The Cottager's Podcast

Most people underestimate the hard work, history, and heart behind their favorite maple syrup—and many are shocked to learn how much effort goes into every single drop. In this episode, Tim Cermak of Sugarbush Creek Farm in Middlefield, Ohio, breaks down the fascinating journey from a childhood fascination sparked by a children's book to a multi-generational family business that’s shipped syrup to...

Matthew is joined by author and homesteader, Jason Craig to discuss the challenges and joys of homesteading in today's consumerist, suburbanized culture, by reconnecting to our natural roots in family, community, and the land itself. This conversation explores the deep reasons behind the modern interest in small farming and homesteading, emphasizing natural human inclinations, cultural roots, and...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rachel and Matt Langer as they share their journey from mink farming to establishing Lumen Christi Farm, a nonprofit dedicated to farming, faith, and community service. Discover how faith, resilience, and a love for farming transformed their lives and created a sanctuary for spiritual and agricultural growth.

This conversation explores the history, mission, and current developments of the Catholic Land Movement, emphasizing its spiritual and practical significance for modern Catholics interested in land stewardship, community building, and faith-based agriculture.

In this conversation, Mathew and Greg Cello discuss the journey of establishing a homestead, the importance of family and community, and the role of faith in their lives. Greg shares his experiences transitioning from military life to homesteading, emphasizing the significance of rooting oneself in a community and the lessons learned from working the land. They explore the challenges and joys of p...

Mathew and Carissa discuss the evolution of their farm, Cottage Pastures, and the podcast itself. They share updates on their operations, including the growth of garlic and other products, and the importance of distinguishing between homesteading and farming. The conversation delves into the challenges faced in farming, the impact of seasonal changes, and their plans for improving efficiency and r...

On this interview, Mathew interviewed Michael Thomas of Sharon. For many people Michael might be familiar due to his work with the Catholic Land Movement, but are you familiar with his entry into homesteading, orchard or shepherding work? Tune into the episode and feel welcome to reach out with any questions. This is a great interview with Michael and one that is hopefully inspiring to many people...

Jeff Putnam is a Writer, Dad, Catholic and small time Homesteader. Mathew and Jeff discussed the importance of hard work and much more. Jeff is an author with a sizable online following. He discusses the importance of hard work, his experience with the Catholic Faith, notes considering using goats for vegetation management and much more. Learn more about Jeff, check out his books and more: X Profi...

On this episode of the Cottager's Podcast, Mathew met with Dr. Taylor Marshall to discuss homesteading, family life and more. For more information about Dr. Taylor Marshall: Dr. Taylor Marshall's YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@DrTaylorMarshall… Website:   http://taylormarshall.com Pre-Order Dr. Taylor Marshall's Upcoming Book: "Christian Patriot: 12 Ways to Create One National Under God"  ...

On this episode of the Little Way Farm and Homestead Podcast, Mathew and Carissa have a genuine and honest conversation. Discussing farm updates, their developing experiences of rural living and the the evolving maturity that comes with pursuing a vocation of marriage. This conversation begins light hearted and becomes a bit more serious around the midway point. It's a conversation of hope and one...

On this interview, Mathew met with Devin Rose , author of Farm Flop: A City Dweller's Guide to Failing on a Farm in Two Years Or Less. This is a hopeful and cautious interview and one which will hopefully be of great inspiration as you consider your current and future homesteading goals. Are you looking to order garlic for your homestead this year? At Little Way Farm and Homestead we sell a hardne...

Mathew interviewed Ken and Jennifer Zalewski of Pierced Hearts Homestead. They had a great conversation about starting a homestead including some good information about starting out. Be sure to check out Pierced Hearts Homestead at https://piercedheartshomestead.com/ . _____ Are you looking to order garlic for your homestead this year? At Little Way Farm and Homestead we sell a hardneck variety of...

Mathew & Carissa discussed a pitfall that can damage the success and experience of homesteading - striving to homestead the way others do. This episode also discussed farm and homestead updates from Little Way Farm and Homestead during May of 2024. Want to support us at Little Way Farm and Homestead? Be sure to join th email list for farm updates, events, inventory availability and new release...

