Conversation Mill: Recent Episodes
Conversation Mill
Conversation Mill aims to connect listeners to members of their community and community members around the globe; through conversations exploring how we can be the change through listening and sharing our experiences. Small business owners, entrepreneurs, local performers, city and state representatives, medical professionals, and educators share their stories, struggles, and the things that motivate them to continue to build up their local communities.
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As our communities large and small bring back a more progressive main street, individuals are stepping out to pursue their passions and local leaders are pushing back against corporate greed; it’s time to engage these community leaders and small business owners in conversation. What are the driving forces behind their courage and success, and how can we continue to build communities that embrace diversity, support the local economy and create a healthy ecosystem for the culture at large?
Join us in conversation.
https://conversationmill.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast (conversationmill.substack.com)
Andrew Reina, Founder of The Ragnar Group, joins me in conversation in this episode about insurance (personal & business), liquor liability, and solutions to help small businesses in South Carolina, but potential across the US.
The Ragnar Group Inc. was formed with a singular goal in mind, to disrupt the insurance and financial services industries. For far to long this industry in our opinion has been built not with the client in mind but with what benefits the company’s, agents and advisors most. The result has been a frustrating relationship between financial professionals and the general public in which they strive to help.
To learn more about the show, or to explore sponsorship or networking options visit: conversationmill.com
Need business solutions? Financing? Lower CC rates? Coaching or Planning Services? Silverside Consulting + Creative founded and operated by your host Rebecca Dehl provides local and national services for businesses from start-up stage to large-scale companies preparing for a sale. Don't wait reach out today.
Laurel Harrop, founder of Busty Lush, joins the conversation to share what inspired her to start this line of non-alcoholic malt beverages that celebrate women.
This female forward brand, delivers great taste with style.
But entering the beverage space is not for the faint of heart. You have to be willing to take risks and create a great brand story to get the attention of buyers.
Join Laurel and I in conversation as we discuss Laurels history as an entrepreneur, her advice to young entrepreneurs and more.
conversationmill.com
silversidecreative.com
Replay, Original Episode Aired 9/23/2023.
Mountain Care first opened its doors in 1986 as "Mountain Geri-Care". Over the years the name, location, and capacity have changed, but their goal has remained the same: to provide high-quality, community-based care for older adults and their caregivers.
Mountain Care is a nonprofit, located in Buncombe and Henderson county in North Carolina. But the topic of caring for aging adults is one that will continue to impact us all, and as Elizabeth explains in this episode there is not enough support to meet demand.
Consider supporting Mountain Care with a donation or by volunteering: Learn More Here
Conversationmill.com
silversidecreative.com
Christopher Smith, Executive Director of the South Carolina Bar and Tavern Association joined me remotely to fill us in on the latest happening with liquor liability laws in South Carolina.
More venues and bars continue to close or struggle to afford liability insurance and the SC Justice Acts continues to be stalled.
With special sessions coming up and the June 11th South Carolina primaries around the corner I decided to release this episode a day early so more people could hear it and get out to the primaries to let our lawmakers know where we stand with our vote.
This might seem like just a South Carolina issue, but could very well happen in any state and in any industry. Small business owners across the country already sacrifice, scrap and give blood, sweat and tears to make their dreams come true, provide for their families, and employee members of the community, that they should not be put out of business by personal injury attorneys, legislators and insurance companies.
It is time to bring some personal responsibility back to our communities and country.
Please share with your friends and family here in South Carolina and beyond!
South Carolina Bar and Tavern Association
Conversation Mill
Silverside Consulting + Creative
Community Remembrance preserves truthful historic narratives, but also is working to emphasize the resilience of the Black community.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Pamela Adams and Charnise Mangle to learn more about the Community Remembrance Project and what led them to their contributions to this Project. We also discuss the impact of trauma across generations, and how the history of civil rights is or is not being taught here in the Upstate of South Carolina or across the country.
To learn more about Community Remembrance Project please visit:
https://www.remembranceprojectgvlsc.org/
and
https://eji.org/
James (Jim) J. Hennigan, Esq joins the show in conversation today, to discuss GOAL Justice of Greenville, human rights, and more. Jim currently runs his own LLC providing in-house counsel services on a wide range of subjects. His career has primarily been in corporate law, after receiving his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, and his law degree from Emory University. School of Law.
Jim and I ask and try to answer some of the toughest questions facing our communities:
What is Justice?
What is affordable housing and who deserves this?
What are basic human rights?
Jim has been involved with GOAL here in Greenville since the beginning and felt a call to justice actions after a conversation with his son.
Learn more about your host, Rebecca Dehl and the show at Conversation Mill.
Ready to grow your small business and need action planning, coaching or operational organization? Silverside Consulting has 20 years of business building experience.
This week I am in Conversation with the founders of an Award-Winning local craft brewery where Greenville, South Carolina locals, families, dogs, and craft beer lovers traverse to. Tetrad Brewing Company is a true-to-style, small-batch craft brewery that started with a Mr. Beer kit, family and a pure love for high-quality craft beer. Stop into the taproom to experience the city's best local craft beer.
Tetrad Brewing Co. owners Chad & John celebrate all things family and community. Listen in to hear how they Brew 4 Love.
Learn more about your host Rebecca Dehl or visit www.conversationmill.com to read the latest about the show.
Interested in advertising with Conversation Mill? Email chat@conversationmill.com
Heath Dillard, President & CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC joins us in conversation. This episode is not a sales pitch to come visit Greenville, SC (though we'd love you to check it out), but an informational conversation about tourism.
Heath shares his career journey to VisitGreenvilleSC, and how a career in tourism during Covid prepared him to answer community concerns about the impact of tourism. We talk the tourism impact on our cities and states, how this can be misrepresented or misunderstood.
Heath is also a member of the board of directors for Travel and Tourism Research Association. He has a heart not only for the place that is Greenville but the community that is Greenville.
Join us in conversation to learn more about an industry that often faces opposition.
To learn more about the show visit:
www.conversationmill.com
Jonathan Willis, Founder of Farm Fresh Fast, a meal prep and farm-to-table fast food joint in South Carolina joins me in conversation.
Jonathan and I think it is time to get a little fired up (passionate) about where your food comes from. In this conversation, we learn about Farm Fresh Fast and some of their newest initiatives calling attention to how things are done behind the scenes, but we also get into the corporate greed of it all.
But if you take only one thing away from this episode it should be... You Vote With Your Dollars; listen in and hear what I mean.
www.conversationmill.com
www.silversidecreative.com
On this episode of Conversation Mill, I welcome two friends of mine, Jordan Wong and Josh Wilson.
Jordan, a personal trainer, and professional powerlifter, took the leap to open his own gym when the facility he was working at shut it doors in the post-pandemic gym landscape. During the Covid lockdowns, Jordan opened his garage to friends and training clients as a temporary gym. From this one action, he created a culture that those of us who took advantage of his garage wanted to return to post-lockdowns. Resulting in Jordan opening Showcase Strength & Fitness, in Port Charlotte, Florida.
