Shows
Chamber ChatEpisode #313: Ishtiaq Khan, the owner of Salwa MediterraneanToday Mike is talking with Ishtiaq Khan, the owner of Salwa Mediterranean, a delicious Middle Eastern culinary gem located in the TownMall of Westminster.2023-08-2810 min
Khan SirNaxalite Problem and Solution | What is Naxals | Salwa Judum | Maoist Group | Insurgency in IndiaNaxalite Problem and Solution | What is Naxals | Salwa Judum | Maoist Group | Insurgency in India2023-05-0924 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth -95- Habitat-Enhancing Land ManagementLand stewardship is about taking care of the soil, of native grasses, trees and shrubs, and of sources of water, such as rivers, lakes, creeks and streams. The aim is to preserve and maintain the biodiversity and health of natural ecosystems, which benefits humans, soil creatures, birds and other wildlife. The HELM program in central Texas works with landowners to educate and encourage them to become good stewards of their land. HELM stands for Habitat Enhancing Land Management.2022-06-3029 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 94 - Citizens' Climate LobbyPutting a tax on carbon emissions from fossil fuels isn’t a new idea. Many governments worldwide now implement either direct taxes on fossil fuels, or have set up cap-and-trade programs. This includes Canada, Mexico, many European countries, and the United Kingdom.
The United States does not have a carbon tax, although nine northeastern states now cap emissions from the power industry.
A grassroots organization called the Citizens' Climate Lobby has been working for years to convince the U.S. Congress to put a price on carbon pollution. My guest, Kalpana Sutaria, is a member of the organization and dedicates he...2022-05-3129 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth -93 - Compassion in World FarmingMost of the animal food products you buy come from what are called factory farms. That includes your beef, chicken, turkey, and pork, as well as eggs and dairy products. The animals in these “farms” live miserable lives in horrible conditions and have a one-way ticket to the slaughterhouse.
Compassion in World Farming is an organization dedicated to ending factory farming, and to educating people about animal welfare, air, water and land pollution, human health, and social justice issues which are inextricably intertwined in factory farming.
Meet Allie Molinaro, campaigns coordinator for Compassion in World Farming. She is both very know...2022-04-3028 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 92 - Food AccessFood is clearly an essential item for all of us, but for some people buying food, especially things like fresh fruits and vegetables, is an impossibility. That's where places like food pantries and organizations like the Sustainable Food Center, come in.
We're hearing today from Alex Mace who manages a program at the Sustainable Food Center, in Austin, Texas, that helps people using SNAP benefits gain access to fresh produce, and at the same time promotes local farmers and food producers.
Like others featured on Mothering Earth, Mace is a person who is taking action to help create a more...2022-03-3125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 91 - Food Forest Champions-Part TwoIn part two of our exploration of food forests, our guides Nathan Hunter of the Bronx River Foodway and Umair Khakoo, of the Festival Beach Food Forest in Austin, TX, focus on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and habitat for birds and other wildlife. We also discuss how you can start a food forest in your own neighborhood.2022-02-2825 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 90 - Food Forest ChampionsA food forest is a public green space where anyone can come, and not only enjoy relaxing among the trees and flowers, but where anyone can pick and eat the fruit from the trees, and harvest herbs, flowers and other fresh produce.
Food forests require people in a caring community, who are willing to put in the hard work of creating the space, and maintaining it for the enjoyment of others. In this program, you’ll meet two remarkable people who are instrumental in creating food forests, one in Austin, Texas, and the other in the Bronx, New York.2022-01-3125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth- 89 -Water DataWater is a blessing to all living things. But water also can be dangerous and deadly, in the form of catastrophic flooding. When there is very little water, resulting droughts lead to loss of life. These types of events have been occurring with increasing frequency in recent years.
For these reasons, and many more, managing water resources, including rivers and reservoirs, is essential. That requires having real-time data to work with, and that is the work of a company called Divirod. In this program, you’ll hear from the company’s CEO and founder, Dr. Javier Marti.2021-12-3126 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 88 - Herbicide-Free CampusHerbicide-Free Campus is an organization that provides students with the tools and resources to eliminate synthetic herbicide use on their school or college campuses. It is a movement that began in 2017, with two students at the University of California at Berkeley, and has spread to campuses around the U.S.
