Grounded in Maine – Details, episodes & analysis

When I was approached by Brett Aldrich's team, I wasn't quite sure how the conversation would go - if it would be something you would be interested in; but maybe this convo was more for me than you? I booked a visit with her, at least! You'll hear me fumble my way around what I thought Ayurveda was (clearly I'm wrong), but Brett's practice is absolutely fascinating to me! Did you know about Ayurveda before today?

Brett's practice is located in Maine, but she offers virtual visits as well, which is how my appointment will be the day before this airs! She touched on the topic of elements, which I've never heard of (not like the table of elements), and I had too many questions to let it go - so I've got an hour and 1/2 with her to get caught up. To quote Brett: "Just as the earth is made up of natural elements, so are we." She also said this: "sustainability begins within ourselves."

My takeaway: what we take into our bodies matters - it either helps or hinders, and if we understand that and take notice of our body's response, we may just have an easier go of life. That's not really new info to me, but the delivery was everything to me. I'm so looking forward to some extra time with Brett and learn about my elements, and how to live better with that info! I hope you learned something new in this conversation, too!

You can find all things Brett here: https://seedthespirit.com/

She's on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/p/Seed-The-Spirit-LLC-61575858674934/

Send me a message!

Support the show

Please follow Grounded In Maine podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel link is here
You can DM me there or email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com
Website for Amy's Garden Jam is https://amysgardenjam.com/ (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: https://amy-fagan.kit.com/499688fe6a

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - listen to more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more at https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1851361

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

I was first introduced to Clara Schroeder through recent podcast guest Brittany Hansen, knowing that I would love talking with Clara - I'm super grateful to Brittany for that!

Clara is an Eco Therapist who has been working with big companies like Microsoft, Women in Cloud, Aura, and Insight Timer, and more. Clara recently published ReNature: How Nature Helps Us Feel better and Do Better, and she's here to talk about that, and about what EcoTherapy is. Her goal is to help people to deepen the connection to the natural world so they can find well being, hope and resilience. 

One of the things Clara said was "When you love and care for yourself with intention and sustainable action, you are loving and caring for the earth." And to quote another recent podcast guest Vince Aiello, "We are nature," so that makes so much sense, right?

I loved getting to talk with Clara - I hope you enjoy it, too!

You can find all things Clara here: https://www.claraschroeder.com/

She's also on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/livingwithclarity/

She's on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clara-schroeder-ma/

Send me a message!

Support the show

Please follow Grounded In Maine podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel link is here
You can DM me there or email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com
Website for Amy's Garden Jam is https://amysgardenjam.com/ (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: https://amy-fagan.kit.com/499688fe6a

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - listen to more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more at https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1851361

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

I learned a lot about wardrobe management in this conversation with Julia Dietmar! I had a totally different idea of what Open Wardrobe was going into this convo, but she set me straight. There are so many ways to use Open Wardrobe, developed by Julia. Her goal is to cut down on overconsumption of clothes by digitizing, which is very cool! you have your entire wardrobe handy, so when you go shopping, you already know you have 4 white tops and 3 pair of black pants, etc. OR you can pull up your wardrobe if you're shopping to see how a new red top would fit in - how many combos you can make, to make it feel worthwhile... There's also an option to get your fave clothing items REPAIRED!

The last company Julia worked with is called ThredUp; it's an online consignment and thrift store where you can buy and sell high-quality secondhand clothes. But she started in software programming, and just always loved fashion, so she's combined the two, which is brilliant! Julia's aim with Open Wardrobe is to empower fashion consumers with mindful dressing, and I'm here for that!

Julia is offering a 30% discount for my listeners when you set up an account with Open Wardrobe - just  enter code Grounded

You can find Julia and Open Wardrobe here: https://www.openwardrobe.co/

Julia's also on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/openwardrobeofficial/

And on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/openwardrobeofficial/

Send me a message!

