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, who discusses the impact of fast fashion on the environment, her advocacy for slow fashion, and the creation of the Congressional Slow Fashion Caucus. Chellie delves into her personal journey from local government to Congress, highlighting her efforts in sustainable and organic farming. The conversation explores bipartisan efforts to address environmental issues, the importance of soil health, and Pingree’s ongoing initiatives to promote sustainable practices in fashion and agriculture.00:00 Introduction to Fashion Waste01:30 Welcome to the Good Dirt Podcast01:35 Fashion Revolution Week02:33 Lady Farmer's Journey03:49 Introducing Shelly Pingree06:40 Shelly Pingree’s Background15:08 The Slow Fashion Movement22:03 The Role of Congressional Caucuses28:30 Bipartisanship in Sustainable Policies34:05 Shelly Pingree’s Farm and Regenerative Practices37:46 Closing Remarks and Contact InformationFoxfireThe Good Life by Helen and Scott NearingDC Climate Week-April 28th-May 2nd, 2025━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🌻 About Lady Farmer:Subscribe to The ALMANAC, a Lady Farmer Newsletter & CommunityVisit Our WebsiteFollow @weareladyfarmer on InstagramEmail us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com 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 Mary & Emma KingsleyThe Good Dirt podcast is proudly part of the Connectd Podcasts network. 🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:• Wendy GrayAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy