Homesteaders of America

Homesteaders of America

Welcome to the OFFICIAL Homesteaders of America podcast! A podcast all about homesteading, gardening, livestock, natural living, and the celebration of this beautiful homesteading lifestyle. We talk about current events, inspiration, the Homesteaders of America conference, the homestead life, and more! Enjoy interviews with some of the nation's top farmers and homesteaders, newbies and experienced homesteaders, and tips and tricks along the way.

  1. FEB 11

    E55: Homesteading: A Calling Beyond Food | Lucas Mack of Kubota

    The homesteading movement is awakening something deeper than a desire for fresh food or self-sufficiency.  In this episode, I sit down with Lucas Mack of Kubota to talk about the spiritual pull drawing people back to the land and back to God.  We explore how working with soil, seed, and stewardship quiets the noise and brings clarity about truth, responsibility, and purpose.  This conversation is a reminder that homesteading is not just a health and lifestyle choice.  It is a return to order, meaning, and building a life according to God’s design. In this episode, we cover: - The surprising ways that Kubota’s mission and heart extends far beyond tractors - How Kubota supports food production, clean water, and land stewardship around the world - Lucas’s early wake-up call about food security after seeing firsthand how fragile grocery supply chains can be - How small steps like gardening, foraging, and growing food begin to shift mindset and priorities - How returning to the land naturally leads people to deeper questions about truth, responsibility, and faith - Why working with the land forces honesty— things either grow or they don’t, and the reasons matter - Why modern systems distract us from these questions, while homesteading brings clarity and purpose - The strong biblical connection between land, stewardship, seed, and human responsibility - The difference between dirt and living soil, and why healthy soil is central to real regeneration - A hopeful vision for rebuilding local food systems and stronger communities - Encouragement to choose life, cultivate hope, and build where God has planted you View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! McMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock Nutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eating RESOURCES MENTIONED Visit Kubota’s website Follow Kubota’s instagram CONNECT Lucas Mack of Kubota | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | X Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

    56 min

  2. JAN 28

    E54: Traditional Skincare from the Homestead: Soapmaking, Animal Fat, and Family Business | Wendy & Karlyn Hartman

    Wendy and Karlyn Hartman share how their family turned homestead resources like goat milk, lard, and tallow into effective, traditional skincare products that support true skin health. From simplifying cold-process soapmaking to explaining why animal fats have been trusted for centuries, they break down what actually works and why so many people struggle with modern commercial products. We also dive into Karlyn’s quest to perfect natural deodorant, what makes shelf-stable soap, and the blessing of building a family business centered on growth, unity, and learning through the ups and downs of homestead life! In this episode, we cover: - Wendy and Karlyn Hartman’s homesteading journey and how they grew from beginners into educators and business owners- Building a family-run skincare business using resources produced directly on their homestead - Why traditional animal fats like lard and tallow have been used for centuries in soap and skincareThe key differences between lard, tallow, and modern commercial skincare ingredients - How goat milk supports skin health, moisture absorption, and barrier repair - Why many people tolerate animal-based fats better than common plant oils - A simplified approach to soapmaking that makes it accessible and safe for everyday homesteaders - What lye is, why it’s necessary, and how it fits into traditional soapmaking - How cold-process soap cures, how long it lasts, and why it’s shelf-stable - How Karlyn developed a natural, aluminum-free deodorant after reacting to conventional products - Encouragement for homesteaders walking through hard seasons and learning through experience Thank you to our sponsors! KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and construction Premier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert advice RESOURCES MENTIONED Purchase Wendy & Karlyn’s book, Soaping Clean with Dairy and Fats from the Homestead Check out the products mentioned in this episode (and more!) at the Adoratio Farms Online Shop  CONNECT Wendy & Karlyn Hartman | Website | Instagram | Instagram Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest GET MORE FROM THIS EPISODE Watch this episode on YouTube View full show notes and transcript on the blog

    39 min

  3. 12/31/2025

    E53: What Off-Grid Living Really Looks Like (and Why It’s More Accessible Than You Think) | Jeff Burkinshaw of Gridlessness

