AI is creeping closer and closer to my world. Like any technology, we must learn to find the balance - to maximize the benefits and minimize the harms. And to do that, it’s important to know our own thoughts, before a computer starts telling us what to think.

I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 7, Episode 14 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow, the last recorded episode of the season. Find the text copy of this on The Radical Homemaker Blog. Return to the blog for updates throughout the year until next year's podcast season.

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“DEAD FARMERS CAN’T TAKE VACATIONS.” The ad for temporary farm relief workers appeared in my Dad’s weekly Country Folks paper. Just a kid, I clipped the lead and pasted it to the bathroom mirror at Sap Bush. I thought it was funny. Mom tore it off and threw it away years ago. But every time I stand in front of the bathroom mirror down at the farm, I still see it. Lots of farmers believe the only way to protect the family business is to never leave it. I disagree.

I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 7, Episode 13 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. Please note that this episode contains a few expletives. So if you’ve got young ears in the vicinity, you might want to use headphones.

Find the text version of this episode over on the blog.

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How many times have you heard a farmer tell you they’ll rest when they’re dead? Truth be told, I think they fear that if they do rest, they might die.

I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 7, Episode 12 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. Please note that this episode contains a few expletives. So if you’ve got young ears in the vicinity, you might want to use headphones. Find the full transcript over on the blog.

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Have your kids ever asked you what led you to decide to start a family? Were you able to give them an honest answer?

I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 7, Episode 11 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. Find the text version of this story on The Radical Homemaker blog.

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Mom and I once took a class in farm transition planning, where the instructor taught us an important lesson: family farms are ALWAYS in transition. And that’s definitely true. But some days, I feel that more keenly than others.

I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 7, Episode 10 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. Looking for the written version? Find it over on the blog.

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Ula is not the only one graduating with her associates degree this spring. Saoirse earned her degree as well. But she wasn’t sure if she even wanted it. It took four batches of caramel to come to a decision.

I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 7, Episode 9 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. Want a text copy of this story? Find it over on the blog.

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I was raised on this farm to view shirking responsibility as a failure of character. But there’s a difference between being irresponsible, and not being responsible. I struggle with that distinction.

I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 7, Episode 8 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. Find the full text version of this story over on the blog.

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If we could, Bob and I would continue operating our cafe together forever. But we’re realizing, much as we love the work, that if we don’t start transitioning our skills, the cafe will only last as long as our knees and feet will hold up. If it’s going to last forever, it has to stand without us. And that brings it’s own travails to our hearts and minds. I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 7, Episode 7 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. Find the transcript of this story over on the blog. Thanks to Thomas Oxford with Unsplash! for the toad image.

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