Josh, a personal trainer and powerlifter, followed not too far behind Jordan, opening his own private training studio, The Vault Strength & Fitness, in Sarasota, Florida. Bringing in other coaches looking for an elevated fitness environment to train their clients.
Before becoming friends Jordan, Josh and I worked at the same 6-gym chain in Southwest Florida; until they were sold and I moved on. We experienced changes in leadership (including my promotion and departure), booms in membership and droughts, the sale of the gyms, and ultimately Jordan and Josh experienced their locations closing.
They took those experiences, their extensive knowledge of personal fitness, their skills, and their determination to work independently to create successful training facilities. Join us as we find out what their driving force is, and what makes their locations different than the big box gym down the street.
www.conversationmill.com
www.silversidecreative.com
In 2023, Real Estate Agent Stephanie Burger, had 61 transactions for a value of 25+ million. She is rated 5 stars and ranks in the .5% of over 3500 Greenville MLS agents.
So it is not just my opinion that she is one of the best. Her ability to negotiate, be one step ahead, and bring her local expertise to the table gets her clients the home they are looking for or the sale they want.
She joins me in conversation to discuss what home buyers are looking for here in the Greenville, SC market, but also what it takes to be successful in real estate, how important community is and more.
www.conversationmill.com
Need to make changes in your business? Ready to get organized and prepared to take your business to the next level? Visit Rebecca's business coaching and consulting, Silverside Consulting + Creative.
Table Rock Tea Company, Ltd. is artisan tea grown in the United States, gorwning in the shadow of the Table Rock State Park, in Pickens, South Carolina.
Founders, Steve and Jennifer Lorch, are also the founders of Hydromissions International, so their roots for charitable giving run deep here at the tea company. 10% of ALL sales goes to charity through their ConnectiviTea™ Fund.
Steve joins me in conversation and we talk much more than tea. Steve is an inventor, former surgical nurse, author and serial entrepreneur. His latest book All In (again): Unsolicited Advice From A Serial Entrepreneur is full of bit sized examples and stories to learn from small business success and failures.
www.conversationmill.com
Need help getting your business organized? Have a growing business but haven't put processes in place? Silverside Consulting + Creative provides action planning services, coaching, templates, and more to get you and your business set up for long-term success.
Surgeon, Scott Porter, joins me on this first episode of season 4 to share how he founded Just Cause Apparel to replenish his surgery tank. Now he is not only refilling his cup of hope but spreading that hope by giving back with the profits of Just Cause.
Scott is the Vice Chair of Operations in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Prisma Health in Greenville, SC, and the Co-Founder of Just Cause Apparel. He attended the Yale School of Medicine and in the course of his career, has run a non-profit, Sarcoma Warriors.
If you need some motivation to follow that dream you have always had or need some motivation to start that side business to replace your day job, this is your episode. Scott could make all the excuses regarding demands on his time, but he leveraged hiring a team that believes in his vision and his network to create a company whose mission is to give back.
Want to start purchasing your company's/team's apparel from Just Cause? Click HERE to learn more.
To support the show's mission of elevating our local economies and building up small businesses by advertising or sponsoring the show, visit conversationmill.com.
Need help action planning, strategizing, organizing, building SOP's, or implementing within your small business visit silversidecreative.com for your small business resources.
Replay: I am lucky enough to call this guest a friend, so it was time to replay our conversation from Season 1! And if you live in the Greenville, SC area and are still looking for a perfect gift, True North has massage Gift Certificates available, trust me your loved ones will thank you!
Johanna Davis strives to create a client-focused practice with her massage and yoga. Her True North Wellness brand is about delivering these individual experiences; where the individual can find healing for themselves.
Johanna reminds us over and over again to keep it simple. A reminder that is much needed in our over-stimulated world.
We talk about how even while she is creating this individualized experience, she is also creating community in where and how she offers her yoga classes.
To see where Johanna is teaching follow her on Instagram.
Want to book a custom massage or private yoga session? Visit:
https://www.truenorthgreenville.com/
The reading Johanna shares at the end of the episode is written by Daniell Koepke.
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Listen in to this episode replay from season 1 of the podcast. Looking for a unique holiday gift this season? Musgrave Pencil's online store delivers a touch of nostalgia with a modern twist.
I felt so honored to be asked to interview Musgrave Pencil and feature them as a guest, and have enjoyed sharing their history and their product (they made me Conversation Mill pencils) with family and friends.
106 years in business, maintaining manufacturing during WWI & WWII, suffering near dissolution and a generation staying the course to regain full operation of the business; then pivoting to add services to continue growth, resulting in being 1 of the 4 remaining made-in-America pencil manufacturers.
Musgrave Pencil located in ‘Pencil City’ Shelbyville, TN is making 72 million pencils a year with no signs of stopping. I have always appreciated the feel of a pencil in my hand, and the ability to erase and start again. And don’t we all want that ability? To erase something and find the right words?
Musgrave pencil has embraced its history and is blending the historical with the modern. Bringing their brand to social media and creating brand apparel, as well as bringing their signature Tennessee Red Cedar pencil pack to their online store.
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Jon Bryson, visionary and founder of Matty App returns to update us on his entrepreneurship journey.
Matty App (short for mattress) is a fintech start-up, geared toward consumer investing but also has the ability to be white-labeled for use as a B2B solution. Jon walks us through this in our conversation.
Jon has taken huge strides since our first conversation and is preparing to take Matty App to the next level. He also shares some personal updates and how he manages to handle the lows of being an entrepreneur.
https://matty.ai/
Listen to my first conversation with Jon from Season 1.
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Planning cheese plates for this holiday season? Better study up on some of the best, that is why we are replaying this episode from the first season of the podcast.
Why is Wisconsin cheese the best? That's my first question for
Phillip Van Tatenhove, Owner and 3rd generation cheese maker of Gibbsville Cheese Co. located in Gibbsville, WI.
Phillip shares the history of Gibbsville Cheese and how the cheese process has been modernized. We talk about dumping milk during the pandemic, dairy farms that consider making cheese, and that time the Gibbsville Cheese milk tank was called up to service during WWII.
If you are a cheesehead like me or just curious why we say Wisconsin cheese is the best, this is the episode for you.
http://gibbsvillecheese.com/
Become a member of Conversation Mill Podcast- Conversation Mill | Substack
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Ian and Rachel Harding are the owners and farmers of Wet Knot Farm. They have overcome the common hardships of farming and personal hardships to deliver flavorful, fresh produce to their local community.
Not only do they cultivate various vegetables, but Rachel grows flowers creating unique bouquets.
In this episode, Ian shares how he came to sustainable farming, advice to want to be farmers, and the possibilities created by small family farms.
Join us in conversation as we talk about where the name Wet Knot came from and so much more.
Become a member at conversationmill.substack.com to receive extra content and essays from every episode.
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Mark Mulfinger's mastery of his trade began with private art lessons at the age of seven. His incredible and natural gift led him onto a life-long obsession of capturing the created world.
He holds an M.A. in Studio Art and currently freelances full-time. He also teaches painting, printmaking, drawing, and batik.
