Plain Values Podcast

EP #58 - Big Fertility, Big Ag, & God’s Design for Healing the Destruction | Dawn Combs | Plain Values

In this episode of the Plain Values podcast, Dawn Combs joins Marlin for a conversation covering all the Big Corps–Big Ag, Big Food, Big Pharma, Big Chemical, Big Tech and beyond. Being practically neighbors with Scott’s and Nestlè corps, Dawn says she lives “ in the belly of the beast.” Then, just on the other side of Columbus sits Licking County which has drawn the attention of Big Tech. Data Centers drink up to 50 million gallons of water a day and the large aquifers there have them drooling for the land. Dawn’s husband Carson happens to be the sitting City Planning Director within Licking County. Being a Christian man and advocate for holistic, regenerative ag and stewarding creation, Carson believes he has an opportunity to show the world how we can move forward alongside technology in a responsible way. Ethnobotany is where folklore and science meet. It’s the study of how certain cultures made use of the indigenous plants in each region, with the aspect of understanding the science behind why it worked. Due to its pagan nature, it’s not a subject many christians find themselves in, but Dawn has been drawn to it all her life, seeking the truth within the lore. Marlin and Dawn dive deep into the subject of the western infertility world which Dawn experienced for three years before she fired her doctors and diagnosed herself. Treating herself with herbs and teas, she went on to naturally have two children. Not only did she heal herself, but she healed a broken generational pattern within her family. Dawn explains, “Our best healing remedies mimic God’s design… in the western mindset it’s all about controlling the body and making it do what you want it to.” They continue discussing western medicine and processed foods and the “treadmill” these keep us running on. Big Ag and Big Fertility are essentially doing the same thing. They are forcing infertile soil to produce life beyond its capacity. They are bypassing God’s design and forcing their will upon it, without any thoughts of the repercussions. Dawn says there’s a better way, and she’s dedicated her life to discovering it. Learn more about Plain Values at https://plainvalues.com

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Stories Worth Saving | Minute with Marlin – EP #23

In this episode of Minute with Marlin, Marlin traces the origins of the podcast all the way back to when his dad died, 15 years ago. A few months after Marlin’s dad passed, he, his brother, and his mom visited Arthur, IL for a large family reunion. Inevitably at some point, the stories of his dad began to flow, and Marlin wished the day would never end. Marlin’s vision when he began the podcast in 2025 was to recreate that day of storytelling and connection, so stories and moments like those could live on. It became wildly clear how real that vision was soon after he sat down in the studio with his uncle “Monk” along with some cousins to record a four-hour conversation. Unexpectedly, just three weeks later, they lowered Monk into the ground and said goodbye. This is why the Plain Values Podcast exists. Capturing the stories for the next generations. If you have a story worth capturing, send us an email at reachout@plainvalues.com. Learn more about Plain Values at https://plainvalues.com

EP #57 - Ben Garrett on Scary Stories, Materialism, Depravity, & the Cure for it All | Plain Values

