If you have pets, dogs, cats, or horses, you need to clean up after them--scooping the litter box, scooping the yard, and scooping the stable and barnyard. Rachann is fascinated with all sorts of manure, even bat and bird guano!By Rachann Mayer

​In 2019, the Community Ecology Institute purchased a 6.4-acre organic farm in Columbia, Maryland. They have protected this land from housing development and are restoring the farm using regenerative agriculture, a vibrant place of common ground where diverse people come together to learn through hands-on experiences about how to lead happier, heal…

Mariah-Belle Manor Kennel is a busy place with doggy day care, day camp, and boarding. Rachann finds the humor amidst the busy-ness. In this episode of Raising Connections, she shares some her favorite Living Life Tails Up podcasts, which can be found weekly wherever you hear your podcasts. www.raisingconnections.com…

How much food goes to waste in your household? Rachann talks with Riley from Imperfect Produce, a company that's working to help end food waste and build a better food system for everybody. They work with farmers all across the country who have misshapen, ugly, and surplus produce, Imperfect Produce sources that produce and ships it to families. ww…

Rachann recently visited the annual Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival at the Howard County Fairgrounds, where she talked with vendors ranging from potters, wool and fiber producers, to alpacas. Listen and learn about the different kinds of animals that produce fibers, the uses of different kinds of wool, and so much more! www.raisingconnections.com…

Ellicott City is a historic small town in Howard County, Maryland. Donna Sanger owns Park Ridge Trading in Ellicott City and on July 30, 2016, after being open for only 3 months, lost everything to a flood. She reopened in the original spot in February 2017, then lost everything again to another flood on Memorial Day Weekend 2018. Donna recounts he…

Rachann talks with Zac Rissmiller, partner with his cousin Mike McKelvin, from 1623 Brewing Company in Eldersburg, Maryland. Mike wanted to open a brewery in Carroll County and he called on his cousin Zac, living and working in Colorado, for help. The name 1623 Brewing came from the distance between the cousins, 1623 miles! For more of their story,…

Do dogs rest? Of course they do! They play hard and need to release stress. Did you know that a group of dogs in the kennel will sleep, but there is one that will stay awake to watch over the rest? When we sleep, humans, dogs, and all other animals, our brains are relaxing and processing information.…

On this episode, Rachann talks with a panel of women from the Maryland Horse Council and the Maryland Equine Transition Service about the functions of each organization. www.raisingconnections.comBy Rachann Mayer

Rachann talks with Jackie Coldsmith of Tierra Blooms Flower Farm in Taneytown about her business and how she got there. After studying environmental science at Hood College, Jackie traveled to Central America to study forest ecology and was introduced to subsistence culture. Inspired by her travels, she started growing produce to sell at local farm…

Toyn Brusco is the CEO of South Mountain Creamery in Middletown, Maryland. He talks with Rachann about marrying a farmer's daughter and falling in love with agriculture. They started with a dairy farm, then opened the Creamery selling milk, butter, ice cream, and eggs. Visit www.southmountaincreamery.com. www.raisingconnections.com…

Rachann talks about the time her dog, LJ, wanted a piece of cereal that she was eating. Unfortunately, LJ really didn't like the Frosted Mini Wheat and spit it out. Are there some things that your pet absolutely won't eat?By Rachann Mayer

Jane Sigler and Kim Egan talk with Rachann about the recently ended 2024 Legislative Session in Maryland. They explain what bills have to go through in the legislature to be passed ... or not. They discuss the equine-related bills that the Horse Council supported, and if they passed into law. www.raisingconnections.com…

Do you know what a shedquarters is? In Rachann's world, it's a shed on the grounds of Mariah-Belle Manor Kennel that is a combination office, recording studio, and a place to sit and comtemplate.By Rachann Mayer

Rachann talks with Karen Scott, a volunteer at The Retreat at Beckleysville, a therapeutic riding program and part of the Maryland Horse Discovery Centers network. The program offers lessons to people of all ages and abilities, including those with special needs. Find out how you can volunteer! www.raisingconnections.com…

Do you struggle to bathe your dogs? Carroll County native Tom Zipprian is the co-inventor and co-owner of Aqua Paw, a new stress-free way to bathe dogs which was featured on the TV show Shark Tank. Tom talks with Rachann about Aqua Paw and how it works, either outdoors with a water hose, or indoors in the shower. They discuss how to get a business …

