The Maine Conversation

Emily sits for an extensive and deep conversation with Kelly, Anil and Keiran Roopchand of Pumpkin Vine Family Farm, a goat dairy and creamery in Somerville, Maine. Imagine your feet planted on verdant rolling pastures while learning why a small family has nurtured the preservation of an extraordinary piece of rural Maine farm history. Contemplate how they honor two hundred years and six generations of another family whose legacy is embedded deep in this soil. Discover the Roopchand's dreams first taking shape on the Caribbean island of Trinidad, and how its vibrant culture informs the progression of their distinguished herd of Alpine and Nubian dairy goats today. Cherish this family's generosity of spirit and witness its reflection in their love for each other, the goats, the farm and connecting community to the land. Links Pumpkin Vine Family Farm's website ~ learn about the superior goat herd, the creamery, their Sunday farmers market, goat hikes, events & the Roopchand Family: https://pumpkinvinefamilyfarm.com/ Discover: The 200+ year history of the farm and the Crooker-Kennedy-Hewett Family: https://pumpkinvinefamilyfarm.com/history/ Discover: Kelly Payson-Roopchand's book Birth, Death and a Tractor: https://pumpkinvinefamilyfarm.com/book/ Watch: Goat Hikes on the Farm with Keiran & Sarita Roopchand (3 min.): https://pumpkinvinefamilyfarm.com/goat-hikes/ *** TMC's theme song “Hearts as Full as the Moon” is courtesy of Oshima Brothers: https://www.oshimabrothers.com/ Visit TMC's website to discover more about the podcast & sign up for exclusive emails: https://www.themaineconversation.com/ Follow TMC on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into each episode: https://www.instagram.com/themaineconversationpodcast/

Emily sits with Elaine Mack, artisanal baker and owner of Just Crackers based in Belfast, Maine. Indulge in an exuberance of recollection from this cellist, author and teacher as she shares the fascinating journey that led her to coastal Maine. Endearing anecdotes of the early years embarking on a professional cello career, palatable discoveries made across the globe teaching English and life here in the Pine Tree State, which ultimately informed a true calling ~ the purveyance of contemplative, hand-made creations of pure cracker bliss.   Links Elaine's sells her artisan crackers and biscuits Just Crackers at the United Farmers Market of Maine: https://www.belfastmarket.com/     Elaine uses heirloom grains from Maine Grains to make her hand-milled crackers and treats: https://mainegrains.com/     Explore: Mentioned in the episode, The Common Ground Fair in Unity, Maine is a special event much looked forward to every year: https://www.mofga.org/the-fair/     Explore: While not in print currently, this archival review from 2016 offers a rich description of Elaine's first book Black Classical Musicians in Philadelphia: https://www.artsjournal.com/sandow/2016/02/black-history-week-2-black-classical-musicians-in-philadelphia.html     Watch and Listen: The original 1946 film Instruments of the Orchestra, for which Benjamin Britten commissioned Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, a record that influenced Elaine's childhood and career as a professional cellist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkwgihr1hMM   ***   TMC's theme song “Hearts as Full as the Moon” is courtesy of Oshima Brothers: https://www.oshimabrothers.com/     Visit TMC's website to discover more about the podcast & sign up for exclusive emails: https://www.themaineconversation.com/     Follow TMC on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into each episode: https://www.instagram.com/themaineconversationpodcast/

