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How to Build a Natural Medicine Cabinet | Natural Antibiotics, Tinctures & Preparedness What should you actually keep in a home remedy cabinet—and where do you even start when natural medicine feels completely overwhelming? In this episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner sits down with Lesli and Coleen from Prep Mart to talk about natural remedies, preparedness, herbal medicine, and the practical skills families can learn to become more self-reliant. The conversation covers everything from tinctures and essential oils to elderberry, herbal infusions, and what the guests describe as natural antibiotics. Lesli and Coleen also share how their own families' experiences with preparedness and natural living eventually led them to build Prep Mart and begin teaching other families the skills they had spent years learning themselves. In This Episode: What people mean when they talk about natural antibiotics The difference between tinctures, essential oils, teas, and herbal infusions Why different herbal preparations may be used for different purposes How Lesli and Coleen first became interested in natural remedies Building a home remedy cabinet without buying everything at once How to decide which herbs and remedies make the most sense for your individual family Elderberry and why it has become a staple in many homestead medicine cabinets Colloidal silver and the personal experiences that led Coleen to learn more about it Oregano oil and other traditional remedies commonly discussed in natural-living communities Why preparedness is about more than extreme emergencies Creating a 72-hour preparedness plan Slowly building a pantry when you can't afford to stock a year's worth of food at once How unexpected job loss, storms, power outages, and financial difficulties can make preparedness valuable The importance of building a community of farmers, medical professionals, and other skilled people Teaching children science through tinctures, fermentation, cooking, gardening, and homestead projects Why real-life skills naturally become part of homeschool education Raising children who know how to identify problems, find answers, and take responsibility Natural Antibiotics and the Home Remedy Cabinet One of the biggest topics in this conversation is something many families searching for a more self-reliant lifestyle eventually encounter: natural antibiotics. Coleen explains how her family became interested in colloidal silver and describes how she makes it at home. She and Lesli also talk about their personal use of herbal remedies, including oregano oil, elderberry, mullein, tinctures, and essential oils. But one of the most important moments in the episode comes when the conversation turns to serious infection. Kody shares the story of her brother developing cellulitis after a seemingly minor wound while working outdoors. His condition progressed rapidly, eventually contributing to a medical crisis from which he did not recover. That experience is a powerful reminder that self-reliance doesn't mean refusing conventional medicine—it also means learning to recognize when something has moved beyond home care. This episode shares personal experiences and traditional home-remedy practices for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Serious or worsening infections, breathing problems, high fever, cellulitis, or other concerning symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional. Where Should You Start? One of the best pieces of advice from this conversation is surprisingly simple: Don't try to build your entire natural medicine cabinet overnight. Instead, look at the problems your family actually deals with most often. A family with young children may prioritize completely different remedies than an older couple. Someone who struggles with seasonal respiratory issues may build a different cabinet than a family primarily dealing with bug bites, upset stomachs, or everyday bumps and scrapes. It's the same approach Kody recommends for becoming more self-sufficient with food: identify the five or ten things your family uses most often, then learn how to produce, source, or prepare those things first. Preparedness Doesn't Have to Mean a Bunker Lesli and Coleen also challenge the stereotype that preparedness means preparing for some massive end-of-the-world event. Sometimes preparedness looks like having enough food when you lose your job. Sometimes it's being snowed in for several days. Sometimes it's losing power. Sometimes it's simply having what your family needs when getting to the store isn't an option. Lesli shares how her family's stored food and preparedness supplies helped them through a period when multiple financial problems hit almost simultaneously—job losses, losing their housing arrangement, a totaled vehicle, and discovering they were expecting a baby. The supplies weren't there for a dramatic disaster. They were there for real life. Teaching Self-Reliance Through Everyday Life The conversation also moves into one of the central themes of The Homestead Education Podcast: children learn an incredible amount when they're allowed to participate in real life. Fermentation becomes science. Baking becomes fractions. Making tinctures becomes chemistry. Identifying elderberry, mullein, and goldenrod becomes botany. Raising livestock becomes biology, economics, and responsibility. And solving real problems gives kids something that's much harder to teach on a worksheet: confidence. Lesli and Coleen explain how their children help with gardening, animals, fermentation, food production, herbal remedies, and even butchering—and how much academic learning naturally happens along the way. As Kody puts it during the conversation, we're not simply raising kids. We're raising adults. And one of the most valuable things we can teach them is how to look at a problem and believe, I can figure this out. Resources Mentioned Prep Mart Natural-living, preparedness, and home-remedy resources from Lesli and Coleen. Use code HOMESTEAD EDUCATION for 10% off through Prep Mart. Prep Mart also offers educational resources designed to help families gradually build preparedness skills, including a 72-hour preparedness checklist and pantry-building resources. Follow The Homestead Education Podcast If you're interested in natural living, homesteading, preparedness, agriculture, and raising capable kids, follow The Homestead Education Podcast so you don't miss the next episode. We're not interested in simply collecting more information. We're interested in learning skills we can actually use. Until next week, keep growing.   Find Prep Mart www.prepmartusa.com Discount code: HomesteadEducation FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576608654246 IG: https://www.instagram.com/prepmartusa/?__pwa=1 Kody's Links Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/ ESA Funding:  https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/funding/ Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education  Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Raising Self-Sufficient Kids Book – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/raising-self-sufficient-children/

