
Roots and Refuge Podcast
Hosted by Jessica Sowards, the Roots and Refuge Podcast is about homesteading, farming, and growing your own food. Jess shares her family’s journey from wanting a small farm to living on one and the lessons they have learned along the way. Episodes offer practical advice and personal reflections for anyone interested in a more self-sufficient life. She invites listeners to share in the beautiful, challenging work of building a homestead.
Episodes

A Life In Season
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 o

Wielding my Humanity
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 raisin

The Stories of My Homestead
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

How the Garden Taught Me to Stay
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 sti

Growing a Culture
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 (

To Enjoy The Food You Grow
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

Tending Whats In Your Reach
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 abo

Motherhood: A Conversation with Regan
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

Rooted and Ready (Lets Talk Preparedness)
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 h

Some Fool Without a Phone (The Balance of Homesteading)
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

The Kind of Person Who Bakes Bread
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

A Simple Life - The Richness of Presence
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, practic

A Sound Mind (Fight or Flight in a Scary World)
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 ou

How to be Human
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

Youve Gotta Eat The Hobby of Food
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. Wha

Homesteading Chat with Jesse Bickley
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

Homestead Chatting with Morgan Gold
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 w

After the Pivot
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 r

Welcome Back to Roots and Refuge Farm
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

Homestead Realities (With Morgan Gold of Gold Shaw Farm)
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

The Crushing Summer
Hey y'all, welcome back to episode 72 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. After a much-needed break, I'm excited to reconnect. This summer, which I've come to call "The Crushing Summer," was both deeply challenging and transformative for our family and the homestead. With my eldest son graduating and heading off to college, I found myself grieving the end of his childhood and reflecting on how fast t

For Such a Time as This
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 71 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. This podcast episode is a bit different than my usual episodes. I find the podcast is a space where I can process my thoughts more intimately than on some of my other platforms, so today's episode is my first preaching podcast (similar to my devotional youtube videos). As a Christian, I believe in spreading love and empowering othe

Supporting Dreams as Homestead Husbands
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 70 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. It's been a busy season, and I've missed sharing with y'all. Thanks for your patience as I got the podcast back up and running for y'all to enjoy. Today's episode is for the husbands out there, focusing on supporting our spouses' dreams. Joining me is my friend Mark from Covington, GA. His wife Destiny and their four kids just rece

Living Off The Land
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 69 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Today, I'm tackling the big question: Is it actually possible to live off the land? When I first dreamed of having a farm, the idea of living off the land was incredibly appealing. But reality is much more complex and demanding. The truth is, growing food and sustaining a farm involves an immense amount of work, time, and energy. I

Turn Your Waiting Room Into A Classroom
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 68 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Today, I'm talking about the challenges of waiting for dreams to come true and how we can use these periods of waiting to grow. It's a topic close to my heart, and I hope it resonates with you. Waiting can feel frustrating, but it's also an opportunity to learn and grow. Instead of seeing waiting as a setback, think of it as a clas

Fathers Day
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 67 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In honor of Father's Day, Miah is taking over for Jess today. I'm joined by my friend Jesse from Willowbrook Homestead, and together, we're diving into the heart of fatherhood. We'll explore the crucial questions: How important is it to be a father? What are we doing as fathers, and why? What lessons matter most, and who do we look

The Hard of Homesteading
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 66 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Today, I'm tackling the hard parts of homesteading, inspired by a post I saw in a wonderful Facebook group. It's easy to romanticize, but the reality is that homesteading is incredibly challenging and requires grit, discipline, and sacrifice. Despite the difficulties, it's worth it, and even the hard moments can be beautiful. Homes

Preserving the Harvest
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 65 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. With the garden season really getting underway now, it's the perfect time to start planning how you'll preserve your harvest. Food preservation is a major task on the homestead, and today I'll share my thoughts on various methods to help you make the most of your produce. Drying/Dehydrating: Ideal for fruits, herbs, and creating se

Building a Life of Beauty
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 64 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. After a refreshing break, I'm feeling creatively recharged and excited to share my renewed passion for homesteading with you. In this episode I delve into the profound impact the authors Alice Waters and Barbara Kingsolver have had on my journey, particularly through their books, "We Are What We Eat" and "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

Creating a Lifestyle vs. Following a Fad
Hey, everyone! Welcome to episode 63 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's episode we're diving into a candid discussion about homesteading being a sustainable lifestyle versus a trendy hobby. We'll explore the concept of mindful consumption across all aspects of life, questioning the true value of investing our energy into every homemade endeavor. We'll also chat about 2 personality types w

