Roots and Refuge Podcast

Hey y'all, welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Today's episode is a tender one. It's about fully living in the season you're in even when that season is uncomfortable, uncertain, or deeply painful. I'm sharing honestly about the past year our family has walked through: fertility treatments, hope, loss, surrender, and the quiet work of trusting the Lord with desires I cannot carry on my own. I talk about what it's been like to hold an open heart as my older children step into young adulthood, and how grief and longing have sharpened my awareness of what is right in front of me. This episode isn't about escaping hard seasons or rushing toward what comes next. It's about presence. About resisting the pull to live in the past or anxiously project ourselves into the future. About the truth that not everything that feels uncomfortable is bad and that being fully present may be the greatest gift available to us right now. I share reflections on living seasonally not just in the garden or the kitchen, but in the soul. I call it combing out the tangles of the heart and trusting God's steady presence in the midst of it all. If you've been navigating a season of waiting, loss, transition, or quiet surrender, I hope this episode feels like a chair pulled up beside you. You can also continue this conversation with me over on my new Substack, A Life In Season, where I'm writing more deeply about living present and faithful in every chapter of life. In this episode I also referenced a past episode with my friend Regan. You can hear that podcast here. Thanks for being here, and for walking alongside me in every season. If you've found value in this project, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, where you can listen early and join our monthly Q&A. As always, I bless you until next time.

Hey y'all, welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast! Today I'm sharing the deep heart-work I've been sitting with this summer—how to truly be human in a world that often demands otherwise. This episode isn't just about homesteading or daily rhythms, though those are part of it. It's about reclaiming rest, nourishment, relationship, and presence as sacred and non-negotiable. I talk about raising a standard in my own life—sleeping enough, feeding myself well, tending relationships, and choosing not to trade my humanity for hustle. In a time where the digital world feels less real and more overwhelming, we have to decide what kind of life we want to build. And for me, that starts with wielding my humanity with intention and grace. Thank you for spending time with me today. If you've found encouragement here, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, where you can listen early and join our monthly Q&A. As always—I bless you, until next time.

Hey y'all, welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast! In this week's episode, I'm sharing some stories from the early days of our homestead, the hard lessons, the high hopes, and the deep love that has grown in the soil of our farm over the years. This episode was recorded in a season of low battery mode for me, a time when I was physically and emotionally drained, but still showing up to care for my animals and tend to the life we've built. In the quiet of these days, I find myself remembering. From the goats that first stole my heart to the steep learning curves of loss and perseverance, this is a reflection on how far we've come and how familiar this once-dreamed-of life has become. I talk about the value of seasoned love; in marriage, in farming, and in the calling to steward well. This isn't about the novelty of a new adventure, but the deep roots of a life lived slowly and intentionally. Thank you for spending time with me today. If you've found encouragement here, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, where you can listen early and join our monthly Q&A. As always—I bless you, until next time.

Hey there, darlings welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In this episode, How the Garden Taught Me to Stay, I'm sharing some tender thoughts on restlessness. You know that feeling that makes you want to change everything when life gets too quiet, too slow, or too honest? The garden, in its steady and unhurried way, has taught me something different. It taught me to be present, to hold still when everything in me wanted to run. I talk about the difference between moving out of fear and choosing stillness from a place of peace, and ultimately the great fruit that steadfastness enables us to grow. Sometimes, staying put is the bravest, most faithful thing we can do. If you've found something useful here, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, where you can listen early and join our monthly Q&A. As always, I bless you until next time.

Hey there, darlings welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Today we're digging into how to grow a life-giving family culture on purpose. From learning to be fully present at the dinner table to teaching our kids that hard work feels good, I share the seven pillars shaping our home—and the garden metaphors that keep me humble. We'll talk screens, Sabbath-style rest, telling the whole truth (even when it's awkward), and why patience is the secret sauce that lets all these seeds take root. Grab some iced tea, settle in, and let's tend what's already in our hands, one step at a time. If you've found encouragement here, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, where you can listen early and join our monthly Q&A. As always, I bless you until next time.