Their aim is to push for change to organic land management, to protect human and animal health, and to protect the environment.
In the process, Herbicide-Free Campus is creating and empowering the next generation of environmental leaders.
In this Mothering Earth episode, my guest is a great example of this...2021-12-0125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 87 - PollinatorsEnjoying that salad, or anticipating that yummy apple? Thank a pollinator! Almost all the fruits and vegetables and legumes we eat every day require pollination, and that requires pollinators.
Pollinators come in a variety of sizes, colors, and species, but in general they are insects of one kind or another. We think of bees as pollinators, but there are other insects that contribute to the essential process of pollination.
In this program, we delve into the magical and important work that pollinators do every day.2021-11-0125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 86 - Creating a Bird-Friendly HabitatMost people enjoy listening to birdsong, or watching birds in an outdoor space, as they go about finding food and water, and making nests where they will raise their babies.
There are things you can provide for birds which will make them more likely to hang around in your yard or even your apartment balcony. That’s what we learn in this program with master naturalist Bonnie Tull, who has expertise on attracting birds.2021-10-0126 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 85 - EAT_Lancet ReportPower generation and transportation are huge contributors to climate change, but did you know that what we eat every day is also a big contributor to damaging carbon emissions? Yet this problematic area is seldom talked about. There is plenty of scientific evidence that shows the damaging effects on human health and on the environment, of a diet heavy on red meat and refined grains.
The EAT-Lancet commission, composed of distinguished scientists from all parts of the world, reported on the effect of diet on the environment, and notes that without changes to world dietary patterns, we will fail to...2021-09-0127 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 84 - Circular EconomyImagine a day when your trash contains only a few items. Instead of a large, heavy, bursting bag that you carry out to the curb, your bag is small and lightweight. That’s a goal we can all work toward, because landfills are full, and the ocean is polluted with plastics and other human produced trash. Our atmosphere is polluted with the gases from landfills, gasses such as methane which is a highly potent greenhouse gas, but also carbon dioxide, sulfides and ammonia.
Each one of us is personally responsible for producing “trash”, so it’s up to each of us to re...2021-07-3125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 83 - GreenbeltAs cities grow, people in them yearn for parkland and green spaces where they can connect with nature. In the city of San Marcos, Texas, citizens got together and formed a group with a mission of creating a belt of green spaces around the city, a greenbelt. Their story is both powerful and inspirational.2021-07-0125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth- 82 - Permaculture with Rowe MorrowPermaculture is a way of growing food that works with nature, to minimize waste and to use energy, water and human labor efficiently. It requires careful observation of the natural landscape, to determine how to best use the available water, land, sunlight and climate to achieve abundant harvests. In this program you’ll meet a remarkable woman, Rosemary Morrow, who has taught permaculture principles literally all over the world, and who has adapted them to work in war-torn places, and even in refugee camps.2021-06-0126 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 81 - HempHemp is a plant that can be grown sustainably, and that has a wide variety of uses from food to clothing, to car parts. and even walls for your house. Despite many positives, hemp's reputation remains clouded by years of incorrectly regarding hemp as the same plant as marijuana. It is a cannabis plant, but it does not contain high levels of THC, which is what makes marijuana a drug. In this program, you'll hear about hemp's checkered past, and its bright future.2021-04-3026 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth -80- Forage for Wild EdiblesDon't kill those weeds. Eat them! That's what foragers do. You'll be amazed at the number of plants we call weeds, that are tasty and nutritious. Learn how to start foraging for wild edible plants, maybe in your own backyard. Of course, there are cautions, such as being sure about the safety of the plants you eat. My guest, Dr. Mark "Merriwether" Vorderbruggen, has the experience and knowledge to provide the dos and don'ts of foraging.2021-03-3125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 79- Plastic Free JulyHave you thought about how many plastic items you use every day? It is quite a staggering amount, from our toothbrushes, to the plastic bags in which we carry home our groceries, to the water bottles we may buy by the dozens and so much more. In this program, my guest Rebecca Prince-Ruiz challenges us to eliminate single-use plastics from our lives, for a month. It's a journey she began years ago and the challenge has been taken up by millions of people around the world.2021-02-2825 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 78 - Meat vs VeganMost environmental policy