Nothing makes me happier than a conversation that goes deep unexpectedly... and Cameron Ungar delivered! Trash and Stash is a cleanout and downsizing service based in North Carolina. They are the first B-Corp Certified Junk Removal business in the US, and Cameron takes that certification very seriously. He talks about being thrifty - not like cheap, but about putting value on the effort made. He talks about simplifying our lives and homes being an act of rebellion (love that word!), and says that small, consistent actions have big results.Cameron offers an efficiency bonus for his employees, because just filling a dumpster is not preferred; he prefers repurposing or reusing, to keep things in circulation. In fact, his whole office is thrifted - he said he spent maybe $1000 for everything in the office. He also trains his employees in patience and encourages them to listen to their clients, knowing that some people will struggle with letting go of things.And his company gives back. Started during Covid, this still young company is giving a percentage of all profits to the International Cancer Foundation. They also have a space where they store some of the stuff they've taken from homes/offices to resale or donate to people who need it.A phrase Cameron said has stuck with me is " Junk is a verb, not a noun." Just think on that for a moment. I love the heart behind Trash and Stash so much - a desperately needed service, and offered with a kindness that is often lacking in that field.Find Trash and Stash here: https://www.trashandstash.com/They're on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/trashandstash And Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/yourlocaltrashandstash/Send me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esgr...

Asia Sharif Clark messaged me that she's starting a new program just for mid-life women to bring back their creative spark, and I just couldn't wait to share all we got up to, talking about it, so this is a bonus! Asia was a guest over 3 years ago, talking about her burnout, and how she turned to planting herbs to give her that needed distraction. It seems that time frame may have been a bit of mid life chaos as well, and she just needed to find her peace...Paint Together is her new community  on Mighty Networks that is just opening up next week, July 27th - you can spend as long or as little time as you want - if you're super busy, try to carve out 15 minutes to 1/2 hour to get your creative juices flowing and make friends! Community is so healing, and helps us not feel so alone as we maneuver our way through - "community is a renewable resource," she says.Paint Together will be focused on painting, but feel free to pull up some other creative venture you're working on. Asia will offer some playful prompts - she wants to make this easy and accessible, so we can get our creativity ON!I just love any chance to spend time with Asia - she is so easy, and has the nicest smile. I hope you love this time as much as I did! See you at Paint Together some night!Learn more about Paint Together here: https://paint-together.mn.co/landing/Asia's Instagram is here: https://www.instagram.com/asiasharifclarkartist/Send me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esgr...

I approached Kelly Weger through a newsletter we both subscribe to - her bio was too intriguing to resist - and I wasn't disappointed at all! I want you to look carefully at her profile- I complimented her on her hair highlight color, and she said she just braids in YARN - genius! Natural fibers and low maintenance!Kelly was a LEED Certified Architect in her previous career, and now is the Head of Sustainability for a solar company. She also has written a book called How to Kill the Planet in 8 Easy Steps: A Humorous Guide by a Satirical Snarkitecht. The world feels very serious and heavy, and she chooses to use humor as a coping mechanism. She does public speaking, and talks about small behavior changes that add up to a big impact, and the future of climate change. Like this: She also said that we can push back against AI by opting out of AI searches. She said that a straight Google search uses 10 times less electricity than the AI Google search.A "bright side" that Kelly mentioned is that many companies have posted their sustainability goals with an end goal of 2030, which means they should be crunching on those goals to make progress... I did bend her ear for a bit, asking about recycling solar, and digital clutter - sorry, and you're welcome? It was helpful for me, at least...Learn ALL about Kelly here: https://kellyweger.weebly.com/Send me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esgr...

Anyone who knew me as a young person I think will have a giggle at this conversation with Toni Buzzeo, because I was terrified of pretty much all flying things - yes, chickens, too... I've been stung once, and I can tell you where it happened, and on what part of the body when I was around 8 years old. My sister is very much the same, but I'm much better than I used to be - working in a garden gives a person a lot of appreciation for their job.Toni Buzzeo spent many years in southern Maine - her husband built her a beautiful writing cottage there, and she wrote many of her books there. She has written 31 picture books, a novel, and 11 books for teachers. As a longtime Librarian, and college and High School writing teacher before that, Toni settled on writing, and is very happy there. Her most recent book is called Buzz: Being Brave Around Stinging Insects. Toni has young grandchildren, and she wanted them to not be afraid, but also to appreciate them for all that pollinators make happen in our world. Find everything about Toni at her website: https://tonibuzzeo.com/She's also on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arlingtonnonna/Send me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esgr...

