CONVERSATIONS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST WITH CAROLINE HURRY~Q/A

Caroline Hurry, the latest guest on my new podcast "Conversations With Friends," provided such profound and insightful responses to the pre-podcast recording questions that I have decided to share them in the form of a blog post.

Conversations with Friends became an idea after I got my Facebook hacked back in May of 2024. I lost connections with a great number of acquaintances, work friends, casual friends, advocacy groups, and more but the loss of this drove me deeper to reflect on what I really valued most about this social media platform AND my connections gained and potentially lost. So join me as I delve into conversations with friends on and off Facebook, from various walks of life, digging deeper into their "stories", joys, struggles, what makes them tick and what they have to offer to the world. We all have something, we all are programmed to think our value lies outside of us. I spent a good portion of my life thinking this, and perpetuating a reality that was not truly grounded and heart centered. As I learned to value what I'd lived through, felt, seen, experienced, it helped me relate and converse in valuable ways with others and continue my lifelong fascination with just what makes people tick. We all are divine and human and the more the walls come down, we share our deepest truths and challenges along the path, the more are able to love, give, receive and engage in a more soul embodied life.

Thanks so much for your thought-provoking questions -

Origins and Inspiration: What inspired you to write The Rooster Diaries, and how did the idea of having a rooster narrate these perspectives come about?

I started keeping hens two decades ago when I learned the uncomfortable truths about the chicken and egg production industries and factory farming.  Industrial chicken farming packs these intelligent, spirited birds into cramped cages where a single sheet of paper has more space than they do. Ninety percent of egg-laying hens in the U.S. live in conditions like this. Even so-called "free-range" labels deceive as many of those hens are still jammed together, barely experiencing any freedom.

These hens live by artificial light 24/7 to increase egg production. Chickens aren’t meant to be kept in perpetual daylight, forced to churn out eggs endlessly. Male chicks are treated most atrociously, being ground up, often live, into pet food. They are living creatures, each with quirks, who thrive in a natural environment—wooden perches, straw bedding, nourishing darkness—all of which should be taken for granted.

But nobody likes a lecture, right? Least of all me, and there’s only so much cruelty anyone can face, so I decided to introduce a little humor into my chicken-keeping forays. The more I learned the truth about most mass-produced food and cosmetics, the less I found I could support them. So, I just started trying to produce eggs and vegetables. I made many mistakes. All the mishaps outlined in the book happened in some way. Perhaps the biggest takeaway is ensuring your neighbor is fine with your rooster’s proximity and brushing up on the zoning regulations.

While I am no expert, after two decades, you could say I know more than people who have never tried to keep hens. While there are dozens of good chicken-raising guides, I saw none written from the Rooster’s perspective, even though chickens have been part of our lives forever. In English, words like ‘cockpit,’ ‘cocksure,’ and ‘pecking order’ came straight from the rooster’s lexicon. The rooster symbolizes wakefulness and is related also to the sun. Alectryon, the name (my Rooster’s name), was once a brave warrior who got turned into a rooster for not waking up his master in time!

In some Gnostic traditions, the rooster-headed deity Abraxas was the ‘God above all Gods. ' He symbolized protection, energy, and new beginnings. Carl Jung called Abraxas ‘the truly terrible one’ because of his ability to generate good and evil or chaos with impunity. Carlos Santana named an album after him. He had a rooster's head, a man's torso, and serpent legs. According to Carl Jung, fear of Abraxas is the beginning of wisdom. Liberation, or gnosis, is achieved by not resisting. I see it as a purification process. Everything – good or bad – is ‘purifying’ or changing constantly, and resistance is futile.

The ancient Egyptians, too, revered Thoth, a god of wisdom often depicted with the head of an ibis, a close avian relative of their South African counterpart, the Hadeda Ibis.