experts and environmental organizations have largely ignored one of the major contributors to environmental destruction, namely the production of animal flesh for food. They focus on fossil fuels and the transportation sector, while giving a pass to animal-based agriculture. In this program, we take a hard look at what meat production does to the environment and how a plant based diet can help heal it.2021-01-3126 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth -77- VeganThe production of meat pollutes land, water and air. It is a major contributor to climate change, although it remains largely unacknowledged, even by most environmental organizations. Why can't we face the fact that meat-based diets harm not just human health, but also the environment? Timothy Thorpe of the U.K. based Vegan Society lays out the facts, and the reasons why veganism can help save our environment.2020-12-3026 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 76 - Watering Outdoors TipsMost of the water we use is used outdoors. A lot of it goes to watering lawns. Water conservation outside the house means designing gardens that use less water, and using more efficient ways of watering plants.This program provides practical advice that you can put to use immediately, to become a wise user of one of our most precious resources, namely water.2020-11-3025 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 75 - Water ConservationAlong with the air we breathe, water is another absolute essential for life. As the world's population has grown, so has the demand for water. But there is only a limited supply of water on earth, which is why it is important for all of us to conserve this precious natural resource. We'll talk about practical ways to conserve water, with Dr. Robert Mace, Executive Director of the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment.2020-10-3125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 74 - Food Forest RevisitedCreating and maintaining a food forest in the middle of a city is a major undertaking. In this program, you will meet two people who are doing just that, in Austin, Texas. the Festival Beach Food Forest is now six years in the making. This public park provides fruit, nuts, and herbs for anyone who walks there, as well as for wildlife, and is a remarkable achievement.2020-10-0125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 73 - FungiFungi are fascinating organisms that come in many forms and sizes, from almost invisible to the naked eye, to giant mushrooms. Scientifically speaking, fungi are a kingdom of spore-producing organisms that include mushrooms, yeasts and molds. They are different from other living things in that their cell walls are made of a compound called “chitin”.
We eat fungi, which we call mushrooms. Fungi are important decomposers of dead plant material. Fungi known as mycorrhizae live in soil and are essential for plants because they help plants absorb soil nutrients.
In this program, we peer into the world of fungi with Phil...2020-08-3125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 72 - Garden EthicsOpen your mind and your heart to a new way of thinking about gardens! Garden spaces are not just for humans, but for all the creatures that live there, including animals, insects and birds. In this program, my guest, author and garden designer Benjamin Vogt, introduces us to gardens that are designed ethically, and which are therefore good for our Earth.2020-07-3125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 71 - Wildscapes for BirdsWildscapes are places you can create anywhere there is a bit of space, combined with a desire to be closer to wildlife. Many people like to attract birds, in order to observe them more closely. In this program wildscape expert Kelly Simon provides the dos and don'ts for your bird-friendly wildscape.2020-07-0125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth -70- WildscapesWhat is something you can create in a backyard, an apartment balcony, or on a patio? A wildscape! A wildscape is an area that you and your family and friends can enjoy, that also provides food, water and shelter for wildlife.2020-05-3125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 69 - Bird Population DeclineScientists are reporting staggering losses in the populations of birds in North America. The bird population decline is seen in virtually all regions, including forests, grasslands, arid regions and along the coast. My guest Rebekah Rylander, from Texas State University, talks about why this is happening, and what you can do about it.2020-04-3025 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth- 68 - Milkweed & Nectar for MonarchsMonarch butterflies lay their eggs on milkweed plants in the spring, but need different plants, those that provide nectar, during their winter migration south. Cathy Downs, a Master Naturalist, and Monarch Watch conservation specialist, details both migrations, and gives us tips on what to plant, and when these unique butterflies will be coming through your part of the country.2020-03-3125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 67 - Monarch ButterflyButterflies are magical creatures that bring joy to most people. But have you ever wondered about their lives, and about what those amazing colored wings are made of? In this program with Monarch Watch Conservation specialist Cathy Downs, we delve into the mysteries of the world of butterflies and, especially of Monarch butterflies.2020-02-2825 