It's been bugging me that there hasn't been an episode devoted to composting in 4 years! In March of this year, I think, there was a compost week, and friend of the podcast Alexa Pavan did a post about it, and it wasn't hard to convince her to come back Her first episode was # 107 in August of 2024 - link here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1952444/episodes/15591760-107-go-green-with-alexa-pavan ) and talk about composting, because she LOVES talking about it! This is something she's been talking about for a while - in fact, her regional composting service asks her to fill in when they need someone to educate and promote in her area!Alexa talks about the art of composting, and personally uses a composting company - she talks about the parts needed to keep a compost balanced and doing its job (a 4:1 ratio carbon to organic waste); she is just passionate about it and wants everyone to find a way to compost food waste - and she talks about why that matters, if you're curious. She brought up a phrase that hit me hard talking about why we need to protect our oceans by composting: "our oceans are the world's circulatory system." Her tagline is Imperfect Sustainability, because it's important to feel empowered to be part of the solution (does that sound familiar?), and we're most likely not going to do everything all the time to do it perfectly; but if we're doing our best, that's progress! Alexa is a copywriter, and writes for organizations that focus on sustainability. She's a lifelong diver and ocean warrior, content creator and climate communicator. She does a lot of education and volunteer events throughout the year; a lot of volunteer trash sorting and talking about composting.Learn all about Alexa here on her website: https://www.gogreenwithalexa.com/homeHer Instagram page is here (this is how I learned about her!): https://www.instagram.com/gogreenwithalexa/She goes in depth on some topics she's passionate about on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@gogreenwithalexa/videosAlexa's composting company if you want to learn more: https://liverenuable.com/Send me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esgr...

This conversation with Derek Haynes AKA The Chocolate Botanist was so fun! I "met" Derek as a participant of a workshop offered through the New England Botanical Gardens - they had him come talk about the Vanilla Orchid, and it was FASCINATING! Derek adds in some history we weren't (at least I wasn't) told, that opens up a whole different story...Derek has a Plant Biology degree and background, as well as experience working on plant-based vaccines and therapeutics, so he knows what he's saying. He enjoys de-bunking plant rumors on social media. He also is one of the Co-Hosts of The Dirt on Gardening podcast. I love that Derek isn't so serious, though he totally had me sucked in a couple of times...I loved this section of his Bio so much: "Plants offer so much more than home decor, and Derek wants to show you how. He understands that the ancient and the modern don’t need to compete, but rather can work together in harmony, offering viable solutions to pressing questions like food insecurity and mind-body-spirit holistic wellness."We talked about making chocolate, and when I settle somewhere, I'll definitely be inviting Derek to do a chocolate making workshop - just definitely not in the winter... I'm already looking forward to that day! Derek's website: https://thechocolatebotanist.com/He's on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/thechocolatebotanistAnd Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/thechocolatebotanistHis YouTube channel is here: https://www.youtube.com/c/thechocolatebotanistNew England Botanical Garden website (in case you want to become a member and attend in person or virtual workshops): https://nebg.org/Send me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esgr...

Omar Al Shafie, Co-Founder of Teregen Ag digs into regenerative agriculture (pun intended)— specifically how mineralized worm castings and biodynamic farming practices are helping growers rebuild soil health and make their crops more resilient to increasingly volatile weather. We cover what's actually happening at the soil-biology level, how micronutrients play into natural pest resistance, and the practical (and economic) realities farmers face when moving away from conventional methods.I love how this product is not just for farmers, but for backyard growers and house plants. And that farmers who are nervous about not using conventional fertilizers and pesticides can ease into Teregen Ag, and use both - though it's not necessary... I also love that they have a foliar spray, and the vision Omar gives of the veins in the leaves absorbing the nutrients and directing them to the roots and stem to strengthen the plant. He said he can see the plant is more vibrant in just 1 day! You can tell that Omar is excited about this product - and he's been researching for a long time, even before Teregen Ag, so this feels like a perfect pairing.. You can shop and learn more about Teregen Ag here: https://teregenag.com/They're on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/teregenag/They're on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teregen-Ag/61576042121212/Send me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esgr...