    Off-grid living isn’t simply about escaping modern life. It’s about freedom and family. In this conversation with Jeff, we take a practical look at the daily realities of off-grid life, the role of community and financial freedom, and how simple systems and adaptable skills make this lifestyle sustainable long-term. Jeff describes off-grid living as a spectrum, so if there is any part of you that wants to be slightly less reliant on the grid than you are now, join us for this informative episode! In this episode, we cover: What off-grid living actually looks like in daily life: power, water, heat Some specific challenges of off-grid living, from raising chicks to storing food without reliable power A look at the role of community and shared resources over total self-sufficiency Why off-grid living is more accessible today than it has ever been An aspect of off-grid living that we don’t talk about enough– freedom from the financial “grid” How bartering and alternative forms of currency can strengthen your local community The simple systems that make off-grid living sustainable long-term Why it is important to gain skills, adopt a problem-solving mindset, and stay flexible when modern solutions aren’t available The incredible impact of raising your family close to land, work, and responsibility View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! McMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock Nutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eating ABOUT JEFF Jeff Burkinshaw is the author of Gridlessness - Finding Freedom Off-Grid and creator behind the Gridlessness Youtube channel.  Jeff and Rose and their 5 girls have lived the off-grid homestead lifestyle since 2007.  They’ve explored all aspects of home and homestead construction, self-sufficiency, homeschooling, hunting and fishing, wilderness adventures and generally living like millionaires off-grid. Jeff is an electrical engineering technologist with professional experience in utility scale power systems but has a deep personal interest in small scale micro-hydro and other off-grid power systems. RESOURCES MENTIONED Grab a copy of Jeff’s book here: Gridlessness: Finding Freedom Off-Grid CONNECT Jeff Burkinshaw | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | X Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

    45 min

  4. 11/19/2025

    E52: Before the Storm: Preparing Your Homestead and Heart for What is to Come | Darin & Monica Strong

    In this compelling conversation, Darin and Monica Strong share what they learned from building their early homestead in the wrong order and how those lessons now shape their approach to preparation, community, and faith. They explore what “building your ark” looks like today— from prioritizing food storage to decentralizing your resources and refusing to homestead in isolation. With bold conviction, they urge us to cultivate discernment in this cultural moment, listen for God’s leading, and remember that growing our faith is the most important step we can take toward being prepared for what is next. In this episode, we cover: How Darin & Monica realized they built their first homestead out of order and what they now believe every new homesteader needs A fresh take on “building your ark”: how Noah’s obedience, timing, and spiritual posture are reflected in the modern homesteading movement Why long-term food storage is the first layer of peace, not panic, and how one bulk order can jump start your preparedness plan What happens when you acquire animals before infrastructure (including the milk cow story that changed their plans!) A call to break out of isolation and rebuild the kind of agrarian, interdependent communities our great-grandparents lived in How homesteaders are decentralizing their food sources and reclaiming territory Why homesteading often looks “irrational” from the outside and how that mirrors Noah building an ark before rain existed Discernment for this cultural moment: knowing when to stay, when to move, and how to listen for God’s voice above the noise A bold reminder that faith (more than skill, money, or land) is the foundation of resilience in the storms ahead Encouragement for the families feeling stirred or called into something new and why obedience now matters for what comes next Thank you to our sponsors! KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and construction Premier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert advice RESOURCES MENTIONED Gain access to the conference videos mentioned in this episode by becoming an HOA member Get a copy of Monica's Azure Standard Pantry Stock List Find out if there’s an Azure Standard drop near you! Check out the previous HOA episode with AJ Richards Snag your REFORMER hat here CONNECT Darin & Monica Strong | Website | Instagram | YouTube | X Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest GET MORE FROM THIS EPISODE Watch this episode on YouTube: View full show notes and transcript on the blog: https://homesteadersofamerica.com/e52-before-the-storm-preparing-your-homestead-and-heart-for-what-is-to-come-darin-monica-strong/

    1h 5m

  5. 11/05/2025

    E51: The Future of Real Food and the Beef Herd of America | AJ Richards of From the Farm

