This site is an archive of ChiotsRun.com. For the latest information about Susy and her adventrures, visit the Cultivate Simple site.
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Cultivate Simple 1: Why?

October 9th, 2012

In our first episode on the Cultivate Simple podcast we ask the question “Why?”. Why did Susy start the blog and why does it continue, why did we move to Maine, why do a podcast. We finish up with ‘Around the Run’, our homestead update.

To keep up with what’s going on at Chiot’s Run around the web you can find me on Twitter and on Facebook.

Update (10/10/12): We are now on iTunes. If you have any other services that you use and would like us to submit the podcast to, let us know in the comments.

61 Comments to “Cultivate Simple 1: Why?”
  1. Andrea Duke on October 9, 2012 at 6:37 am

    I absolutely love it!!
    Brian, you have a really good radio voice and am so excited to see what the future holds :)

    Reply to Andrea Duke's comment

    • Susy on October 9, 2012 at 6:45 am

      Someday I’ll see if I can talk him into doing his “old timey” radio voice – it’s GREAT and it’s really good for a laugh!

      Reply to Susy's comment

  2. Stephanie S. on October 9, 2012 at 7:25 am

    Nice podcast! I would never have known you were an introvert, Suzy. You did a great job.

    Reply to Stephanie S.'s comment

  3. Mich on October 9, 2012 at 7:36 am

    Yes Mr Chiots has a good podcast/radio voice :) and you could tell he felt comfy doing the pod..
    I loved it & you banter so well. :)
    and I have to say yours is the very first podcast I have ever listened too!

    Reply to Mich's comment

    • Susy on October 9, 2012 at 7:59 am

      This isn’t Mr Chiot’s first rodeo when it comes to podcasts. He’s actually started a few different ones on different topics.

      Reply to Susy's comment

  4. angie h on October 9, 2012 at 7:43 am

    I love it! You guys sound great! “I was reading” is one of my most used phrases around here too :) I can’t wait to hear more. I’ve learned so much from reading the blog and chatting with Susy. I have to say, I am incredibly jealous you are sitting on a hunk of granite! I hope we will see and hear more about the rocks and geology of the area. Igneous and metamorphic rocks are my favorite and unfortunately I’m stuck with sedimentary rocks here in Ohio.

    Reply to angie h's comment

    • Susy on October 9, 2012 at 8:01 am

      You’re suck a geologic geek :) I love it! You would have loved my geology professor in college.

      Reply to Susy's comment

      • angie h on October 9, 2012 at 8:10 am

        Do you have many outcrops on the property?? When we visit we will have to go on a hike! I love a good geology lecture…that is what I miss most about classes: long deep discussions about rocks :) Unfortunately, most of my friends and family memebers’ eyes glaze over if I get started! Brian brings me rocks all of the time though…

        to angie h's comment

      • Susy on October 9, 2012 at 10:59 pm

        We’ve got some lovely areas to take you when you come. There are all kinds of rocks for you to see. Of course that means I’ll have to brush up on my geology before you come!

        to Susy's comment

  5. Allison on October 9, 2012 at 7:57 am

    That was great!! I read your blog everyday and it was fantastic to get a little more insight into who you and Mr. Chiots are! I am very excited to listen to future podcasts, and hear what jingles you come up with – even though Mr. Chiot’s jingle was quite entertaining.

    I’m not sure what experience you may have with this – but thought I would give it a shot and ask – rain gardens, any insight? I have done a lot of research online, but wasn’t sure if you had ever dabbled in establishing one.

    Reply to Allison's comment

    • Susy on October 9, 2012 at 8:04 am

      We kind of had one in Malvern, though we didn’t have enough water/runnoff to have one. We will be installing some here to maximize the water runoff. I’d highly recommend reading Gaia’s Garden, Second Edition: A Guide To Home-Scale Permaculture as the permaculture techniques are a perfect way to maximize water. There’s a fascinating section in there about grey water too and using a pond and water species for dealing with it.