I have always loved batiks and was immediately attracted to Mark Mulfinger's work. After joining friends to view a small show of Mark's almost two years ago now, I knew I would continue to intersect with his work, and from art walks to his recent show at the Grand Bohemian to this conversation I have, and it has been an immense pleasure.
Enjoy this conversation with the fascinating Mark Mulfinger.
You can hear more from this conversation by becoming a member of the podcast at conversationmill.substack.com.
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From making jeans in his parent's basement to outfitting national touring bands and developing his own luxury brand, Bill Mitchell creator of Billiam Jeans has brought custom, luxury fashion to Greenville, South Carolina.
In this episode, he shares his philosophy of developing a luxury brand here in the US. He shares his journey from creating clothing to fit in, to being a trendsetter. Bill is working with some of, if not the rarest denim in the world and changing the way we think of jeans- less pant, more art.
Billiam as a brand is undergoing another evolution and Bill gives us a glimpse of what is to come. Your opportunity for a custom pair of jeans is running out and monthly the price is going up, but you can visit https://billiamjeans.com/ to get your custom pair gift card now and schedule your fitting.
Visit Conversationmill.substack.com to see behind-the-scenes of a fitting and learn more about the denim and process Bill uses to create these one-of-a-kind pieces.
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Throwing back to Season 1! This was one of our first episodes and it was one of our most popular. Sherry's positivity and joy for life shines through in this conversation and I think this is why so many of our listeners connected to this conversation.
Sherry Joseph reminds us about the joy that is found when we follow our passions.
Her love for learning has taken her down paths that have been life-saving for those around her. Not only within her own family; but through sleep dentistry.
Sherry explains the dangers of sleep apnea and what signs we are missing.
https://www.josephandjosephdental.net/
And don't forget to catch more from this conversation on Substack!
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When was the last time you thought about death? When, if ever have you taken time to think about your death?
There is no escaping the inevitable and dying is a condition we deal with in our communities consistently. Still, we do not always have the resources to make this time of life comfortable.
This is where an end-of-life doula can be a figurative and literal godsend. In our culture where we are not accustomed to dealing with death, a doula can act as a guide, interim caregiver, and individual to sit vigil and more.
Alix Davis an end-of-life doula based in Ann Arbor MI sat down with me to share her experiences so far as a doula and how she hopes to continue to evolve in this role by helping more individuals and families as they walk through the end-of-life process.
Learn more about Alix and her services: Out Of Breathe
To learn more about end-of-life doula certification visit: www.thedyingyear.org/
Get more from this episode and more on Conversationmill.substack.com
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This week we take a break from our typical episode to celebrate Indigenous Peoples of the United States. Conversation Mill is about Conversations, Community, & Culture. So it is only fitting that I call attention to members of our community who are often overlooked and whose culture has been under assault since the first Europeans came to the shores of North America.
Bringing attention to and honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day should not be a partisan issue; but instead, it should be a way for us all to learn from the ancient wisdom of the people who stewarded this land we call home.
Please visit Conversationmill.substack.com to learn more and access links to Native American voices and culture.
Conversationmill.com
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Bob Moog was a pioneer in synthesis. Creator of the Moog Synthesizer that would be adopted by some of the biggest names in music. Sadly, Bob passed away in 2005, but his daughter Michelle Moog-Koussa, preserves his legacy and promotes creativity in music through the Bob Moog Foundation a 501 (c) (3) located in Asheville, NC.
The mecca for synthesizer musicians and fans is the Moogseum. Here Michelle and the team have created a timeline of the history of synthesis and hands-on experiences. An immersive experience for guests, visitors can engage in learning how electricity becomes sound and so much more.
Join us in conversation and when you are in Asheville be sure to visit Moogseum!
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Don't forget to become a subscriber on Substack for more content from each episode: Conversationmill.substack.com
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Elizabeth Williams, Executive Director of Mountain Care, joins me in conversation to share the joy and sadness that comes with serving aging adults.
Mountain Care first opened its doors in 1986 as "Mountain Geri-Care". Over the years the name, location, and capacity have changed, but their goal has remained the same: to provide high-quality, community-based care for older adults and their caregivers.
Mountain Care is a nonprofit, located in Buncombe and Henderson county in North Carolina. But the topic of caring for aging adults is one that will continue to impact us all, and as Elizabeth explains in this episode there is not enough support to meet demand.
Consider supporting Mountain Care with a donation or by volunteering: Learn More Here
Continue the conversation with me on Substack, where this week I write about the importance of hearing the stories of our elders and specifically the stories of our families.
Conversationmill.com
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Malapropism: the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with an amusing effect
Gretchen Horn, the current owner of Malaprop's Bookstore in Asheville, North Carolina sits down with us to talk about what makes Malaprop's a lasting fixture in Asheville's downtown.
Western North Carolina is the home to many contemporary authors, alongside some of the most notable names in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. But even those writers whose names you may not know have a home at Malaprop's. They continue to support local authors, taking local writers on consignment.
The next time you are in Asheville, Malaprop's must be a stop on your list! Check out their extensive poetry and regional author selection.
Malaprop's Website
Follow them on Instagram
And follow their dogs of Malaprop's at Malapups
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Shelia Merck did not know what to expect when she joined the SC Venue Crisis fight and started raising awareness with citizens and legislators about the skyrocketing liability insurance costs, forcing small business owners to make very tough decisions about their businesses. But she quickly learned that her passion for these businesses, honky tonks, and other venues was shared by so many, not to mention the business owners themselves that have poured their dreams into these businesses.
Now Shelia and the SC Venue Crisis team are holding town halls, organizing events, and being boots on the ground in the campaign to get South Carolina legislators to change the liability laws. You can sign the petition HERE.
"In 2017, South Carolina introduced a law, that drastically changed the minimum insurance coverage requirements for establishments that sell and serve alcohol. Bill 116 requires a one-million-dollar yearly policy. This rate increase is excessively high for an across-the-board requirement.
As a result, in 2021, insurance companies began to pull out of South Carolina. The number of available carriers has dropped so severely that we can count the remaining options on one hand. The inability to shop for insurance coverage caused the average insurance prices for bars and venues to rise in 2021. When 2022 hit, we were shocked to see the price quoted, which we had no choice but to pay. What was a $5,000 - $6,000 policy skyrocketed to upwards of $20,000- $25,000." -SC Venue Crisis Petition
I can not stress how important conversations like this are, if you want things to change you have to let your voice be heard. As you will hear us discuss, the downstream effects of knee-jerk legislation can often have dire consequences on hard-working Americans.
But let’s jump into this conversation and if there is something similar happening in your state, please email me at chat@conversationmill.com; so we can talk more about grassroots movements happening at the local and state level.
SC Venue Crisis Instagram
SC Venue Crisis Facebook
Hear more from our conversation at Substack.
Heidi Henry of Harvest Kitchen, located in Greer, SC joins the podcast in conversation about all things gluten-free. But we cover even more than that, digging into strategies for running a health-based restaurant, collaboration, food systems in America, and more!