In their natural roles, these birds embody cycles—whether the rooster crowing at dawn or the ibis calling at dusk. They’re symbols of time and our connection to nature’s flow—a far cry from the relentless artificiality of factory farms. My chickens live as naturally as possible in suburbia, with wooden perches and straw bedding, and they follow the rhythms of night and day.  Smart Alec, my wise-cracking rooster narrator, says, “Doing something is better than doing nothing.”

I also have a few pet Hadedas that roam free and roost in the trees.

Hearing my rooster crow each morning reminds me to anchor into the natural world, grounding me with a sense of resilience and trust in Mother Nature.

“I thought I was rescuing chickens, but they rescued me.”

The Rooster Diaries is an invitation to reconnect with our food, nature, and people who value more than just profit and productivity. Keeping chickens can lead to a more autonomous, thoughtful way of living. It’s my small way of honoring Akoko and the countless chickens who serve humanity at such great personal cost.

Where chickens, folklore, and suburbia meet

Chickens are woven into cultural rituals and ancestral stories. African mythology tells of a sky god, Nyame, who punished a creature named Akoko by turning her into a chicken, condemning her to scratch for food on the ground as punishment for gossiping. Akoko, the original mother hen, also represents motherhood, sustenance, and protection. Sadly, chickens are also used in rituals – as scapegoats in the Hassidic Kapparot ritual and in southern Africa, where a member of parliament raised a few eyebrows after biting off a chicken’s head in an ancestral ceremony. ‘We do what our spirits tell us.’

The Rooster Diaries is set in South Africa, where suburbia has segued from afternoon tennis to living off the grid out of necessity. Water and electricity supplies are intermittent, and the police force is so defunct that everyone relies on private security firms.

The first rule of homesteading, which might equally apply to life, is that you get further with a little bribery and a blind eye than a blind eye alone.  So, it boils down to minding your business, doing your best, and sharing with your neighbors during tough times. It's also about respecting local cultural beliefs, which are not to be scoffed at. I was born in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) and grew up with the story of NyamiNyami and the Kariba Dam.

Missionaries who first came to Africa were largely disrespectful of tribal beliefs in their desire to preach Christianity. I grew up with many of these beliefs in ‘otherworldly or dimensional creatures who acted like gods.’ And I often wonder where mythological creatures came from. When Muzela, the gardener, is attacked by a supernatural water demon of the Nkanyamba Zulu kind, he is taken seriously by Mem and her neighbor Abigail but ultimately sorts it out for himself with traditional medicine, which turns out to be little more than colored petroleum jelly, – showing the power of the placebo effect.

#Fowlsacrifices #ancestralcallings

Chickens are still the primary sacrificial offering to appease interdimensional overlords in every country and culture. Hasidic Jews, for example, swing a live chicken three times around their heads while reciting a prayer.

The kapparot prayer states: “May the rooster go onto death for this person to remain alive.” Some are surreptitious about their private rituals. Others obey their ancestral callings more openly. One South African parliamentarian filmed biting a live chicken’s head off and throwing the carcass into the river told the media: “We do what our spirits tell us ... everyone works by the instructions of their ancestors.”

My chickens keep me sane. Hearing my rooster crow first thing in the morning logs me into the natural world. Using Smart Alec as a narrator allowed me to explore themes like love, mortality, and self-sufficiency without sounding like a self-help guru. Right now, he’s also a voice for Mother Nature. He is virile and alpha in a world where men are encouraged to emulate women, encroach on our spaces, and even most of our food is barely nutritious.  

Smart Alec’s Character: Can you tell us more about Smart Alec? What qualities in him mirror human nature, and how did you craft his voice to feel both relatable and distinct?

Smart Alec sees himself as a direct descendant on par with every bird god from Abraxis to Thoth. He encourages human readers to see themselves as ‘energy between forms.” He loves himself and is proud of who he is – he wastes no time on “identifying as anything.” He simply puffs out his chest and struts his stuff in true alpha male style.  He doesn’t mince his words, which makes him the perfect narrator. Because he is so tuned in with Nature, he does not question his ability to strut through life with certainty. Puzzled by the human obsession with time, money, and productivity, he has his way of distilling these “big ideas” into rooster-sized bites.

