Soil & Spirit: The All Around Growth Podcast

Rob recaps the July Patreon call, shares his engagement news, and reveals a major shift in podcast focus—from homesteading to Orthodox Christian living.

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📝 Full Episode Summary:

 In this solo episode, Rob returns to the mic with big updates and a raw, honest look at where the podcast—and his life—are headed. 

 First, he offers a recap of the July Patreon Community Call, hosted with Kyriaki. While the June Patreon Zoom Call wasn't recorded, Rob used Zoom's AI summary tool to reconstruct the discussion. He shared how this feature has become a practical tool in his family and property planning, and reminded listeners to join the All Around Growth Patreon community for deeper conversations. 

 The heart of this episode is Rob’s personal announcement: he's engaged. In June, he proposed to Kyriaki at the St. Photios National Shrine in Florida, in front of a reliquary of saints—a moment charged with spiritual significance. This leads into a larger conversation about shifting priorities and realigning his life and work with his faith. 

 That realignment includes a major change to the podcast itself. Once centered on topics like personal development, financial goals, and homesteading projects, the show is now evolving into something more authentic to Rob's lived experience—his journey in the Orthodox Christian faith. He talks openly about the spiritual transformation he's undergone and how homesteading, while still important, no longer reflects his core identity. 

 Rob outlines the upcoming Orthodox feast days, including the Dormition Fast (Aug 1–14) and the Feast of the Transfiguration (Aug 6), where he'll witness the blessing of the grapes for the first time. These moments mark a deepening of his spiritual life, and he sees them as integral to the direction of both the podcast and his personal growth. 

 He also reflects on the Orthodox tradition of memorial services and Koliva, explaining the symbolism and spiritual meaning behind these ancient customs. The way the Church builds community through food and remembrance stands in stark contrast to consumerist culture, and Rob emphasizes how these traditions ground his faith and identity. 

 Tied to this spiritual shift is a lifestyle one: downsizing. Inspired by Kyriaki’s minimalist approach and a compelling video by Wranglerstar, Rob talks about letting go of material possessions and the freedom it brings. He acknowledges the emotional challenge of decluttering but sees it as part of a broader transformation—one where community, faith, and authentic relationships matter far more than career titles or stuff. 

 To wrap it all up, Rob shares his intentions for the show: more regular community calls, honest storytelling, and content that aligns with his values. He owns up to "living a lie" for a while—chasing someone else’s idea of success—and urges listeners to do the hard work of getting real with themselves, even when it means letting go of familiar comforts. 

 This isn’t just a pivot. It’s a declaration of purpose. And it’s an invitation to join a journey that’s just getting started. 

Links Mentioned:

• Join the Patreon community: patreon.com/allaroundgrowth
• St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
• Facebook Save the Date Event for Rob & Kyriaki's Wedding
• OrthodoxWiki