Seed saving is about far more than collecting a few seeds at the end of the gardening season. It is a practical way to preserve heirloom varieties, strengthen your garden, and keep more control over your family’s food supply. In this episode, I’m joined by Christopher and Maggie Snow of Autumn Prairie Pumpkins to discuss seed saving, heirloom pumpkins, hand pollination, pest-resistant squash varieties, and the small suburban garden that grew into a micro farm and seed business. Christopher and Maggie explain the difference between heirloom and F1 hybrid seeds—and why seeds collected from a hybrid plant may not produce the same variety the following year. We also walk through their seed-saving process, including covering unopened blossoms, hand-pollinating flowers, preventing unwanted cross-pollination, and labeling the seeds they intend to preserve. We also talk about: Why heirloom seeds matter for food security and resilience How to begin seed saving in your own garden The difference between heirloom and F1 hybrid varieties How squash and pumpkins cross-pollinate Using blossom bags and hand pollination to keep seeds true Choosing squash varieties adapted to local pests and conditions Squash vine borers, cucumber beetles, and natural pest-management methods Growing vertically in a small suburban backyard Preserving unusual culinary pumpkins and their agricultural history Turning a passion for gardening into a small farm business You do not need acres of land, generations of gardening knowledge, or a naturally green thumb to begin growing food and saving seeds. Sometimes it starts with one stubborn pumpkin plant—and a willingness to learn why it survived when the others did not. Learn more about Christopher and Maggie, shop their heirloom seeds, and find their pumpkin cookbook at AutumnPrairiePumpkins.com. Use code HOMESTEAD10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links The Pumpkin Bakery Book: https://link.amazon/B0coHS4gw Ten Tomatoes that Changed the World: https://link.amazon/B0cuEn6db Guns, Germs, & Steel: https://link.amazon/B02DY7mdr Kody's Links Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/ ESA Funding:  https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/funding/ Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education  Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Raising Self-Sufficient Kids Book – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/raising-self-sufficient-children/

