The Florida Homesteader Podcast

What happens when a simple desire to create cleaner products for your family grows into a nationally recognized business? In this episode of  The Florida Homesteader Podcast , we're joined by  Emilie Toups , founder of  Toups & Co. Organics , to share the incredible story behind one of today's most trusted names in tallow-based skincare and clean beauty. Emilie shares how her family st...

Have you ever had a homesteading project turn out completely different than you expected? In this episode of  The Florida Homesteader Podcast , we're sharing our journey into raising meat birds - a journey - that actually began with a case of mistaken identity! What we thought were future egg layers turned out to be meat birds, and that unexpected surprise taught us valuable lessons about raising...

In Part Two of our conversation with Rob Hampton, we continue the remarkable journey that began in the fields of rural Florida. After growing up picking peas and watermelons and learning the value of hard work alongside his great-uncle, Rob's path led him into the United States Marine Corps, through college, and into a career dedicated to helping others succeed. Along the way, the lessons he l...

What shapes a person long before they become a leader, mentor, or role model? In Part 1 of this special two-part conversation, Jamie Bateman sits down with Rob Hampton to discuss the experiences, values, and lessons that helped shape him into the man he is today. Growing up in an agricultural family, Rob learned the importance of perseverance, hard work, determination, responsibility, and respect—...

Welcome to Academy at the PARC, a unique learning environment located in the heart of Florida's Heartland. In this video, you'll get an inside look at a typical day on campus—from morning arrival and assembly to hands-on learning experiences, student activities, and the vibrant community that makes Academy at the PARC a special place to learn and grow. Set on a 40-acre campus in Sebring, F...

This week, we're taking a short break from our regular podcast schedule, but we wanted to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for listening, subscribing, sharing episodes, reading the magazine, and supporting our mission to celebrate and connect Florida's homesteading community. Whether you've been with us since the beginning or just recently joined us, we're grateful you&#39...

In this episode of The Florida Homesteader Podcast, we sit down with Beckie from Bottoms Up Acres to talk all things goats, county fairs, and homestead life in Florida. From getting started with just a few goats to raising successful show animals and mentoring local families, Beckie shares the realities of caring for goats in Florida’s heat and humidity, preparing animals for show season, and the...

What diseases could unknowingly be brought onto your farm? 🦠 In this episode, host  Jamie Bateman  sits down with  Doctor Jeff Saunders  to discuss biosecurity in agriculture, bird flu (avian influenza), hantavirus, wildlife risks, rodents, livestock exposure, and the hidden ways dangerous diseases can spread onto farms and homesteads. From backyard chickens and cattle to gardens and agritourism,...

Turn your backyard into a thriving food oasis! In this episode of  The Florida Homesteader Podcast , host Jamie Bateman sits down with urban gardening expert  Elise Pickett  from The Urban Harvest, to talk about growing food in Florida, even in the smallest spaces. Elise started with small Florida yard just a few miles from the Gulf and turned it into a full-on food oasis and now she’s teaching ot...

Canning is more than just preserving food, it’s preserving memories, heritage, and a way of life. In this episode, host Jamie Bateman sits down with her mother, Charlotte Cooper, Homestead Test Kitchen Director, to explore the heart behind canning and why this time-honored tradition still matters today. From learning at her grandmother’s side to teaching the next generation, Charlotte shares how c...

Sometimes the best conversations happen right there on the front porch… In this solo episode of  Front Porch Talk on the Homestead , Jamie slows things down and invites you into a simple, honest conversation about what’s happening on the homestead this season—from the wins to the lessons learned along the way. She also shares how we can all take small, meaningful steps toward supporting local farm...

What if the thing you never planned… was exactly what you were called to do? In this episode, hosts Emily Bateman and Taylor Leonardo sit down with a very special guest, our own Jamie Bateman , the CEO, founder, and editor-in-chief of The Florida Homesteader s we turn the tables and dive into the story behind it all. From a single photo opportunity to building a platform that highlights the heart...

In this episode of The Florida Homesteader Podcast, host Jamie Bateman sits down with  Wesley Joyner , a sixth-generation Floridian, cattleman, and agricultural leader, to discuss the importance of Florida agriculture, cattle farming, and the future of land stewardship in a rapidly growing state. Wesley brings a unique perspective shaped by both his professional career as Senior Vice President at...

