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Living with intention can be a radical act in a world driven by consumerism. In this episode of Next Economy Now, host Kevin Bayuk speaks with writer, herbalist, and former Black Minimalists podcast producer Farai Harreld about how ancestral knowledge and mindful practices can help us reclaim agency over our health, homes, and everyday choices.
Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Botswana, Farai now lives on unceded Kaw and Osage land in Kansas, where she integrates herbalism, storytelling, and birth work into a life rooted in care and connection. Farai shares how she was drawn to herbal medicine out of necessity, eventually deepening her learning through apprenticeship and study. She reflects on the links between conscious consumption, environmental stewardship, and the importance of community, particularly in postpartum care.
From leading neighborhood plant walks to embracing traditional midwifery practices, Farai offers thoughtful insights on how regenerative economics and sustainable living begin with everyday choices. Tune in to this impact podcast for an inspiring conversation on slowing down and reconnecting with the people and places that ground us.
Key Points From This Episode:
How Farai’s upbringing and family shaped her path as a writer and folk herbalist. [0:00:30]
Farai’s education and her experience with formal studies and elder apprenticeship. [0:03:18]
Reflections on minimalism, accessibility, and rejecting overconsumption. [0:06:06]
What it means to bring greater consciousness and mindfulness into your life. [0:09:03]
Insights on the importance of community from Farai’s journey with postpartum care. [0:16:27]
Simple, accessible ways to begin cultivating mindfulness and intention. [0:18:29]
Reading recommendations from Farai, including who she follows on Substack. [0:21:25]
Where to find Farai’s writing, and what she is working on. [0:23:56]
Quotes:
“[Minimalism] changed my life for the better, and it made me a better steward of the Earth. It made me a better parent, it made me a better partner, [and] made me a better person in general, because I was making conscious decisions.” — Farai Harreld [0:07:52]
“Clever marketing can make things seem new and novel, but there are tons of people around the world who live minimalist, beautiful lifestyles [and] cultures in which excess is not a part of [their lexicon].” — Farai Harreld [0:09:08]
“You're living on Earth. You're having this experience, and you're supposed to be making it better for everyone, including yourself.” — Farai Harreld [0:14:53]
“Spend a few minutes having intentional learning time about something other than yourself.” — Farai Harreld [0:19:46]
“[Get] to know your neighbors, not just your human neighbors, but your plant neighbors. And I think once you have that intentionality, it can blend into other things in your life.” — Farai Harreld [0:20:44]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Farai Harreld: https://www.faraiharreld.com/
Farai Harreld on Substack: https://thehillbillyafrican.substack.com/
Farai Harreld on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehillbillyafrican/
How to Take Good Care: https://www.faraiharreld.com/shop/how-to-take-good-care-e-zine
The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World: https://www.powells.com/book/the-serviceberry-abundance-and-reciprocity-in-the-natural-world-9781668072240
The Medicine Garden: https://valalcorn.substack.com/
Danica Boyce: https://substack.com/@danicavboyce
Love Jessica: https://lovejessica.substack.com/
Africa Unbound: https://africaunbound.substack.com/
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