Pantry Chat - Homesteading Family

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

Join me with my guest, Amy Cross from The CrossLegacy, as we discuss how to properly harvest, wash, dry and store your produce so it lasts weeks (or months) longer! Amy is filled with great tips, from how to know how to wash different types of produce to which items are "produce buddies" or "produce frienemies." For more details, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-keep-fruit-fresh-longer/ Be sure to check out Amy's Zero Waste Produce Guide (use coupon code "Hom...

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2025

Good quality coffee is hard to come by, especially a blend that you can actually enjoy black. Join us in this podcast episode with Lore Coffee Roasters' Graysen and Nicholas as we dig deeper into what makes quality coffee, why sourcing is important, and how to know it's mold and mycotoxin free. Give Lore Coffee a try with our custom half-caff blend and be sure to use coupon code "Homestead15" for 15% off your first purchase: https://homesteadingfamily.com/half-caff-coffee-blend Check out Lor...

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2025

With summer comes scrapes, burns, stings and bites. Let's prepare our herbal medicine cabinets now so we're armed and ready for the season! In this episode, I'm sharing three of my go-to remedies for the summer, including a calendula sunburn salve, plantain bug bite balm and a peppermint lemon cooling spray. For the printable, step-by-step recipes, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-start-using-medicinal-herbs/ Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring this podca...

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2025

If you're on the fence about buying a freeze dryer, these 10 surprising foods you can freeze dry may convince you to make that purchase. What foods can you freeze dry? Let us share our favorites with you! For links to these tutorials, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/10-surprising-foods-you-can-freeze-dry/ Sign up for my freeze drying class, The Abundant Pantry: Freeze Drying here: https://classes.homesteadingfamily.com/the-abundant-pantry-freeze-drying-evergreen G...

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2025

Justin Rhodes joined Josh in this episode of the Pantry Chat to discuss recovery on the homestead after Hurricane Helene and homestead builds, which happen to be the topic of his new book. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly...

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2025

The chicken, the pig and the dairy cow! They're the three essential homestead animals for ultimate resiliency. For more details and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/best-homestead-animals/ Thanks to Lehman's for sponsoring this podcast. Visit https://lehmans.com and shop all their amazing analog products! TIME STAMPS 0:00 - Intro 0:31 - Chit Chat 6:55 - Lehman's 9:44 - Year of Rest 12:10 - What to Start First on a Homestead 16:06 - Main Topic ...

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2025

You’re incredibly busy! One thing that shouldn't add to your stress is figuring out how to get meals on the table. Join me as I share with you how from-scratch cooking can transform your home into a haven of wholesome, delicious meals. Learn more and catch my other podcast episode where I shared how I get three home-cooked meals on the table every day here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/3-home-cooked-meals-every-day/ Thank you to ForJars for sponsoring this podcast. Use promo code Homestea...

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2025

Compost is key to supercharging your garden soil, and whether you purchase it or make food scraps, manure, worm, or mushroom compost, you need to know how to use compost to get the most out of this black gold. For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-use-compost/ This podcast is sponsored by American Blossom Linens. Grab your USA-made linens and other products with a 20% off discount! Use coupon code “HOMESTEADINGFAMILY” for 20% off and free ship...

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2025

Have you been lured by the idea of an herbal cleansing detox? In this modern world, we are exposed to more toxins than ever before. Josh and I have been going through a detox journey under the supervision of our healthcare practitioner, so a detox protocol is at the forefront of our minds. Have you been lured by the idea of an herbal cleansing detox? Let's take a look at the basics, including what is and isn't a safe approach. For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homestea...

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2025

Every spring, we eagerly await the emerging soil and can't wait to get our hands dirty again! Then, we know all too well the feeling of garden overwhelm that quickly follows. But it doesn't have to be this way! Here are our best tips for avoiding garden overwhelm and enjoying many of our favorite times of the year. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/avoiding-garden-overwhelm/ - Check out the Seedtime App here: https://home...

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2025

If you're wondering what an EMP is and whether you should investigate it, this podcast is for you. If you think this doesn't pertain to you, let me ask you if you feel like your appliances or electronics aren't lasting as long as they used to. It could be due to small electrical power surges coming into your home every day, overtaxing those appliances! For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/what-is-an-emp/ Check out EMP Shield and use coupon code "Hom...

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2025

If you feel like you're behind on garden planning, or maybe you didn't even do any garden cleanup last fall and are feeling the pressure, this Pantry Chat podcast is for you. It's very rarely too late to do something in the garden as we have so many options. It may not seem ideal, but here are our best late start gardening tips. - For links and more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/late-start-gardening-tips-its-not-too-late/ - Check out American Bloss...

