Start living more sustainably. The Good Dirt podcast explores all aspects of a sustainable lifestyle with healthy soil as the touchpoint and metaphor for the healing of our relationship with the planet. Mother and daughter team Mary & Emma bring you weekly interviews with farmers, artists, authors, and leaders in the regenerative and sustainable living space.
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Encore: The Slow Living Shift- From Striving to Savoring with Fiber Farmer Lisa Mitchell
Friday, May 2, 2025 • Duration 01:06:10
This episode was originally aired on May 13th, 2022. Visit A Fiber Life for shop and updates!
Fiber farmer Lisa Mitchell encourages listeners to embrace a beginner’s mindset and connect to the earth through handwork and making as she tells us the story of her major life shift, from striving for success as an art therapist in the suburbs, to slow living on a guanaco farm in the Pacific Northwest. Guanacos, the undomesticated ancestors of the alpaca, produce a unique and high-quality wool, but are often challenging to work with, and are not commonly farmed in the United States. In the absence of mentors and educational resources, Lisa and her husband set about spending significant time learning how to care for these special animals through experience, trial, and error, resulting in a fiber farm producing the highest quality wool on the market. Lisa seeks to “live with her hands” as she creates, and to practice making as an act of love - for the animals she lives alongside, for other people, and for the earth.
Topics Covered:
Seeking a different life
Guanacos and Guanaco Wool
Learning to Work with Natural Fibers
Working with Natural Dye
Embracing Beginner’s Mind
Creating as an Act of Love
Connecting with Reality Through Hand Work
Guest Info:
Lisa Mitchell's Website and Online Store/ A Fiber Life
Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well being.
226 Fashion Revolution Week: A Conversation with Congresswoman Chellie Pingree
Episode 226
Friday, April 25, 2025 • Duration 42:10
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 Waste
01:30 Welcome to the Good Dirt Podcast
01:35 Fashion Revolution Week
02:33 Lady Farmer's Journey
03:49 Introducing Shelly Pingree
06:40 Shelly Pingree’s Background
15:08 The Slow Fashion Movement
22:03 The Role of Congressional Caucuses
28:30 Bipartisanship in Sustainable Policies
34:05 Shelly Pingree’s Farm and Regenerative Practices
145. Reclaiming Our Food from Field to Kitchen with CSA Farmer Mo Moutoux of Moutoux Orchard
Episode 145
Friday, February 21, 2025 • Duration 01:14:21
Mary & Emma are on a brief hiatus and plan to return next spring. Please enjoy this episode that was originally aired in June, 2023
Emma and Mary are back from Emma's wedding, and they are spreading the joy with The Good Dirt. This episode features Maureen "Mo" Moutoux of Moutoux Orchards in Purcellville, VA. Mo has a Masters Degree in Anthropology, and farms with her husband Rob Moutoux, a 3rd generation farmer at Moutoux Orchards. They currently live on the family farmland with their two children, continuing the over 50 year legacy of the Moutoux family. In 2011, they opened their first CSA program, growing vegetables for dozens of family members (including Mary's household), and it has continued to grow each year. Their mission is to feed wholesome and nutrient-dense farm food to their community, because good food comes from good dirt. Mo shares her journey to becoming a farmer and reclaiming food from field to kitchen. She also discusses what a CSA is, how it has evolved over the years to reduce waste while providing a living wage for her family and team members, and the benefits of eating locally for both nutritional value and the environment as a whole.
Topics Discussed
• Slow Living Consult
• Journey to Becoming a Farmer
• Anthropology & Farming
• Creating a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Program
• Investing in Your Local Farmers
• Sustainable & Regenerative Growing Methods
• How Systems Favor Multinational Corporations over Local Growers
• Romanticization of Farm Life vs. Reality of Running an Farm
• Commodity Farming vs. Sustainable Farming
• Reclaiming Food from Field to Kitchen
• The Food Offered in a CSA
• The Exploitation Behind the Cost of Affordability at Supermarkets
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162. The Healing Powers of Nature with Chris Young and Susan Ottaviano, co-authors of The Green Witch's Guide to Magical Plants and Flowers
Episode 162
Friday, October 6, 2023 • Duration 46:44
Today’s guests are Chris Young and Susan Ottaviano, co-authors of The Green Witch's Guide to Magical Plants & Flowers: 26 Love Spells from Apples to Zinnias, a practical guide on how to bring more love and contentment into your life using elements of nature. In this book, the authors help you unlock the secrets hiding in your garden, transforming everyday flowers, fruits, and plants into delightful foods, bath salts, herbal infusions, soaps, sachets, tinctures, and more. Chris, a lifelong gardener, shares his belief that all plants are magical, while Susan, a chef, artist and performer, tells us how to bring plant magic into the kitchen. Join Mary and Emma as they uncover the secrets hidden in gardens and discover how everyday flowers, fruits, and plants can be transformed into powerful tools for self-care and enchantment.
This episode is brought to you by Dirty Labs: Use code "GOODDIRT" for 20% off your order!
Topics Discussed
• Welcoming Autumn
• Fall Flowers Including: Goldenrods, Calendula Marigold, Black-Eyed Susans, and Zinnias
• Lifetime Love of Plants
• Magical Herbalism
• Recipes for Oils, Candles, Soaps, Tinctures, and Sachets
• Imbuing Magic into the Food We Eat
• The Magical Properties of Apples & Basil
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Slow Living Through The Seasons | 03 | October
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 • Duration 16:21
In this episode, Mary talks about her personal associations with the splendor of October, Planting By the Signs as the growing season wanes, the Zodiac signs and their rulership, growing garlic, preserving herbs and a chocolate cake with a surprise ingredient!