It’s as though we humans use language and semantics. In contrast, Mother Nature’s creatures (animals) tune straight into the golden frequency. Alec chooses his words carefully to convey a high frequency. However, it’s not always easy for everyone to relate to, especially as many wait for an external authority to tell them what to do. Roosters have witnessed humanity’s evolution from scattered tribes to sprawling suburbs. The rooster was my muse, my morning alarm, and my ‘return to the soil to try and absorb more negative ions directly.’

Connecting Chickens and Human Life: Chickens and roosters often carry symbolic weight in literature and folklore. How did you balance the light-hearted and philosophical elements in Smart Alec’s musings on both human and animal nature?

Chickens aren’t known for their attention spans, so Alec’s musings are often short and sharp pecks. I love the African folklore around Akoko, the original mother hen because it is the same in ALL the African cultures (which is what I explored being African, though of European origin. Some even say hens descended from dinosaurs, which I don’t personally believe, but there is indeed so much myth about non-human beings.

When missionaries came to Africa – southern Africa in particular – they did their best to stamp out these “myths,” but they have prevailed in African culture. I weigh up which is worse: factory farming or using them in rituals? I don’t like either, but arguably, the latter is slightly better if they had a good life; one can get into murky waters with ancestral rituals – and I wonder if our ancestors might be using up to escape this realm. The thing with being a writer is that you can end up naval gazing a lot!!! Which I do… Corporate choices have never considered nature spirits, but in local African cultures, not honoring ancestors can have major repercussions. Our ancestors may have made us who we are, but we also inherit their rage and frustration. Perhaps our purpose is to help them die in our arms and evolve in Nature’s gold frequencies. As Alec might say, it’s ok not to know. Not knowing an outcome is part of our initiation. It’s a cliché, but life is an enigma. 

Smart Alec pokes fun at our human obsessions—the quest for fame and the need to prove ourselves. Alec’s commentary on the “human flock” keeps the tone light-hearted because none of us should take ourselves too seriously. What if everything’s a cosmic joke?

Self-Sufficiency and Conscious Eating: This book aligns with a movement toward self-sufficiency and more conscious living. How has your perspective on food, nature, and community evolved through writing The Rooster Diaries?

We have become so disconnected from our food that it’s quite terrifying. One way to tell is to compare your homegrown produce and how fast it goes off compared to the store-bought equivalent. I’m reading about incidences where rodents and birds won’t touch genetically modified food. I make everything myself, from my toiletries, and produce as much food as possible. I don’t eat anything that has an advert. Your food should be a product of a harmonious ecosystem, but most of us have moved far from that lifestyle. Doing what you can, even growing lettuces in a pot on your apartment balcony or supporting small farmers by buying their produce, helps because we vote with our money.

It’s grounding in gathering eggs from the coop, watching your vegetables sprout from the soil, and being part of a natural cycle that doesn’t cut corners. In a world of instant gratification, The Rooster Diaries was my way of saying, “Let’s slow down.” Alec is the rooster, but he’s wise enough to know that life is best savored when we embrace the natural flow. Self-sufficiency is less about isolation and more about finding joy in simple, intentional living.

Humor and Insight: Smart Alec’s humor is key to his charm. How did you balance humor with depth, ensuring readers find laughter and meaningful takeaways?

By nature, roosters are a tad pompous and absurd—all that strutting and preening. A friend had a hilarious peacock. He would fan his tail at the peahens. When they took no notice …  he would wander over to the chickens and fan his tail for them in case there were any takers!!  Alec’s humor stems from his earnest bewilderment at human life. He finds us perplexing—why do we chase things we can’t eat? Why are we so reliant on the good opinion of others and external validation? Why do we need to believe in something outside ourselves when we truly have no idea who we are? Well, at least I don’t!! Sprinkling humor into his reflections on life and mortality keeps the tone light-hearted, allowing readers to absorb deeper messages without feeling lectured. A spoonful of humor helps the insights go down!

