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. Season 2 Trailer

    Switching between Tulips, Agronomy, and Family with Jody Wilhelm: TRAILER

    Recording date: July 2, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode thirty features Jody Wilhelm of Rural Route Bulbs as we discuss: Developing a U-pick tulip business Navigating the “switch tax” between diverse farm tasks Experimenting with different growing practices for greater yield and soil microbiology Timing your farm life to accommodate the unexpected And much, much more… You will love this curious and forward-thinking 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 Jody: Jody grew up on a dairy, hog, and crop farm in Southern MN. She got dirt in my shoes there and has never been able to get it out. That is why she loves crops and soils! She, her husband, and their two kids own and operate a crop farm, an ag retail business, and Rural Route Bulbs, their tulip U-pick. Connect with Jody at:  Website: https://www.ruralroutebulbs.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruralroutebulbstulipfarm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruralroutebulbs/ 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

    Switching between Tulips, Agronomy, and Family with Jody Wilhelm: TRAILER
  2. 6d ago

    Cowboying, Conservation, and Community with Jess Evans

    Recording date: June 30, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode twenty-nine features “Conservation Cowgirl” Jess Evans as we discuss: Training colts and mustangs Roping, riding, and wrangling Developing a women-owned and -managed ranch and coop Building women’s competence and independence And much, much more… You will love this visionary and iconoclastic 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 Jess: Jess Evans is a conservationist, cowgirl, and queer woman building a life at the intersection of ranching and conservation, because she believes the two were never meant to be separate. She is the creator behind The Conservation Cowgirl and is currently building a women-owned and operated, community-owned cooperative ranch from scratch, where regenerative agriculture, conservation stewardship, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge will inform how everything is done. Her goal is not just to build one ranch. It is to empower women to become more self-sufficient, help their communities, and protect the planet in a way that is practical and lasting. And then to help other ranches do the same, creating a ripple effect of conservation-minded, financially sustainable working lands across the country. Connect with Jess at:  Website: https://conservationcowgirl.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconservationcowgirl/    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

    Cowboying, Conservation, and Community with Jess Evans
  3. Season 2 Trailer

    Cowboying, Conservation, and Community with Jess Evans: TRAILER

    Recording date: June 30, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode twenty-nine features “Conservation Cowgirl” Jess Evans as we discuss: Training colts and mustangs Roping, riding, and wrangling Developing a women-owned and -managed ranch and coop Building women’s skills and competence across their farm lives And much, much more… You will love this visionary and iconoclastic 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 Jess: Jess Evans is a conservationist, cowgirl, and queer woman building a life at the intersection of ranching and conservation, because she believes the two were never meant to be separate. She is the creator behind The Conservation Cowgirl and is currently building a women-owned and operated, community-owned cooperative ranch from scratch, where regenerative agriculture, conservation stewardship, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge will inform how everything is done. Her goal is not just to build one ranch. It is to empower women to become more self-sufficient, help their communities, and protect the planet in a way that is practical and lasting. And then to help other ranches do the same, creating a ripple effect of conservation-minded, financially sustainable working lands across the country. Connect with Jess at:  Website: https://conservationcowgirl.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconservationcowgirl/    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

    Cowboying, Conservation, and Community with Jess Evans: TRAILER
  4. Jul 10

    Pivoting from the Air Force to the Farm with Dr. Connie Hunter Baptiste

    Recording date: June 30, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode twenty-eight features Air Force veteran and farmer Dr. Connie Hunter Baptiste of Hunter Family Farm Enterprise as we discuss: “Becoming the next best you” Planting longleaf pines and leaving a legacy that’s better than you found it Giving yourself permission to pivot in your farm life Acknowledging your value to your family, farm, and community And much, much more… You will love this multi-talented 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 Connie: Dr. Connie Baptiste, Hon. D.Hum., is a retired Air Force veteran, fourth-generation farmer, and founder of Hunter Family Farm in Cobbtown, Georgia. Rooted in a family legacy that began with sharecropping, she is the first generation in her family to own farmland—transforming that history into a place of healing, education, and opportunity. Through farming and her mental wellness work, Dr. Baptiste supports veterans, farmers, and rural communities in building resilience and living well. She is a passionate advocate for women in agriculture and women veterans, using her military experience, peer support background, and personal journey to inspire others to grow through life’s transitions while honoring the generations who came before them. Connect with Connie at:  Website: https://hffarmga.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniehunter-baptiste/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunterfamfarm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083005045393  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

    Pivoting from the Air Force to the Farm with Dr. Connie Hunter Baptiste
  5. Season 2 Trailer

