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Peacebunny Island

Peacebunny Island

By Caleb Smith

Welcome Aboard! Service-learning adventures of youth going "island hopping" to Peacebunny Island (a real 22 acre private island on the Mississippi River, Minnesota USA, owned by 16 year old Caleb Smith ) and running Peacebunny Cottage. His business trains comfort rabbit and handlers who share Hugs, Hope and Hoppiness.

Program is hosted by Caleb, the youth social entrepreneur who hopes this program helps create excitement for service-learning, environmental STEM, and playing outside.

Copyright 2020
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Currently playing episode

(3.31.20) Optimism while heading upstream against the current

Peacebunny IslandMar 31, 2020

00:00
05:37
(4.7.21) Book Launch and Reopening Peacebunny Cottage

(4.7.21) Book Launch and Reopening Peacebunny Cottage

Behind the scenes how does a teen navigate a National virtual book launch tour and prepare for reopening after COVID restrictions are lifted
Apr 07, 202105:44
(1.22.21) Special Guests: Markus Bachman & Deb Bachman, authors of “Embracing ReMARKable”

(1.22.21) Special Guests: Markus Bachman & Deb Bachman, authors of “Embracing ReMARKable”

Hear from my neighbors — sharing about their special animals, a few of the rabbits they’ve cared for, plus some things that have helped during isolation and hard times.
Jan 23, 202121:29
(11.27.20) Contagious Optimism

(11.27.20) Contagious Optimism

Our unforeseen twists in our journey In 2020 and excitement for book launch in approximately 100 days. So grateful for volunteers and new opportunities and income streams that have made this year remarkable even through / because of the challenges.
Nov 27, 202007:42
(3.31.20) Optimism while heading upstream against the current

(3.31.20) Optimism while heading upstream against the current

Ever feel like you're fighting the current?  Destination unknown?  Two years ago I had just bought a house boat and was working on plans to bring it 100 miles upstream. I didn’t yet know where I was going to land because we hadn't purchased the island yet.  Lots of similarities to today’s uncertainty as all of our contracts for Easter and school programs and libraries are cancelled.  Somehow it worked out even better than I'd ever imagined and I trust that this time of social distancing will push us to try new outreach methods.  More time for farm chores and homework.  More time to fine-tune the business plan.  More time, period.  Thankful for your support as we plan to head 'upstream' 

Mar 31, 202005:37
(2.22.20) “Rock the Park” just aired: Frequently asked questions

(2.22.20) “Rock the Park” just aired: Frequently asked questions

A little insight about Peacebunny Islands, breeds, how to visit and what’s next...
Feb 22, 202009:43
(11.26.19) Rabbits drinking at Peacebunny Cottage.... and a few November updates

(11.26.19) Rabbits drinking at Peacebunny Cottage.... and a few November updates

This month was about a lot of things coming together... so much to be thankful for right now: all the support in achieving Eagle Scout, Great Grandma’s 100th birthday, new tools for the farm. What an amazing month. A fun final bonus track: Ever hear 30 rabbits drinking?  One of my favorite sounds while we're doing some cleaning and setting out the grass and hay bales.  

Nov 26, 201904:23
(10.10.19) October Updates — Mass Rescue and what’s up at Peacebunny Cottage and other news

(10.10.19) October Updates — Mass Rescue and what’s up at Peacebunny Cottage and other news

Hear about our participation in a massive Angora rescue and some quick updates about what we have been up to this month. Episode ends with one of my favorite jams at my choir concert this week. 275 voices singing! Sorry that it just cuts off...
Oct 16, 201905:56
(9.03.19) Great MN Get-together

(9.03.19) Great MN Get-together

State Fair recap and transition to school . Sure the rabbits won lots of awards but listen to how I define success...
Sep 06, 201906:33
(8.25.19) What “Hoppiness” sounds like to me. Plus the analogy of the White and Black Cuckatoos

(8.25.19) What “Hoppiness” sounds like to me. Plus the analogy of the White and Black Cuckatoos

Sounds of birds chirping at Peacebunny Cottage with the bunnies hopping in the nearby pasture. Girls giggling while learning about bunnies at a birthday party.  All things that are part of my "happy places."