Mathew interviewed Thomas Van Horn, one of the authors of The Liturgy of the Land: Cultivating a Catholic Homestead. They spoke about bees, authorship and much more. Be sure to check out The Liturgy of the Land: Cultivating a Catholic Homestead by Jason Craig and Thomas van Horn _____ Check out Fidei. Email and use code "LittleWay" for a discount. We recently switched our farm's email address to F...

On this episode Mathew had the opportunity to meet with Matt from Divine Mercy Farm - this is a really interesting interview as Divine Mercy Farm is a Mission Farm which operates as a nonprofit. They talk about how Divine Mercy Farms operates, discuss homesteading and much more. You might be interested in seeing the short film featuring Divine Mercy Farms on the Living Dine Mercy show on EWTN - yo...

On this interview I had the privilege of interviewing Curtis and Rose Weisenburger of Glastonbury Farm. We spoke about raw milk, the story behind the name Glastonbury and more. Near the end of the episode we addressed a blog post written by Rose titled, "Striving to Be a Good Shepherd." I was really impressed when reading this post and want to encourage you to read the post too. Read " Striving to...

This is a fun episode where we dive into funny stories and lessons learned from the first year homesteading. Many of these stories stem from simple inexperience, various resource constraints and other circumstances that ultimately have allowed us the opportunity to grow Little Way Farm and Homestead into the educational farm that it is becoming. Do you have a great homesteading story to share? Sen...

This episode features Shawn and Beth Dougherty. You might have heard our prior episode with the Doughertys discussing low-input farming, but this episode focuses much more on dairy cows. One of my favorite questions that came up was whether or not a dairy cow must be fed grain - this questions and more are covered throughout the episode and we hope you find the discussion inspring and of value to...

On this episode of the Little Way Farm and Homestead Podcast, Mathew and Carissa share their excitement for the upcoming Springtime growing season. During this episode they discuss things to consider when preparing to plant seeds for the springtime, helpful tips from their own experiences at the farm and more. There is so much to consider when beginning a garden and considering growing some of you...

On this episode, I had a solo-interview with Suzan Sammons, author of The Stations of the Cross in Slow Motion, A Daily Devotion for Lent .  This is a powerful interview that reminds me of the importance of building a homestead on the proper foundation - prayer and the Sacraments.  Like any other pursuit in life, the development of a productive homestead is truly lacking if it is not characterized...

In this episode, I had a unique opportunity to speak with Brandon Sheard and Ross McKnight We recorded this episode ahead of The Art of Foie Gras, presented by Ross and Brandon at Backwater Foie Gras in Louisiana. In this episode we cover an array of topics including meat production, culture, the Catholic faith, hands on learning and more. This was a great interview and presents another example of...

Ross & Dorothy McKnight, of Backwater Foie Gras , are an inspiration and pioneering Catholic couple. They have built a reputable farming business without a background in farming or homesteading. This was an exciting interview where we learned about Foie Gras, the McKnight's journey to farming and manners in which the Catholic Faith can be unpacked on the homestead.  The Mcknight's interview is...

This interview was conducted between Mathew (Little Way Farm and Homestead) and Dr. Doug Darnowski of Sts. Therese and Isidore Farm College. The discussion covered an array of topics pertaining to growing plants and plant biology. This interview is fast-paced and opens the opportunity for consideration of how to best plan, cultivate and harvest crops for homesteading. Check out Sts. Therese and Is...

This Episode included guests Alex and Melissa Dee - of the Saints Alive Podcast.   We have found that storytelling is particularly important to developing a homestead that brings forward a place of encouragement, excitement and wonder amongst children. The stories of the Saints are unique as their commitments to God are inspiring and challenging and we are grateful to Alex and Melissa, and all of...

Welcome to another episode of the Little Way Farm and Homestead Podcast! Today we are honored to have a genuine conversation between close friends of ours - Mike and Frances.  Mike and Frances are one of the first families to welcome us into the homesteading lifestyle. It was at their house that we learned how to process chickens. I still remember running around the front yard trying to catch thos...