Growing Inspiration

Elevation, Collaboration, and Intention: Inside Capstone Vineyards with Theo Smith

Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform a hillside into a world-class vineyard… or how a biochemist ends up making award-worthy sparkling wine in Virginia's emerging wine country?
 
Maybe you've tasted Virginia wine and been curious about what makes it so different from Californian or European wines. Or perhaps you're fascinated by the intersection of science and creativity—how chemistry, terroir, and artistic vision come together in a bottle.
 
You're not alone. So many wine lovers appreciate the final product but have no idea about the journey from grape to glass, or the challenges winemakers face in a region that's still defining itself.
 
The missing ingredient is almost always the same: understanding from someone who's actually doing the work—farming the land, making the wine, and building a sustainable winery from the ground up.
 
In this interview, I sit down with Theo Smith, owner and winemaker at Capstone Vineyards in Linden, Virginia, to talk about his journey from cancer research to winemaking, how he's building a premier wine destination, and the unique challenges and opportunities of Virginia viticulture.
 
## You'll learn:
 
✨ How a butterfly net changed Theo's career trajectory from veterinary medicine to winemaking
 
✨ Why Virginia's climate and collaborative culture make it fundamentally different from California wine country—and why that's a good thing
 
✨ The three methods of making sparkling wine (traditional/Champagne method, Charmat method, and forced carbonation) and why Theo focuses on the first two
 
✨ How Capstone's unique soil composition allows for precise varietal placement across the property
 
✨ The reality planting as "a very expensive game of trial and error"
 
✨ The philosophy behind staying 100% estate-grown and direct-to-consumer only
 
✨ What "bottle shock" really means and why Theo's new Blanc de Franc (white Cabernet Franc) is so exciting
 
✨ Why Theo would rather make sparkling and white wines than reds (but makes incredible reds anyway)
 
If you're a wine enthusiast curious about what really goes into winemaking, or you're dreaming of understanding Virginia wine beyond the tasting room, this episode will give you an insider's perspective on building a winery from the ground up in one of America's most exciting emerging wine regions.
 
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**Visit Capstone Vineyards** https://www.capstonevineyards.com/
https://www.instagram.com/capstone.vineyards/
https://www.facebook.com/capstonevineyards/
 
**Learn more about Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute** https://brocku.ca/ccovi/
 
**Join my email list for more wine country interviews and behind-the-scenes content!** https://www.gardenofmydelights.com/
 
** Feeling like you don’t have time to pursue the things that light you up? Download my free guide to checking in with your schedule and finding more time than you thought you had. Get my Big Rocks Weekly Tracker HERE**
 
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction to Theo and His Journey
3:47 What Makes Linden Special
7:08 Virginia Sparkling Wine
12:32 Science, Creativity, and Experience in Winemaking
15:53 The Collaborative Linden Region and Future Growth for Capstone
19:39 Wine Education
22:02 Wine Events
27:32 Champagne Method vs. Charmat Method
29:43 Blanc de Franc – White Wine from Red Grapes
32:52 Bottle Shock
33:38 Rosé
35:50 Weather and Insect Challenges
38:26 Cabernet Franc
41:59 Canadian Wines

Enjoying English with Actor & Filmmaker Thomas Finch

I’m thrilled that you’ve joined me today for a conversation with Thomas Finch, creator of English Enjoyed, the channel dedicated to exploring formal British English as an art form. Our conversation covers language evolution, the beauty of Victorian prose, the balance between prescriptivism and descriptivism, and how we can all be more intentional with our word choices.
Thomas Finch is an award-winning creative polymath—an actor, writer, and filmmaker who explores the intersection of storytelling, language, and the arts. He is the founder of English Enjoyed, a platform where he treats formal British English as a lived art form, blending ‘elegantly absurd’ grammar lessons with cinematic sketches to guide a global community through the nuances of the language.
An accomplished creator, Thomas’s film work includes the award-winning short Salt and his 2025 SF3 Film Festival finalist Skin Hunger, and he is the author of Victorian Writers Then & Now.
With a linguistic journey that began with French at university and currently includes the study of Spanish, Thomas is also a lover of classical ballet, French cinema, and period dramas. He is dedicated to the idea of using wit and creative performance to make language learning a source of delight.
Links:
Website: www.englishenjoyed.com
YouTube: English Enjoyed
Instagram: @englishenjoyed
TikTok: @englishenjoyed
Facebook: English Enjoyed
Substack: @englishenjoyed
To find the books we discussed: https://bookshop.org/lists/recommendations-from-the-growing-inspiration-podcast

