Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World
Melissa K Norris 300 episodes Nov 6, 2026
Pioneering Today explores simple living, self-sufficiency, and modern homesteading. The show covers heirloom gardening, canning, preserving the harvest, from-scratch cooking, raising livestock, natural medicine, herbs, and DIY projects like soap making. Host Melissa K. Norris is a fifth-generation homesteader and author of The Made-from-Scratch Life. Each episode features teachings, tutorials, and Q&As with practical tips for living a self-sufficient life anywhere.
Episodes
I Studied 16 Times Jesus Healed People. Here's What I Found. | Episode #525
What can we learn from the accounts of Jesus healing people in the book of Luke? As I studied these passages, I noticed that Jesus didn't follow one formula. Some accounts specifically mention faith, others describe deliverance, and some show Jesus healing people without a recorded request. This follows my previous podcast episode on Healing Plants in the Bible, you can listen to that here: https:
If You're Preparing From Fear, You're Doing It Wrong | Episode #524
Getting your house in order starts with more than stocking your pantry and learning practical skills. It starts with equipping your mind! In Part 3 of our Getting Your House in Order series, I'm sharing five biblical ways to strengthen your mindset, replace fear with faith, and prepare yourself for whatever lies ahead. In this episode, we'll cover: 📖 Reading God's Word and asking the Holy Spirit f
The 3 Best Grains for Milling Your Own Flour | Episode 523
If I had to start my pantry completely over tomorrow, there are only three grains I'd buy for all my baking and cooking. And two of the grains most beginner guides recommend aren't even on my list! When you first start milling your own flour, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices. Hard red wheat, hard white wheat, soft white wheat, spelt, einkorn, rye... the list goes on! But after nearl
Do Not Delay - Stop Putting Things Off | Pioneering Today Podcast #522
For the past several months, I've felt the Lord laying a message on my heart: Get your house in order. For our family, that has meant deepening our relationship with Him and taking a fresh look at how we're caring for our home and pantry. I'm not predicting a catastrophe, and I don't believe we're called to live in fear. But I do believe there's wisdom in paying attention, preparing with intention
We Were Never Meant to Live Unprepared | Episode 521
This episode is a little different than what I normally share, but it's a message that has been on my heart for months: Get your house in order! After walking through a difficult season with my family, the Lord has been teaching me more about listening for His voice, following His direction, and preparing from a place of wisdom rather than fear. In this episode, I'm sharing what that looks like fo
The Herbal Timing Most People Get Wrong | Episode 520
Have you ever tried an herb and thought, "This just doesn't work"? The problem may not be the herb itself. It may be the timing, the dose, the preparation, or whether that herb actually matches what your body needs in that moment. In this episode, I'm breaking down one of the biggest mistakes people make when using herbs for medicine: treating every stage of an illness the same way. We'll look at
Stop Asking "What's the Herbal Aspirin? | Episode 519
What's the herbal equivalent of aspirin, Tylenol, or ibuprofen? It's one of the most common questions people ask when they first start learning about medicinal herbs, and it makes sense. Most of us have been taught to identify a symptom and then reach for something designed to make that symptom go away. But herbalism works differently. In this episode, I'm sharing why simply swapping a pharmaceuti
The Truth About Aging Skin: What Actually Works After 40 | Episode 518
Is your skincare routine actually helping your skin, or are you just chasing the next quick fix? In this episode, I'm joined by Emilie Toups, founder of Toups & Co., to talk about natural skincare for aging skin and what really changes as we move through our late 30s, 40s, and beyond. We're digging into why skin can become drier and thinner as we age, how hormones and lifestyle may play a role, an
Biblical Stewardship vs. Ownership: Who Does It All Belong To? | Episode 517
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, Who does it all belong to? Most of us naturally think of our homes, businesses, gardens, and finances as our own. But what if the Bible paints a different picture? What if we're not owners at all, but stewards of everything God has entrusted to us? In this episode, I'm joined by David Stelzer, president of Azure Standard and author of Seeds of Hope. Together,