      Reply to Susy's comment

  6. Julia@Throwback Road on October 9, 2012 at 8:41 am

    I love this! Great job guys. You both sounded so natural. Can’t wait to hear more. This is going to make my morning coffee even better :)

    Reply to Julia@Throwback Road's comment

    • Susy on October 9, 2012 at 9:08 am

      Thanks Julia! If you ever make it to Maine, swing by for some of Mr Chiot’s awesome coffee!

      Reply to Susy's comment

  7. Melissa on October 9, 2012 at 8:46 am

    Awesome! this will be fun to listen to as I work this morning!

    Reply to Melissa's comment

  8. Ida Hunt on October 9, 2012 at 9:00 am

    I loved this podcast and the wide range of topics discussed. I, too, am interested in bee keeping, and am planning on getting some chickens next year. Of course, a garden is a must for me. I live on 8 acres in North Alabama, but am loving your 153 acres. Oh, the possibilities for you are endless!
    I, too, read your blog everyday, and look forward to future post and podcasts about your homestead and its surroundings. I love this lifestyle!

    Reply to Ida Hunt's comment

  9. BJ on October 9, 2012 at 9:12 am

    Too bad about Sean Connery, happy to hear that your hen was unharmed. Our current rooster’s name is George Washington, because he is a Delaware). Our previous rooster was named Prince Poppycock. We used to have Snookie and Beyonce, but they were eaten by Mr. Fox. Of the sevenhens we have at the moment, the only one with a name is JLo.

    Reply to BJ's comment

    • Susy on October 9, 2012 at 10:35 am

      Love the names!

      Reply to Susy's comment

  10. Robin on October 9, 2012 at 9:24 am

    Loved it! You guys sound a lot like me and my husband! Being the introvert myself, I’m amazed how calm you sounded. Looking forward to future editions.

    Reply to Robin's comment

  11. connie giovanni on October 9, 2012 at 9:25 am

    Great job to both of you, I loved it! Cant wait for the next one!!

    Reply to connie giovanni's comment

  12. DebbieB on October 9, 2012 at 9:39 am

    This was completely charming. I love the conversational style. I’m stuck in suburbia and enjoy reading about your adventures and ideas in the wilds – I found your blog last year and read every single archived post. Please consider this an enthusiastic “YES!” to continuing your podcast.

    Reply to DebbieB's comment

  13. Ronda on October 9, 2012 at 9:41 am

    Great job…both of you! It was great fun to listen to. All the subjects were ones I’m interested in too. Here’s to more podcasts!

    Reply to Ronda's comment

  14. Kathi Cook on October 9, 2012 at 9:50 am

    Just finished listening to your podcast while enjoying my morning coffee. Thanks,I really enjoyed it.. I agree that you both sound like naturals.I ‘m sure your pod casts will continue to motivate and inspire your listeners just as your blog does! Our famous line around here is “I just heard this program on NPR…”

    Reply to Kathi Cook's comment

  15. Melissa on October 9, 2012 at 9:56 am

    Just finished listening and I have to say I love it! Fabulous job! So now for some questions–
    Brian– what meat rabbit podcast do you listen to? we raise meat rabbits and I’d love to learn some more about it.
    Susy- what kind of ducklings did you trade for? We raise Muscovies and they are so self sufficient, you are going to love ducks! So easy!

    How about adding a book review section since you are an avid reader? I love to look at your “what I’m reading list” and would love to hear your thoughts on some of those!

    Reply to Melissa's comment

    • Susy on October 9, 2012 at 10:25 am

      Great idea, we were discussing the whole book review thing before this week’s show. Perhaps I can do a What I’m Reading This Week section and discuss the books on my table.

      Other questions will be answered in the next podcast episode.

      Reply to Susy's comment

  16. Tara on October 9, 2012 at 9:58 am

    LOVE it!

    Reply to Tara's comment

  17. Brenda on October 9, 2012 at 10:29 am

    YEAH! I am saving this for drive time or kitchen time. Really looking forward to listening!
    Will try to comment post listening but right away I will ask if you will put it on itunes? I like having podcasts in one place, which for me is on itunes :)
    Thank you for being willing to stretch, Suzy.