Support the show

Please follow Grounded In Maine podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel link is here
You can DM me there or email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com
Website for Amy's Garden Jam is https://amysgardenjam.com/ (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: https://amy-fagan.kit.com/499688fe6a

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - listen to more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more at https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1851361

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

I met Ben Whatley officially in 2020, just as the Covid Pandemic was ramping up, and, as a farmer, Ben was reserving time at the commercial kitchen I used for my jam business, and was asked to help rent out, so we talked - and he was SO cool. So much to share, and so much knowledge and passion for caring for the earth he was responsible for. I felt that instantly, and he was one of my first thoughts when starting this podcast, because he is so open about a lot of things.

Let me tell you I learned a LOT in this conversation! I had no idea how much Ben would share, and how cool of a story he had! Languages, car breaking down, crop failure, but also tons of great wins - he's had some of his employees for years! They have a great attitude toward crap weather. He has 2 cutie baby kids (I found out about # 2 just before recording - he's 11 weeks old!), and a beautiful life partner, and supportive family.

So many things inspire me about Ben and his farming practices - I'll let him tell them over these 2 episodes, but one of my favorite things if their dedication to use less plastic  - and that they have Anna, who loves trying out recipes with the produce and sharing (we'll talk about it in the 2nd episode), but also how the farmers in Maine all share info and help each other out with new ideas and tips to get past hurdles - for instance, this past summer's deluge of rain...

So many topics discussed - don't miss out!

If you want to learn more about Whatley Farm's practices and sign up for their newsletter for recipes, etc, check out https://whatleyfarm.com/

Their Facebook Page is here: https://www.facebook.com/whatleyfarm

And Instagram is here: https://www.instagram.com/whatleyfarm/

Send me a message!

Support the show

Please follow Grounded In Maine podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel link is here
You can DM me there or email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com
Website for Amy's Garden Jam is https://amysgardenjam.com/ (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: https://amy-fagan.kit.com/499688fe6a

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - listen to more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more at https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1851361

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

 Ok, I guess I lied about whittling down this episode; it IS long - in my defense, I tried, but I couldn't bear to take anything out! So this is another 2 part-er...

I met Ben Whatley officially in 2020, just as the Covid Pandemic was ramping up, and, as a farmer, Ben was reserving time at the commercial kitchen I used for my jam business, and was asked to help rent out, so we talked - and he was SO cool. So much to share, and so much knowledge and passion for caring for the earth he was responsible for. I felt that instantly, and he was one of my first thoughts when starting this podcast, because he is so open about a lot of things.

Let me tell you I learned a LOT in this conversation! I had no idea how much Ben would share, and how cool of a story he had! Languages, car breaking down, crop failure, but also tons of great wins - he's had some of his employees for years! They have a great attitude toward crap weather. He has 2 cutie baby kids (I found out about # 2 just before recording - he's 11 weeks old!), and a beautiful life partner, and supportive family.

So many things inspire me about Ben and his farming practices - I'll let him tell them over these 2 episodes, but one of my favorite things if their dedication to use less plastic  - and that they have Anna, who loves trying out recipes with the produce and sharing (we'll talk about it in the 2nd episode), but also how the farmers in Maine all share info and help each other out with new ideas and tips to get past hurdles - for instance, this past summer's deluge of rain...

So many topics discussed - don't miss out!

If you want to learn more about Whatley Farm's practices and sign up for their newsletter for recipes, etc, check out https://whatleyfarm.com/

Their Facebook Page is here: https://www.facebook.com/whatleyfarm

And Instagram is here: https://www.instagram.com/whatleyfarm/

Send me a message!