Rooster ’s-Eye View of Suburban Life: Through Smart Alec, you explore suburban living and the quirks of human behavior. What reflections did you want to bring about modern life, particularly suburban culture, through this rooster’s-eye view?

Suburban life is full of quirky rituals, so many humans try to manipulate their way through life in their quest to nest. Humans are guided by what they read on social media and love being told how to think, vote, or be. I can’t help comparing humans to stock animals on a farm sometimes – the way we queue in corrals at airports, for example. The push to get vaccinated is still trying to bend us into their ideal way of life. All too often, when it comes to food, convenience and marketing hide unspeakable cruelty.

Why do we insist on perfect lawns, for instance, when nature prefers a little wildness? Why do we rush to work daily, only to spend the weekends trying to “unwind”? Alec reminds us that life might be simpler—and far more satisfying—if we just embraced a bit of mess—a playful nudge to reevaluate our habits.

Bridging Nature with Suburbia: The book connects the natural world with suburban routines and norms. What lessons or perspectives do you think Alec’s insights can offer to people living in urban and suburban settings?

Kindness, cooperation, and neighborliness are the best ways forward. This does not mean being kind to predators but having a clear-eyed, pragmatic approach. You check in with yourself as a guide – heed your voice, the higher power evolving within (and without) you rather than being part of a ‘hive mind.’ Our identities shift all the time. Some people are desperate for approval, thus opening themselves to people who don’t have their best interests at heart. Humans get so caught up in our emotions. Alec reminds us to reconnect with the rhythms of nature, no matter where we live. Whether it’s taking a moment to feel the grass underfoot, appreciating a backyard full of bird chatter, or admiring a full moon, I also hope that by making Alec more human, people might think twice about the lives most chickens are forced to lead.

The Mem character is based on me, and I need to ground myself—barefoot in the soil every day, even if it’s just for half an hour. Otherwise, life can feel very fraught. I see homesteading the way you taught me to see podcasting—just start where you are and with what you have. Have staples like baking soda, castor oil, and cocoa butter for toothpaste and creams to hand. Over the years, I have saved a fortune on expensive cosmetics. Homesteading can be an expensive investment initially. You need land and compost, but ultimately, it becomes self-sustaining. It’s also hard work. Back in the day, it was how our ancestors lived – mostly in small holdings with chickens, ducks, a pig, a cow, or three. Now, it seems farmers worldwide are under attack, and that’s alarming to me.

Writing Process and Challenges: What were some challenges in developing a narrative from an animal’s perspective, and how did this experience differ from your previous writing projects?

All animals—especially pets—are so full of character that I often speak for them. Their emotions are uncomplicated, and Alec’s unfiltered observations allowed me to poke fun at human behavior without sounding preachy. One author who did this well was Hector Hugh Munro, who used the pen name Saki. I loved his story, Tobermory, about a cat who learned to talk.

Personal Connection to Chickens and Homesteading: Do you personally keep chickens or practice homesteading? How did your own experiences shape the portrayal of Alec’s “coop tribulations”?

I’ve kept chickens for over two decades and love having them. They’re great fun, and I’ve become so accustomed to the eggs, but it’s also a full-time occupation. They must be fed three times daily unless they’re free-roaming, so it’s a big responsibility. But their manure is also great for the garden and composting.

Reception and Reader Feedback: Have readers shared any surprising reflections with you about The Rooster Diaries? What reactions have resonated most with you?

Readers have either loved or hated The Rooster Diaries. Being a writer means growing a thick skin, and I think if you write for everyone, you write for no one. That said, I write mostly for myself, and if someone resonates with my work, that makes my heart glad and makes all the hard work worthwhile.  I liked the readers who said they saw chickens in a new light and reconsidered some of their food choices.  

