This is the first episode of my new series, BIG MAMA HEX PODCAST - SPIRITED, chats on religion and spirituality, I sit down (virtually) with friend, Ethan Rode. Ethan is a practicing jew with a very wonderful story of connection to his beliefs through his familial history. He is also a recent graduate of Queen’s University in Canada where he studied linguistics and politics, with specific interests in language revitalization and Spanish literature. Originally from Mohnton, PA, he grew up immersed in PA Dutch culture and language with his grandparents on his dad’s side of the family and ultimately learned to speak the language starting at around age 11. He currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and works freelance in proofreading, transcribing and teaching Detisch (remotely) at Berks History Center. https://www.berkshistory.org/pa-dutch-classes/

In episode 35 I sit down (virtually) with Gail Kessler of Ladyfingers Sewing Studio in Oley. We talk about growing up PA Dutch and her journey to owning and operating Ladyfingers. We also, of course, talk about our love for the Oley Valley!Links:ladyfingerssewing.comhttps://www.facebook.com/LadyfingersSewingStudioandoverfabrics.com

In episode 33 I am chatting with friend, fellow Deitscher and artist, Ben Rader! We talk about art, culture and music. It was a blast catching up with Ben and learning more about his childhood and life before we knew him. Check out his links below!Learn more:https://www.benjaminrader.com/https://www.instagram.com/benjaminraderart/https://www.facebook.com/benjaminraderartMountain Mary Exhibit at PAGCHC:https://www.pagerman.org/heritage-center.../mountain-mary/

In episode 32 I am chatting with Robert Joseph Jones, new friend and owner of the amazing shop, Ysbrydoliaeth - Curiosity Shop / Magasin de curiosités. We discussed our shared backgrounds of Welsh and Deitsch along with Welsh identity, Robert's background in languages as well as teaching and writing poetry.Robert Jones, comes originally from Monroe County in northeastern Pennsylvania born of a Pennsylvania-German and Welsh family. He spent much of his formative years with his maiden aunts who were among the last of the Victorians and practiced Braucherei, Pennsylvania-German folk magic. He spent many years teaching French, German, Spanish, linguistics and literature at a small community college in Central New York before relocating to Lunenburg in the Northeast Kingdom with his spouse and three Cardigan Welsh Corgis (Marigold, Hibiscus and Wisteria).During his previous career, he spent a great deal of time traveling, especially to Wales, and New Orleans where he went to collaborate with harpist, journalist and renowned inn-keeper Barbara Lefèvre Martin on matters of Welsh independence. It was there that he became acquainted with Kutani pottery while wandering through the French Quarter after getting buzzed on chicory coffee at the old Café de Paris next to the Cabildo on Jackson Square. Barbara and he had many adventures in and around New Orleans that included Voodoo practitioners, visiting haunted houses, journalism, plotting and tracking down the ever elusive Bedwyr ap Dafydd, a self-exiled Welsh immigré and descendant of one of the great bardic families of Wales, the last known location of whom was a bar in the Lower 9th Ward before Hurricane Katrina. On his trips to Wales he became friends with Mary Jones (no relation) and her sister Olwen Thomas of Tai’n Lôn, a remote farming village in the foothills of the Snowdonia Mountains where English was rarely spoken. He made the region his base to travel elsewhere in Europe including Brittany, England, Catalonia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, France, and Spain.Even his connection to Argentina comes through Wales. In the Chubut Province of Patagonia is Gwladfa, a Welsh colony from whence hails the former editor of the Welsh North-American newspaper Ninnau for which Robert wrote off-and-on for many years beginning in the 1980’s.Learn more:https://curiosityshop.us/speakwelsh.orghttps://www.madog.org/https://www.facebook.com/ysbrydoliaethhttps://www.instagram.com/ysbrydoliaeth71/The documentary that I was speaking about: The Story of Wales by BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00mlrq9The Welsh poet that I quoted: Gwyneth Lewishttp://www.gwynethlewis.com/index.shtmlGraphic Designer for Ysbrydoliaeth:https://flekvt.com/