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 66 - Floods & Land ManagementFlooding is an all too common disaster, but there are ways to mitigate the effects of flooding, and increase the resiliency of the land. Whether you live near a body of water, or not, you can be part of the solution, as you'll hear in this program.2020-01-3026 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 65 - One-Water HouseAll water is a precious resource, including the water we use every day to flush our toilets. Low-flow toilets are designed to minimize water use, but there is also a way to design home wastewater treatment systems, that safely reuse toilet water. My guests Dr. Joan Jernigan and David Venhuizen have spent a lot of time working on this issue and are here to share their knowledge.2019-12-3126 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 64 - Rare PlantsWe often hear about animal species that are on the road to extinction, or species that are becoming more rare. Plants, too, can suffer the same fate. There are many plants all over the world that are classified as rare and in many cases, the cause, loss of habitat, is the same as that for animal species. Botanist Anna Strong gives us insight into the world of rare plants.2019-11-2925 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth -63- InvertebratesSome of them we love, for example butterflies and bees. Some we hate, such as cockroaches and lice. Some are crustaceans that live in the oceans, such as crabs, lobsters and shrimp. There are many more invertebrate creatures that inhabit the earth, and many of them are vital to human survival. In this program, we enter the world of invertebrates with invertebrate biologist Ross Winton.2019-10-3025 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 62 - OneWaterFresh water is essential to all life and it is a finite resource. Most of us don't think much about letting the water run when we wash dishes, bathe or brush our teeth. Yet, those are all examples of wasting water. In Wimberley, Texas, a new school is being built that will utilize a "one water" design. The one water concept recognizes the importance of smart water use where the building and grounds are designed to save water.2019-10-0125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 61 - Protecting BeesProtecting bees is vital as a large percentage of crops that we rely on for food are pollinated by bees. In this program, meet Walter Schumacher, the Bee Czar, who saves so-called “nuisance” hives from extinction, by relocating them to bee-friendly places. That’s just part of the mission for the organization he formed, the American Honey Bee Protection Agency.2019-09-0125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 60 -Organic FarmingOrganic farmer John Stanley works long days to grow vegetables that are delicious and packed with nutrition. He does that by using methods that enrich the soil and at the same time, reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air, thereby helping the environment. Meet Stanley in this program, and hear him tell how he does that, and why that is so important.2019-08-0125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 59 - Wind PowerThe answer to our need for renewable energy sources may, in fact, be blowing in the wind. Wind turbines are popping up in more places as the cost of wind, and of solar energy drops. That price drop has resulted in predictions that by 2050, half the world's electricity will come from renewables. In this program, we get a picture of what the future will be in wind.2019-07-0125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 58 - Controlling Invasive SpeciesInvasive species are those that are not native to an area. They generally spread easily, thereby damaging the natural environment, and in some cases, causing harm to humans and the economy. Invasives may be plants or animals. In this program, learn about invasives, and what you can do to control their spread.2019-05-2926 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth -57- Using HerbsGrowing herbs is quite easy, as most are unfussy plants that do well in most soils and climates. But what can you do with your herbs? That's the question Judy Barrett, a well-known author and organic gardening expert, addresses, in this conversation, and in her book titled What Can I Do With My Herbs?2019-04-3025 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth -56- When Good Gardens Go BadWeeds, insect pests, and plant diseases are problems that all gardeners face, at one time or another. My guest Judy Barrett is a well-known author and organic gardening expert, who has a different approach than most to these common travails.2019-04-0525 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 55 - Drought-Proof Your LandCreating soil that holds water should be the goal of all humans who take care of any land. Why? When soil holds water, rain soaks in rather than rushing off and causing floods. This kind of soil is also better in times of drought, when soil can turn to dust and be blown away. My guest Pete Van Dyck is a restoration ecologist, and in this program talks about practical solutions to the recurring problem of drought and floods.2019-02-2725 min
Actor AestheticHow Actor Aesthetic Was BornWe're celebrating 2 years of the actor lifestyle blog, Actor Aesthetic! In this episode, Maggie reminisces on her early writing days, the late-night Instagram Live chats with y'all, and how her blog (and eventually the podcast) was born.