    Reply to Brenda's comment

    • Mr. Chiots on October 9, 2012 at 10:32 am

      I hear you on iTunes and it is coming soon. You have to publish one episode before you can submit your feed. It was submitted this morning and we are waiting for approval.

      Reply to Mr. Chiots's comment

  18. Kim of Sakura Sundries on October 9, 2012 at 10:35 am

    Great job! I know I’ll be listening in the future. Brian has such a fantastic “radio voice,” you sound so professional!

    Reply to Kim of Sakura Sundries's comment

  19. Maybelline on October 9, 2012 at 11:15 am

    I like when Mr. Chiots asks a question and you answer then the podcast moves into a conversation.

    Reply to Maybelline's comment

  20. judym on October 9, 2012 at 11:50 am

    That’s my fam! Good job, you two! I’ve now listened to my fist podcast and you were dreat. Being a bit unstructured was very relaxing, easy to listen to, and loads of fun. You both were great. Maybe I can get hubby to listen and be inspired for projects we really want to do. Again, you were great….both sounded so “normal” and hsppy. That’s missing in so many of these talk shows-too stiff. I’ll be listening!!! When you all get settled, would loveto visit. Love Maine! love and Blessings.

    Reply to judym's comment

  21. Sophia on October 9, 2012 at 11:58 am

    I’ve never commented before, but I am a devoted reader and now listener. Thanks for the great information, as always.

    Reply to Sophia's comment

  22. Jessica on October 9, 2012 at 12:18 pm

    Yay! I love podcasts, myself, and I’m so glad you’re taking this project on. It lets us hear a little more straight from Mr. Chiots and “get to know” him as well, which is cool. Love hearing you two together. I’m sure these will be keeping me company on my long commute. :-)

    Reply to Jessica's comment

  23. Mike on October 9, 2012 at 12:19 pm

    I am glad to see you guys started a podcast and put a real voice behind your blog here. Great job both of you.

    Regarding your broody hen, I have cochins which tend to exhibit this characteristic quite a bit. What I do, is make sure I am diligent about getting eggs out from them daily and more ideal at least 2-3 times a day. This past summer I had one stay broody for about six weeks despite this regiment. Just stay diligent and they will come out of it, that’s just my experience.

    Reply to Mike's comment

    • Susy on October 9, 2012 at 1:54 pm

      Thanks for the tip, out to steal all the eggs this afternoon!

      Reply to Susy's comment

  24. Rocky Top Farm on October 9, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    LOVE THIS!!!! I have been reading Susy’s blog for years now. It is the only blog I read daily because I desire to live simply and I love that you both strive to do the same and you share practical , down to earth info. I know I will have future questions! Love the podcast, Brian, you are great! My only request at this point is please always keep it unrehearsed and simple!!!! You two are great!!!!! <3 from Oregon!!

    Reply to Rocky Top Farm's comment

  25. karen on October 9, 2012 at 1:00 pm

    ejoyed your story. keep ’em comin’.

    Reply to karen's comment

  26. Johanna on October 9, 2012 at 1:08 pm

    You guys are adorable :). I loved how natural and fun your conversation was. I would for sure listen to this during my long afternoons at my desk job. Please keep it up! I’ve gotten so many amazing resources from reading your blog as my husband and I have just transitioned to owning our first home with a nice 3/4 acre lot.

    Reply to Johanna's comment

  27. David Wallace on October 9, 2012 at 1:45 pm

    You guys are great!!!! Very relaxed and natural. Like having a conversation with old friends over coffee. Yours is the first page I open as soon as I get to work (no computer at home). Having many of the same interests I look forward to reading in the morning. Now I have another reason to look forward to Mondays!!! Keep up the great work. Hope you enjoy the state as much as we do. Cheers. David

    Reply to David Wallace's comment

    • Susy on October 9, 2012 at 1:53 pm

      Thanks so much David, it’s always good to hear that people are enjoying the blog and now the podcast.

