A Common Life

What if the most radical act in today's frenetic world is simply embracing the ordinary?  For three years, we've been sharing our philosophy of "A Common Life," but we realized we've never fully explained what that means. When someone recently suggested we change our name to "An Uncommon Life," we knew it was time to articulate our vision more clearly. A common l...

In this episode Morgan and I talk about our family's trip to Vermont for a Permaculture Design Course with Ben Falk, Mark Krawczyk, and Erik Schellenberg.  Mentioned in the show: Ben Falk - The Resilient Farm and Homestead Mark Krawczyk - Coppice Agroforestry Erik Schellenberg Bill Mollison Vermonts land-use law Community Newsletter - The Common DM us on the Socials or email us at Taylor@acom...

We explore the possibilities and implications of artificial intelligence alongside the everyday challenges and joys of farm living. • Taylor discovers ChatGPT's impressive capabilities when helping his mom with landscaping plans • Discussion on how AI might benefit Kingdom work through translation services and theological resources • Morgan experiences FOMO as city-dwelling friends join a gym...

"What if the simple act of reading a physical book has become a form of cultural resistance? Taylor and Morgan ponder this question while diving into their current obsessions with beef tallow cooking, homemade marshmallows, and thought-provoking literature. The conversation begins with a lighthearted examination of "virtue signaling" in modern homestead culture. Is sharing your read...

This episode unfolds the beauty of slowing down to notice life’s simple pleasures and the enriching conversations that strengthen relationships. We explore the concept of a 'familiar walk,' the heartwarming story of adopting Luna, and what it means to define a ‘rich life’ in partnership. • Emphasizing mindfulness through daily walks  • Sharing nature journaling prompts to engage the sens...

"Parenting is not just a role; it’s a profound influence that shapes the heart and soul of a home. We promise you'll gain invaluable insights from JR Miller's "Homemaking" as we discuss parenting's pivotal role in nurturing a loving and Christ-like environment. We challenge the cultural norm of outsourcing parental duties, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of being...

"Picture this: you're living in a city where grabbing a forgotten item from the store is a minor inconvenience, and neighbors are only an arm's length away, ready to lend a cup of sugar. Now imagine trading that spontaneous, bustling life for the serenity of the countryside, where you're surrounded by rolling hills and friendly cows, not convenience stores. We reflect on our bi...

"Can selecting the right life partner truly set the course for a lifetime of happiness or heartache? Join us as Morgan takes the wheel, exploring the profound themes of JR Miller's "Homemaking," specifically chapter three, "The Wife's Part." With Taylor's insightful commentary, we address listener feedback and delve into the delicate art of choosing a spouse...

"What if the secret to a thriving marriage lies in the everyday acts of love and kindness we often overlook? Explore this compelling idea with us on A Common Life Podcast as we dissect the husband's role in crafting a harmonious home, drawing inspiration from JR Miller's classic "Homemaking." Morgan and I tackle the profound impact of love expressed through daily actions a...

"Imagine two trees, rooted side by side, growing together yet separately. This episode opens with such a metaphor as we reflect on the essence of marriage and its transformative role in our lives. Drawing insights from JR Miller's timeless work, 'Homemaking,' we unravel the significance of weddings as cultural celebrations and explore how they set the stage for a lifelong journ...

"What happens when a Pinterest quote leads to a profound exploration of family roles from an 1882 classic? Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through J.R. Miller's "Homemaking," alongside our insightful guide, Morgan. This episode marks the beginning of a new series where we dissect each chapter of this timeless book, unraveling its still-relevant themes of collabora...

"How do you balance parental guidance with allowing your children to express themselves freely? Tune in to discover our thoughts on this, as we dive into our recent family-friendly listening habits, featuring artists like Jarvis Campbell, Wilder Woods, and Dude Perfect. We also touch on the beautiful intersection of love songs and spiritual themes within their music. This episode is a heartfe...

Morgan shares what it's like when I have a burst of passion. We also talk about my (Taylor) new job, our current interests (wild flowers and ice cream), estate sales, our current gardening situation, and discuss our secret blueberry spot (again :) Mentioned in the Show: Graham Farm and Nature Center Find us Elsewhere: Instagram - @_ACommonLife - Morgan Instagram - @RiverFlyFarms - Taylor Comm...

