Advertise on podcast: The Homestead Education Podcast

Homesteading isn’t just about land, animals, or how much you can produce. It’s about the mindset, lifestyle, and intentional choices behind how you live. And the truth is, more people than ever are craving a slower, more self-sufficient life… but many feel like they don’t have enough land, time, or experience to even begin. In this episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner sits down with Mary Lewis — host of A Tiny Homestead Podcast & Grit and Graceland in the Heartland Podcast to have an honest, real-life conversation about what homesteading actually looks like day-to-day. From starting a homestead later in life to navigating gardening challenges, empty nesting, and building a life rooted in purpose, Mary shares her journey of stepping away from “city living” and into a more intentional, self-sufficient lifestyle. Together, they talk about the realities of gardening, raising food, learning new skills, and redefining what it means to “be a homesteader” — whether you have acres of land or just a small backyard. This isn’t just a conversation about homesteading. It’s about learning to live differently with purpose, creativity, and a willingness to grow. If you care about: Starting a homestead later in life Building a self-sufficient lifestyle without overwhelm Growing food in any space (big or small) Learning homesteading skills step-by-step Balancing real life with homestead goals Finding joy in simple, everyday living This episode will remind you that homesteading isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. In This Episode, We Cover: Mary’s journey to starting a homestead at 50 Why homesteading is a mindset, not a measure of land or animals The transition from city living to rural life Real-life gardening challenges (weather, timing, and expectations) How homesteading looks different in every season of life The importance of starting small and building skills over time Balancing homestead work without burnout or overwhelm The role of community in modern homesteading Why learning to cook is a foundational homesteading skill Simple ways to begin growing and preparing your own food 🤝 Support Our Guest — Mary Lewis If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to connect with Mary and follow along with her work. 🎙️ Podcasts: Grit and Grace in the Heartland | A Tiny Homestead 🌐 Website: Grit and Grace in the Heartland 📘 Facebook: Mary Lewis Grit and Grace in the Heartland – Women in Agriculture   Resources & 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 🔥 Final Thought Homesteading doesn’t require perfect land, perfect timing, or perfect skills. It starts with a decision — to grow, to learn, and to do what you can with what you have. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how much you produce… It’s about the life you’re building.

Success in agriculture isn’t just about working harder — it’s about learning how to manage the pressure, responsibilities, and mindset that come with the lifestyle. And the truth is — burnout, overwhelm, and mental exhaustion are affecting more people in agriculture than ever before… but few are talking about how to navigate it well. In this episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner sits down with Kacee Bohle — founder of AgriMinds and host of the AgriMinds Podcast — to talk about mindset, burnout, boundaries, leadership, and balancing family life while building a career in agriculture. From growing up on a fourth-generation farm to climbing the corporate ladder in agriculture, Kacee shares her personal journey through burnout, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and ultimately building a business that helps others in the ag industry thrive both personally and professionally. Together, they discuss the challenges of balancing farm life, business ownership, marriage, motherhood, homeschooling, and the constant pressure many in agriculture feel to “do it all.” This isn’t just a conversation about business. It’s about learning how to create a life that aligns with your values — without losing yourself in the process. If you care about: Preventing burnout while building your business or farm Balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and agriculture Setting healthy boundaries in work and family life Leading yourself and others more effectively Navigating mindset struggles in farming and entrepreneurship This episode will encourage you to rethink what success truly looks like — and how mindset impacts every part of your life. In This Episode, We Cover: Kacee’s journey from family farming to corporate agriculture and entrepreneurship Why burnout in agriculture often comes from doing the wrong work at the wrong time How mindset impacts stress, overwhelm, and productivity The importance of boundaries in work, family, and parenting Leadership and communication within farm families and businesses Balancing motherhood, homeschooling, and entrepreneurship Why personal development matters in agriculture 🤝 Support Our Guest — Kacee Bohle If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to connect with Kacee and learn more about AgriMinds. 🎙️ Podcast: AgriMinds Podcast 🌍 Website: http://www.kaceebohle.com/agriminds 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agcoachkacee/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaceebohle Resources & 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 🔥 Final Thought Burnout doesn’t always come from doing too much — sometimes it comes from doing too much of the wrong thing at the wrong time. Learning how to lead yourself well, set boundaries, and shift your mindset may be one of the most important skills for building a sustainable life in agriculture.