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2025

Join me for this podcast interview with Bevin Cohen ⁨@SmallHouseFarm⁩ as we discuss his new book, Herbs in Every Season and how we can use herbs throughout the year in the kitchen, garden and apothecary. For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/herbs-for-every-season/ - Get Herbs in Every Season on preorder (only three days left at time of publication!) and get herb seeds from Bevin's garden and six months FREE to his Patreon: https://www.smallhousefa...

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2025

Join us as we chat about what's going on at the homestead in March! We're talking about our retirement plans, how we can extend our assets to our neighbors to create more community and security. For more details and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/on-the-homestead-in-march/ Thanks to ForJars for sponsoring this video! Some of my favorite go-to products in the kitchen are from ForJars, especially their vacuum sealer for jars! If you want to shop...

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2025

There are many people looking to buy homestead property... but what should you know before jumping in with both feet? Listen to this podcast interview with Annette Sievert, who wrote the book How to Buy a Homestead Property: A Handbook for Your Homesteading Journey. This episode is filled with tips and information to know before you start looking. For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-buy-a-homestead-property/ Grab Annette's book, How to Bu...

Transcribed - Published: 8 March 2025

We're giving you all a TOXIN JOURNEY UPDATE! Carolyn got some labs back and we've both been working with Dr. Torrie Thompson for over a year to rid our bodies of excess toxins. In this Pantry Chat, we're giving you the update! For more details about common toxins and how to reduce them, check out this interview we did with Dr. Torrie here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/common-toxins/ To work with Dr. Torrie or to see the packages she offers, click here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/tox...

Transcribed - Published: 1 March 2025

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our nine children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com...

Transcribed - Published: 22 February 2025

The ground is covered in white, fluffy snow, and we've been enjoying the season while trying to stay healthy! For more details and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/whats-new-on-the-homestead-in-february/ Thanks to American Blossom Linens for sponsoring this podcast. Check out their 100% USA-grown wool filled PILLOWS!!! Be sure to use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY" for 20% off your order AND free shipping: https://homesteadingfamily.com/s-ameri...

Transcribed - Published: 15 February 2025

Learning how to make your own tea blends at home can be very rewarding (and delicious!). Enjoy this podcast with CeAnne from @FarmhouseTeas as she shares why blending your own loose-leaf tea at home is so beneficial. For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-make-your-own-tea-blend/ - CeAnne's Tea Blending Course: https://homesteadingfamily.com/medicinal-teas-fht-course - Homesteading Family's Favorite Farmhouse Tea Blends: https://homesteadingfa...

Transcribed - Published: 8 February 2025

With a busy household and homestead, it's imperative that we stay organized. In this blog post and Pantry Chat podcast, we're sharing some of our best tools and tips for staying organized on the homestead. For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/staying-organized-on-the-homestead/ American Blossom Linens: Get 20% off (plus FREE shipping) when you use coupon code “HOMESTEAINGFAMILY” at checkout: https://americanblossomlinens.com/pages/home-steading-fam...

Transcribed - Published: 1 February 2025

When it comes to root cellaring, there are a lot of restrictions that can keep us from creating the ideal temperatures. Remembering that we're essentially just trying to mitigate decay of our crops, we want to prolong this as much as we're able. Join me with guest Sam Knapp from @offbeetfarm as we discuss various root cellaring methods and ways to manipulate your storage conditions. - For more details, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-store-vegetables-without-...

Transcribed - Published: 25 January 2025

This time of year seems pretty quiet on the homestead. We're generally enjoying shorter days curled up by the fireplace, getting caught up on book reading, crafts or other projects. - Join the Homestead Kitchen membership here: https://classes.homesteadingfamily.com/homestead-kitchen-membership-evergreen - Get your copy of the Homestead Kitchen magazine here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/in-the-homestead-kitchen-yt Time Stamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:40 - Water Storage 4:43 - Dehydrating Eggs 6:...

Transcribed - Published: 18 January 2025

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our nine children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.c...

Transcribed - Published: 11 January 2025

We're hoping to clear the air about the misconception that homesteading is EASY. While we don't maintain that this lifestyle is easy, there are aspects of it that have become second nature to us, so in a sense, yes, it's easy. There's much more to it than that, and we genuinely believe that though homesteading may be difficult at times, it's most certainly worth it. For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/is-homesteading-easy/ - Sign up for our FREE...

