Best Thomas Booher Podcasts (2025)

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S5 - E19: Agroecological Dynamics of Soil Health with Kasper Krabbe of Aarhus University, Pt. I 18:47

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8d ago18:47

18:47

When you close your eyes, how do you envision your farm and soil ecosystem? What ideals, values, and priorities are part of your vision and farm business model? Kasper Krabbe, a doctoral student at Aarhus University in Denmark and a visiting guest scholar at Virginia Tech, talked with Mary, Jeff, and Eric about these questions and his research inte…

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S5 - E18: Round Bale Grazing for Soil Health with Dr. Summer Thomas, Pt. II 18:29

25d ago18:29

18:29

Feeding hay to livestock in the winter is very expensive, and often results in a sacrifice lot where manure gathers. At the same time, manure is considered gold because of its nutrient content, ability to supply organic matter, and to build soil life. In this second episode, Dr. Summer Thomas, education and outreach specialist with the Virginia Soi…

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S5 - E17: Everything Good Starts with the Soil with Dr. Summer Thomas, Pt. I 17:59

1M ago17:59

17:59

Everything good starts with the soil and a conservation stewardship mindset. In the 101st episode, Dr. Summer Thomas, education and outreach specialist with the Virginia Soil Health Coalition, explains how agriculture and soil health are good for everyone. As a third-generation farmer from Delaware, former watermelon queen, a trained soil scientist…

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S5 - E16: Celebrating Our 100th Podcast Episode with Jeff, Mary, and Eric 18:13

2M ago18:13

18:13

During this 100th episode of 4 The Soil: A Conversation, Jeff, Mary, and Eric take a look back at some of the most memorable topics and guests. They share how (and why) the podcast started in 2021, and also offer their vision for the future of the podcast. To help us commemorate this milestone, please share how and why you are 4 the Soil with us an…

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S5 - E15: Building Confidence and Knowledge through Mentorship with Dara Booher, Pt. II 17:53

2M ago17:53

17:53

Building confidence and knowledge through mentorship is necessary for farmers to overcome fears and take bigger steps towards meeting their goals. Dara Booher wears many educational hats. Dara is the coordinator of the Virginia Forage and Grassland Council's farmer-mentor program and the facilitator of the Virginia Farmer Mentor Network, a collabor…

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S5 - E14: Youth Education and Soil Health with Dara Booher, Pt. I 18:38

3M ago18:38

18:38

Soil and agriculture provide us with something every day. Dara Booher is an agricultural educator with Shenandoah County Public Schools and a farmer-mentor coordinator with the Virginia Forage and Grassland Council and the Virginia Soil Health Coalition. Dara loves talking to youth and others about soil and agriculture. In this episode, Dara shares…

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S5 - E13: Seven Generations of Stewarding the Land with Susan Watkins 17:45

3M ago17:45

17:45

In this episode of the podcast, Jeff Ishee chats with Susan Watkins of Watkins Farms in Dinwiddie County Virginia, a 3500 acre farm growing soybeans, corn, and wheat. Susan shares information about the long history of her family far, their transition to cover crops and no till over twenty years ago, and their approach to cover cropping. She shares …

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S5 - E12: A Whole Community with Elizabeth McMullen and Garland Mason of Organic Valley, Pt. II 17:31

4M ago17:31

17:31

The three-year transition to certified organic farming can present a formidable challenge for farmers. A whole community working together can make the process smoother. In this second episode, Elizabeth "Liz" McMullen and Garland Mason of Organic Valley Cooperative (OV) share how the company and its farm membership nourish a whole community perspec…

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S5 - E11: Common Ties: Cooperation and Sustainability with Elizabeth McMullen and Garland Mason of Organic Valley, Pt. I 18:29

4M ago18:29

18:29

Public Relations Specialist Elizabeth McMullen and Sustainability Funding and Communications Specialist Garland Mason of Organic Valley Cooperative join Mary and Eric to share about the common ties that are essential to the farmer-owned cooperative. Cooperation and a strong commitment to the sustainability of small and mid-size family farms, local …

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S5 - E10: Farmers Talking with Farmers with Anthony Beery of Beery Farms, Part II 16:53

4M ago16:53

16:53

Farmers talking with farmers is key to building soil health, encouraging innovation, and expanding peer-to-peer mentoring. Anthony Beery of Beery Farms and Cumberland Hay and Straw LLC shares his journey of learning, mentoring, and on-farm experimenting with Mary Sketch Bryant and Jeff Ishee. In the previous episode, Anthony talked about how he ben…

