8 Women, 8 Weeks, 8 Powerful Stories

Season 1 Trailer

About the Host

My name is Karen Brightly.

As a former fundraising professional,  I got used to having “change-the-world” conversations with strong women leaders.

Moving to Vermont and exploring my “what’s next?” phase of life got me to this podcast - a search for personal rootedness, more vivid and tangible results from my work, and some goddamned answers to some big questions that seem like they shouldn't be that hard.

Questions I hold in common with women from all over, and every life stage. We all have these conversations privately, and now we get to share them publicly.

About The Podcast

A few years ago, a gorgeous piece of Vermont land claimed my heart. In my quest to learn if and how to steward this land responsibly, I searched for and found other women - landowners and farmers - to ask for advice, perspective and direction. 

I unearthed stories as varied as the women themselves, and WAY bigger questions than the ones I’d hoped to answer. I stumbled on an emerging trend - women, leading us back to good land and better food - a movement that, if we join, might just save a place for us humans on this planet that’s in such upheaval.

Together, we’ll enter these women’s stories. Share their wisdom. Discover some direction. Probably laugh and maybe cry.

Together, we restore our ancient connection to land.

Together, we can exert our economic power thoughtfully, joyfully, healthfully and generatively. And, going together, we find refreshment and energy, and maybe even hope.

Meet the Team


  • Producer

    A podcast journalist for the New York Times, a content consultant for an illustrious list of past clients, and an oral history connoisseur - Kristina is a deep thinker on the concerns of our time, an elegant writer, and, thankfully, our co-producer. She makes sure this podcast makes sense, and comes to you in the best ways possible.

  • Producer

    Yes, she is the host’s daughter!

    Lizzie Brightly is an art producer currently working for a creative agency in NYC. She loves collaborating with creative teams and has worked with such clients as Burton Snowboards, NPR, Ikea, Seventh Generation, HOKA, Under Amour, TOMRA, and many more. In partnership with her mother, she helps capture and share these beautiful stories of Women, Land and Food.

  • Advertising & Partnerships

    Georgie has been the Director of the Burlington Farmers Market since January 2023. Originally from London, England, she moved to Vermont to pursue a career in agriculture. After participating in UVM’s Farmer Training Program she got her first full time farming job working for Pigasus Meats in South Hero. Now she loves staying connected to the farming world and her local community in any way she can, and always with her dog Louie by her side.

  • Audio Engineer

    Bridger Dunnagan is an audio engineer, music producer, and lifelong listener. As a trusted collaborator on a wide range of records, films, and audio stories, he has a knack for weaving voice, music, and sound design into something that feels alive. With roots in music and documentary work, he brings clarity, care, and a deep respect for story to every episode of Women, Land & Food. He currently resides in Bethlehem, PA.

  • Research Assistant

    Phoebe lives in Vermont and currently works in restaurant /hospitality as she anticipates her return to higher education. As the Season 1 Research Assistant for Women, Land and Food and Karen’s loving niece, she is thrilled to contribute by backing up the wisdom and joy shared on the podcast with additional resources that emphasize how complex and critically important these conversations are. 

  • 2025 Summer Intern

    Currently based in Winooski, VT, Marin is pursuing a career in climate journalism, using words to foster social change. She contributes her background in environmental studies, knack for narrative crafting, and passion for food-driven community to ensure consistent messaging.