It takes a village!
Special thanks to Professor Salwa Khan of Texas State University and her incredible course on the fundamentals of Digital and Online Media.
Want your own Blue Yeti Microphone? Click here.
Spread the love and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on iTunes, Google, Spotify, Sti...2019-02-1122 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 54- PhytonutrientsYou have heard about phytonutrients, but may wonder what they are? Phytonutrients are substances found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and spices that have valuable antioxidant properties. What exactly will they do for you? My guest Joe Urbach negotiates the world of phytonutrients in this Mothering Earth program.2019-01-3125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 53 - MoringaMoringa oleifera is a plant that has a long history of being used to treat a multitude of ailments, including joint pain, asthma, cancer, ulcers, headache, heart problems, and high blood pressure. The entire plant is edible, except for the roots. Moringa, also called the miracle tree is native to India, but also grown in Asia, Africa and South America. In this program, we hear from Joe Urbach who has written two books on Moringa and its uses, and has even put together recipes using Moringa.2018-12-2626 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 52 -Meat Production & Environment-Part2In this program, I continue my conversation with author Pamela Rice on the links between environmental damage and the production of meat. Here we focus on government supports for the production of meat, which keeps meat prices low, and on the effects of widespread commercial fishing.2018-11-2925 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 51 -Meat Production & EnvironmentThe production of meat, whether from cows, pigs, chickens or other animals results in serious damage to our air, water and soil. Factory-farming traps millions of animals in what critics describe as a cruel and inhumane system. In this program, we take a look at some of the effects of a meat-based diet in a conversation with author and activist Pamela Rice.2018-10-2925 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 50 - Achieving Carbon Neutrality@American UniversityAmerican University is the first large educational institution in the United States to become carbon neutral. It is an impressive achievement! I spoke to Megan Litke, Director of Sustainability Programs, who oversaw the effort, about what they did and how they did it.2018-10-0125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 49 - BioIntegrityWhat is biological integrity? It is a way of evaluating the health of an eco-system. In this program, Chris Searles, founder of a nonprofit organization called BioIntegrity, explains why it is important to preserve the biological integrity of rainforests, and the ways in which these areas of the world can contribute to holding back the damaging effects of climate change.2018-09-0125 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth -48- Soil Science, Part 2In part two of Soil Science, we continue our deep dive into garden soil and hear about what to add to help our plants grow, flower, fruit and prosper in every way.2018-07-3126 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 47 - Soil ScienceYou may call it dirt, earth, or soil. Regardless of what term you use, it is a substance that is vital to our existence. Soil is where we plant our food crops, but we may rarely think about what it is. In this program, we talk to George Altgelt, an expert in soil biology, about what makes up soil, why it is important, and what we should feed it. It is information every serious gardener needs to know.2018-07-0226 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth -46- Herbs as Medicine Part TwoIn part two of my conversation with Jenny Perez of the American Botanical Council, we delve into Hibiscus Sabdariffa, turmeric and the elegant goji berry.2018-05-2926 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 45 - Herbs as MedicineDo herbs really have medicinal powers? You bet! In this program, you will hear from an expert on growing herbs and on using herbs as medicine, namely Jenny Perez, education coordinator for the American Botanical Council in Austin, TX. After you listen, you’ll be inspired to plant some herbs in your little patch of earth, or just in a nice big planter.2018-04-3026 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 44- Raising Chickens Part TwoDiscouraging egg-eating behavior by your chickens is just one of many chicken-keeping mysteries explained in part two of my conversation with avian expert Jesse Huth. Jesse also talks about how to identify other birds and birding tours that he leads.2018-04-0226 minMothering Earth PodcastMotheringEarth - 43 - Raising ChickensChickens are kept by humans all over the world, as a source of fresh eggs, and by carnivores, as a source of meat. Perhaps you keep chickens, or know someone who does? Or you may be thinking about starting your own little flock. In this program, chicken expert Jesse Huth