Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World

I've been traveling for the past two weeks. In fact, in about a 14 day period, I was only home a few of those days. What I noticed was the huge lack of healthy food available in many parts of the United States. I've become quite accustomed to what's available in my own slice of the world, and I can easily forget that not everyone has available to them what I do here. So what is it that we need to focus on today in order to fix our broken food system? Listen to this podcast episode and hear my own thoughts on the changes I want to see start happening, and how you can be a part of that change. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/410.

Welcome back to part two of my series on answering your questions. In today's episode, I'm sharing a bit more of the "behind-the-scenes" of what it takes to run my business. From how much time per day I spend on my job, to how many people I have working with me. Plus how to create a homestead that can sustain itself financially and all the different ways that can look. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/409.

Welcome back to another episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast. In today's episode, I'll be answering your questions from social media. All these questions pertain to homesteading, so we're calling this the "Homesteading Edition" and I'll be back next week to answer more of your questions pertaining to the financial side of homesteading and running a business. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/408.

Have you ever wondered how people manage to grocery shop, cook from-scratch meals for their family, and have no waste coming out of their homes? They make it look so easy! Though it might not be easy, it is simple. Join me for today's podcast with special guest, Mary Shrader from Mary's Nest as we discuss the skills that were passed down to us from our parents who lived through the Great Depression. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/407.

Have you ever wondered if it's safe to can previously frozen foods? I'm here to tell you it is, but with a few caveats. There are certain foods I wouldn't feel comfortable canning after it has been frozen (and I'll share why in the podcast), but there are also a few things you want to consider before tossing those precious veggies into the freezer. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/406.

Come hang out with me and Kaylee Richardson (from The Honeystead) as we discuss our favorite medicinal herbs and their uses. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/405.

What is an adaptogen and why should you consider incorporating them into your daily routine? Learn about adaptogen herbs and how they can be used to help support your body on a daily basis, including what adaptogens to use, where to buy them, and how to use them. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/404.

Join me for today's episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast with hunting expert Chris Gilmour. For many, hunting brings up negative connotations or even sadness. My guest can completely understand that as he wasn't raised with hunting as I was. In fact, he was even a vegetarian for eight years! Listen in to this episode because we're discussing all things hunting, from the various hunting styles, how much it costs to get into hunting, how to find the best places to hunt, and where you can join Chris for a hunting course. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/402.

Today's episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast is all about how to preserve food when it's too hot to can (even canning outdoors). For many of us, August comes with some extreme heat. This isn't always great for our garden, especially during the peak of the harvest. Learn how to make sure your harvest doesn't go to waste and that you can preserve all that garden goodness without heating up your house in the process. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/401.

Today's episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast is a special one with a local friend of mine, Andrea. Andrea is co-host of the Ancestral Kitchen Podcast and is shedding light on a very interesting topic of a "working bee." In today's episode, she's sharing what a working bee is, how it can be different based on whatever your particular interests or needs, and how they are extremely relevant and needed in today's day and age. Have a listen because I think you're going to find this episode very encouraging and inspiring. Maybe you'll start a working bee of your own? For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/400.

Today's episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast is with author Bevin Cohen. He's spearheaded the movement for at home pressing of seed and nut oils and loves to share his years of knowledge and experience with us. If you've ever wondered about the health of seed oils, this podcast may surprise you! And, find out why I'll be growing mamoth sunflowers in my garden next year! For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/399.

Join me for today's episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast with Dr. Patrick Jones. He's sharing his wisdom for harvesting, preserving and using wild medicinal herbs that can be found right in our own backyard. If you're interested in herbal medicine, this is one episode you won't want to miss. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/403.

Today's episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast is with master canning expert Georgia Varozza. She and I are discussing the ins and outs of safe canning, including questions such as reusing canning lids, sugar secrets, how to know if a canning recipe is safe, and so much more. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/398.

Join me for today's Pioneering Today Podcast as I share some behind the scenes from the Modern Homesteading Conference. There were some crazy events that took place, and more than one miracle to share about. If you want to snag your early-bird tickets for next year's conference, visit modernhomesteading.com and for more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/397.

Join me for today's Pioneering Today Podcast as I discuss how to set yourself up for the possibility of taking a vacation from the homestead. This doesn't happen overnight, and there are some systems you may need to get in place. However, from my own experience (and hearing from others) you'll never regret getting these systems in place because they only make your own life easier for the future. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit: melissaknorris.com/396.

