Shows
Grounded in Maine146: Sam Baker: WriggleBrew - Plastic Eating Earthworms!When Sam Baker approached me about talking about the product he represents, worm casting tea, and also mentioned that WiggleBrew has tested and discovered that earthworms can actually "EAT PLASTIC," it was a no-brainer- I couldn't wait to hear more about that! As a big fan of worm compost (vermicompost), I was very excited to promote the crap (pun intended) out of WiggleBrew, and Sam didn't disappoint. He was talking to me from an Agriculture conference in Chicago, where he presented WiggleBrew, and mentioned he felt over dressed, because he wore a business suit, and the others were dressed...2025-05-2041 min
Nuance NeededWhy Money Issues Are Mental Health Issues with Chelsea FaganTired of the oversimplified financial advice flooding social media? In this episode, we're diving into the uncomfortable truth about why money management is 10% math and 90% emotional intelligence with Chelsea Fagan, founder of The Financial Diet.In conversation, we tackle:* How growing up in a low-income household surrounded by affluence shaped Chelsea's complicated relationship with money* Why you can't have stable mental health when you're financially unstable* The problem with analysis paralysis around money decisions and practical first steps for those feeling overwhelmed* How social media creates unrealistic timelines for...2025-04-0954 min
The Shift with Sam BakerJenni Fagan: I'm 46, nobody thought I'd make it past 16My guest today is the award winning author, screenwriter and poet Jenni Fagan. Jenni has written four novels, several poetry collections and been named Scottish novelist of the year. 18 months ago Jenni and I met in a suitably spooky basement in Edinburgh’s old town to discuss her incredible, harrowing memoir about growing up in care, Ootlin.An ootlin, according to Jenni, is ‘someone who creates their story without first seeking permission to do so’. And you’ll soon see why that couldn’t be more apt.T...2025-03-2559 minThe Shift with Sam BakerKate Fagan on success, ambition and ageing alongside the L-word!This week's guest is the Emmy award-winning American journalist Kate Fagan.Kate started out playing college basketball before making the move into sports journalism. She worked for the American cable channel ESPN (for brits, that’s THE sports channel in the US) and wrote the number 1 NYT bestseller, What Made Maddy Run. Then, just before she turned 40 and at the top of her professional game, Kate took a hard left. She stepped away from the career that made her famous, moved to Charleston and married her wife Kathryn Budig.2025-02-111h 02
Live from the Book Shop: John Updike's GhostEP85: Is Cozy Horror Next?It's another episode of "John Updike's Ghost After Dark," a wild and crazy recording that finds Sam with a blanket on his lap and Hannah reading books infused with the number three (and using the word "tome"). We move from Anne Tyler (don't worry, she's a little bit funny) to weird French YA and cover a lot of ground in between, including: - "Three Days in June," by Anne Tyler (Sam thinks he read "The Accidental Tourist") - "Infinite Jest," by David Foster Wallace (just touching on it, really) - "Beta Vulgaris," by Margie S...2025-02-0145 min
The Kirk + Kurtts Design PodcastSamantha Fagan, Website Strategist and Developer, Web Design, UX/UI, and WordPress ExpertiseSend us a textIn this episode of the Kirk & Kurtts Design Podcast, Kirk and Andy chat with Sam Fagan, a "Swiss Army knife" of digital design and development. Sam’s skill set spans website design, HTML/CSS coding, WordPress development, project management, and copywriting. Beyond her technical expertise, she’s dedicated to helping small businesses and nonprofits turn customers into passionate fans by creating strategic, engaging digital experiences.Sam shares her journey from New York to Arkansas, tracing her path through various roles that shaped her expertise, resilience, and love for storytelling.The...2024-10-2854 min
Grounded in Maine103: Autism Rocks and Rolls with Sam MitchellSam Mitchell approached me, and was just so dynamic that I had to have him on the podcast to talk about Autism and his podcast Autism Rocks and Rolls, and you'll see why here!I definitely couldn't do any better putting Sam into words, so I'm copying these from his initial email: "I am a high-functioning human being on the autism spectrum, but have a mission: to show people that I am not broken, do not need to be fixed, there is no normal in this world, and I am successful, with autism. I want to...2024-07-2350 min
The Informational InterviewEp 12 | Why Passion Isn't Enough To Succeed At A Career | From Public Radio -> Wedding Photography ft. Andrew MorrellFollow along as I interview Andrew Morrell about his journey from working in public radio for two decades to his successful career as a wedding photographer. When Andrew strted doing photography professionally, he made a promise to himself: never take pictures of anything with a pulse. Andrew loved music since an early age but considered himself too undisciplined to pursue it professionally. One day, he discovered his college's public radio station and immediately fell in love with the profession. Over the next 20 years, Andrew would work at a variety of public radio stations around the country, until he 'flamed...2024-03-1336 min
Ten Years Out: Stories from My Queer CommunityEp 13: Queer MeIn this special final episode of "10 Years Out: Stories from My Queer Community," the tables are turned as I take a step back from my usual role as host and become the guest. My close friend and fellow advocate, Kimberly Culbertson, sits down for an intimate interview, delving deep into my transformative journey since coming out.
