Advertise on podcast: Raising Connections

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why George Washington was obsessed with his sheep? This episode of Raising Connections offers a fascinating look into the history and heritage of shepherding.  This week, we step into the world of Elaine Shirley, President of the Leicester Longwool Sheep Breeders Association, as she shares why sheep are the perfect "triple-purpose" animal for modern small farms. Plus, we get a sneak peek at what to expect at the upcoming Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival - May 2nd and 3rd, 2026. Leicester Longwool Sheep Breeders Association Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival | The Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival is one of the largest festivals of its kind celebrating all things sheep, from hoof to handwoven. Support the show www.raisingconnections.com

Send us Fan Mail Rachann talks with Elizabeth Tate from Common Ground at Paradise Stables. They invite listeners into a safe, tactile world where equine assisted learning, breathing, and aromatherapy help shift feelings that have been shaped by fight, flight, and freeze. Facilitators hold space for the moment as people explore trust, physical awareness, and self-regulation, guided by the wisdom of the herd. It's an engaging look at how real healing happens when humans and horses work together. Center for Life Skills Development | Common Ground Inc. | Maryland, USA Support the show www.raisingconnections.com

Send us Fan Mail Jennifer Trout, Maryland's State Veterinarian, joins Rachann to share a day in the life of the state's top vet. Dr. Trout walks us through her approach to wellness, highlighting leadership, challenges, partnerships, and preparedness efforts that keep our critters safe. It's an open down-to-earth conversation about how Maryland protects its herds, flocks, and food systems. with steady, informed care.  Maryland Agriculture Secretary Appoints Dr. Jennifer Trout as State Veterinarian Support the show www.raisingconnections.com

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Rachann talks with world-renowned field trial judge Trish Jackson, and conformation judge Chip Bondi. They lead us through the teamwork, preparation, and decision-making that defines the Gun Dog Sports. Gun dogs are highly trained competitors, judged on speed, ability, and stamina. Both Trish and Chip breed, raise, and train their own puppies. Trish's passion led her to revive the American Field Cocker Spaniel breed, while Chip's love for training German Short-hair Pointers has resulted in him judging over three thousand dogs. This is a look at a sport where discipline, instinct, and companionship come together. Home - NAVHDA Skill Building for Flushing Dogs – Maryland Sporting Dog Association Support the show www.raisingconnections.com

Send us Fan Mail Stephen Strosnider, Executive Director of the Carroll County Arts Council, joins Rachann for a cheerful look at the 19th Annual PEEPSHOW held in the TownMall of Westminster, MD - March 27 - April 3, 2026. Together they explore the creativity, community spirit, and the magic of marshmallow masterpieces that make this event a local favorite. Learn how the event raises support for the Carroll County Arts Council's year-round programs. Admission is free and Marshmallow peeps are the star. It's a sweet celebration of fun and imagination - one marshmallow at a time. Carroll County Arts Council the creative arts for all ages, interests and abilities! TownMall of Westminster ::: Home page Home | Just Born Support the show www.raisingconnections.com

Send us Fan Mail On this week's podcast, Rachann is joined by Laurie Savage, one of the owners of Brown Cow Creamery. Step onto the farm and into the heart of a community where dairy farming is more than a livelihood, it’s a way of life. Follow the journey from pasture to pint, exploring the world of cows, cream‑line milk, and the craft of non‑homogenized, direct‑to‑consumer dairy products. Explore the art of small‑batch cheese and ice cream, the charm of an on‑farm farm stand, and the deep roots that connect families through 4‑H, Dairy Bowl, and Future Harvest. Whether you’re a food lover, an ag enthusiast, or simply curious about where your milk comes from, this show brings you stories that celebrate tradition, innovation, and the people who make it all possible. Brown Cow Creamery Home - Future Harvest Support the show www.raisingconnections.com

Send us Fan Mail Step into the world of the Savannah Bananas, where minor league baseball transforms into a full‑blown celebration of joy, connection, and fun. Rachann is joined by Emily Cole, one half of the husband and wife team that owns the Bananas. Dive deep into the phenomenon of Banana Ball—the fast‑paced, rule‑breaking, music‑soaked version of the game that has fans dancing in the aisles and laughing from first pitch to final out. We explore how their blend of music, dancing, and interactive entertainment has reimagined what a ballgame can be. We spotlight the team’s passion for community involvement, from foster parenting to supporting adoptions that bring families together. Whether you’re a die‑hard baseball fan or just someone who loves a good time, this podcast captures the spirit of a team that proves fun isn’t a bonus, it’s the whole point! The Savannah Bananas | We Make Baseball Fun! Support the show www.raisingconnections.com