What happens when rising gas prices don't just hurt at the pump—but begin affecting the cost and availability of nearly everything else? In this episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, I'm joined by my husband, Ron Hanner, to talk about what higher fuel costs can mean for truckers, farmers, food prices, local businesses, and the supply chain—and, more importantly, what ordinary families can actually do about it. This isn't about preparing for the end of the world. It's about preparing for the unprecedented. A job loss. A power outage. A winter storm. A supply-chain disruption. Rapidly rising gas prices. Or simply discovering that the groceries your family buys every week suddenly cost far more than they did a year ago. Ron and I talk through the ripple effect that fuel prices can have across agriculture and transportation, including the pressure on independent truck drivers and the importance of the trucks that move food, fuel, medical supplies, manufacturing materials, and countless everyday necessities. We also discuss why even a short disruption can expose just how dependent modern communities are on products arriving exactly when they're needed. But most of this episode is about what you can do before you're scrambling. In This Episode: How rising gas prices can increase the cost of food and other necessities Why independent truck drivers are especially vulnerable to major fuel-price increases What a transportation or supply-chain disruption could mean for everyday families Why preparedness doesn't have to mean extreme prepping Simple ways to store drinking water How to secure a dependable protein source Buying beef, pork, eggs, and milk directly from local farmers Splitting bulk meat purchases with friends or family to lower the upfront cost Stretching meat across multiple meals Stocking inexpensive staples like potatoes and other root vegetables Preserving grocery-store produce when your garden doesn't produce enough Small-batch canning, freezing, fermenting, and refrigerator pickling Why you don't need to preserve hundreds of pounds of food at once How buying in bulk can make higher-quality food more affordable Getting multiple foods from one ingredient—like turning raw milk into drinking milk, yogurt, cream, butter, or cheese Reducing food waste by creating a more circular household or homestead food system Why supporting your local farmer before a crisis matters so much One of the biggest misconceptions about preparedness is that you need a huge pantry, acres of land, or thousands of dollars to get started. You don't. Start with one thing. Buy an extra staple when it's inexpensive. Find someone locally who sells eggs. Split a bulk beef purchase with another family. Learn how to preserve one food your family already eats. Store a little water. Cook an extra portion and put it away. The goal isn't fear. The goal is creating enough margin in your life that the unexpected doesn't immediately become an emergency. We also talk about one of the most important pieces of preparedness that can't be stored on a pantry shelf: relationships. A functioning local food system exists only when local farmers have enough customers to keep producing food. Waiting until grocery shelves are empty to find your local farmer is too late. Supporting those producers consistently helps ensure that farms, ranches, dairies, and small food businesses are still there when your community needs them. And because this is our family, the conversation naturally includes cows getting ready to calve, a chicken tractor that we accidentally built too large to get off the porch, kids who name animals destined for the freezer, plans for a multigenerational family homestead—and Ron abruptly leaving the podcast when his fire department pager goes off. Real life doesn't stop because you're recording a podcast. Neither does the unexpected. The best time to prepare for it is before you need to. Resources Mentioned Visit The Homestead Education for resources on food production, agriculture, preservation, homesteading, and teaching the next generation practical skills. If you have a question you'd like us to answer in a future episode, reach out at [email protected]. And until next week—keep growing. Episode Links Hanner Homestead: https://www.hannerhomestead.com Hanner Homestead Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehannerhomestead Redmond's Real Salt: https://glnk.io/oq72y/homestead-education Episode 148: Homesteading on a Budget: Practical Tips to Grow Self-Sufficiency with Less Money: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/episode-148-homesteading-on-a-budget-practical-tips-to-grow-self-sufficiency-with-less-money/ Episode 119: Are you sustainably prepared?: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/episode-119-are-you-sustainably-prepared/ Kody's Links Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/ ESA Funding: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/funding/ Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education  Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Raising Self-Sufficient Kids Book – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/raising-self-sufficient-children/

In this episode, I’m answering one of the questions I get asked all the time: How do I get it all done? Between running a homestead, raising livestock, homeschooling, managing multiple businesses, traveling, running a co-op, and keeping up with a very full household, the real answer is—I don’t do it all. I’m sharing what actually helps me keep things moving: delegating, building systems, choosing priorities, managing the mental load, using tools that work with my brain, knowing when to hire help, and accepting that sometimes “good enough” really is good enough. I also share plenty of real-life homestead chaos along the way—from new piglets and heritage hogs to chicken disasters, ducks, harvest season, and the reality of trying to prepare for winter while running a business. If you’ve ever felt like you’re working constantly but somehow still falling behind, this episode is for you. Episode Links Autumn of the Homestead Activity Book: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/seasons-on-the-homestead-autumn-educational-activity-book/ Hanner Homestead: [email protected] 80/20 Rule Book: https://amzn.to/4AeMfTl The Gut Health Product That Changed My Life: https://shareplex.us/share/8qE7_VL Kody’s Link Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/ ESA Funding: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/funding/ Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education  Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Raising Self-Sufficient Kids Book – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/raising-self-sufficient-children/

Kody Hanner and Ron Hanner share a raw, practical story about marriage, parenting, homesteading, and rebuilding health after Ron was told he had end-stage liver disease and might have only a year to live. What follows is a story of fear, grit, and gradual change that led their family to rethink food, home life, and what it means to fight for one another. This episode matters because it connects nutrition, mindset, family systems, and healing in a way that feels lived in rather than theoretical. In this episode: Kody and Ron explain how they met, blended two families, and quickly built a new life together in Oregon Ron describes the shock of being told he was "a little cirrhotic" and later diagnosed with compensated end-stage liver disease at 35 They talk through the emotional fallout, including fear, withdrawal, PTSD, and the strain the diagnosis put on the marriage Kody shares how the doctor’s vague advice to pursue a more natural lifestyle became the first thing she could grab onto They break down the drastic changes they made to food, including cooking from scratch, avoiding preservatives, and sourcing cleaner ingredients The move to homesteading in North Idaho becomes a major turning point as they begin producing more of their own food Ron explains how he managed chronic pain and disability through a spinal cord stimulator instead of narcotics They discuss homeschooling, family meetings, chore systems, and how they learned to make the whole household part of the process Kody and Ron share how they moved toward cleaner living with homemade cleaners, tallow and lard, fewer artificial scents, and more herbal remedies The episode closes on their broader message: be proactive, be intentional, and do not hide from the hard things Ron's Links Hanner Homestead: www.hannerhomestead.com Hanner Homestead IG: www.instagram.com/thehannerhomestead Hanner Homestead FB: www.facebook.com/thehannerhomestead Kody's Links Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/ Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education  Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Raising Self-Sufficient Kids Book - https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/raising-self-sufficient-children/