      Reply to Susy's comment

  28. cynthia on October 9, 2012 at 3:21 pm

    Wonderful podcast! You are living my dream. I can’t wait to hear more.
    Maybe you could do some videocasts to give us a look at all the great stuff you have going on!

    Reply to cynthia's comment

  29. Rebecca on October 9, 2012 at 4:06 pm

    This is great! I just hit the chicken portion – you need to get on a schedule with feeding or giving a treat to bring the chickens back in. If you’re consistent with the timing, their tummies will bring them running. Also I remember you posted about a guardian dog – sounds like you need a good farm dog instead, one that will announce visitors, not roam off the property, leave the chickens and cats alone, and keep an eye out for rats and marauding raccoons.

    Reply to Rebecca's comment

  30. Jaye on October 9, 2012 at 4:48 pm

    Okay, I’m not a big fan of podcasts, but you two have changed my opinion! Great podcast you two :)

    Glad you’re keeping Chiot’s Run as a namesake!

    Reply to Jaye's comment

  31. Melanie on October 9, 2012 at 5:10 pm

    I’ve been following your blog for about a year now and I have learned so much from your postings. I have incorporated many of your ideas into my small city garden plot in the mid-south. And I am always heading to the local library to check out the books you recommend on your reading list. As I am an avid podcast listener I was really excited to see this new addition to the blog. I look forward to hearing more stories about your new adventures in Maine. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing your wealth of ideas and information on the web!

    Reply to Melanie's comment

  32. Laura on October 9, 2012 at 7:59 pm

    I loved this! I’ve already found your blog to be so inspirational and educational, the podcast just adds to the fun!
    blessings
    ~*~

    Reply to Laura's comment

  33. Karin on October 9, 2012 at 8:20 pm

    I have been a follower of your blog for almost a year now.
    Thanks so much for the information that you share – your pictures are beautiful! You have really inspired me to try new things – made my first sour dough bread and homemade tomato soup because of you. :) And I love the fact that you have added a weekly podcast! Thanks so much for sharing yourselves in this way, you both sounded great! Look forward to hearing more.

    Reply to Karin's comment

  34. Randy on October 9, 2012 at 8:28 pm

    I am interested in reading more about your ten year plan. Have you ever thought of posting a framework (not your specific plan) that your readers can use as inspiration?

    Reply to Randy's comment

  35. KimH on October 9, 2012 at 9:41 pm

    lol… you two are too cute I loved hearing your conversation.. and the whys & wherefores. I loved the intimacy in the pod cast which is probably why I loved the blog from day one.
    Keeping it real and keeping it simple is awesome & I think its something that many of us long for if we dont already live it.

    I admire you guys for “going for it” whatever “it” might be. I have that same sense of adventure, but its not easy finding others with that same spirit.. What a blessing that you two crossed paths & are making history together.

    My mom is an “idea” person. She has about 600 acres in Texas that shes always wanted to do something with besides lease to horse & cattlemen. I used to think she was really going to do them & I was ready to help since Im a “doer”, support type.. but by then, she was off on another really great idea… Adventurous, shes not. ;)

    I often think I’d love to go off & do what you guys are doing, but I’ve come to realize that Im getting a bit old to be even thinking about it. While I plan to be around for a long long time from now, I certainly am not 30something (or even 40something) anymore. I wish my mind would grasp that fact.. lol.. my body sure does. ;)

    Wishing you both a most wonderful & dream filled rest of your life!!

    Reply to KimH's comment

  36. Clare on October 9, 2012 at 10:55 pm

    Really enjoyed the podcast, all 43.5 minutes of it. Hubby does have a good radio voice. Look forward to more!

    Reply to Clare's comment

  37. Dad on October 10, 2012 at 12:10 am

    It’s almost like sitting down and talking to you guys. (not the same, but it still makes me feel good) Sending you positive thoughts and vibes in your new home.
    Peace, Love, and Monster Hugs
    Me

    Reply to Dad's comment

  38. Alyse on October 10, 2012 at 11:09 am

    This reader of three years says, “more podcasts, please!” I loved it. I’m glad the pronunciation of “Chiots” was addressed. I always say, chee-uts in my head. :-)

    Reply to Alyse's comment

  39. Patsy King on October 10, 2012 at 12:35 pm

    Love the podcast! It is good to put voices with the written words. I don’t post much but know that I read your blog probably about every day. And I will sure listen to the podcasts. Good job.