When God Changes the Plan: Lessons from Our Hardest Year | Episode 516
The 2026 Modern Homesteading Conference is officially in the books, and in this episode I'm sharing some of my favorite moments from an unforgettable weekend. From incredible testimonies of lives changed through homesteading to behind-the-scenes stories of organizing the event, I'm reflecting on the power of learning, serving, and gathering together in person. I also share why our first-ever Cowbo
How to Feed Your Family From the Garden All Summer (Without Heating Up the Kitchen) | Episode 515
Summer meals don't have to mean heating up the kitchen or staring into the fridge wondering what to make. In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite strategies for Summer Meal Planning, including how to let your garden write the menu, batch-cook proteins for multiple meals, use simple meal templates instead of complicated recipes, and make the most of seasonal produce before it goes to waste. Whethe
16 Plants Mentioned in the Bible (And Why They Mattered) |514
Have you ever wondered which plants are actually mentioned in the Bible and what significance they held in biblical times? In this episode, we're taking a closer look at 16 healing plants of the Bible, including familiar names like frankincense, myrrh, hyssop, aloe, mustard, and cinnamon. We'll explore where these plants appear in Scripture, what they symbolized, and the traditional ways they were
The Real Reason People Are Turning to Homesteading | Episode 513
Why are so many people being drawn to homesteading right now? In today's episode, I'm sharing a more personal reflection on what I've witnessed during my 15+ years teaching homesteading and traditional skills. While many people initially come to homesteading for healthier food, self-sufficiency, or preparedness, I've noticed something deeper happening beneath the surface. Again and again, people t
The Crops I Stopped Growing After 25 Years of Gardening | Episode 512
What are the best crops for a Pacific Northwest vegetable garden? In today's episode, I'm sharing the crops and varieties that have truly earned their place in my Pacific Northwest vegetable garden after 26 years of gardening in a cool, short-season climate. Over the years, I've become much more intentional about what I grow. I want crops that reliably produce, preserve well, and are foods we actu
How I Plan a Year's Worth of Preserving Without Getting Overwhelmed | Episode 511
Every spring, I sit down and plan out our entire food preservation year so harvest season doesn't completely take over my life. After more than 25 years of preserving food, I've learned that the key isn't preserving everything… It's preserving the foods we actually eat in ways that work for our schedule and lifestyle. In this episode, I'm walking you through exactly how I plan our preserving seaso
Herbs Every Family Should Have Stocked Before Summer Hits | Episode 510
Summer means more time outside… and more sunburns, bug bites, bee stings, scrapes, and itchy skin. In today's episode, I'm sharing the herbal remedies for summer that I always keep stocked in our home apothecary before we need them. These are the natural remedies I personally reach for first when it comes to: 🌿 Sunburn relief 🦟 Mosquito bites & itchy skin 🐝 Bee stings & wasp stings 🩹 Cuts, scrapes
What Most People Get Wrong About Building a From-Scratch Pantry | Episode 509
Are you building a pantry that actually feeds your family, or just collecting random jars and bulk foods? In this episode, I'm sharing how to build a well-stocked pantry that supports everyday meals, long-term food storage, and from-scratch cooking without overwhelm. We're talking about the foundational pantry staples I prioritize first, how to stock foods your family actually eats, and why a prac
If I Were Starting a Medicinal Herb Garden Today, I'd Do This First | Episode 508
If you've ever wanted to start a medicinal herb garden but felt overwhelmed by where to begin, this episode is for you. In today's podcast, I'm walking you through exactly how I plan a medicinal herb garden in a simple, practical way. We're talking about which herbs to grow first, how to choose ones your family will actually use, and how to begin building a home apothecary without needing a ton of
How Real Food on a Budget Actually Works (What My Mom Taught Me That No One Talks About) | Ep. 507