In this episode of the Florida Homesteader Podcast, Dr. Jeff Saunders breaks down the hidden dangers of avian influenza (bird flu) and other livestock diseases, and how they can impact not just chickens, but cattle, goats, horses, and other farm animals. Dr. Saunders explains: • How diseases like avian influenza spread rapidly through wild birds, livestock, and contaminated environments • Why wild...

In this episode of  The Florida Homesteader Podcast , host  Jamie Bateman  talks with  Joann , owner of CBbees, about the story behind  The Farmers Pantry in Avon Park, Florida and how it all began.  Joanne shares the story of how a simple idea turned into a place where local farmers, growers, and makers can come together and thrive. What started as a vision to support small, local businesses has...

In this episode of the Florida Homesteader Podcast , host Jamie Bateman sits down with Trina to explore the powerful world of microgreens and nootropic mushrooms and how these natural superfoods can transform your health and nutrition. Trina shares her journey into growing and using microgreens, explaining why they are considered one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods available. Packed with ant...

n this episode of  The Florida Homesteader Podcast , we sit down with Karen and Zach Carroll of Half Acre Wood in North Florida to talk about their journey into homesteading. What started as a simple conversation over lunch in a deli eventually grew into a lifestyle centered around raising goats, baking sourdough, and learning how to build a homestead one step at a time. Karen and Zach share what...

In this episode of the  Florida Homesteader Podcast , host Jamie Bateman sits down with  Kandi Bellamy McPherson , president of the  Citrus County Cattlewomen’s Association , to discuss the vital role organizations like the  Florida Cattlewomen’s Association  play in promoting beef education, agricultural literacy, and youth involvement in Florida agriculture. Kandi shares how the Cattlewomen’s As...

In this episode of The Florida Homesteader Podcast, host Jamie Bateman sits down with  Rachael Mendelsohn , the  2025 National Team Miss Agriculture USA , to talk about her journey into agriculture, youth advocacy, and agricultural leadership. Rachael shares how she first became involved in agriculture during the COVID-19 pandemic and how programs like 4-H and livestock showing helped shape her pa...

In this episode of the Florida Homesteader Podcast, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Abby Crawford, Coordinator of Agricultural Programming at Warner University , to discuss the future of agriculture education in Florida and the wide range of career opportunities available in today’s ag industry. Abby shares her personal journey into agriculture and explains how Warner University is equipping stu...

In this episode of the Florida Homesteader Podcast, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Chris DeCubellis, a Florida 4-H state specialized agent, to discuss the powerful impact of agricultural education and youth development programs in Florida farming communities. With deep agricultural roots spanning generations, Chris shares how 4-H programs across Florida are equipping young people with hands-on...

In this episode of the  Florida Homesteader Podcast , host Jamie Bateman sits down with  Anna Gutierrez , a passionate young agriculturalist and rising star in the world of Brahman cattle showing. As an 11th grader deeply involved in livestock exhibitions, Anna shares her journey growing up in a family with years of experience in Brahman cattle breeding — from pasture work to competing at major sh...

In this episode of  The Florida Homesteader Podcast ,  Jamie Bateman  sits down with  Doyle Carlton III  to explore Florida’s deep agricultural roots, the importance of preserving rural heritage, and the role education plays in shaping the future of farming in our state. Doyle shares his perspective on growing up surrounded by Florida agriculture, the lasting impact of family legacy, and the work...

Unlock the secrets to transforming a simple piece of land into a thriving homestead—using minimal resources and maximum purpose .  Whether you dream of growing your own food, raising livestock, or simply reconnecting with nature, this episode offers real stories, practical wisdom, and encouragement to start right where you are. Join Jamie and Billy Bateman as they share their five-year journey fro...

Starting a homestead is about more than buying land. It’s about navigating decisions that can shape your family’s future for years to come. In this episode of The Florida Homesteader Podcast, we sit down with Nadine Wincapaw to talk honestly about the realities of starting a homestead in Florida — from purchasing raw land to navigating zoning laws, financing hurdles, and the unexpected costs that...