Feel Peace, Learn Skills How to Live Joyfully Prepared

Wendi Bergin
  • 5.0 (42)
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Homesteading Idea for a Joyful Life: Joyfully Prepared is a podcast for moms and women who want to build real-life readiness without fear. Host Wendi Bergin shares simple, practical skills—from canning and gardening to herbal remedies and emergency planning—all rooted in faith, family, and joyful living. Wendi believes preparedness is an act of stewardship and trust in God, not panic. She keeps it real (and often a little messy), helping you feel confident caring for your family no matter what life throws your way. Join in for honest conversations, practical tips, and encouragement to embrace a faith-filled, prepared life—one joyful step at a time.

  1. 5D AGO

    What I Learned From Not Reaching My Goals This Year

    In this episode of The Joyfully Prepared Podcast, I’m sharing what happened when I didn’t hit the goals I set at the beginning of the year and why that didn’t mean the year was a failure. As I looked back, I realized something surprising. My life changed in big, meaningful ways I never planned, and I would have forgotten most of it if I hadn’t written it down. This episode is an invitation to slow down and notice what actually changed in your life, even if your goals didn’t turn out the way you expected. Growth doesn’t always look like accomplishment. Sometimes it looks like becoming kinder to yourself, stronger in your faith, or more aware of what truly matters. You’re not behind. You’re becoming. And that kind of growth matters. Joyfully Prepared Library A growing collection of classes, guides, and resources focused on self-reliance, homemaking skills, preparedness, and mindset. The Bean Book A practical guide to buying, storing, preparing, and using dried beans in everyday meals. The Wheat Book A beginner-friendly guide to wheat, including storage, preparation, and ways to use wheat to feed your family well. Transformation Journal Pages Simple printable pages to help you track daily wins, spiritual insights, and personal growth. Future Transformation Journal Group A possible upcoming group experience focused on journaling, reflection, accountability, and growth.

    24 min

  2. DEC 9

    How to Make February 1 Your Real New Year

    Inside This EpisodeWhy we’re officially starting the new year on February 1 The magic of treating January as a recovery month Why moms need breathing room before setting goals How to choose one tiny, steady goal for the new year What you want more of in your home and life Wendi’s two-year decluttering story and why slow progress still counts Learning one skill a year versus overwhelming yourself Why a February start gives your brain permission to calm down The One Thing Challenge for February Encouragement for setting boundaries and making space for yourself Mentioned in This EpisodeBooksRun app for decluttering books (add your affiliate link) Previous episode about prioritizing yourself A February 1 Pep TalkYou are not behind. You are not late. You are allowed to rest. And a February 1 start is still a start… honestly, it might be the best one. Next WeekWe’ll continue our year-end series with a gentle look at what we learned this past year… and what we’re ready to release moving into 2026. 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com

    13 min

  3. DEC 2

    If You Spent More Time Surviving Than Homesteading

    Inside This EpisodeA warm, real talk about unmet goals Why homesteading is more about mindset than land The honest reasons we get stuck: tiredness, overwhelm, fear, perfectionism My personal stories about sourdough and the overwhelming quilt How to recognize your tiny wins and let go of guilt Why starting your “new year” on February 1 might be the most freeing thing ever A nightly practice to track your progress and stay grounded Free DownloadTransformation Journal Page A simple printable to jot down your daily wins, mercies, miracles, and next-day goals. Podcast Episode: You Prioritize What You Love Your Gentle ReminderYou didn’t fail. You didn’t fall behind. You’re learning, growing, and building the life you want in small, beautiful ways. Next WeekWe’ll talk about simple homesteading resolutions you can actually keep — especially if you’re joining the “New Year Starts February 1” club. 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com

    15 min

  4. NOV 25

    Simple Way to Reset Your Mind Quickly

    In This Episode • Why gratitude works even when life feels upside down • How gratitude is a skill, not just a personality trait • The difference between reacting and dwelling • Why negativity is the “easy slope” our brains love • How God teaches us through opportunities to grow • Wendi’s “I’ll just be grateful” mantra • Funny but true gratitude list items • How gratitude strengthens resilience and self-reliance • Why controlling your thoughts changes everything • A simple challenge to jumpstart your own gratitude practice Takeaways • Gratitude interrupts the mental spiral and rewires your thoughts. • You don’t have to pretend hard things aren’t hard. You just don’t have to stay there. • Small moments of gratitude move you closer to God’s solutions. • Your brain will follow your lead if you tell it what to look for. • Fun gratitude items make the practice easier to stick with. Wendi’s Invitations Make a list of your top 5–10 “go-to gratitudes.” Use the mantra: “I’ll just be grateful.” Let it flip your brain into gratitude mode. Links 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com