Rachann talks with Ron Pilling with the Jesse Clump Suicide Awareness and Prevention Program on the Eastern Shore. The Save-a-Shore Farmer Program helps people in rural Maryland areas that are involved in farming including not just farm families, but others who have daily contact with farmers, recognize risk factors and warning signs of suicide, an…

How important is body language to people and animals? Most animals are very attuned to body language, between their own species and others, including humans.By Rachann Mayer

Rachann talks with Karen Baker, director of The Humane Society of Carroll County, about the HSCC shelter and Animal Control, two components of the Humane Society. They also discuss many events that are scheduled in the coming months. www.raisingconnections.comBy Rachann Mayer

Rachann talks with Linda Johnson about her farm in New Windsor, Maryland, Garden Gate Farm. She cross-pollinates and raises a variety of flowers and vegetables, and sells heirloom seeds on Etsy. www.raisingconnections.comBy Rachann Mayer

Diane Capriotti and her husband own and operate the Arena in Mount Airy, Maryland, an indoor sports arena that offers a party room for kids' birthday parties and adult get togethers; batting cages and a golf simulator; indoor space for teams to practice in bad weather, and much more. www.raisingconnections.com…

What kind of conversations do your dogs have with you? Do they move their eyebrows up and down, or tilt their head? Rachann talks about dogs use body language to communicate with us.By Rachann Mayer

Rachann has a conversation with Carolyn Macintosh, owner and operator of Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Frederick County, Maryland. Loch Moy is Maryland's premier equestrian facility that offers schooling, eventing, jumping, and much more. Hear about the variety of volunteer opportunities that require no experience. www.raisingconnections.com…

Rachann and her friend, dog-trainer Marta from My K-9 Buddy, discuss their favorite dog toys, or their dogs' favorite toys that is! www.raisingconnections.comBy Rachann Mayer

Rachann first met George Varros after a November 2018 tornado hit Mount Airy and damaged 72 trees on her property, along with the house. George was taking aerial drone pictures of the storm's aftermath. They have a fascinating conversation about George's career working for NASA, photographing meteors, his love of photography and drones, and much mo…

Rachann talks with mother-daughter team Sharon and Heather about their business Muddy Carrots, which embraces modern homesteading practices. It's a local, farm-friendly, ag-supporting, homesteading, printing company and boutique store. www.raisingconnections.comBy Rachann Mayer

New Leaf Acres is a unique equestrian facility located in Keymar, Maryland, a place where self-discovery and the connection between horse and human can help heal trauma. Owner Becky Maticic, who opened the farm in 2014 after the tragic death of her husband, offers lessons, kids summer camps, pony clubs for kids and adults, and much more. to learn m…

What would you do if you had to eat the same thing all day every day? How badly would you want a treat? The horses and dogs at Mariah-Belle Manor will do just about anything for a treat, whether it's a piece of cucumber or a Big Mac (that's just Rachann)!By Rachann Mayer

Rachann talks with John Fendrick, owner of Rock Hill Orchard, a 200-acre property in Mount Airy, Maryland. Thirty acres are dedicated to apple and peach trees and berry bushes, and the other 170 acres are for the herd of Guernsey cows that provide milk and homemade ice cream. John tells about his journey from buying the property and opening the dai…

Do you know the difference between a fear, a phobia, and anxiety? Is there a relationship between fear and learning - or not learning? Marta is a dog trainer who talks with Rachann about fears - in both dogs and people - and how to overcome them. www.raisingconnections.comBy Rachann Mayer

Do you know the difference between a bucking bull and a rodeo bull? Rachann's guest on this episode is Johnny Williams, owner of J Bar W Ranch in Johnstown, Maryland where summer Saturdays are all about rodeo! Come out to see Battle of the Beast bull riding competitions and Cowgirls Barrell Racing. For more information, schedules, and directions, v…

Brian Smith raises turkeys at his farm in Thurmont, Maryland. He and Rachann talk about a typical day on the farm, especially at this busy time of year! www.raisingconnections.comBy Rachann Mayer

Local farmer and Invisible Fence Brand spokesperson Justin Ward speaks with Rachann about the new technologies employed by Invisible Fence, including GPS. www.raisingconnections.comBy Rachann Mayer

