Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world

K. Castrataro

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.

  1. 1d ago

    Maximizing Opportunities in Snail Farming with Ajoke Lawon

    Recording date: July 13, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-four features Ajoke Lawon of Joks Snail Farm as we discuss: Comparing the life cycles of Giant Nigerian Land Snails and dairy cattle Starting snail farms in small spaces with minimal capital Learning from others’ mistakes…and your own Integrating family and farming And much, much more… You will love this enterprising and energetic 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. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Ajoke: In 2016, Ajoke Lawon set up a small snail pen in her student apartment, shortly after graduating from The Polytechnic, Ibadan. What started as a single pen has grown into a full agribusiness, greenhouse-farmed snails, farmer training programs, consultancy, and circular economy solutions through The Calcium Hub, which was also founded by Ajoke and has gained funding from Lagos State. Today, Joks serves thousands of customers across Nigeria and ships worldwide. Ajoke has trained and mentored thousands of farmers, turned snail shell waste into calcium supplements, and built a business that lives up to its own tagline: Beyond Snail Farming. Connect with Ajoke at:  Website: https://jokssnailfarm.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajoke-lawon-b1399a123/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jokssnailfarm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joks_snailfarm/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jokssnailfarm    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

    Maximizing Opportunities in Snail Farming with Ajoke Lawon
  2. Season 2 Trailer

    Maximizing Opportunities in Snail Farming with Ajoke Lawon: TRAILER

    Recording date: July 13, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-four features Ajoke Lawon of Joks SnailFarm as we discuss: Comparing the life cycles of Giant Nigerian Land Snails and dairy cattle Starting snail farms in small spaces with minimal capital Learning from others’ mistakes…and your own Integrating family and farming And much, much more… You will love this enterprising and energetic 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. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Ajoke: In 2016, Ajoke Lawon set up a small snail pen in her student apartment, shortly after graduating from The Polytechnic, Ibadan. What started as a single pen has grown into a full agribusiness, greenhouse-farmed snails, farmer training programs, consultancy, and circular economy solutions through The Calcium Hub, which was also founded by Ajoke and has gained funding from Lagos State. Today, Joks serves thousands of customers across Nigeria and ships worldwide. Ajoke has trained and mentored thousands of farmers, turned snail shell waste into calcium supplements, and built a business that lives up to its own tagline: Beyond Snail Farming. Connect with Ajoke at:  Website: https://jokssnailfarm.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajoke-lawon-b1399a123/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jokssnailfarm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joks_snailfarm/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jokssnailfarm    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

    Maximizing Opportunities in Snail Farming with Ajoke Lawon: TRAILER
  3. Aug 14

    Falling in Love with Cows, Conservation, and Cutting-edge Technology with Jo Sheridan

    Recording date: July 9, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-three features Jo Sheridan of Owl Farm as we discuss: Developing youth-directed pathways into agriculture Elevating agriculture by expanding the understanding of ‘farmer’ Exploring the intersection of people, ecology, and agriculture Creating more efficient livestock-based farm systems And much, much more… You will love this innovative and purpose-driven 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. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Jo: Jo was brought up on a dairy cow and goat farm in Taranaki, New Zealand. After studying Applied Science (Ag) at Massey University, she spent time travelling and working overseas on various farms. She has been involved for over 20 years in the dairy sector supporting farmers with on-farm education and extension and has been the Demonstration Manager at Owl Farm since 2019. Connect with Jo at:  Website: https://owlfarm.nz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-sheridan-931a61226/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OwlFarmNZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@owlfarm1485    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

    Falling in Love with Cows, Conservation, and Cutting-edge Technology with Jo Sheridan
  4. Aug 10 ·  Bonus

    People, Nature, and Farms: 1st Annual Food, Flowers, & Fun First Anniversary Extravaganza: BONUS

    Recording date: August 7, 2026 We’re celebrating a birthday! Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world just turned a year old. This special bonus episode brings together three of our podcast guests—Connie Hunter Baptiste (Episode 2.28), Suzanne Beinlich (Ep. 2.32), and Nicola Westlake (Ep. 2.36)—to discuss: How their understanding of the relationship between farming, nature, and people has changed over time (or not!) What misconceptions non-farmers have about food production How farms can remain commercially viable using non-chemical inputs   We also do a little bragging and share information about our guests, our listeners, and our industry.   You will LOVE this livestream replay! #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. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget 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

    People, Nature, and Farms: 1st Annual Food, Flowers, & Fun First Anniversary Extravaganza: BONUS
  5. Season 2 Trailer

    Falling in Love with Cows, Conservation, and Cutting-edge Technology with Jo Sheridan: TRAILER

    Recording date: July 9, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-three features Jo Sheridan of Owl Farm as we discuss: Developing youth-directed pathways into agriculture Elevating agriculture by expanding the understanding of ‘farmer’ Exploring the intersection of people, ecology, and agriculture Creating more efficient livestock-based farm systems And much, much more… You will love this innovative and purpose-driven 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. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Jo: Jo was brought up on a dairy cow and goat farm in Taranaki, New Zealand. After studying Applied Science (Ag) at Massey University, she spent time travelling and working overseas on various farms. She has been involved for over 20 years in the dairy sector supporting farmers with on-farm education and extension and has been the Demonstration Manager at Owl Farm since 2019. Connect with Jo at:  Website: https://owlfarm.nz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-sheridan-931a61226/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OwlFarmNZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@owlfarm1485    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

    Falling in Love with Cows, Conservation, and Cutting-edge Technology with Jo Sheridan: TRAILER
  6. Aug 7

    Prioritizing the Family in Family Farming with Suzanne Beinlich

    Recording date: July 8, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-two features Suzanne Beinlich of Triple B Farms as we discuss: Deciding when to let love conquer all Involving kids on the farm Transferring decision-making from one generation to the next Building a family-based fall enterprise And much, much more… You will love this enterprising and family-centered 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. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Suzanne: Suzanne was raised on a farm in New Jersey with aspirations of becoming a large animal veterinarian. When she met her husband, she changed trajectory and became a part of his family’s farm operation at Triple B Farms. She is now an integral part of the operation of Triple B Farms, including spearheading the annual creation of 300 life-sized pumpkin-head characters based on well-known children’s characters.     Connect with Suzanne at:  Website: https://www.triplebfarms.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triple_b_farms/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TripleBFarmsFreshLocalFoodandFun/   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@triplebfarms6493    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

    Prioritizing the Family in Family Farming with Suzanne Beinlich
  7. Season 2 Trailer

    Prioritizing the Family in Family Farming with Suzanne Beinlich: TRAILER

    Recording date: July 8, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty-two features Suzanne Beinlich of Triple B Farms as we discuss: Deciding when to let love conquer all Involving kids on the farm Transferring decision-making from one generation to the next Building a family-based fall enterprise And much, much more… You will love this enterprising and family-centered 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. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/service-page/midweek-refuel?referral=service_list_widget About Suzanne: Suzanne was raised on a farm in New Jersey with aspirations of becoming a large animal veterinarian. When she met her husband, she changed trajectory and became a part of his family’s farm operation at Triple B Farms. She is now an integral part of the operation of Triple B Farms, including spearheading the annual creation of 300 life-sized pumpkin-head characters based on well-known children’s characters.     Connect with Suzanne at:  Website: https://www.triplebfarms.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triple_b_farms/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TripleBFarmsFreshLocalFoodandFun/   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@triplebfarms6493    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

    Prioritizing the Family in Family Farming with Suzanne Beinlich: TRAILER

Trailers

About

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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