Old Fashioned On Purpose

Suppose you’ve wondered why an anti-meat agenda is being pushed nationwide. In that case, you need to listen to my talk today with Diana Rodger, registered dietitian, former research biochemist, and co-author of the book Sacred Cow (and the documentary of the same name). She walks us out of what she calls “carbon tunnel vision,” and explains in very simple terms why well-raised meat is good for us...

Today's guest is an expert on how brains change in response to experiences. Dr. Kelly Lambert, an author and behavioral neuroscientist at the University of Richmond, offers us some truly old-fashioned remedies to an ever-present modern problem of increasing rates of depression. While antidepressants have become a multi-billion-dollar industry in recent decades, the rates of depression haven&a...

Today I'm chatting with the creator of the 1000 Hours outside movement.  Ginny offers hands-on, practical ways to get your children off of electronics and out in nature while also inspiring you to do the same.  She encourages us that our kids can do less of those "enriching activities," that sometimes cost a fortune, and yet gain so much more... all from more time in nature. If you&...

I'm thrilled to be talking with Michael Easter today, an award-winning journalist, contributing editor at Men’s Health magazine, and author of The Comfort Crisis. Michael breaks down how our world has gotten more and more "comfortable" since the Industrial Revolution, why this isn't necessarily a good thing, and why more folks today need to do what homesteaders, as a natural in...

 If you've ever wondered why kids don't crave independent, creative play as they did a generation ago,  or why today's kids don't often complete things solely for the satisfaction of achievement,  you're gonna love this podcast episode. Susan Linn is an author, psychologist, and world-renowned expert on creative play and provides insight into smartphones and social-media d...

When it comes to how to motivate kids, our society gets a lot wrong. If you ever find yourself seconding guess your parenting choices that don't always look like the rest of society's parenting choices, definitely listen in to my talk with Jessica Lahey today. If, on another note, you've had a rough gardening season, or just want to improve your garden soil, check out this episode&a...

Join in on my conversation with the author of Radical Homemakers and Redefining Rich as she breaks down the meaning of "homemaker" in ways you've never thought of. In today's episode, Shannon and I talk about how a true homemaker learns skills so she is free to live by the principles that are most important to her, all the while working through the important steps of renouncing...

Rory Feek joins me today to talk about why we think our current generation is the most depressed one that's ever lived and how we can slowly go about opting out of the systems, even without a detailed plan. We talk about how we can, one step at a time, become more autonomous and independent, while simultaneously investing more in the community. Want to know more about the sustainable, reusabl...

Today we have a fascinating guest, Lenore Skenazy, the author of the book Free-Range Kids and the founder of a nonprofit that is making it easy, normal, and legal to give kids independence. We're diving into an intriguing topic of free-range kids and the impact it has on them when adults mitigate all risks. We'll talk about how as a society we got where we are, with parents afraid to let...

Welcome to our TENTH season guys! Today we're talking about what it looks like when the honeymoon period of homesteading phases out and kinda slides over onto the back burner. And I'm explaining how and why this season on the podcast is going to be something all new & why I think you're gonna love it. Then we dive into this kinda crazy new, old-school thing I'm doing that&a...

In this episode we're chatting about what it feels like to allow ourselves to be fully seen, to be vulnerable and raw. And we're talking about life in small-town America... how moving to a place that needs you and your skills and your talents might be a great option for you. Let's break down the reasons you might wanna consider some of the off-the-beaten-path towns that don't c...

Today I’m talking with Allison Askew of Arrow J Beef Co., a first-generation rancher with a lot of irons in a lot of fires. She’s sharing her inspiring story of unconventional homesteading to encourage everyone who doesn’t feel like they fit in any one particular box. If you ever feel like you’re wearing too many hats to actually be good at any one thing, take heart. If you're overwhelmed, or...

If you or a family member is facing an illness or battling chronic pain, is homesteading going to be feasible for you? Today's guests--Kevin and Julie from Wild Homestead Living--walk us through how they both have faced this very question. They will leave you will honest answers and practical advice that has made the world of difference for them. Want to know more about the sustainable, reusa...

Homesteading in harsh environments... Can it be done and is it worth it? Today we cover the good, the bad, and all the encouragement you need in this episode. Sarah Allison, my guest last week, joins us again this week for this informative episode that's going to inspire you. Because, yes, homesteading is something you can do, no matter where you live. Ready to join the newsletter for maveric...

Is it possible to homestead while also caring for aging parents? Today's guest Sarah Allison not only dispels any fears you might have but also dives into practical tips that you're going to love. So whether your parents might need to someday move onto your homestead, or you're already caring for your older parents and wonder if you could ever start a homestead too... this episode w...

Today I am so excited to have Ed Laivo join us.  Ed is an edible landscaping specialist, with a focus on small space gardening. I'm pretty sure he's going to convince you  that everyone can grow food, even when they have very little space. With over 40 years of extensive experience in plant production, he's pretty inspiring. Book mentioned in the podcast episode: Edible Landscaping...

Today I'm talking with Bob Osborne, columnist on CBC radio,  a Canadian farmer with more than 40 years of experience with all things apples, and the author of a brand new book, Hardy Apples. Bob and I chat about how to grow healthy apples (even in cold climates), talk about the Renaissance of apples, and discuss why there are thousands of different apples out there but only the standard five...

Today I’m talking to 67-year-old Cheri, who is running a 20-acre homestead, complete with milk cows, goats, sheep, chickens, gardens and more. And she’s doing it alone.  Cheri breaks down encouraging tips explaining how anyone can do this. I think you’ll love this episode. And Im pretty sure I want to be Cheri when I grow up. Ready to join the newsletter for mavericks who value free-thinking, ditc...

What does it look like to homestead as a teen? What if you're a teen who longs to homestead, but your family doesn't own a farm? What are practical ways you can work towards your dream? Today Kayla Visser has some helpful, encouraging insights for you. Kayla was managing her own business at 9 (seriously) and many aspects of her family’s brand-new homestead at 13. Kayla has been a member...

Join in as I chat with this husband and wife team, Chad & Tara Philipp, of She's Rooted Home, about how they managed to build a homestead in the Southern California Mohave desert. Surrounded by tumbleweeds, with Juniper berry bushes as the only occasional “greenery," they've built a thriving homestead. They share with me how they overcame the numerous obstacles of life in such a...

Today's guest, Kathi Rodgers of Oakhillhomestead.com, not only encourages us that it is possible to homestead effectively throughout the retirement years, but she gives us practical tips to downsizing wisely, and effectively tweaking the way you do things, as you look toward homesteading during the golden years. Where you can find Kathi : oakhillhomestead.com facebook.com/OakHillHomestead ins...

From jogging strollers to dandelions, this episode we're breaking down lots of ways to see things differently when you're homesteading with littles, how to make them a team member on your homestead early on, and why you can expect your kids to rise to the occasion. Find my beef here: Genuine Beef Co. Learn more about Freedom Foundry here ---> http://freedomfoundry.us Ready to join the...

It's calving season, I'm deep into writing book #2 (this one isn't a cookbook), and I thought it was time to catch you up on some things. In this episode we'll talk about what's going on with me and social media lately, why I've been craving deep dives into meaty topics, what I'm reading currently, and (drum roll please!) the exciting theme of next season here on...

Join me as I sit down with one of my very favorite persons, Michelle Visser. Michelle's family raises pigs on their New England farm. (In fact, reach out to Michelle if you're looking for a great source of pasture-raised pork in the New Hampshire area.) Michelle is also a published author and my Marketing & Project Manager (pretty much one of my right hands on The Prairie Homestead t...

Today we're diving deep into the unseen world of sourdough microbes. Karyn Newman, author of the new book Sourdough by Science , personifies the many parts of our sourdough starters and explains the chemistry happening in our kitchens to help us make perfect sourdough loaves. Every time. Find out the best time to feed your starter, why the fridge is your starter's friend,  and what chara...