Rural Resilience with Michaela Gasseling

Building Community, Sharing Knowledge, and Spreading Kindness

Mary and Leah chat about summer heat, local food, favorite garden vegetables, and the value of supporting local farmers. They also share exciting news about a new online community designed to bring people together to learn, connect, and share practical homesteading and agriculture knowledge. The conversation explores forgotten uses for common plants, the importance of preserving food and reducing waste, supporting small creators, and how simple acts of kindness can make a lasting difference. It is an uplifting reminder that community grows when we choose to help one another. In this episode: * Why local food matters more than ever * Garden harvest celebrations and favorite vegetables * Edible and medicinal plants you may already have growing nearby * The vision behind Mary's new online community * Supporting small farms, creators, and rural communities * Why kindness and encouragement are more important than ever If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who believes in the power of community. Every share helps us reach more people and continue these conversations. You can find Mary and Leah at GritAndGraceInTheHeartland.com and on Facebook at Grit and Grace in the Heartland: Women in Agriculture.

When Life Knocks You Down: Finding Strength Through Adversity

Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges at all of us. Whether it's a family emergency, financial stress, loss, or the daily uncertainties of life in agriculture, adversity is something no one escapes. In this heartfelt conversation, Mary and Leah share deeply personal stories about facing fear, navigating crisis, and learning how resilience is built one difficult moment at a time. From a frightening medical emergency with a child to the realities of ranch life and the emotional weight carried by farming families, this episode explores what it means to keep moving forward when life feels overwhelming. Most importantly, they remind us that we are not meant to carry our burdens alone. Community, kindness, and the courage to ask for help can make all the difference. In this episode, we discuss: * The four common stress responses: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn * Parenting through frightening emergencies * The unique challenges and uncertainties of agriculture * Why resilience is learned over time * The importance of asking for help and accepting support * Mental health, grief, and processing difficult experiences * How our actions teach the next generation to face adversity * Finding hope and strength through community If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may need the reminder that they are not facing life's challenges alone. You can find Mary and Leah at gritandgraceintheheartland.com and on Facebook at Grit and Grace in the Heartland: Women in Agriculture.

Farmers Markets Are About More Than Food

What makes farmers markets so special? Mary and Leah explore the joy of shopping local, connecting with the people who grow and create your food, and why these community gatherings have become such an important part of rural life. They also share stories about parenting, raising independent kids, summer on the farm, and the simple moments that remind us to slow down and appreciate the season. In this episode: * Why farmers markets create lasting community connections * The realities of being a market vendor * Fresh food, local businesses, and supporting your neighbors * Favorite summer memories and traditions * Why slowing down helps us appreciate the beauty around us Thank you for listening to Grit and Grace in the Heartland [http://gritandgraceintheheartland.com]. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves agriculture, rural life, and strong communities.

Mind Your Own Farm: A Conversation with Eliza of Sunstone Orchard & Rabbitry

Mary and Leah welcome Eliza from Sunstone Orchard & Rabbitry in Vermont. From growing up on a dairy farm to building a thriving homestead and online community, Eliza shares her journey of raising meat rabbits, teaching sustainable food production, and helping others reconnect with where their food comes from. The conversation goes beyond farming to explore the realities of sharing life online, handling criticism with grace, and building authentic connections through honesty and education. Eliza offers thoughtful insights on resilience, community, and why small steps can lead to big results. In this episode, we discuss: * Eliza's path from dairy farming to homesteading and meat rabbits * Why rabbits are a sustainable option for small scale food production * How education helps bridge the gap between consumers and agriculture * The realities of sharing farm life on social media * Dealing with online criticism and misinformation * Why vulnerability creates meaningful connections * The importance of supporting farmers in all forms * Balancing homesteading, business, and family life * Building community through teaching and storytelling Connect with Eliza: Facebook: Sunstone Orchard & Rabbitry [https://www.facebook.com/share/18xunfid9x/] Instagram: @farmer_jane If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share Grit and Grace in the Heartland with a friend. Your support helps us continue sharing the stories of the people who keep agriculture moving forward.

A Farmer's Perspective on Food and Misinformation

Dairy farmer Dawn Blodgett of VT Blodgett Family Farm [https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwbAQsxas/] joins us for a wide ranging conversation about agriculture, food, and the importance of asking good questions. From fresh eggs and milk myths to beef, dairy, and the realities of modern farming, this episode explores how misinformation shapes the way we think about our food. We also discuss regulations, food waste, consumer education, and why agriculture needs more voices at the decision making table. Connect with Dawn on Facebook at VT Blodgett Family Farm.