Agriculture isn’t just happening in the fields — it’s happening on the airwaves, in policy conversations, and in the everyday decisions that impact what ends up on our tables. And the truth is — most people have no idea how much is happening behind the scenes… or where to find reliable information when it does. In this episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner sits down with Addison Stoddard — host of the All Things Ag Gal Podcast and farm director for the Kansas Farm and Ranch Radio Network — to talk about the role of agricultural broadcasting and why it still matters more than ever. From early mornings on the radio to breaking down complex topics like fuel, fertilizer, and food supply chains — Addison shares what it really looks like to be the voice delivering ag news to farmers who rely on it daily. From market updates and policy changes to the realities of misinformation on social media — this episode dives into how information is shared, who people trust, and why accurate communication in agriculture is critical. This isn’t just about radio. It’s about understanding where your information comes from — and why it matters. If you care about: Understanding how agricultural news actually reaches farmers The role of media and communication in food systems Breaking down misinformation in agriculture The connection between policy, markets, and your grocery bill Real conversations about sustainability, production, and the future of farming This episode will challenge how you think about agriculture — not just as a practice, but as a system of information, trust, and decision-making. In This Episode, We Cover: What agricultural broadcasting actually is and why it still matters How farmers use daily radio reports to make real-time decisions The role of trust and credibility in ag media How misinformation spreads — and how to navigate it Current challenges in agriculture, from fuel costs to fertilizer shortages What sustainability looks like in real-world farming operations Why communication is one of the most overlooked parts of agriculture 🤝 Support Our Guest — Addison Stoddard If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to connect with Addison and follow her work in agricultural media. 🎙️ Podcast: All Things Ag Gal 🌐 Listen Live: https://nwksradio.net 🌍 Website: https://allthingsaggal.com/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581960825517 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allthingsaggal/   Resources & 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 🔥 Final Thought Information is one of the most powerful tools we have in agriculture. The more we understand where it comes from — and how to interpret it — the more equipped we are to make decisions that support our families, our food systems, and our future.

Sugaring isn’t just for the Northeast anymore. And the truth is — there are opportunities for food, resources, and self-sufficiency sitting right in our own backyards… if we’re willing to look a little closer. In this episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner sits down with David Knudson of Montana Maple Works to talk about the surprising world of tapping trees for syrup in the Western U.S. — and what it really takes to turn sap into something usable, valuable, and even profitable. From tapping city trees to navigating regulations, building a business from scratch, and teaching others along the way — David shares how curiosity turned into a full-blown maple syrup operation, and what that means for homesteaders and families looking to learn new skills. From understanding tree types and sap flow to the reality of how much work goes into a single gallon of syrup — this episode breaks down both the science and the practicality behind it all. This isn’t just about maple syrup. It’s about recognizing the resources around you — and learning how to use them. If you care about: Learning practical, real-life homesteading skills Alternative ways to source sugar and natural resources Small-scale production and turning skills into income Understanding trees, seasons, and natural systems Building resilience and self-sufficiency at home This episode will open your eyes to what’s possible — even in places you might not expect. In This Episode, We Cover: How maple syrup production works — from sap to finished product Why the West hasn’t traditionally tapped trees (and why that’s changing) What types of trees can be tapped beyond sugar maples The realities of sap-to-syrup ratios and production time How David built a business from a simple idea The challenges of regulations and accessing trees Why learning skills like this matters for long-term self-sufficiency 🤝 Support Our Guest — David Knudson If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to connect with David and learn more about tapping trees and syrup production. 🌐 Visit: Montana Maple Works Resources & 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 🔥 Final Thought Sometimes the resources we’re looking for aren’t far away — they’re just unfamiliar. The more we learn to see what’s around us, the more capable we become of providing for ourselves — one skill at a time.

Food systems are shifting. Farming is shifting. And the reality is — making a living in agriculture today looks nothing like it used to. In this episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner sits down with Lexi Wright of the Farming on Purpose podcast for a real conversation about what it actually takes to make farming work in today’s economy — from direct-to-consumer sales to managing multiple income streams and navigating the challenges modern farmers are facing. From the disconnect between consumers and their food to the growing pressure on farmers to become marketers, educators, and business owners all at once — this episode breaks down what’s really happening behind the scenes. This isn’t about going back to the “old way” of farming. It’s about building something that actually works today. If you care about: Direct-to-consumer farming and selling your products The reality of farm income and multiple revenue streams Marketing and building relationships with customers Small-scale farming, homesteading, and sustainability Understanding where your food comes from This episode will challenge how you think about agriculture — and what it takes to make it work. In This Episode, We Cover: What it really takes to make money in farming today Why direct-to-consumer is becoming essential for farmers The challenges of marketing, education, and selling your products How farmers are balancing multiple income streams The disconnect between consumers and real food systems What’s changing in agriculture — and what it means for the future 🤝 Support Our Guest — Lexi Wright If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to connect with Lexi Wright from Farming on Purpose and support the work she’s doing to help farmers and rural businesses grow. 🎙 Listen to her podcast: Farming on Purpose 📲 Follow on Facebook 📲 Follow on Instagram Resources & 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 ⭐️ Support the Show If this episode challenged or inspired you: ✔️ Follow the podcast so new episodes show up automatically ✔️ Leave a review — it helps more families find this message ✔️ Share this episode with someone who cares about food, farming, or self-sufficiency 🔥 Final Thought Farming today isn’t just about raising animals or growing crops. It’s about building relationships, creating value, and finding a way to make it all work — even when the system doesn’t.