Can you really feed your family on $100 a month? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the system my mom used to feed our family well on a very small grocery budget and why it still works today. While the 1980's equivalent to $100/month is now around $300-$400/month, we can achieve this today. This isn't about couponing, deprivation, or living on rice and beans. It's about a simple, int
Why Your Food Preservation Isn't Working (And How to Fix It Safely) | Episode 506
If you've ever had a jar not seal, a ferment go questionable, or food spoil before you could use it, this episode is for you. Food preservation can feel overwhelming, especially with so much conflicting advice out there. In this episode, I'm walking you through the most common mistakes I see with canning, fermenting, dehydrating, and food storage and how to fix them so you can preserve food safely
The Food Preservation Mistake That's Keeping Your Pantry Bare (And How to Fix It) | Episode 505
Have you ever bought canning supplies with the best intentions… only to let them sit unused? Or watched beautiful, homegrown food go to waste because you didn't have the time or plan to preserve it? In this episode, I'm sharing the real reason most people struggle with food preservation—and it's probably not what you think. It's not a lack of motivation. It's not a lack of skill. It's a systems pr
How My Mom Fed Our Family on $100 a Month (Real Food!) | 504
How did one family eat real, homemade food on just $100 a month? In this special episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I'm joined by my mom as she shares what it was really like feeding our family on a tight grocery budget in the 1980s, plus the simple, from-scratch habits that made it possible. From cooking everything at home to shopping sales strategically, building a pantry over time, and wa
Spring Meal Planning (Without the Overwhelm) | 503
Spring is a tricky in-between season when it comes to meal planning. You're craving fresh foods, but the garden isn't quite ready yet—and your pantry is still full of winter staples. In this episode, I'm sharing simple, practical tips for spring meal planning so you can use what you already have, incorporate early seasonal ingredients, and make getting dinner on the table easier. We'll talk about:
The Blood Sugar Loop Keeping You Stuck (And How to Break It) | 502
Are you eating healthy, exercising, and still struggling to lose weight? For many women—especially in their late 30s and 40s—the issue may not be calories at all. It may be insulin resistance and blood sugar imbalance. In today's episode, I'm talking with Ruth Soukup about the hidden blood sugar loop that keeps so many women stuck with fatigue, cravings, and stubborn weight gain. Ruth shares how s
Feeling Overwhelmed Before Spring? Do This Now (Round Table) | 501
Winter is often described as the slow season, but what if that isn't actually true? In this episode, we're sharing the honest reality of what winter really looks like on a homestead and why slow living doesn't happen automatically. Instead, it's something we must create intentionally. We talk about how winter shifts from growing and harvesting to planning and evaluating, how to adjust your homeste
Overwhelmed by Inflammation? Start Here (and Ignore the Rest) | 500
If you've been trying to figure out how to reduce inflammation in the body naturally but feel like you're chasing ten different solutions at once, this episode is for you. You don't need more supplements. You don't need a harsher detox. You don't need more discipline. You need the right order. In this 500th episode, I'm breaking down why inflammation feels so hard to fix and walking you through
You Don't Need Grow Lights to Start Seeds Successfully | 499
Have you ever tried winter sowing… only to wonder if you were doing something wrong? In today's episode, I'm chatting with Luke from MIgardener all about winter sowing, what it is, how it works, and who it's really best for. I'll be honest with you — I haven't had success with winter sowing in my northern garden when it comes to warm-season vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. But after this conv
The "Healthy" Oils That Are Fueling Inflammation (And What to Use Instead) | 498
Have you ever wondered if the oils sitting in your pantry might actually be contributing to inflammation? In this episode, I'm diving into one of the most overlooked pieces of the inflammation puzzle: the types of fats we're using every day. Many of the oils marketed as "healthy" may actually be disrupting omega balance, stressing the gut, and keeping inflammation quietly simmering in the backgrou
The Mistakes That Keep You Inflamed (Even If You Eat "Healthy") | 497
