Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world
This podcast celebrates the stories of women farmers around the world who are engaged in food production, ornamentals, and agritourism. Join us for some honest farm talk--and lots of laughter--about the unique challenges faced by female farmers as they try to balance their farm and personal lives, support their mental health and well-being, and sustain healthy relationships on and off the farm.
The first season’s guests include a cassava grower from Cameroon, an agroforester from North Carolina, a ”chicken midwife” from California, the Grass Whisperer, and many, many more. You won’t want to miss an episode!
Your host, Kristen ”K” Castrataro, is a fifth-generation farm kid from Rhode Island. She has a rich agricultural background as a producer, Extension Agent, and farm consultant. She is driven by the conviction that the people feeding our bodies and souls should NOT be starving themselves. K is the founder of Pen Light for Farmers, a business that helps farmers (especially farm women) build a farm life and relationships that meet their deepest needs and values. You can find her at www.penlightfarmers.com.
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Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode twenty-one features shepherd Lydia Tevis of Harmony Heritage Farm as we discuss:
The character differences between sheep and goat people
The ins and outs of shearing
Opportunities for marketing wool, from pellets to mulch to blankets to felted rugs
The challenges of raising cows and kids
And much, much more…
You will love this nurturing and caring farmer!
#IYWF2026
A GIFT FOR LISTENERS:
Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Join when you can. Cancel at any time.
Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget
About Lydia:
Lydia and her husband live off-grid on a 40-acre farm in Harmony, Washington, where they raise dairy sheep, beef cattle, and kids. 😆 They have selectively bred homestead dairy sheep for 20 years and sell sheep milk soap and wool products as well.
Connect with Lydia at:
Website: https://harmonyheritagefarm.com/index.html
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HarmonyHeritageFarm?dd_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fmanage.wix.com%2F
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyHeritageFarm?rdid=ThhLw2tb9VNjyUQl&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F17oCRF4wrB%2F#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyheritagefarm?igsh=MXUwdWx6YjcyYWdhdA%3D%3D
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@harmonyheritagefarm
Connect with K at:
Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com
YouTube: @k.castrataro3466
Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers
Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast
Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x
Recording date: April 14, 2026
6 days ago
6 days ago
Recording date: April 14, 2026
Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode twenty-one features shepherd Lydia Tevis of Harmony Heritage Farm as we discuss:
The character differences between sheep and goat people
The ins and outs of shearing
Opportunities for marketing wool, from pellets to mulch to blankets to felted rugs
The challenges of balancing calving with podcasting
And much, much more…
You will love this nurturing and caring farmer!
#IYWF2026
A GIFT FOR LISTENERS:
Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Join when you can. Cancel at any time.
Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget
About Lydia:
Lydia and her husband live off-grid on a 40-acre farm in Harmony, Washington, where they raise dairy sheep, beef cattle, and kids. 😆 They have selectively bred homestead dairy sheep for 20 years and sell sheep milk soap and wool products as well.
Connect with Lydia at:
Website: https://harmonyheritagefarm.com/index.html
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HarmonyHeritageFarm?dd_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fmanage.wix.com%2F
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyHeritageFarm?rdid=ThhLw2tb9VNjyUQl&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F17oCRF4wrB%2F#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyheritagefarm?igsh=MXUwdWx6YjcyYWdhdA%3D%3D
Connect with K at:
Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com
YouTube: @k.castrataro3466
Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers
Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast
Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x
Friday May 15, 2026
Friday May 15, 2026
Recording date: April 14, 2026
Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode twenty features agricultural entrepreneur Lauren Lovejoy of the Red Hen app and The Blue Horn VA as we discuss:
Treating chronic illness with herbals
Choosing regenerative practices that meet your inputs and goals
Hosting BNB guests as a form of agritourism
Connecting farmers and consumers through the Red Hen app
And much, much more…
You will love this ambitious and innovative farmer!
#IYWF2026
A GIFT FOR LISTENERS:
Inspired by Lauren's farm-health journey, you can get a complimentary copy of my short guide
“Turn Your Challenges into Tools for Growth,” a fifteen-minute process to take you from feeling overwhelmed by a challenging situation to being ready for positive change: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/tools
About Lauren:
Lauren’s long-undiagnosed battle with Lyme disease started her on a journey to healthy eating and herbal remedies. During her healing process on her parents’ farm, she learned about regenerative agriculture and began working with animals to restore health to herself and the land. Her current farm business includes raising heritage livestock, managing a farm-to-consumer app, and running an agritourism BNB. Download the Red Hen App for Consumers or Producers today.