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S5 - E9: Soil Health is Attainable with Anthony Beery of Beery Farms, Part I 16:16

5M ago16:16

16:16

Soil health is attainable. Anthony Beery of Beery Farms and Cumberland Hay and Straw LLC shares that message with Mary Sketch Bryant and Jeff Ishee based on his farming experience and journey. Anthony grew up in the Shenandoah Valley where he and his father Danny raised dairy cows and poultry. Anthony benefitted from his father's mentorship and enc…

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S5 - E8: Ins and Outs of Compost Tea with Nicky Schauder of Permaculture Gardens, Part II 18:40

6M ago18:40

18:40

In this episode, Nicky Schauder of Permaculture Gardens continues the conversation about permaculture and the ins and outs of compost tea with Mary Sketch Bryant, Marian Dalke, and Jeff Ishee. Nicky received two USDA-Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Producer Grants to specifically research the benefits of compost tea and its ef…

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S5 - E7: Grow-It-Yourself (GIY) with Nicky Schauder of Permaculture Gardens, Part I 16:37

6M ago16:37

16:37

Nicky Schauder and her family started Permaculture Gardens to make permaculture and growing food accessible to everyone - especially families and children. Nicky shares her story and experience with learning, researching, and growing food with Mary Sketch Bryant, Marian Dalke, and Jeff Ishee. Nicky is constantly learning by experiment. Nicky is a t…

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S5 - E6: Education first and foremost with Nicole Shuman of Cornerstone Farm, Part II 18:04

6M ago18:04

18:04

Nicole Shuman is a community agriculturalist and educator at Cornerstone Farm at Fairfield Middle School in Henrico County, VA. Nicole shares that education is the first and foremost goal of Cornerstone Farm. As a functioning farm, students and the school community learn what and how food is grown, while also gaining hands-on knowledge and experien…

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S5 - E5: Hands-On Community Agriculture Work with Nicole Shuman of Cornerstone Farm, Part I 18:13

7M ago18:13

18:13

Context is foundational to authentic, experiential learning, and understanding how to build soil health within a landscape context. Hands-on educational activities and programs help students of all ages better understand the context and real-life application of learning objectives, principles, and practices. Nicole Shuman is a community agricultura…

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S5 - E4: Cultivating Wellness from the Soil Up with Farmer Cee of Green Heffa Farms, Part II 18:23

7M ago18:23

18:23

Clarenda "Farmer Cee" Stanley of Green Heffa Farms is someone who does not take health and wellness for granted but actively seeks to catalyze and cultivate wellness from the soil up. Farmer Cee is the founding CEO and owner of Green Heffa Farms, a black woman-owned Certified B Corporation, wellness brand, and herb farm based in North Carolina. Far…

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S5 - E3: Defying Obstacles, Bringing Voices to Sustainability with Farmer Cee of Green Heffa Farms, Part I 17:18

8M ago17:18

17:18

Defying obstacles, honoring the land, and giving voice to sustainability and business ethics requires commitment and dedication to a vision. Clarenda "Farmer Cee" Stanley is a visionary entrepreneur, farmer, herbalist, and advocate for ethical business and sustainable living. Known affectionately as "Farmer Cee," she is the founding CEO of Green He…

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S5 - E2: Understanding Context, Establishing Baselines with Rick Clark of Farm Green, Part II 19:08

8M ago19:08

19:08

Understanding context and establishing baselines are critical for developing systematic approaches to change for the right reasons. Rick Clark of Clark Land & Cattle and Farm Green Consulting is a fifth-generation farmer who farms 6,000 plus acres of certified organic crops in Warren County, Indiana. In addition to cash, oilseed, and cover crops, R…

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S5 - E1: Commitment and System Balance with Rick Clark of Farm Green, Part I 18:30

9M ago18:30

18:30

Building soil health and finding system balance requires commitment, fortitude, adaptability, and working with Mother Nature. Rick Clark of Clark Land & Cattle and Farm Green Consulting is a fifth-generation farmer in Warren County, Indiana. Rick farms corn, soybeans, wheat, milo, cover crops, small grains, and other oilseed crops using regenerativ…

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S4 - E26: A Regional Food System Perspective with Maureen and Mo of LEAP, Part II 19:14