Kody Hanner and Ron Hanner share a raw, practical story about marriage, parenting, homesteading, and rebuilding health after Ron was told he had end-stage liver disease and might have only a year to live. What follows is a story of fear, grit, and gradual change that led their family to rethink food, home life, and what it means to fight for one another. This episode matters because it connects nutrition, mindset, family systems, and healing in a way that feels lived in rather than theoretical. In this episode: Kody and Ron explain how they met, blended two families, and quickly built a new life together in Oregon Ron describes the shock of being told he was "a little cirrhotic" and later diagnosed with compensated end-stage liver disease at 35 They talk through the emotional fallout, including fear, withdrawal, PTSD, and the strain the diagnosis put on the marriage Kody shares how the doctor’s vague advice to pursue a more natural lifestyle became the first thing she could grab onto They break down the drastic changes they made to food, including cooking from scratch, avoiding preservatives, and sourcing cleaner ingredients The move to homesteading in North Idaho becomes a major turning point as they begin producing more of their own food Ron explains how he managed chronic pain and disability through a spinal cord stimulator instead of narcotics They discuss homeschooling, family meetings, chore systems, and how they learned to make the whole household part of the process Kody and Ron share how they moved toward cleaner living with homemade cleaners, tallow and lard, fewer artificial scents, and more herbal remedies The episode closes on their broader message: be proactive, be intentional, and do not hide from the hard things Ron's Links Hanner Homestead: www.hannerhomestead.com Hanner Homestead IG: www.instagram.com/thehannerhomestead Hanner Homestead FB: www.facebook.com/thehannerhomestead Kody's Links Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/ Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education  Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Raising Self-Sufficient Kids Book - https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/raising-self-sufficient-children/

Kody Hanner shares a solo episode that mixes personal life updates from a wildfire-filled summer with a practical rundown of major agriculture and food safety headlines. She also closes with a long reflection on county fairs, 4-H, and how local agricultural education shapes capable, community-minded kids. In this episode, Kody connects homestead life, livestock management, food policy, and youth ag education into one big picture of how agriculture touches daily life far beyond the farm. She also explains why she thinks local food systems matter more than ever when large-scale supply chains, regulations, and public health issues all collide. Key topics Kody explains how a major wildfire near her home pulled most of her family into fire duty for much of the summer, leaving her to run the farm, the business, and the home largely on her own. She gives a homestead update, including 31 piglets across four litters, her mixed pig breeding program, and her goal of growing Hanner Homestead into a recognizable source of quality heritage pork. She talks about a new Brown Swiss bull calf, A2A2 testing, and how that information helps shape long-term dairy and beef management decisions. Kody shares poultry plans for the year, including raising meat birds later than usual and using new Idaho laws to make direct retail sales easier. She introduces her homemade udder balm, which she says has become a practical chafing cream for firefighters and may soon be offered more broadly. We discuss the Cargill and Tyson meatpacking antitrust and price-fixing settlement, and Kody breaks down how monopolistic control can squeeze farmers while raising consumer prices. She covers a feedlot study that found unexpected lactation in some cattle and heifers, then walks through possible causes, including hormone implants, high-concentrate grain diets, plant estrogen activity, and mold exposure. Kody reviews the tension between commercial feedlot management and her own preference for grass-fed livestock and smaller-scale production decisions. She provides an educational explanation of recent food safety outbreaks, including Cyclospora and Salmonella cases linked to produce, and emphasizes how contamination can occur at many points in the supply chain. She explains the difference between common public assumptions about imported produce and the actual layers of certification, inspection, sanitation, and testing that major food systems use. Kody discusses the effort to define ultra-processed foods more clearly and the push to reform the GRAS system, which allows certain additives to bypass deeper review. She highlights ingredients and additives she sees as problematic, including BHA, BHT, azodicarbonamide, red dye number two, brominated vegetable oil, and other questionable compounds. The episode closes with a detailed look at county fairs as agricultural education, community infrastructure, youth development, and a major economic force in rural life. Episode Links Udder Balm Recipe: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/udder-balm/ The Cargill Lawsuit: https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-judge-rules-beef-purchasers-can-pursue-price-fixing-class-actions-2026-07-17/ Lactating Steers: https://members.acresusa.com/lactating-steers-hormonal-implants/ FDA Outbreak Updates: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-multistate-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026 GRAS definition: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/generally-recognized-safe-gras Homestead Education Links Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/ Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education  Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