In this episode of the Plain Values Podcast Marlin meets Ben Garrett, a woodworker (though he failed at that), pastor, writer, podcaster, and bigfoot researcher. Ben is the pastor at Refuge Church in Ogden, Utah, the co-host of the Haunted Cosmos podcast, and author of the book Killing Lust: Fighting for Purity in a Pornographic Age. Ben begins the episode talking about how he came to Utah and Refuge Church. They discuss childhood, family, and parenting. Then they jump into the deep end discussing the spiritual realm, Bigfoot, mythology, scary stories, and what these should mean to us today. What do we gain by talking about scary stories? Ben answers this question first by cautioning against an unhealthy fascination with the ugly. He goes on to say, “When you (in a measured and sober minded way) are exposed to the ugly, it gives you a greater appreciation for the beautiful. When you make adequate eye contact with the terrible lie, it gives you a much greater appreciation for the truth.” Ben talks about “the cababasis of man.” The descent of man into death or the underworld, and the ascent out. In stories the character grows and learns something that could only come through that descent. Ben and Marlin also discuss materialism, AI, and Ben’s newest book, Killing Lust. This book was written to be worked through alongside a mentor. Not an “accountability partner” or group of guys on the same level of maturity as the addict, but someone further along the journey who can call them out when needed. Anyone who struggles with lust, if they are in church, already has all the tools they need to overcome this sin. This book reminds us of those tools. They close in discussing Milton’s Adam in Paradise Lost and how even after his sin, he may have been the most joyful man who ever lived because he saw Christ and tasted salvific grace. Learn more about Plain Values at https://plainvalues.com 🔵 Where to find Ben: @tompawnbadil (X) newchristendompress.com/killinglust thehauntedcosmos.com Ben is the senior writer at New Christendom Press, Co-host of the Haunted Cosmos podcast, and Pastor at Refuge Church in Ogden, UT. 🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷 🤝THIS EPISODE’S PREMIERE SPONSOR: Rustic Strength Rustic Strength is the real deal. This hardworking family-owned company in Missouri makes high-quality, non-toxic laundry, home, and body care products in small batches… completely free from harsh chemicals, dyes, and synthetic junk you don’t want around your family. Learn more: https://rusticstrength.com/ 🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷 🤝THIS EPISODE’S FEATURED SPONSOR: Azure Standard Our friends at Azure Standard have been quietly setting the standard for clean, wholesome food since the 1970s. Family-owned and values-driven, they make it simple to fill your pantry with organic, non-GMO groceries, bulk staples, and household essentials delivered straight to your door or a convenient local drop point. Learn more: https://www.azurestandard.com 🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷 A great way to show support is to hit LIKE / SUBSCRIBE on this video, and most importantly, join the conversation in the COMMENTS below. We’d love to hear from you. 👉We have a beautiful magazine called Plain Values, sent quarterly ($49/year): https://plainvalues.com/pv-magazine-yt 👉To receive our FREE Plain Values emails: https://plainvalues.com/ 👉To find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plainvalues/ 👉To find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plainvalues/ 🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷 🎵 Hold My Hand - Sam Burchfield Recorded Live - Plain Values - Winesburg, OH Learn more about Sam: https://www.samburchfield.com/ 🎵 Other music - Soundstripe

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The Origins and Revelations of Plain Values | Minute with Marlin – EP #22

Where does the name “Plain Values” come from? The magazine was started 14 years ago within the Plain Community. Marlin himself was born Amish and still has many Amish family members. Though Marlin is no longer Amish, these “plain values” are rooted deeply within him and the brand he created. While reading in Romans, Marlin had a “light bulb” moment where he realized that God is always revealing to us new things and connecting new dots. Sometimes it just takes us a little while to see the bigger picture that He is painting. Learn more about Plain Values at https://plainvalues.com 🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹 A great way to show support is to hit LIKE / SUBSCRIBE on this video, and most importantly, join the conversation in the COMMENTS below. We’d love to hear from you. 👉We have a beautiful magazine called Plain Values, sent quarterly ($49/year): https://plainvalues.com/pv-magazine-yt 👉To receive our FREE Plain Values emails: https://plainvalues.com/ 👉To find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plainvalues/ 👉To find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plainvalues/

EP #56 - Daniel Salatin on His Dad, Farming, & AI Vs. Talking Story | Plain Values