I loved getting to hear all about The Bloom Edit; a beautiful collaboration with Holly Berry's Floral Design Company, A Natural Design and Laura Grauer Photography to create a beautiful day of self appreciation! The Bloom Edit will be in person in the Seattle, WA area on July 17th - which is also around Lara's 50th birthday... Lara said she usually does a birthday selfie, and for her 50th she's sharing it with YOU if you're nearby! The main color of the day is purple, and the photography subjects will literally have their head as part of a flower bouquet. This is open to anyone who wants to feel special, because these ladies . Lara met Holly in a networking group and very quickly knew they were supposed to work together. I've known Holly for about a year and 1/2 - we met through The Passionistas Project, and have been talking about a farm since about that time. I aso attended a workshop Holly hosted through The Passionistas about NOR (Natural Organic Reduction - green burial - I didn't know what it was, either...). This pairing of flowers and photography seem just meant to be, don't they?Website for The Bloom Edit is here: https://www.laragrauerphotography.com/the-bloom-edit. Please go if you're in the area, and send me lots of photos - I'm so excited for this! July 17th!Lara's website: https://www.laragrauerphotography.com/Holly's website: https://anaturaldesign.com/Send me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esg...

I know I've said this before, but being asked if cat overpopulation was a conversation I'd be interested in was an easy yes for me! I'm so happy to share this conversation I got to have with Deborah Felin Magaldi. Deborah works with Helen Sanders Cat Paws in the Los Angeles area, where they're making progress, and have learned a lot to be able to teach others (us). Deborah met Helen Sanders back in 2001, and Cat Paws became a legit non-profit in 2010; they've rescued/fostered around 5,000 cats and kittens, and if you think about how many might have reproduced, that number could be so much larger. She once took in 29 cats and newborn kittens! The numbers and stats she shares are hard to hear, but also are empowering. Fostering can be so rewarding if you have the right opportunity, and knowing that you're helping someone who is completely dependent on you gives all the warm fuzzies.Helen Sanders Cat Paws says that fostering cats and kittens has the highest impact for homeless cats, and that accessible spay/neuter is the single most powerful tool communities have to stop the cycle. They also have a "kitten kit" for rescuing newborn kittens with formula, bottles and instructions. On their website they show you how to DIY, which I thought would be a great group activity to have handy in communities. Deborah says that equipping communities makes everyone a first responder. She also said that we can help by lobbying to our local municipalities about ending backyard breeding. I'm really grateful for Deborah's experience, and that she's sharing what she's learned so freely. I'd love to foster some animals someday now. Have you fostered or rescued pets? tell me all about it, please!Learn more about Helen Sanders Cat Paws, and get the DIY Kitten Kit instructions at their website: https://helensanderscatpaws.com/Their YouTube channel is here: https://www.youtube.com/@CatPAWSRescueTheir Instagram page is here: https://www.instagram.com/helensanderscatpaws/Send me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esg...

First, I want to give a big fat thank you to our friend Joan Kanner who hooked me up with Hazel, knowing this would be a great conversation! It's fun when things just line up really perfectly - for me, at least. Last week we heard from Austin French, of the More Than Outdoors podcast, and it was just chance that today we're learning from Hazel Stark, of The Maine Outdoor School - both in Maine, both focusing on outdoor activities. Seriously,  how fun is that? AND I had asked Austin what a State Guide does, because is co-host is a Maine Guide, but Hazel is as well, so I get to have my curiosity satisfied!Hazel, Naturalist Educator, Registered Maine Guide, and Wilderness First Responder is from Maine- she explored, as people do, and after studying in California for a year, she knew what she had to bring to Maine. Maine Outdoor school was born in 2016. Hazel's business partner left it to her after several years, and in 2025 Hazel became the sole Owner and CEO. The school offers classes for children and adults, but it is so much more - they offer public school programming, professional development, homeschool programs, virtual programming, outdoor adventures...Hazel shared some really profound things: one is a quote from Erin K Kenny "kids can't bounce off the walls if there are no walls." I've heard that many times, but it felt more meaningful in this container. She also says "If nature isn't being taught, it's being taught as not important." And also "Nature isn't a nicety, it's a NECESSITY."  SO much wisdom was shared here to note it all.I had a huge AHA talking with Hazel; growing up in a larger town in Maine, I didn't spend a lot of time outside - my sister and I watched a lot of Soap Operas after school instead of playing outside (insert shoulder shrug emoji), so I don't have a lot of experience, other than gardening - I said a few times here that I wonder if my life would be different now, had I had more of an outdoor influence...Learn even more about what's offered through the Maine Outdoor School here: https://www.maineoutdoorschool.org/Check out the Women for Healthy Rural Living site here: https://whrl.org/Maine Outdoor School on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maineoutdoorschool/Send me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esg...