How do you teach home economics when most schools don't? For many families, home economics has become a forgotten subject. But cooking, sewing, meal planning, budgeting, gardening, and creating with your hands are the very skills that build confidence, resilience, and independence. In this episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner sits down with Jessica Clark of The Lark Life to discuss why practical life skills deserve a place alongside traditional academics—and how families can begin teaching them today. Jessica shares how teaching her children to cook, sew, quilt, and create has transformed their confidence and given them ownership over their education. Together, they explore why children were designed to be creators rather than passive consumers, and how giving kids meaningful responsibilities helps them develop problem-solving skills that last a lifetime. Whether you homeschool, attend public school, or simply want to raise more capable kids, this conversation offers practical encouragement for bringing home economics back into everyday family life. In This Episode Why home economics is making a comeback Teaching cooking, sewing, quilting, and practical life skills Helping children become creators instead of consumers Building confidence through responsibility and hands-on learning Why mistakes are one of the best teachers Raising kids who contribute to the family instead of simply being entertained Teaching boys and girls the same practical skills Creating a home where learning happens naturally Jessica's new Foundations in Quilting curriculum for homeschool families What "Keep Growing" means and why lifelong learning matters Key Takeaways Home economics is about far more than cooking—it's about preparing children for adulthood. Kids gain confidence when they're trusted with real responsibilities. Creativity, problem-solving, and resilience are learned by doing, not by watching. Families don't need expensive equipment or perfect conditions to begin teaching practical skills. Some of the most meaningful education happens around the kitchen table, in the garden, or beside a sewing machine. Jessica Clark's Links Jessica Clark – The Lark Life: www.TheLarkLife.com  Foundations in Quilting homeschool curriculum (get 20% off with code HE20): https://quilt-lab.teachery.co/foundations-in-quilting-semester-1?a=eaAH2dFT  Beginner sewing resources and machine basics: https://amzn.to/45caVhj Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_lark_life/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577853711059 Kody Hanner's Links Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/ Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education  Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Subscribe If you're passionate about raising capable kids, practical agriculture, and real-world education, be sure to follow The Homestead Education Podcast. Each week, we share conversations that help families reconnect with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive—whether you live on a farm, in town, or somewhere in between.

In a world increasingly driven by screens, automation, and artificial intelligence, hands-on learning has never been more important. In this episode, agricultural educator Trent Van Leuwen shares how experiential learning, field trips, student entrepreneurship, and real-world agricultural experiences are helping students develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and career readiness. Whether you're a homeschool parent, teacher, or agriculture advocate, this conversation offers practical ideas for bringing meaningful hands-on education to today's students. Key Topics: Trent's background growing up on a dairy farm and his journey into agricultural education Differences between urban/suburban and rural agricultural experiences The importance of vocabulary and foundational knowledge in agriculture Unique programs at Mackey High School, including fish hatcheries, greenhouse projects, and fish monitoring The role of community, authenticity, and passion in effective farm tours and field trips Strategies for teaching ag without traditional farm access, including creative lab solutions The significance of teaching financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career pathways in ag Cross-disciplinary collaborations between ranchers and fish biologists to promote sustainable practices The impact of experiential learning on students’ future careers and community involvement The "Keep Growing" philosophy about overcoming failures and continuous learning Connect with Trent Take a Little Field Trip (Book) - https://amzn.to/4fq3CXE Author Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Trent-Van-Leuven-Educator-Author-61580158103061/ Podcast Links and Resources Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/ Kody's Links Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education  Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