As the conversation unfolds, I opens up about my experiences growing up in an evangelical community and the pivotal moment when I decided to embrace my true identity at the age of 29. Sharing my personal story, I reflect on the continuous...2023-06-3041 minTen Years Out: Stories from My Queer CommunityEp 12: My Mom with Diane FaganIn this heartfelt episode of "10 Years Out: Stories from My Queer Community," I welcome a very special guest: my mother, Diane Fagan. Join me and my mom as we delve into an inspiring conversation about acceptance, growth, and the ever-evolving journey of understanding.
As a straight woman, Diane opens up about her own experiences and the valuable lessons she has learned throughout her life. She candidly shares how, regardless of age, she continues to discover new perspectives, challenge preconceived notions, and embrace the beauty of learning. Diane's story serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for...2023-06-2821 minTen Years Out: Stories from My Queer CommunityEp 11: Queering Life with Nancy ShadlockIn the eleventh episode of "10 Years Out: Stories from My Queer Community," host Sam Fagan welcomes Nancy Shadlock, a queer woman. Join Sam and Nancy as they delve into the multifaceted aspects of Nancy's life, from growing up as a missionary kid to finding her true identity later in life.
Nancy opens up about her experience of coming out at the age of 33, a pivotal moment that led her to embrace her authentic self. As a spiritual director, she realized that in order to help others, she needed to live her truth unapologetically. Through her podcast, the "...2023-06-2633 minTen Years Out: Stories from My Queer CommunityEp 10: Trans Joy with Jonathan BayIn this episode of "10 Years Out: Stories from My Queer Community," host Sam Fagan welcomes Jonathan Bay, a trans man who began his medical transition 16 years ago. Jonathan shares his journey of navigating limited access to trans healthcare and the challenges he faced during that time. Reflecting on his own experience, he encourages listeners to embrace who they want to be without fixating on the destination of their transition.
The discussion delves into the societal pressure of traditional gender roles, touching on Sam's decision to challenge expectations by embracing her leg hair. Jonathan shares the impact of...2023-06-2343 minTen Years Out: Stories from My Queer CommunityEp 9: Being Different with John-Allison WeissIn the ninth episode of "10 Years Out: Stories from My Queer Community," host Sam Fagan welcomes the incredibly talented John-Allison Weiss, a trans-masc, queer musician, for an inspiring conversation about their ongoing process of self-discovery.
As a successful indie musician, John-Allison has found solace and empowerment through their music, but their journey of self-acceptance and coming out hasn't always been a straightforward one. Join Sam and Johnny as they delve into the multifaceted layers of their personal narrative, exploring the intersections of their queer identity and the evolving understanding of their gender.