In this episode I sit down with Rachael and Gene Kehler. I met Rachael years ago at her old fashioned candy shop in Boyertown, The Peppermint Stick. She is a wonderful person and we got along instantly! I never forgot her great energy and spirit. So when I found out she had become the president of The Boyertown Historical Society, I reached out to her to interview her about her work with them and about her candy shop. Little did I know that her husband Gene and she owned a farm, One Foot Farm! Gene is also on the board at The Boyertown Historical Society and together they're brought new life into the well respected non-profit. Gene also owns Pennsylvania Craftsmen Construction Company, where he blends 18th century craftsmanship with 21st century techniques.A wonderful couple, full of energy and an incredible work ethic! So excited to share this episode and introduce you all to these two and their amazing work.http://Www.peppermintstickcandystore.com/https://www.facebook.com/PeppermintStickCandyStorehttp://www.boyertownhistory.org/https://www.facebook.com/BoyertownAreaHistoricalSocietyhttp://pacraftsmen.com/https://www.facebook.com/Pennsylvania-Craftsmen-Construction-Company-939857876177517

In episode 31 I sit down (virtually) with new friend, Ethan Rode. Ethan is a recent graduate of Queen’s University in Canada where he studied linguistics and politics, with specific interests in language revitalization and Spanish literature. Originally from Mohnton, PA, he grew up immersed in PA Dutch culture and language with his grandparents on his dad’s side of the family and ultimately learned to speak the language starting at around age 11. He currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and works freelance in proofreading and transcribing.https://www.instagram.com/ethanjrode/

https://www.facebook.com/47arthttps://www.instagram.com/acheybelly/Donate: https://www.sophiaphila.org/

In episode 27, I sat down with Jack Montgomery! Jack is an author, American Shamans, speaker and singer/songwriter. We talk about his initial interests in community healers while doing fieldwork in regional folk religions for a course in Religion and Anthropology that evolved into a life-long pursuit. He also shares stories of his time with Lee Gandee during his field work. Also, Jack talks about the time he spent with Patrick Donmoyer visiting the Oley Valley.You can purchase his book directly through Jack via his Facebook page or on Amazon: American Shamans: Journeys with Traditional Healershttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B003Y74RUA/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_86XBE0F98A50AWY82GY7Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=41116310

In episode 26 I sit down with Kathleen Walck, friend, art educator, craftswoman, shop owner, and we talk about her new adventure, and shop, Local Folk Creative Studio. Also her amazing embroidery work under Walnut and Laurel. It's so fun to catch up with this creative sister and do check out her amazing new shop and classes in Kutztown with the links below.https://www.local-folk.com/www.walnutandlaurel.com

In episode 24, kindred spirit, Adam Kissinger, and have a wonderful chat about all things Deitsch, punk rock, cultural heritage, theater, Alba Method and being a creative! A wonderful chat!! Check out Adam, he's an incredible and witty human!Acting: www.lancasteractingschool.comRad Scrapple:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoD4c9Q8dwQaeX8kacxE6yQAlba:www.facebook.com/BreatheForwardMusic:adamkissinger.bandcamp.com

In episode 25 I sit down with friend and fellow Deitscher, Josh R. Brown. Josh is a professor of German, linguistics, and (American) cultural studies, especially folklore studies. He's a sociolinguist and linguistic anthropologist interested primarily in heritage languages and the interaction of language and identity. He also is a lover of weaving, knitting, embroidery, and wool spinning.Check out the amazing work that Josh does here:https://www.joshuarbrown.com/https://www.bullfroginntextiles.com/

In episode 22 I sit down with friend and pastor, Inge Williams. We discuss everything from healing to culture and even playing the banjo! Inge is an amazing human and it's an episode not to be missed! Please see the links below to find out more about the work Inge does with her congregation at Friedens Church Shartlesville.

In episode 18 I sit down (virtually) with Charles Harley of Heritage Relic Hunters based in our beloved Oley Valley. We talk about growing up PA Dutch and his journey in relic hunting in our beautiful and richly historic, Oley Valley. We also, of course, talk about our love for the Manatawny Creek! Charles is a retired science teacher and also has always had a strong interest and education in environmental science which serves his relic hunting efforts so well. He also started the well loved Friends of the Manatawny facebook group which allows members to share gorgeous photos and stories of our beloved Manatawny Creek.

