Rooted Agritourism

In this inspiring episode of Rooted Agritourism, host Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen shares the mic with publishing veterans and fellow authors during the Future Proof Author panel at Podfest 2026. Whether you're dreaming of writing your first book or looking to scale your author platform, this panel is packed with actionable advice on storytelling, publishing, platform-building, and book marketing for rural entrepreneurs and creative business owners.
Liz opens up about her personal journey—from flower farmer and podcast host to memoir author—and how grief, growth, and entrepreneurship collided to shape her book. Joined by experts from Morgan James Publishing and other successful authors, this conversation dives into the real stories and smart strategies that help authors not only publish but thrive.
Key Topics Covered:
How to decide what book to write (and why it matters for your future)
Marketing your book before it’s even finished
Why your personal story is your strongest brand asset
Self-publishing vs traditional publishing insights
Building an engaged audience with pre-orders and waitlists
Social media and email strategy tips for first-time authors
Creating a sustainable content and promotion plan
Leveraging podcast guesting and live events to grow your author platform
The importance of aligning your book with your long-term business goals
Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273
Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/
Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/
Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/
Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com
FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/
Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/
Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, owner of Sunny Mary Meadow, delves into the core principles of crop planning for flower farms. Emphasizing alignment rather than control, she discusses scheduling bloom times to match sales needs. Liz shares insights from her own experiences, explaining how she uses succession planting and planning tools to optimize planting schedules and fulfill her varied event commitments. While promoting her crop planning platform Farmers to Florist, she insists the principles can be applied manually with notebooks or spreadsheets. Liz underscores the importance of early planning to make informed decisions and maximize the use of crops during their harvest windows. The episode also highlights the upcoming Flower Farmer Forum conference and provides resources for further learning and support for rural entrepreneurs.
00:00 Introduction to Crop Planning
00:10 Welcome to Rooted Agritourism
00:40 Understanding Crop Planning for Flower Farms
01:50 The Importance of Crop Planning
02:32 Real-Life Examples from My Farm
04:02 Planning for Different Business Models
05:27 Succession Planting and Season Extension
09:11 Using Tools for Efficient Crop Planning
13:10 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273
Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/
Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/
Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/
Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com
FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/
Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/
Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

In this episode of the Rooted Agritourism podcast, host Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen sits down with Dr. Mark Hicks of The Learning Love Foundation to discuss personal growth, healthy relationships, and the journey of becoming a published author. Dr. Hicks shares his experiences with love, divorce, and building a life that matters through his book, 'Learning Love Building the Life That Matters and Healthy Relationships That Last.' They dive into the importance of relationships in both personal and professional lives, especially for those in the agritourism industry. Dr. Hicks also talks about his background in mental health counseling, divinity, and ministry, emphasizing the universal importance of learning to love. Additionally, Dr. Fiedler Mergen provides updates on her own projects, including the new event venue and her upcoming book. Tune in to gain insights into cultivating love and success in both personal life and business.
00:00 Introduction to Rooted Agritourism
00:19 Welcome to the Rued Egg Tourism Podcast
00:34 Flowers Bloom Anyway: Personal Growth and Grief
00:54 Meet Dr. Mark Hicks
01:20 The Journey of Writing and Publishing
02:14 Building Healthy Relationships
05:24 The Importance of Love in All Aspects of Life
07:27 Credentials and Experience of Dr. Mark Hicks
09:28 Upcoming Changes and Exciting News
11:03 Conclusion and Resources
Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273
Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/
Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/
Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/
Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com
FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/
Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/
Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

In this episode of the Rooted Agritourism Podcast, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, owner of Sunny Mary Meadow, discusses the upcoming Flower Farmer Forum Conference and shares a conversation with Ali from Anderbery Acres in Nebraska about how attending the Flower Farmer Forum conference impacted her flower farming journey. The episode highlights the importance of in-person connections, practical business advice, and learning through direct experiences. Dr. Liz and Ali also talk about pricing strategies, the value of attending live events, planned conference activities, and the diverse pathways to success in flower farming.
00:00 Introduction to Rotted Agritourism
00:19 Welcome Back and Special Guest Introduction
01:33 Ali's Flower Farming Journey
04:46 Conference Experiences and Insights
10:41 Upcoming Events and Workshops
18:51 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273
Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/
Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/
Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/
Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com
FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/
Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/
Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273
In this episode of Rooted Agritourism, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, owner of Sunny Mary Meadow in Central Minnesota, reflects on the highs and lows of 2025. She discusses setting measurable goals, navigating challenges, and enduring personal hardships, including infertility and community opposition to her business. Dr. Mergen provides insights into the grit required to build a thriving agritourism venture and announces exciting upcoming projects like the Farmers to Florist app and her soon-to-be-published book. She emphasizes the importance of slow, sustained effort and resilience in achieving long-term success.00:00 Introduction to Rotted Agritourism
00:19 Reflecting on 2025: Achievements and Challenges
02:28 Building a Thriving Business: The Journey
06:46 Overcoming Community Challenges
08:46 Exciting Plans for 2026
11:39 Upcoming Goals and Final Thoughts
Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273
Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/
Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/
Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/
Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com
FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/
Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/
Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852