Connect with Lauren at:
Website (The Blue Horn VA): https://www.thebluehornva.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-lovejoy-1926874a/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedHenApp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redhenapp/?hl=en
Connect with K at:
Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com
YouTube: @k.castrataro3466
Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers
Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast
Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x
Monday May 11, 2026
Monday May 11, 2026
Recording date: April 14, 2026
Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode twenty features agricultural entrepreneur Lauren Lovejoy of the Red Hen app and The Blue Horn VA as we discuss:
Treating chronic illness with herbals
Choosing regenerative practices that meet your inputs and goals
Hosting BNB guests as a form of agritourism
Connecting farmers and consumers through the Red Hen app
And much, much more…
You will love this ambitious and innovative farmer!
#IYWF2026
A GIFT FOR LISTENERS:
Inspired by Lauren's farm-health journey, you can get a complimentary copy of my short guide
“Turn Your Challenges into Tools for Growth,” a fifteen-minute process to take you from feeling overwhelmed by a challenging situation to being ready for positive change: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/tools
About Lauren:
Lauren’s long-undiagnosed battle with Lyme disease started her on a journey to healthy eating and herbal remedies. During her healing process on her parents’ farm, she learned about regenerative agriculture and began working with animals to restore health to herself and the land. Her current farm business includes raising heritage livestock, managing a farm-to-consumer app, and running an agritourism BNB. Download the Red Hen App for Consumers or Producers today.
Connect with Lauren at:
Website (The Blue Horn VA): https://www.thebluehornva.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-lovejoy-1926874a/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedHenApp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redhenapp/?hl=en
Connect with K at:
Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com
YouTube: @k.castrataro3466
Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers
Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast
Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x
Friday May 08, 2026
Friday May 08, 2026
Recording date: April 1, 2026
Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode nineteen features avocado grower Becca Holmes of Holmes Grown USA as we discuss:
Distinguishing between a passion project and a profession
Discovering a sense of rootedness in place
Pollinating and watering avocados
Maximizing your competitive advantage
And much, much more…
You will love this creative and well-traveled farmer!
#IYWF2026
A GIFT FOR LISTENERS:
Inspired by Becca’s farming journey, you can get a complimentary copy of my short guide
“Turn Your Challenges into Tools for Growth,” a fifteen-minute process to take you from feeling overwhelmed by a challenging situation to being ready for positive change: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/tools
About Becca:
Becca grew up in a military family and moved frequently throughout her childhood. In her 40s, she and her husband took over his family’s avocado farm. Holmes Grown USA exists to honor and advance their family's farming legacy by providing American families with the freshest, healthiest avocados directly from their groves.
Connect with Becca at:
Website: https://holmesgrownusa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holmesgrownusa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holmesgrown_usa/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolmesGrownUSA
Connect with K at:
Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com
YouTube: @k.castrataro3466
Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers
Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast
Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x
Monday May 04, 2026
Monday May 04, 2026
Recording date: April 1, 2026
Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode nineteen features avocado grower Becca Holmes of Holmes Grown USA as we discuss:
Distinguishing between a passion project and a profession
Discovering a sense of rootedness in place
Pollinating and watering avocados
Maximizing your competitive advantage
And much, much more…
You will love this creative and well-traveled farmer!
#IYWF2026
A GIFT FOR LISTENERS:
Inspired by Becca’s farming journey, you can get a complimentary copy of my short guide
“Turn Your Challenges into Tools for Growth,” a fifteen-minute process to take you from feeling overwhelmed by a challenging situation to being ready for positive change: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/tools
About Becca:
Becca grew up in a military family and moved frequently throughout her childhood. In her 40s, she and her husband took over his family’s avocado farm. Holmes Grown USA exists to honor and advance their family's farming legacy by providing American families with the freshest, healthiest avocados directly from their groves.
Connect with Becca at:
Website: https://holmesgrownusa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holmesgrownusa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holmesgrown_usa/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolmesGrownUSA
Connect with K at:
Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com
YouTube: @k.castrataro3466
Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers
Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast
Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x
Friday May 01, 2026
Friday May 01, 2026
Recording date: March 24, 2026
Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode eighteen features sisters Kris Straub and Kimberly Hansen of Tenderloin Lavender Farm as we discuss:
Providing customers with on-farm experiences because “she said it’d be fun”
Propagating lavender tested for your specific area
Repurposing Depression-era antiques
Managing the impact of policy on your farm business
And much, much more…
You will love these curious and information-driven farmers!
#IYWF2026
A GIFT FOR LISTENERS:
Inspired by Kim and Kris's farm journey, you can get a complimentary copy of my short guide
“Turn Your Challenges into Tools for Growth,” a fifteen-minute process to take you from feeling overwhelmed by a challenging situation to being ready for positive change: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/tools
About Kris and Kim:
The Stahlhut family has been farming in the Edwardsville, IL area since 1853. They were a large hog operation until 1999, thus the farm name. Kris and Kim added lavender to their crop operation in 2016. Their homemade lavender-inspired creations are available online and in person.
Connect with Kris and Kim at:
Website: https://www.tfilavender.com/
Facebook: @tenderloinfarms
Instagram: @tenderloinfarms
Connect with K at:
Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com
YouTube: @k.castrataro3466
Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers
Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast
Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x
Monday Apr 27, 2026
Monday Apr 27, 2026
NOTE: Do yourself a favor and WATCH this one. I guarantee you'll laugh.
Recording date: March 24, 2026
Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode eighteen features sisters Kris Straub and Kimberly Hansen of Tenderloin Lavender Farm as we discuss:
Providing customers with on-farm experiences because “she said it’d be fun”
Propagating lavender tested for your specific area
Repurposing Depression-era antiques
Managing the impact of policy on your farm business
And much, much more…
You will love these curious and information-driven farmers!
#IYWF2026
A GIFT FOR LISTENERS:
Inspired by Kim and Kris's farm journey, you can get a complimentary copy of my short guide
“Turn Your Challenges into Tools for Growth,” a fifteen-minute process to take you from feeling overwhelmed by a challenging situation to being ready for positive change: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/tools
About Kris and Kim:
The Stahlhut family has been farming in the Edwardsville, IL area since 1853. They were a large hog operation until 1999, thus the farm name. Kris and Kim added lavender to their crop operation in 2016. Their homemade lavender-inspired creations are available online and in person.
Connect with Kris and Kim at:
Website: https://www.tfilavender.com/
Facebook: @tenderloinfarms
Instagram: @tenderloinfarms
Connect with K at:
Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com
YouTube: @k.castrataro3466
Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers
Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast
Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x
Friday Apr 24, 2026
Friday Apr 24, 2026
Recording date: March 23, 2026
Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode seventeen features cattlewoman Kate Colgan of Walnut Creek Farms as we discuss:
Getting competitive in 4-H and FFA
Building community across generations
Treating friends and neighbors like family
Using data to increase the size of the farm pie
And much, much more…
You will love this positive, up-and-coming cattlewoman!
#IYWF2026
A GIFT FOR LISTENERS:
Inspired by Kate's cattle journey, you can get a complimentary copy of my short guide
“Farming Takes a Team,” a short guide to building your best farm support team: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/farmersupport
About Kate:
Kate Colgan is a cattlewoman, communicator, and advocate for agriculture. Raised in Illinois on her family’s cattle operation, Walnut Creek Farms, she has been involved in many sectors of the cattle business. She is currently wrapping up her bachelor’s degree in animal science at Kansas State University, with plans to return to the operation upon graduation.
Connect with Kate at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walnutcreekfarms.2001?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=PzRvTJjfJanpkOGo&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F17R8gjpG5n%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walnutcreekfarms?igsh=MWkwNHQ3bmlsZ3R0ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Connect with K at:
Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com
YouTube: @k.castrataro3466
Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers
Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast
Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x
Monday Apr 20, 2026
Monday Apr 20, 2026
Recording date: March 23, 2026
Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode seventeen features cattlewoman Kate Colgan of Walnut Creek Farms as we discuss:
Getting competitive in 4-H and FFA
Building community across generations
Treating friends and neighbors like family
Using data to increase the size of the farm pie
And much, much more…
You will love this positive, up-and-coming cattlewoman!
#IYWF2026
A GIFT FOR LISTENERS:
Inspired by Kate's cattle journey, you can get a complimentary copy of my short guide
“Farming Takes a Team,” a short guide to building your best farm support team: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/farmersupport
About Kate:
Kate Colgan is a cattlewoman, communicator, and advocate for agriculture. Raised in Illinois on her family’s cattle operation, Walnut Creek Farms, she has been involved in many sectors of the cattle business. She is currently wrapping up her bachelor’s degree in animal science at Kansas State University, with plans to return to the operation upon graduation.
Connect with Kate at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walnutcreekfarms.2001?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=PzRvTJjfJanpkOGo&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F17R8gjpG5n%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walnutcreekfarms?igsh=MWkwNHQ3bmlsZ3R0ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Connect with K at:
Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com
YouTube: @k.castrataro3466
Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers
Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast
Podcast (video): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVBn53rrIsTwS4ag6hH4DHnxG_Lxqt7x