Raising Connections
Critters, Companions, Commerce, & Agriculture: Casual yet intelligent conversation connecting topics for Rural, Suburban and Urban listeners.
Episodes
222 episodes
Pet CPR - Care, Prepare, Respond, or How Not to Panic 01-07-2026
Today Rachann talks about how pet owners could benefit from knowing the basics of CRP and First Aid and how to become Pet Tech CPR Certified. She breaks down what to do in common emergencies and how to stay calm when seconds matter. This episod...
Mariah-Belle Manor Kennel's Top Tail Wagging Toys of 2025 01-12-2026
Join Rachann Mayer, owner of Mariah-Belle Manor Kennel, as she explores the Top Toys of 2025. What toy meets the five criteria best: is it safe, durable, can it be sanitized, are there different sizes, and different uses. Do these top toys stim...
Echoes in the Dark: Inside the Lives of Bats 01-19-2026
Rachann talks with Shaun Dunn, zoologist with the Nebraska Game and Park Commission, Wildlife Division, Natural Heritage Program. Shaun takes us into the hidden world of bats: how these remarkable creatures live, from their insect‑rich diet, to...
Four County Quilters Guild 01-26-2026
Rachann talks with Melinda Horner, a representative of the Four County Quilters Guild, which meets the second Tuesday of every month in Mount Airy, Maryland. The guild gets together and quilts, presents speakers who talk about quilting, and wel...
Spirit‑Led Wellness: Mind, Body, and Nutrition with Heather Wolfe 02-02-2026
In this podcast, Rachann Mayer is joined by holistic wellness coach, nutritionist, and registered dietitian Heather Wolfe. She guides you through the ever‑evolving wellness journey with depth, compassion, and clarity, exploring the mind‑body co...
Celebrating 60 Years of the Carroll County Farm Museum with Curator Elaine Shirley 02-16-2026
In this special episode celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Carroll County Farm Museum, Rachann and Elaine explore the stories behind its remarkable collection of antiques, hand‑crafted furniture, and the farm machinery that powered generat...
Binoculars & Habitats: Birds, Migration, and the Nature Around Us 02-23-2026
In celebration of the Howard County Bird Club's 54th year, Rachann talks with club president Val Swan and longtime club member Bonnie Ott about the rhythms, surprises, and hidden patterns that shape the lives of birds across our landscapes.&nbs...
Traveling with Dogs: Comfort, Training, and Real-World Tips 03-02-2026
Traveling with a dog is a journey filled with small details that make a big difference. In this episode Rachann talks with Joyce Johnson from Fora Travel about everything from choosing the right airline or ground transport to keeping pets comfo...
Banana Ball: Music, Mayhem, and the Heart of America’s Most Fun Team, the Savannah Bananas 03-09-2026
Step into the world of the Savannah Bananas, where minor league baseball transforms into a full‑blown celebration of joy, connection, and fun. Rachann is joined by Emily Cole, one half of the husband and wife team that owns the Bananas. Dive de...
The Unhomogenized Life: Real Milk, Real Farms, Real People 03-16-2026
On this week's podcast, Rachann is joined by Laurie Savage, one of the owners of Brown Cow Creamery. Step onto the farm and into the heart of a community where dairy farming is more than a livelihood, it’s a way of life. Follow the journey from...
Marshmallows Mingle in Westminster, MD to Have a PEEPtastic Time 03-23-2026
Stephen Strosnider, Executive Director of the Carroll County Arts Council, joins Rachann for a cheerful look at the 19th Annual PEEPSHOW held in the TownMall of Westminster, MD - March 27 - April 3, 2026. Together they explore the creativity, c...
Field Trial Dogs and Beyond 03-30-2026
In this episode, Rachann talks with world-renowned field trial judge Trish Jackson, and conformation judge Chip Bondi. They lead us through the teamwork, preparation, and decision-making that defines the Gun Dog Sports. Gun dogs are highly trai...
Diseases, Decisions, and Diapered Ducks 04-06-2026
Jennifer Trout, Maryland's State Veterinarian, joins Rachann to share a day in the life of the state's top vet. Dr. Trout walks us through her approach to wellness, highlighting leadership, challenges, partnerships, and preparedness efforts tha...
Horses, Heartbeats, and Healing 04-13-2026
Rachann talks with Elizabeth Tate from Common Ground at Paradise Stables. They invite listeners into a safe, tactile world where equine assisted learning, breathing, and aromatherapy help shift feelings that have been shaped by fight, flight, a...
Honey, I Shrunk the Sheep! 04-20-2026
Ever wondered why George Washington was obsessed with his sheep? This episode of Raising Connections offers a fascinating look into the history and heritage of shepherding. This week, we step into the world of Elaine Shirley, Presid...
Take the Reins of Tradition 04-27-2026
Join Claire Lacey, President of My Lady's Manor Driving Club and Rachann, as they free wheel through the world of modern horse driving. To quote Claire “Anything you can do on horseback, you can do in a cart.” This episode drives into th...
Growing Tea in Maryland 05-04-2026
White, green, oolong, and black teas are what happen when a professional engineer applies 30 years of systems-thinking to an acidic field in Howard County. You get the first tea farm in Maryland. Lori Baker, co-owner-operator of Heron's Mead...
Beyond the Asphalt 05-11-2026
Maryland State Highway Administrators Charlie Gischlar and Andrew Radcliffe sit down with Rachann to explore the planned completion of the Westminster Community Trail Loop and unexpected facts about Maryland state highways. They pul...
Dean the Turtle Whisperer: Shelled and Filtered 05-18-2026
This podcast dives into the lives of turtles, tortoises, and other reptiles that outlast generations, thriving under careful protection and purpose‑driven stewardship.Rachann talks with Dean, the keeper and guardian at Dean’s Turtle Farm...
The History of Memorial Day 05-25-2026
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day in parts of the US. In this rebroadcast from 2023, Rachann talks about the history of Decoration Day when people began decorating graves with wreaths and flags after the Civil War, although th...
Nuthatch Gardens - Modern Flower Farming 06-01-2026
In this episode, Rachann talks with Joanna Veltri, owner of Nuthatch Gardens. Joanna’s farm opens a window into modern flower farming — the hustle, the bird sightings, and the business smarts behind every bloom. She blends personal storie...
Horse World in Focus - Erin Gilmore Photography 06-08-2026
From a podcast first released in July 2024, Rachann talks with Erin Gilmore, a well-known local photographer who can be seen at equine events throughout Maryland and Virginia. From her website eringilmorephotos.com, "My specialty in equestrian ...
20 Years of Memories at Mariah-Belle Manor Kennel 06-15-2026
In this podcast originally released in December 2025, kennel owner Rachann Mayer and three long-time clients share heartfelt memories of Mariah-Belle Manor Kennel - a journey of care, trust, kindness, and a tribute to seasons of life, generosit...
Community Action Council of Howard County 06-22-2026
The Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) is the county’s designated anti-poverty organization, a non-profit designed to meet community needs. CAC is dedicated to fighting poverty by helping people become economically self-sufficient....
The Pride of Baltimore II: A Maritime Ambassador Anchored in Maryland History 06-29-2026
Set sail with Rachann Mayer and Captain Jan Miles aboard Pride of Baltimore II; a replica Baltimore Clipper modeled after the swift privateer tall ships of the War of 1812: ships built for speed, commerce raiding, and daring blockade runs with ...