Food systems are shifting. Education is shifting. And in 2026, the question isn’t if things need to change — it’s how we do better moving forward. In this Season 7 kickoff episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner takes a hard look at the current state of agriculture, the rise of AI and digital influence, and the growing disconnect between people and their food. From the dilution of farming practices under trending labels to the increasing reliance on broken education systems, this episode breaks down what’s actually happening — and what families, educators, and communities can do about it. This isn’t about turning everyone into a farmer. It’s about raising a generation that understands food, land, and responsibility. If you care about: Food security and self-sufficiency Agriculture education for kids and families Homesteading, small-scale farming, and real-life skills The impact of AI and media on learning and culture This episode will challenge the way you think — and give you a path forward. In This Episode, We Cover: What’s really happening in agriculture in 2026 How AI and online content are shaping (and distorting) education The problem with “trendy” farming movements losing their roots Why traditional systems are failing to prepare capable adults How small-scale agriculture education can rebuild stronger communities Practical ways families can start taking back control of their food and learning Resources & 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 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/thehomesteadeducation Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation ⭐️ Support the Show If this episode challenged or inspired you: ✔️ Follow the podcast so new episodes show up automatically ✔️ Leave a review — it helps more families find this message ✔️ Share this episode with someone who cares about food, education, or self-sufficiency 🔥 Final Thought We don’t need more noise. We need more people who actually know what they’re doing — and are willing to teach it.

Food and agriculture have never been louder — and clarity has never been harder to find. As we move into 2026, grocery prices are rising, agricultural education is being shaped by broken systems, and AI is changing how information spreads. So how do we actually do better? Season 7 of The Homestead Education Podcast is focused on rebuilding agricultural education at a human scale — not to turn everyone into farmers, but to raise people who understand food, land, and responsibility. If you care about food security, agriculture, or strengthening families and communities, this season is for you. 👉Follow the show now so you don’t miss the full Season 7 kickoff episode next week. The conversation is just getting started. Connect with Kody! Instagram: homestead_education Submit a question to be answered Book Kody to Speak Sponsorship / Partnership Inquiries

In this episode, I share an update on Ranger, our Great Pyrenees livestock guardian who is still missing, and how our family is moving forward while holding onto hope. I also talk about our plan to bring home a new working male dog, what we’re looking for in a ranch-ready name, and how we’re navigating the emotions of change while keeping the homestead running. Then I dive into my annual New Year reflection, including my word-of-the-year approach (reemerge, redefine, and bringing it home), what’s shifting in our family and business, and why executive functioning matters for both kids and adults. I explain how homesteading naturally builds real-life skills through purpose, cause and effect, and responsibility, share details about my free Executive Functioning for Homestead Kids download, and give an update on our student planners—plus the launch of the new Junior Homestead Student Planner. Episode Links Homestead Student Planners: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/student-planner/ Grab your freebie here! Kody Links Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

In this episode, I’m talking about working dogs—and what happens when one goes missing. After a brief life update, I share the story of our livestock guardian dog, Ranger, and the events leading up to his disappearance. From late-night disturbances to injuries on multiple dogs, this episode explores the reality of relying on a guardian dog to protect a farm and the emotional weight of not knowing what happened. I also address common misconceptions about working dogs, especially livestock guardian breeds like Great Pyrenees—how they’re raised, why they live differently than house pets, and why pet standards don’t always apply to working roles. Drawing from my background with hunting, herding, and farm dogs, I explain the difference between livestock guardians and farm guardians and invite listeners to think critically about breed-specific needs, farm protection, and respectful support during hard seasons. Episode Links Homestead Education Shop: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop/ Hanner Homestead: https://hannerhomestead.com/shop/ Porthill Printing: https://porthillprinting.com/ Livestock Guardian: https://amzn.to/4j08Riq Herding Dogs: https://amzn.to/3L3Vkts Herding Dogs on the Homestead: https://amzn.to/48FctTn    Kody Links Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