Where Your Life Matters: Four Professors on Writing, AI, and the Future of Art

In this podcast episode, Shana McLean engages with a panel of creative writing professors to discuss the significance of creative writing and literature in education and culture. They explore the challenges of teaching creative writing, the importance of humanities in society, and the impact of AI on writing education. The conversation also delves into strategies for engaging students who may not initially be interested in writing, the future of humanities programs, and the personal journeys of the professors as writers. They emphasize the value of storytelling, the writing process, and the importance of community and inspiration in the writing journey.
Matt Ferrence is the author of I Hate It Here, Please Vote For Me: Essays on Rural Political Decay (WVU Press, 2024); Appalachia North: A Memoir (WVU Press, 2019); and All-American Redneck: Variations on an Icon, from James Fenimore Cooper to the Dixie Chicks (U Tennessee Press, 2014). His essays have appeared widely in North American literary journals, including Best American Travel Writing, The Fiddlehead, and Gettysburg Review. He is a professor of literature and creative writing at Allegheny College.
Tracey Lander-Garrett is the editor of The Bridge Lit Journal and author of the Madison Roberts urban fantasy series. An avid gamer and fan of fantasy and science fiction, she holds two degrees in Creative Writing: an MFA from Brooklyn College and a BA from the University of Connecticut. She has had poetry and prose published by Hollow Oak Press, Mid-America Poetry Review, Connotation Press, and others. A former NYC English professor and Teaching Artist with Austin Public Library, she now lives in Oil City, PA with her husband and five cats.
Marc Nieson is a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and NYU Film School. His background includes children’s theatre, cattle chores, and a season with a one-ring circus. His memoir, SCHOOLHOUSE: Lessons on Love & Landscape (Ice Cube Press, 2016). He's won a Raymond Carver Short Story Award, Pushcart Prize nominations, and been noted in Best American Essays. He teaches at Chatham University, edits The Fourth River, and is at work on a new novel, HOUDINI’S HEIRS. More @ www.marcnieson.com
Philip Terman’s books include My Blossoming Everything (Saddle Road Press, 2024)) This Crazy Devotion (Broadstone Books, 2020)) Our Portion: New and Selected Poems (Autumn House Press, 2015), and, as co-translator, Tango Beneath a Narrow Ceiling: The Selected poems of Riad Saleh Hussein (Bitter Oleander, 2021).  He directs The Bridge Literary Arts Center, a regional writers’ organization in western, PA. Terman conducts poetry workshops and coaches writing hither and yon. He’s collaborated with composers, visual artists, and performs his poetry with the jazz band Catro.
Links:
Bridge Literary Arts Center http://www.bridgeliteraryartscenter.org/
Allegheny College https://allegheny.edu/
Chatham University https://www.chatham.edu/
Clarion University https://www.pennwest.edu/campuses/clarion/index.php