    Pivoting from the Air Force to the Farm with Dr. Connie Hunter Baptiste: TRAILER

    Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode twenty-eight features Air Force veteran and farmer Dr. Connie Hunter Baptiste of Hunter Family Farm Enterprise as we discuss: “Becoming the next best you” Planting longleaf pines and leaving a legacy that’s better than you found it Giving yourself permission to pivot in your farm life Acknowledging your value to your family, farm, and community And much, much more… You will love this multi-talented 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 Connie: Dr. Connie Baptiste, Hon. D.Hum., is a retired Air Force veteran, fourth-generation farmer, and founder of Hunter Family Farm in Cobbtown, Georgia. Rooted in a family legacy that began with sharecropping, she is the first generation in her family to own farmland—transforming that history into a place of healing, education, and opportunity. Through farming and her mental wellness work, Dr. Baptiste supports veterans, farmers, and rural communities in building resilience and living well. She is a passionate advocate for women in agriculture and women veterans, using her military experience, peer support background, and personal journey to inspire others to grow through life’s transitions while honoring the generations who came before them. Connect with Connie at:  Website: https://hffarmga.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniehunter-baptiste/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunterfamfarm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083005045393   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: June 30, 2026

    Pivoting from the Air Force to the Farm with Dr. Connie Hunter Baptiste: TRAILER
  6. Jul 3

    Growing a Cut Flower Business that Adapts with the Farmer with Teri Schols

    Recording date: June 9, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode twenty-seven features nurse-turned-flower farmer Teri Schols of Windmill Lane Flowers as we discuss: Adjusting your farm business to accommodate different stages of life Getting off the farm for work and play Pulling off your first wedding floral design job…for 200 people! Taking “forced down time” And much, much more… You will love this courageous 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 Teri: Teri is a lifelong resident of Bow, Washington. She is fairly new to growing cut flowers, but not new to “life on the farm.” Teri focuses on growing quality sweet pea seed, dahlia tubers, eucalyptus, and an assortment of annual and perennials for unique cut flower designs. Connect with Teri at:  Website: https://www.windmilllnflowers.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windmill_ln/ 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

    Growing a Cut Flower Business that Adapts with the Farmer with Teri Schols
  7. Season 2 Trailer

    Growing a Cut Flower Business that Adapts with the Farmer with Teri Schols: TRAILER

    Recording date: June 9, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode twenty-seven features nurse-turned-flower farmer Teri Schols of Windmill Lane Flowers as we discuss: Adjusting your farm business to accommodate different stages of life Getting off the farm for work and play Pulling off your first wedding floral design job…for 200 people! Taking “forced down time” And much, much more… You will love this courageous 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 Teri: Teri is a lifelong resident of Bow, Washington. She is fairly new to growing cut flowers, but not new to “life on the farm.” Teri focuses on growing quality sweet pea seed, dahlia tubers, eucalyptus, and an assortment of annual and perennials for unique cut flower designs. Connect with Teri at:  Website: https://www.windmilllnflowers.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windmill_ln/ 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

    Growing a Cut Flower Business that Adapts with the Farmer with Teri Schols: TRAILER
  8. Jun 26

    Growing Healthy Plants and People from the Ground Up with Jenna Darnell

    Recording date: June 2, 2026 Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode twenty-six features nurse-turned-flower farmer Jenna Darnell of Farm2Flower and Root Cause Wellness as we discuss: The impact of growing practices on human health Empowering others to grow their own food Redefining your purpose and processes at different stages of your farm life Digging on dahlias and beneficials for pest control And much, much more… You will love this heart-driven and heart-warming 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 Jenna: Jenna is the owner and operator of Farm 2 Flower, a small but growing microflower farm in Culdesac, Idaho. The farm began as a form of "dirt therapy" in a simple 25-by-50-foot patch of flowers after long days working as a nurse practitioner. The following year it doubled in size. Today, Farm 2 Flower spans nearly one-third of an acre, with plans for continued expansion. As both a healthcare provider and farmer, Jenna has a deep appreciation for the connection between healthy soil and healthy living. She is passionate about organic growing practices, natural pest management, and building a thriving soil microbiome to support strong, beautiful blooms. In addition to flowers, Jenna maintains a small vegetable farm that helps provide fresh, homegrown food for her family throughout the year. Farm 2 Flower is more than a flower farm—it's a place where wellness, community, and the beauty of nature come together. Connect with Jenna at:  Website: https://farm2flower.squarespace.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farm.2flower/ 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

    Growing Healthy Plants and People from the Ground Up with Jenna Darnell

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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