Ep. 5 - Natalie Ziegler: Balancing the Field; Farming, Localization, & Climate Policy

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, Maryland House Delegate Natalie Ziegler joins Host Mark Li for a grounded conversation about what it means to serve—both on the farm and in the Maryland State House. From her late entry into public office to her dual identity as a small business owner and environmental advocate, Ziegler reflects on how personal experience can powerfully shape policy. They dive into the realities of representing rural communities, the balancing act between climate action and economic resilience, and what localization really means when it’s done right. Whether you're interested in politics, sustainability, or simply making a difference in your own backyard, this episode offers a thoughtful look at leadership rooted in lived experience.