Hey there, darlings welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Today I'm sharing a slower, sweeter reflection on something that's been on my heart lately, the joy of growing your own food. With the busyness of spring, harvests starting to roll in, and everything asking for our attention, it's easy to rush past the wonder of it all. But I want to invite you to savor it. Whether you've grown one tomato or a whole pantry full of produce, there's joy to be found in every bite—if we choose to see it. Let's focus on being present, celebrating the small victories, and remembering why we started this life in the first place. If you've found encouragement here, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, where you can listen early and join our monthly Q&A. As always, I bless you until next time.

Hey there darlings, welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Today's episode is one I recorded as much for myself as for you. It's a message I wish 22-year-old me could have heard—back when my dreams felt so big and my limits felt so loud. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by what you can't do, this episode is a gentle reminder that there's sacred strength in doing what you can. I'm talking about tending your life like a garden—not in panic, not in perfection, but in presence. Whether you're in a season of limitations, raising babies, or just navigating a world that feels a bit too urgent, you're not alone. There is wisdom in your limits. There is grace in your pace. And there is peace in choosing to be rooted right where you are. This conversation touches on preparation, presence, performance, and the quiet rebellion of slow living. Let it encourage you to stop striving, to tend with care, and to trust that what's within your reach is enough. If you've found encouragement here, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, where you can listen early and join our monthly Q&A. As always, I bless you until next time.

Hey there darlings, welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In honor of Mother's Day, I invited my sweet friend Regan on for a deeply personal and honest conversation about motherhood—what it teaches us, how it changes us, and how it shapes the lives we're building. Regan is a new mom, and I'm just about to watch my oldest son turn twenty. We're in such different seasons, but we share a love for this calling and the sacred work it requires. We talk about sacrifice and legacy, growing our families and ourselves, grief and hope, presence and responsibility. From baby challenges to homestead dreams, from sleepless nights to small victories, this conversation holds space for the beauty and hardship of being a mama in today's world. If you've been longing for some solidarity and reflection in your motherhood journey—whether you're brand new to it or decades in—I hope you'll sit with us a while. Also, if you've found encouragement here, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, where you can listen early and join our monthly Q&A. As always, I bless you until next time. . Regan's writing can be found here: https://homemadehomestead.substack.com/profile/posts . A little note: We had some minor audio hiccups while recording—I'm trying out new software to bring remote guests on more regularly—but I didn't want to toss out such a meaningful conversation. Thanks for your grace as we grow.

Hey y'all, welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast! Let's talk about preparedness, not the kind you see on sensational TV shows or fear-driven social media, but the kind that grows from peace, purpose, and love. In this episode I'm sharing my thoughts on what it really means to be rooted and ready in a world that feels increasingly uncertain. We're talking food security, skill-building, and heart-centered home readiness—not panic, not hoarding, but stewardship and hope. I've distanced myself from the word "prepper" for a long time because of what it's come to mean—but truthfully, I do believe in being prepared. Not with shelves full of stuff, but with dirt under your nails, knowledge in your heart, and the peace that comes from knowing you've stewarded well. Skills can't be bought—but they can be cultivated. Let's talk about how. Take a deep breath, friend. Let's grow steady together. If you've found encouragement here, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, where you can listen early and join our monthly Q&A. As always—I bless you, until next time.

Hey y'all, welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast! This week, I'm sharing some thoughts from a damp, full spring garden and continuing a theme we've been sitting with these last few weeks—living slow, present, and rooted in truth. In this episode, we're talking about balance—in nature, in our minds, and in the kind of lives we're building. I share a bit about learned helplessness and how the homesteading life helped me unlearn mine, not by fixing everything, but by giving me something real to put my hands to. We'll talk about fear, media, healing in the garden, and what it means to reclaim the driver's seat of your life… even when the road ahead feels uncertain. Thank you for spending time with me today. If you've found encouragement here, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, where you can listen early and join our monthly Q&A. As always—I bless you, until next time.

Hey y'all, welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast! This week, I'm sharing some thoughts from the middle of a very full season—spring is here in South Carolina, and the weeds are wild, the animals are having babies, and I'm neck-deep in garden work. But in all of that, I've been thinking a lot about the difference between the idea of a thing and the reality of it. In this episode, I talk about the hard-earned truth behind romantic dreams, what it really means to "be the kind of person who bakes bread," and how choosing to show up—again and again—is where real transformation happens. If you've ever longed for a slower life or felt stuck waiting for better circumstances, this one's for you. Thank you for spending time with me today. If you've found encouragement here, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, where you can listen early and join our monthly Q&A. As always—I bless you, until next time.