An aboriginal saying in Australia has been made into the school song for Hope Vale School. "Nganhthaan Waandaar Nganhthan Ngurraar" means one is a white Cuckatoo and one is a black Cuckatoo—different but together. In a world with so much division, my simple podcast will just be about birds, bunnies, gentle rain and giggles.  Moments we share that transcend all that can divide us.  Enjoy. 

Aug 27, 201914:28
MN State Fair - Part 1

MN State Fair - Part 1

Meeting 4h youth who will talk about their rabbits and various things they have been learning
Aug 25, 201919:16
(8.6.19) Sitting by the river completes me

(8.6.19) Sitting by the river completes me

Sometimes it’s the simple things that matter most — sitting by the river, having a place to dream, spending time with special friends and loved ones. Here’s an update about our journey...
Aug 11, 201907:57
(7.2.19) World Record Trip Planning, River Mappings, Winning Trip to the Island
Jul 02, 201909:04
(6.25.19) Live from the Mainland

(6.25.19) Live from the Mainland

Thanks for visiting...we post photos and hope you'll share the journey with us and tell others. We love getting email and comments on social media, so keep in touch! We also have weekly contests to win a trip out to the island with us. Check our website for details www.PeacebunnyIsland.com

Jun 25, 201904:51
 (6.11.19) SUMMER!! Mississippi River West Bank
Jun 15, 201909:01
Week 16 (5.14.19) Wax on Wax off — some people join the gym!

Week 16 (5.14.19) Wax on Wax off — some people join the gym!

Update on river levels. How we monitor gauges. My unofficial workout program - ha! Sanding project to get ready for houseboat June launch date.
May 14, 201908:01
Week 15: (5.7.19) Welcome to your new home! Amazingly beautiful Blanc de Hotot breed from the town of Hotot France.

Week 15: (5.7.19) Welcome to your new home! Amazingly beautiful Blanc de Hotot breed from the town of Hotot France.

From Madame Blanchard’s Rabbitry in France in 1912 to the Peacebunny Cottage... We are the new home for four 9-12 pound rabbits with striking black eyeliner and satin sheen white fur. We are so grateful to partner with experienced breeders of champions to keep these purebred beauties from extinction. Tator Tot is a dwarf Hotot ( not endangered plus with stray splotches called a sport) but a distant relative who is one of our most popular bunny pals. Please visit YouTube channel this week and subscribe. Have a hoppy day!!
May 08, 201904:12
Week 14: (4.30.19) Daisy scouts, college visits a Bunny Garden, and new arrivals

Week 14: (4.30.19) Daisy scouts, college visits a Bunny Garden, and new arrivals

Springtime means several weekday scout events, lush grass at the Cottage and stress relief stations at universities. Super pumped about the new-for-us canoe trailer after months of watching online sales— game changer!
May 02, 201905:06
Week 13 (4.23.19) Hoppy Easter

Week 13 (4.23.19) Hoppy Easter

April updates including flooding, events, and getting ready for the summer
Apr 24, 201905:25
Week 12 (3.5.19) Flood is coming

Week 12 (3.5.19) Flood is coming

All the bunnies have been safe at Peacebunny Cottage. We knew that the island would have seasonal floods and we experienced high water last year... So no surprise. With no permanent structures we have no risks. Prayers for those who have so much to lose...
Apr 19, 201902:37
Week 11: (2.26.19) Gonna flood

Week 11: (2.26.19) Gonna flood

Wrapping up a snowy month with lots to do to prepare for summer
Feb 27, 201901:09:11
Week 10: (2.12.19) Lovin’ the River: Public meetings on current river issues. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Week 10: (2.12.19) Lovin’ the River: Public meetings on current river issues. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Hear a snippit of what I’ve been learning about the Mississippi River, plus our weekend trip to a library. Ideas how we could use the island to address some of the river environmental concerns, starting with cottonwood trees
Feb 16, 201903:08
Week 9: (2.5.19) Groundhog says "Get your boat ready!"