Harvest Kitchen serves up allergy-friendly food in a 100% gluten-free environment. If you are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, or a carnivore trying to eat healthier there is a fresh, delicious option for you at Harvest Kitchen.
Take a peek at what they serve up on their website or follow them on Instagram (but I do warn you, you will get hungry!)
We continue the conversation on Substack and I write about the history of celiac and its causes. Become a subscriber today and get all the extras from each episode sent right to your inbox every Monday!
In this episode, I take you along to a Robert F. Kennedy Jr. campaign stop and how I got the opportunity to steal a few minutes with him.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the son of former US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy. His father was US Attorney General under John F. Kennedy and was assassinated while running for president in 1968. Robert Kennedy Jr. was raised steeped in the history of America.
Mr. Kennedy has a doctorate in law from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in environmental law from Pace University. He served as the assistant district attorney of New York in 1983. He helped found Waterkeeper Alliance a global group that supports local environmental groups to protect their waters. In 2010 he was named “Hero of the Planet” by Time magazine for his work with Riverkeeper in the Hudson River. He has fought against polluting giants and the likes of Monsanto, helping to win a $289 million judgment against them. He joined protestors and the Sioux Nation at Standing Rock to protest the Dakota Access pipeline and continues to be an advocate for clean water and protecting communal lands.
To see videos, pictures, and a transcript from the interview visit:
conversationmill.substack.com
conversationmill.com
To learn more about the Kennedy campaign and his priorities visit:
https://www.kennedy24.com/
Alex and Laura of Sawyer Naturals bring their contagious energy to this conversation. We start talking about the business they have built with their skincare line and pivot into their social media series 'Marriage Mondays'.
Sawyer Naturals offers all-natural (truly all-natural) products: Face Moisturizer, Beard Oil, Soaps, Face scrubs and their newest and highly sought after Tallow Eye Cream. Having researched the number of chemicals being applied to their skin every time they used a traditional store-bought skin care product they set out to create something for themselves, that grew into providing healthy skin care options for all of us.
You can shop their online store, where they ship to all 50 states!
Visit conversationmill.substack.com where you can hear more of our conversation.
sawyernaturals.com
In the wake of the devastation caused by brush fires stoked by the winds of departing storm Dora, that decimated Lāhainā Town on the island of Maui, Hawaii; I wanted to take this week's podcast episode to share some history of this place that was the first capital of the kingdom of Hawaii. I hope to honor this historic place, celebrate the people who are Lāhainā , and bring attention to what will be a long and difficult recovery.
But I hope this episode inspires you to go and read and listen to the stories of the people of Maui that have lost generations of family history, that have seen the land of their ancestors (kapuna) destroyed.
I will be linking to some of these stories on Substack where you can find a transcript of this episode and pictures of the Lāhainā that impacted many of us.
conversationmill.com
conversationmill.substack.com
https://www.mauihumanesociety.org/
https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/
CocoNoni is an organic healing product, created by Bonnie Blackmore from the Noni leaf. Bonnie discovered for herself the healing power of Noni and during a time of change started to formulate the best way to offer this healing plant to others.
In this conversation, Bonnie shares her intention behind the salves and oils she makes and the many ways they heal the skin and more.
Noni trees were one of the canoe plants that the Polynesians brought with them to Hawaii. Noni was a herbal medicine used in Hawaiian healing. Additionally, it holds a spiritual significance, as Noni leaves were told to be what brought the demigod Maui back to life.
This week on Substack I share my personal stories of what Bonnie's CocoNoni Salve has healed for me and the many things I now use it for. You can also catch additional content from our conversation.
Learn more: https://www.cocononi.com/
Conversationmill.com
Zeb Parsons is the Creator & Operator of Bricolage Dynamics, an innovative company focused on glass recycling solutions. In this episode, he walks us through Bricolage's process and how they are addressing the collection end of recycling and the 'reuse' function by turning the glass into sand.
Recycling is in need of innovation and renewed interest, as Zeb explains in the episode- much of what we think is getting recycled ends up in landfills because of contamination.
Zeb grew up in Pickens, South Carolina, his love for nature and seeing a landfill grow firsthand inspired him to explore out-of-the-box ideas when it comes to recycling. Join us in conversation as we talk recycling education, plastics, sand uses (I don't think about sand often, but it is a much-used commodity), and more.
Are you interested in learning more about the dangers/reality of plastic recycling? Read my companion essay to this episode at Conversationmill.substack.com.
Become a member of Conversation Mill on Substack and receive all companion content weekly right in your inbox.
Visit https://www.bricdynamics.com/ to inquire about sand orders or learn more about Bricolage's impact.
Conversationmill.com
Many of us have a favorite coffee shop or cafe, we probably have our favorite drink and a spot we hope is open because it is our favorite place to sit. We build relationships over cups of coffee, close deals, and more; but we don't spend much time talking about how the coffee gets from the farm to our cup.
In this episode, Heather Brisson-Lutz shares her journey to coffee and her continued journey to bring Maui-grown coffees to prominence. Heather walks us through the roasting process and the process of creating the Origin cold brew that you can find in drink coolers on Maui and O'ahu.
Join us in conversation as we go to origin.
Buy a bag (or 4) of Origin Coffee.
Access member-only content and more at SubStack Conversation Mill
Interested in being a guest on the show? Contact Rebecca at chat@converationmill.com
New Hudson Inn is Michigan's oldest bar, established in 1831, and is much more than the town watering hole. Owner, Chris Stone, is striving to cultivate a place where everyone feels welcome, the staff is valued, and the community is served.
New Hudson Inn has a storied history that includes being a stagecoach stop, a hotel, part of the underground railroad, and a run as a rough-and-tumble biker bar.
This premier episode of season 3, embodies the essence of what the Conversation Mill podcast was created for: to celebrate local small businesses and the impact they make on our local economies and communities.
If you are planning a trip to Michigan, make sure you add a stop at New Hudson Inn for a drink and some BBQ!
Visit New Hudson Inn
Amory Mowery MPH | CSAC | CRPA | CARC, Executive Director of Maui Recovery breaks down the mission of Maui Recovery and shares his own personal journey. "Amory believes in a person-centered, strengths-focused treatment model that meets clients exactly where they are while also providing the tools to help them get where they want to be."
Shame is poison, self-love can be hard to find when you are not proud of your past, but hope is alive and recovery is possible. As Amory reminds us at the end of this episode 'It does get better.'
Join us as we talk about recovery goals, which are more than abstinence.
https://mauirecovery.com/
Charlotte (Char) O'Brien, Executive Director of Food Security Hawaii, has dedicated her efforts to finding practical, long term solutions to climate change. On this episode we discuss how bamboo can offer a variety of benefits not only to the environment but to creating affordable and sustainable home solutions.
Char explains what bamboo can do for soil and erosion around the world, and how it has the potential to support local home building by being a local, sustainable supply source.
This episode was recorded in one of the Bamboo Living homes built on Maui and Char explains the craftsmanship that goes into each home.
Listen in to learn how the solutions to be better stewards of the earth are out there waiting for us to take action.