Transcribed - Published: 4 January 2025

Have you ever wondered if you can truly homestead from anywhere? I'm not just talking about acres of land, but how about an apartment in the city? My answer may surprise you, but it's the reason why I'm hosting the first annual How to Homestead Anywhere Crash Course! If you've been wanting to start learning homesteading skills (and adopting a homesteading mindset), then this crash course is for you. Listen to today's podcast to find out more, then sign up below! Join the How to Homes...

Transcribed - Published: 28 December 2024

Join us as we sit down in the Harvest Kitchen to reflect on 2024 and look forward in anticipation and excitement for 2025. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/2024-year-in-review - Fermented Cranberry Sauce Recipe: https://homesteadingfamily.com/easy-homemade-fermented-cranberry-sauce-recipe/ - Shop ForJars kitchen timers and use code "HomesteadingFamily10" for 10% off your order: https://homesteadingfamily.com/forjars-kitc...

Transcribed - Published: 21 December 2024

Join us for part three of our series on starting a homestead business. This week we're covering other jobs you can do remotely to allow you to still work from home. If you missed parts one or two, you can find the links below. You can also watch or listen to all three Pantry Chat podcasts on our website here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-make-money-from-your-homestead/ Sign up for Carolyn's FREE Homestead From Anywhere 5-Day Crash Course here: https://classes.homesteadingfamily.com...

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2024

Join me for this podcast interview with guest Jason Ross as we discuss the Black Autumn book series and the Homestead movie and TV series. We’re also discussing many homesteading ideals and concepts for a well-prepared life. For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/the-homestead-movie-tv-series/ Grab your Homestead movie tickets and a chance to win the grand prize giveaway here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/homestead-movie ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT...

Transcribed - Published: 7 December 2024

When we feel our bodies need a boost in nutrition, it's common to reach for a supplement. But how can we know that the supplements we're reaching for are pure and not filled with toxins that will do more harm than good? Let's dive into this topic with H.R. from AzureWell. To learn more, check out the blog post that accompanies this episode here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/safe-supplements/ Grab your AzureWell supplements from Azure Standard now: https://homesteadingfamily.com/main-azure...

Transcribed - Published: 30 November 2024

We're back with part TWO of our series on starting a homestead business. Today's topic is turning your homestead into a farm. Join us as we dive into what you should know before starting a business, and the four pillars of business we think every entrepreneur should know. If you missed the first part of the series, you can find it, along with this episode and more details in the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-make-money-from-your-homestead/ LINKS MENTIONED: - Get you...

Transcribed - Published: 23 November 2024

Being a man today can be hard, especially if you're listening to what the world says is "right." Join us with guest John Lovell from @WarriorPoetSociety as we discuss what being a Warrior Poet means and how we can live counter-culturally in this modern world and walk worthy of our calling. For more information and any links mentioned in this podcast, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-preparedness-helps-protect-our-families/ This podcast is sponsored by Lehmans. Be...

Transcribed - Published: 16 November 2024

Welcome to our monthly podcast where we're discussing everything that's been going on here at Riverbend. Throughout the seasons, our daily and weekly tasks change quite a bit, and because this homesteading journey is never-ending, we're always learning and making adjustments to our systems and routines. For links and any other information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/state-of-the-homestead/ This podcast is sponsored by American Blossom Linens. To enjoy your two...

Transcribed - Published: 9 November 2024

Building a family economy was commonplace in history. Now, it’s less likely that a family builds a generational economy. Join me and our guest, Rory Groves from @thegrovestead, as we discuss what the family economy means and the benefits that can come from home-centered living. For links and more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/the-family-economy/ Grab The Family Economy here: thegrovestead.com/familyeconomy/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! W...

Transcribed - Published: 2 November 2024

Learn the difference between apparel manufacturing in the USA and those from other countries and discover why buying USA-made apparel is so important. Plus, learn the basic steps you can take now to help strengthen the US textile industry. For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/apparel-manufacturing-in-the-usa/ To check out more of the USA Brands, click the links below: - Vermont Flannel: https://homesteadingfamily.com/vermont-flannel - All-American C...

Transcribed - Published: 26 October 2024

There are a lot of people who want to start a homestead business. Learning how to make money from your homestead and living off your homestead are two very different things. In this series, we'll discuss the three different homestead businesses that provide income to make money or live from your homestead. For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-make-money-from-your-homestead/ This podcast is sponsored by Lehman's, be sure to check them out for ...

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2024

For today's Pantry Chat, I'm joined by Lisa Bass from @FarmhouseonBoone and we're diving into the most common sourdough misconceptions and putting these myths to rest! Both Lisa and I have been baking with sourdough for over a decade and have come to learn that you don't always have to "follow the rules" or be so strict. If you'd like to learn even more myths (or mistakes) that are commonly believed or made with sourdough, check out the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/sourdo...

