Épisodes

  • Surviving Dengue in Guatemala & Gardening Mishaps (rats) + Adventures!
    Jun 6 2024

    "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 could revolutionize medical diagnoses and improve marital empathy.

    Beyond personal trials, our Guatemalan adventure led us to tackle the serious issue of malnutrition among children through a regenerative agriculture project. Visiting the historic city of Antigua and remote rural areas, we teamed up with organizations like Missioteca and Grace Ministries to introduce sustainable farming practices. Learn about our mission to transform local agriculture, improve children's health, and the uphill battle smallholder farmers face against large corporations.

    Lastly, we dive into the inspiring world of Amado, a passionate agricultural expert, whose knowledge on cover crops and seed collection left a lasting impression on us. We also share a practical tip for chicken owners stemming from a personal mouse infestation mishap, and reflect on our gardening journeys—the trials with pests and the triumphs with our hydrangeas and lemon balm. Join us as we brainstorm ways to celebrate upcoming celestial events, offering a mix of heartfelt stories, practical advice, and inspirational encounters."

    Mentioned in the Show:
    Missioteca
    Grace Ministries

    Find us Elsewhere:
    Instagram - @_ACommonLife - Morgan
    Instagram - @RiverFlyFarms - Taylor
    Community Newsletter - The Common
    Twitter - @Taylor__Myers
    LinkedIn - Taylor Myers

    Need some help with help with your garden or homestead? Book a 15 minute free consult with Taylor to see if he can help.

    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 track is the instrumental version of “On a Cloud”

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    31 min
  • Spring Hit Different This Year: Strawberries, Resurrection, Lettuce, and a Growing Garden
    May 5 2024

    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 Kevin Dailey. The artist is Garden Friend. The track is the instrumental version of “On a Cloud”

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    21 min
  • Farmer's Market dillemas, Blueberries, Gardening tips, and more for the Month of May!
    May 1 2024

    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
    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 track is the instrumental version of “On a Cloud”

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    20 min
  • Keeping Bermudagrass Out of Your Garden. Even if you have a Bermudagrass Lawn!
    Apr 21 2024

    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 track is the instrumental version of “On a Cloud”

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    22 min
  • Embracing Spring's Delights: First Morels, Blooming Dogwoods, and Dreams of the Future Orchard!
    Apr 11 2024

    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 first morel mushroom during a hike, or witnessing Huntsville's dogwoods bursting into bloom – these are just a few of the joys we're sharing. From the robust growth of our potatoes and peas to safeguarding our tender tomato plants from the last of the frost's sting, our garden is a microcosm of life's little victories and the resilience we've cultivated along with our veggies.

    As the chatter of birds fills the air, we can't help but dream out loud about our future orchard, a slice of Eden we're mapping out with a cottage-like charm. It's an orchard that's a little wild, a little planned, and every bit as enchanting as a childhood memory – speaking of which, we've got to tell you about Wilder's first popsicle! It's the simple pleasures, like crafting homemade strawberry lemonade popsicles, that add a dash of sweetness to our days. We navigate the whimsy of DIY treats and revel in the frugality of making our own, proving that the best things in life aren't just free – sometimes, they're homegrown. Join us on this journey, and let's sow the seeds of joy together!"

    Thanks Jenkins!

    Mentioned:
    Parsley is a biennial
    Field and Forage Instagram
    Holistic Orchard - Michael Phillips


    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 track is the instrumental version of “On a Cloud”

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    23 min
  • Looking ahead to April! Frost Dates, Garden Install How-To, Toad Choruses, and More!
    Mar 31 2024

    "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 plays in your garden's performance. Expect a row-by-row guide on how to invite a cascade of beans, cucumbers, squash, and even the ambitious sprawl of watermelons and sweet corn to your patch. And for those with a competitive streak, we'll reveal methods to outsmart garden gluttons waiting to feast on your hard work.

    Our conversation blossoms further as we tackle the nuts and bolts of garden establishment, from sun chasing to wrangling stormwater and nurturing your soil. Rest assured, I haven't forgotten to sprinkle in tales from my own backyard escapades – like the strawberry-induced happiness and a family quiz night that blooms into a garden of laughter. We don't just scratch the surface; we dig deep with advice on choosing between the embrace of in-ground planting or the elevation of raised beds. Whether you're armed with a stirrup hoe or still brushing the dirt off your gardening gloves, Morgan and I are here to help you plant the seeds of a bountiful April garden."

    Sometimes ... Jenkins (our AI assistant) nails the description. Other times... It's just funny.

    Mentioned:
    Tools for the no-till garden are stirrup hoe, garden fork, and a rake. Start there!

    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 track is the instrumental version of “On a Cloud”

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    21 min
  • My favorite, easy-to-grow plants for the home garden!
    Mar 29 2024

    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@acommonlife.co

    Music on the podcast was composed by Kevin Dailey. The artist is Garden Friend. The track is the instrumental version of “On a Cloud”

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    16 min
  • Spoonfuls of Storytelling with a Side of Socialist Studies and Soundtracks
    Mar 17 2024

    "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. But it's not all about the savory victories; there's a candid share about the health journey I'm on, including a switch to decaf lattes for a blood sugar reset. These lifestyle tidbits are just the appetizer to a hearty discussion filled with personal anecdotes and revelations from the nooks and crannies of daily life.

    Turning the page, we honor the extraordinary lives of Will and Ariel Durant, whose partnership in life and literature paints a vivid tableau of Western civilization. The Durants' exploration of socialism, as detailed in "The Lessons of History," offers a stimulating backdrop for our chat about how societies balance the scales between the individual and the collective, especially in times of strife. And because a conversation with us isn't complete without a nod to current reads and rhythms, I open the book on "Homesteading" by Jean Logsdon and the story of Paint Rock Valley, followed by a reveal of my indispensable 'garden jams' playlist. Just as a garden blooms with diverse flora, so does this episode with a bouquet of topics from history and literature to the sweet symphony of life's simple pleasures."

    Thanks Jenkins!

    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!

    Mentioned in this episode:
    Restorative Kitchen
    The 7 Silly Eaters
    One Morning in Maine
    NT Wright - Surprised by Hope
    Paint Rock Valley article
    Gene Logsdon Homesteading: How to Find New Independence on the Land
    The Lessons of History
    Garden Jams
    Drew and Ellie Holcombe
    Jess Ray



    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 track is the instrumental version of “On a Cloud”

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    27 min