9M ago19:14

19:14

Our conversation with Maureen McNamara Best and Maureen "Mo" McGonagle on regional food system development and networks continues this week with a specific focus on food as medicine. Maureen McNamara Best is the executive director of LEAP (Local Environmental Agriculture Project) and Maureen "Mo" McGonagle is the director of the Roanoke Foodshed Ne…

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Breaking the Chains: Lauren’s Story of Faith, Healing, and Mental Wellness 30:25

10M ago30:25

30:25

Welcome to Break the Silence with Kath, the podcast where we share powerful stories of resilience, faith, and healing. Today, I am honoured to introduce a very inspiring guest, Lauren Roskilly , an accomplished author, coach, and speaker who is dedicated to improving mental health and well-being. Lauren specializes in Christian-Based Cognitive Beha…

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S4 - E25: A Regional Food System Perspective with Maureen and Mo of LEAP, Part I 18:21

10M ago18:21

18:21

What does a regional food system network look like? Maureen McNamara Best is the executive director of LEAP (Local Environmental Agriculture Project) and Maureen "Mo" McGonagle is the director of the Roanoke Foodshed Network. Maureen and Mo provide a perspective lens into food system relationships and community collaborations emerging and developin…

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Episode 24 - 24: Flavor and Sustainability with Nate Sloan of Bloom Restaurant and Wine Bar, Part II 17:04

10M ago17:04

17:04

Nate Sloan, executive chef and owner of Bloom Restaurant and Wine Bar in Roanoke, Virginia shares with Jeff, Mary, and Eric how restaurants can be a conduit of flavor, sustainability, health, and food security. Nate grew up on his parents' farm in Franklin County, Virginia and these roots inspired his vision as a restaurateur and commitment to loca…

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Love Doesn’t Hurt; Anna Astwood’s Journey and Fight Against Teenage Dating Violence. 32:38

10M ago32:38

32:38

In today’s episode , we are honoured to welcome Anna Astwood, a passionate advocate and educator dedicated to ending teenage dating violence. Anna is the co-founder and co-president of Love Doesn’t Hurt Inc., a nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to educate, empower, and support communities in fostering healthy relationships among teens. A…

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Livin’ What You’re Given: Finding Self-Worth and Healing with Laura Padgett 51:53

11M ago51:53

51:53

Today on Break the Silence with Kath, we have the incredible Laura Padgett. Laura is a multi-published, award-winning author, dancer, and storyteller, who has spent over seven decades finding her place and purpose in the world. As an adult child of alcoholics, Laura's early years were marked by challenges in understanding relationships and discover…

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Episode 24-23: From Soil to Ingredient to Plate with Nate Sloan of Bloom Restaurant and Wine Bar, Part I 17:42

11M ago17:42

17:42

In this episode, we journey from soil to plate with Nate Sloan, the visionary owner and executive chef of Bloom Restaurant and Wine Bar in Roanoke, Virginia. Nate speaks with Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt about his journey from his roots in farming in Franklin County, Virginia to being a restaurateur committed to farm-to-table …

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Dreams Beyond Adversity: Alma Thomas on Overcoming Loss, Homelessness and a Stroke. 31:47

11M ago31:47

31:47

Welcome to another episode, where we share powerful stories of resilience, inspiration, and growth. Today, we have an extraordinary guest, Alma Thomas, who truly embodies the strength and courage needed to overcome life’s toughest challenges. In 2009, Alma experienced the heartbreaking loss of her only son, a tragedy that forever changed her life. …

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Healing from Within; Marian Scales’ Story of Mental Wellness and Personal Growth. 26:10

11M ago26:10

26:10

Hallo and welcome in todays episode , I’m excited to introduce a truly inspiring guest, Marian Scales. Marian is a mental wellness coach and the founder of Dream Life Transformation. Her journey to wellness is nothing short of remarkable. After being diagnosed with ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, major depression, dysthymia, PTSD, and borderlin…

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From Pain to Power; Pauline Jones Journey of Healing, Loss and Empowerment. 34:59

11M ago34:59

34:59

Hallo and welcome in todays we have an incredibly special and inspiring guest joining us—Pauline Jones, also known as PJ. Pauline’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and hope, as she has faced more trauma than most of us can even imagine. From nearly losing her life as a baby, surviving years of abuse, and enduring the devastating loss of…

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Episode 24 - 22: Finding Your Agroecological Voice and Lens with Nicole Masters of Integrity Soils Part II 19:52

