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    Massachusetts: 1,100 Strongly-Worded Letters with Kaben Kramer

    enOctober 22, 2021

    Podcast Summary

    • Becoming a walnut farmer takes time, patience, and a big investmentIt takes 7 years to start harvesting walnuts, costs $4-5M to start, and farmers only harvest once a year.

      Being a walnut farmer involves a significant amount of time, patience, and financial investment. Walnut trees take around 7 years to start producing nuts, and farmers only harvest once a year in October. The farming process is not only labor-intensive but also reliant on Mother Nature, as the paycheck is tied to the harvest. Starting a walnut farm from scratch requires a substantial investment of around $4-5 million for land and equipment, and farmers won't harvest their first crop for 7 years. Despite the challenges, many farmers, like Kevin Kramer, view it as an honor to carry on the family tradition and be a part of the process that brings food to people's tables. The average age of trees on a walnut farm is around 25 years, with some trees reaching up to 64 years old. The best part of being a walnut farmer, according to Kevin, is learning to settle into the grace of the trees and being a part of the natural process.

    • Exploring the world of orchards and entrepreneurshipRunning an orchard offers tranquility and the chance to share generational knowledge, but selling walnuts on a large scale can be challenging. Direct sales through social media and affordable manicure systems are potential solutions.

      Running an orchard can offer a unique sense of serenity and the potential for sharing the gift of generations with the public, despite the unpredictability of the market. The speaker expressed a desire to open a small country inn and share their walnuts with a wider audience. However, selling walnuts on a large scale isn't straightforward as they are often sold in bulk to commodity buyers for export. Therefore, they have started selling directly to consumers through social media to ensure a more consistent market. Another interesting topic that came up was the discussion about Olive and June, a company that offers a manicure system for an affordable price, making it easy for people to achieve salon-quality nails at home. The speaker shared her positive experience with the product. Lastly, the speaker introduced the concept of sprouted walnuts, which undergo a process that releases bound-up nutrition and breaks down the protective barrier around the nut, making it more bioavailable and improving its taste. Overall, the conversation covered various aspects of agriculture, entrepreneurship, and consumer products.

    • The inconvenience of calendar changes and an unconventional woman's education and love storyCalendar changes disrupt our lives, and education and love stories have faced societal challenges throughout history. Abigail Adams, born in 1744, received an exceptional education despite no formal schooling, and her interclass romance with John Adams was met with skepticism. Understanding historical context enriches our appreciation of the past.

      The switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar would not be well-received today, just as a colonial woman's unconventional education and love story stand out in history. The discussion highlighted the inconvenience of changing calendars, which would alter people's birthdays by 11 days. This hypothetical situation was compared to the actual historical fact that a woman born in 1744 in Massachusetts received an exceptional education despite not attending formal school. Her father, a respected minister, provided her access to a vast library, making her a voracious reader and later a renowned writer. Additionally, the woman's teenage romance with a country lawyer, John Adams, was met with skepticism from her parents due to his social status. They delayed their marriage until they were convinced of his ability to support her. Their first child, Abigail, was named after the mother, a common practice at the time. These anecdotes illustrate the importance of education and the challenges faced in romantic relationships throughout history. The discussion also emphasized the significance of understanding historical context to appreciate the complexities of the past.

    • Abigail Adams: Extraordinary Wife of a Founding FatherAbigail Adams, though not a traditional achiever, was a key advisor to her husband during the Revolutionary War, advocated for women's rights, and held progressive views on slavery.

      Abigail Adams, despite not having notable achievements in the traditional sense, lived an extraordinary life as the wife of one of the United States' founding fathers, John Adams. Raised in a politically influential household, she developed an interest in politics and became a key advisor to her husband during the revolutionary war. Their correspondence, consisting of over 1100 letters, provides valuable insights into the home front during this period. Abigail was also a strong advocate for women's rights, urging John to remember their role in society and encouraging rebellion if their concerns were ignored. Her anti-slavery stance was also uncommon for the time, making her an even more intriguing figure in American history.