I want to just start by acknowledging that this is episode 200! If you've been here since the beginning of Grounded in Maine, bless you, and thank you! If you're new here, I'm so glad you're here!Let's learn to be better stewards of the land as we can!I only learned about Austin French and More than Outdoors podcast in March, I think, but I loved getting to know him. By chance, someone tagged the New England Podcasters Group on Linkedin, and I was tagged, because Austin is in Maine, and his podcast topic would fit perfectly with mine - so here we are!Austin is actually from New Jersey, but always vacationed in winter to New England with his family. One year they randomly met a lady who let him know you can go to college to ski, and he never considered anything else! Now he works for that college (UMaine Farmington) as the Director of Career and Employee Development. Austin and his co-host Sam started More than Outdoors almost a year ago, to show people just how being outdoors can be beneficial. They do almost all of their podcasts OUTSIDE and in person! He said many things that are simple, yet profound if you spend a moment thinking about it; here are a couple: "We are stewards of the resources and amenities that we use to recreate." He also said toward the end that part of that stewardship is of the earth and each other. He has great motivation for taking care of the earth - his first child was just born a month ago, his "future skiing buddy,"  and he needs to take good care of the earth for her."We talked a bit about GearShare, like a library for sports, etc, that he is a big fan of, and he describes a recent experience with a GearTrade in Maine, which is really cool! I did ask Austin about Maine Guides, because his Co-host is a Guide. Just hold on - next week's episode IS an actual Maine Guide, and we get to learn a little more about that topic. Do you have a Guide service where you are? What do you do outside?Find More than Outdoors podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2wSee where they end up next on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast/Or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/Send me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esg...

I hadn't heard of Ethical Seafood Research until Wasseem Emam reached out to me, but I'm so grateful I know about it now! Drawing on his background in applied aquatic ecology, conservation, and sustainable aquaculture, Wasseem recognised a critical gap; aquatic animals are the most numerically exploited, and least protected animals in the food system.Wasseem started Ethical Seafood Research in 2021. He had an experience working on a fishing boat that fueled his need to work for the ethical fishing of aquatic animals- he tells the story better than I ever could, of course, so you'll have to listen. He talks about why it matters how fish are farmed, and we talked about the differences between wild caught and farmed fish. His goal is to improve the welfare of fish farms. Wasseem is bridging conservation and industry with practical, science based welfare improvements. The goal is not just to reduce suffering, but to demonstrate that fish welfare can — and should — be part of sustainable, resilient food systems worldwide.You can learn about Ethical Seafood Research here: https://ethicalseafoodresearch.org/Find Wasseem on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ethicalseafoodresearch/Send me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esg...

I loved this conversation with Blair Northen Williamson, aka The Island Writer. Blair is a sailing Captain, dive instructor, ocean activist, global traveler, author and speaker, and she is talking to us about raising curious, empathetic global citizens with care and curiosity, instead of fear. Blair has published 3 children's books so far about caring for the ocean: Island Girls, Birthday Bash and Ocean Protectors, to teach kids about the ocean, and encourage them to take care of it, and all who live there. She talks about coral reefs, which are really in danger as our ocean temperatures are rising; coral bleaching happens when the temps rise and become too warm and the algae leave for cooler water. She and her husband have been diving for many years, and have raised her 2 daughters traveling and diving. They are the inspiration for the Island Girls story, after an event where they all watched a plastic bag almost get eaten, mistaken for a jellyfish. The girls asked her what she was going to do about the plastic problem, and Island Girls was born. Her newest book, Ocean Protectors, focuses on coral reefs. There is another book in process, and she is also a writing coach now!Blair suggested a documentary called Chasing Coral; I'm adding a link to watch it here if you'd like to learn more about coral reefs: https://youtu.be/aGGBGcjdjXA?si=ZU1A1GdadTT2Vr14 Blair's website is beautiful, and there is SO much more to learn about her and all she's doing, because there is only so much space in show notes! https://www.theislandwriter.com/You can follow Blair on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/theislandwriter8/Blair offers a coloring sheet to download here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ziO0RF-pdgAVQ6DYVzkXvRQ3vlNhM8mp/viewSend me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esg...