Join me for today's Pioneering Today Podcast as I discuss the benefits and drawbacks of freeze dried vs. dehydrated food. What exactly are the differences between freeze-drying and dehydrating. Are there benefits that outweigh one from the other? Are there certain foods that should or shouldn't be preserved by these methods? Plus, learn the only foods that are shelf-stable when freeze-dried and how this can be a game changer when it comes to stocking a well-supplied pantry or long-term food storage supply. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit: melissaknorris.com/395.

Join me for today's Pioneering Today Podcast as I'm joined by Joe from Premier 1. We're talking about everything you need to know to get started with electric fence netting. If you've been using netting for years, you'll still want to catch today's episode as there were tips I learned after three years of using this electric netting myself. We're sharing tips for setting up nets to keep out specific predators, how much fence you need, the size of the energizer needed, battery life and so much more. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit: melissaknorris.com/394.

Join me for today's Pioneering Today Podcast as I discuss the pros and cons of home electric pressure and water bath canners. Are they safe? Should we trust them? How do we know whether to pressure or water bath can specific items? Are there items you cannot safely can? And whether or not you'll find an electric canner in my kitchen. All this and more on today's episode of the podcast. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit: melissaknorris.com/393.

Join me for today's Pioneering Today Podcast as I catch you up on all the happenings around here, including some of the decision-making processes we go through to determine the livestock we'll raise each year and whether or not we're raising pigs again. I'm also sharing some fun updates on the Norris Farmstead and ways you can get involved with either a Farm Stay, or some in-person workshops this year. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit: melissaknorris.com/392.

Join me for today's podcast with guest Joel Salatin as we discuss mRNA in livestock and how that translates into our food supply. Learn how "organic" doesn't mean you're safe from vaccines in your food. Plus hear Joels top two tips for how we can take an active role in raising our own livestock, or sourcing from local farmers using his motto, "Know your farmer, know your food." For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit: melissaknorris.com/391.

In today's podcast, my guest Katie Millhorn from Millhorn Farmstead in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho is sharing her knowledge of A2 raw milk and it's healing and transformative power. She's seen first hand the healing it can have on a person with an autoimmune disease, and now owns and operates one of the largest raw milk dairy farms in Idaho with her family. She's also my partner for the Modern Homesteading Conference that will be held in North Idaho this year (June/July 2023). Get tickets here https://modernhomesteading.com/ For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit: melissaknorris.com/390.

In today's podcast, my guest Stephanie Haglund from The Rancher's Homestead and I are discussing the various ways to consume beef liver and mask the taste to reap the amazing health and nutritional benefits. Both Stephanie and I had to learn the hard way from eating a standard American diet which led to severe health issues. It's our hope to share our stories so you don't have to learn the hard way. Come learn all about this nutrient-dense superfood and what it can do for you and your health. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit: melissaknorris.com/389.

One of the most commonly asked questions I get is how does someone start homesteading. I get this question from people who already have their forever homestead, and from people who don't yet have that property. Truth be told, there's a LOT you can be doing to prepare yourself for this modern homesteading lifestyle right now, no matter where you live. From an apartment in the city, to 40 acres on a homestead, there are skills you can be learning and mastering that will bring you in to this modern homestead life. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit: https://melissaknorris.com/388.

Homeschooling, though once a very unconventional method of schooling, has seen a comeback in the past few years. Join me in today's podcast episode with Kody Hanner, from The Homestead Education, where we discuss the various methods of schooling our children. We'll look at the differences of public school vs. homeschool and why no two homeschools look the same. And we'll also discuss Kody's curriculum that she's written for homeschooling and non-homeschooling families alike. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit: https://melissaknorris.com/387.

Have you ever heard of a "survival garden?" For some, this term evokes fear and a sense of doom and gloom… but in reality, survival gardens are simply what the majority of people grew in the backyard just a few generations ago. So what is a survival garden? What crops should be planted in one, and how do we start one ourselves? If you've asked yourself any of these questions, then this podcast episode is for you. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit: melissaknorris.com/386.

If you've ever wanted to grow heirloom apple varieties in an apple orchard or even learn how to graft your own apple trees on your homestead, this podcast episode is for you! Join me with Nikki Conley from Athol Orchards Antique Apple Farm as she shares about the unique history of apple varieties in America. From heirloom varieties to feral and domesticated apples, we're diving in deep. I'm also excited to announce that Nikki will be a speaker at the first annual Modern Homesteading Conference this year! For more information, where you can find Nikki, and any links mentioned in this episode, visit: melissaknorris.com/385.

