Willow's Vintage Homestead

Sharai Kirk of Solomon's Gardens nursery in Sonora, CA chats with me about what it's like to run a nursery, how her father got started in the 1980s, and offers tips for folks who might want to try starting their own nursery business.

My guest this time comes to us from across the pond -- England! Oliver Cameron-Swan teaches basket making at The Cartshed, an award-winning well-being charity in Herefordshire. We discuss the therapeutic nature of learning to weave as well as practicalities of growing, harvesting, and working with willows as materials.

Owner and editor of the motherlode's own Mariposa Gazette, Greg Little, takes time out of his busy schedule to chat with me about what it's like to run a small-town newspaper with an unbroken 175-year history, and shares his viewpoints on AI, the future of print media, and why independent newspapers are more important than ever.

Floral designer Sara Koelsch and I have a fascinating discussion about creating more mindful (and Earth-friendly) arrangements for funerals and other special occasions from foraged materials.

Friend Honour Horne-Jaruk chats with me about the history of the Quakers in America, why she joined, what Quaker meetings are like, and some of the basic tenets that are just as applicable today, such as "Live simply so that others may simply live."

Teacher and collector Ashton MacKenzie chats with me about the history of 'Zine culture, how to make your own, and how 'zines have spread information in a unique way to strengthen communities.

The very amusing Mark O'Brien of Uncommon Ephemera joins me to talk about preserving film strips and VHS tapes. Why would anyone save these? Listen and find out!

Karen Mentzer of Bootjack Clay Shack joins me for a discussion about pottery, wild clay, discovery, learning, and following your passion to craft a fulfilling livelihood.

We're talking sheep and fleeces with Jan DeShera, owner of Wild Fire Sheep Ranch and Jan DeShera Weaving Studio in Coulterville, California. Learn more about different breeds and wool types, how fleeces are processed, and how to get started raising sheep on your homestead.

My friend Joe Selph and I chat about his career as a puppeteer, which all started with Renee and his Artists. We also discuss the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, and of course the Muppets and Joe's time with Jim Henson.

My good friend Dr. Gregory Conn and I do a deep dive into the curious life, death, and rediscovery of the forgotten 20th Century artist Eric Pape.

Today I'm chatting with Burling Leong, owner of Burlington Rose Nursery who is an expert on heritage and miniature roses. Not only does she propagate them herself, she is also a breeder of new varieties, and renovates historic rose gardens such as Hearst Castle.

This episode takes us on a deep dive into the history of the ill-fated Donner Party with historian and educator Leslie Scatchard, where the tragic events unfold through the eyes of Tamsen Donner.

Most homesteaders have considered having their own hives, and this fascinating conversation with urban beekeeper Laura Huchel is packed with information so you can decide if it's right for you.

Larry Guenther and I chat about the importance of music in our lives, especially how it brings communities and groups together through the shared experience of heartfelt songs.

Local art teacher Erica Wolfsen explains how and why art is for everyone, and bringing communities together through public art, school programs, and learning how to play at paint parties with friends.

My pal Ginger Pauley "The Vintage Girl" from Vintage America with Ginger shares what it's like to be a bandleader and singer covering music of the 1920s-40s.

Vintage menswear expert Neal Blangiardo, proprietor of Eff's Style Emporium in New York City, discusses how to find vintage treasures in resale shops, how to clean (and how NOT to clean) vintage neckties, and ideas for dressing sharply in all seasons.

Local florist Nina Mimnaugh chats with me about how she got into the floralist business, growing local flowers organically here in the Yosemite foothills, and how one classroom opportunity changed her life.

The fine folks at Iron Gate Swordfighting chat with me about the history of how all kinds of folks learned how to use a sword for battle, dueling, or just for show -- and where you can find qualified teachers in your area.

Local herbalist Cindi Reusch, owner of Small Woods Farm, joins me for an interesting chat about the little-known miracle herb Yerba Santa, foraging, and her flourishing four-acre homestead in the California foothills.

Heidi Iverson of Honeyfolk Clothing, and author of The Natural Dye Handbook , chats with me about plant dyes, foraging, playing with color, different kinds of fibers, and visible mending.

Soap is STEM! Hayley Jay Croom of Paintbox Soapworks explains the science behind soapmaking, including glycerin melt-and-pour, cold process, and hot process. We also cover a bit about the psychology of scent, and what colors and scents work with which types of soap and why.

Expert Roberta Bassin shares a lifetime of knowledge and research about the enigmatic pilot Amelia Earhart, whose plane disappeared over the Pacific Ocean in 1937. Have they actually found her plane? What's in the classified files? Tune in and find out!

We're going Back to the Future with actor Jeffrey Weissman (George McFly in 2 & 3) as we talk about how to bring history alive for audiences with improv, immersion, authenticity, and passion.