[003] Bloodlines & Storylines: Lessons from Our Family Histories and Ancestral Wisdom

Wildly Intentional

With Fred Meyer

What if the stories of your ancestors could guide how you live today?

In this powerful conversation with Fred Meyer—mentor, land steward, and keeper of generational wisdom—we explore what our family histories still have to teach us. From handwritten ledgers to oral traditions, this episode dives deep into the soul of legacy, lineage, and why reconnection isn’t just spiritual—it’s practical.

In this episode:

• Introducing the "Into the Known" Series [00:04]
• Meet Fred Meyer: Mentor and Local Legend [00:20]
• Fred's Great-Grandmother: Uvena Emily Arnold-Pidgeon's Memoir [3:20]
• From Fred's Great-Grandmother: Uvena Emily Arnold-Pidgeon's Memoir "Mountain Born" [4:54]
• Wolfgang Rohret Family Lineage (Mandy's Dad's Maternal Family) [8:30]
• Compiled by Leonard C. Rohret in 1964 [09:01]
• Reading from the Rohret Memoirs [11:09]
• Reflections on Ancestral Skills and Epigenetics [17:52]
• Yearning for Simplicity [35:25]
• Don't tear down legacies - PROTECT THEM [25:05]
• Funny Chicken Story & "Getting Along" from the Rohret's [26:28]
• "Remembering" [30:24]
• The Sit Spot Practice [37:58]
• Reflections on Productivity [41:11]
• Lessons from Ancestors [42:19]
• "Iowa Nice" [45:42]
• More from Uvena [47:41]
• Wolfgang Family Name + WOLFPACK [54:41]
• A Journey to Germany - Mandy finds the family Brewery & an ancestor [56:36]
• The Importance of Storytelling [01:07:00]
• Wildfire Roundtable [01:10:00]
• Episode 004 Preview: Legacy with Your Home Library [01:13:05]

Why it matters:

Most people don’t know their great-grandparents’ names. But the stories we carry—or forget—shape everything. Reclaiming our roots gives us direction, grounding, and a better blueprint for the future.

Wildly Recommended:

• Laura Ingalls Wilder Series
• Find a sit spot you can enjoy
• How to Stitch an American Dream: A Story of Family, Faith and the Power of Giving by Jenny Doan

Reflection:

Start by asking one question. Start by writing down one story. Start by remembering something that shaped you—and sharing it.

Because your story didn’t start with you. But it can be shaped by you. And maybe, just maybe… you’re the living library someone else has been waiting for.

Find Fred:

• Fred Meyer is a certified permaculture designer, master gardener, and wilderness guide with decades of experience helping people reconnect with the land. As Program Manager of Backyard Abundance and a permaculture instructor at the University of Iowa, Fred brings deep wisdom, practical tools, and a grounded presence to every landscape he touches—from schools and spiritual centers to homesteads and healing spaces. He’s passionate about designing beautiful, functional, and sustainable environments that nourish both people and place.
• Backyard Abundance

If this episode lit a spark of remembrance in you, pass it on. Share it with a kindred spirit who’s also craving deeper roots and ancient rhythms. Let’s bring the lost wisdom back — together.

Subscribe to the show wherever you listen, and join us as we build a life that’s wildly intentional—even if it’s wildly imperfect.

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