Transcribed - Published: 12 October 2024

Joel Salatin says the average homesteader burns out after about six years of homesteading. We've found that homesteaders are some of the hardest-working people out there and will often work themselves into the ground. Without intentionally taking a rest, it's easy to push yourself until you burn out. Read more in the accompanying blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/seventh-year-rest/ This video is sponsored by Azure Standard. Get 15% off your order (first-time customers only) of...

Transcribed - Published: 5 October 2024

What does it mean to you to eat seasonally? For us, that's eating as much fresh produce as possible during the growing season. But it looks different once the garden stops producing! Today's Pantry Chat is all about how our family eats seasonally to save time, energy AND money in the kitchen. For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/meal-planning-on-the-homestead/ Sign up for the mushroom growing webinar on October 10, 2024 here: https://homesteadingfa...

Transcribed - Published: 28 September 2024

Designing a food forest can be overwhelming. Today's podcast guest, Matthew Britt from @FoodForestAbundanceOfficial is sharing some tips to help remove the guesswork and make growing an edible landscape something that's enjoyable and productive. Once your food forest is established, it should provide food for years to come with very little maintenance. For links and additional info, check out the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/designing-a-food-forest/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE...

Transcribed - Published: 21 September 2024

Have you ever considered what you're growing in the garden to know if it's actually working for you or against you? This week on the Pantry Chat we're diving deeper into this topic and sharing some of the changes in our mindset (and gardening strategies) that we've made. Get more details here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/making-your-garden-work-for-you/ Sign up for the third annual School of Traditional Skills Summit here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/STS_HF We don't yet have Grandm...

Transcribed - Published: 14 September 2024

Join me and guest Mary Colvin as we discuss building and maintaining a home apothecary. We'll discuss what it is, the tools necessary to build a well-stocked apothecary, some common terms, and recommended herbs to start with. For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/building-a-home-apothecary/ Find Mary Colvin's book, The Herbalist's Guide: How to Build and Use Your Own Apothecary here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/herbalists-guide-book ~~~~~~~~~~~~...

Transcribed - Published: 7 September 2024

Freeze drying is a very basic and straightforward process - if you know some of these simple tips! Don't make the same mistakes I made when I first started freeze-drying. Follow my seven simple steps for freeze-drying, and you'll be well on your way to lining your pantry full of preserved food. For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/7-steps-of-freeze-drying-mistakes-to-avoid/ To sign up for the waitlist for my Abundant Pantry: Freeze Drying Mastercl...

Transcribed - Published: 31 August 2024

Though you'll still find us canning, fermenting, dehydrating and preserving our foods in other ways, freeze-drying has quickly moved to the top of the list for my favorite preservation method. And for good reason! Here are the ten reasons why we love freeze-drying. For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/10-reasons-we-love-freeze-drying/ To get on the waitlist for my Freeze Drying Masterclass and a chance to win a FREE Harvest Right freeze dryer, go he...

Transcribed - Published: 24 August 2024

Join me with CEO and Truly Free founder Stephen Ezell as we discuss the importance of cleaning up the toxins in our home! For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/toxins-in-common-household-cleaners/ Check out Truly Free (and get 50 FREE loads of laundry detergent) here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/My-Green-Fills ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our nine children, we a...

Transcribed - Published: 17 August 2024

We've been battling grass in our terrace garden, our cottage garden, and the perennial beds in our main crop garden. I think we're finally winning the war! Watch this video to see what we're doing and what's worked (and what hasn't)! For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-get-rid-of-grass-in-the-garden/ This podcast is sponsored by one of our favorite suppliers for all things homesteading. Thank you to Lehman's for sponsoring this podcast. Che...

Transcribed - Published: 10 August 2024

Are you wanting to build up your long-term food storage supply but aren't sure how to start? This podcast is for you! Join me with guest David Stelzer from @azurestandard as we talk about the best methods for stocking up on bulk food. For more information (and other podcasts where we talk about bulk-buying strategies), visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/building-up-your-long-term-food-storage-supply/ This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. Right now, for fir...

Transcribed - Published: 3 August 2024

Over the past couple of years we've known there needed to be some changes in our dairy system. As Tilly, our milk cow, continued to get older, we decided it was time to layer in a new dairy cow. But we never guessed we'd be getting ten gallons of milk each day! Find out how we've changed our routines, the investments we've made that have cut our processing time in half, and what we plan to do in the future. For more information, check out the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/...

Transcribed - Published: 27 July 2024