Roots and Refuge Podcast Jessica Sowards

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.

Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 58 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.
That's not a typo in the title. That's right, MINE your elders. We will get to that at the end. I invited a local fellow homesteader on the podcast this week. Her name is JeriLynn and she's been growing food as long as I've been alive. I met her through Facebook and attended a local meet-up she was hosting. We had a few great conversations and I felt like she'd be a great person to have share her homesteading wisdom and story. Do you realize the importance of mining your elders?
In this episode we delve into the invaluable wisdom of homesteading shared by our special guest, JeriLynn, who has been growing food for as long as many of us can remember. JeriLynn's journey into homesteading began in 1986, and her wealth of experience spans decades, offering unique insights into the challenges and joys of this lifestyle.
We explore the benefits of homeschooling, particularly in cultivating independence and critical thinking skills in children. JeriLynn shares how the homesteading life isn't just about hard work; it's about embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, regardless of age or circumstances.
Despite common misconceptions, JeriLynn emphasizes that you're never too old to start homesteading. With determination, resourcefulness, and a willingness to learn, anyone can embark on this fulfilling journey, adapting to life's changes along the way.
From preparing food for large families to navigating life transitions, JeriLynn offers practical advice on preparedness and the true meaning of wealth. As she wisely puts it, wealth encompasses more than just financial assets—it includes health, relationships, and knowledge, all of which are invaluable on the homesteading path.
So, join us as we mine the treasure trove of wisdom from our elders and discover the richness that comes from embracing the homesteading lifestyle.
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 57 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.
As spring starts to bloom here at Roots and Refuge Farm in South Carolina, I'm reminded of the cyclical nature of the homesteading life, particularly the "hungry months" at the end of winter when pantry stores from last season are low and the new harvest hasn't yet begun. Despite the challenges, I find comfort in the familiarity of the seasons after 10 years on the farm.
Homesteading has evolved over the years, from being considered unconventional to becoming more mainstream. However, the recent pandemic significantly highlighted the flaws in our food system and the importance of self-reliance and small farm resilience. As our society prioritizes convenience over quality and locality, there's a growing awakening to the need for local food resources and community support.
In the face of uncertainty, homesteading offers a path towards conscious consumption, sustainability, and reverence for the beauty of life. It's about living lightly on the land, seeking sustainability, and embracing the slow living mindset. Through mindful relationship with the earth and each other, we can improve our quality of life and build resilience against fragile systems.
Embracing the homesteading life means choosing hard work over ease, embracing inconvenience, and prioritizing creation over consumption. It's about recognizing the value of restriction and finding freedom in mindful consumption. As we navigate the challenges of modern life, I find solace in the resiliency that comes from the homesteading mindset, especially during the hungry months of March.
Join me as we explore the transformative power of homesteading and the resilience it cultivates in our lives. Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 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.