Interested in a bamboo home? Visit Bamboo Living
Resources:
https://www.judithdschwartz.com/
Bamboo Slide Show
Whispering Winds Bamboo Farms
See images of the home we recorded in and watch additional content from this episode at conversationmill.substack.com. Become a member to receive all bonus episodes and support the mission of Conversation Mill.
Kamalani Kawa'a's life is a miracle, as you will hear in the introduction. She has taken the gift given by using her talent, passion and hard work to excel in Hula.
In this episode Kamalani gives us insight into her passion for hula, not just what it means for her but what it means for Hawaiian culture.
Hula is more than a dance, it is a people's history. Starting in the 1830's public performances of hula were banned, this could have caused the disappearance of hula, but like their language and cultural knowledge Kumus kept hula alive.
Join Kamalani and I in conversation and learn how hula shapes people on and off the stage.
To watch highlights from previous Merrie Monarch's follow the links below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65FzFb0rVTw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5b90G4Jy90
Follow Kamalani on Instagram at: Kamalovely
Mele- Song
Kumu- Teacher
Ai Kahiko- Ancient style hula
Oli- Chant
Hālau- Hula School/Group
Join the conversation with Conversation Mill on Substack this helps support the podcast and gives the listener extra content and bonus episodes delivered right to your inbox weekly.
Sparky's is a family affair, their Ohana is at the heart of everything they do and the food they serve. That sense of family is much wider though than just blood. Duke Sparks shares how the community is part of that Ohana that makes Sparky's successful.
We talk about Hawaiian food staples, the challenges of inflation and food costs, and the importance of supporting your local community. If you are thinking of starting a food truck or restaurant, listen in, Duke shares his and his brother's journey from 50 plate lunches to 2 food trucks and a restaurant.
If you are on Maui and haven't yet, come in and try some of your favorite foods with a modern twist and if you are planning a trip to Maui add Sparky's to your dining list. You won't want to miss it!
Home | Sparky's Food Co (sparkysfoodco.com)
Join us in conversation.
After an experience with an individual experiencing psychosis, I became interested in how our cities, and our communities address addiction, severe mental illness, and homelessness.
This episode is the first in a series to come throughout the next several seasons. In this first episode on the topic of addiction and how it impacts our communities, I lay a foundation for future conversations with guests that specialize in treatment for addiction and mental health.
Addiction touches all our lives, but with addiction, overdoses, and homelessness on the rise and creating open drug scenes in some of our larger cities; the time has come to start talking about real solutions and learning about what drives members of our families and community to addiction and what keeps them in the prison of addiction.
Resources for this episode:
Four Corners Natural Area
San Francisco Citizen Reporting
Wilmington, NC OD Increase
Obama Conversation on Opioid addiction
Trump on Opioid Crisis
Verywellmind
Article from the Psychiatric Times, Allen Frances and Mark Ruffalo
San Fransicko: Why Progressives Ruin... book by Michael Shellenberger (thriftbooks.com)
Josh Bogle is an adaptive surfer and clean ocean advocate. In 2012 his life was forever changed, but that radical change also brought him to surfing.
Josh's story is one of remarkable resilience after both legs were amputated below the knee, his left hand amputated and most of the fingers on his left hand; he transformed his life and is now sharing his story.
Accidents, addiction, illness, and a coma could not break Josh's spirit, though he has seen his share of dark days. In this episode, he shares the moments that radically redefined life for him.
His story is being told through the in-production documentary 'Finding True North'; to help complete this project an Indiegogo campaign has been established, to contribute and get Josh's inspiring story out to the masses click HERE.
Chieko Garland is a mother, a wife, a yoga teacher, a serial entrepreneur, and so much more. She is a builder of community, who understands the importance of giving to receive. You may recognize Chieko from Episode 5, Welzie's Whimsy, when she joined us in conversation with her husband.
Her latest endeavor, Island Power Yoga, has created a community of teachers that provides a space where members can come as themselves and practice in a way that meets their individual needs, while still including them in community.
Chieko has been teaching yoga in Hawaii since 2014 she is certified with trainings in Vinyasa, Pre & Post Natal, HIIT and Sculpt. Her style has strength and ashtanga influence while using creative flows in her vinyasa classes. Her classes combine strength and flexibility while focusing on breath.
In this episode, Chieko gives insight into starting and operating your own business by sharing her stories of success and failure. We talk about the need for community and how she built the community she needed.
Scott Fisher, PHD is the Director of ʻĀina Stewardship at Hawai'i Land Trust. Scott was born and raised on Maui and after serving in the Gulf War he studied and received a M.A. in Peace Studies, with a focus on Hawaiian Strategies for Peace and Reconciliation. Scott also has a graduate degree in ecological restoration. Scott also farms on his own ‘ulu farm in Waikapū and shares that this is his happy place.
In this conversation, Scott walks us through how the history of the Native Hawaiian people and their kilo (observation) of the natural world is the key to how we regain our connection to the ʻĀina (land).
Scott explains ahupua‘a and moku districts, when they were created, and how this concept if applied to today's world could help be the answer to some of our ecological harm.
If you are a conservationist, love history, or learning about native cultures this is the episode for you. Scott is a wealth of knowledge and his passion for his work radiates through his stories and sharing of Hawaiian proverbs.
He aliʻi ka ʻāina; he kauwā ke kanaka The land is a chief; man is its servantTo click HERE to learn more about and support Hawai'i Land Trust.
Moku Roots is a plant-based restaurant in Lahaina on Maui. Owner Alexa Caskey, sat with me to talk all things Moku Roots. Alexa and team have created a restaurant that is Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in US 2021, Yelp's Top Vegetarian Restaurant in Hawaii 2020, 2019 Hawai'i Magazine- Best New Restaurant, and has been on many more awards and top restaurant lists.
Born from filling a need for a plant-based restaurant on Maui, Moku Roots is now expanding into open mic nights, comedy shows, and maintaining a place for the community to come together to eat locally sourced food.
We talk about the importance of food in our communities, the challenges of opening a restaurant, how they achieve zero waste, and more.
Follow them on Instagram: mokuroots
In this continued conversation with, Kelly King of Pacific Biodiesel, we discuss food security. Pacific Biodiesel® is taking strides to join those who are taking action on food security and walking the talk.
Their upcoming Sunflower Festival on Earth Day will support local food hubs. Kelly explains how the food hubs drive food security and support local farmers.
Visit Pacific Biodiesel or Mana'o Radio to purchase your tickets.
Founded on Maui in 1995, Pacific Biodiesel® is the nation’s longest operating biodiesel producer. Today with nearly 100 employees statewide, the company recycles used cooking oil from restaurants statewide to produce its clean, 100% renewable fuel. Pacific Biodiesel is the only commercial producer of liquid biofuels in Hawaii.
Founded on Maui in 1995, Pacific Biodiesel® is the nation’s longest-operating biodiesel producer. Today with nearly 100 employees statewide, the company recycles used cooking oil from restaurants statewide to produce its clean, 100% renewable fuel. Pacific Biodiesel is the only commercial producer of liquid biofuels in Hawaii.
https://www.biodiesel.com/about-us/
Co-founder, Kelly King sits with me to talk about what biodiesel is and why it is crucial that we continue developing renewable energy and petroleum replacements.
