Mother Earth News and Friends

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 191 Herbal Spotlight: Wild Medicinal Plants to Forage Jun 22, 2023

Show notes

The world is full of aromatic, flavorful, medicinal, and powerful herbs, and we're taking a whole podcast episode to celebrate just a few of them. In this episode, our returning Mother Earth News Friend, Bevin Cohen of Small House Farm, highlights some herbs you can forage or cultivate around your area and incorporate into numerous dishes and products to enjoy.

The Mother Earth News and Friends podcast shares the stories of leaders in sustainable and rural living. We're passionate about helping people learn more about natural health, homesteading, sustainability, and more. You can catch new interviews on Thursdays and our audio articles on Tuesdays.

To see more podcasts, visit www.MotherEarthNews.com/Podcast.

Check out the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Bookstore at Store.MotherEarthNews.com for more resources to help you achieve your health and farming goals.

Go to the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR page at www.MotherEarthNewsFair.com for webinars and courses on everything, from gardening to livestock management.

Audio Article: Cation Exchange Capacity in the Garden Jun 20, 2023

Show notes

Story by Andy Wilcox, read by John Moore.

Learn how you can improve you soil's cation exchange capacity to grow healthier, more nutrient-dense crops. This story comes from the May/June 2023 issue of Grit magazine.

This audio article is brought to you by the Mother Earth News and Friends podcast. We feature stories from leaders in sustainable and rural living so you can learn more about natural health, sustainability, homesteading, and more. Catch new interviews from us on Thursdays and audio articles on Tuesdays. Listen to us wherever you listen to your podcasts, and check us out at www.MotherEarthNews.com/Podcast.

For more great articles on livestock and land management, large and small farming, and even bees, go to www.MotherEarthNews.com.

If you're interested in workshops about everything from cheesemaking to soil health to building around your property, check out our MOTHER EARTH NEWS Fairs at www.MotherEarthNewsFair.com.

Grit's sister publications include MOTHER EARTH NEWS, Backyard Poultry, and Backyard Beekeeping.

Ep. 190 What to Know about Elk Farming Jun 08, 2023

Show notes

Demand for high-quality elk is on the rise in North America, but what's happening on the supply end of things? Jon Reed, president of the North American Elk Breeders Association, chats with podcast team member Kenny Coogan all about raising elk and provides a snapshot of the elk industry for those who are interested in getting involved.

To see more podcasts, visit www.MotherEarthNews.com/Podcast.

Check out the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Bookstore at Store.MotherEarthNews.com for more resources to help you achieve your health and farming goals.

Go to the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR page at www.MotherEarthNewsFair.com for webinars and courses on everything, from gardening to livestock management.

Audio Article: How the Electric Car Killed the Corn Industry Jun 06, 2023

Show notes

Story by Robert Turner, read by Jessica Mitchell.

If we all switch to driving electric vehicles, the market could drown in excess corn. Tobacco farmers offer solutions. Robert Turner unpacks agriculture's most intractable problems in a new column for MOTHER EARTH NEWS. This story comes from the June/July 2023 issue of MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine.

For more great articles on livestock and land management, large and small farming, and even bees, go to the MOTHER EARTH NEWS website.

If you're interested in workshops about everything from cheesemaking to soil health to building around your property, you can take our online classes and attend the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Fairs.

MOTHER EARTH NEWS's sister publications include Grit, Backyard Poultry, and Backyard Beekeeping.

Ep. 189 Raising Emus for Profit Jun 01, 2023

Show notes

As the second-tallest bird in the world, you may think raising emus would be a near-impossible feat. But these birds have plenty of advantages that come with raising them and can be an enjoyable addition to your farmstead. In this episode, Kymara Lonergan of the American Emu Association talks with us about the benefits of keeping emus on your property.

To see more podcasts, visit www.MotherEarthNews.com/Podcast.

Check out the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Bookstore at Store.MotherEarthNews.com for more resources to help you achieve your health and farming goals.

Go to the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR page at www.MotherEarthNewsFair.com for webinars and courses on everything, from gardening to livestock management.

Ep. 188 Spicy Chiles: What Makes Peppers Hot? May 25, 2023

Show notes

Profile episode to learning about spicy chile peppers. Whether we can handle their heat like a champ or break out in immediate sweats, many of us can agree these peppers offer unmatched flavors and excitement for numerous dishes. Danise Coon, a research specialist with more than two decades of experience researching chile peppers, joins Kenny Coogan for a conversation all about these plants that pack a powerful punch.

To see more podcasts, visit www.MotherEarthNews.com/Podcast. Check out the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Bookstore at Store.MotherEarthNews.com for more resources to help you achieve your health and farming goals. Go to the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR page at www.MotherEarthNewsFair.com for webinar and courses on everything from gardening to livestock management.

Ep. 187 Edible Insects for Pets and People May 18, 2023

Show notes

What comes to mind when you think, "edible insects"? In this episode, we're going to address some of the concerns or aversions to eating insects people may have and talk about why and how you can incorporate edible insects into both your diet and your pet's diet. Podcast team member Kenny Coogan chats with entomologist Dr. Bill Kern and CEO Anne Carlson of the pet food and treat company Jiminy's.

Audio Article: Transitioning to a Certified Organic Farm May 16, 2023

Show notes

Story by Keba M. Hitzeman, read by Jessica Mitchell.

If you're considering organic certification for your farm, this expert advice can help you navigate the daunting process. This story comes from the May/June 2023 issue of Grit magazine.

For more great articles on livestock and land management, large and small farming, and even bees, go to the Grit website.

If you're interested in workshops about everything from cheesemaking to soil health to building around your property, you can take our online classes and attend the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Fairs.

Grit's sister publications include MOTHER EARTH NEWS, Backyard Poultry, and Backyard Beekeeping.

Ep. 186 Learn to Build with Natural Materials May 11, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever dreamed about building a home that's energy-efficient and built with natural materials, while being both beautiful and functional? In this episode, we're excited to be talking with Sigi Koko of Down to Earth Design, who founded a business that does exactly that. We'll be learning more about Sigi and the work she does for clients at Down to Earth Design, and what it means to build with natural materials.

To see more podcasts, visit our Mother Earth News and Friends page. Check out the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Bookstore for more resources to help you achieve your health and farming goals. Go to the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR page for webinars and courses on everything, from gardening to livestock management.

Audio Article: Draft Horses on the Homestead May 09, 2023

Show notes

Story by Dana Benner, read by Jessica Mitchell.

These powerful animals can provide modern farmers a fuel-efficient way to work the land. This story comes from the May/June 2023 issue of Grit magazine.

For more great articles on livestock and land management, large and small farming, and even bees, go to the Grit website.

If you're interested in workshops about everything from cheesemaking to soil health to building around your property, you can take our online classes and attend the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Fairs.

Grit's sister publications include MOTHER EARTH NEWS, Backyard Poultry, and Backyard Beekeeping.