Support the show

Please follow Grounded In Maine podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel link is here
You can DM me there or email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com
Website for Amy's Garden Jam is https://amysgardenjam.com/ (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: https://amy-fagan.kit.com/499688fe6a

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - listen to more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more at https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1851361

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

Shoot, This moment has been a long time coming for me, and I couldn't be more happy to share this with you all - I'm such a big fan of Sonya Parenti - Miss Love Terra on Instagram, and her hard work to educate people and ask for mindfulness when purchasing cheap clothing, to be wary of its journey and consequences. I think I pride myself in being somewhat of a 'system bucker,' and fashion in general is not my thing (if you see me in pics I'm usually wearing a flannel shirt and jeans), so I enjoy this poking at the fashion worlf maybe a little more than I should...

These are Sonya's own words from my guest form:
"I’m full of enthusiasm about joining this podcast because, as an experienced professional in the fashion industry, I have a deep knowledge about the industry's complexities and challenges. I believe that transforming the fashion business is crucial in our collective efforts to address global warming. This podcast, hosted by Amy, serves as a powerful platform to have meaningful conversations and inspire change in ourselves and others. By joining forces, we can boost our impact, educating and motivating listeners to make choices that favour ethical and sustainable fashion. My goal is to use this opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable future, sharing insights and strategies that can guide us towards a greener, more responsible fashion industry."

And I just LOVED this (my fave question on the guest form)
"The message I want listeners to take away is an understanding of the impact of collective actions on the environment. The quote 'RELAX IT’S JUST ONE CHEAP T-SHIRT', SAID 8 BILLION PEOPLE, highlights that while individual choices may seem small, when multiplied across billions of people, they have a huge impact on society and the environment. It's a call to be more conscious of our buying decisions, understanding that our demand for cheap, fast fashion contributes to unsustainable practices, environmental degradation, and poor labor conditions. The key takeaway for listeners is that people have the power to change big issues with our small daily choices."
Really, Sonya doesn't need me to add  anything to this at all.  Please listen for the full  conversation!

Here is Sonya's website

Send me a message!

Support the show

Please follow Grounded In Maine podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel link is here
You can DM me there or email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com
Website for Amy's Garden Jam is https://amysgardenjam.com/ (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: https://amy-fagan.kit.com/499688fe6a

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - listen to more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more at https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1851361

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

Welcome back to Part 2 of Mara Mennicken's conversation- we get a little bit deep, and it is fun to see so much passion from Mara - and it's much more than chocolate alone. Mara talks about social sustainability, and if you're trying to imagine what that's like in your head, just listen here - it's at the beginning of this segment, and it's SO good.

I ask the question below to everyone in my guest form, and I just loved her answer:

Is there a specific message you'd like listeners to come away with?

"Put your dollar where your heart is! Every dollar spent is a mini investment in the people and their mission who are behind the product or service- Buying local, organic, or from social enterprises makes an impact!"
And to that, I'll just say  AMEN!

I know you all want to learn about Mara's sustainable chocolate - here's her website: https://thegoodchocolatier.com
You can find her on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodchocolatier/
And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGOODChocolatier
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-mennicken-24609469/

Send me a message!

Support the show

Please follow Grounded In Maine podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel link is here
You can DM me there or email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com
Website for Amy's Garden Jam is https://amysgardenjam.com/ (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: https://amy-fagan.kit.com/499688fe6a

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - listen to more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more at https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1851361

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

*This conversation was long, but I couldn't bare to take anything out, so I split it into 2 weeks, so make sure to listen next week for the wrap up!*

Mara Mennicken and I met on a podcasting Facebook page and it took me a fraction of a second reading about her sustainable chocolate business to know I had to have her on the podcast to tell me all about it!

Mara is from Germany, but came to British Columbia as part of a school exchange program, and knew she wanted to be there. She's done very well for herself, it seems!

Her thoughts on sustainability are a little more broad than some people's, and I'm totally here for it. Her company is sustainable, but more than just physical, like packaging and product, but social sustainability is very important to her, and she'll explain how and why. And speaking of important, I ask the question below to everyone in my guest form, and I just loved her answer:

Is there a specific message you'd like listeners to come away with?

"Put your dollar where your heart is! Every dollar spent is a mini investment in the people and their mission who are behind the product or service- Buying local, organic, or from social enterprises makes an impact!"
And to that, I'll just say  AMEN!