In this episode of the Plain Values Podcast Marlin finally sits down with Daniel Salatin—son of “the most famous farmer in America.” The conversation begins with Marlin asking Daniel about his childhood. Daniel reminisces of his very normal years on the farm, long before fame and documentaries placed his dad in the spotlight. His dad's love of literature, as well as his many roles in the massive chicken butchering operation, played a part in shaping Daniel's life. The conversation moves on to some of the different programs Polyface has each year. Their Steward program brings many interesting people from all walks of life (including Veterans) to the farm, creating plenty of memorable stories. Daniel’s favorite routine farming work happens in the cattle corral. He loves to see how certain farming methods, like the low stress technique and others, have been scientifically proven to bring about health and healing. Daniel is a farmer and doesn’t think a whole lot about Artificial Intelligence, but he says, "You can't Google experience." AI gives facts but cannot give you the context of "talking story," which largely affects those facts. Daniel and Joel ask for prayer for the legacy of Polyface Farm. Not for the Salatin name but for the practices of healing and restoration of the land. Learn more about Plain Values at https://plainvalues.com 🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷 🤝THIS EPISODE’S PREMIERE SPONSOR: Rustic Strength Rustic Strength is the real deal. This hardworking family-owned company in Missouri makes high-quality, non-toxic laundry, home, and body care products in small batches… completely free from harsh chemicals, dyes, and synthetic junk you don’t want around your family. Learn more: https://rusticstrength.com/ 🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷 🤝THIS EPISODE’S FEATURED SPONSOR: Azure Standard Our friends at Azure Standard have been quietly setting the standard for clean, wholesome food since the 1970s. Family-owned and values-driven, they make it simple to fill your pantry with organic, non-GMO groceries, bulk staples, and household essentials delivered straight to your door or a convenient local drop point. Learn more: https://www.azurestandard.com 🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷 🤝THIS EPISODE’S FEATURED SPONSOR: Invited: Collection 001 If you're craving stories that restore faith in hard times, Invited: Collection 001 is a handpicked "best of" from Plain Values magazine… uplifting accounts of triumph, simple joys, adoption beauty, homesteading wisdom, and gospel-centered living. Learn more: https://plainvalues.com/invited 🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷 A great way to show support is to hit LIKE / SUBSCRIBE on this video, and most importantly, join the conversation in the COMMENTS below. We’d love to hear from you. 👉We have a beautiful magazine called Plain Values, sent quarterly ($49/year): https://plainvalues.com/pv-magazine-yt 👉To receive our FREE Plain Values emails: https://plainvalues.com/ 👉To find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plainvalues/ 👉To find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plainvalues/ 🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷 🎵 Hold My Hand - Sam Burchfield Recorded Live - Plain Values - Winesburg, OH Learn more about Sam: https://www.samburchfield.com/ 🎵 Other music - Soundstripe

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Tell Me Your Story | Minute with Marlin – EP #21

Do you have a story to tell? A story of miraculous nature or of ordinary faithfulness? A story of life and love, of grief and pain? The Plain Values podcast is here for stories such as these. Stories from people who have been through it, and despite the odds come out grateful on the other side. If this story is yours, or if you know someone who Marlin should meet, please email us at reachout@plainvalues.com. Learn more about Plain Values at https://plainvalues.com 🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹 A great way to show support is to hit LIKE / SUBSCRIBE on this video, and most importantly, join the conversation in the COMMENTS below. We’d love to hear from you. 👉We have a beautiful magazine called Plain Values, sent quarterly ($49/year): https://plainvalues.com/pv-magazine-yt 👉To receive our FREE Plain Values emails: https://plainvalues.com/ 👉To find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plainvalues/ 👉To find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plainvalues/

EP #55 - Joel Salatin on the World’s Narrative Vs. God’s Reality | Joel Salatin | Plain Values