    Reply to Patsy King's comment

  40. Megan on October 10, 2012 at 8:27 pm

    I have checked in with your blog for several years now. I really, really enjoy what you write. I LOVE the podcast! Thank you and keep it coming. :)

    Reply to Megan's comment

  41. Candie on October 11, 2012 at 12:17 am

    I really liked it! It is the first time I have ever listened to one of these!

    Reply to Candie's comment

  42. Tamra Hess on October 11, 2012 at 9:58 pm

    I enjoyed your podcast. I’m a new reader of your blog, having found it when searching the web for gardening in NE Ohio. I am looking forward to your adventures in Maine.

    Reply to Tamra Hess's comment

  43. Sue on October 14, 2012 at 10:34 am

    This was fantastic! Looking forward to listening every week…and yes, we listened until the end…thoroughly enjoyed it.

    Sue and Guy~

    Reply to Sue's comment

  44. Josie on October 15, 2012 at 11:24 am

    What a wonderul idea, I love the way your podcast has put an audible personality into your blog and I think starting it at this time with your huge wonderful new adventure on your new land. Looking forward to this new aspect of the blog. Bravo Suzy on your first pod cast I think you sounded very natural and confident, I hope that even though this pod cast is not what you might have first choosen that you grow to enjoy it as you do a lovely job of it! Mr. Chiots bravo to you as well…great idea!

    Reply to Josie's comment

  45. Donna B. on October 18, 2012 at 11:20 pm

    Susyy!!! I was finally able to listen to this podcast while I was working on some illustrations…
    Let me tell you.
    I was tearing up at the explanation of “Why not?”

    It’s so inspirational to see people who are sort of living the life that I always wished I could. It helps me to think that one day, I can do that too.
    Maybe I need to force my boyfriend to listen to it too. Maybe he’ll finally understand why I start some paragraphs with “You know, that girl Susy? The one that lives in Ohio” [well, now formally of Ohio. :D] and see how much of an inspiration you are to me.

    Thank you you two! Thank you SO much for this. I will be an avid reader and listening for as long as I am able!
    Now if you don’t mind me… I’m off to listen to Podcast #2! XD

    Reply to Donna B.'s comment

  46. MistyG. on October 22, 2012 at 7:58 pm

    I just listened to your first podcast….loved it!

    Loved the chat about your chickens, I look forward to hearing more. I’m a little intimidated, but I am interested in raising chickens.

    I can’t wait to listen to the next 2 podcasts!

    Reply to MistyG.'s comment

  47. Dee in MI on October 29, 2012 at 4:30 pm

    I’d love to be able to listen to this on my Android podcast catcher. Could you do an RSS feed?

    Reply to Dee in MI's comment

    • Mr. Chiots on October 29, 2012 at 6:32 pm

      Dee… try /feed/podcast/ Let me know if that works for you and I will add it to the site.

      Reply to Mr. Chiots's comment

  48. Nebraska Dave on December 26, 2018 at 9:05 pm

    Susy & Brian, I just needed a podcast fix from the past. You were so good at making podcasts and they are still wonderful to listen to. I can’t believe that it was six years ago that you did the podcasts. It started out with a plan for 12 and ended up being 67. I loved every one and was sad that it ended but I understand that every thing that you and Brian do has the option of being just temporary. I’m just glad to be able to access them once in a while. It still brings joy and a smile to my face to think back on the times we spent together through the podcasts.

    I hope and pray that you and Brian are still being who you are and trying new things.

    Have a great Maine day planning the new garden season.

    Nebraska Dave

    Reply to Nebraska Dave's comment

About

This is a daily journal of my efforts to cultivate a more simple life, through local eating, gardening and so many other things. We used to live in a small suburban neighborhood Ohio but moved to 153 acres in Liberty, Maine in 2012.

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