The Forging (Women and Friendship with Kelly Brotherton)
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 62 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's episode I had the pleasure of sitting down to chat with my friend Kelly Brotherton to delve into the profound topic of intentional friendship and womanhood. As we reflect on a meaningful weekend spent with cherished girlfriends, Kelly and I share insights into the importance of intentional relationships, particularly for

My Best Gardening Advice
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 61 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's episode I'm sharing my best gardening advice for both new and experienced gardeners alike. Since spring has sprung where I live, and I know it's just around the corner for you northern folks, I thought this was the perfect time of year to give a highlight reel of the key lessons I've learned as a gardener. Whether you're

Parenting on the Homestead
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 60 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's episode we delve into the unique challenges and joys of raising children in a homesteading environment. Join me as we explore the fundamental principles of parenting that I have chosen to live by in my family. We address the importance of fostering deep, meaningful relationships within the family. From navigating the com

Granny Skills- A Return to the Old Ways
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 59 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's episode we're delving into the modern resurgence of traditional skills and the invaluable wisdom passed down through generations. Join us as we explore the concept of "Granny Skills", embracing the old ways of doing things that prioritize quality, sustainability, and resourcefulness over convenience and consumerism. From

Mine Your Elders (with JeriLynn)
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 58 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. That's not a typo in the title. That's right, MINE your elders. We will get to that at the end. I invited a local fellow homesteader on the podcast this week. Her name is JeriLynn and she's been growing food as long as I've been alive. I met her through Facebook and attended a local meet-up she was hosting. We had a few great conve

The Hungry Month- A Talk on Homesteading and Resilience
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 57 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. As spring starts to bloom here at Roots and Refuge Farm in South Carolina, I'm reminded of the cyclical nature of the homesteading life, particularly the "hungry months" at the end of winter when pantry stores from last season are low and the new harvest hasn't yet begun. Despite the challenges, I find comfort in the familiarity of

Geeking out on Goats with Cass
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 56 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Get ready to geek out about goats with me and my friend Cass from Semojo Homestead in today's exciting episode! We've welcomed goats back to Roots and Refuge Farm, and the excitement is palpable. Together, Cass and I are diving deep into the world of goats to answer a question we often hear: "Are goats for me and my farm?" Cass sha

Life on Purpose- Intention Instead of Overwhelm
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 55 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. As spring approaches and the farm springs back to life, it can feel like we're climbing that first hill on a roller coaster ride, just waiting for that stomach drop and lurching wild ride that is exciting, but also oh so overwhelming. With this looming threat of overwhelm on the horizon, I'm here to share strategies for navigating

Garden Design with Jeremy from Semojo Homestead
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 54 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Today, I'm thrilled to have my friend Jeremy from Semojo Homestead joining me to dive into the fascinating world of garden design. With his background in landscape architecture and experience in designing and installing gardens, Jeremy brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to our conversation. Together, we'll explore the import

Grow Something Lovely
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 53 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast, and Happy Valentines Day 💗 Today's episode is all about cultivating beauty in your garden and the profound impact it can have on your gardening journey. Join me as we explore the philosophy of growing beautiful things to stay motivated and inspired in your gardening endeavors. We'll discuss the importance of recognizing that there

On Goats and Homebuilding
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 52 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In this episode, join me for a life catch-up where I share about the importance to me of transparently sharing our story and being truthful about life. I delve into the early days of my relationship with Jeremiah, sharing some of the challenges we had to overcome together. We explore our dreams, past and present. We also discuss ho

The Worst Case Scenerio (A talk about sustainability)
Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 51 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Don't let the title fool you; this isn't a scary talk. I love to challenge myself and grow. I'm always looking for ways to make steps towards better. Today, I'm talking about what it actually looks like to grow your own food sustainably. What does it really look like? Can we honestly assess our dependence and think about it practi

The Garden Starts in January
Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 50 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's podcast I'm excited to talk about getting back into the garden for 2024. I talk about my strategy of waiting until after the holidays to begin my garden planning, seed shopping, and general dreaming for my favorite season of all. Planning the garden is easily my favorite part of the dreary winter season, so listen alo

Whats the Point of Making a Home?
Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 49 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In todays podcast I'm speaking specifically to the homemakers, stay at home moms, and all of you raising your children and balancing life, who might feel overwhelmed or exhausted. I'm opening up about both the struggles and the joys I've experienced in my own journey of motherhood and homemaking, as well as the experiences and l