    The future of real food in America depends on ordinary families choosing to understand where their food comes from.  In this episode, AJ Richards shares why our current food system is more fragile than it seems and how both homesteaders and everyday consumers can be part of restoring it. From the impact of big corporations and foreign imports to the growing need for local connection and community resilience, this conversation sheds light on what is really at stake AND how each of us can spark meaningful change. This is an important conversation you won’t want to miss out on! In this episode, we cover: - AJ’s southern Utah ranching roots, Bundy family heritage, and winding path from Army deployment to city life to running a USDA slaughterhouse in Wyoming - Why the 2020 food supply crisis became the catalyst that inspired FromTheFarm.org - The story behind building a platform that reconnects consumers directly with local farmers and ranchers - How the mission has grown into nearly 100 producers across 35 states with a heart for ministry and stewardship - Why decades of beef industry consolidation left independent ranchers struggling to survive - How social media has become a tool for exposing corruption and educating consumers about the food system - The ripple effects of imported beef policies and how they’re impacting American producers - A discussion on new hope for first-generation ranchers willing to innovate and build community connections - Why the NCBA’s alignment with big industry has created frustration among small producers - Thoughts on land and water buyouts across the West and how corporate control is reshaping agriculture - The importance of USDA partnerships aimed at restoring grazing rights and strengthening local processing - What to know about the screw-worm threat at the southern border and ongoing prevention efforts - A reminder to follow God’s prompting, stay grounded in community, and keep using your voice for change Thank you to our sponsors! KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and construction Premier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert advice RESOURCES MENTIONED Learn more about the rancher advocacy group mentioned in this episode, R-CALF CONNECT AJ Richards | Website | Instagram | Instagram  Facebook | X | YouTube Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest GET MORE FROM THIS EPISODE Watch this episode on YouTube: View full show notes and transcript on the blog: https://homesteadersofamerica.com/e51-the-future-of-real-food-and-the-beef-herd-of-america-aj-richards-of-from-the-farm/

    48 min

  6. 10/22/2025

    E50: Real Food Isn’t Always Enough: The Essential Mineral That Could Transform Your Health | Nathan Colonna of Mitigate Stress

    Even if you eat real food, live an active lifestyle, and try to do everything “right,” you could still be missing one key mineral that supports nearly every system in your body. In this episode, Nathan of Mitigate Stress explains why magnesium deficiency is so common today, what makes magnesium bicarbonate different from other forms, and how easily it can be incorporated into your daily routine. Nathan shares how restoring this essential mineral transformed his own health after years of unexplained fatigue and inflammation. His story is evidence that sometimes the missing piece to better energy, sleep, and calm is simpler than we think. Join us for this conversation to learn why magnesium matters more than you realize and how to start replenishing it naturally! In this episode, we cover: - How a sudden case of Bell’s Palsy at age 18 launched Nathan’s journey to uncover the root of his health struggles - The wake-up call that came later: debilitating inflammation, fatigue, and pain despite a “healthy” lifestyle - Why the search for answers led him through vegetarianism, bodybuilding, and finally back to real food and faith - The story behind founding Mitigate Stress and the mission to create the most natural, absorbable magnesium in the world - What makes magnesium bicarbonate unique and why most forms of magnesium don’t actually absorb well - The crucial role magnesium plays in stress reduction, hormone balance, energy, sleep, and overall vitality - Simple ways to incorporate magnesium bicarbonate, sprays, and baths into your daily rhythm for better recovery and calm - How mineral deficiencies develop in our modern food supply (even for homesteaders) and the role of supplementation in nutrition - The connection between faith, physical health, and community— how returning to God transformed Nathan’s wellness journey - A conversation about living more intentionally and addressing root causes instead of quick fixes, both in health and homesteading Thank you to our sponsors! McMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock Nutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eating RESOURCES MENTIONED Check out and shop the specific supplements mentioned in this episode: Magnesium bicarbonate Master Mineral Drink daily supplement Magnesium Oil Spray Magnesium Bath Flakes Pure Shilajit tablets, capsules and more CONNECT Nathan Colonna | Website | Instagram | YouTube Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest GET MORE FROM THIS EPISODE Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/icK8np6TW_sView full show notes and transcript on the blog: https://homesteadersofamerica.com/?p=127890

    44 min

  7. 10/08/2025

    E49: Transform Your Family Culture with These Two Foundational Decisions | Ginny Yurich of 1000 Hours Outside