Greg Clary and Poetry at the Heart of Being

I have a wonderful conversation to share with you today. Poet and photographer Greg Clary joins me to talk about growing up in rural West Virginia and the way he came to his art later in life. We talk about his new book, The Vandalia in Me, which combines poetry and photos that evoke places and people he has known. When he shares a new poem, you will be hard-pressed not to shed a tear. Join me now in conversation with Greg Clary.
Greg’s new poem will be published in the Bridge Literary Arts Journal which will be released at this year’s Bridge LITfest in Oil City, Pennsylvania on September 12th. The link is below.
Greg Clary is a retired college professor who was born and raised in Turkey Creek, West Virginia. He now resides in the northern Appalachia Pennsylvania Wilds.
His photographs have appeared in The Sun Magazine, Looking at Appalachia, Rattle, Hole in the Head Review, Pine Mt Sand & Gravel, Tiny Seed Journal, Watershed Journal, About Place, Change Seven, Appalachian Lit, and many more.
His writing has been published in Rye Whiskey Review, The Bridge Literary Journal, Northern Appalachia Review, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Waccamaw Journal, Anti-Heroin Chic, Trailer Park Quarterly, Black Shamrock Magazine, Rust Belt Review, and Tobeco.
His book of photographs and poetry, “The Vandalia in Me”, was published by Meraki Press in 2024. He is co-author of Piercing the Veil: Appalachian Visions (2020).
In this engaging conversation, Greg Clary shares his journey from a rural upbringing in West Virginia to becoming a poet and photographer. He discusses the significance of his new book, 'Vandalia and Me,' and how it reflects his cultural heritage. Clary explores the influence of his educational background on his creative pursuits, the beauty he finds in ordinary moments, and the ethical considerations in photography and storytelling. He also reads a new poem and shares insights on the future of writing and photography in the age of AI.
Links:
Vandalia in Me from Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/a/111423/9798991132848
Bridge Literary Arts Center, LitFest: http://www.bridgeliteraryartscenter.org/lit-fests.html
Greg Clary on Instagram: @sligogreenbottom

Tradition in Tune: Exploring Celtic Music with Seán Heely

I am so excited to introduce you to today’s guest. Sean Heely is a world-class Scottish and Irish fiddler as well as a champion Gàidhlig singer, harpist, and composer. In our conversation, Seán shares his journey through music, exploring the deep connections between nature, culture, and the evolution of traditional music. He discusses his early influences, the importance of seasonal inspiration, and the role of community in preserving Celtic traditions. Seán also reflects on his experiences traveling and performing around the world, and his sources of inspiration.
Champion fiddler and singer Seán Heely is one of the most creatively versatile and captivating young artists of his generation. He is a U.S National Scottish Fiddle and U.S Gàidhlig singing Champion as well as an award-winning Irish Fiddler and harpist. Seán holds a degree from University of South Carolina in Violin Performance and was a 2019 Artist in Residence at Strathmore Music Center in Maryland. An educator in demand, Seán is has served as an Adjunct Instructor at American University, he has also been on the faculty at several summer camps such as Acadia Traditional School of Music and Arts, Boxwood Music Festival, Upper Potomac Fiddle Retreat, and Fiddle Hell Festival. He has performed in Scotland, Ireland, South America, Italy, Germany and at prestigious venues in the U.S such as the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C and Strathmore Music Center.
Irish fiddle legend Liz Carroll calls Seán: “One powerhouse of a fiddler”.
Seán has shared the stage with traditional music icons such as Bonnie Rideout, Liz
Carroll, Maeve Gilchrist, and along with his accolades in Traditional Music, Seán made his Classical solo debut with the Virginia Symphony in 2012 performing Mozart's 5th Violin Concerto.
In 2023, Seán was honored to win the prestigious Dan R. MacDonald Memorial
Prize from the Clan Donald Trust from the Gaelic Performing Arts as well as Male Musician of the year from Ireland Tonight Radio.
Seán has recorded four full length internationally acclaimed albums some of which have been featured on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal, RTÉ Raidio na Gaeltachta in Ireland, and NPR’s Thistle and Shamrock. Currently based in the Washington DC area, Seán performs nationally with the Seán Heely Celtic Band, Seán Heely's Celtic Christmas, The Glencoe Lads and Jennifer Cutting’s Ocean Orchestra.
Links:
Sean Heely, https://www.seanheely.com/
Liz Carroll, https://www.lizcarroll.com/
Julie Fowlis, https://www.juliefowlis.com/
Bonnie Rideout, http://www.bonnierideout.com/
Sessions at MacMillan Spirit House, https://www.themacmillanspirithouse.com/
Alexander Carmichael, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Carmichael
Festival Interceltique de Lorient (Bretagne), https://www.festival-interceltique.bzh/
Fiddle Hell, https://www.fiddlehell.org/
Chapters
00:00 The Musical Journey Begins
07:28 Discovering Traditional Music and Community
11:16 The Gaelic Language and Its Influence
14:13 Exploring Instruments: Harp and Bouzouki
19:13 Tuning and Its Challenges in Performance
23:43 The Essence of Music Sessions
28:07 Global Experiences and Cultural Exchange
30:26 Teaching and Sharing Knowledge
40:32 Nature as Inspiration
47:49 Celtic Traditions and Seasonal Celebrations
53:26 Exploring Celtic Nations and Their Music

