This week we spoke with historian, nonprofit founder, and author Tony Cohen, who operates Button Farm, Maryland’s only living history center depicting 19th-century slave plantation life and the heroic story of the Underground Railroad. Tony has dedicated his studies and work to preserving the Underground Railroad’s history, historic sites and environments. In this episode, he shares with us stories of his own travels along the Un...
Mary and Emma chat with Farai Harreld, an herbalist and writer known as the Hillbilly African, who takes inspiration from both her African and rural American roots. Farai grew up in Botswana and came to America to go to college, where she encountered the challenges of an entirely different culture. Her journey into herbalism began as a struggle with her hair, and led her into a deeper knowledge of plants as a source of healing and ...
Mary and Emma chat with Alissa Hessler, creator of Urban Exodus, a project highlighting people from a variety of backgrounds who have made the switch from urban to rural living. Alissa tells the story of her own life transformation, from chasing the career and paycheck to creating a more intentional life and more meaningful work in a rural setting. The message is not that you have to move to the country to have the life you desire...
In this special live episode, Mary and Emma talk with Ellen Polishuk, an organic vegetable farmer for 25 years and now a teacher and consultant for those in the farming business. Ellen speaks from years of experience as both a grower and a consumer on food sustainability, including topics such as organic certification, composting, GMO's, soil basics, eating locally, community supported agriculture and the potential for a wor...
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 ...
Mary and Emma talk with Militza Maury, the creator of Little Green Dot, an educational space dedicated to natural skincare. In a world where the beauty industry is so often urging us to consume, Militza urges us to take a step back and consider not only what it is we are putting on our skin, but the messages we're getting about why we need all of these products. Combining her love of herbalism and cooking with her fascination w...
Mary and Emma sit down with Kip and Angelique, the founders of Smarter by Nature - an urban and rural farming business serving the community in Tallahassee, Florida. Their goal is to provide fresh produce and opportunities for economic sustainability through education as well as to take care of the soil and protect the natural environment. Kip and Angelique share their challenges, methods and aspirations for the future.
1:30 - Catc...
Mary and Emma sit down with Eric Henry from TS Designs who has been navigating sustainability through the fashion industry for the past 40 years. Henry discusses the effects of NAFTA on TS Designs and the process of rebuilding his business with the triple bottom line - People, Planet, Profit - in the forefront of operations. Eric pushes you to think about the impact of the goods you consume and the places you spend your money while...
Mary welcomes in the New Year by sharing the story of Old Befana, a tale for Epiphany. However you're celebrating this year, we hope that this story brings you joy and light!
Mary and Emma sit down with Bridget Jones from Wildberry Farm. Bridget discusses how she and her husband Matt are keeping the family farm going by combining their marketing and graphic design backgrounds with traditional farming and agritourism. Agritourism provides innovative and creative experiences that bring visitors to the farm, and offers opportunities for the the community to come together. In this digital age, Bridget and M...
Mary and Emma sit down to reflect on this past year of Lady Farmer - discussing their growth during the difficult year that was 2020. With the holidays around the corner, there’s a lot to think about. Mary and Emma share their tips to help balance your time when things may seem to be out of your control. From gift-giving to decorating to making time to connect with nature and getting plenty of rest, slowing down to make your own ...
On this special, live episode, Mary and Emma talk with Natalie Chanin, the founder and creative director of Alabama Chanin, about sustainability in the clothing industry. Natalie shares with us how difficult it is to maintain a small business that has grown into something much bigger and the conversations she has to endure to create balance.
11:00 - An introduction to Natalie and the trajectory of her career
14:40 - Natalie’s documen...
Mary and Emma sit down with Jason from Holy Lamb Organics to discuss all things natural bedding. Jason talks us through the processing as well as the certifications and requirements the wool that is used for HLO must go through before it is used. The mattress industry is a 9 billion dollar industry and the majority of the companies produce a ton of waste and use a plethora of chemicals. Learn why better products cost more money and...
Mary and Emma sit down with one another at the farm to chat a bit about how Mary got started on her journey as a Lady Farmer. Anyone, anywhere can achieve a slower, more sustainable lifestyle, as it is an ongoing evolution - grounded in the decisions you make everyday. Mary discusses her love for the outdoors, the animals she has on the farm and how life in the city made her long for a farmhouse of her own.
1:20 - Emma introduces wh...
Mary and Emma sit down with Elana Jadallah (@elanaloo), a photographer, educator, marketing strategist and environmental advocate. From her time spent living in Hawaii, Elana eloquently shares her journey through raising awareness of the plastic pollution affecting our oceans through the awakening of the truth of her own contributions. Elena encourages listeners to realize that although you may be part of the problem, you can a...
Mary and Emma sit down with Julian, the Director of ANIMA Casa Rural - a B&B, artist residency and working farm located in the municipality of Tala in Jalisco, Mexico. ANIMA offers a space that emphasizes the importance of working with nature as opposed to against it. Through permaculture, Julian and his family’s shared ecological beliefs/practices, and focus on the elimination of processed foods, Julian wishes to create a work...
Lady Farmer sits down with Christine and Anca, the duo behind the Huckle & Goose cookbook and meal planning program, to talk about what it really means to cook, eat, and live seasonally. Their book is designed to speak to even the most intimidated home cooks, and the habit-forming plans and recipes that they offer make space for true transformation in your life. Scroll down to view notes by timestamp, and links to all the resou...