In today’s episode of Dawn’s Dirt, I get thrown into the hot seat by my friend Dana Maddeaux, a coach for widowed moms—and let me tell you, she didn’t hold back! We dive deep into our shared Dutch roots, our childhood greenhouse memories, and why hard work is stitched into our DNA. Dana shares her powerful story of losing her husband with four tiny kids in tow and how she’s now helping other widows rise again. We also dig into the dirt of food freedom, backyard growing, raising entrepreneurial kids, and why real food and real connection matter more than ever. If you’ve ever felt like you “should be doing more” when it comes to homesteading or feeding your family, this episode is your permission slip to start small, do what you can, and let the guilt go. It’s honest, heartfelt, and filled with all the rich soil of life’s mess and beauty. You’re gonna love it.

______________________________________________

 

Episode Highlights: widowhood, gardening tips, Dutch heritage, homesteading, grief and healing, food sovereignty, entrepreneurial kids, microgreens, work ethic, real food, canning and preserving, freedom of choice

Takeaways: 

• You can grow food in any space, even on concrete
• Microgreens are the easiest way to start growing your own food
• Lettuce and greens thrive in shady areas and are beginner-friendly
• Involving kids in gardening teaches work ethic and pride
• You don’t need to do it all—start small and grow from there
• Buying directly from farmers helps build a better food system
• Freedom of choice in food is essential—grace over perfection
  
  

______________________________________________

 

Links & Resources Mentioned

 

Visit Dawn’s Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/ 

Dawn’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/

Dana’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daynee_m/reels/ 

 

______________________________________________

 

Love what you’re hearing on Dawn’s Dirt? Don’t keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!

 

______________________________________________

 

Have you ever started a garden that didn’t go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what’s right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That’s where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I’ll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let’s talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let’s get growing together!

https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online 

 

______________________________________________

Produced by Carley Butler Media – Helping podcasts elevate their voice and reach the world. Learn more at www.carleybutlermedia.com