If you feel tired but wired, wake up exhausted even after a full night's sleep, or feel like your body isn't responding the way it used to, this episode is for you. Chronic inflammation isn't just about inflammatory foods. It's a signal that your stress response, blood sugar, sleep rhythms, and metabolism are out of sync. In today's episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I'm breaking down the hi
When Your Health Forces You to Stop — Here's What Actually Matters | 496
I'm so grateful to be back with you after stepping away from the podcast last fall. In this episode, I'm sharing honestly about why I needed to pause and what unfolded during that time. Over the past several months, I was walking through my own physical limitations while my husband received an unexpected kidney cancer diagnosis. It was a season that forced us to slow down, reevaluate our pace of l
Throwback: Decluttering Your Home (Month by Month) with Tracy Lynn | 495
In this throwback episode, we revisit a conversation that is perfect for anyone looking around their home thinking, "Something has to change." I sat down with Tracy Lynn to talk about decluttering in a way that truly lasts — not just a weekend cleanup that slides back into chaos, but real systems that create peace and order for the long haul. One of Tracy's insights that stuck with me is that clut
Throwback: Thyroid, Adrenal Glands, and Hormones w/ Dr. Shannyn | 494
In this powerful throwback episode, we revisit one of the most meaningful and eye-opening conversations I've had on the homestead. I sat down with Dr. Shannyn Pearce to talk about what's really going on underneath the struggles so many women face — thyroid issues, adrenal overload, hormone imbalance, and the subtle warning signs that often go unnoticed. We dig into the everyday symptoms many of us
Throwback: 9 Simple Steps to Grow an Abundance! | 493
In this throwback episode, we're revisiting one of the most foundational lessons for anyone who wants to grow more of their own food — not just a handful of tomatoes or a quick salad garden (though that's a great place to begin!), but a true, abundant harvest that feeds your family. I'm sharing the nine core principles I've relied on for nearly twenty-seven years of gardening here on our homestead
Throwback: Best Herbal Home Remedies for Cold and Flu w/ Rosalee De La Foret | 492
In this throwback episode, I'm revisiting one of my favorite herbal conversations with my friend and renowned herbalist Rosalee de la Forêt. This discussion truly changed the way I approach herbal medicine. Instead of treating herbs like Western medicine — one symptom, one herb — Rosalee helps us understand why herbalism is so much more personal and intuitive. Together, we walk through how to reco
Throwback: Avoid Overwhelm - Choosing What's Right for Your Homestead | 491
In this throwback episode, we revisit a listener coaching call where we break down how to begin homesteading without jumping into overwhelm. We talk through the basics of planning raw land, observing sunlight and frost patterns, mapping out future zones, and using temporary setups like grow bags and portable fencing as you learn what works best. You'll also hear practical advice for easing into ho
Throwback: Stock Up to Save $$$ NOW How Much Feed Per Animal Per Day | 490
In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, we're discussing the continual rise of feed costs and what my family does to mitigate these costs as much as possible. I'm sharing some of the breakdowns (at the time of the recording), how much feed is needed per animal and even some different feed options to consider. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here
Throwback: Medicinal Herbs & Their Uses with Kaylee Richardson | 489
In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Kaylee Richardson from The Honeystead to discuss all things herbal medicine. Kaylee shares some of the herbs she's currently using and her favorite "must-have" herbal remedies. In the blog post that accompanies this podcast, there are a handful of additional podcasts I've done on the must-have herbal remedies
Throwback: How to Create a Gardening Plan for More Harvest and Less Stress | 488
In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I sit down with a member of the Pioneering Today Academy and we walk through how to plan out her garden year. While this strategy session was specific to her needs, there are a lot of great tips that can help when planning out your garden for next year. And, the fall is the best time to plan while the summer garden is fresh in our memory.