Emily sits with Noah Kleiner, rock and ice climber, multi-pitch instructor and owner of Equinox Guiding Service based in Camden, Maine. Come to know the sport of climbing and the magnificence of Maine's unique geological features from the point of view of a person whose life, being fully immersed in it, has been transformed by it. Discover how the physical sport of ascending and descending crags ~ and teaching this to others ~ facilitates benevolence, trust and knowledge of self.   Links Equinox Guiding Service website: https://equinoxguidingservice.com/     Equinox Guiding Service on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equinoxguidingservice/     Equinox Guiding Service YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@equinoxclimbing/featured     Watch: In 2019 Noah teaches a first-time rock climber (5 min.): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYA9wdwUiIc     Explore: Maine's rock and ice climbing crags and routes on Mountain Project: https://www.mountainproject.com/area/105948977/maine     Read: An in-depth survey “Bedrock Geologic History of Maine” (long length): https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mgs/explore/bedrock/facts/geol-hist.htm#:~:text=In%20summary%2C%20the%20geologic%20history,bedrock%20that%20we%20observe%20today   ***   TMC's theme song “Hearts as Full as the Moon” is courtesy of Oshima Brothers: https://www.oshimabrothers.com/     Visit TMC's website to discover more about the podcast & sign up for exclusive emails: https://www.themaineconversation.com/     Follow TMC on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into each episode: https://www.instagram.com/themaineconversationpodcast/

Emily sits with Jessica Shepard, wood-fired oven baker, artisan chef and owner of The Uproot Pie Company based in Thomaston, Maine. While sharing her endearing recollections and heartfelt vision, this passionate 6th generation Mainer's ‘raison d'être' is revealed. Simply mix together equal parts of: a genuine love for people and communal connection in beautiful settings, outstanding pizza-making & baking techniques, dedication to sustainable farm fresh Maine ingredients and the comfort of a wood-fired oven. The end result? A rustic gastronomic experience that enraptures the senses while expanding the heart and mind.   Links The Uproot Pie Company's website: https://www.theuprootpieco.com/   Watch: A beautiful behind-the-scenes video short of The Uproot in action at an al fresco coastal Maine gathering (2 min.): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l62hGlMUtbY&t=43s   Read: An archival article from 2012 featuring The Uproot's beginnings, with wonderful details about the design & construction of the first wood-fired mobile oven (medium length): https://www.mofga.org/stories/organic-business/uproot-pie-company/   ***   TMC's theme song “Hearts as Full as the Moon” is courtesy of Oshima Brothers: https://www.oshimabrothers.com/   Visit TMC's website to discover more about the podcast & sign up for exclusive emails: https://www.themaineconversation.com/   Follow TMC on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into each episode: https://www.instagram.com/themaineconversationpodcast/

Emily returns to Crow Point in Walpole for a visit with Barnaby Porter, woodworker and essay writer. They look back at a point in time that spanned six years, when Barnaby cleared 1.5 acres of thickly wooded white pine alongside the Damariscotta River and built the family home. Discover all that unfolded as trees were cut down, logs were hewn, cement was poured, and shingles were nailed. It all started with six stakes in the ground, sacred points that evolved into not only a house, but as Barnaby puts it, “a place that sings”.   Links Find: a pre-owned copy of the book “Twelve Miles From the Rest of the World” by Barnaby Porter and Al Trescot: https://www.amazon.com/Twelve-Miles-Rest-World-Damariscotta/dp/0976732106   Read: a collection of Barnaby's essays is featured in Barnaby's Blog on the website of Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust: https://www.coastalrivers.org/category/barnabys-blog/   ***   TMC's theme song “Hearts as Full as the Moon” is courtesy of Oshima Brothers: https://www.oshimabrothers.com/   Visit TMC's website to discover more about the podcast & sign up for exclusive emails: https://www.themaineconversation.com/   Follow TMC on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into each episode: https://www.instagram.com/themaineconversationpodcast/