I know you all want to learn about Mara's sustainable chocolate - here's her website: https://thegoodchocolatier.com
You can find her on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodchocolatier/
And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGOODChocolatier
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-mennicken-24609469/

Send me a message!

Support the show

Please follow Grounded In Maine podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel link is here
You can DM me there or email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com
Website for Amy's Garden Jam is https://amysgardenjam.com/ (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: https://amy-fagan.kit.com/499688fe6a

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - listen to more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more at https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1851361

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

I approached Tessa Terry on Facebook when I saw her post about her RV renovation business Alchemy RV Renovations because I was so intrigued - then I followed her on Instagram - oh my gosh, if you're on Instagram, you need to follow her! These RVs are 100% renovated and made brand new on the inside, and she shines them up on the outside, too! They go from basic , and possibly used and run down, to roomy and luxurious when Tessa is done with them!

Tessa has been in this business for about 2 years - TWO YEARS. She is booked up this year already! She has had several requests to renovate RVs in Australia! She just has a real gift for small space design that is unmatched. Wait til you hear her tell her story - if you're listening only, I bet you can imagine my face in your head when she talks about her HS graduation...

Tessa is married, is a mom of 2, and grew up in a family that bought 'fixer-upper'  houses, and her parents have had a lampshade business for about 30 years, so she totally gets the value of working with your hands. A quote from her website: "When I was little, I used to say “If men could go to the moon, this stuff on earth is cake” - Nothing is impossible, sometimes it just needs a new floor plan."
She has designed her own life, and she's giving RVs and other rigs a new life, which is so cool.

Here's Tessa's instagram to follow: https://www.instagram.com/alchemyrvrenovations/

And her website: https://www.alchemyrvrenovations.com/

Send me a message!

Support the show

Please follow Grounded In Maine podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel link is here
You can DM me there or email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com
Website for Amy's Garden Jam is https://amysgardenjam.com/ (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: https://amy-fagan.kit.com/499688fe6a

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - listen to more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more at https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1851361

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

I am so thrilled to share this conversation with you guys - I have wanted to have Hannah Semler on the podcast since the beginning! I'm a big fan of FarmDrop - I'm both a customer and a vendor, and I love having the ability to try items from several different local farmers that are bringing their product practically to me! Hannah will say it better, so I'll leave her to it.

Hannah also hosted a podcast called What is American Food, because she is so passionate about the origins - AND she was working with a food  waste rescue group as well. She also started a FarmDrop delivery program for Seniors who are homebound, so they, too can be nourished by our skilled farmers.
Listen to the episode for more about all of this, and why Farmdrop is so important to her!

Hannah and her trusty sidekick Barley travel the state of Maine together,  making sure things are organized and operating smoothly when customers come to pick up their goods. There are several dropoff/pickup Hubs throughout the state, and trying to get the vendors' products spread to other hubs than the one closest to them can't be easy!
You're going to love Hannah - I can't imagine not loving her passion for what she does!
Call to Action: I'd love to share this episode wide, and see if we can get some interest in other areas of the country for FarmDrop! Do you know of an area lacking a farmers market, or are you interested in being a FarmDrop vendor? The reach is WIDE with these products!

FarmDrop website is here - check out all the options available at different locations, and see how cool it would be to start your own or be part of one! Reach out to Hannah with inquiries about FarmDrop! https://farmdrop.us/

Farmdrop is on Instagram and Facebook as @farmdropus

Send me a message!

Support the show

Please follow Grounded In Maine podcast on Instagram here
YouTube channel link is here
You can DM me there or email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com
Website for Amy's Garden Jam is https://amysgardenjam.com/ (podcast has its own tab on this site!)

Amy's email newsletter: https://amy-fagan.kit.com/499688fe6a

How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - listen to more at https://www.janebolduc.com/

Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects.

Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more at https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1851361

You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine

Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/