    22 min

  5. NOV 18

    How Beans Make Healthy Eating More Affordable

    In this episode: • Why beans are one of the most budget friendly foods • How beans support digestion, fullness, and steady energy • Why many people avoid beans and how to make them easier • How soaking reduces phytic acid and improves nutrition • The simple steps for preparing dried chickpeas • How to make crispy chickpeas in the air fryer • How to use beans in everyday meals • Why learning small kitchen skills builds confidence and self reliance • A reminder that simple skills make your home feel steadier • Bean Guide and Workbook Download    Crispy Chickpea Steps: Rinse and sort one cup of dried chickpeas Soak 8–12 hours with plenty of water Rinse, then cook on stovetop or Instant Pot Drain and dry well Season and air fry until crisp Connect with Wendi: Share the episode with a friend and tag Wendi if you try the recipe or start experimenting with beans at home.   🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com

    21 min

  6. NOV 11

    How Homemaking Can Help You Feel Grounded Again

    🧡 Key Takeaways “Making” is a form of grounding and emotional reset. The kitchen (or any creative space) can become a personal sanctuary. Skill-building strengthens self-reliance: first yourself, then family, then community. Bread baking teaches patience, nourishment, and unseen transformation. Preparedness is not fear—it’s calm readiness. Story Highlights Bartering fire cider for plants with a regenerative gardener. “I am a maker.” Naming what lights you up. Bread as a teacher of patience, presence, and provision. 🔨 Simple Steps to Try Identify your sanctuary spot (kitchen, garden, studio, gym). Schedule 30 minutes a week to make or create something there. Notice how your mind quiets while your hands move. Journal what brings you the most calm and energy. Mentioned Fire cider basics Bread baking as a starter skill Skill stacking in everyday life Calls to Action Peek inside the Joyfully Prepared Library for videos, books, and guides: bread, beans, water bath canning, meat canning, emergency prep. Send Wendi your requests for future lessons and resources. 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com Timestamps00:00 Meme that sparked the episode 02:00 The barter story and “I am a maker” 07:30 Noise, doom scrolling, and nervous systems 12:30 Kitchen as sanctuary and your version of it 17:30 Three principles of self-reliance 21:30 Bread as skill stacking and provision 27:00 Preparedness as peacekeeping 31:00 Your turn. Choose a sanctuary and make something

    25 min

  7. OCT 28

    Fire Cider Benefits and Simple Recipe for Beginners

    In this episode, you’ll learn: 🌿 What fire cider is and how it supports your immune system 🔥 The healing properties of each ingredient — from garlic’s germ-fighting power to turmeric’s sunny anti-inflammatory boost 🫙 How to easily make your own batch at home (no measuring perfection required) 💛 Creative ways to use your finished fire cider — in dressings, marinades, or as a daily wellness shot ♻️ How to repurpose the strained herbs, roots, and spices into chutneys, spice blends, and compost gold Favorite quote from Wendi: “It’s not cold and flu season — it’s being indoors, eating sugar foods season. So let’s fix that with a little jar of spicy joy.” Mentioned in this episode: Onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, horseradish, lemon, rosemary, hot peppers Apple cider vinegar and raw honey The Joyfully Prepared Library — resources for learning herbal and homesteading skills Instagram: @joyfulprepper Listen & Subscribe: 🎧 Joyfully Prepared Podcast Share your fire cider! Tag @joyfulprepper on Instagram or post in the Joyfully Prepared Facebook group with a picture of your creation.   🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com

    18 min

  8. OCT 21

    Soup: Lessons from History’s Coziest Meal

    In this episode: [00:00] Sponsored by Soup—itself! [00:01] Why soup is magical (and universal) [00:02] Colonial sailors and the potbelly stove story [00:03] Valley Forge, bread ovens, and 24-hour soup for soldiers [00:05] Wendi’s favorite soups (potato, split pea, Pasta Fagioli) [00:06] How soup becomes a meal, a freezer backup, and a comfort food [00:08] Mission in Finland: makkara and potato soup on a budget [00:10] Stretching soup to feed more and save money [00:11] Simple formula for making soup without a recipe [00:12] Why soup is self-reliance in a bowl [00:13] Sharing soup as an act of love Mentioned Recipes: 🥔 Potato Soup 🍲 Split Pea Soup 🍜 Pasta Fagioli (Olive Garden style) Resources:   🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com

    13 min
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About

Homesteading Idea for a Joyful Life: Joyfully Prepared is a podcast for moms and women who want to build real-life readiness without fear. Host Wendi Bergin shares simple, practical skills—from canning and gardening to herbal remedies and emergency planning—all rooted in faith, family, and joyful living. Wendi believes preparedness is an act of stewardship and trust in God, not panic. She keeps it real (and often a little messy), helping you feel confident caring for your family no matter what life throws your way. Join in for honest conversations, practical tips, and encouragement to embrace a faith-filled, prepared life—one joyful step at a time.

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