In this first of two episodes, we dig into the vision and mission behind Pacific Biodiesel and the circular economy they have created.
Learn More:
https://www.biodiesel.com/
Pacific Biodiesel Marketing Director Joy Galatro Presents A Virtual Farm Tour in the Maui Sunflowers: https://youtu.be/rOndAs9RGmE
Biodiesel 101: What Is Biodiesel, Who Uses It & How Is It Produced: https://youtu.be/EgYMONqXFsE
Sustainable Agriculture & Clean Energy to Grow Hawaii's Diversified Economy: https://youtu.be/O8Ib2TK7lSM
Do you have a plan? Are you a spender or a saver? What is your relationship with money? Taylor and I discuss why it is crucial to examine your attitude toward money, fears many of us have for the future, and much more in this 2 part Bonus Episode.
Meet Taylor Schenone, Financial Planner with Edward Jones. In Part 1 of this bonus episode, Taylor walks us through his journey to becoming a Financial Planner and how his experience in small business prepared him to assist future business owners with their planning.
This is the first of Conversation Mill's Cornerstone Episodes. Part 2, 80/10/10 will be featured on Substack at: conversationmill.substack.com.
Join today to receive all bonus episodes, articles, and exclusive content right in your inbox.
Tiffany and Christian Chou are the sister and brother team behind the new store, Depo Market, opening soon in Wailuku, Maui. Tiffany, a fashion and jewelry designer, living in New York City returned to help Chris live a more fulfilling and independent life.
Tiffany realized quickly that creating a schedule for Chris, who has autism, was difficult, and finding opportunities for him to be integrated into the community was even harder. They decided together to create a pop-up jewelry business, that would also provide opportunities for other differently-abled adults to work 'front of house'.
As Tiffany puts it, jewelry and their soon-to-be brick-and-mortar location are their vehicles for creating more visibility and opportunities for adults with autism and down syndrome.
View and purchase Tiffany and Christian's beautiful jewelry at: Depo Market
Be sure to follow them on Instagram and Tik Tok to follow their journey.
Welzie is the visual pick-me-up you need today. A lifelong artist, who set his sights on building a life around his art. From living in his van painting surfboards to the artist in residency at the Andaz Resort Maui; Welzie has evolved into the artist we catch up with in this episode.
Welzie says he isn’t trying to get a message across with his art; but he does and the message is be happy and have fun. The bright colors lift your spirit, and the smiling fish remind you not to take yourself so seriously.
Welzie’s medium to create his art is fiberglass derived from surfboards, with layers of paint and shine. But he is not just creating paintings or drawings; he is also creating colorful, joyful sculptures.
You can view and purchase his work at https://www.welzie-art.com/
And be sure to follow him on Instagram @welzie_art
Dale Zarrella is a world-renowned sculptor and multi-media artist, with sculptures featured at the Vatican, St. John's Seminary in California, and in dozens of private collections.
Originally, from Connecticut, Dale moved to Hawaii and embedded himself in the culture which quickly informed his work. In this conversation Dale shares some stories behind some of his most notable sculptures. Through, these stories he reveals his heart, his talent, and shares his earned wisdom.
We met at his studio, located in Maui Tropical Plantation. Sitting among his sculptures in various states of completion, Dale gives us a behind-the-scenes view of his career.
To purchase Dale's work visit: https://www.dalezarrella.com/
Follow him on Instagram: @dalezarrella
See more of his work on Youtube.
We know that what we eat can affect our weight, cholesterol, sugar levels, and more; but we tend to forget that the mouth and our teeth are the first parts of our body affected and that what is scrubbed into the mouth and gums goes directly into the bloodstream.
This is one of the reasons, Dr. Sonia Gupta created AlohaBrite. AlohaBrite is toothpaste, tooth swipes, and floss geared toward preventing tooth and gum health problems. Dr. Gupta has spent 15 years perfecting her formula and she continues to tweak it to provide an optimal product.
But what sets AlohaBrite apart is much more than a patent-pending formula, AlohaBrite toothpaste is Zero Waste, Plastic Free, Vegan, Fluoride Free, Sulfate Free, and more. As Dr. Gupta says "badditives free".
Dr. Gupta dedicated her time to Operations Smile and other health initiatives that help inspire her work to contribute to a world where dentists are not in such high demand. She has participated in many of these missions with alohamedicalmission.org based here in Hawai'i
Join us in conversation as Dr. Gupta shares her journey to AlohaBrite.
AlohaBrite is shipped around the world and you can order HERE.
https://alohabrite.com/
Follow AlohaBrite on Instagram: @alohabrite
Meet photographer and artist Cassie Pali... did I mention she does her photography underwater?
Cassie Pali is an award-winning photographer, winning the Spiritual Art Award in 2021, 2020 & 2019. She has combined her photography and artistic eye to create one-of-a-kind images that give you the feeling of weightlessness.
Two years ago Cassie was diagnosed with breast cancer and after several surgeries and treatments; Cassie is healing cancer free! She is ready to dive back into her favorite place: the ocean and ready to dive back into her art.
Choices is her newest theme and having made the choice to fight through cancer and pursue her art; she is ready to create pieces that inspire us to stop, think and choose.
Join us in conversation as Cassie shares how she crafted her career, the challenges of underwater photography, and the direction she is taking her art in 2023.
To learn more or schedule an underwater session with Cassie visit her site: https://cassiepali.com/
You can also find Cassie's art at the following galleries:
https://www.shopmauiart.com/
https://mauioceancenter.com/shop/
https://turnbullfineart.com/artist/cassie-pali/
What do you think of when someone says 'Hawai'i'? Surfing, Mia Tia's, the beach? Many people dream of the chance to visit Hawai'i, to vacation in paradise. But what about the native Hawaiians who call this place home and who have had their culture commercialized?
The history of Hawai'i and the culture of the Hawaiian people can teach us invaluable lessons and give us tools to be better stewards of the land and better stewards of ourselves.
Kainoa Horcajo, owner and operator of Mo'olelo Group joins me in conversation and sets the stage for the conversations that will come in season 2, as we meet the community leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers of the Hawaiian islands.
https://www.moolelogroup.com/
Instagram: Kainoagram
I love Christmas. It has long been my favorite holiday. I love the tree, the decorations, the snow, the food, and the music.
My Dad’s parents were from Germany and brought their cultural traditions with them. I wanted to learn more about these traditions that they brought with them and get to know the German cultural holiday traditions better and share them with you. One of my favorite Christmas memories is how my Omi, my Dad’s mother, would always include a chocolate orange in the gifts she gave to me.
Half of my mother’s family is from Croatia and I have never dug into Croatian history to the extent that I have German history, so in this bonus holiday episode, we will look at some of the aspects of German holiday traditions, learning more about some familiar characters, as well as, learn about an aspect of Croatian Christmas tradition that I was completely unfamiliar with.