In this episode of the Plain Values podcast, Marlin sits down a second time with Joel Salatin to discuss several cultural hot potatoes like Big Pharma, Big Ag, Big tech, and how Christians should think about these things. They also discuss several Christian mandates around business, animal care, the elderly, and how we should view death. They begin by discussing what Joel considers to be the biggest crisis in America–our tendency to accept without question the narratives that are fed to us. Joel shares his belief in the Christian mandate to question the given narrative and discover for ourselves the truth behind the lies. Continuing on, they also discuss the rise and danger of communism in America, how Joel thinks about money, and his philosophies for growing his business. Does God care about the happiness of farm animals? If you’re a Christian, the answer is of course, yes. Joel poses the question, “If God cares about the chicken, how should this affect the way we raise them?” Christians are the salt of the world and are meant to stand out. From the way we raise our animals, to how we run our business, and all the relationships in between, we should look different from the world. In issue 145 of Plain Values magazine, Joel wrote an article called “Postponing Heaven.” Marlin and Joel discuss this article and all the ways we ignore the realities of death in our culture. They close out the episode discussing life and death, and what Joel would like to do with his remaining time on earth. Learn more about Plain Values at https://plainvalues.com 🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷 🤝THIS EPISODE’S PREMIERE SPONSOR: Rustic Strength Rustic Strength is the real deal. This hardworking family-owned company in Missouri makes high-quality, non-toxic laundry, home, and body care products in small batches… completely free from harsh chemicals, dyes, and synthetic junk you don’t want around your family. Learn more: https://rusticstrength.com/ 🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷 🤝THIS EPISODE’S FEATURED SPONSOR: Azure Standard Our friends at Azure Standard have been quietly setting the standard for clean, wholesome food since the 1970s. Family-owned and values-driven, they make it simple to fill your pantry with organic, non-GMO groceries, bulk staples, and household essentials delivered straight to your door or a convenient local drop point. Learn more: https://www.azurestandard.com 🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷 🤝THIS EPISODE’S FEATURED SPONSOR: Invited: Collection 001 If you're craving stories that restore faith in hard times, Invited: Collection 001 is a handpicked "best of" from Plain Values magazine… uplifting accounts of triumph, simple joys, adoption beauty, homesteading wisdom, and gospel-centered living. Learn more: https://homesteadliving.com/invited-collection-001/ 🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷 A great way to show support is to hit LIKE / SUBSCRIBE on this video, and most importantly, join the conversation in the COMMENTS below. We’d love to hear from you. 👉We have a beautiful magazine called Plain Values, sent quarterly ($49/year): https://plainvalues.com/pv-magazine-yt 👉To receive our FREE Plain Values emails: https://plainvalues.com/ 👉To find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plainvalues/ 👉To find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plainvalues/ 🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷🔹🔷 🎵 Hold My Hand - Sam Burchfield Recorded Live - Plain Values - Winesburg, OH Learn more about Sam: https://www.samburchfield.com/ 🎵 Other music - Soundstripe 318EAKWK3YLRWQIK XGP2ONZKO2TOQJQV #plainvalues #joelsalatin #lunaticfarmer

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Relationships are Better Than Trophies | Minute with Marlin – EP #20

Marlin had never shot a deer before. His friend took him hunting for another chance at his luck. They were talking, laughing, and rattling some antlers to try to lure the deer in. They must have been doing more talking than hunting for they didn’t even notice when they had brought in a nice shooter buck. They only noticed when Marlin finally laughed a little too loud and the buck took notice of them. The buck spooked and ran away, and Marlin missed another chance at a nice buck. Marlin reflects on this story and realizes he has no regrets about losing out on that deer. He decides he treasures the memory of sitting in a tree stand with his cousin, laughing and losing a buck, more than he would antlers on a wall. He chooses relationships over trophies. Learn more about Plain Values at https://plainvalues.com

There’s Only One “You” | Minute with Marlin – EP #19

On Books and the Library of Congress - Minute with Marlin EP #18

A tech company is scanning millions of old, rare books and then destroying them in the name of technological advancement. What happens when we destroy real things and replace them with digital versions? We will never again know the originals. Marlin shares of his love of books and the libraries that hold them. The Library of Congress is the biggest library in the world with 164 million items preserved in its walls. Marlin hopes to walk amongst those pages one day and would love to know which of his listeners have already been. Learn more about Plain Values at https://plainvalues.com

EP #54 - The Long and Beautiful Arc of Adoption Support with Larry Yoder | Plain Values