11M ago19:52

19:52

Are you interested in community collaboration and finding your agroecological voice and lens? Nicole Masters, founder of Integrity Soils and author of For the Love of Soil, discusses how an agroecological lens is used to view entire farm systems and value human dynamics with Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt. Nicole has a love and …

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From Trauma to Bliss: Reese Sabatini Blake’s Journey to Healing and Empowerment 22:59

11M ago22:59

22:59

On this episode of Break the Silence with Kath, I am honoured to welcome Reese Sabatini Blake, a bestselling author, speaker, and service professional who has turned her personal experiences of childhood abuse and a medical fiasco into a powerful force for healing. Reese is passionate about helping women overcome trauma without relying on drugs or …

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From Heartbreak to Healing: How Brandi Luke Beat the Odds with Unshakeable Faith. 51:36

12M ago51:36

51:36

Welcome to today’s episode! I’m thrilled to introduce an inspiring guest, Brandi Luke. Brandi’s story is one of immense courage, faith, and resilience. Fourteen years ago, she faced one of the greatest heartbreaks imaginable—the loss of her 11-year-old disabled daughter. Since then, she’s endured 12 surgeries in just six years, with two more on the…

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Spreading Kindness and Healing: How Danielle Booher Turned Pain into Purpose. 43:43

12M ago43:43

43:43

Spreading Kindness and Healing: How Danielle Booher Turned Pain into Purpose Today, I’m excited to welcome Danielle Booher to the show! Danielle wears many hats, she’s an author, speaker, mother, nurse, podcast host, life coach, and passionate mental health advocate. From a young age, Danielle has always felt a deep calling to help others, and this…

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Episode 24 - 21: A Love and Fascination for the Soil with Nicole Masters of Integrity Soils Part I 18:48

12M ago18:48

18:48

How do we create a love and fascination for the soil to better fit into the landscape? Nicole Masters, founder of Integrity Soils and author of For the Love of Soil, shares with Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt how central people are to agroecology. Nicole grew up in New Zealand and developed an early love and fascination with soi…

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Episode 24 - 20: The Promise and Potential of Biochar with Dr. Wayne Teel of James Madison University Part II 16:41

1y ago16:41

16:41

Are you interested in improving the water and nutrient-holding capacity of your soil? Have you heard about biochar as a soil amendment? Dr. Wayne Teel of James Madison University has studied and researched biochar for more than 15 years. Wayne discusses the promise and potential of biochar with Mary Sketch Bryant and Jeff Ishee as a follow-up to th…

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Beautiful Ashes: Shelly Edwards’ Story of Survival, Secrets, and Redemption. 1:06:44

1y ago1:06:44

1:06:44

In today’s episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Shelly Edwards, author of Beautiful Ashes—a deeply personal and powerful memoir of survival, healing, and hope. Shelly’s journey is one of overcoming unimaginable adversities, from the tragic loss of her mother in a house fire to testifying against her abusive father, all while uncovering l…

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Episode 24 - 19: Reconnecting through Stories and Agroforestry with Dr. Wayne Teel of James Madison University Part I 17:20

1y ago17:20

17:20

We all could benefit from reconnecting to soil, land, trees, and where our food comes from and how food is produced. Dr. Wayne Teel is a professor of geography at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He shares with Mary Sketch Bryant and Jeff Ishee how he works with his students at JMU to connect them to a farmer or field experience …

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From Tragedy to Triumph: Brenda Adelman on Forgiving the Unforgivable and Finding Your Voice 30:39

1y ago30:39

30:39

Welcome to the show, everyone. Today, I have the privilege of introducing a truly remarkable guest, Brenda Adelman. Brenda is an award-winning storyteller, a forgiveness expert, and the author of the powerful memoir *My Father Killed My Mother and Married My Aunt: Forgiving the Unforgivable*. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and the …

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Episode 24 - 18: Volunteering and Getting Your Hands Dirty with Tim Ohlwiler of VCE Fauquier Part II 16:37

1y ago16:37

16:37

Do you like to volunteer, dig in the soil, and get your hands dirty? Planting and harvesting vegetables, experimenting with cover crops, and reducing tillage can be great fun as well. Virginia Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and the Fauquier Education Farm offer two tangible ways to volunteer, dig in the soil, get your hands dirty, …

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Overcoming Storms and Inspiring Lives; Bambi Makowski’s Path to Award-Winning Storytelling. 34:30

