All Around Growth

September 1st marks the Ecclesiastical New Year in the Orthodox Church, a date rich with spiritual, historical, and environmental significance. In this episode, host Rob Kaiser explores the Feast of the Indiction, as established by the First Ecumenical Council in 325 AD, and its connection to ancient Roman taxation cycles, Hebrew traditions, and the beginning of Christ's public ministry.

Rob also dives into:

• 📜 The liturgica...

The Dormition of the Theotokos marks Mary's death, resurrection, and glorification—a feast of hope, victory, and deep Orthodox meaning.

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📝 Full Episode Summary:

In this episode, All Around Growth takes a powerful turn toward Orthodox Christian life with a deep dive into the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, celebrated each year on August 15. Rob walks us through the theological depth and spiritual meani...

Rob recaps the July Patreon call, shares his engagement news, and reveals a major shift in podcast focus—from homesteading to Orthodox Christian living.

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📝 Full Episode Summary:

 In this solo episode, Rob returns to the mic with big updates and a raw, honest look at where the podcast—and his life—are headed. 

 First, he offers a recap of the July Patreon Community Call, hosted with Kyriaki. While the June Patreon Zo...

In this episode of All Around Growth, host Rob Kaiser shares insights from the latest Patreon-exclusive video call, covering topics like AI in communication, real estate challenges, financial planning, and family dynamics.  The call also covered how AI tools can enhance productivity, the balance between business efficiency and personal life, and innovative ways to monetize family assets.

Rob also reflects on his personal journey wit...

Welcome to the first episode of All Around Growth in 2025! Season 6 kicks off with a heartfelt reflection on the past few weeks and a glimpse into life at York Meadow Farm. From preparing for a traditional Orthodox house blessing after Theophany to the simple yet transformative act of cleaning and organizing, this episode dives into the personal growth and new beginnings shaping the year ahead.

Host Rob Kaiser also shares updates on...

In this first episode of 2025, host Rob shares an intense personal story about how a routine day of errands took a wild and unexpected turn. From preparing a delivery for Keller Café and Bistro to being held at taser point by local law enforcement, Rob recounts how a sudden seizure led to a series of confusing events involving neighbors, sheriff’s deputies, and an unexpected trip to the emergency room.

This candid episode delves int...

Welcome to this special episode of the All Around Growth podcast. As we enter the Nativity Fast, a sacred season of spiritual preparation, reflection, and renewal, we’ll be taking a brief hiatus from regular podcast recordings. Today’s episode centers around an article by Fr. Steven Kostoff, "Acedia, Us, and Our Lenten Effort." Although written with Great Lent in mind, the insights into acedia—a spiritual affliction akin ...

In today’s episode, we dive into the life and legacy of Saint John Chrysostom, one of the most eloquent and influential Early Church Fathers. From his humble beginnings to his impactful sermons, we’ll explore why he’s celebrated as “Chrysostom” or “golden-mouthed” and discuss his contributions, like the Divine Liturgy that continues to shape Christian worship today.

Topics of Discussion:

• Early Life and Rise to Archbishop of Const...

In this episode, we’re diving into a practical project that can make a big difference in organizing your workspace: easy-to-build shelving suitable for your garage, barn, or outbuildings. Using basic materials—2x3" lumber and 4x8' sheets of plywood—this sturdy and affordable shelving setup requires minimal cuts and produces little waste, resulting in a highly efficient solution.

We’ll go through the construction process, s...

In today’s episode, we dive into the not-so-glamorous but necessary task of renting a dumpster to help us clean up and demolish an old trailer that had been used as a "business office" by our tenant farmer. This project is part of the ongoing efforts here at York Meadow Farm, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the endeavor!

Using some helpful talking points from a local waste & recycling company guide on dumpster ren...

In today’s episode of All Around Growth, we’re diving into the exciting details of our first property walk that took place last Friday, October 11, 2024. We’ll be receiving a full report soon and will use this data alongside consultations with other permaculture experts to shape the future of York Meadow Farm. For full access to the report and exclusive insights, Patreon subscribers will be the first to receive all the detailed inf...

Episode Summary: In this episode, we provide a homestead update from York Meadow Farm, covering recent changes and exciting developments. We recap our search for a permaculture designer, website and social media updates, and opportunities for tenant farmers. We also celebrate record-breaking sales at the Medina Fall Fest and share details about the "Stock-Up Saturday" market closeout, plus a special community harvest dinn...

In this episode of All Around Growth, we take you through our ongoing journey at York Meadow Farm as we search for the perfect permaculture designer to help bring our vision to life. We explore what permaculture is, how it differs from regenerative agriculture, and why these practices are crucial for sustainable farming.

You'll hear about the four designers and firms we've connected with so far, the challenges of aligning ...

In today’s episode, we draw a lighthearted comparison between this podcast and Seinfeld—the show famously about "nothing." I share the inspiration behind this podcast, including insights from one of the most influential content creators who has shaped my journey over the past 14 years, pushing me to become more of a creator than a consumer. As I continue to "figure out what I want to do," this podcast has evolve...

 In Season 5, Episode 14, we explore the Bible.com app, a versatile tool designed to enhance your spiritual journey. We take a closer look at its key features, with a special emphasis on the Bible study plans. Discover how these plans can be used in group settings or with a partner to foster deeper connections and meaningful discussions. Whether you're new to the app or a long-time user, this episode offers insights into makin...

In this episode, we reflect on the powerful storms that swept through Northeast Ohio on August 6, 2024, leaving thousands without power. I'll share how these unexpected events led to some surprising but welcome houseguests who stayed with us for a week while they waited for power to be restored. We’ll dive into the importance of being prepared for such emergencies—especially if you rely on freezers full of meat or other perish...

In today’s episode, we chronologically revisit the past few months, diving into requested topics and personal reflections.

Key Topics Covered:

• Listener Engagement:
  • Share your topic suggestions for future episodes. Your input is highly valued.
• Personal Stories:
  • The story of my friend John: a nickname he gave me, his passing, and the loss of another community friend.
  • Reflections on death, rebirth, and change.
• Feast of ...

Join us for a poignant episode as we dive into the profound significance of Forgiveness Sunday and the Rite of Forgiveness in the Orthodox Church, marking the beginning of Great Lent.  In a heartfelt announcement, I share my decision to depart from the podcast and social media for the duration of this sacred season, seeking introspection and spiritual renewal.  

Throughout this episode, we explore the essence of forgivenes...

Join us as we discuss into the intersection of neurological and business health and wellness, exploring strategies for navigating both realms.  Today, we explore the journey of mental reintegration following a recent spiritual retreat, delving into practical steps to re-engage with the world and foster personal and business growth. 

A heartfelt thank you to our Patreon supporters Wayne, Sean, Kyriaki, Rachel, and Brian, w...