shares his extensive experience on keeping chickens healthy, happy and laying!2018-02-2826 minMothering Earth PodcastMotheringEarth -42- The Amazing BatBats are found on every continent in the world, except Antarctica. These flying mammals are often misunderstood and persecuted, yet they perform several valuable services for us humans. In this program, Mylea Bayless of Bat Conservation International will inform and delight you with her knowledge of the amazing creatures we call bats.2018-01-2926 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth -41 -Challenges of Rapid Growth Part TwoIn part two of our conversation with Katherine Romans of the Hill Country Alliance, we'll hear about what you can do to conserve water, to keep our night skies dark and starry, and to preserve the character of small towns in the hill country.2017-12-3126 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth -40- Challenges of Rapid GrowthWhat happens when an area known for its natural beauty and resources experiences rapid population growth? The Texas hill country is such an area, and the swift influx of people is resulting in a severe strain on resources. The Hill Country Alliance (HCA) is a group of local citizens who organized to take on the challenges to the environment. I spoke to Katherine Romans, executive director of the HCA to talk about the challenges, what the HCA is doing, and what you can do.2017-11-2926 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth -39 - Material Recovery Facility MRFWhat is a MRF? It is a Material Recovery Facility, and it is where your recyclable trash goes to be sorted, and eventually reused. Workers and machines at theTexas Disposal Systems MRF sort through the millions of pieces of paper, cardboard, glass, metals and more that arrive daily. It is a staggering task and in this program, we’ll find out how they do it, and what you can do to make the system more efficient.2017-10-3026 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 38 - Herbs & BeesIn this program we continue our exploration of herbs with Robyn Clark, especially those plants that are used in therapeutic ways. We also re-visit Tara Chapman, chief beekeeper at Two Hives Honey to talk about how to start your own beehive.2017-09-2726 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 37 - HerbsHerbs are those marvelous plants we use to make our food taste better. Herbs also have a long history of being used as medicines, and if that's not enough, they are used to provide pleasant fragrance in soaps and body products, and to scent the air. On Mothering Earth, we talk to herbalist and botanist Robyn Clark to learn more about these amazing plants.2017-08-2626 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 36 - Food ForestMost people who plant fruit and nut trees and herbs look forward to harvesting and using their bounty by themselves, or perhaps sharing some with friends and neighbors. So imagine an urban park, planted with fruit and nut trees and other edible plants, that is completely open to the public. This is the concept of an urban food forest, where anyone can come, harvest, and enjoy what grows there.2017-07-3126 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 35 - BeesDid you know that honey bees visit two million flowers to make one pound of honey? That’s a lot of work for that sweet treat that you spread on your toast! In this program, we visit Tara Chapman, chief beekeeper at Two Hives Honey to find out what else bees do for us, and what we can do for them.2017-06-3026 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 34 - Birds & Our EnvironmentThere are thousands of unique bird species on our Earth, which makes them an important part of the world’s environment. They contribute to the diversity of nature, but also delight us with their pretty feathers, chirps and songs. In this program, we’ll meet wildlife biologist Rufus Stephens to talk about birds and the things they do.2017-05-1926 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth -33 - Benefits of BicyclingBicycling is a fun activity for both children and adults. It has a positive effect on the environment because unlike automobiles, bikes don’t emit harmful pollutants into our atmosphere. Biking is also good for your health, as we hear from Doug Ballew, from the City of Austin Public Health department.2017-05-0126 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 32- PermacultureThe term permaculture is a combination of the words “permanent” and “agriculture” and describes a way of thinking about food production that is both sustainable and self-sustaining. It appeals to the practical gardener who wants to design a garden where all the parts work together in a natural harmony, as you will hear in this program.2017-04-0226 minMothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 31 - Urban HorticultureWe may live in urban and suburban places, but we still crave a connection to nature, to green-spaces and to the birds and the bees. Urban horticulture is about designing cities and towns that nurture that connection, as we learn in this conversation