*Please forgive my echoey audio in this episode! I had cleared out my office to move, and it was - well - echoey.*Vale Siegrist won a year of Public Relations work from Publicity for Good, who has been sending some pretty great podcast guests my way lately! I was watching their contest, so curious to see who won - and while talking with Vale, she let me know it was her!Vale started Circular Mom Club after struggling post partum. One day she sent a  photo of her newborn in a cute outfit she had bought to some family and friends, and got very encouraging responses. Dressing her daughter up made her feel good, so she began buying outfits - and her daughter grew out of them quickly, of course. Vale couldn't justify continuing to buy new, and didn't want to buy super cheap and contribute to the textile waste problem, so she developed Circular Mom Club, to keep perfectly fine, cute clothes in rotation. Circular Mom Club memberships start at $29, including 5 pieces/month. I asked about clothing swaps, and her answer made so much sense after hearing her story: you don't get to choose, really, with a swap. Choice is something that has come up in several conversations I've had lately  - especially in the economy we're living in. When things are expensive, and we're told quality is better for us, but it's hard to afford - choice feels out of reach. We talked a lot about eco-guilt and guilt in general, as a parent and human.  The guilt conversation is so real, and I really appreciate Vale's vulnerability, and, of course, it fueled her need to do things right. She has really thought of everything in her planning, including gift cards, so if a parent is on the fence, maybe a family member or friend could get the process started...As someone who doesn't have children, I'm totally sold on the value of Circular Mom Club, and am so glad to have been Vale's first podcast interview, to learn all about this!You can check out the website here: https://circularmomclub.com/They're on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/circular___club/They're on TikTok here: Send me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esg...

I've been bugging Elizabeth Bruckner for months to come back on the podcast, because I've been listening to her other podcast guest episodes and feeling like we've been missing out, and I finally wore her down. I'm kidding - she's been wanting to go deep about Kefir with someone, and I've been interested in learning about it, and finding a fermented food I can actually ingest. And boy oh boy, did we get an education!Elizabeth was a guest in 2025 (episode 148) to talk about her book, The Homesteader Mindset, that had just published. We talked about homesteading and how you don't have to have a certain look or property to be a homesteader. Kefir is a part of Elizabeth's journey to health. She very vulnerably shares that she was bed bound for weeks, housebound for months, and unable to work for years, due to an illness.  She began to heal as she started researching herself; she is now an Oriental Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist. She learned about organic foods and fermented foods, among many other things. Elizabeth's message is to start small, and add on as you feel comfortable - with kefir, and homesteading, or any new habits. When talking to friends, someone asked for an easy step to take to make an impact, and her answer was quickly KEFIR. It's a really easy thing to add to your routine! I've been doing it for a few weeks now - not sure if I'm seeing benefits yet, but there definitely aren't any bad things. I have terrible eyesight, but my nose and ears make up for that - I had to trick my nose with a taste of jam or cranberry sauce with kefir to help it go down... I do like that it's not sweet - I'm not a yogurt person, because it's always very sweet (and I don't like the "tang" of plain yogurt).Access to Elizabeth's Kefir course: http://www.createwellnessproject.com/kefir - remember, use code Grounded for 25% off!Her website: https://createwellnessproject.com/Send me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esg...

I was so looking forward to talking with Susan Poizner - I've heard so many times that the first thing you should do on a homestead is plant perennial fruits, so I wanted to make sure we/I know the best practices, And Susan's story about learning about fruit tree care is so incredible. Susan planted fruit trees in her city park in an empty space, only to hear from some community people that they didn't want it. She did it anyway, and created this beautiful community of education, appreciation and care for the earth - EVEN from her naysayers! The orchard transformed the park - it brought in visitors and beneficial insects and birds. She learned so much about fruit trees, and she wants to help others learn from her experience. She is an Arborist, but she says Arborists aren't taught about fruit trees, and that matters.Susan hosts a podcast, also called Orchard People, and has written 5 books (links to both are below). She is a wealth of knowledge - she is very much a WHY person, and a data person, and is so generous with her time. "Growing fruit trees is a partnership between you and the tree - when you give it the hands on care it needs, it will reward you for years to come." That's why it's recommended to start with fruit in homesteading. A little bit of the right care, and you'll have all the fruit you could ever need. She suggest doing some research in the beginning to make sure the trees you choose will grow well in your planting zone - set yourself up for success.You can check out Orchard Peoples' website: https://orchardpeople.com/Susan's podcast is here: https://podcast.orchardpeople.com/Susan's books are available here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books?_gl=1*972vh3*_ga*MjExNjAxNjg4MS4xNzc2MTI2NjQ1*_ga_BFBJFLTXPT*czE3NzYxMjg2NzkkbzIkZzAkdDE3NzYxMjg2NzkkajYwJGwwJGgwSend me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esg...