Emily sits with Sean and Jamie Oshima of the band Oshima Brothers, at their home and studio in Portland, Maine. Join them as the curtain is pulled back to reveal interesting and witty anecdotes behind their down-to-earth, poetic and graceful virtuosity. Discover influences that inform and fuel the brothers' richly layered sound and savor a first-hand glimpse into a song writing and video making process that continuously recalibrates a genre-splicing audial and visual experience. Filled with contagious joy, this episode just may leave your heart feeling as full as the moon.   Links Oshima Brothers web site: https://www.oshimabrothers.com/     Read: article about their latest album “Dark Nights Golden Days” from April 2022 (medium length): https://www.themaineedge.com/buzz/music/sibling-revelry-maines-oshima-brothers-release-dark-nights-golden-days     Watch: entire collection of their videos on Oshima Brothers YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOrUVb5ASpY_mD3QdMULNmg     Watch: “Run to the River” (live) video: https://youtu.be/eKvRb3_wEQs     Watch: “Hearts as Full as the Moon” (one shot) video : https://youtu.be/4BLfyNHdTyM     Watch: “These Cold Nights” video: https://youtu.be/oRLBWUIZSLY     Watch: “Calling Your Name” (live) video: https://youtu.be/hvjZ80FGC1A     Watch: “Cadence” (official) video: https://youtu.be/8rY9vtuIXj8     Watch: “Dance With Me” (official) video: https://youtu.be/8GncMf4Rtmk     ***     TMC's theme song “Hearts as Full as the Moon” is courtesy of Oshima Brothers: https://www.oshimabrothers.com/     Visit TMC's website to discover more about the podcast & sign up for exclusive emails: https://www.themaineconversation.com/

Emily sits with Katherine Dunn ~ artist, writer and owner of Apifera Farm, an elder animal sanctuary in Bremen, Maine. Join them in the barnyard, situated amongst the animals, and discover how the vivid creative intellect of an artist & storyteller merges with the special creatures she cares for. Apifera is a real place with real animals whose unique personalities live on forever in the stories and visual art crafted from Katherine's intrinsic devotion and profound connection to them. Experience a rare glimpse into the endearing goings on within the bucolic pastures of Apifera Farm and learn about its unique 501c nonprofit work of engaging the animals with elder people of the community. Ruthie the turkey, Harry the llama, and many others, will steal your heart.   Links Katherine Dunn of Apifera Farm: http://www.katherinedunn.us/   Meet the creatures of Apifera Farm: http://apiferafarm.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_14.html   Apifera Farm's entertaining Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/katherinedunnapiferafarm/   Read: Tails & Tails by Katherine Dunn (short length): https://issuu.com/katherinedunn/docs/10.26.22_r1   Read: An interview with Katherine in Spirituality & Health magazine from 2022 (short length): https://www.spiritualityhealth.com/featured-artist-katherine-dunn   Read: “The Blessings of Being an Animal Caretaker” by Katherine Dunn in Spirituality & Health magazine from 2022 (short length): https://www.spiritualityhealth.com/blessings-animal-caretaker   Read: “I Believe in the Healing Power of Donkeys” by Katherine Dunn in Modern Farmer magazine from 2014 (medium length): https://modernfarmer.com/2014/12/farm-confessional-believe-healing-powers-donkeys/   ***   TMC's theme song “Hearts as Full as the Moon” is courtesy of Oshima Brothers: https://www.oshimabrothers.com/   Visit TMC's website to discover more about the podcast & sign up for email alerts: https://www.themaineconversation.com/

Emily sits with Dr. Stephen Kress, world-renowned ornithologist and founder of National Audubon Society's Project Puffin, for a conversation while overlooking the waters of Muscongus Bay, Maine. This special two-part episode shares a chronicle spanning half of a century. In Part 2, listen to Dr. Kress recount memories of steady progress and major milestones of his revolutionary idea: Project Puffin ~ an attempt to restore a lost colony of Atlantic Puffins to their southernmost habitat in the United States. Discover how wild card elements couldn't deter what amounted to an improbable and uplifting outcome that continues to thrive and captivate the world today, while informing us about the health of our great oceans.   Links Visit the Project Puffin & Seabird Institute website for: a map of the research islands with detailed info on Eastern Egg Rock, info on Hog Island Audubon Camp, the Project Puffin Visitor Center, how to adopt-a-puffin & more: https://projectpuffin.audubon.org/   Puffin FAQ's: https://projectpuffin.audubon.org/birds/puffin-faqs   Hardy Boat/National Audubon Puffin Watch Cruise: https://hardyboat.com/cruises/puffin-watch-national-audubon/   Watch: Project Puffin Live-Cams in Maine: https://explore.org/livecams/puffins/puffin-boulder-berm-cam   Watch: Steve in 1979's “Return of the Puffin” from Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom television show (23 min.): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPbpSRHJPGE   Read: Maine Magazine article from 2016 about Steve & the history of Project Puffin (medium length): https://www.themainemag.com/hope-thing-feathers/#close   ***   TMC's theme song “Hearts as Full as the Moon” is courtesy of Oshima Brothers: https://www.oshimabrothers.com/   Visit TMC's website to discover more about the podcast: https://www.themaineconversation.com/

