Mother Earth News and Friends

Feeling wary of predators around your birds? You're not alone. In this episode, Tomia MacQueen of Wildflower Farm share how to protect your poultry and waterfowl from predators, notably in urban and suburban spaces. We'll cover ways of protection, predator-proofing your coop, guard animals for chickens and other birds, how to protect ducks from hawks, predator identification, and more. More from M...

Story by Tamsin Cooper, read by Kenny Coogan. Why early experiences are important for your birds. This story comes from the April/May 2024 issue of MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine. Read more at https://backyardpoultry.iamcountryside.com/poultry-101/chick-and-duckling-imprinting/ More from Mother Earth News and Friends  🌳 Podcasts https://www.motherearthnews.com/Podcast/  🌳 Articles https://www.mother...

Have you ever wanted to add some fun-loving ducks to your property? In this episode, John, Mark, and Katie Metzer of Metzer Farms share how to care for baby ducks, including how to prepare for their arrival, what to feed ducklings, if ducks can go broody, and more. By the end of this episode, maybe you'll want to welcome a few web-footed friends to your homestead! More from Mother Earth News and F...

Hatching baby chicks can be a great way to introduce kids to the world of incubation, poultry, and all the challenges and joys of homesteading – not to mention leadership and entrepreneurship. In this episode, Ann Accetta-Scott shares more about egg-hatching curriculum for children, whether using it as a family side project or a homeschooling lesson, and the ways children can grow through these ch...

Story by Elizabeth Mack, read by John Moore. A new, peeping box of fluffy little chicks can be scary, but this excellent advice can help you. This story comes from the February/March 2024 issue of MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine. Read more at https://backyardpoultry.iamcountryside.com/chickens-101/bringing-new-chicks-home/ More from Mother Earth News and Friends 🌳 Podcasts https://www.motherearthnews....

The word is out: Mushroom foraging is in. For those new to the world of mushroom hunting, we have a guide for you from author and mushroom hunter Frank Hyman. In this episode, we discuss with Frank some advice when out foraging for mushrooms, some popular edible mushrooms, and tips for avoiding toxic mushrooms. Plus, find out how you can order Frank's excellent book, How to Forage for Mushrooms Wi...

Spring hatching is around the corner! For those new to the world of incubating eggs and hatching chicks, we're here to let you know it's not as daunting as it may see. In this episode, Pascale Pearce of Brinsea joins us to discuss the basics of using an incubator and how to solve any challenges that may come your way, including when to stop turning chicken eggs, how to adjust humidity in an incuba...

It be may be cold for many of us, but it's not too early to start dreaming about next season's garden! In this episode, Benedict Vanheems, a contributor to MOTHER EARTH NEWS, a lifelong gardener, and presenter at GrowVeg, shares about how you can start planning and planting your next vegetable garden – from in-ground to raised bed gardening, to where to start your garden. He covers all the basics...

Making your own homemade batches of soap can be rewarding, therapeutic, and allows you to craft beautifully aromatic soaps tailored for your skin's needs. In this episode, Melanie Teegarden, a soap-maker and business owner, shares the beneficial properties of homemade soaps and provides a simple recipe for you to get started making them at home. Once you've got a handle on the safety measures invo...

Story by Linda Bowen, read by John Moore. Make this nature-friendly pastime safer for you and your feathered neighbors. This story comes from the December 2023/January 2024 issue of MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine. More from Mother Earth News and Friends  🌳 Podcasts https://www.motherearthnews.com/Podcast/  🌳 Articles https://www.motherearthnews.com/  🌳 Store https://store.motherearthnews.com/  🌳 I...

Thinking about getting solar? Before jumping in, know the types of solar setups available to you, what it'll cost you, the questions to ask solar-installation companies, and more. Hoss Boyd of TeraVolt Energy joins us on the podcast to discuss what you need to know before you set up solar energy for your home. For more resources, view this podcast at https://www.motherearthnews.com/podcast/solar-e...

Parasites, such as fleas and ticks, are tiny organisms that can pose a big threat to our animals. How can we look out for our furry and feathered friends? Dr. Caroline Sobotyk, assistant professor of clinical parasitology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, joins us to discuss parasite threats, behaviors, and how to prevent infestation in your pets and livestock. . For...

Story by Stacy Benjamin, read by Jessica Mitchell. A safe space for your flock means less stress on your birds and more peace of mind for you. This story comes from the June/July 2023 issue of MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine. 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, hom...

Story by Jason Knight, read by John Moore. Construct a simple but effective sanctuary to keep you warm during a wilderness emergency. This story comes from the November/December 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, su...

In this episode of Mother Earth News and Friends, we're talking with Erin Hamilton of the Mushroom Conservatory all about how to cultivate mushrooms at home. In this special video podcast, learn about growing mushrooms in coffee grounds and in straw, explore the best grain for mushroom spawn, get a mushroom liquid culture recipe, and more. You can also get one of the best mushroom-growing kits for...

Story by Leah Smith, read by Kenny Coogan. Facilitate a love of the natural world with one of its smallest components: seeds. This story comes from the November/December 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, sustainabi...

4-H programs can be an amazing way to introduce kids and teens to the world of agriculture, science, engagement, and more to help them grow into confident leaders. In this episode, we're going to be jumping into 4-H poultry programs with Dr. Jacquie Jacob and Pam Watson to learn more about 4-H poultry projects nationwide, how kids and families can get involved, and the benefits these programs can...

Have you ever heard of cordyceps? For many of us, our knowledge of cordyceps – a category of fungi that includes hundreds of species - may be limited to video games or shows, where this fungi is the source of brain-altering apocalypses. And though it is parasitic to other insects and fungi, don't worry, it doesn't actually pose a threat to humans. In fact, cordyceps can be fascinating and helpful...

Story by Amelia Eigerman, read by John Moore. Avoid potential pet poisoning by knowing what's in your pest control. This story comes from the October/November 2023 issue of MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine. 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, sustainab...

Story by Robert Turner, read by Jessica Mitchell. Many scientists call it the "sixth extinction." Can technology provide a way out? This story comes from the October/November 2023 issue of MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine. 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, homeste...

What's the function of chicken combs, and how can we keep them and our chickens healthy? In this episode, Kenny Coogan chats with Heather Levin, longtime chicken-keeper and educator, about what combs are, the different kinds of combs, and how to care for them.  The Mother Earth News and Friends podcast shares the stories of leaders in sustainable and rural living. We're passionate about helping pe...

Mother Nature has many wonderful things to teach children, but how can we help invite kids to explore gardens and plants? In this episode, we chat with author, gardener, and broadcaster Matt Biggs about how we can share the beauty and the lessons of nature in the garden with the children in our lives. The Mother Earth News and Friends podcast shares the stories of leaders in sustainable and rural...

Story by Dana Benner, read by Jessica Mitchell. The reality of hunting is more expensive than you think. This story comes from the September/October 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, a...

Story by April Jones, read by Jessica Mitchell. Drawing on diverse African cultural and culinary practices, these agricultural centers enrich their neighborhoods. This story comes from the August/September 2023 issue of MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine. The Mother Earth News and Friends podcast shares the stories of leaders in sustainable and rural living. We're passionate about helping people learn mor...

Do you want to take a next step in your gardening endeavors? In this episode, Kenny Coogan chats with Karena Poke, who will be sharing all about how to monetize your small-garden garden operations. We'll be discussing why gardens are beneficial, best selling vegetables at farmers markets, and how to start a gardening business. The Mother Earth News and Friends podcast shares the stories of leaders...