In episode 21 I catch up with Jess McPherson. Jess is a self identified artist, teacher, student, hard-worker and community member. She is both PA Dutch and Native American and we discuss the intersection of those backgrounds, the work she's doing in social impact strategy and also, of course, art and all it's therapeutic ways of working in our practices.LINKS:http://jessmcpherson.com/index.html

In episode 20 I sit down (virtually) to chat with Len Smith. Len is a video producer who created a beautiful film in the 90's called Expressions of Common Hands-Folk Art of the Pennsylvania Dutch. It included many favorite and legendary PA Dutch folk artists at that time including Ivan Hoyt, Johnny Claypoole and Eric Claypoole. He recently followed that project up with an updated exploration of hex signs and hex sign painters called, Myths & Legends: Hex Signs of the Pennsylvania Dutch (2018). Len contacted me to be a part of the new project and I was beyond humbled to be included with the other contemporary painters that I have looked up to and appreciated their work for years. Please check out the trailer for the film and support it and Len's incredible efforts to share our amazing folk traditions of the PA Dutch.Trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ik4418Eyc8Purchase the film:https://turning-point-media.square.site/product/myths-legends-hex-signs-of-the-pennsylvania-dutch/5?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=falsehttps://www.masthof.com/products/pennsylvania-dutch-hex-signs-myths-and-legends-dvd?variant=34765565558947Len's youtube channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/TheFolklifeChronicleTake 2 Alpacas:http://take2alpacas.com/Other show related links:http://4turningpoint.com/www.discoverlehighvalley.com/listing/pennsylvania-dutch-hex-tour/3284/www.kutztownfestival.com/www.the-eck.com/

In episode 19 I catch up with Angela Izzo. She is a painter from Boyertown whom I have admired from afar for years now and finally our paths have crossed and we got a chance to know each other better. What a kindred spirit! Her artwork is funny and honest! She's a mom and works full time, but alas still finds time to create amazing art work! She's also PA Dutch and shares some funny stories of her family and growing up in the area. I'm so excited to finally "meet" Angela and can't wait to get together irl someday soon.https://www.facebook.com/AngelaIzzoArtist

In episode 17 I sit down with friend and fellow Oley Valley enthusiast, Beth Glick. Beth, her husband and their family own and run Glick's Greenhouse in Oley, Pennsylvania. Beth is also a creative, self-proclaimed, doodle artist! Her work is amazing and rooted in some brilliant Deitsch motifs. We talk about her growing up with strong Pennsylvania Dutch and Mennonite roots and being a city girl gone country, having lived in the diverse city of Reading and also on the banks of the Manatawny. We also discuss art, culture and our love for the Oley Valley (particularly the Manatawny Creek). It was such a treat to get to know Beth better and also share her stories of growing up Deitsch/Mennonite in Reading and the Oley Valley.Learn more about Beth's work at:https://www.facebook.com/BethForneyGlickhttps://www.facebook.com/bethglickdoodleartGlick's Greenhouse: https://www.facebook.com/GlicksGreenhouse

Thanks to Mervin for sitting down to talk with me about Johnny Ott!

One episode 14 I sit down with Mandy Richardson.

Carol is a dear friend that I know from the Dolpehock Sanger Chor (PA Dutch only singing chor). She's the accompanist to the chor as well as Organist at North Heidelberg UCC. Carol's family is 100% PA Dutch and she's aDieffenbach of the Dieffenbach Organs as well as the most famous potato chips!Carol's grandfather was Victor C. Dieffenbach, a Pennsylvania German columnist for the Lebanon Daily News, wrote under the pen name of “Der Alt Bauer” (The Old Farmer) for a number of years. For over 35 years he entertained his readers with his poetry and articles, many of which are reprinted in the book, DER ALT BAUER HOT EPPES ZU SAAGE (co-editors C. Richard Beam and Jennifer L. Trout, available at Masthof press, link below).Carol studied at Millersville University where she met Richard Beam and they developed a life-long friendship through his familiarity with her family and grandfather and her interest in learning more about her Deitsch culture.Carol continues to work on preserving her family's legacy of amazing organs as well as advancing the participation of the larger community to learn more about the Detisch culture and language. In a way taking the torch from her grandfather's work and continued that invaluable work! We enjoyed a lovely chat about all of her experiences in the Bauerei and her work within the Deitsch community.https://www.masthof.com/products/der-alt-bauer-hot-eppes-zu-saagehttps://www.facebook.com/DieffenbachOrganPreservationSociety1/https://www.facebook.com/Pennsylvania-German-Hour-469678339764796/https://www.bctv.org/program/pennsylvania-german/