Emily sits with Dr. Stephen Kress, world-renowned ornithologist and founder of National Audubon Society's Project Puffin, for a conversation while overlooking the waters of Muscongus Bay, Maine. This special two-part episode shares a chronicle spanning half of a century. In Part 1, learn about the Atlantic Puffin and how Dr. Stephen Kress initially thought of & implemented his revolutionary idea: Project Puffin ~ an attempt to restore a lost colony of these puffins to their southernmost habitat in the United States. Hear his first-hand account of a saga which demonstrates how against all odds clear vision, perseverance and thinking like a puffin became crucial steppingstones for the blueprint of seabird colony restoration & conservation today.   Links Visit the Project Puffin & Seabird Institute website for: a map of the research islands with detailed info on Eastern Egg Rock, info on Hog Island Audubon Camp, the Project Puffin Visitor Center, how to adopt-a-puffin & more: https://projectpuffin.audubon.org/   Puffin FAQ's: https://projectpuffin.audubon.org/birds/puffin-faqs   Hardy Boat/National Audubon Puffin Watch Cruise: https://hardyboat.com/cruises/puffin-watch-national-audubon/   Watch: Project Puffin Live-Cams in Maine: https://explore.org/livecams/puffins/puffin-boulder-berm-cam   Watch: Steve in 1979's “Return of the Puffin” from Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom television show (23 min.): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPbpSRHJPGE   Read: Maine Magazine article from 2016 about Steve & the history of Project Puffin (medium length): https://www.themainemag.com/hope-thing-feathers/#close   ***   TMC's theme song “Hearts as Full as the Moon” is courtesy of Oshima Brothers: https://www.oshimabrothers.com/   Visit TMC's website to discover more about the podcast: https://www.themaineconversation.com/

Emily sits with Stephen Hand, Registered Maine Guide and Outdoor Programs Director at Maine Sport Outfitters in Rockport, Maine. Continuing a multi-generational family tradition of working in the great outdoors ~ discover the ancestors, places and experiences that continue to inspire Stephen's adept guiding skills, intrinsic teaching ability and genuine love of land and sea. Learn what actually transpires to become certified in all five classifications of professional guiding in the Pine Tree State, a place where the natural world will take even a fourth-generation Mainer's breath away.     Links Stephen Hand demonstrating kayaking safety tips for Maine Sport Outfitters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9RHcc5nvP4   Maine Sport Outfitters: https://mainesport.com/pages/about   Registered Maine Guide information: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/programs-resources/registered-maine-guides/index.html   Nickerson Farm in Lincolnville, Maine: https://www.facebook.com/NickersonFarm/?ref=page_internal   History of Nickerson Farm in Lincolnville, Maine: https://www.penbaypilot.com/article/week-lincolnville-remembering-way-life/96518   ***   TMC's theme song “Hearts as Full as the Moon” is courtesy of Oshima Brothers: https://www.oshimabrothers.com/   Visit TMC's website to discover more about the podcast: https://www.themaineconversation.com/

