To begin the new year, Dr. Matthew Miller joins us to talk about his new book Leaves of Healing: A Year in the Garden. His book brings together the church calendar with the “garden” calendar. As usual, the fellas have plenty of insights to add. Thank you, Matt, for this delightful conversation! Look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover.
Matt Miller is a native Nebraskan now living in Branson, Missouri, where he serves as Associate Professor of English at College of the Ozarks. He writes regularly for Front Porch Republic, Fare Forward, The New Territory, and other venues. Find him online at matt-miller.org or at his Substack “A Habitation.” Order his book from Belle Point Press.
Chapters
00:00 Anniversary Reflections and Introductions 03:22 The Journey of Matt Miller: From Nebraska to Missouri 06:22 Exploring the Beauty of Place and Literature 09:34 The Intersection of British Literature and Rural Life 12:16 Romanticism vs. Practicality in Landscape Appreciation 15:25 The Significance of Gardening in Personal Growth 18:22 The Challenges of Gardening and Family Life 21:23 The Concept of a Garden vs. a Farm 24:26 The Church Calendar and the Gardening Cycle 27:31 The Personal Journey of Writing a Gardening Book 30:28 Finding Meaning in Limitations and Seasons 33:27 Connecting Theology and Gardening 36:18 The Connection Between Nature and Psychology 36:43 Cultural Calendars and Their Impact on Time 38:37 Understanding Time: Metronomic vs. Cyclical 40:26 Commercialism vs. Natural Seasons 43:18 Personal Calendars and Life Cycles 48:16 The Role of Gardening in Personal Growth 52:08 The Meaning of Time in Relationships 56:17 Art, Gardening, and Spirituality 01:02:15 Embracing Failure and Learning from Experience
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