The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow
Welcome to the Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow, chronicles and lessons from a life tied to family, community and the land. I'm Shannon Hayes, and I own and operate Sap Bush Hollow Farm with three generations of my family in the Northern Catskills of Upstate New York. I'm the chef owner of Sap Bush Cafe, and I'm the author of a few books, including Radical Homemakers and The Grassfed Gourmet. This podcast features my weekly essays, where I explore the adventures of keeping life, business, family, community and fun in the balance.
Episodes
134 episodes
Slow Learners
I’m 51 years old. I’ve spent nearly all those years living and working at Sap Bush Hollow Farm. How is it that I still don’t know how to be a farmer?I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 13 of The ...
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Season 6
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Episode 13
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17:33
I'm No Garrison Keillor
I received a letter a few weeks back from a woman who found an old copy of one of my most popular books, Radical Homemakers, in her public library. “I want to become someone I believe in,” she wrote to me. And she wanted to...
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Season 6
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Episode 12
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16:07
The Well-(S)Oiled Machine
What will it take to get this farm to run smoothly and efficiently?I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 11 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. For a written version of this story, check out The Radical Homemak...
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Season 6
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Episode 11
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13:38
What the dust stirs up...
s it possible to lose a beloved parent without an existential life crisis? Oh if only…I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 10 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. For the written transcript of this s...
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Season 6
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Episode 10
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17:57
The All Girls Tractor School
https://www.sapbushfarmstore.com/s/stories/the-all-girls-tractor-schoolFarming requires everyone to work hard, and to take pride and joy in doing so. Bu...
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Season 6
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Episode 9
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15:52
Let what comes come.
My mother’s callous attitude about death could come across as shocking to those who didn’t know her. But her views were hard-won, and they’re getting me through the tough work we face here at Sap Bush Hollow. Those of you who’ve kno...
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Season 6
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Episode 8
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17:33
709
Efficiency. That’s key to profitability on a farm. Everything must contribute to the well-being of the whole. If it doesn’t contribute, it must go. But what, exactly, counts as a valid contribution?I’m Shannon Hayes, an...
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Season 6
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Episode 7
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20:37
Mothers' Day
This year marked my first Mothers’ Day without a Mom. I didn’t think it mattered much, in light of the fact that I abhor the day and refuse to mark it. But that doesn’t make me celebrate my mother any less. I’m Shannon Hayes, and yo...
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18:39
Sometimes, you need a time-out.
I normally like to write alone, but this week’s essay was written in collaboration with Kit, my emotionally avoidant dog. It’s about the importance of a time-out. I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 5 of The...
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Season 6
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Episode 5
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18:13
We are the art.
Final exams and final projects, lambing season, the loss of a local microbrewery, spring cleaning. It’s been a busy week here at Sap Bush Hollow, with lots of change and lots of surrender. I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listen...
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Season 6
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Episode 4
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16:29
Step Away from the Crowd
For three years, I’ve been gently encouraging folks, even farmers and small business owners, to consider abandoning their social media accounts. But today, I’m not going to beat around the bush. I’m going to come out and ask
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Season 6
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Episode 3
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20:15
Hands Off The Farmers
It’s hard to ignore the news these days, even though I think a lot of farmers prefer to. We’re keenly aware that agrarian political views vary widely, and rural neighbors can’t afford too many political battles. I try to keep my mou...
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Season 6
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Episode 2
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17:15
My Emotionally Avoidant Dog
Winter is loosening her grip slowly this year, matching our emotions as we move into our first season without Mom here on Sap Bush Hollow Farm. We’re doing as well as can be expected…in spite of my dog’s utter failure to offer emotional s...
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Season 6
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Episode 1
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14:54
Don't Let Go!
It's the final episode of the season, and we're going to explore what it takes to make it in this agrarian way of life when aptitude isn't in the cards. For a written copy of this piece, visit The Radical Homemaker Blog. You can lea...
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Season 5
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Episode 20
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34:50
Always Something
Family farm life is rife with daily disasters. If we measure our happiness based on our ability to avert them, we’ll never be content. The trick is to enjoy the life in spite of them.I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re lis...
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Season 5
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Episode 19
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18:31
The Joy of Catching a Ride
Living rural has typically necessitated car ownership. Our family tries to minimize that expense for ecological, financial and quality of life reasons. But now both our daughters are driving….What will this mean? You’re listen...
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Season 5
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Episode 18
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11:56
Who gets the land?
The real estate market is booming. What does that mean for our farmers? I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 17 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. Find the written copy of this story over on
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Season 5
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Episode 17
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18:11
Replenishing My Nice Juice
What does it take to savor every moment of every day? I’ve been taking lessons from a two-year-old. I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 16 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. Find the transcript on TheR...
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Season 5
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Episode 16
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14:36
Inner Piece of My Mind
I believe my meditation practice has improved my life immeasurably, making me less volatile and more full of loving kindness. But does that mean there is never a place for a splash of volatility? I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listen...
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Season 5
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Episode 15
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22:11
Failures Fit for a Castle
Life throws all kinds of challenges at us. But if we’re living the life we want, even the challenges can be valuable experiences. I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 14 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow, and today ...
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Season 5
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Episode 14
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14:37
Friend Medicine
“We are all in the gutter. But some of us are looking at the stars.” - Oscar WildeI’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 13 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow, where we’re going to talk about the power of hope a...
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Season 5
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Episode 13
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16:01
House vs. Barn
Mom has been gone from the farm house for about a month. And she’d been sick for some time before that. It’s a wonder the barn didn’t eat the house in her absence. I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 12 of T...
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Season 5
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Episode 12
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18:00
Finding The New Normal
It’s been a crazy couple of weeks. My family has been shaken up, and we’re madly trying to swim to the shores of a new normal. Thankfully, we’re not the first to make the journey. I’m going to try to bring you up to speed this...
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Season 5
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Episode 11
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15:19