with Dr. Alice Le Duc of Texas State University.2017-03-0126 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth -30- Wheatsville Food Co-opFood Co-ops are communities of people who care about food and the environment. In this program, Mothering Earth goes to the only food co-op in Texas--the Wheatsville Food Co-op, which is located in Austin, TX.2017-01-3125 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth- 29- Food WasteA staggering amount of food is wasted each year in the United States. Good edible food goes in the trash and then in the landfill, while others go hungry. On Mothering Earth, we explore this issue with Russell Cavin of Keep Austin Fed.2017-01-1726 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 28- Dark Night SkiesDark night skies allow us to view the stars and the Milky Way, but keeping the night dark also has health benefits and affects your wallet. In this program Cindy Luongo Cassidy explains why dark night skies are so important for humans, animals and even plants.2016-12-0126 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 27 - Austin Creative ReuseArtists, creatives and educators alike can find repurposed materials at very low cost for projects of all kinds. Founder and Board President Rebecca Stuch takes us on a tour of this amazing resource center that helps keep valuable materials out of the land fill and available to the public.2016-11-1726 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 26 - Rainwater 2016Rain is free water falling from the sky that you can capture and use for watering your garden, and for cooking, bathing and drinking. That’s called rainwater harvesting and in this conversation with Kathi Thomas, coordinator of the Rainwater Revival educational festival, you’ll learn what you need to get started.2016-10-0526 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 25 -Trees and WaterWhat do trees do all day long, besides stand there and look pretty? In this conversation with Dr. Susan Schwinning, at Texas State University, we go under the bark, and find out.2016-08-3126 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 24 - Caring for the San Marcos RiverKeeping the San Marcos river clean, clear and flowing is no easy task, as Dianne Wassenich can tell you. Dianne has been an essential part of the San Marcos River Foundation for more than 30 years and in this program, she tells us what it takes to carry out this important mission.2016-08-3126 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 23 - Living SustainablySan Marcos, Texas residents Betsy Robertson and her husband Todd Derkacz have found fun and effective ways to lower their carbon footprint. In the process, they enjoy a healthier lifestyle that is better for the environment and saves money.2016-08-3126 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 22 - Industrial Scale CompostingMaking compost is good for our earth in many ways. It removes items that would otherwise fester in landfills, from the waste stream, and turns that material into a rich food for soil. In this program, Texas Organic Products production manager Zach Halfin tells us about making compost on an industrial scale and about where you can buy it for your garden.2016-05-3126 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 21 - Thoughtful Land ManagementThere are things we can do, on the land we live on, to alleviate the severe effects of a lot of rain in a short period of time. In this conversation with land management consultant Jamie Kinscherff, we hear about simple land management practices that help minimize the effects of flooding.2016-05-3126 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 19- Our Clothes & the EnvironmentThe clothes we wear have an impact on our environment in many ways. There’s the environmental impact when the materials used for the fabric is grown, or harvested, or manufactured, the impact at the clothing factory, the impact on the people who make the clothes, the environmental effect when you wash and dry the items and finally the impact when you dispose of them. That environmental circle is what we talk about with Dr. Gwendolyn Hustvedt at Texas State University.2016-05-3126 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 20 - Riparian Recovery After FloodsCentral Texas and many other areas around the country experience periods of drought followed by flooding. There are best practices we can all follow that help mitigate the effects of flooding and in this program, Christine Middleton of the Hays County Master Naturalists shares ideas of what helps, and what doesn’t.2016-05-3126 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 18 Getting to Zero Waste (Part 2)In the second part of our interview with Andrew Dobbs, we talk about convincing companies to use minimal packaging and about what happens with electronic waste from computers, cell phones and the like. Learn how you can make a difference!2016-01-3126 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 18 Getting to Zero WasteGetting to “zero waste” may seem like an impossible goal, but Andrew Dobbs of the Texas Campaign