Everyday Homesteading

In this podcast, I’m diving into three canning concepts that confuse even experienced home canners. These are the kinds of things that can leave you second-guessing whether your jars are actually safe on the pantry shelf. In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I’m breaking down: - Why I never store jars with the rings tightened on - What changing liquid levels in your jars actually mean - Why proper headspace matters so much - What causes siphoning and how to prevent it - How false seals...

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2026

Should you water your garden every day? The short answer is probably not. In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most common gardening questions and helping you understand how to water your garden for healthier plants, deeper roots, and better harvests. You’ll learn: • How often most gardens actually need water • Why daily watering can weaken plants • The difference between deep watering and shallow watering • The best time of day to water • How soil type changes your watering sched...

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2026

How do we preserve family, community, and truth in a culture that seems to be moving faster and faster away from them? In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I sat down with my friend Rory Groves for a thoughtful conversation about modern culture, technology, family economy, and what many families are sensing right now: that something important has been lost. Using the republished book Henry and the Great Society as a starting point, we talked about how modernization changed family life, c...

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2026

After years of pushing hard on our homestead, we reached a point where we had to ask a tough question: Is everything we’re doing actually sustainable? Last year, we intentionally slowed down. Not completely, but enough to take a step back and evaluate what was working and what wasn’t. And what we learned changed how we’re approaching this year in a big way. In this episode, we’re sharing the real-life changes we’re making on our homestead. The projects we’re moving forward with, the systems w...

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2026

I’ll be honest… when I first heard about freeze dryers, I thought they were a gimmick. I didn’t want to spend money on an expensive appliance that would just sit there collecting dust. But after using one in my own kitchen, I can tell you this clearly… I was wrong. In this video, I’m sharing the 7 things I wish I knew before getting a freeze dryer. These are the lessons that would have saved me time, food, and a whole lot of frustration when I was first starting out. If you’re wondering w...

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2026

If you’ve ever felt like you need to learn everything before starting a garden, you’re not alone. In today’s episode, we’re simplifying the process and showing you how to start a garden without getting overwhelmed. Gardening is a journey. And the truth is, you don’t need perfect soil, perfect seeds, or perfect knowledge to begin. You just need a few key principles and a willingness to learn as you go. This episode is all about helping you take that first step with confidence. In this episode ...

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2026

Are your chicken eggs coming into the house dirty, especially during mud season? In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, Carolyn is joined by Amy, cofounder of Good Egg, to talk about how to keep eggs clean starting in the coop—and how to properly handle fresh eggs once they’re in your kitchen. We’re covering everything from nesting box strategies to the right (and wrong) way to wash eggs, plus how storage methods affect shelf life. If you’ve ever wondered whether to wash your eggs, how l...

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2026

How do you get your kids excited about gardening, especially if you’re still learning yourself? In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I’m joined by Luke Hammond from Dirt Academy Kids to talk about why gardening is one of the most powerful tools we have for raising capable, grounded kids. We dive into: Why so many adults who garden today had childhood garden experiences The real-life skills kids learn in the garden How gardening helps improve kids’ health and t...

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2026

What happens when your child grows up… and chooses to stay? In this episode of the Everyday Homesteading podcast, I’m joined by my oldest daughter, Rachel, as we share the story behind her and her husband’s decision to stay close to home and build a tiny house right here on our homestead. We’re talking about what it really looks like to build a life near family in today’s world—from navigating independence and boundaries to learning how to work together as separate households with a shared vi...

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2026

Canning safety can feel overwhelming, especially when you hear all the warnings and conflicting advice out there. But what if it’s actually much simpler than you think? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the three things you absolutely must get right for canning safety so you can preserve food with confidence and peace of mind. We’ll talk about: Why so many people feel afraid of canningThe truth about botulism and real riskHow pH determines whether you water bath or pressure canWhy process...

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2026

We spend a lot of time learning the hands-on skills of homesteading like baking, gardening, and preserving. But what if those aren’t the skills that actually make a home run well? In this episode, we’re talking about the quiet skills that don’t get much attention but make all the difference. Things like planning ahead, creating rhythms, finishing what you start, and learning how to say no. These are the habits that protect your peace, prevent burnout, and help you build a sustainable homestea...