Hey y'all, welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast! This week we're continuing the conversation we started last time—shifting from understanding the nervous system to really choosing to slow down and live simply. In this episode, I'm sharing what it means to build a slower life on purpose and how the richness of presence can change everything. We talk about romanticizing the everyday, practicing gratitude, and letting peace take root in our routines. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by hustle culture or longed for a quieter, more meaningful way of living, this one's for you. Thank you for spending time with me today. If you've found encouragement here, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, where you can listen early and join our monthly Q&A. As always— I bless you, until next time.

Hey y'all, welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast! I'm your host, Jessica Sowards—my friends call me Jess—and around here, we talk about all things homesteading: growing food, raising animals, preserving and preparing what we harvest, and living more mindfully in relationship with each other and with the Earth. This week, I'm sharing something that's been heavy on my heart—how we care for our minds in a world that feels loud, fast, and anxious. I've been spending long hours in the garden, weeding and thinking, and it led me to reflect on the nervous system, trauma, and the way we sometimes try to bully our way into peace instead of nurturing it. I'm talking about what it means to pursue a sound mind—what that really looks like on a practical, daily level—and how I've found surprising healing in something as simple as crochet. This is a conversation about choosing slow and quiet in a world demanding fast and loud. It's about protecting your peace, holding space for healing, and doing the inner work that creates a secure home for ourselves and the ones we love. Thank you for spending time with me today. If you've found encouragement here, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, where you can listen early and join our monthly Q&A. As always— I bless you, until next time.

Hey y'all, welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast! I don't have a neatly written description for this podcast because things are hectic here on the homestead and I'd rather just get you this audio this week, even if the upload isn't perfect. Thanks for understanding! I hope y'all enjoy this one I recorded in the fall and I can't wait to be back next week. Thanks for spending this time with me today. If you love these podcastsand want to support the our homestead, be sure to check out our Patreon, where we post episodes early and do a monthly live Q&A.

Hey y'all, welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast! Food isn't just something we need—it's something we get to enjoy. In this episode, I'm diving into the idea of food as both a necessity and a passion. For generations, people spent most of their time and energy simply securing food for their families, but in today's world, we've outsourced so much of that work in the name of convenience. What are we doing with all that extra time? And what happens when we take back some of that effort—when we slow down, grow what we can, and put intention into cooking real, nourishing meals? I'm sharing my thoughts on why it's okay (and even good) to spend time thinking about food, how I've balanced making things from scratch while still allowing room for convenience, and why feeding people is one of the most beautiful ways to show love. Thanks for spending this time with me today. If you love these conversations and want to support the podcast, be sure to check out our Patreon, where we post episodes early and do a monthly live Q&A.

Hey y'all, welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast! Today, I'm joined by my good friend Jesse Bickley for a conversation about homesteading, raising animals, and the realities of growing your own food. Jesse and his family also homestead here in South Carolina, and over the years since we've moved here, they've become some of our closest friends. In this episode, we chat about the real costs of homesteading, why people start (and sometimes stop), and the deeper value beyond just saving money. Rising grocery prices have a lot of folks considering chickens, gardens, and food preservation—but does it actually save money? We dive into the true cost of homegrown food, why access matters just as much as price, and the unexpected benefits that come with this lifestyle. We also talk about hard decisions on the farm, keeping livestock manageable, and how your "why" should always guide your choices—not just what seems practical or popular. This episode is full of real talk, a few laughs, and plenty of stories from the farm. Whether you're just starting out or deep in the homesteading journey, I hope it encourages you to think about what truly matters in your own home and how to build a life that reflects those values. Thanks for being here—we're so grateful for this community! 🌱💛 If you'd like to get early access to episodes and join our community, check out our Patreon

