Conversation Accessories

Terry d’Selkie aka The Seaweed Mermaid of Ocean Harvest Sea Vegetables shares information about wild-harvested, ethically sourced, edible seaweeds along the Mendocino Coast in Northern California. Download

What is a Hipcamp? Basically, think Airbnb, except outside – campsites on private property. Ui Wesley shares the backstory of the Hipcamp at Fortunate Farms in Caspar, California, which includes a community kitchen in an old barn. She also shares tips for those interested in hosting. Download

Without proper care, grave sites – including stones – can fall into disrepair, often due to families moving out of the area, or passing away themselves. Veronica Hamilton of Hamilton’s Grave Care Services shares information on gravestone symbols, types of “grave goods,” and tips on how to correctly maintain gravestones. Download

The world is full of wonderfully diverse flora. Brad Williams of Fort Bragg Carnivores just happens to enjoy the carnivorous ones. Download

In the Northern California coastal town of Fort Bragg, the Triangle Tattoo Museum offers visitors – whether the generally curious or those seeking tattoos – interesting exhibits of photographs and artifacts. Owners Madame Chinchilla and Mr. G have authored books and given lectures on all things tattoo. Download

“Cutting the burl off redwoods … it’s like cutting off their feet. That’s the source of new roots, to get bigger, to keep growing.” The California Coastal Redwoods were extensively clear cut around the turn of the century. But, thanks to the Redwood League (later Save the Redwoods) and influential individuals, acres of old growth […]

A dog can be more than a homeless person’s best friend. It provides warmth, protection, and companionship. Troy Williams of RoadDogs Outreach shares his experiences of assisting the homeless to feed and care for their furry friends. Download

Meet Scott, a member of the Rainbow Family, who feed the hungry and homeless, and gather in our country’s beautiful national forests. Download

Navy veteran Jason Mack shares his story about the horrors of the Veterans Administration in seeking medical help, and channeling his dark place into a comedy set. Download

“People do not cherish each other the way they should.” “Fairy Tales for Life; A Collection of Fourteen Original Short Stories” recently won first place in the Children’s Book category at the San Francisco Book Festival. Author Linda Champion shares the impetus behind her original fairy tales, which integrate our “real” world with the fairy […]

M.L. Edson, author of “Not Even A Shadow,” shares her experiences as a teacher in a youth correctional facility. Download

“Hope” can be a foreign concept to those in the midst of severe or suicidal depression. Yet, the book “Shades of Blue” offers just that – hope. Thirty-five essays written by individuals with different backgrounds and histories share diverse issues, and how they have managed to, if not overcome them, learned to manage them. Three […]

In the picturesque Sierra Foothills in Northern California, irascible adventurer Charles Mitchell not only offers award-winning wines at his Charles Mitchell Vineyards, but also pizza, Maine lobster, popcorn, and bocce ball. He has also joined the fight against breast cancer, creating “The Cure Series” wine, with 30% of the proceeds going directly to breast cancer research. […]

It would be easy for Todd Morgan & The Emblems to follow the often tread cover band path, but it has raised the bar with songwriting influenced by rockabilly, jazz, Big Band, and rock. Todd Morgan discusses his influences, and the band’s third recently released CD, “Sweet Pretender.” Download

Corporate radio is struggling, and for good reason. Listeners are demanding variety, and finding it online or via satellite. How can people hear their favorite types of music (with unlimited artists), and support their local community? Dennis Newhall of Sacramento’s K-ZAP and Joe Parente of Process Theater, Inc. discuss their joint effort in bringing back […]

A great talk with Christina Marie, the creative force behind INDIEBlush magazine – Burning Man, body issues, digital media, creating and investing in indie collectives. Download

Looking for new books to read? Authors introduce their books at a recent book fair event. And, in honor of Earth Day, vendors at an Earth Day event share insight, and resources. Listen to Conversation Accessories on iTunes or Stitcher (Android) or Download. Follow on Twitter @ConversationsHD, Instagram @julieparkerstories, and on Facebook.