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2026

Cultured dairy sounds intimidating, but it's actually one of the easiest traditional kitchen skills you can learn. In this video, I explain how cultured dairy works, why it’s so beneficial for digestion and gut health, and how you can start making your own yogurt right at home. Once you understand the basics, you’ll realize that cultured dairy is far simpler than most people think. The bacteria do almost all the work. Your job is simply to create the right environment and give it time. In ...

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2026

Most people never fail at gardening. They quit before they begin. In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, Josh sits down with Luke from MIgardener to talk about why so many aspiring gardeners stay stuck in the dreaming and planning phase — and what it actually takes to start. You’ll learn: Why fear of failure quietly holds people backThe mindset shift that changes everythingThe importance of journaling and tracking your harvestHow to grow what your family actually eatsWhy building soil ever...

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2026

For many homesteaders, the dream is complete self-sufficiency. Producing all your own food. Depending on no one. Living independently. But is that really possible? And more importantly, is it even the right goal? In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, we’re sharing why complete self-sufficiency is actually a myth and what matters far more: building practical skills and strengthening community. We discuss how focusing on skills rather than trying to do everything yourself leads to more resi...

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2026

Even with healthy, well-selected animals, there comes a day when you have to call the vet. And when that moment comes, most of us aren’t nearly as prepared as we could be. In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and veterinarian, Dr. Patrick Jones of The Homegrown Herbalist, to talk through what every homesteader should know before picking up the phone. We discuss: The importance of signalment (age, breed, sex, pregnancy status)Why taking a temperature can immediately narrow down ...

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2026

Making bread isn’t about talent, and it’s not about finding the perfect recipe either. In this episode, I’m sharing why bread is one of the most foundational skills in the homesteading kitchen and how learning to read your dough instead of following formulas changes everything. From flour amounts to kneading to rise times, we’re breaking down the simple techniques that lead to consistent, reliable bread no matter where you live or what recipe you use. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, inconsist...

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2026

Thinking about keeping backyard egg-laying chickens, but not sure where to begin? In today’s episode, we walk through the essential checklist every new chicken keeper should know. We cover: • What to think about before bringing chickens home • Coop setup and space requirements • Feeding, water, and daily care routines • How to successfully raise chicks in their first few weeks • Biosecurity basics and avoiding common pitfalls • Planning for seasonal egg production Whether this is your first f...

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2026

Feeling overwhelmed while trying to add homesteading skills to an already full life? You’re not alone. In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I’m continuing our conversation about going from overwhelmed to peaceful and sharing what I’ve learned about building a homestead life that’s sustainable for the long haul. This is Part 2 of our series on creating peaceful household rhythms instead of rigid schedules. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, I recommend starting there and then coming b...

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2026

If you love the idea of homesteading but constantly feel behind, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted, I recorded this episode for you. In Part 1 of this new series, I’m sharing the household system that helped me move from constant pressure and burnout to a calmer, more sustainable rhythm of life. I talk about why overwhelm usually isn’t a discipline problem and why trying to “work harder” often makes things worse, especially for busy moms caring for families while adding homesteading skill...

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2026

Homesteading is about so much more than chores, food, and checklists. In this episode, I’m joined by RuthAnn Zimmerman from Homesteading With the Zimmermans for a conversation that goes straight to the heart of what this lifestyle is really about: people. We talk about balancing hospitality with busy homestead life, raising children with a strong work ethic and character, and learning to trust God’s economy when it comes to time, energy, and priorities. RuthAnn shares how she keeps emotional...

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2026

A lot of people talk about going off-grid. But what if off-grid living isn’t just about power and water, but about freedom from systems that quietly run your life? In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Burkinshaw from the Gridlessness YouTube channel to talk about what gridlessness really means. Jeff shares how his family moved from suburban life to a remote homestead in the Canadian wilderness, not out of fear, but out of a deep desire to live with intention. We talk about • redefining wha...

