Roots and Refuge Podcast

Jessica Sowards
  • 5.0 (43)
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Roots and Refuge Podcast Podcast

Hey there, darling! My name is Jess. There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that's exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart – to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to the Roots and Refuge podcast, friend. I am so glad you're here.

  1. For Such a Time as This

    JUL 31

    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 others to take responsibility for themselves, even if they hold different viewpoints. I value diverse opinions and hold my core values firmly, letting my actions reflect them. Regardless of your religion or worldview, know that you are loved and welcomed here. I hope you'll gain something from today's episode.  Am I a prepper? Yes, but at this stage of my life we're prepared out of wisdom, not fear. Initially, fear drove me to prepare, but I learned to trust in the Lord's plan, shifting my motivation to wisdom. This shift allowed us to thrive, not just survive. Before the COVID pandemic, I prayed and heard a call from the Lord "When everyone else prays for it to pass over, I want you to pray for it to go deeper." I prayed for Covid to expose as much as it needed to expose and to bring freedom. In general I avoid political stances as they often bring division rather than solutions. Our world is broken, filled with addiction, trauma, and conflict, but we were designed for peace and love. The Lord has shown me this in how my mission to lead people to the garden and teach them to grow food has sown seeds of life in people all over the world.  I believe in creating a better culture, rooted in a relationship with the earth and with one another. Living in harmony with nature brings healing and hope, believing that God uses all things for good.  Hopelessness and complacency build nothing. We were born for this time. As Tolkien said, "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." We must live out our convictions, even when it costs us. Our purpose goes beyond our broken culture. Rooted in love, we can face any hate and carry hope, solutions, and deep relationships. YOU WERE BORN FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS. Reflect on your beliefs and let your home tell your story. The garden of your heart is ready for this time, if you tend to it. Thanks for listening! Let's live out our purpose and build a better world together. 🌱 If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and Jess (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

    1h 4m
  2. Supporting Dreams as Homestead Husbands

    JUL 24

    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 recently moved onto their first homestead, and we talk all about our journey's as husbands in this lifestyle with wives that have big dreams.  Mark shares his journey from traveling frequently for ministry during the early years of his marriage to supporting his wife’s dream of homesteading. Initially, they were so focused on ministry that homesteading seemed impossible. However, the pandemic shifted their lives, and Mark realized it was time to champion his wife’s dream after years of her supporting his. Similarly, Jeremiah started in ministry, which didn’t turn into a stable career. Through the process of supporting each other, we finally got land, and our dream of homesteading became our focus. The choice to stay home came when we realized how much of our children’s young lives we were missing. When Jess decided to pursue YouTube full-time, she did not pressure me. Watching her thrive in her convictions about homesteading made me realize I could dream too. Jess helped unlock my own calling within me. Once my heart was in the right place, it unlocked so much success and partnership in our lives.  This isn’t a condemnation of ministry but an explanation of how our focus on different goals has evolved over the years. Our current role feels like ministry because our heart posture is in the right place and we're clear in our goals.  Ultimately marriage success is built on mutual humility, allowing each partner to support the other's dreams. Fulfillment isn't external; it's within you and your marriage. When your spouse's dreams come true, there's a cycle where your dreams can come true too. Thanks for joining us today! Remember that supporting other’s dreams can create a fulfilling life and partnership. 🌱 If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and Jess (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

    52 min
  3. Living Off The Land

    JUN 26

    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. It’s not to discourage anyone, but to offer a realistic view of what farm life entails. While the romantic idea of homesteading is wonderful, it's important to understand the effort involved. Growing your own food is a life long journey, not a destination. On our farm, we produce a lot of our food. Yet, we still rely on grocery stores for some needs, and while we strive for self-sufficiency, we’re not fully independent. We depend on external sources, like grain for our animals, and we are part of modern supply chains. Our lifestyle involves balancing self-produced food with necessary outside inputs, doing our best to live in harmony with our land rather than entirely off it. The concept of living off the land varies widely. Some people do live off-grid, relying solely on their land, but our approach is more moderate. We aim to close the loop where possible, acknowledging that complete self-sufficiency isn’t realistic for us. Instead, we focus on creating a resilient and sustainable way of life. Community plays a crucial role in modern homesteading. I used to aim for total self-reliance, but I’ve learned the value of community and shared resources. The goal isn't to revert to the past, but to integrate real food and food security into our lives. It’s about doing what we can where we are, striving for resilience over perfection. Healthy living means nurturing our relationships, our food, our land, and ourselves. Our aim isn’t to live entirely off the land, but to build a balanced, modern life where we create more than we consume.  Thanks for joining me today. Remember, homesteading is a journey towards resilience and balance. 🌻 If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and Jess (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