Thank you for listening and for all your support throughout this first season. If there are guests you would like to hear from please email me at chat@conversationmill.com.
Subscribe to Conversation Mill on SubStack.
Until next season I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a bountiful new year.
O Tannenbaum
Stille Nacht
Resources:
https://www.stnicholascenter.org/who-is-st-nicholas
Ten Beloved German Christmas Traditions - Germanfoods.org
A Guide to Croatian Christmas Traditions (theculturetrip.com)
Biography of Saint Lucy, Bringer of Light (learnreligions.com)
In this final episode of Season 1 of Conversation Mill, I am in conversation with Fishery Pointe Cottages owners, Amy and Eric Anderson.
Fishery Pointe Cottages is located in Ford River, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In this episode, the owners and operators of Fishery Pointe, Eric & Amy, share the joys and challenges of being new small business owners.
But more than that they remind us about the importance of building relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. They share personal stories that highlight the hope and meaningfulness that is found when you come alongside people. And sometimes the conversation we have without words are the most important.
Amy is my cousin and when you listen to this episode you get a glimpse of the heart of all my extended family.
Want to book a stay? Visit: https://www.fisherypointecottages.com/
Follow Fishery Pointe Cottages on Instagram to see the beauty of Lake Michigan.
In this 3 part episode featured exclusively on conversationmill.substack.com, Theresa Moore and I discuss the need for more conversations and specifically how she built trust and respect with her kids through consistent and transparent conversations.
Theresa hosts her own podcast, Conversations to Inspire, launching December 11th, 2022.
Part 1, Start Them Young will be live on November 28th, 2022 at conversationmill.substack.com. You can listen to this episode for free. Enter your email before the 28th to get the first of this 3 part series delivered right to your inbox.
Part 2: Tense Conversations will be live Monday, December 5th and
Part 3: The Lenses We See The World Through will be live Monday, December 12th.
To receive Parts 2 & 3 become a member of Conversation Mill on Substack for only $5 a month. Or become a founding member, to receive Founding Member-Only Episodes throughout the year.
Conversation Mill is a Listener Supported podcast. To keep Conversation Mill ad FREE and a diverse group of guests we rely on your support.
Thank you for supporting small businesses, local economies, and working to build a community where you live and across the country.
Johanna Davis strives to create a client-focused practice with her massage and yoga. Her True North Wellness brand is about delivering these individual experiences; where the individual can find healing for themselves.
Johanna reminds us over and over again to keep it simple. A reminder that is much needed in our over-stimulated world.
We talk about how even while she is creating this individualized experience, she is also creating community in where and how she offers her yoga classes.
To see where Johanna is teaching follow her on Instagram.
Want to book a custom massage or private yoga session? Visit:
https://www.truenorthgreenville.com/
The reading Johanna shares at the end of the episode is written by Daniell Koepke.
We sit in conversation with the creative mind behind the Rabbit Hero, Tony Brandl.
Tony has been creating the Rabbit Hero for decades and shares with us the thought process behind how the Rabbit Hero story unfolds. We discuss the poetry that guides the characters and how that poetry is meant to leave the page and enter the reader's life as well.
I ask Tony what role art, poetry, and philosophy have or should have in our communities. We discuss living a poetic life and much more in the hour we spent together.
Tony has always been a creative inspiration for me and if you are someone looking to pursue a creative endeavor I think he will inspire you too.
You can learn more and follow The Rabbit Hero at:
Instagram: therabbithero
Website: The Rabbit Hero
Etsy: therabbithero - Etsy
Patreon: The Rabbit Hero is creating Storyblocks/Comics | Patreon
106 years in business, maintaining manufacturing during WWI & WWII, suffering near dissolution and a generation staying the course to regain full operation of the business; then pivoting to add services to continue growth, resulting in being 1 of the 4 remaining made-in-America pencil manufacturers.
Musgrave Pencil located in ‘Pencil City’ Shelbyville, TN is making 72 million pencils a year with no signs of stopping. I have always appreciated the feel of a pencil in my hand, and the ability to erase and start again. And don’t we all want that ability? To erase something and find the right words?
Musgrave pencil has embraced its history and is blending the historical with the modern. Bringing their brand to social media and creating brand apparel, as well as bringing their signature Tennessee Red Cedar pencil pack to their online store.
Perfect for advertising, Musgrave Pencil creates millions of custom pencils annually.
To learn more and order your custom pencils visit:
https://musgravepencil.com/
Mansoor Mirza, MD ,FACP is a Hospitalist and Director of Hospitalists. Dr. Mirza shares his love for Wisconsin and the shocking experience he had with a community in rural Wisconsin in 2010. We discuss the role his faith plays in how he approaches community, and how others should as well. How by asking questions and respecting one another, we can find the commonalities that create community. After all this time of discussing Islam in the public square, there are still fears and misconceptions; Dr. Mirza shares his thoughts on this and answers my question: Are there any questions I could ask about Islam that would offend you? Scholars mentioned in the episode: Hamza Yusuf- https://sandala.org/ (https://sandala.org/) Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah- https://www.drzulfiqarshah.com/ (https://www.drzulfiqarshah.com/)
Exclusive Episode featuring Fred Dilworth, Program Manager @ Flywheel. Flywheel is a co-working and economic development business coming to Greenville, SC in 2023. Flywheel is currently operating in Winston-Salem, NC & Concord, NC. Flywheel is much more than your typical co-working space; listen in to my conversation with Fred to learn more. Listen for Free onhttps://conversationmill.substack.com/ ( Substack). To learn more visit: https://www.flywheelcoworking.com/ (https://www.flywheelcoworking.com/)
Why is Wisconsin cheese the best? That's my first question for Phillip Van Tatenhove , Owner and 3rd generation cheese maker of Gibbsville Cheese Co. located in Gibbsville, WI. Phillip shares the history of Gibbsville Cheese and how thecheese process has been modernized. We talk about dumping milk during the pandemic, dairy farms that consider making cheese, and that time the Gibbsville Cheese milk tank was called up to service during WWII. If you are a cheese head like me or just curious why we say Wisconsin cheese is the best, this is the episode for you. http://gibbsvillecheese.com/ (http://gibbsvillecheese.com/) Become a member of Conversation Mill Podcast- https://conversationmill.substack.com/ (Conversation Mill | Substack)
The Yatra Sisters are on a journey and they want you along for the ride. Sherita and Allison are the down-to-earth, spiritual-minded duo that make up the Yatra Sisters. In today's episode, they share their mission with us and how they approach conversations on their podcast and out in the world. We delve into topics like: talking to teenagers about sex and the rise of argumentative conversations; and engage in that universal connector, which is laughter. I know you will enjoy getting to know the Yatra Sisters with me. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-yatra-sisters/id1609953246 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-yatra-sisters/id1609953246) https://my.captivate.fm/theyatracenter.com (theyatracenter.com) Become a member of Conversation Mill Podcast- https://conversationmill.substack.com/ (Conversation Mill | Substack)
Meet the vendors of Grateful Market hosted by Double Blessing Farm in Travelers Rest, SC. Getting to know your local artisans, bakers, bee keepers, sewers, and famers will change how you think about buying local. My top 3 reasons for buying local: Grow the local economy for all of us. Healthier options- Often local farms are not using heavy chemicals and pesticides. Create community that supports you and your endeavors as you have supported them.
