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Simple Doesn't Mean Easy

Simple Doesn't Mean Easy

Michelle Visser 227 Episodes Sep 14, 2026

Are you longing to simplify things just a little, amidst the crazy, loud, distracting clutter of life? That's where I was just 5 years ago, when my family started on this crazy ride toward simplifying things. Since "simple" is almost never synonymous with "easy," I was pretty much a failure at everything I tried. But along the way I learned that it's not only okay, but actually GOOD that simple joys require hard work. So I'm here to be your Encouragement Mentor in this sometimes difficult effort to simplify. Because we can do this, guys. Together.

Episodes

238. This Might Be the Best Food News I’ve Heard All Year
238. This Might Be the Best Food News I’ve Heard All Year Sep 14, 2026 1391 This episode is a little different from the discouraging food-industry news we often hear. This is an encouraging story about what happens in real world examples of replacing ultra-processed food with fresh, whole foods.You’ll hear what several military bases are doing differently, why soldiers are actually lining up to eat the new food, and the surprising numbers showing that feeding people bette
237. What my dog taught me about gratitude
237. What my dog taught me about gratitude Sep 7, 2026 916 This episode of Simple Doesn't Mean Easy is for anyone who feels like they're carrying too much, thinking too far ahead, or struggling to find gratitude in a difficult season.Two very different stories uncover a surprisingly simple lesson about gratitude.Sometimes we need to step back and see the bigger picture. Other times, looking too far ahead only makes us feel more overwhelmed, and we
236. A Wheat Farmer Reveals What’s Really Happening in Your Flour
236. A Wheat Farmer Reveals What’s Really Happening in Your Flour Aug 31, 2026 3122 What if milling your own flour is only part of the story?If you're going to the trouble of buying a grain mill and making fresh-milled flour for your family, have you ever stopped to wonder where those wheat berries came from and how they were grown?In this episode, we’re going behind the scenes of a regenerative organic family farm with sixth-generation farmer Jade Koyle of Grand Teton Ancien
235. Is Your Coffee Actually Clean? What You Need to Know About Organic, Mold & Pesticides
235. Is Your Coffee Actually Clean? What You Need to Know About Organic, Mold & Pesticides Aug 24, 2026 2897 How much do you actually know about the coffee you're drinking every day?In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany Gardner, COO of Java Planet Organic Coffee Roasters, to uncover what we should really be looking for when choosing coffee. You'll discover: - how organic certification works, - why shade-grown and bird-friendly coffee matter, - how farming practices can affect the quality of y
234. What the FDA’s New Food Chemical Proposal REALLY Means
234. What the FDA’s New Food Chemical Proposal REALLY Means Aug 17, 2026 1965 What if the solution to America's food problems isn't waiting for the government to fix what's on grocery store shelves?In this episode, we delve into the confusing world of GRAS—“Generally Recognized as Safe”—ingredients and explain what a new FDA proposal could actually mean for the chemicals, additives, preservatives, dyes, sweeteners, and other ingredients making their way into our
233. The 5 Habits That Actually Matter
233. The 5 Habits That Actually Matter Aug 10, 2026 1945 Feel like you're never doing enough?If you look around at what everyone else is doing and feel overwhelmed by all the things you should be doing—eating better, exercising more, sleeping more, taking care of your family better, improving your home, growing your food, building better habits, deepening your relationships—you may need this reminder: you don't have to do it all.Today we're
232. Wheat Berry Advice I Disagree With
232. Wheat Berry Advice I Disagree With Aug 3, 2026 1761 Starting to mill your own flour is exciting—until you're faced with the overwhelming question of which wheat berries to use. In this episode, Michelle simplifies the process by sharing the exact 3-grain starter kit she recommends for beginners. Dive into misconceptions and incorrect common advice that often falls short, how to confidently choose ancient and heritage grains, and where each grai
231. The Hidden Cost of AI: What We're Losing Without Real Experts
231. The Hidden Cost of AI: What We're Losing Without Real Experts Jul 27, 2026 1884 Have you noticed AI showing up everywhere? Are you tired of wondering if the advice you're watching or reading is even coming from a real person? As artificial intelligence becomes woven into nearly every part of our lives, it's getting harder to know who—or what—you can trust.In this episode, we explore both the incredible benefits and the hidden drawbacks of AI, why convenience isn't
230. The Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods (And Why Consumers Are Fighting Back)
230. The Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods (And Why Consumers Are Fighting Back) Jul 20, 2026 2081 For years it felt like Big Food was winning—but the latest market data tells a different story.If you've ever wondered whether your everyday food choices really matter, this episode offers hope—and proof that they do.In this episode, learn about encouraging research showing that Americans are choosing more minimally processed food options. Find out what may be leading to this trend and why thi
229. 15 ways to do things differently this summer
229. 15 ways to do things differently this summer Jun 29, 2026 2516 What if the best way to celebrate summer—and even strengthen your family—is by slowing down?As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we explore a different kind of patriotism today—one rooted in family, food, and connection.  We break down 15 practical ways families can spend less time on screens and more time creating meaningful memories together through simple real-food activities all summer
228. The Truth About Backyard Chickens (What No One Tells Beginners)
228. The Truth About Backyard Chickens (What No One Tells Beginners) Jun 22, 2026 2811 Thinking about getting backyard chickens? There are 3 problems you really need to know about first.Most people see the fresh eggs, cute chicks, and homestead charm—but few talk about the challenges that catch new chicken owners completely off guard. What happens when your hens suddenly stop laying strong eggs? How do you deal with parasites without spending a fortune? And can you really protect yo
227. The Truth About Grief, Gratitude, & Healing
227. The Truth About Grief, Gratitude, & Healing Jun 15, 2026 2771 What if the very things you're rushing past today become the things you'd miss most tomorrow?In today's episode, you'll be challenged to see your relationships, struggles, and everyday moments through an entirely new lens. Through powerful stories of loss, grief, gratitude, and resilience, you'll discover why the smallest moments in life often matter the most—and why many of us

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