    • Mother's Day Savings and Historical InspirationSave on 1 800flowers.com/acast, Lume deodorant, and OneSkin's anti-aging product with special codes. Learn about Abigail Adams' resourcefulness and determination during the Revolutionary War.

      During Mother's Day, you can save up to 40% off at 1 800flowers.com/acast. Meanwhile, Lume whole body deodorant offers 72-hour odor control using mandelic acid instead of heavy perfumes. Abigail Adams, a historical figure, is known for her resourcefulness during the Revolutionary War. She allowed soldiers to hide at her house and even melted down her silverware to make musket balls. Abigail also bravely inoculated her children against smallpox, despite the imprecise nature of the method. A modern-day solution for skin care comes from OneSkin, a company focusing on cellular aspects of aging. Their proprietary o s one peptide is the first ingredient proven to switch off aging cells, offering a 15% discount with the code SHARON. In appreciation of mothers and caregivers, consider treating yourself to Lume deodorant and OneSkin products for significant savings. Abigail Adams serves as an inspiring example of resilience and determination, embodying the spirit of taking care of oneself and others during challenging times.

    • Abigail Adams and Thomas Jefferson's Friendship in EuropeAbigail Adams, a trailblazer for education and equality, formed a close friendship with Thomas Jefferson while they were in Europe. However, their bond was tested when Jefferson became president and defeated John Adams in the election of 1800. Abigail defied societal norms by teaching a young black man to read and write.

      Abigail Adams, the wife of John Adams, formed a close friendship with Thomas Jefferson during their time in Europe while John served as a minister. They bonded over their shared love of gardens and songbirds. However, their friendship was soured when Thomas Jefferson became president and defeated John Adams in the election of 1800. During their time in Europe, the Constitution was being written, but John Adams was not present. Abigail taught a young black man to read and write, defying societal norms, and famously advocated for his education. Later, John Adams became president, and they moved to Philadelphia full-time. Despite the challenges and hardships, Abigail's determination and advocacy for equality shone through, leaving a lasting impact.

    • Abigail Adams' Smart Investments Supported the Adams During John's PresidencyAbigail Adams' shrewd investments during John's absence provided financial stability for the Adams family, demonstrating the importance of financial independence and the power of informed communication.

      Abigail Adams, the wife of the second president of the United States, John Adams, was a shrewd investor who used the money she earned to support their frugal lifestyle during John's presidency. Despite coming from humble beginnings and being frugal people, the investments Abigail made during John's absence paid off and lasted them for the rest of their lives. Additionally, during this time, it was customary for the public to visit the White House for two hours a day to converse with the president and first lady, which was a carryover from the monarchy. Abigail, who was well-informed about political issues, was often consulted by the public and even leaked information to the press to influence public opinion. Despite the polarized media landscape then being similar to today, Abigail's actions demonstrate the importance of financial independence and the power of informed communication.

    • The Adams family's struggles in the White HouseDespite hardships like an unfinished home, death of their son, and a daughter's breast cancer diagnosis, the Adams family persevered and remained resilient during their time in the White House.

      The Adams family faced numerous challenges during their time in the White House, including an unfinished and unheated home, the death of their son Charles, and the election defeat of John Adams. Abigail Adams, in particular, had to deal with the harsh realities of living in an unfinished and uncomfortable house in a new and unfamiliar location. Despite these challenges, she remained pragmatic and continued with her daily tasks, such as hanging laundry to dry. Sadly, their daughter Nabby died of breast cancer, and the family had to keep her diagnosis a secret due to the taboo surrounding the disease. Through it all, the Adamses persevered and eventually returned to their farm in Massachusetts. The story of the Adams family's experiences in the White House highlights the resilience and determination of those who have held the highest office in the land.