In this episode of the Plain Values Podcast, Marlin continues his conversation with Larry from Pure Gift of God. What began as a simple fundraising and mentoring effort in 2013 has grown into something far deeper… therapy services, TBRI training, family support groups, and practical help for adoptive and foster families who refuse to walk alone. Larry shares how the hard parts of adoption rarely end when the paperwork is signed. Ongoing struggles surface, and Pure Gift responded by building a therapy center and bringing in trusted practitioners. Larry explains how trauma rewires a child’s brain and why traditional discipline often fails. The work is not about fixing kids with a magic tool. It is about helping parents understand the need behind the behavior, lower unrealistic expectations, and raise their acceptance. He is honest: even those who know the principles still only get it right part of the time. Grace is required on every side. They talk about the loneliness many families feel, the weight on marriages, and the simple ways the wider community can show up (meals, respite, laundry, presence) without waiting to be asked. Larry’s dream is larger still: more space, educator training, and a community strong enough that fewer children age out without a family. The work is hard. The timeline is long. But the God who provides is still working on our behalf. Learn more about Plain Values at https://plainvalues.com Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 3:55 - Relying on God's Provision 12:26 - Funding the Mission 16:27 - What is TBRI? 23:50 - All Behavior is Explained With Enough Information 36:54 - Larry's Favorite Story 50:55 - Finding Healing by Lowering the Mask 1:03:07 - Remove the Pedestal 1:09:37 - The Fall Festival at Walnut Creek 🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹 🤝THIS EPISODE’S PREMIERE SPONSOR: Rustic Strength Rustic Strength is the real deal. This hardworking family-owned company in Missouri makes high-quality, non-toxic laundry, home, and body care products in small batches… completely free from harsh chemicals, dyes, and synthetic junk you don’t want around your family. Learn more: https://rusticstrength.com/ 🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹 🤝THIS EPISODE’S FEATURED SPONSOR: Azure Standard Our friends at Azure Standard have been quietly setting the standard for clean, wholesome food since the 1970s. Family-owned and values-driven, they make it simple to fill your pantry with organic, non-GMO groceries, bulk staples, and household essentials delivered straight to your door or a convenient local drop point. Learn more: https://www.azurestandard.com 🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹 🤝THIS EPISODE’S FEATURED SPONSOR: Invited: Collection 001 If you're craving stories that restore faith in hard times, Invited: Collection 001 is a handpicked "best of" from Plain Values magazine… uplifting accounts of triumph, simple joys, adoption beauty, homesteading wisdom, and gospel-centered living. Learn more: https://homesteadliving.com/invited-collection-001/ 🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹 A great way to show support is to hit LIKE / SUBSCRIBE on this video, and most importantly, join the conversation in the COMMENTS below. We’d love to hear from you. 👉We have a beautiful magazine called Plain Values, sent quarterly ($49/year): https://plainvalues.com/pv-magazine-yt 👉To receive our FREE Plain Values emails: https://plainvalues.com/ 👉To find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plainvalues/ 👉To find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plainvalues/ 🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹 In 2023, we joined forces with Homestead Living. There’s some pretty cool stuff going on there, as well. 👉To subscribe to our stunning Homestead Living magazine ($49/year): https://hmln.co/hlm-pvp-yt 👉To receive our FREE Homestead Living emails: https://homesteadliving.com/ 👉To find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesteadlivingmagazine/ 👉To find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homesteadlivingmagazine 🎵All music by Sam Burchfield (intro) Sam Burchfield - Hold My Hand Recorded Live - Plain Values - Winesburg, OH Learn more about Sam: https://www.samburchfield.com/ T0ZPMSFJ7VLMSCN8

House Concert Series: Chris Slaten (Son of Laughter) | Plain Values

On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, friends and neighbors gathered at Plain Values HQ in Winesburg for an intimate house concert with singer-songwriter Chris Slaten, known as “Son of Laughter.” The evening was intentionally small and cozy, the kind of night where the music feels personal and the stories land deeply. Chris filled the space with thoughtful, theologically rich songs that explore faith, redemption, longing, and the quiet beauty found in everyday life. With coffee and homemade treats ready, and the Black Willow food truck serving before the doors opened at 6:00, the room settled into the kind of shared stillness that makes these nights special. By the end of the evening, the songs had done what they do best: connected hearts, reminded us of the ache and hope of being human, and left people encouraged and refreshed. Even if you missed the live event, you can watch the whole thing right here. This concert captures exactly what we hope to cultivate with the Plain Values Podcast and our house concert series: telling stories that matter and bringing us closer together at the table. If this evening filled your coffee cup, we’d be grateful if you’d leave a thoughtful comment, hit Like, and Subscribe so more friends can find these gatherings. We’re always looking for more friends. Looking forward to the next one…