What's an Asian Parsnip? A Review of James May's James Gin

I have something a little different for you today, and I will be interested to know how you like it. My husband and I filmed a short review of James May’s James Gin, and I decided to edit the audio for the podcast in addition to posting the video on YouTube. I hope you can get a sense of the flavor profiles of these three new gins and decide whether you might like to try them, too. Please subscribe and leave a review. Let me know which is your favorite gin or which spirit you prefer.
In this episode, Shana and Ed McLean explore the unique flavors of James May's gin collection, tasting three distinct varieties: Asian Parsnip, California Dreamgin’, and London Drizzle. They share their personal preferences and insights on each gin's flavor profile, comparing them to the well-known Hendrick’s gin. The conversation highlights the creativity behind the gins and concludes with their overall impressions and recommendations.
 
Links
https://us.jamesgin.com
https://www.topgear.com/
https://www.amazon.com/The-Grand-Tour-Season-1/dp/B086VXCTGW
https://hendricksgin.com/

Concepting Your Life: Overcoming Fear through Creativity with Eliz Phillips

In this conversation, Eliz Phillips shares her journey as a Creative Services Director, discussing how creativity has shaped her career and personal life. She reflects on her experiences in advertising, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the evolving role of creativity in the workplace, especially in the context of AI. Eliz emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear in creative expression and applying creativity beyond professional boundaries. She advocates for the value of creativity in an increasingly automated world, encouraging others to embrace their unique perspectives and ideas.
Eliz Phillips is a Senior Director, Creative Services in Washington, D.C. She has worked in the creative field for nearly 30 years—as a copywriter, content strategist, consultant, and creative director. She’s launched her own agency, freelanced at top agencies in the area and worked at Arnold Worldwide. She is a graduate of VCU Brandcenter.When she’s not working, she meditates, lifts weights, jogs, walks, hikes, takes classes and volunteers as an escort for Chicago Honor Flights. She is a part time Uber driver and full time cheerleader for her three teenagers. She also has a rescue dog and a barn cat.
Links: https://brandcenter.vcu.edu/
Chapters
00:00 Creative Services and Career Journey
10:52 The Year of Yes: Embracing Opportunities
14:46 Building a Brand: Challenges and Triumphs
19:24 Identifying Good Ideas and Creative Processes
20:09 The Power of Idea Generation
21:16 Harnessing AI for Creativity
23:14 Overcoming Creative Blocks
25:03 Applying Creativity Beyond Work
30:02 Navigating a Creative Career

Adjusting the Variables for Great Wine with Dustin Miner of Nokesville Winery

In this engaging conversation, Dustin Miner shares his unique journey from being a professional firefighter to becoming a passionate winemaker. He discusses the art and science behind winemaking, particularly focusing on the Norton grape, a varietal native to Virginia. Dustin emphasizes the importance of family involvement in his winery and the creative process that goes into crafting each bottle of wine. He also touches on the challenges of winemaking, the significance of understanding wine chemistry, and his aspirations for the future of his winery.
 