Have you wondered what natural cheese making is and how it differs from making cheese with store-bought cultures? Have you ever heard of "clabber"? And have you ever thought cheese-making to be similar to making sourdough bread? Join me in this podcast with Robyn Jackson from Cheese From Scratch as she shares her years of knowledge with us on making cheese naturally, from scratch, without store-bought cultures. For more information, where you can find Robyn, and any links mentioned in this episode, visit: melissaknorris.com/384.

Today's podcast is another live coaching call with Michelle, a member of the Pioneering Today Academy. When planning to put in a fruit or berry orchard, there are some tips you'll want to know about ahead of time. Join me on this live coaching call as we discuss how to move forward planning a fruit tree and berry bush orchard as well as how to keep the fruit safe from pests. Also, the doors are currently open for the Pioneering Today Academy so jump on over and join us (if you missed the opening, sign up for the waitlist and you'll be notified next time the doors open). For any links mentioned in this episode, visit: melissaknorris.com/383.

Today's podcast is another live coaching call with Maddie, a member of the Pioneering Today Academy. We're discussing how to plan which herbs to grow in a medicinal herb garden as well as the properties of different herbs that match her needs. If you'd like access to the academy to learn to grow your own herbs & safely create a natural medicine cabinet from custom blended teas, tinctures, herbal salves & soaps, be sure to sign up for the Pioneering Today Academy waitlist so you're notified when the doors open. For any links mentioned in this episode, check out the blog post here: melissaknorris.com/382.

Though not all of us are homesteading with special needs children, it's likely that many of us know someone who is. In this podcast, my good friend Rachel is sharing her tips on raising a special needs child on the homestead. If you're a parent with a newly diagnosed child with special needs it can be hard to know exactly where to start. How to talk to family and friends about your child and how to express their needs. For any links mentioned in this episode, be sure to check out the blog post here: melissaknorris.com/381

You may be wondering how baking consistently good bread and land sabbaths come together into one episode of a podcast. That's the beauty of a live coaching call! Today I'm interviewing Britnay, a member of the Pioneering Today Academy. We're diving into the science behind land sabbaths, as well as troubleshooting the issues she's been having while baking homemade bread. For any links and additional information, be sure to check out the blog post here: melissaknorris.com/380

Learn to grow your best garden ever with these nine simple steps for growing an abundance of food. If you're new to gardening, or just need to take your gardening skills and knowledge to the next level, this podcast is for you. Be sure to check out the corresponding blog post for additional tips and links to everything mentioned in this podcast at melissaknorris.com/379. Also be sure to check out my Backyard Gardening Systems course here.

Today's podcast is a live coaching call with Pioneering Today Academy member, Joan. Joan is fairly new to raising a flock of 12 backyard egg-laying chickens. She's looking for tips on how to protect her flock from "bully" chickens. What she can grow in the garden to help supplement her chickens feed and improve their health. As well as whether or not chickens can be raised indoors (due to some changing ordinances in her neighborhood). For answers to all these questions, as well as the show notes and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/378.

Today's podcast is a live coaching call with Pioneering Today Academy member, Briana-Jo, and we're discussing real-life problems she's facing on her homestead. Briana-Jo works a full-time job (commuting 30 miles each way), lives on 1.3 acres with much of the land shaded or wooded, and a long to-do list of projects. We'll be discussing ways to utilize imperfect land and how to prioritize projects. For the show notes and any links mentioned in today's podcast visit https://melissaknorris.com/377.

If you want to cook from scratch and eliminate (or reduce) the amount of processed or fast foods in your home, these time saving tips are for you. These are the same tips I've used for years to eat real food without being chained to the stove or feeling like all I do is cook. If you need help getting real food on the table without a ton of extra time, then you, my friend, are in the right place. For the show notes and any links mentioned in today's podcast: https://melissaknorris.com/376.

When we sit down and start to plan out our year, it can be very easy to quickly get overwhelmed and feel like there's no way we'll be able to get everything done. But that's usually because we haven't made a plan! Sure it would be great if there were an "easy button," but too often we confuse "simple" for "easy". And though this homesteading lifestyle allows for more simplicity, it's anything but easy. For the show notes and any links mentioned in today's podcast: https://melissaknorris.com/375.

This might be the hardest podcast I've had to record. As many of you already know, we lost our dairy cow Clover after she delivered a beautiful bull calf (who we named Rebel). We still aren't certain of the cause of Clover's death, but the vet gave us some ideas. Though it doesn't make this homesteading life any easier, it's been nice to know I'm not alone in this journey. If you want to hear Clover's birth story and the events that transpired the last week of her life, then come listen to today's podcast episode. For the show notes and links, visit my website at https://melissaknorris.com/374.