Discover how Johnny...2023-06-2127 minTen Years Out: Stories from My Queer CommunityEp 8: Being Human with Ruoyun KillianIn the eighth installment of "10 Years Out: Stories from My Queer Community," your host Sam Fagan welcomes Ruoyun Killian, a cisgender, bisexual woman of Asian American heritage. Join Sam and Ruoyun as they delve into her unique perspective on queerness and the absence of religious baggage surrounding her bisexuality.
Ruoyun shares her personal journey and highlights the gradual yet undeniable changes she has witnessed within the queer community over the years. With her diverse background and experiences, Ruoyun sheds light on the evolving dynamics and the importance of embracing change within the LGBTQ+ community.
Drawing...2023-06-1922 minTen Years Out: Stories from My Queer CommunityEp 7: Queer Celebration with Kevin GarciaIn this powerful episode of “10 Years Out: Stories from My Queer Community,” host Sam Fagan invites Kevin Garcia, a non-binary queer individual, to share their extraordinary journey. Kevin’s upbringing within the evangelical community led them to navigate the challenging landscape of the ex-gay movement for several years.
As Sam and Kevin delve into their personal experiences, they reveal the profound impact of embracing their authentic identities. Sam opens up about her own transformative journey, recounting the reactions she received after shaving her head last summer. Together, they reflect on the importance of living openly and unapologetically.
...2023-06-1625 minTen Years Out: Stories from My Queer CommunityEp 6: Heaven on Earth with Janan Araujo-SiamIn the sixth episode of "10 Years Out: Stories from My Queer Community," your host Sam Fagan welcomes Janan, a queer cis woman, to share her inspiring journey of self-discovery and transformation. Born into a strict Muslim family in Texas, Janan defied societal expectations to forge her own path towards personal freedom and enlightenment.
Join Sam and Janan as they delve into the profound impact that finding peace in the yoga world had on Janan's life. Through the practice of yoga, she discovered the power of personal responsibility, learning to take ownership of her story and embrace her...2023-06-1431 minTen Years Out: Stories from My Queer CommunityEp 5: Acceptance with Lisa LangJoin host Sam Fagan, as she delves into the inspiring and heartfelt story of Lisa Lang, a remarkable woman from small-town Arkansas. In this episode of "10 Years Out: Stories from My Queer Community," Sam and Lisa embark on a candid conversation about Lisa's journey of self-discovery, coming out as an adult, and the transformative power of self-acceptance.
Growing up in a conservative environment, Lisa realized her queerness at a young age. However, the fear of judgment and rejection forced her to conceal her true identity. As she pursued higher education, Lisa found solace within the church and...2023-06-1227 minTen Years Out: Stories from My Queer CommunityEp 4: Queer Advocacy with Dr. Megan GandyIn the fourth episode of "10 Years Out: Stories from My Queer Community," join your host, Sam Fagan (she/her), as she engages in a powerful conversation with Dr. Megan Gandy, a lesbian cis woman and passionate advocate for trans and gender-diverse people's healthcare. Together, they explore Megan's personal journey, from her upbringing in a fundamentalist, evangelical family to her transformative work as a social worker and vocal champion for marginalized communities.
From a young age, Megan knew she was gay, but her conservative upbringing presented formidable challenges. Her story serves as an inspiration for individuals who may be navigating...2023-06-0924 minTen Years Out: Stories from My Queer CommunityEp 3: Queer Goodness with Stacey ChomiakIn the third episode of "10 Years Out: Stories from My Queer Community," your host Sam Fagan welcomes Stacey Chomiak, a queer woman. Together, they delve into the personal journeys that led them to trust themselves and embrace the goodness in their identities.
Sam and Stacey open up about their experiences within the evangelical church, discussing the challenges they faced while navigating the expectations and pressures placed upon them by a rigid religious environment. As they recount their respective paths to self-acceptance, they explore the importance of finding belief in their own inherent goodness.
During the...2023-06-0742 minTen Years Out: Stories from My Queer CommunityEp 2: The Politics of Hair with Myles MarkhamIn the second episode of "10 Years Out: Stories from My Queer Community," host Sam engages in a compelling conversation with Myles Markham, an extraordinary guest with a unique journey in the LGBTQ+ community. Myles, a queer, trans-masculine, non-binary, Māhū individual, shares their inspiring story of personal transformation and sheds light on important topics that shape their identity and advocacy.