Links:
https://nokesvillewinery.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorQgtACtkLiUAjOSS5gxthFtZSYcPV5-5ly6202kz_M8TWzRZQO
https://www.burnsidefarms.com/
https://virginiaartfactory.org/
https://carmellos.com/
 
Chapters
00:00 The Journey to Winemaking
03:53 Understanding the Norton Grape
06:44 Crafting Unique Wines
09:39 The Importance of Community and Events
12:25 Family Involvement in Winemaking
15:33 Future Aspirations and Growth
24:47 Family Involvement in Winemaking
27:36 The Art of Winemaking
34:40 Virginia's Wine Identity
41:28 Innovative Winemaking Techniques
46:53 Upcoming Events and Future Plans

Pushing back the darkness: Sharing the Beauty of Nature with Photographer Katrina Steele

In this conversation, Katrina Steele shares her journey into photography, her passion for capturing the beauty in nature, and her experiences with macro photography and double exposures. Katrina discusses her learning process, the importance of community in photography, and her thoughts on AI and authenticity. She emphasizes the significance of spending time outdoors and the joy of documenting her surroundings. Katrina also shares her favorite locations for photography, her aspirations for travel, and her interest in artist residency programs.
Katrina Steele is an award-winning visual artist with over ten years of photography experience, dedicated to capturing compelling imagery that causes people to pause and notice the beauty, mystery, and complexity of nature and life.  Her work has been exhibited in diverse settings, from juried exhibitions and gallery installations to national publications and online features, including first-place photography honors at the Ohio State Fair and national recognition in industry-specific contests.  Katrina is generous with her time, volunteering countless hours photographing events for local nonprofits, and her work has been recognized for technical mastery, emotional resonance, and artistic excellence.
To see some of Katrina’s images, watch the video of this show on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@gardenofmydelights
 
Links:
52Frames 
https://52frames.com/
Click Community
https://www.theclickcommunity.com/amember/aff/go/KatrinaSteele
Creative Live
https://www.creativelive.com
Find Katrina on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/k_steele_images/
NPS artist in Artist-in-Residency Program
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/arts/air.htm
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:07 Journey into Photography
04:59 Learning and Growth in Photography
08:11 Camera Choices and Preferences
08:28 Exploring Macro Photography
09:50 Creative Techniques: Double Exposures
12:49 Experimentation and Photo Projects
18:27 Recognition and Community Support
23:01 The Impact of AI on Authenticity
27:43 The Importance of Nature and Outdoor Photography
30:47 Exploring Local and National Parks
34:35 Artist Residency Programs and Opportunities
38:06 Current Projects and Future Aspirations

Baroque Mashup: Bach’s St. Matthew Passion

In this episode, Shana McLean explores the artistic traditions associated with Lent through the lens of Johann Sebastian Bach's St. Matthew Passion. She discusses the personal versus collective nature of Lenten hymns and the creative process of combining existing works to create something new. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own creativity during this reflective season.
 
Credits: Tom Huizenga. A Visitor's Guide To Bach's 'St. Matthew Passion'. Deceptive Cadence, NPR Classical. April 17, 2014. https://www.npr.org/sections/deceptivecadence/2014/04/17/298773771/a-visitors-guide-to-bachs-st-matthew-passion
Michiel Carpentier. Which Bach Cantata? Easter, 9 April 2023. https://whichbachcantata.be/cantata-days/easter.html
Jeremy Nicholas. Bach’s ‘St Matthew Passion’: A Guide To The Sacred Masterpiece. April 7, 2023. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/classical-features/bach-st-matthew-passion/ [4] PASSION CHORALE (Hassler). Hymnary.org. April 18, 2023. https://hymnary.org/tune/passion_chorale_hassler
The Hymnal 1982: According to the use of the Episcopal Church. #168. https://hymnary.org/hymn/EH1982/168. There were many verses in the original German text translated from Latin, and their inclusion and numbering varies according to the hymnal in use.