Red Clay Soap- https://www.redclaysoap.com/ (https://www.redclaysoap.com/) The Knack Shack LLC- https://www.facebook.com/theknackshack (https://www.facebook.com/theknackshack) Mountain Laurel Bakery- https://www.instagram.com/mountainlaurelbakery/ (Danielle (@mountainlaurelbakery) • Instagram photos and videos) Humble Flowers & Veggies- https://www.instagram.com/humbleflowersandveggies/ (@humbleflowersandveggies • Instagram photos and videos) Briggs Garden Bella Boutique Woodchips Pleasant Hill Provisions Mountain Laurel Knitting Raynbow Farm Honey Helen & Floyds
Deb Richardson-Moore is the author of four (4) fiction titles and a memoir, The Weight of Mercy, about her early years as a pastor at the Triune Mercy Center in Greenville, S.C. A former national award-winning reporter for The Greenville (SC) News, Deb accepted the pastorate at Triune Mercy Center; which opened her eyes to the addiction crisis afflicting the often over looked citizens of the Greenville community. We discuss the state of journalism, the parts & people of our communities we often look past, and how her theology created an inclusive space of worship. Like me, I believe you will walk away from this conversation challenging yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and push past your fear to help your neighbor. https://debrichardsonmoore.com/ (https://debrichardsonmoore.com/) Subscribe to listen to an additional conversation between Deb and me where we discuss how she approaches conversations, the state of political conversations or the lack thereof, and listening. https://conversationmill.substack.com/ (https://conversationmill.substack.com/)
Renato Vicario, principle wine-maker, liqueur maker and taste educator. Sommelier Clos de Vougeot and Compagnon de Bordeaux, Oenologist for Vicario Wines, Master Liqueur Maker for Salute! LLC, and author of Italian Liqueurs, The Art and History of a Creation. Renato Vicario was raised in the Piedmont region of Italy and lived in many countries across the world through his 45 years as a world culture, gastronomic and heritage travel wholesaler. Educated at the Catholic University in Milan, Cambridge University, U.K. and the Sorbonne University, France, he is fluent in many languages, as well, ancient languages, making his research capacity and knowledge profound. He and his wife, Janette Wesley, create Vicario Wines and Spirits at their vineyards in Cortona, Italy and grow herbs for liqueur making in Greer, South Carolina. Janette Wesley, from the Herb Gardens and Orchards and Olive Groves, to the celebration at the Table is involved in getting things in motion. She is a former Chapter Leader, and Governor for Slow Food USA. The philosophy of Slow Food- "Good, Clean and Fair" works it's way in to all of the Salute! products, made by naturally clean methods respecting the environment, delicious in taste, and at a fair price. To Learn more visit: https://www.salutellc.com/ (https://www.salutellc.com/)
It is one thing to create a career you love, in which you use your natural talents, but another to roll your career and talents into a way to support your local community. Brittney has a heart for seeing youth have opportunities to expand their horizons and find safe places within themselves. Brittney shares what avenues are available to build an acting career. And we discuss the mental health crisis we are seeing with youth and adults. You can learn more about the Outstanding Youth Awards and Brittney's books at: https://www.outstandingyouthawards.com/ (https://www.outstandingyouthawards.com/) https://www.brittneybrackett.com/ (https://www.brittneybrackett.com/) Don't miss extra content from this episode at: https://www.conversationmill.substack.com (conversationmill.substack.com)
Mill Village Ministries is a collection of social entrepreneurs working to develop communities for success in Greenville, South Carolina. Dan Weidenbenner, the Executive Director of Mill Village Ministries, and I discuss the various outreach programs Mill Village Ministries is supporting from Entrepreneurship Programs to Social Justice awareness through Village Engage. We discuss racial disparity in Greenville, SC, what has changed and what still needs attention. We touch on toxic charity and what it means to truly create community; by learning from the past and making the necessary changes. Visit: http://www.millcommunity.org/ (http://www.millcommunity.org/) to learn more and support. To learn more about Community Remembrance Project https://www.remembranceprojectgvlsc.org/ (https://www.remembranceprojectgvlsc.org/) Subscribe at https://conversationmill.substack.com/ (https://conversationmill.substack.com/) to read Rebecca's essay on the Confederate States of America's causes for war and how the idea that slavery was not a cornerstone of the civil war is wrong...spoken right from the mouth of the VP of the Confederacy.
John and Rachel bring their love for people to their farm and to the goat milk soap they create. They started in raw goats’ milk to address John’s migraine’s but quickly saw the benefits it could provide to others as well. After a tragic accident necessitated a lifestyle and career change; John and Rachel launched full-time into creating Red Clay Soap. Not only do we discuss what separates Red Clay Soap from your store bought soaps, but we discuss the opportunities that arise when you plug into your local community. To listen to the extended content from today's episode, subscribe at: https://conversationmill.substack.com/ (https://conversationmill.substack.com/) To learn more visit: https://www.redclaysoap.com/ (https://www.redclaysoap.com/) The book by Jordan Rubin: https://www.thriftbooks.com/browse/?b.search=patient%20heal%20thyself#b.s=mostPopular-desc&b.p=1&b.pp=30&b.oos&b.tile (https://www.thriftbooks.com/browse/?b.search=patient%20heal%20thyself#b.s=mostPopular-desc&b.p=1&b.pp=30&b.oos&b.tile)
Investing is scary, often because we are not educated on all the ins and outs. Gen Z and Millennials are more eager to invest in what they believe in, and America, overall, has a financial literacy problem. Jon explains how Matty App, is the investment tool poised to be the solution to setting some short and long term investment goals. He walks us through the idea of Matty App, to making it a reality, and how he wants to be a tide that raises all boats. https://matty.ai/
Marty shares what brought him and his wife Sharon to the CBD industry, how their product line was born out of demand, and the hurdles still facing the CBD market. If you have had questions about CBD in the, I think this episode will answer most of them if not all. https://www.upstatealchemycbd.com/
Sherry Joseph reminds us about the joy that is found when we follow our passions. Her love for learning has taken her down paths that have been life saving for those around her. Not only within her own family; but through the sleep dentistry. Sherry explains that dangers of sleep apnea and what signs we are missing. Sherry holds a doctorate in general dentistry, is a licensed massage therapist, a mother of 5, a marathon runner, and recently took up pottery creating her own pottery studio out of her home. This is just the first of what is hopefully many conversations with Dr. Sherry Joseph.
Hometown traditions tie us back to a simpler time; but also give us a chance to look back and see where alternative decisions could have supported growing a local community and economy. In this episode the host of Conversation Mill, Rebecca Dehl, shares her favorite hometown memory and how a once thriving village had no chance of surviving into the 21st century.
Meet the host of Conversation Mill and learn about the types of conversation that are headed your way.