Throwback: Mennonite Traditions for Simple Meals & Stronger Families | 487
In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I sit down with RuthAnn Zimmerman to discuss what life looks like on a busy homestead with lots of children. How do we practically get meals on the table when life seems chaotic? How do we prioritize relationships through the business of life? And, how do we cook for larger groups of people for holidays and special events. I think you'll e
Throwback: Favorite Must Have Homestead Items | 486
In this throwback episode, I'm sharing all of my must-have favorites for around the homestead. Whether it's the best kitchen tools I can't believe I ever lived without, my go-to clothing items for working outdoors on the homestead, or even those larger items we all like to save for buying on Black Friday doorbuster deals. Imagine I'm pulling up a chair at your kitchen table, sipping a cup of coff
Throwback: How to Get Everything Done in a Day Without Wasting Time or Getting Distracted | 485
In this throwback episode, I'm chatting with my friend Anne Briggs from Anne of All Trades about real life homesteading, what it takes, what works, and how to keep moving forward even when life gets busy. Anne left the tech world and dove into homesteading, and over the past decade she has learned everything from blacksmithing and woodworking to raising goats and building her own furniture. As of
Throwback: Creating a No-Waste Kitchen w/ Mary's Nest | 484
In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I'm sitting down with my dear friend Mary Shrader from Mary's Nest to talk about how we can all build a kitchen where nothing goes to waste. Mary has such a gift for making traditional cooking approachable and fun, and in this episode she shares how her parents inspired her to live a homemade lifestyle long before it was popular. Together
Throwback: How to Structure Your Days So You Don't Fall Behind
Today I'm sharing a throwback of one of the most popular coaching calls from inside my Pioneering Today Academy: "How to Get It All Done on the Homestead." I wanted to bring this one back because figuring out how to manage your time and energy on the homestead is something we all struggle with. In this episode, I'll show you how to break down big projects like canning peaches or putting up the har
Why I'm Pressing Pause—And How You Can Help Shape What's Next
In this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I'm sharing why I'm pressing pause on new episodes for the rest of 2025 and what that really means for the future of the show. After years of teaching and encouraging others to live simply and seasonally, I've found myself needing to take my own advice. I've been dealing with some physical burnout and learning, once again, that rest isn't quitting,
Never Buy Garden Seeds Again: Seed Saving Secrets Every Homesteader Needs
Seed saving is one of the most valuable skills a gardener can learn, and in this episode I'm joined by Don Tipping of Siskiyou Seeds to dive deep into the why and how of saving your own garden seed. We'll cover the difference between open-pollinated, heirloom, and hybrid varieties, which crops are best for beginners, how to prevent cross-pollination, and tips for harvesting, drying, and storing se
The Most Overlooked Way to Preserve Food for Months (No Freezer Needed) w/ Sam Knapp
Think you need a traditional root cellar to keep your harvest fresh through the winter? Think again. In this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, Melissa K. Norris sits down with Sam Knapp of Off Beet Farm in Alaska to talk about practical, no-fuss ways to store root vegetables without a root cellar. You'll learn the three keys to long-lasting storage—temperature, humidity, and airflow—as well
Dinner Without the Scramble: 4 Moms Share Their Best Secrets
Think from-scratch cooking is hard or takes too much time? The truth is, with a stocked pantry, a few simple substitutions, and some foundational kitchen skills, you can make healthy, homemade meals in less time than it takes to run to the store. In this podcast, we're busting the top myths about from-scratch cooking and showing you how to: ✅ Swap ingredients with easy substitutions (no last-minu
Ditch the Soda: 8 Old-Fashioned Summer Drinks from the Homestead Kitchen (Healthy & Refreshing!)
