SELF SUFFICIENT

Episode 168 | Essential Tools for Building a Homestead | Christina of Thermaland Oaks | Debt-Free Homesteading

I frequently hear from listeners who want to start homesteading, but it can be overwhelming to know where to start.  Especially if you are building a homestead from scratch on raw land, and there are a variety of tools and skills you will need to acquire along the way.  Christina of Thermaland Oaks is very familiar with this whole process as she and her husband have built their entire home and homestead with their own hands.  Join us for this conversation as we dive into what tools are essential to build and maintain a homestead.  We also chat about the reality of sharing our lives on the internet as we pursue our homestead dreams.  For any hopeful homesteader, this episode is a must listen!

Episode 155 | Build a Homestead That Pays for Itself (and Pays You Too!) | Leah Lynch | Profitable Backyard Farming

One of the major reasons people start homesteading is because they want to produce high quality food without spending a fortune.  However, if you are not careful, you can simply replace your grocery store bill for a feed store bill.  In today’s episode, Leah and I discuss what it looks like to create a homestead that not only pays for itself but also puts money back in your pocket.  Maybe you have a dream of starting a homestead but are unsure about the investment— this episode is full of ideas and tips for building a homestead you love without breaking the bank.  If you are already living your dream of homesteading but are feeling broke and burnt out, Leah’s advice could help you get back on the right track.  Wherever you are in your homesteading journey, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss! 

Episode 140 | How to Ease Into a Natural Lifestyle | Roxanne Ahern of Happy Holistic Homestead

If you desire to live a natural lifestyle—whole foods, less toxins, holistic health—it can be intimidating to know where to start.  Many people are also concerned about the cost of living this way.  In this episode with Roxanne of Happy Holistic Homestead, we tackle the question of where to start if you simply can’t afford to jump all in.  What changes make the biggest impact on your family’s health?  We also bust the myth that it takes a lot of money or a lot of land to begin prioritizing your health by sourcing high quality foods.  You might be surprised by some of our money saving tips!  No matter where you are starting from, may this episode encourage you to take the next step in your journey towards a more natural lifestyle.

Episode 139 | Building a Debt-Free Homestead from Scratch | Katie Metka: Mother of 9, Photographer, Homesteader

If you dream of starting your own homestead but worry that you don’t have the skills or time or money, you’ve got to hear Katie’s story.  Six weeks after giving birth to her ninth daughter, Katie and her husband moved their family from their established homestead in Texas to a piece of raw land in Missouri to start over.  They are building everything themselves and doing it debt-free!  Katie shares how she and her family of 11 found joy in the simple pace of living in a small shanty without electricity or running water.  Whether you have a homesteading dream or are pursuing another goal, may Katie’s story remind you of all that is possible with patience, sacrifice, and hard work.

Episode 121 | Answering Your Questions About Owning a Dairy Cow | Angel Turner of Rosehill Farm

I have been so excited to bring this episode to you all because I get so many questions about our dairy cow! Angel Turner was the perfect person to join me in this conversation. She has gained a great deal of experience with dairy cows in just a short time. It has been less than a year since Angel brought home her first family milk cow, and since then, she has taken on the task of halter breaking over 15 milk cows and matching them with families. We could have talked forever about all things dairy cow, but we managed to address the most frequently asked questions in the time we had together. If you are considering whether a family milk cow might be right for you, this episode will give you a peek into both of our journeys of getting started with owning dairy cows.

Episode 116 | Embracing the Simplicity of Winter on the Homestead | Melody Haege of Renaissance Woman MN

Winter on the homestead is a time of natural slowing down.  The days are shorter; the list of projects is smaller.  After my conversation with Melody, I’m not sure I know of anyone who embraces all of the beauty that winter brings better than she does.  As a homesteader, homeschooler, homemaker, and hunter in Minnesota, Melody doesn’t let temperatures below zero keep her from enjoying the outdoors with her five children.  No matter what climate you live in, Melody shares tons of ideas for embracing the winter season both indoors and out.