Send us Fan Mail Traveling with a dog is a journey filled with small details that make a big difference. In this episode Rachann talks with Joyce Johnson from Fora Travel about everything from choosing the right airline or ground transport to keeping pets comfortable with familiar items, calm routines, and thoughtful preparation. Health certificates, vaccines, microchips, and reentry rules are explained in a friendly, approachable way, along with everyday essentials like food, water, toys, and cleanup supplies. This conversation helps you feel confident, organized, and ready for the adventure ahead.  Joyce Johnson | Fora Travel Support the show www.raisingconnections.com

Send us Fan Mail In celebration of the Howard County Bird Club's 54th year, Rachann talks with club president Val Swan and longtime club member Bonnie Ott about the rhythms, surprises, and hidden patterns that shape the lives of birds across our landscapes.  We highlight the connections between birds, plants, pollinators, and habitat diversity. It’s a conversation that invites listeners to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the living world around them.  Howard County Bird Club Maryland Ornithological Society – The Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS) is a nonprofit, statewide organization of people who are interested in birds and nature. Support the show www.raisingconnections.com

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Carroll County Farm Museum, Rachann and Elaine explore the stories behind its remarkable collection of antiques, hand‑crafted furniture, and the farm machinery that powered generations of Maryland agriculture. From the traditional use of oxen to the preserved alms house that reveals how the county cared for its most vulnerable residents, the museum offers a vivid portrait of rural life across two centuries. We also follow the iron rails that transformed the region. These trains didn’t just move goods; they connected communities, shaped local economies, and changed the rhythm of farm life forever. Blending history, storytelling, and lived experience, this episode invites listeners to rediscover the ingenuity and resilience that built Carroll County—and to appreciate the museum that has preserved its legacy for 60 years. Carroll County Farm Museum | Carroll County, Maryland Support the show www.raisingconnections.com

Send us Fan Mail In this podcast, Rachann Mayer is joined by holistic wellness coach, nutritionist, and registered dietitian Heather Wolfe. She guides you through the ever‑evolving wellness journey with depth, compassion, and clarity, exploring the mind‑body connection, practical approaches to weight management, and the role of spirituality in healing, You’ll hear insights drawn from years of clinical practice, and lessons learned from writing a monthly wellness column and creating a vegetarian cookbook.  Support the show www.raisingconnections.com

Send us Fan Mail Rachann talks with Melinda Horner, a representative of the Four County Quilters Guild, which meets the second Tuesday of every month in Mount Airy, Maryland. The guild gets together and quilts, presents speakers who talk about quilting, and welcomes anyone whether they have been involved in quilting or not. They'll teach you how! Four County Quilters Guild Support the show www.raisingconnections.com

Send us Fan Mail Rachann talks with Shaun Dunn, zoologist with the Nebraska Game and Park Commission, Wildlife Division, Natural Heritage Program. Shaun takes us into the hidden world of bats: how these remarkable creatures live, from their insect‑rich diet, to the ways guano tells much about their diet and health. They explore the mystery behind echolocation and decode the meaning of bat calls, using them to identify different species.  Nebraska Game & Parks Commission | Explore Nebraska Today Support the show www.raisingconnections.com

Send us Fan Mail Join Rachann Mayer, owner of Mariah-Belle Manor Kennel, as she explores the Top Toys of 2025. What toy meets the five criteria best: is it safe, durable, can it be sanitized, are there different sizes, and different uses. Do these top toys stimulate the senses, are they challenging, do they shape growth, enrichment, and learning in our Daycare Dogs? We use real Canine Testers with different play styles, ages, and sizes. Rachann was enriching Doggie Day Care when Day Care wasn't cool! Support the show www.raisingconnections.com

Send us Fan Mail Today Rachann talks about how pet owners could benefit from knowing the basics of CRP and First Aid and how to become Pet Tech CPR Certified. She breaks down what to do in common emergencies and how to stay calm when seconds matter. This episode covers simple steps, hands-on skills, and real situations you can learn from. Our goal is to help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to protect the pets you love. Rachann's next Pet CPR class is scheduled for January 19 at 8 am. Sign up at Pet-emt.com using code RCP2026.  Support the show www.raisingconnections.com