EP #53 - Grace, Storytelling & the God Who Still Writes | Plain Values

In this episode of the Plain Values Podcast, Marlin sits down with Chris Slaten (better known as Son of Laughter) a Chattanooga musician, English literature teacher, husband to Lindsay, and father of three. What unfolds is a rich, unhurried conversation about art, grace, storytelling, and the quiet work of faithfulness. Chris traces the origin of his stage name to Sally Lloyd-Jones’s Jesus Storybook Bible and the story of Isaac: the child born in spite of his parents’ cynical laughter, a pattern that runs throughout Scripture of God creating beauty and new life out of human doubt. That same tension fuels his music. Christian artists, he notes, get to work on the broadest possible palette… more cynical about the human condition than Quentin Tarantino, yet more hopeful than Walt Disney. The conversation ranges widely: the slow, repetitive craft of songwriting; the joy of discovering intricate patterns in literature (and in Genesis) with high-school students; the humility of realizing how little we know; and the invitation to rest in a God who sees us in secret. Chris shares about a long-gestating musical on the life of Jacob, a character whose depths and heights perfectly embody the complicated canvas of grace. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, an artist, or simply someone carrying more than you can manage, this episode offers the steady reminder that the story is not over. The day’s demands are for bigger hands. The God who sings over His people is still writing, and still inviting us into the secret meeting under the blanket of His attention. Learn more about Plain Values at https://plainvalues.com

Minute with Marlin EP #17 – Snowflake Bentley

Have you ever heard the phrase “no two snowflakes are alike”? Marlin shares the fascinating story of Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley, a self-educated farmer from Jericho, Vermont. In 1885, Bentley became the first person to successfully photograph a single snow crystal. He went on to take thousands of photographs of individual snowflakes and never found two that were exactly the same. His work was published in magazines and universities around the world, and he became known as Snowflake Bentley. Marlin wonders: What beautiful things can we discover if we slow down and take a closer look at the world around us? These short, heartfelt Minutes with Marlin deliver quick moments of wisdom, faith, humility, and encouragement… perfect for busy homestead days when we need a gentle reminder of what really matters. Learn more about Plain Values at https://plainvalues.com

EP #52 - Ernie Hershberger: From Chicken House to The Met

In this episode of The Plain Values Podcast… Some stories remind us that humble beginnings and faithful stewardship can lead to extraordinary places. Ernie Hershberger grew up the oldest of eight in Walnut Creek, Ohio. His dad was a mechanic, and Ernie followed him into the shop, learning the craft of building from raw lumber. In 1990, he and his wife Barb took a leap and opened a small furniture store in what used to be a chicken house in Mount Hope. What started as a simple desire to serve customers well soon grew into something much larger. Today, Homestead Furniture is known for building truly custom, American-made pieces, while Abner Henry has taken Ernie’s work into the world of high-end design, including a major collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In this wide-ranging conversation, Ernie opens up about the long, sometimes brutal journey of learning to lead a team, the spiritual discipline of letting go of self, and why he doesn’t believe in setting goals. He shares how he’s learned to create “data compartments” in his day (protecting time for family, church, and rest) and how the same principles of stewardship and servant leadership apply to business, family, and faith. Whether you’re running a business, raising a family, or simply trying to live with purpose, Ernie’s quiet wisdom offers a powerful reminder: success isn’t about reaching a finish line… it’s about faithfully stewarding the talent God has given you, one faithful step at a time. If this conversation filled your coffee cup, we would humbly invite you to leave a thoughtful comment below and please, don’t be shy … the Like and Subscribe buttons help more friends find this episode. We’re always looking for more friends. Learn more about Ernie Hershberger at homesteadfurniture.com. Learn more about Plain Values at plainvalues.com.

Minute with Marlin EP #16 – Forever Families

In 1976, Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis declared an Adoption Week to promote awareness of the need for fostering and adoption. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan expanded it nationally. Marlin reflects on Reagan’s powerful words from that time, which still ring true today: “Families have always stood at the center of our society… At a time when many fear that the family is in decline, it is fitting that we give special recognition to those who are rebuilding families by promoting adoption.” Reagan emphasized that more children with permanent homes mean fewer children with permanent problems. Marlin encourages us to be mindful during Adoption Awareness Month of the millions of children who need loving forever families. Each of those kids has their own story. What they really need at the core is a family to love them. These short, heartfelt Minutes with Marlin deliver quick moments of wisdom, faith, humility, and encouragement… perfect for busy homestead days when we need a gentle reminder of what really matters. Learn more about Plain Values at https://plainvalues.com