Could you (or would you) go without the internet for an ENTIRE year? Rory Feek encourages us to look deeper at finding those connections with the faith, family and friends in our lives. If you were fortunate enough to be at the Homestead Festival last year, you know just how special these events can be. Connecting with homesteaders, making friends, learning new skills, and being inspired by like-minded people is incredible. It's for this reason that Rory took on a one-year challenge where he's completely unplugged for an entire year. To hear more about this, or for all of the show notes and links, visit my website at https://melissaknorris.com/373.

Welcome to part four of my four part series where I'm answering YOUR questions! This week it's ask me anything! I'm answering all the remaining questions from my Instagram poll. I'm covering topics from how to get started homesteading, how to homestead while working a full-time job and raising children, what my favorite and least favorite homestead chores are, and what my favorite podcasts are! For all of the show notes and links, visit my website at https://melissaknorris.com/372.

Welcome to part three of my four part series where I'm answering YOUR questions! This week it's all about preserving! From dehydrating, pressure canning, steam canning, and water bath canning, I'm covering all of your questions. I've even got some bonus sourdough tips on how to know if your starter has gone bad! For all of the show notes and links, visit my website at https://melissaknorris.com/371.

A few weeks ago I took to social media and told you to ask me anything! This is the second of a four-part series where I'll be breaking those questions up into categories and answering your questions! Today's topic is all about livestock, more specifically, milk cows and chickens. From how to protect your flock, how Clover our milk cow is doing, and how I use up all our extra raw milk. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/370.

A few weeks ago I took to social media and told you to ask me anything! This is the first of a three or four part series where I'll be breaking those questions up into categories and answering your questions! Today's topic is all about gardening. We're talking about using greenhouses and high-tunnels, over-wintering herbs and strawberries, getting started with the easiest crops to grow and more. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/369.

It's that time of year again when we're all searching for that perfect holiday gift for the ones we love. If you have a homesteader in your life (or someone who loves quality gifts), this is THE holiday gift guide for you, and I'm updating it this year with my newest favorite finds! You can think of this podcast like two friends sitting down chatting about their amazing deals. For all of the show notes and links to these great companies and products, visit https://melissaknorris.com/368.

In this podcast episode, we're talking to land-buying expert Dave Denniston from Generation Family Properties. He's sharing all about purchasing land for on or off-grid living, ensuring a clean title and affordable options. If you've ever wanted to buy land, you may realize early on that it can be an intimidating process. Come listen to Dave's best tips on doing your due diligence when acquiring land. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/367.

Let's talk about the truth behind the USDA in America and its home canning industry regulations and recommendations. The USDA has guidelines for each different food to preserve as well as for different canning methods. Food preservation safety is crucial to keep food from spoiling and people who eat it from getting sick. If food is not preserved correctly, it will spoil and, therefore, must be discarded. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/366.

Trust me when I say you're in for a treat with today's podcast. I'm chatting with Beth from Crowley House Flower Farm about how she earns a living doing what she loves… growing cut flowers. If you're thinking, "I don't need to grow cut flowers," or, "I already grow flowers in my garden, so this episode isn't for me," stick with me because, for decades, I didn't put time or effort into growing flowers. Then I started studying herbalism and quickly realized how certain flowers (that double as medicine) can actually help my vegetable garden as well. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/365.

There's no better time to prepare for winter. In this podcast I'm sharing my best tips for how to prepare for winter, including every area of the homestead. We're talking about the animals, their shelter and their feed. The gardens, berry bushes and fruit orchards. And we're even covering some of the household fall chores (think spring cleaning but in the fall) as well as getting the pantry stocked for winter. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/364.

I was recently posed a question by one of my listeners regarding the issue of the conflict between supporting local farmers and trying to get the most for your money when it comes to our food. This is a topic of discussion that's getting louder each year as inflation continues to increase the cost of food. The supply-chain issues have also made many of us reconsider where we're sourcing our food and other supplies. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/363.

Learn the three most common homesteading mistakes people make when embarking on their homesteading journey. And learn a few tips to keep your focus where it will have the best impact. In this episode, I'm talking with Jess Sowards from Roots & Refuge Farm and she's sharing her first-time homesteading wisdom, especially as she and her husband build their forever homestead from scratch on bare land in South Carolina. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/362.

What are the basic supplies and knowledge we should all have to live a prepared lifestyle? Join me on this podcast with Malori from Black Rifle Homestead as she shares her experience as a military wife. We're discussing what it's like trying to homestead (while moving every 2-3 years) and the things she builds up after each move. She also shares some basic survival and preparedness skills, whether you live on a homestead or not. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/361.