1y ago34:30

34:30

Today, I’m excited to welcome a truly inspiring guest to the show, Bambi Makowski. Bambi’s journey is one of self-discovery and purpose. It took her thirty-two years to embrace her unique name, but now she says it with pride. As a mother of six adult children and a grandmother to thirteen – and counting – Bambi’s life has been filled with rich expe…

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Healing Anxious Attachment: A Journey to Secure Love with Valerie Rubin. 28:14

1y ago28:14

28:14

In today’s episode, I’m excited to introduce a truly remarkable guest, Valerie Rubin. Valerie is an anxious attachment specialist and trauma-informed somatic coach who is passionate about helping people heal their anxious attachment so they can find and sustain healthy, secure love. With a career dedicated to healing and resilience, Valarie has bec…

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It’s Okay Not to Be Okay: Mark Coope’s Story of Resilience and Recovery 30:14

1y ago30:14

30:14

In today's exceptional episode, we are joined by Mark Coope, a man whose story is both harrowing and inspiring. Mark walks us through his struggles with mental health. Mental health can affect anyone irrespective of our gender. Mark has faced some of life’s most intense challenges, plunging into the depths of despair after a traumatic event in 2016…

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Episode 24 - 17: Horticultural Realities and Soil Health with Tim Ohlwiler of VCE Fauquier Part I 18:16

1y ago18:16

18:16

What are the realities for building soil health in orchards and vineyards? Tree fruit and grapes require different strategies for reducing competition from other woody perennials and weeds. Tension can exist between balancing crop needs and building soil health in orchards and vineyards. Tim Ohlwiler is an extension agent for horticulture with Virg…

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Legacy Of Love: Analee Vinyard’s Inspiring Journey 19:01

1y ago19:01

19:01

We’re thrilled to introduce Analee Vinyard, a woman whose life story is a powerful testament to the triumph of faith over tragedy. Analee’s journey has been marked by profound challenges, but it is through these trials that she has discovered the sufficiency of God’s grace and the tender, overwhelming love that He offers in our weakest moments. Her…

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Honouring Your Grief Story: Stefanie Joseph’s Path to Resilience and Growth. 31:57

1y ago31:57

31:57

Welcome to today's episode . I'm honoured to introduce our guest, Stefanie Joseph, a dedicated coach whose mission is to empower individuals to navigate the complexities of life with grace and resilience. Stefanie's journey into this transformative work is deeply personal and profoundly inspiring. In 2022, Stefanie faced the heartbreaking loss of h…

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Blooming Against the Odds: Michelle Steiner’s Story of Resilience and Advocacy 14:02

1y ago14:02

14:02

Welcome to today's episode where we have the incredible privilege of speaking with Michelle Steiner. Michelle is on a mission to encourage, empower, and educate people, regardless of whether they have a learning disability. Her passion for raising awareness about hidden disabilities stems from her own experiences. Bullied in school due to her learn…

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From Victim to High Value Woman: Darla Ridilla's Guide to Healing the Inner Child. 20:16

1y ago20:16

20:16

Welcome to today's episode where we are honoured to have Darla Ridilla's join us. Darla grew up in an abusive home, lacking healthy role models, and twenty years ago, she became involved with her first narcissist. Since then, she has experienced multiple relationships with narcissists, each presenting its own set of challenges. Through her journey …

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Breadcrumbs of Faith: Kelly Griego's Inspiring Transformation and Mission to Help Others 38:55

1y ago38:55

38:55

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Kelly Griego, a remarkable individual whose journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and transformation. An Arizona native, Kelly began her distinguished career in 1999 when she enlisted in the United States Air Force. Over an impressive 25-year span, she excelled in various roles within the Feder…

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Awaken the Rebel Within: Tivona Elliott on Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purpose 35:30

1y ago35:30

35:30

Join us as we welcome our guest Tivona Elliott, also known as Lady V. Tivona's incredible journey is a testament to resilience and transformation. By 15, Tivona was navigating a harsh world as a madam, striving for survival and love. Her path included roles as a stripper, drug seller and an escort for high-ticket clients. Seeking genuine love, she …

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Episode 24 - 16: Managing Risks, Beginning a Movement with Robert Waring of Brandon Farms Part II 17:19

1y ago17:19

17:19

Farming and market gardening require continually learning and appropriately managing risks. Robert "Bob" Waring of Brandon Farms in Essex County, Virginia is a proponent of cover crops, soil health, and on-farm research. Bob states he sees the beginning of a movement, particularly as farmers learn from other farmers. He has embraced cover crops, an…