Ep. 104 Penny Carlton, Keuka Roots
/Show Notes Summary
Sometimes a conversation about a place becomes a conversation about something much bigger.
Penny Carlton started Keuka Roots as a simple blog about the people, places and history surrounding Keuka Lake. But as she began writing from the heart, something changed. People connected with the stories — including people who had never lived in the region.
And maybe that's because this conversation isn't really just about Keuka.
It's about roots.
It's about understanding the stories of the places we call home. It's about slowing down enough to notice the people around us. And it's about values that can sound almost old-fashioned today — kindness, respect, dignity, faith, family and simply being a good neighbor.
Penny shares a childhood story about her grandfather that shaped how she sees human dignity, the lessons she learned from people experiencing homelessness while making a documentary in Nashville, and why she sees younger generations searching for something simpler and more connected.
We also talk about history, storytelling, authenticity, faith, and the realization that perhaps our greatest opportunity to influence the world isn't somewhere far away.
Maybe it's right next door.
In this episode, we explore:
How Keuka Roots grew from a simple blog into something Penny believes has a much larger purpose.
Why storytelling can connect us to a place, its history and one another.
The childhood experience that shaped Penny's understanding of kindness, respect and human dignity.
Why Penny believes we've lost something by no longer truly being neighbors.
The surprising history that even lifelong residents may not know about the places around them.
Why Penny sees younger generations searching for simpler lives and reconnecting with their roots.
The importance of authenticity as Keuka Roots continues to grow.
What Penny learned about accountability and faith from the people she met while documenting homelessness.
Why meaningful change may begin with everyday conversations — and the person living next door.
Guest: Penny Carlton, Founder, Keuka Roots™
Explore Penny's work: Keuka Roots™