Before finding their true path, Myles was deeply immersed in the ex-gay, reparative therapy movement, a chapter of their life that profoundly impacted their perspective on LGBTQ+ issues. Together, they explore the crucial themes of...2023-06-0545 minTen Years Out: Stories from My Queer CommunityQueer Faith with Matt OverturfJoin Sam, your host, in the debut episode of "10 Years Out: Stories from My Queer Community," as she sits down with her guest, Matt Overturf. Matt, a gay man going through the ordination process in the Episcopal church, and Sam, both having grown up in the Evangelical church, engage in a candid conversation about their faith journeys since coming out.
In this heartfelt episode, Matt reminds Sam—and all listeners—that we are beloved. They reflect on the challenges and victories of reconciling their sexual orientation with their religious upbringing, sharing personal experiences that shed...2023-05-3136 min
One Broke Actress171. REWIND: Sam on The Financial Diet, "Rejection, Nepo Babies, And Living Paycheck To Paycheck: Making It As A Working Actor"Back in December 2022, I was asked to join The Financial Diet YouTube channel to talk about my experience as a working actor in Los Angeles. I am a long time fan of theirs, and jumped at the chance to be real about living paycheck to paycheck in a city with an incredibly high cost of living. We sat down and got honest about it all: rejection in the industry, nepo babies, and the financial realities of the Hollywood dream. Today's ⏮️REWIND⏮️ is just a small snippet of the whole collaboration, so be sure to check out the full video with The Fina...2023-03-3043 min
The Year of Yes PodcastEp 11 - Finding Yourself Through Saying Yes w/ Hunter SchmuckIn this episode of “Year of Yes,” Sam chats with Hunter Schmuck about the art of saying yes to life’s opportunities, whether it’s creating zines, exploring new countries, or learning more about people through Spotify Blends. Join us as we take a journey through Italy and explore the joys of travel, creativity, and connecting with strangers.
Through our conversation, Hunter shares the importance of saying yes to yourself and your passions, and how it can lead to a deeper sense of self-discovery and acceptance.
So tune in and learn how to embrace the unknown...2023-03-2726 minThe Year of Yes PodcastEp 10 – Books Contracts & Soy Sauce w/ Joe LeBlancIn this episode of the Year of Yes podcast, host Sam catches up with her friend Joe LeBlanc, a passionate home cook and author based in Grand Rapids. Together, we explore our love of Asian cooking and the challenges of using a wok.
The conversation then turns to writing, as Joe shares insights from his experience as a published author and Sam reflects on her own aspirations to write a book. We discuss the importance of developing good writing habits and explore what that could look like for Sam.
...2023-03-2021 minThe Year of Yes PodcastEp 09 - Country Roads w/ Mike Costello of Lost Creek FarmIn this episode, titled "Country Roads," host Sam sits down with Mike Costello from Lost Creek Farm, a mountain farm featured on Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown and in The New York Times.
Mike shares his unique take on mountain cuisine, which is defined by story-rich recipes, time-honored techniques, and newly emerging regional traditions. But more than just food, Mike and Sam dive into the strategy behind saying yes and the ways in which it can transform your life.
They discuss the idea that saying no is sometimes necessary to...2023-03-0623 minThe Year of Yes PodcastEp 08 - Invitations w/ Scott Gurian of Far From Home PodcastIn this episode of The Year of Yes, I chat with Scott Gurian, host and producer of the Far From Home podcast.
Scott shares his experience of saying "yes" to the Mongol Rally, a 10,000-mile charity road trip across Europe and Asia, which was made possible by a simple invitation from his friend Rosie. We also discuss how this trip led him to start his own podcast and how saying "yes" to new experiences has transformed his life.
As Sam thinks about her upcoming trip to Peru, she contemplates saying "yes" to a wachuma ceremony...2023-02-2728 min