Support this podcast and get your own downloadable planting by the moon calendar by becoming a member of The Good Dirt Supporters!
Support this podcast and get your own downloadable planting by the moon calendar by becoming a member of
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161. Non-Toxic Cleaning Products: Sustainable Ingredients in Product Manufacturing with David Watkins, Co-Founder of Dirty Labs
Episode 161
Friday, September 29, 2023 • Duration 45:57
When it comes to reducing waste in our daily lives, there are several steps we can take, like curbing our consumerism, composting our food waste, and recycling. But what about our cleaning products? Have you ever thought about the impact of your laundry detergent or hand wash and what actually goes down the drain? If you're curious about cleaning up your own cleaning routine and learning about the ingredients in your household products you'll want to hear today's episode with David Watkins, the co-founder of Dirty Labs.
David, an award-winning product designer and entrepreneur, has seen firsthand the staggering amount of manufacturing waste generated by consumer products. That's why he decided to start Dirty Labs, a company dedicated to providing eco-friendly alternatives to conventional cleaners and detergents. In this episode, Emma and Mary sit down with David, and he shares his insights on conscious consumerism and how working with Dirty Labs has influenced his own shopping habits.
If you're curious about cleaning up your own cleaning routine and learning about the ingredients in your household products Tune in to this episode and discover how Dirty Labs is making a difference in the world of sustainable consumer goods.
This episode is brought to you by Dirty Labs: Use code "TGD20" for 20% off your order!
The foundation of all life on the planet is the soil beneath our feet. But that soil isn't indestructible and if scientists are right, we may only have a few dozen harvests left before the good dirt is depleted. So what can we do? We're glad you asked. In this episode, Mary and Emma discuss how everyone can contribute to soil regeneration, even without access to a farm or garden. They explore various methods, including composting food waste, sourcing food from local growers, and adding organic matter to the soil. They also share tips on minimizing digging, leaving leaves to create natural mulch, and starting a worm bin to make the soil of your dreams. If you want to start cultivating with intention by taking small steps towards creating a healthier planet, this episode on The Good Dirt about the good dirt is sure to inspire you.
160. Sustainable Small Scale Homesteading with authors Michelle Bruhn and Stephanie Thurow
Episode 160
Friday, September 22, 2023 • Duration 01:02:30
We often have this misconception about homesteading; that we need 40+ acres in order to start growing our own food. But that's not the case. There's so much we can do with where we are. Master Gardener Michelle Bruhn and Master Preserver Stephanie Thurow sought to change this mindset by co-authoring "Small-Scale Homesteading: A Sustainable Guide to Gardening, Keeping Chickens, Maple Sugaring, Preserving the Harvest, and More". Join the conversation as they cover a range of topics related to small scale homesteading, including the joy of preserving and growing food, finding balance in a busy schedule, and the importance of inspiring others. Emma and Mary also ask Michelle and Stephanie about their greatest challenges and joys in their work, making for a lively and informative conversation that will leave you feeling motivated to try your hand at homesteading, no matter how small your space may be.
This episode is brought to you by Dirty Labs: Use code "TGD20" for 20% off your order!
Topics Discussed
• The Fall Equinox
• Finding a Business Partner
• From Online Connection to In-Person Collaboration
• Pushing the Seasons
• Chickens, Eggs, and Silver Maple Trees
• Food Preservation
• Feeding the Soil
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159. Creating the Life You Want: A Holistic Approach to Radiant Living with Andi Eaton Alleman of Oui, We Studio
Episode 159
Friday, September 15, 2023 • Duration 01:12:02
Our guest today is Andi Eaton Alleman, Founder of Oui, We Studio, a platform dedicated to new school approaches to radiant living. She also hosts the top-ranked wellness podcast Your Woo Woo Best Friend, which features practical conversations for attainable transformation. Andi is known for her no nonsense approach to spiritual wellness and practical advice for living a high-vibe life. Her latest book, Elemental: Nature Inspired Rituals to Nourish Your Life is for wellness enthusiasts interested in disconnecting from the digital and reconnecting with the natural world for better health and inner peace. She’s also the Founder and Creative Director of the clean beauty brand Casa Noon.
In this conversation, we discuss numerous topics, including some of the ideas in Andi's book about nature and ritual, Ayurveda, the practice of manifestation, the system of Human Design, and how to bring soul and spirit into our work. Tune in for a fresh and accessible approach to creating the life you want!
This episode is brought to you by Dirty Labs: Use code "TGD20" for 20% off your order!
Topics Discussed
• Manifestation
• Ayurveda & Ayurvedic Beauty Brand
• Rituals
• Astrology
• Living with Intentionality
• Disconnecting from the Digital World
• The Difference Between Ritual and Habit
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158. Ecology and Textiles: Shopping Sustainably with Liv Olsen of "A Thrifty Notion"
Episode 158
Friday, September 8, 2023 • Duration 01:04:25
Liv Olsen, owner of the secondhand fabric shop A Thrifty Notion in Ogden, Kansas, has a passion for textiles and ecology. She is on a mission to prevent deadstock and destashed fabrics from ending up in landfills, while promoting sustainability in the textile industry. In this episode, Emma, Mary, and Liv discuss the challenges of sourcing quality secondhand textiles, ways to promote mindful consumption, and the intersection of textiles and sustainability. Liv's message will inspire you to reconsider your own practices and adopt a more sustainable approach to your clothing.
This episode is brought to you by Farmer’s Friend: Use code “good dirt” for $10 off your first order of Quick-Plant Fabric for the month of September. One use per customer. Offer valid exclusively for new customers, expires 10/1/23 at 12:00 am.
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Email Mary at production@lady-farmer.com or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share a story about slow living through the seasons!
Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.
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