Creating Holiday Traditions
Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 48 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. The past few weeks I've talked about creating Hygge, having intentional downtime, and putting off the garden planning for another day. I'm diving into the conversation around traditions and building legacy in today's podcast. I was blessed to glean so much from my grandmother, who passed away 15 years ago. She was one of those

Garden Planning (And Why I'm Not Doing It)

The Balance of Rest
Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 46 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's episode I'm sharing the importance of the balance of rest. Living on a homestead and living this lifestyle can wear you out, quick! Especially if you're not being conscious of how hard you're working, as well as how intentional you are about rest. Learn to take care of yourself instead of your body forcing you to do

Cultivating Cozy (& Tips for Dealing With the Winter Months)
Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 45 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. It's official, the frost has come, and the summer is finally gone. For many people, this is a time of year that brings with it seasonal depression. In my life, I've experienced deeper levels of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), however, I've found ways to embrace these slower months and cultivate cozy. There's a concept that co

Knowing Where Your Food Comes From

The Garden Inside
Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 43 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Though I generally focus on sharing all things homesteading, food growing, gardening, raising animals, as well as using food (enjoying it, preserving it and sharing it), today's podcast is largely about the mindful relationship with the earth and each other. The theme of anything that I do... at least I hope, is to be mindful. To

Fast, Cheap & Easy
Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 42 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. This life can be a journey that's both exhilarating and frustrating. We want to learn all the new things and go to the deepest depths possible (but it always goes deeper), all the while never forgetting just how far we've come and being proud of the changes we've made over the days, months and years. I hope this podcast can be an

The Hope Homestead - Health Journey to Homesteading
Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 41 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. I'm back with an all-new podcast today, and I have a special guest in the studio with me. Chrissy Marsh, from The Hope Homestead, is with me today to discuss her journey from homesteading in Australia to now homesteading in America. She and I have many commonalities that started us on our path of a more natural lifestyle, which

Eyes and No Eyes
Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 40 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. If talking about feelings and obscure things isn't your jam, I encourage you to hang with me for just a minute. In today's podcast, I'm sharing a bit of my own mindset and how I experience wonder on a daily basis. Living life with my eyes open to the beautiful world around me. Though it's not always easy, and I'm still a work in

Growing Up in Newfoundland with Nana
Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 39 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. This is a very special episode, as I have Miah's Nana with us today. We actually recorded this in December 2022, and I thought I had lost the audio files. You'll never know how thankful I was when I came across it the other day, and I know many of you have been looking forward to listening to this episode as much as I have been to

Accepting Differences (Building Homesteading Community)
Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 38 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In this podcast, I'm discussing the necessity and importance of accepting differences and embracing diversity in the homesteading community. I'm sharing how I haven't been showing up 100% as my authentic self and how that's affected me over the past few years. I'm also sharing what I'm doing about it now and how I'm speaking bac

Perceptions and Misperceptions

Embracing Uncomfortable
Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 36 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Today I have Leah from Homestead-ish with me, and we're discussing what it looks like to embrace uncomfortable. Both Leah and I know deeply that there's something profound when following our own path, even when those around us are following a different path. Following God's guidance can come with sacrifices, but when you know you

Music, Gardening & Creativity
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 35 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Daniel is back, joining me on the podcast today as we discuss creativity and how it goes hand in hand with our lives. We are all image-bearers of our Creator in our own unique way. I hope you find this podcast encouraging to embrace your creativity and let it loose in whatever way that looks. For more information and any links men

Dreaming Bravely
I am very much a dreamer that is living in extraordinary fulfillment of some of the dreams that, at one point, were completely impossible for me. Because of this, I'm much braver now than I was before. I believe when we share our story, it's like opening up the fruit of that dream and sharing the seeds with someone else. We can say this was sown in the garden of my heart and grew in my life, and i

Daniel's Journey to Beulah
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 33 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Join me for a very special episode with my dear "family friend" Daniel. We're discussing his journey to Beulah, how God has moved in his life over the years, as well as the special place he has in our life. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here. Or to join our Patreon to get early access to all ou

Honor & How it Affects Every Aspect of Our Lives

The Fall Garden (What to Plant in August & Fall Garden Planning)

The Art of Hosting Well
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 30 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's episode, Miah and I are discussing the art of hosting well. Beyond just the art of it, we're discussing why it's important, especially as homesteaders. I'll be the first one to say that hosting isn't easy. It doesn't come naturally to me, and there are some times when I'd rather not and just curl up at home alone. But