EP #51 - The Story Is Never Over (The Long View of Foster Care)

In this episode of the Plain Values Podcast, Marlin finishes his conversation with Kevin Hewitt, a longtime foster-care worker whose decades of walking alongside families have given him a deep well of stories… and an even deeper trust in God’s redemptive power. Kevin’s point is simple and profound: we often measure foster care (and life) by short timelines. God sees the long arc. He can redeem what looks impossible. The conversation turned personal as Kevin admits his own ongoing struggle to rest in God’s love rather than constantly measuring himself as a winner or loser. He points to Zephaniah 3:17, where the Creator of the universe sings over His people like a mighty warrior. Whether you foster, adopt, or simply need hope that the story isn’t finished, this episode offers quiet, hard-won encouragement. The work is hard. The timeline is long. But the God who sings over us is still writing. Listen now and be reminded: the story is not over… Learn more about Plain Values at https://plainvalues.com

Minute with Marlin EP #15 – Uh-Oh Daddy, Bee

Marlin and his daughter Adelaide were sitting on a bench watching the birds when a tiny gnat started buzzing around. Adelaide, who has Down syndrome, suddenly stopped talking and with every ounce of her being looked at her dad with huge eyes and said, “Oh, daddy, bee!” Marlin lives for those sweet, simple moments. Life is full of big questions and struggles… feeling unworthy, comparing ourselves to others, wondering if we measure up, carrying guilt and shame. But real joy often comes in the small, authentic moments: sitting with a friend, sharing struggles, and knowing we are loved anyway. Marlin hopes that one day, authenticity and joy will be remembered about him. These short, heartfelt Minutes with Marlin deliver quick moments of wisdom, faith, humility, and encouragement… perfect for busy homestead days when we need a gentle reminder of what really matters.

EP #50 - The Healing Power of Art: Stories from Inside the Hospital Walls | Roc Baker

In this episode of the Plain Values Podcast, host Marlin Miller sits down with Roc Baker to trace a life forged in West Virginia hills, Ohio oil fields, and deep family roots. From his father’s hard-earned lessons in the tool-dressing days to raising six boys, Roc shares the gritty, grounded wisdom that shaped him. The talk flows naturally into the healing power of art. Roc recounts painting hospital walls and panels with patients, from a stroke survivor who suddenly spoke again to a troubled teen in Greece who softened with every brushstroke. The process, not the product, builds connection and brings peace. “The pain goes away when they paint,” he says. Music enters too… late-blooming guitars and the joy of learning alongside grandchildren. Roc reflects on grandparenting as the chance to slow down and pass on what matters: birdhouses, whittling, real conversation. He weighs today’s changes (AI, quantum computing, cultural shifts) with steady realism. Energy demands, common sense, and protecting what’s entrusted to us all surface as quiet concerns. Yet his anchor remains clear: gratitude, generosity, and daily prayer for wisdom. Warm, candid, and full of lived truth, this episode reminds us that real wealth lives in relationships, creativity, and the steady pursuit of happiness. Perfect for anyone craving perspective from a life well-rooted. Whether you’re a musician, a creative, or simply someone who appreciates honest conversations about faith and culture, this episode offers encouragement to pursue your gifts while keeping family and integrity first. Learn more about Plain Values at https://plainvalues.com

Minute with Marlin EP #14 – 99% Is Not Good Enough

Marlin reflects on the powerful imagery Jesus used when talking about the shepherd and his sheep. He recently became a shepherd himself, and he’s seen firsthand how sheep know their shepherd’s voice. When the shepherd calls, the whole flock comes running. Jesus told the story of the shepherd who leaves the 99 sheep to go after the one that is lost. Marlin notes how easy it is to read that passage without truly grasping the weight of it. Leaving 99 sheep is a lot. It’s risky. But the shepherd cares so deeply about that one lost sheep that he goes after it anyway. Marlin is thankful that our Good Shepherd doesn’t say “95% is good enough.” He cares about every single one. These short, heartfelt Minutes with Marlin deliver quick moments of wisdom, faith, humility, and encouragement… perfect for busy homestead days when we need a gentle reminder of what really matters.