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2026

After more than 20 years of homesteading, we are looking back and sharing what we wish we had known when we first started. In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, we talk honestly about the mistakes we made, the pressure to do everything at once, and the lessons that helped us find a more peaceful, sustainable rhythm. From gardening and kitchen skills to land size, infrastructure, and people-first priorities, this conversation is full of perspective for anyone feeling overwhelmed on their ...

Transcribed - Published: 3 January 2026

What does a “Year of Rest” actually look like on a working homestead? In this episode, we’re reflecting on our decision to slow down over the past year, what changed, what stayed the same, and what surprised us along the way. We share how cutting big projects brought more margin into our days, why rest doesn’t mean the work disappears, and how an unplanned cabin build for the next generation fit into our bigger vision. This is an honest, end-of-year conversation about pace, sustainability, an...

Transcribed - Published: 27 December 2025

If you have ever found yourself saying, “This winter, we’ll finally rest,” you are not alone. Josh and I have joked about it for years, imagining a slower season that somehow never quite arrives on its own. In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I’m sharing what I’ve been learning about real rest. Not just getting more sleep, but the kind of deep, soul-level rest that brings clarity, peace, and renewed purpose. The kind of rest that helps you remember your why. We talk about why rest never...

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2025

Welcome back to Everyday Homesteading. Today I’m sitting down with two people I deeply respect and always enjoy talking with, Shawn and Beth Dougherty. If you have ever wondered whether a family milk cow actually fits into a busy modern homestead, or if you’ve been feeling that tug toward a simpler, more land-rooted way of feeding your family, this conversation is for you. Shawn and Beth have spent more than twenty-five years raising a large family, stewarding rough Appalachian ground, and bu...

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2025

Mistakes happen on every homestead, and today we are sharing some of our biggest ones from the past year so you can learn right alongside us. Whether it is garden chaos, livestock mishaps, or ignoring that little voice of intuition, these lessons are part of growing wiser and more resilient on the homestead. We are also chatting about winter prep, homeschool rhythms, fruit flies in the pantry, and a few behind–the–scenes stories from life here at Riverbend. Grab a warm drink and join us for ...

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2025

Learn how to make cheese the traditional way using natural raw milk cultures like clabber, kefir, and backsplash whey. In this conversation with Robyn Jackson from Cheese From Scratch, we dig into how to create and maintain your own starter cultures, how to troubleshoot clabber that smells a little funky, and how to use these cultures to make everything from cream cheese to aged wheels. This episode covers: • What clabber is and why it was used for generations • How to build and maintain ...

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2025

In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, we open up about cultivating contentment in every season of our homestead life. It's easy to feel grateful when everything is going smoothly, but true contentment is often built in the hard moments. Today, we talk about choosing gratitude, navigating overwhelm, balancing the desire to grow with the ability to rest, and finding joy in whatever season you are in. ✅ For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/cultiva...

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2025

If you’ve ever wondered how to rehydrate dehydrated food so it actually tastes good, this episode is for you! Join me with guest Darcy Baldwin from The Purposeful Pantry as we share our best tips for dehydrating and rehydrating food for everyday use, not just for emergencies. You’ll learn: ✅ How to rehydrate vegetables, fruits, and meats for soups, casseroles, and skillet meals ✅ Why dehydrating is one of the easiest, most affordable long-term food storage methods ✅ When to blanch vegetables...

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2025

We’re in that cozy shoulder season where the garden is winding down, the last jars are cooling on the counter, and the big question creeps in, did we do enough? In this episode, we're talking about how our family prioritizes filling the pantry without burning out. We cover the calm power of buying staples in bulk, simple preservation that fits your real life, and the secret weapon that gets us through winter even without a root cellar, think potatoes, squash, onions, apples, all stored smart....

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2025

What would it really take to feed your family if the grocery stores closed tomorrow? In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, Josh talks with survival expert and herbalist Sam Coffman, author of Survival Gardening: Grow Your Own Emergency Food Supply, about how to build a garden that truly sustains life. Learn how to choose calorie-dense crops, build living soil, and use every layer of your garden for maximum yield. Sam shares practical steps to start small (whether you’re growing in a backy...