Looking for healthy and refreshing summer drinks that aren't soda? In this podcast, we're sharing our favorite homemade beverages to help you stay cool and hydrated on hot summer days. From sparkling lemon spritzers and fruity mocktails to herbal iced teas, iced coffee, and smoothies. You'll find plenty of delicious options made with real ingredients right from your kitchen or garden. What you'l
From Burnout to Balance: What a Mature Homestead Really Looks Like
In this special episode, I sat down with my dear friend Carolyn Thomas from Homesteading Family, right in her Idaho home! We're pulling back the curtain on what life looks like on a mature homestead. After over two decades each of growing food, raising animals, and running busy households, we're sharing what we've let go of, what we're leaning into, and how we're building homesteads that truly wo
Make the Most of This Summer: Creating Traditions That Matter
This episode is near and dear to my heart. With one child officially out of the house and my daughter quickly approaching adulthood, I've found myself feeling all the feelings this summer: nostalgic, grateful, and more intentional than ever. I gathered a few dear homesteading friends for a heartfelt kitchen roundtable where we shared our favorite summer memories, the simple things that stuck with
The Truth About Parasites: What You Need to Know for Better Health
If the idea of parasites gives you the creepy-crawlies, you're not alone, but chances are, you've already got a few living in your body right now. In this episode, I'm joined again by Dr. Torrie Thompson, a functional medicine doctor who walks us through how common parasites actually are, the surprising symptoms they can cause, and how we can support our bodies in safely removing them. We're talki
I Mentored on a Homesteading TV Show—Here's What Happened
In this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I'm sharing all about my experience as a mentor and homesteading expert on the new show Back to the Frontier. It was such a privilege to help guide modern families as they learned old-fashioned skills and stepped into a simpler, more self-sufficient way of life. I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it was really like on set—the challenge
She Competed on Back to the Frontier — What She Learned Will Inspire Every Homesteader | Stacey Loper Interview
What does it really take to live off the land in today's world—and could you do it under pressure? In this special episode, I sit down with Stacey Loper, one of the brave contestants from the brand-new TV series Back to the Frontier, where modern families are challenged to survive like the pioneers. I share my behind-the-scenes experience giving advice to the show's cast, while Stacey opens up ab
Immunity for Polluters: How New Laws Threaten Your Soil & Food Supply
Join me for this podcast with Will Harris from White Oak Pastures and Taylor Henry from Acres USA as we discuss what's going on with fertilizer companies and immunity for their products. For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/472 Grab your tickets to the Modern Homesteading Conference here and use coupon code MKN15 for 15% off: https://mo
Leaving the Homestead: What Every Homesteader Needs to Know Before Stepping Away
So you want to go on vacation or you need to leave town for a few days... but you have a homestead. Feel like you're stuck? Listen to today's podcast with four fellow homesteading moms as we share our tips and tricks for how we prepare to leave our homesteads. Plus, the commonly forgotten tasks! For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/471
The Hidden Layer of Homestead Security: Why Community May Be Your Best Defense
In this podcast, we're discussing the hidden layers of homestead security and why community may be your best defense. When we talk about defense, many people think about locks, cameras, etc. But what if your greatest security wasn't a thing but a who? For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/470
Don't Transplant These Crops—Why Direct Seeding Works Better w/ Don Tipping
Join me with Don Tipping from Siskiyou Seeds as we discuss direct sowing methods for seeds. You'll also want to catch his tips on how to keep weeds out of the garden, and his brilliant hack for using a flamethrower without ruining your seedlings. For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/469 Grab your Modern Homesteading Conference tickets he
Lard for Sunburn & SPF? What They Don't Tell You About Skin Care
Join me with Farrow Skincare's Charles Mayfield as we discuss the benefits of tallow and lard for skincare, especially pre-sun and post-sun skincare. For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/468 Check out Farrow Skincare and get 15% off your purchase with coupon code "Melissa15": https://farrow.life/
Thinking About Getting a Herding Dog? WATCH THIS FIRST
If you're looking to get a farm dog, you may be wondering which farm dog breeds are best. This can vary based on many factors, from your needs, your property and your time commitment to training the dog. Listen to this podcast interview with Jordyn Kelly from Working Aussies Homestead. For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/467 This podcas
EP #466 Preserve More, Waste Less: Proven Homestead Tips for Long-Lasting Success
Join us for this month's Homestead Kitchen Round Table as we talk about our favorite preservation methods and tips for getting our fresh produce preserved for the year while minimizing the stress. For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/466 Be sure to sign up for the upcoming Homestead Kitchen Crash Course. During this FREE 5-day workshop y