New Perspectives on Life and Love: The book promises to “change your outlook on life, love, and homesteading harmony.” How do you see Smart Alec’s reflections affecting readers’ perspectives on these aspects?

I can only speak from my own experience, but I think the more in sync you are with nature, the better you feel. So much of what is good for us has been demonized by those seeking profits—the sun is just one of them. There is so much new research coming out, which I covered a little in Reign, about how chemicals in sunblock can be carcinogenic and that sunglasses are not good for you—as your eyes need light photons. We are taught to depend on things  not in our best interests until we affirm our sovereignty. Oddly enough, it often seems that the more certain products are demonized, the more they might be worth a second look.

For example, nicotine has been shown to help break up nanoparticles, which seem to be prevalent in injectables. I hope to encourage people to think more deeply about what they eat—the more packaged something is, the less nutrient-dense it will likely be. The best way to fight against a system that keeps us in less-than-optimum condition is to take charge of your health, how you eat, and where you spend money. You can refuse consent. I was reading about a woman who opted out of being scanned at the airport. (It didn’t work for me so well, though.)

Readers have told me they feel more empowered to cultivate their own “homesteading harmony”—in a backyard garden or simply by cherishing a quieter, more grounded way of life.

Themes of Mortality and the Natural Order: The Rooster Diaries touches on weighty topics like life, mortality, and the natural order. How do these themes weave into Alec's observations, and what do you hope readers gain from these reflections?

Through his morning crow, Alec urges us to seize our sovereignty and embrace life’s fleeting nature. Mortality is a recurring theme in Alec’s musings. As he humorously contemplates the possibility of being dethroned by a younger cock, he subtly acknowledges the inevitability of change and the cycles of life. This duality of existence—where one must embrace the joy of living and the certainty of death—is a cornerstone of his philosophy. Though he jests, there’s a profound acceptance of life’s impermanence, encouraging you to cherish each moment, uncertain how many sunrises remain. Alec’s wisdom extends to recognizing that even great thinkers - “fowl-osophers” - face the same fate—a reminder that death is as natural as life.

 By encouraging readers to reflect on nature, face fears with courage, and treasure the present, Alec’s reflections promote a deeper appreciation for life and death being two sides of a duality.  (Abraxis rules over both) Alec’s perspective that “dying is as natural as living” reinforces the idea that mortality is not something to fear but rather an integral part of life’s rhythm. He encourages readers to face their fears and to appreciate the moments that matter. Alec observes death not as a looming shadow but as a part of the grand rhythm of existence.

Future Works and Continuing Themes: Are there more projects or books where you’ll explore these themes? Could we see a continuation of Smart Alec’s story or perhaps other animal narrators in future projects?

I’m writing a homesteading book from Mem’s perspective.

Advice for Aspiring Writers: What advice would you offer other authors intrigued by weaving humor and philosophy into animal-centered narratives?

I write for the joy of writing – I was one of those who kept a diary in my youth and used writing as a tool to work through a lot of stuff. I started nursing and turned to journalism, but writing for a living is a different writing (for someone else. )I think being enthusiastic about your subject is important. I write about stuff that interests me; otherwise, what’s the point? I don’t think anyone passionate about what they do goes into it for the money. If so, 90 percent of us would give up. Don’t be afraid to tackle big themes that interest you. Just because you’re writing from the perspective of a rooster or a cat doesn’t mean you can’t discuss mortality, love, or purpose.

Takeaways for Readers: What would it be if there’s one lasting message or image you’d like readers to hold onto after reading The Rooster Diaries?

It’s the reminder that life is absurd, so we might as well enjoy the ride. Alec’s musings are all about finding meaning in the mundane. — I love the image of my Smart Alec perched on a fence post, silhouetted against the sunrise, proclaiming his existence with all his might. (In his mirror, if he had one, the old gods like Thoth, Horus, and perhaps chicken gods we’ve never heard about would be reflected.) Seize the day in your unique way!