    50 min
  4. Turn Your Waiting Room Into A Classroom

    JUN 19

    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 classroom where you can gain valuable lessons. As I often say, "Turn your waiting room into your classroom." Life often places us in "waiting rooms," whether it’s waiting for a new home, a job, or another important dream of yours. It's crucial to make the most of these times. Use this period to refine your dream, develop new skills, and appreciate the journey. As scripture tells us "Whoever can be trusted with very little can be trusted with very much" (Luke 16:10). Reflect on this: How can you turn your waiting room into a classroom? Embrace the time you have now to prepare for the future you want. Waiting is not wasted time; it's a chance to grow and get ready for what's next. "If you are willing to work on yourself in the waiting room of your life, you can't lose!" Thanks for joining me today. Remember, every waiting room is a classroom in disguise. 🌻 If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and Jess (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

    54 min
  5. Fathers Day

    JUN 12

    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 to for inspiration? How do we juggle the roles of father, provider, and individual? We emphasize the need to be mindful of how our children experience life and our parenting, acknowledging that memories can differ significantly without that awareness. We'll discuss the balance of effective praise, ensuring we don't over-praise undeservedly or neglect to praise at all. We'll reflect on learning from our parents' successes and failures and the importance of generational evolution. Plus, we'll talk about the value of apologizing to our children when we fall short of our parenting ideals or make mistakes along the way. Our goal as fathers is to limit trauma for future generations and foster a nurturing and loving environment. Join us as we delve into the profound journey of fatherhood and share our insights and experiences. Thanks for tuning in to the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there! 🌻 If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and Jess (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

    58 min
  6. The Hard of Homesteading

    JUN 5

    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. Homesteading can be isolating and often goes against the mainstream, but the naysayers can fuel your determination. Rural life brings unique challenges, and there's a hefty price on failure, leading to moments of disappointment when expectations don't match reality. However, the satisfaction and gratitude for hard work, the forethought and planning required (mentioned recipe here), and the deeply rewarding nature of this lifestyle make it all worthwhile. Remember, homesteading isn't a one-size-fits-all journey, and life on the farm changes with each season. The challenge and intention behind every task are what make this life beautiful and deeply satisfying. Join me as we explore the hard truths and rewards of homesteading, and let's appreciate the journey together. 🌱 Thanks for listening to the Roots and Refuge Podcast, where we embrace the art of homesteading and mindful living. If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

    53 min
  7. Preserving the Harvest

    MAY 29

    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 seasoning powders. While not suitable for all produce, it's perfect for herbs, jerky, and cherry tomatoes. Freezing: Best for preserving nutrition but comes with drawbacks like texture changes and a reliance on electricity. It's great for meats and convenient for many vegetables. Canning (water bath & pressure): Produces convenient and ready-to-eat products. Canning is a great entry point for a new homesteader. Remember to water bath high-acid foods and pressure can low-acid foods. Curing/Smoking: A valuable, albeit niche skill that offers variety and uniqueness. It requires time and learning but adds great value and diversity to your pantry. Fermenting: Offers health benefits and unique flavors. It does require refrigeration after initial fermentation and may not appeal to everyone. Long Storing: Best for dry goods and things like onions and squash, this method is hands-off and crucial for long-term storage without electricity. Organization is key to keep stock rotated. Freeze Drying: Provides high-quality, long-lasting products but is costly and time-consuming. It's great for novelties, seasoning mixes, and preserving leftovers. These methods together ensure a well-stocked pantry throughout the year, even when the garden isn't producing. I hope this information helps you to dive into each technique and find the best preservation strategies for your homestead. Thanks for joining us on the Roots and Refuge Podcast, where we explore the art of homesteading and mindful living. 🌱 If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

    1h 10m
  8. Building a Life of Beauty

    MAY 22

    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." We'll discuss the journey of gaining knowledge and everything that goes along with improved competence and confidence. I'll discuss my evolving "why" for homesteading, focusing on food security, skills, and creating a simpler, beautiful life for my family. So please join me as I reflect on finding joy in simplicity, making conscious choices, and aligning daily decisions with core values such as simplicity, frugality, pride, beauty, art, connection, and relationships. Discover how to build a life of beauty by focusing on what truly matters and embracing the small, everyday joys that bring satisfaction and fulfillment. Thanks for joining us on the Roots and Refuge Podcast, where we celebrate intentional living and mindful choices. 🌱 If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

    44 min
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5
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

Hey there, darling! My name is Jess. There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that's exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart – to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to the Roots and Refuge podcast, friend. I am so glad you're here.

Information

  • Creator
    Jessica Sowards
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Roots and Refuge Podcast

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