EP #465 - Mennonite Traditions for Simple Meals & Stronger Families w/ RuthAnn Zimmerman
We're continuing the conversation of from-scratch cooking today with RuthAnn Zimmerman. Both of us agree that cooking from scratch does not mean you're slaving away in the kitchen all day long, nor does it mean everything you eat has to be made from scratch. Listen to today's podcast on implementing Mennonite traditions to create simple meals and stronger families. For more information and any lin
How to Get Homemade Meals on the Table When You're Busy - EP #464
Struggling to make healthy, from-scratch meals during a busy week? In this episode of the Homestead Kitchen Round Table, Melissa is joined by Rachel, Michelle, and Sophia to share real-food batch cooking tips, time-saving kitchen strategies, and practical meal-planning ideas for busy families—whether you're cooking for two or ten. Say goodbye to last-minute processed meals and hello to nourishing
EP:463 Timing is Everything: The Secret to More Powerful Herbal Remedies
Enjoy this podcast interview with Bevin Cohen as we discuss many medicinal herbs, their uses and the best time to harvest various herbs for the most medicinal properties. Though this post isn't an extensive look at each herb, if you'd like to learn more, be sure to grab a copy of Bevin's book, Herbs in Every Season to learn more! In his book, he shares 48 various herbs you can focus on throughout
EP: 462 Foraging Freedom: Find Wild Mushrooms & Cut Your Grocery Bill
From a preparedness standpoint, knowing how to identify and properly harvest and prepare wild edibles means you'll be able to feed yourself (and your family) if ever the need arises. In this podcast interview, Whitney (The Appalachian Forager) and I are discussing some common foraging basics to keep you safe, as well as some basic mushroom identification tips you'll want to study before you go out
Herbal Wisdom Roundtable: Our Best Remedies & Why They Work
Join me for another Roundtable podcast with my guests Michelle, Rachel and Sophia as we discuss all things herbalism. From growing new varieties of medicinal herbs to how to get our resistant family members to use herbal remedies. For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/461
EP: 460 Mastering Money on the Homestead: Budgeting & Debt-Free Living with Popcorn Finance
Join me for this podcast interview with Chris Browning of Popcorn Finance as we discuss the importance of budgeting, saving and planning for the future. He's sharing his best tips for how to get out of debt and create a life that will sustain your homesteading dreams for the future. For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/460 This podcast i
EP: 459 Why Organizing Won't Fix Your Clutter (Do This Instead) with Dana K White
Join me for this podcast interview with Dana K White from A Slob Comes Clean! We're talking about the multiple reasons why your home may continue to get cluttered and how to change your mindset to finally stay on top of it all. For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/459
EP: 458 - Hand Crank Grain Mills: Worth It or Hype?
This week's podcast episode is all about hand-crank grain mills. Are they worth the hype or not? My guest, Bonnie Jones from GrainMaker, is a wealth of knowledge and sharing who hand-crank grain mills are right for. Plus, you'll definitely want to hear about GrainMaker's Heirloom Lifetime Guarantee on their 100% made in the USA grain mills! For more information and any links mentioned in today's p
#1 Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks - Homestead Kitchen Roundtable
Welcome to the first-ever Homestead Kitchen Roundtable podcast episode! This is a free-form podcast chat with me, Melissa Norris and my guests Michelle Hedgcock, Rachel Costenbader and Sophia Eng. In this episode (which is #457 of the Pioneering Today Podcast), we're discussing time-saving kitchen tips and tricks we wished we knew as younger cooks. From our favorite go-to recipe when we need dinne
EP: 456 Hand Pump Water Pumps - Everything You Need to Know
Many of us desire to have backup and emergency systems in place to know our family will be well taken care of in times of emergency or power outages. That's why my family has been looking into a hand water well pump as a backup water solution for our generator. Join me in this podcast episode with Jonathan and Cody from Flojak, a made in the USA hand well pump company to learn more about these pum
EP: 455 Tips EVERYONE Should Know BEFORE Baking with Sourdough
If you're listening to this podcast, you're probably thinking that sourdough baking is something you'd like to try. Hesitate no more, and let me assure you that baking with sourdough is 100% worth the effort to learn and implement into your daily life. Snag some of my best tips in today's podcast, then sign up for my upcoming FREE webinar where I'm sharing nine easy tips for sourdough to bake like
EP: 454 Forgotten Plants That Practically Preserve Themselves – Grow Like Our Ancestors
Imagine being able to grow crops that basically preserve themselves! Would you believe me if I told you there are storage varieties of tomatoes that can last upwards of six months when stored correctly? You know I've purchased my storage tomato seeds already! If you want to learn more, join me for today's podcast episode with Don Tipping of Siskiyou Seeds. For more information and any links mentio
EP:453 Homesteading Ethics: Provide for Yourself or Others?
