Roots and Refuge Podcast Jessica Sowards

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.

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 when it comes to facing change. Are you a "frying pan personality" or a "crockpot personality"? Let's dig into the merits of immediate versus gradual change and how to find sustainable habits that align with our values and the reality of our daily lives.
Join me as we navigate the pitfalls of comparison and condemnation in the age of social media, and learn how to apply homesteading principles realistically to create lasting changes.
Remember, living sustainably isn't accidental — it requires relentless mindfulness of our consumption habits. Tune in to discover how I strive to strike the balance between homemade and convenience, ensuring each choice we make in our home is a mindful one.
Thanks for joining me on the Roots and Refuge Podcast, where we're all about fostering 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.

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 women. We explore the value of fostering connections with individuals who possess diverse perspectives and thinking patterns, highlighting the role of diversity of thought for personal growth.
Join us as we discuss the significance of embracing disagreement and conflict within relationships, grounded in a foundation of love and a shared commitment to growth.
Don't miss this insightful conversation that celebrates the transformative power of female friendships and the beauty of forging meaningful connections.
If you'd like to see more from Kelly you can find her at the Better Together Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterTogetherLife
Thanks for tuning in to the Roots and Refuge Podcast, where we believe in the strength and solidarity found in community. 🌟
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.

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 just starting out or you just need a bit of a reminder after years of gardening, these tips are sure to get you excited about this season's potential. 
Firs thing I want to explore is the importance of considering the value of your harvest beyond just dollars. What you grow has a huge impact on how long you stick with it! Why are you growing it? What are your plans for using it when it's ready to harvest?
I also love talking about how I've 'debunked' the companion planting myth in my own garden. Ultimately, if you're planting diversely you'll probably succeed by creating a balanced ecosystem. But don't stress too much about it, balancing your gardens ecosystem is a years long goal that comes from focusing on good stewardship. 
Finally we talk all about the crucial role of soil health and the benefits of feeding and covering your soil to create that balanced ecosystem in your soil that fosters robust plant growth.
Don't miss out on this episode packed with essential gardening wisdom! And be sure to check out the mentioned blog post on how to make compost tea for even more valuable insights.
Thanks so much for listening. 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.

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 complexities of blended family dynamics to instilling a culture of intentionality and respect, we uncover the keys to nurturing thriving relationships with our children.
Discover how homesteading offers a rich tapestry for cultivating resilience, work ethic, and mutual respect within the family unit. Learn valuable insights on communication, trust, and the power of modeling love and grace in parenting.
So, tune in to this insightful episode as we journey through the heart of parenting on the homestead and uncover the transformative power of building strong family bonds. Thanks for joining us on the Roots and Refuge Podcast!
Thanks so much for listening. 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.

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 honing our kitchen skills like cooking from scratch and preserving food to mastering the art of making do and caring for our things, we uncover together the richness found in traditional practices.
Discover the power of Granny Skills in fostering a mindset of resilience, creativity, and self-reliance. Learn how embracing these time-honored practices not only enriches our lives but also nurtures future generations by passing down essential knowledge and skills.
So, I hope you enjoy this episode as we journey back to the wisdom of our elders and rediscover the wealth of Granny Skills in today's modern world. Thanks for joining us on the Roots and Refuge Podcast!
Thanks so much for listening. 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.