Emily returns to Crow Point in Walpole for a visit with Barnaby Porter, woodworker and essay writer. They look back at a point in time when two of his greatest joys ~ exploring the natural world and making things in his wood shop ~ merged into an amalgamation of sheer whimsy and wonder. Have you ever imagined what it would be like to live inside a hollow tree?   Links Watch Barnaby Porter and his creations in an 8-minute segment on Maine Public Television's “Made in Maine” from 1995: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8qQyQ_ODbM   Maine Lighthouse Museum: https://www.mainelighthousemuseum.org/   Barnaby Porter's essay “A Tramp in the Woods” is featured in Barnaby's Blog on the website of Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust: https://www.coastalrivers.org/a-tramp-in-the-woods/ *** TMC's theme song “Hearts as Full as the Moon” is courtesy of Oshima Brothers: https://www.oshimabrothers.com/   Visit TMC's website to learn more about each episode: https://www.themaineconversation.com/

Emily sits with Mandy & Dylan Metrano at their home and small-batch chocolate production facility in Bath, Maine to understand how the strengths of Maine's smallest communities foster the conviction of always exploring what is possible. Discover how La Nef Chocolate began on Monhegan Island, molding its mission to incorporate visual and musical arts into each scrumptious, handmade creation. Delight in this delicious chronicle of inspiration.   Links La Nef Chocolate: https://www.lanefchocolate.com/   Monhegan Island: https://monheganwelcome.com/   Archipelago store: https://thearchipelago.net/   Island Institute: https://www.islandinstitute.org/   Dylan's band Tiger Saw: https://tigersaw.com/ *** TMC's theme song “Hearts as Full as the Moon” is courtesy of Oshima Brothers: https://www.oshimabrothers.com/   Visit TMC's website to learn more about each episode: https://www.themaineconversation.com/

Emily sits with Sarah Norwood at her studio and farmhouse in Union, Maine to discover an enchanted world of wreath creations. With a heritage of creative talents spanninggenerations, journey back in time to learn of Sarah's ancestors, the Plummer and Poole families of South Bristol, Maine. Witness the very essence of how maternal love and devotion forher daughters, inspires this extraordinary artisan. Links Sarah's ScarletSmile Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/scarletsmile   Plummer/Poole family land history in South Bristol: https://www.coastalrivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Plummer-Point-Preserve-lo.pdf *** TMC's theme song “Hearts as Full as the Moon” is courtesy of Oshima Brothers: https://www.oshimabrothers.com/   Visit TMC's website to learn more about each episode: https://www.themaineconversation.com/

Kristen Budlong gives Emily a behind-the-scenes glimpse within the storied walls of Bremen Library, a remarkable small-town treasure which serves as a pillar for the midcoast community of Bremen, Maine. With anecdotes of rare local books, charming patrons and a poignant quote from E.B. White, this episode reminds us of the importance of libraries near and far.   Links Bremen Library: http://bremenlibrary.org/ Bremen author Ham Martin's book Talk Radio: https://www.hammartin.com/works/talk-radio-1 *** TMC's theme song “Hearts as Full as the Moon” is courtesy of Oshima Brothers: https://www.oshimabrothers.com/ Visit TMC's website to learn more about each episode: https://www.themaineconversation.com/

Woodworker and essay writer Barnaby Porter recounts memorable particulars of witnessing deer walk across a frozen Damariscotta River and reminisces other anecdotes about this distinct estuary located in midcoast Maine. Recorded on a chilly winter morning, join Emily and Barnaby's conversation as they sit at his kitchen table, near a cozy wood stove.   Links Barnaby Porter's essay “River Crossing” is featured in Barnaby's Blog on the website of Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust: https://www.coastalrivers.org/river-crossing Damariscotta River facts: https://www.coastalrivers.org/about-us/river-facts/ *** TMC's theme song “Hearts as Full as the Moon” is courtesy of Oshima Brothers: https://www.oshimabrothers.com Visit TMC's website to learn more about each episode: https://www.themaineconversation.com

Get to know your host Emily, why she chose to begin the third chapter of her adult life in a new state ~ Maine, and why she decided to embark on creating a podcast for the first time while putting down roots and meeting folks along the way. Links TMC's theme song “Hearts as Full as the Moon” is courtesy of Oshima Brothers: https://www.oshimabrothers.com Visit TMC's website to learn more about each episode: https://www.themaineconversation.com