    Could the simple act of spending more time outside be the key to restoring health, peace, and connection in your home?  In this episode, Ginny Yurich shares how embracing long days outdoors not only transformed her entire motherhood experience but also sparked the global 1000 Hours Outside movement.  From letting go of rigid schedules to reclaiming childhood from screens, Ginny’s story points us back to the simple, grounding rhythms of home, health, and family life that brought us to homesteading in the first place. In this episode, we cover: Ginny’s early struggles with rigid parenting schedules and exhausting days with little ones How Ginny first stumbled upon Charlotte Mason’s recommendation of spending 4–6 hours outside each day What marked Ginny’s first good day as a mom and how it changed her family’s trajectory The birth of 1000 Hours Outside to reclaim childhood from screen time How her family’s health transformed by being outside each day– kids eating, sleeping, and playing better, fewer doctor visits Why natural light and outdoor rhythms are essential for eyes, sleep, and overall wellness Tools for families: trackers, coloring sheets, and a mobile app to make goals fun Shifting from traditional homeschooling to a slower, life-centered approach Homeschooling without constant testing—kids will thrive, learn deeply, and pursue real-world goals Reflections on industrialization, homesteading, and restoring family life at home View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and construction Premier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert advice ABOUT GINNY Ginny Yurich is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and the founder and CEO of 1000 Hours Outside; a global movement, media company and lifestyle brand with a mission centered around reclaiming childhood, reconnecting families and helping people live a fuller life. She is the host and producer of the extremely popular The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, a keynote public speaker, zinnia enthusiast, and published author. Holding a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Michigan, Ginny and her husband, Josh have been married for over 21 years and are lifelong Michiganders. They love raising their five children on their little hobby farm in “The Great Lakes State.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Get your hands on the REFORMER merch Amy is wearing in this podcast episode Track your family’s hours outside using these resources on Ginny’s website Grab your copy of Ginny's book, Homeschooling: You're Doing It Right Just By Doing It CONNECT Ginny Yurich | Website | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Podcast Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

    50 min

  8. 08/13/2025

    E48: Making Your Homestead Pay for Itself While Building a Family-Centered Life | Beth Declercq of Intentional Homesteading

    From scaling a handful of pre-sold meat chickens into a profitable farm business to running classes, events, and online courses that now support her household, Beth Declercq has mastered the art of making a homestead pay for itself all while raising eight children at home. In this episode, she shares how she focuses on core income streams, grows profitable ventures, and even employs her own kids through the family’s LLC to teach them skills and keep more of what they earn. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your homestead into a sustainable source of income without stepping away from family life, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Listen in! In this episode, we cover: Beth’s path from city living to a thriving 10-acre homestead with her husband and eight kids How a focus on real food in 2011 grew into a diverse, mostly self-sufficient farm Creating a dedicated “scullery” to handle the mess of preservation, milking, and butchering outside the main kitchen Setting a goal for the homestead to be financially independent—and the strategy that made it happen Scaling from 100 pre-sold meat chickens to 750 a year, with profits funding the rest of the farm Focusing on core enterprises—meat chickens, on-farm events, herd shares, and poultry processing—rather than striving to make every element profitable Paying kids for their work in the family’s LLC-run enterprises as both a tax strategy and life skill Hosting entry-level classes and community gatherings to generate income and build relationships Turning repeated questions from followers into online courses and a membership that now supports their household income Encouragement for homestead dreamers to start small, accept imperfect beginnings, and build skills and income streams before they’re urgently needed View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to our sponsors! Nutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eating McMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock RESOURCES MENTIONED Subscribe to the Homesteaders of America magazine CONNECT Beth Declercq | Website | Instagram | Facebook Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

    41 min
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About

Welcome to the OFFICIAL Homesteaders of America podcast! A podcast all about homesteading, gardening, livestock, natural living, and the celebration of this beautiful homesteading lifestyle. We talk about current events, inspiration, the Homesteaders of America conference, the homestead life, and more! Enjoy interviews with some of the nation's top farmers and homesteaders, newbies and experienced homesteaders, and tips and tricks along the way.

Information

  • Creator
    Homesteaders of America
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Homesteaders of America
  • Show Website
    Homesteaders of America

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