In this episode, Kody sits down with Lindy Bryant of Northwoods of Idaho—Air Force veteran, disaster response specialist, and creator of the Grab and Go Binder and Survival in a Bottle kits. They break down real-life preparedness for normal people: families, single parents, seniors, urban dwellers, and rural homesteaders who want to be ready for power outages, job loss, medical emergencies, and everyday “mini disasters” long before a comet hits the earth. From emergency binders and car kits to bartering, community support, and skill-based prepping, this conversation will help you rethink preparedness as a practical, affordable, and deeply caring way to protect your family. Episode Links Website: https://www.northwoodsofidaho.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthWoodsOfIdaho Get it on Amazon: Do It Yourself: Grab-N-Go Binder Lindy's Book: The Single Person's Guide to Preparedness: Prepping for One! Kody Links Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

In this episode, Kody chats with Katie Olthoff, co-founder of Chop Local and Chop Local University, about helping farmers sell meat directly to consumers in today’s market. Katie shares how she transitioned from teaching elementary school in rural Iowa to building an online farmers' market that connects producers with buyers nationwide. Together, they unpack the difference between custom-exempt and retail meat sales, how inspection laws affect shipping, and why clear pricing and education are key to building trust with customers. Katie also shares insights on simplifying online sales, using email marketing instead of relying on social media, and creative strategies for selling the lesser-known cuts that often sit in farmers’ freezers. Episode Links Chop Local Website: https://choplocal.com/ Chop Local University: https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/choplocalmeat YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@choplocal Podcast: Meat Success Kody Links Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

In this episode, Kody tackles one of the most complex and often misunderstood topics in America: the food stamp system and its impact on personal responsibility, nutrition, and self-sufficiency. She traces its origins from FDR’s 1939 program to today’s SNAP, uncovering how a system designed to feed the hungry gradually created a culture of dependency. Drawing from her own experience as a single mother who once relied on food assistance, Kody offers a compassionate yet challenging perspective on how modern policies, education gaps, and processed food industries have eroded our connection to real food and the skills to provide it. She reminds listeners that if those in power control the food, they control the people. Through history, statistics, and personal reflection, Kody urges families to reclaim their independence by learning to cook, grow, and nourish themselves. She calls for a return of home economics and small-scale agriculture to schools, stronger nutrition education, and support for farmers—the very people who sustain our nation. This thought-provoking conversation challenges the idea that aid alone can solve hunger and points toward a future where resilience, knowledge, and self-reliance take the lead. Episode Links Brand new student planner: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/homestead-student-planner/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/160411704 Porthill Printing website: www.porthillprinting.com  Porthill Printing social media: @porthillprinting Book Links: The Jungle by Upton Sinclair Omnivores Dilemma   Kody Links Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

In this episode, Kody sits down with Greg and Kristen Leininger, founders of Steader, to share how their own homesteading challenges sparked the idea for a faith-led, community-driven app built to reconnect local food systems. They open up about turning that vision into a working platform that helps neighbors buy, sell, and trade. From their family’s journey toward a simpler, purpose-filled life to their mission of helping others live closer to God’s design for food, land, and fellowship, Greg and Kristen show how technology can actually bring homesteaders back together—one trade, seed, or story at a time. Episode Links Website: https://www.steader.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steaderapp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steaderapp/ Kody Links Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

In this episode, Kody sits down with author Brian Combs of The Homestead Kids to share how a dad’s bedtime stories, written to help his newly adopted daughters navigate a big move, grew into a faith-led adventure series that’s turning reluctant readers into eager book finishers. Brian opens up about weaving Scripture naturally into wholesome homestead tales, why he designed the books with full-color chapter illustrations, 14-point type, and a dyslexia-friendly edition, and the reader feedback that keeps him writing. Episode Links Website: https://thehomesteadkidsbooks.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095518380679 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehomesteadkidsbooks/ Kody Links Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

In this episode, Kody sits down with Jennifer Wheeler, co-founder of Grass Fed Skin, to share the inspiring story of how she and her husband, Eric, followed God’s calling to leave their established healthcare careers and build a family-run, faith-led skincare business. Jennifer opens up about the moment she felt led to start something new, the early days of crafting tallow balm at home, and how their simple, natural product has transformed lives by helping people heal their skin and reduce toxins in their homes. Episode Links Use code "WelcomeGFS" at checkout to get 10% off! Website- https://mygrassfedskin.com/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/grassfedskin Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550030956702 Kody Links Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation