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.
Listen on:
Episodes
Friday Jun 05, 2026
Friday Jun 05, 2026
Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode twenty-three features organic farmer Morgan Patterson of Morganics as we discuss:
WWOOFing in Japan
Setting farm goals…and changing direction
Integrating dance, shoemaking, and family into the farm life
Purchasing your dream farm with the help of farm financing and family support
And much, much more…
You will love this goal-driven and visionary 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. Try us today. 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 Morgan:
Morgan stumbled into farming after college, having grown up as a city kid in the Midwest. Drawn by a desire to explore, she took steps to find the next path, one rooted in food, culture, and alternate ways of living. Her first experiences in farming came on homesteads in rural Japan, where she encountered diverse food systems, and saw how farming is woven into the fabric of daily life.
Those early lessons set the foundation for her approach to food that eventually brought her to Oregon, where she continued pursuing agriculture with curiosity and conviction. At Goodfoot Farm, she immersed herself in a woman-led production system, and embraced the principles of biodynamics, a holistic approach that sees the farm as a living, interconnected ecosystem. There, she deepened her understanding of growing food while witnessing how the food we grow shapes the communities we nourish.
What began as a search for meaningful work became the ultimate goal, to produce and share food that connects us deeply. Over time, that path led her from learner to leader, and ultimately to purchasing the family farm she now stewards with her family. Today, as the farmher in the foreground, she carries forward both legacy and possibility, growing food with care, honoring the land’s history, and building a future rooted in resilience, gratitude, and connection.
Connect with Morgan at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_morganics/
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 28, 2026
Monday Jun 01, 2026
Monday Jun 01, 2026
Recording date: April 28, 2026
Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode twenty-three features organic farmer Morgan Patterson of Morganics as we discuss:
WWOOFing in Japan
Setting farm goals…and changing direction
Integrating dance, shoemaking, and family into the farm life
Purchasing your dream farm with the help of farm financing and family support
And much, much more…
You will love this goal-driven and visionary 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. Try us today. 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 Morgan:
Morgan stumbled into farming after college, having grown up as a city kid in the Midwest. Drawn by a desire to explore, she took steps to find the next path, one rooted in food, culture, and alternate ways of living. Her first experiences in farming came on homesteads in rural Japan, where she encountered diverse food systems, and saw how farming is woven into the fabric of daily life.
Those early lessons set the foundation for her approach to food that eventually brought her to Oregon, where she continued pursuing agriculture with curiosity and conviction. At Goodfoot Farm, she immersed herself in a woman-led production system, and embraced the principles of biodynamics, a holistic approach that sees the farm as a living, interconnected ecosystem. There, she deepened her understanding of growing food while witnessing how the food we grow shapes the communities we nourish.
What began as a search for meaningful work became the ultimate goal, to produce and share food that connects us deeply. Over time, that path led her from learner to leader, and ultimately to purchasing the family farm she now stewards with her family. Today, as the farmher in the foreground, she carries forward both legacy and possibility, growing food with care, honoring the land’s history, and building a future rooted in resilience, gratitude, and connection.
Connect with Morgan at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_morganics/
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 29, 2026
Friday May 29, 2026
Recording date: April 23, 2026
Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode twenty-two features goat farmer and soap maker Tricia Wasden of Two Five Farm as we discuss:
Healing skin sensitivities with goat’s milk
Pickling, preserving, and processing produce
Marketing your farm business
Creating systems and schedules to support a one-woman farm operation
And much, much more…
You will love this health-driven and global-minded 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 Tricia:
Tricia’s farm began with one little buckling named Mason, who stole her heart and quickly became part of the family. As Mason grew, she added more goats, three Great Pyrenees, chickens, and the occasional cow.
Along the way, she learned how to make goat milk soap. Her family and friends immediately felt the difference and urged her to turn her passion into profit. Tricia now pursues the dream of healing the world’s skin…one bar of soap at a time.
Connect with Tricia at:
Website: https://www.twofivefarm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twofivefarm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twofivefarm/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TwoFiveFarm
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 25, 2026
Monday May 25, 2026
Recording date: April 23, 2026
Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode twenty-two features goat farmer and soap maker Tricia Wasden of Two Five Farm as we discuss:
Healing skin sensitivities with goat’s milk
Pickling, preserving, and processing produce
Marketing your farm business
Creating systems and schedules to support a one-woman farm operation
And much, much more…
You will love this health-driven and global-minded 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 Tricia:
Tricia’s farm began with one little buckling named Mason, who stole her heart and quickly became part of the family. As Mason grew, she added more goats, three Great Pyrenees, chickens, and the occasional cow.
Along the way, she learned how to make goat milk soap. Her family and friends immediately felt the difference and urged her to turn her passion into profit. Tricia now pursues the dream of healing the world’s skin…one bar of soap at a time.
Connect with Tricia at:
Website: https://www.twofivefarm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twofivefarm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twofivefarm/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TwoFiveFarm
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 22, 2026
Friday May 22, 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 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
Monday May 18, 2026
Monday May 18, 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-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