Rachann talks with Tyler Van Wingerden of Catoctin Mountain Growers in Keymar, Maryland. Started in 1985, Catoctin has 18 acres of under-glass greenhouse and 15 acres of outdoor growing space, providing top quality annuals, perennials, mums, and poinsettias to retail partners across the mid-Atlantic region. Tyler and his three siblings all work in …

It's spring and the ponds around Mariah-Belle Manor Kennel are filled with geese. Sometimes, it's too good for a dog to resist!By Rachann Mayer

Rachann talks with Brooke Hagerty about the long-running Downtown Westminster Farmer's Market, which is held on Saturday mornings during the growing season. They have fresh local produce, baked goods, cheeses, and much more. Find out what it takes to be a vendor at the market. www.raisingconnections.com…

Spring is in the air! The flowers are blooming, the dogs and horses are shedding out their winter coats, and ... there is mud is everywhere!By Rachann Mayer

Rachann talks with Warren Miller of Paradise Energy Solutions about the benefits of installing a solar array on your home, farm, or business. www.raisingconnections.comBy Rachann Mayer

January is a time to sit down and put together a list of goals for the new year. Rachann talks about planning and the importance of having a routine and a rhythm. Sometimes things happen to disrupt those plans! www.raisingconnections.comBy Rachann Mayer

Most Farm Shows, or County Fairs, are held in August, but Pennsylvania holds it's fair in January at the indoor Harrisburg Farm Complex. Rachann spent the day seeing tractors and livestock, and interviewing a professional cattle fitter, and the Pennsylvania Dairy Princess, www.raisingconnections.comBy Rachann Mayer

Do you talk to your pets? And do you also believe that they are understanding and responding? Rachann does!By Rachann Mayer

Rachann recently visited Southern California and she talks about the poppy fields between Los Angeles and San Diego, the way rain washes the seeds down the side of the mountains creating waves of orange when the plants bloom. www.raisingconnections.comBy Rachann Mayer

Do you know the differences between a horse trailer and an RV? Or the different kinds of hitches? Learn the answer to these questions and many more as Rachann talks with Ken Moss of Kingdom Horse Trailers in Elkton, Maryland. www.raisingconnections.comBy Rachann Mayer

Oldfields School is an all-girl boarding school located in Sparks, Maryland. Rachann talks with Amy Philips, the director of riding at Oldfields. An integral part of the Oldfields experience since 1867, the Oldfields Riding Program is dedicated to inspiring young riders to pursue a path of continued growth. Creating a connection with a horse carrie…

Rachann and the management team at Mariah-Belle Manor, Michelle and Ashlynn, talk about their job duties, working during covid and its aftermath, and the different perspectives they each have about working in the kennel. www.raisingconnections.comBy Rachann Mayer

Have you ever seen a horse ridden without the use of reins to guide it? Melanie Ferrio-Wise and her husband Brendan have often dealt with horses of difficult natures and backgrounds, and have had great success in bringing them to new and relaxing lives. In 2014, Melanie and Brendan were given what can only be described as a “train wreck” of a horse…

What is it that makes a place special to you? People have memories of the different places that they live in or visit. Some memories are good and some not so good. Rachann talks with her daughter, Rhiannon, about the special memories they share, and she talks with Robin about vacations, beaches, swimming, and sun burns! www.raisingconnections.com…

April is Pet First Aid and CPR Awareness Month. Rachann is a Pet Tech-Certified CPR and First Aid Instructor and she is offering an 8-hour hands-on training class, open to the public, in the conference room at the Raising Connection Studio in Lisbon, MD. Listen to the podcast for information on how to register for one of the classes. www.raisingcon…

Ahesemahk Dahn is the founder of City Ranch in Baltimore City. It's an educational farm where inner-city children and adults can experience the joy of caring for horses. City Ranch takes horses to schools and parks, not just in Baltimore, but all over the mid-Atlantic region. www.raisingconnections.com…

Memorial Day was originally know as Decoration Day in parts of the US. Rachann talks about the history of Decoration Day when people decorated graves with wreaths and flags. The tradition didn't start in the United States, but in ancient Rome! www.raisingconnections.comBy Rachann Mayer