for the Environment says each of us can play a role in reducing the amount of stuff going into landfills and the environment. He has some eye-opening information that can’t be ignored and some ready solutions.2016-01-3126 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 17 - GrowLocalSalwa Khan (Mothering Earth) interviews Sari Albornoz, program director of the Grow Local program of the Sustainable Food Center in Austin TX.2015-12-0826 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 16 - The Happy KitchenInterview with Joy Casnovsky, program director of the Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre in Austin, TX about preparing fresh healthy meals.2015-12-0826 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 15 - Farm DirectAndrew Smiley of the Farm Direct program at Sustainable Food Center in Austin Texas discusses how the Farm Direct program works in connecting people to the sources of fresh healthy local food.2015-10-0725 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth -14 - Restoring Earth Part 2In Part 2 of an interview with Bill Neiman of Native American Seed in Junction, Texas, Neiman provides more reasons and practical ways of preserving our land.2015-09-0314 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 14 - Restoring Earth Part 1Bill Neiman of Native American Seed in Junction, Texas talks about how and why we should care about the land we live on, and what we can do to make it whole and keep it that way. This is Part 1 of the interview.2015-09-0311 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 13- NPRI & Edible PlantsInterview by Salwa Khan with Adam Salcedo and Phillip Balke of the Native Plant Research Institute (NPRI) about edible natives and about expanding our food choices.2015-09-0328 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth 12 - SolarAn interview with solar/renewable energy expert Steven Wiese from Austin Texas on the use of solar power by individuals and large organizations.2015-07-0128 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth 11- Plant CareInterview with Andrea Delong Amaya, director of horticulture at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower center. We talk about native plants, designing a garden, dealing with heat-stress for plants and pollinators.2015-05-2628 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth- 10 Ecological Landscapes Part 2Part two of an interview with Michelle Bright and Jonathan Garner from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center centering on projects where water was a major concern and about the benefits of green roofs.2015-05-0428 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth - 9 EcologicalLandscapesThe Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, TX is an outstanding source of information about plants. It has another vital mission, which is to research and implement real-world projects that are practical demonstrations of sustainable landscapes and ecosystems. In this program, you’ll learn practices that you can use in your own backyard, as well as how sustainable sites are being created in urban areas.2015-04-1028 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth-8 ClimateBuddiesClimate Buddies is a growing organization in Austin, Texas, with a mission to educate us about how to reduce our carbon footprint. Their Carbon Diet and FEAT programs are racking up successes because their approach is collaborative and easy. In this conversation with Salwa Khan, Greg Choban and Patty Stephens of Climate Buddies provide the details. The rest is up to you and me.to reduce carbon footprint.2015-02-2728 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMotheringEarth - 7 KeepTexasBeautifulSalwa Khan's interview with Christine Chute Canul, Senior Program Director at Keep Texas Beautiful on three prongs of their mission - litter prevention, beautification and waste reduction.2015-01-1628 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMotheringEarth-6 TreeFolksInterview with Rebecca Johnson of TreeFolks, Austin Texas about their programs to plant trees as part of their urban forestry program.2014-11-2328 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMotheringEarth- 5 Water In The Hill CountryInterview with Dr. Andrew Sansom of the Meadows Center on the state of water in the Hill Country of Texas and what the average person can do to help.2014-10-2828 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth-4 KeyholeGardensInterview with Dr. Deb Tolman about the whys and hows of keyhole gardens.2014-10-0528 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMotheringEarth-3 Rainwater CollectionInterview with Karen Ford on issue of rainwater collection, drought, rainwater revival event in October 20142014-09-0928 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth-2 Farmers MarketsMothering Earth program for August 2014--on farmer's markets2014-08-0327 min
Mothering Earth PodcastMothering Earth-1 Native PlantsProgram # 1 of Mothering Earth radio program July 4, 2014
Salwa Khan interviews Tim Thompson of King Feed about native plants.2014-07-0428 min