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2025

As the seasons change, our bodies need a little extra care to stay balanced and healthy. In this episode, I’m sharing how our family supports our immune systems with simple, time-tested rhythms instead of quick fixes. From bone broth and fermented foods to elderberry syrup and herbal teas, these are the habits that keep us thriving through fall and winter. You’ll learn how to build a natural wellness routine that fits into your daily life, not one that adds more overwhelm. I’ll also sha...

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2025

In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, we're taking the fear out of canning and putting confidence back in your kitchen. If you’ve ever thought, “I’ve tried so many tutorials and still don’t feel like I actually know what I’m doing,” or “I’m terrified I’ll waste good food or make my family sick,” this one is for you. I'm breaking canning safety down into simple, step-by-step principles so you can stock your shelves with jars you trust. What we cover Why a sealed lid alone does not equal sa...

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2025

Why do so many homesteaders quit before they ever see their gardens thrive or their shelves fill with home-canned food? In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I sit down with my friend Melissa K. Norris to talk honestly about burnout, expectations that don’t match real life, and the simple habits that make homesteading sustainable. We share personal stories, the mistakes we made, and the practical rhythms that helped us keep going. If you’ve felt overwhelmed, I want this conver...

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2025

If your garden struggled this year — plants wilting, pests taking over, and harvests falling short — don’t lose heart. The problem isn’t your green thumb… it’s your soil. 🌱 In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, we are going back to the basics and talking about the foundation of every healthy, productive garden: living soil. We’ll walk you through the six essential elements your soil needs to thrive, from minerals and organic matter to moisture, oxygen, and microbial life, and share practi...

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2025

Five “weeds,” tons of medicine. In today’s Everyday Homesteading episode, Carolyn sits down with herbalist Dr. Patrick Jones to unpack practical, safe uses for five common wild herbs: mallow/marshmallow/hollyhock (roots), plantain (leaf), burdock (root), stinging nettle (leaf/seed/root), and mullein (leaf/flower/root). What you’ll learn: Mallow family roots for soothing mucous membranes and calming “die lines” in stubborn woundsPlantain for punctures, drawing out toxins, and gentle gut suppor...

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2025

Let’s talk about starting homesteading when money is tight and time is even tighter. In this Everyday Homesteading episode, we show you how to begin right where you are, in the kitchen, and build skills that naturally grow into gardens, livestock, and a well-stocked pantry. No acreage required, no 40 extra hours a week, no influencer-level gear. In this episode: • Why every homestead should start in the kitchen • Budget homesteading 101, price-per-unit, and ingredient-based shoppi...

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2025

We’ve got some BIG news to share with you! 🎉 After nearly seven years and more than 250 episodes, we’re wrapping up The Pantry Chat Podcast… but don’t worry, this isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of something new! 👉 Welcome to the Everyday Homesteading Podcast. In this episode, we reflect on the heart behind the Pantry Chat, share what’s happening on the homestead right now, and reveal why we’re relaunching under a new name. The mission hasn’t changed; we’re still here to encourage you, ...

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2025

In this episode of the Pantry Chat, I sit down with my friend Rory Groves from @thegrovestead to talk about his family’s journey from a tech career in the city to raising six kids on a homestead in Minnesota. Rory’s story will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt the tug to get out of the rat race and build something lasting with their family. What started with a single tomato plant on a city balcony turned into a thriving homestead of gardens, orchards, and livestock. But more than t...

Transcribed - Published: 6 September 2025

Do you ever wonder how to safely use herbal medicine at home? Whether it’s tinctures, teas, powders, or capsules, figuring out the right dose can feel a little overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. In this week’s Pantry Chat, I’m joined by Dr. Patrick Jones from HomegrownHerbalist.net to break it all down in a simple, practical way. We’re covering: 🌿 The pros and cons of different herbal preparations (tinctures, teas, capsules, powders, and salves) 🌿 How to safely dose...