    • Abigail Adams: A Remarkable Woman Defying Societal NormsAbigail Adams, a wife and mother to U.S. presidents, defied societal norms by raising numerous children and advocating for her husband's presidency, leaving a lasting legacy through her love, compassion, and intelligence.

      During the 1800s, cancer was stigmatized and not socially acceptable, even leading to secret surgeries. Abigail Adams, on the other hand, was a remarkable woman who defied societal norms. She took in and raised numerous children, including those of Thomas Jefferson, and was known for her love of dogs. Abigail Adams is unique in history as both a wife and mother to U.S. presidents. Her correspondence with her husband, John Adams, is considered a treasure trove of intimacy and candor. Despite her self-education, she was a better letter writer than John, and her resilience and emotional balance made her one of the most extraordinary women in American history. Her desire was to retire esteemed, beloved, and respected, not to be remembered for accomplishments or inventions. Abigail Adams' unwavering compassion, strength, and intelligence significantly impacted John Adams' rise to presidency and left a lasting legacy. Despite the notable exploits of other founding figures, Abigail Adams' story of love, compassion, and defying societal norms stands out.

    • John and Abigail Adams' unwavering commitmentThe Adamses, despite their controversial views and personal sacrifices, remained devoted to each other and their principles, shaping American history with their enduring love.

      The Adamses, despite their unpopularity and personal sacrifices, remained devoted to each other and their principles. John Adams, an advocate for a strong central government and supporter of the Constitution, stayed in a tavern before moving into the White House, which was not yet finished during his presidency. Abigail, though against slavery, had complex relationships with those who owned slaves, reflecting the moral dilemmas we still face today. Their commitment to their beliefs and to each other, even amidst adversity, is a testament to their enduring love and impact on American history.

    • Tenderly Rooted's Holiday Season OfferingsTenderly Rooted offers unique, handcrafted sprouted walnuts and seasonal infusions, including limited-edition flavors for the holiday season. Follow, subscribe, rate, or review the Sharon Says So podcast to support the podcasting community.

      Sharon from Tenderly Rooted is a passionate entrepreneur who handcrafts unique and delicious sprouted walnuts and seasonal infusions. Her business, which can be found on Instagram @tenderlyrooted and online at www.tenderlyrooted.com, is heading into the holiday season with exciting new flavors such as gingerbread, holiday spice, and coffee liqueur. These limited-edition infusions will be available in gift boxes starting November 1st. Sharon's products are perfect for adding flavor to various dishes, including cheese boards, and she encourages listeners to follow, subscribe, rate, or review the Sharon Says So podcast and share episodes to help support the podcasting community. With a focus on quality and craftsmanship, Tenderly Rooted is a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of sweetness and excitement to their culinary experiences.

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    About Our Podcast Guest

    Dr. William E. “Brit” Kirwan is chancellor emeritus of the University System of Maryland (USM).  He is a nationally recognized authority on critical issues facing higher education. He served as chancellor of the University System of Maryland (USM) for 13 years (2002-2015), president of the Ohio State University for four years (1998-2002), and president of the University of Maryland, College Park for 10 years (1988-1998). Prior to his presidency, he was a member of the University of Maryland mathematics faculty for 24 years.

     

    Dr. Kirwan is the past chair of, among other boards, the American Council for Higher Education, the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities, the American Association of Colleges & Universities, the Business Higher Education Forum, and the National Research Council Board on Higher Education and Workforce. He also served as the co-chair and chair of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics from 2004 to 2016. Presently, he chairs a Statewide Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, which has been asked to make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly to enable Maryland schools to perform at the level of the world’s best school systems.

     

    About the Host

     

    Dr. Drumm McNaughton, host of Changing Higher Ed®, is a consultant to higher education institutions in governance, accreditation, strategy and change, and mergers. To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm’s website: https://changinghighered.com/.

     

    The Change Leader’s Social Media Links

     

     

    #HigherEdProblems #HigherEducation #ChangingHigherEd