I got an email asking if I'd want to have a conversation with GreenFi Banking very soon after talking with Maya Lily the filmmaker, who recommended knowing that who's holding our money is in alignment with our values, so that was a really easy YES! George Mazzella is the VP of Marketing for GreenFi - he was sought out for the position by Tim, the CEO, who had worked with George before, and knows that he is passionate about climate change and leaving the world better than he found it. George has children, so he has extra motivation to make a difference. George lets us know that "our money is shaping the world whether we know it or not," and "financial institutions can drive real climate impact." One of the cool things about GreenFi is that just by spending money as we normally do can fund environmental solutions. Another? The more money we spend, the more trees they plant. GreenFi planted 3.5 Million trees in 2025! So many cool perks of banking with GreenFi! Super grateful to get to learn about it from George! Check out GreenFI and see if it's a banking fit for you: https://www.greenfi.com/Send me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esg...

I feel like this conversation with Mark Winters was so needed. Things feel so desperate and divided, and in comes Mark with his bubbly positive outlook to neutralize any heaviness. Mark Winters is an bonafide rocket scientist turned full time touring musician, spreading his positivity wherever he goes. He's currently on his Good Vibes Highway Tour of 120 cities and counting.For Mark, music is his bridge between the analyzing world and connecting on a human level. He started writing poetry with his grandmother , and only recently picked up a guitar to learn a song to play for his wife for their anniversary and discovered how healing it is for. him, and has gotten wonderful feedback from his concerts that other people love it, too. His style is kind of like Jason Mraz to me, but he adds John Mayer, Tom Petty and Vance Joy. Mark travels the US and parts of Canada by car, taking in all the scenery and beauty of nature, which inspires new music always. He even wrote a poem for Grounded in Maine below! "Cold tide pulls the moonSpruce roots hold the soil's tensionNothing stands alone." ~ Mark Winters MusicMark's website (with tour info) is here: https://markwintersmusic.com/His Instagram is here: https://www.instagram.com/markwintersmusic/You can find him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarkWintersMusicAnd YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoY8qwT6PZyHIcuqnIm2P1ASend me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esg...

There were so many great moments that it was hard to narrow them down in this conversation with Stephanie Gross, Founder of Bumby Wool! She built a sustainable fashion brand with merino wool in Canada. Stephanie is a married mom of 2, and is passionate about circular fashion, using what's already existing and her community. Bumby Wool started out in 2007 as cloth diaper covers, because the wool wicks moisture away from the skin; they now offer full clothing items for all sizes! Wool is like a smart technology, where if you're hot or cold, the wool will know how to respond accordingly. Stephanie mentions that if your size changes (like pregnancy or weight loss, etc), you can send it back to be tailored to your new size!  Stephanie and I explore themes of body positivity, individuality, and the interconnectedness of nature and humanity. We discuss the challenges of navigating change in a fast-paced world, the importance of finding clarity amidst chaos, and the celebration of personal and professional growth. She shares her innovative approaches to sustainable fashion and the shift towards meaningful gifting, emphasizing the need to empower others to pursue their passions.  She also says if you care about something, build it well and build it ethically.Check out Bumby Wool's website! https://www.bumbywool.com/ (there's an adult onesie with ears!)Find Bumby Wool on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bumbywoolThey're on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/bumbywoolSend me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esg...

I absolutely loved talking with Rebecca Newburn, the Founder of the Seed Library Network! Past podcast guest and friend Ranya Dube connected us after a workshop that Ranya hosted and Rebecca spoke in. I remember hearing recently that I think it was Israel that destroyed Gaza's national seed library, which got my mind wanting to learn more about seed libraries, and why that mattered so much. I had heard of seed libraries, but I didn't know really anything about them. But Rebecca does, and now we will, too!We talked about why seed libraries are important, and why locally grown seeds and varieties are important, the difference between a seed library and a seed bank, how to find libraries, and how to start one if you don't have one near you. Man, this is such an important conversation! I feel so lucky to have Rebecca's dedication to the seed library project, and that she is sharing this important piece of preserving history and saving the future with all of us!Do you know where your local seed library is? Have you been for seeds?Check out the Seed Library website for current libraries and resourceshttps://www.seedlibrarynetwork.org/They're on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/seedlibraries/Send me a message!Support the showLike this episode? Send me a message!Please follow the podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel Email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Amy's Garden Jam site (podcast has its own tab on this site!)Amy's email newsletter: How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - hear more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/skate_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://esg...