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2025

Honey is so much more than a sweetener... It’s medicine. In this episode of the Pantry Chat, I sit down with beekeeper and herbalist Kaylee Richardson from The Honeystead to explore how combining bee products like honey, propolis, and beeswax with herbs can take your natural remedies to the next level. We’ll cover: 🌿 Why bees are the “original herbalists” 🍯 How honey makes herbal medicine more effective (and better tasting!) 🛡️ Using propolis as a powerful antimicrobial for throat sprays and...

Transcribed - Published: 23 August 2025

It’s midsummer here on the homestead, and that means the harvest is rolling in, the to-do list is growing, and the kitchen floor is… sticky. In this Pantry Chat, we're talking about: 🌱 What to plant now for a winter harvest (and why August is the perfect time) 🐛 How to deal with grasshopper invasions when you can’t keep chickens 🥬 The easiest way to grow lettuce without spending forever washing it 💛 Why gratitude changes everything when homestead life feels overwhelming 🌳 Lessons from our fr...

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2025

Want to preserve the fresh flavors of summer herbs to use all year long? In this video, I’m showing you how to make herbal oils and herbal vinegars, a simple, beginner-friendly way to infuse all that goodness into your pantry staples. We’ll talk about how to safely make flavored oils (yes, there are safety concerns!), and how herbal vinegars are a perfect, safe project for kids and beginners. These make amazing salad dressings, cooking ingredients, and even homemade gifts! 🌿 In this video:...

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2025

Is your homestead truly secure? In this Pantry Chat episode, I'm joined by Tim Eng (veteran, real estate agent, and fellow homesteader) to unpack the essentials of homestead security. From predator prevention and property layout to firearms training, fencing, alarms, and community defense, this is a must-watch for anyone serious about protecting their homestead. 👉 Topics covered: - Practical ways to secure your home and barn - How to build awareness and reduce vulnerability - The role of fir...

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2025

Is your garden looking a little droopy in the August heat? 🌞 In this episode of The Pantry Chat, we’re sharing 7 water-saving gardening tips that will help you keep your garden alive and thriving, without running the sprinkler all day long. From mulching and deep watering to smart irrigation, dry farming techniques, and choosing heat-tolerant plants, we’re covering the tried-and-true methods we’ve used in dry climates and here on our North Idaho homestead. Whether you're gardening in a drough...

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2025

In today’s episode, we dive into a summer gardening classic: how to manage insect pressure without chemicals, using simple, natural and organic pest control strategies you can start implementing today. For more information on organic pest control, check out our blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/garden-pest-control/ In this episode, we cover: 🌿 Seasonal chit-chat: What’s thriving in our North Idaho garden: garlic scapes, raspberries, Napa cabbage, red currants, hops, asparagus,...

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2025

In this episode, Carolyn sits down with Dana K. White of A Slob Comes Clean to talk all things kitchen and pantry organization—without the guilt, stress, or need to pull everything out first! Dana shares her simple, realistic system for decluttering that actually works for busy homesteading families, including her “container concept,” how to let go of food no one’s going to eat, and why organizing isn’t about perfection—it’s about function. For the full breakdown and extra resourc...

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2025

In this episode, Josh sits down with Jade Koyle of Grand Teton Ancient Grains to dive deep into the world of ancient grains like einkorn, emmer, and spelt. They discuss how regenerative agriculture practices not only rebuild soil health but also produce more nutrient-dense crops, leading to better health for your family and the planet. Jade shares why ancient grains haven't been hybridized or altered like modern wheat, and how their original structure makes them easier to digest and more no...

Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2025

Seed-saving is a homesteading skill that takes time and practice. Many feel intimidated and overwhelmed with what can feel like endless information on the topic, but with this seed saving for beginners guide, you can start with the basics. You certainly don't need a college degree to get started with some seed saving on your homestead! For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/seed-saving-for-beginners/ Thanks to Amercian Blossom Linens for sponsoring t...

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2025

With the preservation season upon us, you may already be feeling the pressure to "get it all done" while also maintaining the home, the garden and the livestock... but what if I told you there's a secret hack for saving time when preserving food at home? Join me for today's Pantry Chat podcast as I share my tips! For more information on what our preserving year looks like, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/food-preservation-a-year-at-a-glance/ Grab your Modern Homeste...

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2025