In this podcast episode I'm recapping my experience at the Homestead movie premiere in Salt Lake City, UT. Being at the premiere brought up some important questions and I found myself having deep thought-provoking conversations with friends and family afterward. If you have yet to checkout the Homestead movie, or want to learn more, visit https://melissaknorris.com/angel. For more information and
EP:452 What Most Gardeners Get Wrong About Fruit Tree Care (And How to Fix It) w/ Susan Poizner
Join me with my guest, Susan Poizner, as we discuss fruit tree care and management. I'm excited for today's episode because I learned something new that I'm excited to implement in our orchard next year. Susan is a wealth of knowledge about all things fruit trees and I know you'll find today's podcast filled with wisdom and tips. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit
EP:451 Could This Movie Be the Start of a Global Homesteading Revolution?
Join me with my guest, Jason Ross, co-author of the Black Autumn book series which has been turned into a movie and TV series called Homestead. In this episode, we're discussing how homesteading can bring communities together for good and to learn skills that provide hope for the future unknowns. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode (including where you can grab David's boo
EP: 450 Ancestral Cheesemaking for Better Gut Health: The Benefits of Traditional Methods with David Asher
It's incredible the difference between commercial and ancestral methods of cheesemaking. Join me for today's podcast with author David Asher as we talk about what you need to know for natural cheesemaking at home. Plus, you won't want to miss his tip on using sourdough starter to make a homemade cheese culture. You read that right, a sourdough starter! I can't wait to give it a try. For more in
EP: 449 - THIS is the Long-Lost Secret to Your Best Skincare
You may not think of regenerative farming practices and skincare as topics that go hand-in-hand, but after this podcast you might! Not only can regenerative agriculture save the planet, but it can save your skin! Join me in this podcast interview with Charles Mayfield from Farrow Skincare to learn the long-lost secret to your best skincare. For more information and any links mentioned in this ep
EP: 448 - Taming Anxiety: Turning Worry into Purpose on Your Homestead
Most of us will experience times of uncertainty at some point in our lives. This uncertainty can turn into worry and/or anxiety if not properly processed. However, there are ways to control our emotions and let them work for us instead of against us. Join me with today's podcast guest, Britnay Nelson for this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast (episode #448) as we discuss how to turn worry i
EP 447: From My Homestead to Yours: My Fall Checklist for a Stress-Free Winter
As summer rolls into fall it's important for any homestead to walk through the checklist of things to do to be prepared for winter. The bonus of doing these tasks is that it sets you up for a great spring the following year. Join me as I walk you through everything we've been doing on our homestead. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/447.
EP: 446 - Digestive Remedies from our Great Grandmothers
Our diets are more important than Western civilization gives them credit for. Everything from what we put into our bodies and how our digestive system handles that food to the effects of that food is often overlooked (or ignored). Join me with my guest, Heather Woodruff, as we discuss how to heal our guts based on what we put in our bodies. For more information and any links mentioned in this epis
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