Navigating Seasons of Overwhelm
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 29 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's episode, I'm speaking to those of you who have ever experienced seasons of overwhelm. These words are words to myself and a reminder that these seasons come and go. In this podcast, I share how to recognize these seasons of overwhelm and what to do about them when they come. For more information and any links mentioned,

Why I Homestead
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 28 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's episode, I'm talking about my favorite topic, once again… homesteading! The reasons why different people get into homesteading vary greatly. While my reasons may not be your reasons, I think there are oftentimes many commonalities between those who do step into this journey. Let me share my "why" with you in hopes you f

The Home Dairy (Keeping a Family Dairy Animal)
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 27 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's episode, I'm discussing the home dairy. What dairy animal is best for your specific circumstances, what variables go into deciding which dairy animal to choose, and the basic information everyone should know before bringing home a dairy animal. These are the tips I wish I would have known before bringing home our eight

Homesteading and Hungry with Lisa
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 26 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's episode, I'm chatting with Lisa from Homesteading and Hungry. We're discussing all things homesteading, from being new to the homestead lifestyle and the unexpected things we had to get used to, to learning how to utilize the ingredients we're growing or raising on the farm and turning them into a meal. You'll love lis

Don't Forget to Prepare (Front Porch Chat about Preparing, Security & Being Wise, Not Afraid)
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 25 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's episode, join me for the audio version of a video I published on YouTube back in 2022. The background sound you will hear is of me sitting on the porch, shelling peas, as I share the areas I think are most important to begin preparing for now. I'm also sharing why I don't prepare out of fear but out of faith. For more

The Leaves Are Green | Devotional

So You Want to Be a Homesteader?
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 23 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's episode, I'm talking about getting prepared to share at The Homestead Festival at Rory Feek's farm Hardison Mill. It never fails, every time I get prepared to go speak at one of these events, the "imposter system" creeps in. Because I know I'm probably not alone in this feeling, I'm sharing how I stop my mindset, refocu

What's That In Your Hand?
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 22 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's episode, I'm sharing a YouTube devotional throwback in podcast form. The original video is called "What's that in your hand? (Responding to the Alarm)." The truth remains that there's no better time than now to look at what's in your hand, then ask yourself what you can do with what you already have. It's so easy to loo

Horses and Dreams

Garden Musings with Wil Kunkle
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode twenty of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's episode, we've got Wil Kunkle back with us from Honeybee Hollow Gardens, and we're talking about all things gardening and homesteading. You never know what topics we'll discuss when we get together, that's the beauty of having a friend who might just love gardening more than you! Come join us for this podcast as we

Grow Your Own Food
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode nineteen of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's episode, we're talking about growing our own food. So many of us want to fill our pantry with homegrown, home-preserved food, and there seems to be this pressure to do so, especially in this homesteading space. But is that always necessary? What about those items we can't grow, or aren't currently growing enough o

The Hard and Worthy Work of Homesteading
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode eighteen of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In today's episode, I'm diving deep into the importance of the hard and worthy work of homesteading. I will never tell you this life isn't for you, but I also won't lie and tell you it's without its hardships. This life is beautiful, will push you beyond your limits, will open your eyes to what you're capable of and is full

The Urgency to Grow Food (And Audacious Hope)
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode seventeen of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. This week is a throwback to a YouTube video I recorded back in March of 2022 on the urgency to grow food. I thought it was an important topic, enough so that I wanted it to be published in my podcasts. If you caught this video, perhaps this is a great reminder of the why behind what we do. For more information and any links

Dealing with Loss on the Farm
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode sixteen of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Today's episode is all about learning how to deal with loss on the farm. Death and dying on the homestead is an inevitability. Where there is livestock, there will be dead stock. I don't say this to be harsh, but I wish someone had prepared me better for this life before I jumped in with both feet. For more information and an

A Day in the Life of Roots and Refuge Farm
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode fifteen of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here. Or to join our Patreon to get early access to all our podcast episodes, monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives), and to be entered into a drawing to win a trip to Roots and Refuge farm, visit our Patreon Page. As always, stay up to date

Answering Your Questions - Home Life & Family
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode fourteen of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Today Miah is back with me on the podcast and we're answering some previously asked questions all about home life and our family. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here. Or to join our Patreon to get early access to all our podcast episodes, monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past

What is a Homesteader?
Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode thirteen of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Today I'm going to be answering the question, "What is a homesteader?" Homesteading looks different for all of us and we're all at different stages in our journey. I have a very deep-rooted belief that we can all turn our waiting room into a classroom. This can apply to anything! If you have a dream in your heart, the very be