Living Freely on the Fringes: Embracing Authenticity and Freedom in Homesteading & Homeschooling In this episode, Kody Hanner shares her raw, honest journey of redefining success, identity, and freedom within the homestead and homeschool lifestyle. She explores the pressures of social media, the importance of authenticity, and how to stay true to ourselves without falling into societal traps or comparisons. This episode is a powerful reminder that true freedom comes from living in alignment with your values, beyond public approval or perfect appearances.   Key Topics: The shift from chasing societal success to embracing personal authenticity on the homestead The pressure to perform and curate a perfect life online versus real, messy life How living on the fringes offers freedom and independence from mainstream expectations The importance of privacy and choosing what to share in a digital age Redefining success based on real-world outcomes like capability, health, and joy Overcoming the comparison game—garden wins, follower counts, and perfectionism The emotional journey of living through hardship, illness, and rebuilding purpose The significance of community, family, and land in cultivating a meaningful, free life Resources & Links: Homestead Education Curriculum - http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homestead Family Reading List - https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/ Connect with Kody: Instagram - https://instagram.com/homestead_education  Facebook - https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation  Share your thoughts: Feel inspired? Leave a review or comment on social media. I’d love to hear how you’re reclaiming your freedom and authenticity in your homesteading and homeschooling journey.

Preserving Food, Farming Wisdom, and Building Resilience with Jeremy and Stacy Hill.   Discover how Jeremy and Stacy Hill from Gooseberry Bridge Farm combine traditional farming, food preservation, and resilient homesteading to reconnect with nature and community. This conversation offers practical insights for anyone interested in food sovereignty, sustainable living, and farm business strategies.   Main topics include: The evolution of a homestead into a full-time farm business The mental and practical foundations for successful food preservation Navigating the regulatory landscape of agro-tourism The importance of seasonality and small batch preservation Cultivating a resilient mindset for farm life and self-sufficiency In this episode: The story behind "The Preserver’s Garden" and food preservation as a catalyst How their personal journey led them from hobby gardening to a thriving farm The benefits and challenges of managing a 5,000 sq ft garden and multiple income streams The role of seasonality in preserving food effectively year-round How to start small with preservation projects like jam-making The importance of understanding your "why" to sustain homesteading efforts Insights into Missouri's friendly policies supporting farm-based tourism Practical tips on growing what works and managing the farm’s seasonal rhythm The cultural shift needed to value and pass down agricultural skills Resources & Links: The Preserver's Garden by Jeremy & Stacy Hill: https://amzn.to/4eCbd6y  Gooseberry Bridge Farm: https://www.gooseberrybridge.com/  Missouri Grown program: https://missourigrownusa.com/  Connect with Jeremy & Stacy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gooseberrybridgefarm/?__pwa=1  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gooseberrybridge  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gooseberrybridgefarm  Connect with Kody Hanner: Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/  Instagram: www.instagram.com/homestead_education Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation GET YOUR FREE HOMESTEAD FAMILY READING LIST HERE: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/

This episode dives into the crucial need to redefine agriculture education for today's society. I share my personal journey, insights into food systems, and why foundational knowledge about where our food comes from is more vital than ever—regardless of whether you’re a farmer or not. The disconnect between conventional agriculture education and real-world needs Why understanding food, soil, and farm systems is essential for everyone How COVID, supply chain disruptions, and AI are shifting perspectives on local and small-scale farming The historical evolution of agricultural education and its current shortcomings Practical steps to incorporate meaningful agriculture lessons into homes and communities The importance of fostering purpose, resilience, and responsibility in the next generation The role of homeschooling, community involvement, and local sourcing in building a stable food future Resources & Links: Courses and curriculum for agricultural literacy: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homesteading Summer Courses — 25% off mini courses with code SUMMER25: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/coupon-code/SUMMER25/sc-page/summer-on-the-homestead-kickoff-sale/ Homestead Family Reading List: https://thehomesteadeducation.myflodesk.com/homestead-reading-list Connect with Kody Hanner: Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/  Instagram: https://instagram.com/homestead_education  Facebook: https://facebook.com/homesteadeducation  Remember: agriculture is the foundation of civilization. Reimagine how we teach and connect with it to build resilient, purpose-driven generations.

