Old Fashioned On Purpose

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what old-fashioned living might look like for me in the coming year and beyond. I’ve been considering which skills and rhythms I want to embrace, and which ones I need to release. In this podcast episode, I’m sharing that thought process with you. My hope is that it helps you take stock of your own life and figure out which parts of the old-fashioned lifestyl...

For the first time in almost 20 years, I'm not planting a garden. In this podcast episode, I'm sharing what happened in my garden last year and why I'm taking a break. I'll also share some deep thoughts about obligation and what I'm going to do with my garden space for the upcoming season. Podcast Episode Highlights: Quick review of my 20 years of gardening What happened t...

I’ve been wanting to talk about this for a while…but the risk of sounding like a crotchety old gatekeeper, I haven’t… In this podcast episode, I'm sharing my thoughts on what happened to the modern homesteading movement and why I've been feeling so turned off by it lately.  Podcast Episode Highlights: The problem in the homesteading world right now My backstory and why I care about this...

If you’ve been listening or following me for a while, then you already know that horses have been a love of mine since childhood. In this podcast episode, listen in as I talk about my horse journey, from childhood to present times. Along the way, I'll sprinkle in lots of deep thoughts on life lessons as well as ALL the details of my horse adventures (and what's coming next). Podcast Epis...

I’ve never really belonged. Not in the dramatic, “nobody understands me” way. More in the quiet, lifelong way—like I’ve always been standing half a step outside of whatever circle I’m supposed to slide into. But I’ve finally realized something that would have shocked my younger self: Not belonging isn’t a problem. It’s an invitation. Listen in to my podcast episode to learn more about my thoughts...

As some of you know by now, I am no longer homeschooling my kids. In this podcast episode, I'm talking all about our homeschool experiences, our journey from homeschool to public school, how I'm handling the change, and some of my deep thoughts and concerns that I have about school and about raising kids.  Give it a listen and let me know what you think. Podcast Episode Highlights: Homes...

I'm now going on five years of owning a restaurant in one of the smallest towns in Wyoming. It’s one of the most gratifying things I’ve ever done. It’s also one of the most exhausting. I’m proud of what we’re building in our little corner of Wyoming. I’m proud of the food. I’m proud of the place. I’m proud that people walk in and feel nostalgia, comfort, a sense of belonging… a remembering. B...

In the past, I've shared about mainly the homestead part of myself on this podcast. Not because I was hiding the rest of me—but because the rest didn’t really fit the homestead narrative.  But lately… it’s been shifting. The homestead part of me is still woven into my days, but it’s not the headline anymore. It’s moved to the background, and other parts of me are finally coming up for air. So...

Folks always ask me how I "do it all" but the truth is, that I don't. Listen in as I talk about I do NOT have a balanced life and what I do instead. Podcast Episode Highlights My thoughts on 'balance' in life My summer as an example Dealing with guilt and the aftermath  Learning how to say 'No' Thoughts on using a team for help Details on how I use my planner  Fi...

Hey friends, I’m Back! (Sorta). I thought I'd share some of my deep thoughts on why I've been quiet lately and what you can expect from me in the future. Listen in as I share updates on my life as well as my shifting perspectives on homesteading, purpose, and more. Podcast Episode Highlights The reason that I've been quiet for six months... A personal shift in my life Deep thoughts...

Homesteading has seasons—sometimes it's front and center, and other times it takes a backseat. In this episode, I’m sharing how our life looks different right now, why that’s okay, and how I’ve made peace with the inevitable FOMO.  We’ll chat about the honeymoon stage of homesteading, shifting priorities, and the simple ways I’m keeping it woven into our daily life, even when it’s not the mai...

When we start gardening, it’s easy to focus on the plants—but what if we’re missing the bigger picture? Today, I’m chatting with Gregg Forster of Wisconsin Mineral Solutions about why soil health is the key to nutrient-dense food and thriving farms.  We dive into how industrial agriculture has depleted our food’s nutritional value, what homesteaders might be getting wrong, and the simple changes t...

Ever wondered if raised beds are really worth the hype? In this episode, I sit down with Scott Wilson from Gardening with Scott to dig into the good, the bad, and the surprising when it comes to raised bed gardening. We chat about how to build beds from free/cheap materials, how to fill beds without breaking the bank, how to keep soil healthy year after year, watering strategies, and some genius h...

In this episode, I welcome back Mike Vaona, the engineer-turned-baker behind Rosehill Sourdough, to chat about his recent deep dive into fresh-milled flours. We cover a range of topics, from tweaking hydration levels and the surprising effects of oxidation to the differences between ancient, heritage, and modern wheats.  Mike also shares his thoughts on nutrient loss over time, his favorite gluten...

In this episode, I chat with Mimi Smith-Dvorak, author of Too Many Eggs, a cookbook packed with over 800 ways to use eggs. We dive into the history of eggs, the current egg drama, creative ways to use up a surplus (including flavoring them in the shell!), storage tricks, and even some unexpected non-culinary uses.  If you’ve ever found yourself with more eggs than you know what to do with, this ep...

If you live in a cold northern area, you may have assumed growing fruit and nuts was out of the question, but I'm happy to tell you that it's not!  In this episode, I chat with St. Lawrence Nurseries about the best cold hardy fruit and nut tree varieties, common planting mistakes, and essential care tips for success. We cover watering, fertilizing, pruning, and more to help you cultivate...

What if the light around you is messing with your health more than you realize? In this episode, the amazing Johnna Sutton of Sutton Nutrition is back to talk about how artificial light, blue light exposure, and circadian rhythms impact our energy, sleep, and overall well-being.  We dive into how to adjust your routine with the seasons, why cold winter temps are good, and practical steps to use li...

In this episode, I sit down with Noelle Johnson, aka the AZ Plant Lady and author of Water Smart Gardens, to uncover practical tips for making your garden more water-efficient without sacrificing beauty or productivity. We dive into time-saving watering strategies, the best veggies to grow in dry climates, creative rainwater collection ideas, and whether your lawn really deserves all that water. ...

Curious about foraging but not sure where to begin?  In this episode, I chat with Whitney of Appalachian Forager about the essentials of starting your foraging journey, including how to get started foraging, how to safely identify wild mushrooms, best practices for preparing them, and tips for preserving your harvest. Whether you're a beginner or looking to deepen your connection with the wil...

In this episode, I chat with Dana K. White, author and creator of A Slob Comes Clean, about the surprising connections between decluttering and homesteading. We dive into Dana’s practical strategies, including the Container Concept and her no-mess decluttering method, to help you create a more functional and peaceful home.  Whether you’re managing a homestead or just tackling everyday clutter, Dan...

Why bother? It's a question I've certainly asked myself, and perhaps you have too. In an age where cheap, convenient food is everywhere, why take the time to cook from-scratch? Is it worth it? Are we wasting our time and fooling ourselves? In this episode, we're exploring this question as I share an excerpt from my book, Old-Fashioned on Purpose. It’s a heartfelt reminder of why hom...

As homesteaders, we often focus on sourcing high-quality, real food—but what about understanding how to truly fuel our bodies? In this episode, I sit down with Johnna Sutton, a functional nutritionist and seasoned homesteader, to discuss the finer points of macronutrients and how they fit into a seasonal, whole-food lifestyle.  From balancing protein, fats, and carbs to adjusting your diet for the...

2025 is already shaping up to be full of surprises. In this episode, I’m sharing some unexpected goals I’ve set for the year ahead.  From new adventures to shifting priorities, these plans might just inspire you to rethink what’s possible for your own journey. Tune in for a candid conversation about growth, taking risks, and embracing the unexpected. Podcast Episode Highlights Looking back at my p...

2024 was nothing like I expected—but somehow, it turned out even better than I could have hoped. It was a rollercoaster of a year, filled with some of the hardest lessons I’ve faced so far.  While it wasn’t always easy, looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. In this episode, I’m sharing the challenges, struggles, and valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way. Tune in to hear the journey! Podca...

In this episode, I sit down with Bob Quinn, a Montana farmer and the driving force behind Kamut wheat, to chat about his journey from conventional farming to becoming a pioneer in regenerative agriculture.  We dive into the story of how he rediscovered this ancient grain, Kamut's healing properties, and the creative ways he's helped to boost the economy of his small rural community. Bob’...