Hey y'all, welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast! Today, I'm joined by my dear friend Morgan Gold of Gold Shaw Farm for an honest and fun conversation about homesteading—the dream, the reality, and everything in between. Morgan and I started our homesteading journeys around the same time and have been good friends ever since starting YouTube. Over the years, we've learned a lot about what works, what doesn't, and the importance of staying flexible as life changes. In this episode, we talk about the biggest surprises of homesteading, scaling up (and scaling back), and learning to prioritize what truly brings joy on the homestead. We also chat about Morgan's unexpected love for goats (despite swearing he'd never get them), the importance of knowing your "why," and how to avoid getting swept up in doing too much, too fast. Whether you're just dreaming of a homestead, knee-deep in farm chores, or somewhere in between, we hope this conversation reminds you that there's no one right way to do this life. It's about finding what works for you, embracing the process, and making space for the things that truly matter. Thanks for being here—we're so glad to share this journey with you! 🌱💛 If you'd like to get early access to episodes and join our community, check out our Patreon

Hey y'all, welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast! After a season of big shifts and deep reflection, we're talking about the art of the pivot—when and how to reassess, downsize, and realign with what truly matters. In this episode, Jeremiah joins me as we dive into the changes we've made on our homestead over the past year, from scaling back our dairy operation to shifting our focus toward resilience and sustainability. Homesteading isn't just about growing food—it's about knowing your why and making sure the life you're building actually aligns with your values. We've learned that more isn't always better, and this past year, we took a hard look at what we really needed, what was serving our family, and what was simply too much. That reflection led us to make some major decisions, including bringing our kids back home for homeschooling and simplifying our farm to make it more manageable for us—not for the expectations of others. This conversation is all about intentionality, resilience, and making mindful choices as we continue on this journey. Whether you're homesteading on a large scale or just dreaming about a slower, more connected life, we hope this episode encourages you to take a step back, reassess, and move forward with clarity. Thank you for being here—you are so welcome at this table. 🌱💛 If you'd like to get early access to episodes and join our community, check out our Patreon

Hey y'all, welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast—Season 2! After a long break, I'm back, and this time, it feels different. This episode marks the start of a new season—not just for the podcast, but for our life here on the farm. Over the past several months, we've made big shifts, choosing to slow down, simplify, and realign with what truly matters. In this episode, I share what led us to step back, reassess, and ultimately rebuild from the foundation up. From downsizing our farm to bringing our kids back home for homeschooling, we've embraced a quieter, more intentional way of living. It hasn't been easy, and there's been plenty of humble pie along the way, but through it all, we've found peace, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. I also reflect on how the journey of homesteading and content creation has evolved—what started as a dream to grow our own food has turned into a platform that reaches so many. But in chasing big dreams, it's easy to drift off course. Now, I'm focusing on being present, living for today, and letting everything else flow from that place of peace. I'm so excited to be back, and I can't wait to share this season with you. Thank you for being here—you are so welcome at this table. 🌱💛 If you'd like to get early access to episodes and join our community, check out our Patreon!

Hey y'all, welcome back to episode 73 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's episode, I'm joined by my friend Morgan Gold from Gold Shaw Farm in Vermont. Morgan's YouTube channel captures the beauty and reality of life on his homestead, and over the years, we've built a friendship through our weekly meetings, which have become a cornerstone for both of us. Together, we dive into the realities of homesteading, including the less-glamorous side that often gets overlooked. Morgan and I both started out with different jobs and challenges that made homesteading full-time a stretch. Before my YouTube channel became profitable, we struggled financially. Morgan was working a 50-hour week to fund his farm, which meant less time for the homestead. It's important to dispel the myth that all we do is farm—our content creation and businesses make this life possible. We also touch on balance and managing expectations. While we grow a lot of our food, we don't grow all of it, and we're okay with that. Life on the farm isn't about perfection—it's about sustainability and doing what works for your family. Some days are messy, chaotic, and yes, there may be packaged food when life gets overwhelming. The all-or-nothing mentality just isn't realistic, and that's a message we want to share in today's episode. Ultimately, this conversation is about creating a homestead life that works for you. It doesn't have to look exactly like ours. Find what works for you, embrace where you are, and live your story fully. 🧑‍🌾💖 Thanks for tuning in! If you'd like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and Jess (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.