Discover how blacksmithing is alive and evolving through the stories of Will Branson and David Walker from Fire Iron Forge. This episode explores the journey from childhood passions to building a thriving craft business, emphasizing the importance of niche markets, community, and continuous growth in the trade. Watch the YouTube Episode Here: https://youtu.be/JJf-G0mLZCc Main Topics: The origins of blacksmithing passions and how childhood influences shape careers Building a blacksmithing school and cultivating a community of diverse students The importance of finding a niche in a dying art and marketing it effectively The role of hands-on, experiential learning in developing confidence and purpose How blacksmithing serves as a meaningful outlet for all ages and genders Practical tips on starting blacksmithing at home and the realities of equipment costs The significance of continuous learning and staying a "forever student" Resources & Links: Fire Iron Forge - https://fireironforge.com/ Athol Ironworks - https://atholironworks.com/  Abana - Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America - https://abana.org/  California Blacksmith Association - https://www.calsmith.org/  Connect with Athol Iron Works or Fire Iron Forge Athol Iron Works Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AtholIronworks  Athol Iron Works Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/atholironworks/ Fire Iron Forge Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fireironforge  Fire Iron Forge Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fire_iron_forge/ Kody's Links Homestead Education Curriculum: https://thehomesteadeducation.com Shop Books & Resources: https://thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Join the Email List for Resources & Updates: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/subscribe Follow Along Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/thehomesteadeducation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation This episode underscores that blacksmithing is not just a craft, but a lifelong journey of growth, community, and purpose. Whether you're starting at home or seeking to turn your passion into a business, Will and David’s insights provide a compelling blueprint for success in the art of the forge.

In this episode, Alex and Ashley Johnson from Rustic Homestead Living share practical insights on how families can effectively prepare for emergencies—big or small. Whether you're stockpiling food or organizing your emergency plan, their advice makes preparedness accessible and actionable for everyone. Key topics: The evolution of homesteading into emergency preparedness education How to customize 72-hour kits for individual family members and different environments Rotating and using food storage to prevent waste and spoilage The importance of a written preparedness plan and binder organization How to incorporate long-term and short-term strategies, including food storage, medical supplies, and communication tools Teaching skills to make the most of available ingredients and resources Tips for storing supplies securely against pests and degradation Community classes and in-person resources for hands-on learning The mindset of continuous growth and learning in preparedness and homesteading Resources & Links: Rustic Homestead Living Website: https://rustichomesteadliving.com/ Preparedness Binder & Resources: https://rustichomesteadliving.com/store/books-resources/ Start Here: The 7-Day Homestead Preparedness Blueprint helps you build your foundation for self-sufficiency in one week https://rustichomesteadliving.com/start-here/ Connect with Alex & Ashley: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rustichomesteadliving/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/rustichomesteadliving Kody's Links Homestead Education Curriculum: https://thehomesteadeducation.com Shop Books & Resources: https://thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Join the Email List for Resources & Updates: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/subscribe Follow Along Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/thehomesteadeducation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

In this episode, Amanda Radke shares her journey as a fifth-generation cattle rancher, passionate educator, and advocate for the real stories of American agriculture. She discusses how direct-to-consumer beef sales, land rights, and truthful storytelling are shaping the future of rural America, inspiring producers and consumers alike. Main Insights: Amanda’s background as a South Dakota rancher and author of children’s books about farming. The significance of direct-to-consumer platforms like Bid on Beef in reconnecting rural producers with urban buyers. How COVID-19 revealed vulnerabilities in global food supply chains and the opportunity for local, relationship-based food systems. The monopolization of the beef supply chain by large packers and foreign ownership, and the need for stronger farmer advocacy. The role of land rights and property preservation amid policies favoring foreign-backed projects such as carbon pipelines. The importance of grassroots activism, local government engagement, and courageous advocacy in protecting American farmland. How region-specific animal husbandry practices, like rotational grazing and grain finishing, reflect the diversity of U.S. agriculture. Addressing misconceptions about antibiotics, environmental impact, and industry labels, emphasizing transparency and consumer education. Amanda’s perspective on “keep growing” — prioritizing faith, family, and long-term sustainability over short-term gains. Resources & Links: Amanda Radke's Website: https://amandaradke.com/ The Heart of Rural America Podcast: https://apple.co/3BoFh0N Bid on Beef: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-heart-of-rural-america/id1698761477 American Land and Legacy: https://americanlandandlegacy.org/ Connect with Amanda Radke: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandaradke Kody's Links Homestead Education Curriculum: https://thehomesteadeducation.com Shop Books & Resources: https://thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Join the Email List for Resources & Updates: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/subscribe Follow Along Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/thehomesteadeducation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation