Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World

In this throwback episode, we revisit a listener coaching call where we break down how to begin homesteading without jumping into overwhelm. We talk through the basics of planning raw land, observing sunlight and frost patterns, mapping out future zones, and using temporary setups like grow bags and portable fencing as you learn what works best. You'll also hear practical advice for easing into ho...

In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, we're discussing the continual rise of feed costs and what my family does to mitigate these costs as much as possible. I'm sharing some of the breakdowns (at the time of the recording), how much feed is needed per animal and even some different feed options to consider. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here...

In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Kaylee Richardson from The Honeystead to discuss all things herbal medicine. Kaylee shares some of the herbs she's currently using and her favorite "must-have" herbal remedies. In the blog post that accompanies this podcast, there are a handful of additional podcasts I've done on the must-have herbal remedies...

In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I sit down with a member of the Pioneering Today Academy and we walk through how to plan out her garden year. While this strategy session was specific to her needs, there are a lot of great tips that can help when planning out your garden for next year. And, the fall is the best time to plan while the summer garden is fresh in our memory....

In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I sit down with RuthAnn Zimmerman to discuss what life looks like on a busy homestead with lots of children. How do we practically get meals on the table when life seems chaotic? How do we prioritize relationships through the business of life? And, how do we cook for larger groups of people for holidays and special events. I think you'll e...

In this throwback episode, I'm sharing all of my must-have favorites for around the homestead. Whether it's the best kitchen tools I can't believe I ever lived without, my go-to clothing items for working outdoors on the homestead, or even those larger items we all like to save for buying on Black Friday doorbuster deals.  Imagine I'm pulling up a chair at your kitchen table, sipping a cup of coff...

In this throwback episode, I'm chatting with my friend Anne Briggs from Anne of All Trades about real life homesteading, what it takes, what works, and how to keep moving forward even when life gets busy. Anne left the tech world and dove into homesteading, and over the past decade she has learned everything from blacksmithing and woodworking to raising goats and building her own furniture. As of...

In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I'm sitting down with my dear friend Mary Shrader from Mary's Nest to talk about how we can all build a kitchen where nothing goes to waste. Mary has such a gift for making traditional cooking approachable and fun, and in this episode she shares how her parents inspired her to live a homemade lifestyle long before it was popular. Together...

Today I'm sharing a throwback of one of the most popular coaching calls from inside my Pioneering Today Academy: "How to Get It All Done on the Homestead." I wanted to bring this one back because figuring out how to manage your time and energy on the homestead is something we all struggle with. In this episode, I'll show you how to break down big projects like canning peaches or putting up the har...

In this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I'm sharing why I'm pressing pause on new episodes for the rest of 2025 and what that really means for the future of the show.  After years of teaching and encouraging others to live simply and seasonally, I've found myself needing to take my own advice. I've been dealing with some physical burnout and learning, once again, that rest isn't quitting,...

Seed saving is one of the most valuable skills a gardener can learn, and in this episode I'm joined by Don Tipping of Siskiyou Seeds to dive deep into the why and how of saving your own garden seed. We'll cover the difference between open-pollinated, heirloom, and hybrid varieties, which crops are best for beginners, how to prevent cross-pollination, and tips for harvesting, drying, and storing se...

Think you need a traditional root cellar to keep your harvest fresh through the winter? Think again. In this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, Melissa K. Norris sits down with Sam Knapp of Off Beet Farm in Alaska to talk about practical, no-fuss ways to store root vegetables without a root cellar. You'll learn the three keys to long-lasting storage—temperature, humidity, and airflow—as well...

Think from-scratch cooking is hard or takes too much time? The truth is, with a stocked pantry, a few simple substitutions, and some foundational kitchen skills, you can make healthy, homemade meals in less time than it takes to run to the store. In this podcast, we're busting the top myths about from-scratch cooking and showing you how to:  ✅ Swap ingredients with easy substitutions (no last-min...

Looking for healthy and refreshing summer drinks that aren't soda? In this podcast, we're sharing our favorite homemade beverages to help you stay cool and hydrated on hot summer days. From sparkling lemon spritzers and fruity mocktails to herbal iced teas, iced coffee, and smoothies. You'll find plenty of delicious options made with real ingredients right from your kitchen or garden. What you'll...

In this special episode, I sat down with my dear friend Carolyn Thomas from Homesteading Family, right in her Idaho home! We're pulling back the curtain on what life looks like on a mature homestead.  After over two decades each of growing food, raising animals, and running busy households, we're sharing what we've let go of, what we're leaning into, and how we're building homesteads that truly wo...

This episode is near and dear to my heart. With one child officially out of the house and my daughter quickly approaching adulthood, I've found myself feeling all the feelings this summer: nostalgic, grateful, and more intentional than ever. I gathered a few dear homesteading friends for a heartfelt kitchen roundtable where we shared our favorite summer memories, the simple things that stuck with...

If the idea of parasites gives you the creepy-crawlies, you're not alone, but chances are, you've already got a few living in your body right now. In this episode, I'm joined again by Dr. Torrie Thompson, a functional medicine doctor who walks us through how common parasites actually are, the surprising symptoms they can cause, and how we can support our bodies in safely removing them. We're talki...

In this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I'm sharing all about my experience as a mentor and homesteading expert on the new show Back to the Frontier. It was such a privilege to help guide modern families as they learned old-fashioned skills and stepped into a simpler, more self-sufficient way of life.  I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it was really like on set—the challenge...

What does it really take to live off the land in today's world—and could you do it under pressure? In this special episode, I sit down with Stacey Loper, one of the brave contestants from the brand-new TV series Back to the Frontier, where modern families are challenged to survive like the pioneers.  I share my behind-the-scenes experience giving advice to the show's cast, while Stacey opens up ab...

Join me for this podcast with Will Harris from White Oak Pastures and Taylor Henry from Acres USA as we discuss what's going on with fertilizer companies and immunity for their products.  For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/472 Grab your tickets to the Modern Homesteading Conference here and use coupon code MKN15 for 15% off: https://mo...

So you want to go on vacation or you need to leave town for a few days... but you have a homestead. Feel like you're stuck? Listen to today's podcast with four fellow homesteading moms as we share our tips and tricks for how we prepare to leave our homesteads. Plus, the commonly forgotten tasks!  For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/471...

In this podcast, we're discussing the hidden layers of homestead security and why community may be your best defense. When we talk about defense, many people think about locks, cameras, etc. But what if your greatest security wasn't a thing but a who? For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit  https://melissaknorris.com/470

Join me with Don Tipping from Siskiyou Seeds as we discuss direct sowing methods for seeds. You'll also want to catch his tips on how to keep weeds out of the garden, and his brilliant hack for using a flamethrower without ruining your seedlings. For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit  https://melissaknorris.com/469 Grab your Modern Homesteading Conference tickets h...

Join me with Farrow Skincare's Charles Mayfield as we discuss the benefits of tallow and lard for skincare, especially pre-sun and post-sun skincare. For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/468 Check out Farrow Skincare and get 15% off your purchase with coupon code "Melissa15": https://farrow.life/  

If you're looking to get a farm dog, you may be wondering which farm dog breeds are best. This can vary based on many factors, from your needs, your property and your time commitment to training the dog. Listen to this podcast interview with Jordyn Kelly from Working Aussies Homestead. For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/467 This podcas...