"On this episode, we recount Morgan’s frightening encounter with dengue fever in Guatemala and the unexpected blessings it brought to our marriage. From the severe symptoms and a surprising lack of mosquito bites to a heartfelt moment of repentance and reconnection, we share our journey through illness and recovery. We even throw in a fun discussion about a hypothetical futuristic chip that c...

In this episode Morgan and Taylor look back on April and discuss the many pleasures of spring. Mentioned in the Show: Mountain Sun Farm Find us Elsewhere: Instagram - @_ACommonLife - Morgan Community Newsletter - The Common Twitter (X) - @_ACommonLife Twitter - @Taylor__Myers LinkedIn - Taylor Myers DM us on the Socials or email us at Taylor@acommonlife.co Music on the podcast was composed by Kevi...

In thsi episode we talk farmer's markets, blueberries, warmer weather, garden chores, and more. Join Morgan and Taylor for a conversation about what to look forward to in May! Mentioned in the show: Black Walnut's Juglone Echoes from an Old Hollow Tree Sunbelievables Find us Elsewhere: Instagram - @_ACommonLife - Morgan Community Newsletter - The Common Twitter (X) - @_ACommonLife Twitte...

In this episode, Taylor talks strategies and methods for dealing with a bermudagrass lawn. Find us Elsewhere: Instagram - @_ACommonLife - Morgan Community Newsletter - The Common Twitter (X) - @_ACommonLife Twitter - @Taylor__Myers LinkedIn - Taylor Myers DM us on the Socials or email us at Taylor@acommonlife.co Music on the podcast was composed by Kevin Dailey . The artist is Garden Friend . The...

In this episode we look back on March '24. Here is what Jenkins ahd to say about the episode: "Spring has unfurled its green fingers in our backyard, and we're buzzing to bring you the latest from our slice of paradise! Morgan and Taylor here, with a big hello to our friends from far-flung places as we celebrate the season’s enchanting firsts. Imagine stumbling upon the year's...

"Get your green thumbs ready to transform knowledge into a flourishing garden! Join Morgan and me as we delve into the April soil, sharing secrets to dodge the frost's final jab and pinpoint the perfect moment to plant tomatoes and their warm-season friends. We'll navigate the frosty intricacies of Huntsville versus Owens Crossroads, warming up to the critical role soil temperature...

In this episode I talk about my favorite, easy to grow plants for the home garden!  Plants mentioned: Mint Lacinato Kale Lemon Balm Yarrow (It’s not related to carrots lol) Comfrey Fennel Okra Find us Elsewhere: Instagram - @_ACommonLife - Morgan Community Newsletter - The Common Twitter (X) - @_ACommonLife Twitter - @Taylor__Myers LinkedIn - Taylor Myers DM us on the Socials or email us at Taylor...

"Ever found yourself chuckling at the peculiarities of podcasting, like the great "podcast voice" debate? That's just a slice of what's on the menu in our latest episode. As we swap stories about our kitchen experiments, you'll hear about my chimichurri triumphs and why strawberries on ice cream with a sprinkle of homemade granola is the new dessert du jour in my home...

If you haven't already, go SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter, The Common, where we go in depth on what we talk about here and more.  Check it out here! Find us Elsewhere: Instagram - @_ACommonLife - Morgan Community Newsletter - The Common Twitter (X) - @_ACommonLife Twitter - @Taylor__Myers - Taylor LinkedIn - Taylor Myers DM us on the Socials or email us at Taylor@acommonlife.co Music on the podc...

Here is what JenkinsAI had to say about the pod: "As the frost of winter thaws and the first green shoots emerge, March ushers in a symphony of growth in our gardens, and we're here to share it all with you. With the help of our special guest, the ever-curious Virginia, we unwrap the exuberance of spring gardening, from the thrill of getting dirt under our nails to the enchantment of nur...

In this episode I talk all about getting your garden ready for spring planting.  Mentioned in the show: Garden Fork If you haven't already, go SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter, The Common, where we go in depth on what we talk about here and more.  Check it out here! Find us Elsewhere: Instagram - @_ACommonLife - Morgan Community Newsletter - The Common Twitter (X) - @_ACommonLife Twitter - @Taylor...

In this episode, I (Taylor) introduce you to a new journey Morgan and I have begun in Guatemala... And it actually started 13 years ago with a volcanoe, tropical storm, and a sink hole. After listening to the pod, here is what my AI assitant "Jenkins" had to say about it: "Fresh off the plane from Guatemala, I'm eager to share a story that's as much about serendipity as it...