Week 9: (2.5.19) Groundhog says "Get your boat ready!"

The Ground Hog Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this week and then said "Get the boats ready!"  Here's an update on what's happening during the Polar Vortex that made Minnesota colder than Antarctica this week.  1) Farm chores still happening 2) Port engine is now purring like a kitten while Starboard still needs work 3) Stringer repair will make the floor more stable 4) Considering solar generator for boat batteries?? Lots more to do before we get the houseboat in the water this spring!  Lots of library programs this month & Easter is around the corner...

Feb 07, 201905:35
Week 8: Intro to Angora Rabbits

Week 8: Intro to Angora Rabbits

Winter grooming time
Jan 23, 201903:29
Week 7 (1.8.19) Seamanship class, Sea Scouts, and our whether/weather station

Week 7 (1.8.19) Seamanship class, Sea Scouts, and our whether/weather station

Debriefing this week while riding home from Sea Scouts: Two great interviews, first aid review class, updates from Chaska High school’s capstone project to build a working weather station for our houseboat (also used for transporting our goats along the Mississippi river en route to islands to eat invasive species). Being a kid is awesome!
Jan 09, 201905:46
Week 6: (1.1.19) 2019: It’s going to be amazing

Week 6: (1.1.19) 2019: It’s going to be amazing

Thoughts while traveling: Looking forward to interview experts and other island owners. The Goat whether/weather station is under construction.
Jan 04, 201910:20
Week 5: (12.18.18) Warm weather opportunities

Week 5: (12.18.18) Warm weather opportunities

Visit our YouTube channel 12/20 to see Santa’s visit to Peacebunny Cottage — Our bunnies love riding in wagons and our snow sled so we took some video footage to post for you. Morris and our goats got in the Christmas spirit... SO ADORABLE!
Dec 20, 201803:11
Week 4: (12.11.18) Winter Barn, Business & Boats

Week 4: (12.11.18) Winter Barn, Business & Boats

Hodgepodge of topics: Barn winter chores. Mini bales pickup. Business connections. Seascouts seamanship class
Dec 12, 201804:06
Week 3: (12.4.18) Rabbit Biodiversity - Part I

Week 3: (12.4.18) Rabbit Biodiversity - Part I

Breed Standards • Variations • Fur and Patterns • Apple analogy • Once it’s gone... • Have a Hoppy Day!
Dec 05, 201814:46
Week 2: (11.27.18) Boats out - Island Shift to Winter

Week 2: (11.27.18) Boats out - Island Shift to Winter

Island visit to winterize • Rabbit feed math • Math in our business • Plan for future podcasts • Next week topics • Have a Hoppy Day!
Nov 27, 201818:20
Week 1: Thanksgiving 2018 Reflections

Week 1: Thanksgiving 2018 Reflections

Celebrating a year FULL of dreams coming true! Then add a surprise new idea — a weather whether station! (We are trying to decide names for four boy goats that already are busy munching the buckthorn at the Peacebunny Cottage). Share our silliness as we consider names from the "Cloudy with a chance of meatballs" references).

Now that we actually own the island, I’m SO thankful for all those who made this dream come true and I'm super excited to see what next year will bring!

Post your goat name suggestions (weather related!) to FB or Twitter
Nov 22, 201802:19
WELCOME PREVIEW: Our formal launch is Tuesday Nov 20 so please check back each week

WELCOME PREVIEW: Our formal launch is Tuesday Nov 20 so please check back each week

Welcome from the 14 year old founder of Peacebunny Island, Caleb Smith.
Nov 18, 201801:01