Throwing Wrenches Mending Fences Podcast

Sarah Zastrow
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  • HOME & GARDEN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Hello everyone and welcome to the Throwing Wrenches and Mending Fences Podcast, where we have crop tour conversations about life, farming, family and balance it all. I am your host, Sarah Zastrow, Creator of Cultivate Balance, the Workshop for Less Stress, and the Network for Mental Wellness in Agriculture. Farming and ranching is stressful, chaotic and wrenches get thrown into your plan nearly every day, but there are a few things that make life in agriculture less stressful and more fun. I am here to talk about it. I grew up on a farm so thought I had this farm wife thing down, until about 4 days into our marriage. Fortunately, I was surrounded by amazing people that helped me learn and grow. Now, I am a farmer, farm stress coach, and certified exercise physiologist. I have a passion for farm stress management, rural resilience and mental health and finding balance and peace in your day-to-day farm life. Whether you are a 4th generation farmer, you just married into the family or work in the industry, all are welcome here. We are all in this together so pull up a chair and let's dig into the show. If you are on social media, join the community @throwingwrenchesmendingfences on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

  1. JAN 3

    #85 Sam Wolfe Agrability-Keep Farmer's Farming & Shepards Weekend

    Agrability uses assistive technology and devices to keep farmers farming as they age, or deal with an injury, long-term illness, or disability. Elaine Palm and the Michigan Sheep Producers came to me to ask if I would interview Sam Wolfe from Michigan State University Extension, who works with Agrability. Sam will be doing a Keynote at the Michigan Sheep Producers' Annual Shepherds Weekend Jan 9-11, 2026 in Lansing, MI. Topics Covered: What is agrability? How can farmers make farming easier as they age? What can farmers do if they are disabled? Farming for Veterans Farming for disabled veterans What assistive devices and technology can help farmers and ranchers? How can farmers and ranchers shift their operations if they get injured?   We need you!!! Send us your weekly wins or funny things that happened on your farm or with your family at sarahz@micultivatebalance.com If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways.   Connect with Sarah Zastrow Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/ Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/ https://www.throwingwrenchesmendingfences.com/ Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/   Connect with Agrability  Michigan Website: https://www.michiganagrability.org/ National Website: https://www.agrability.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichiganAgrAbility Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mi_agrability/   Connect with Michigan Sheep Producers: Michigan Sheep Producers Association Website: https://misheep.org/ Michigan Sheep Producers Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichiganSheep

    23 min

  2. 09/29/2025

    #84 15 Field Meal Tips & Tricks with Seed Farmer's Wife

    Christine Stamp aka, Seed Farmer's Wife on Instagram teaches people how to cook for the masses and she is here this week to share with us! If you are looking for tips and tricks to make field meals easier, less stressful and more streamlined then you are in the right place. 15 Ideas for Field Meals Meatballs Soups/stews Hamburgers Chicken drumsticks Casserole-Lots of types Tacos Bbq beef or pork Chicken-Mexican style Hot dogs Bakes zetti Baked ham and cheese sandwiches Baked turkey and swiss Hot roast beef Orange Chicken and rice balls Sesame Chicken and rice balls   15 Tips and tricks to make field meals easier Throwaway containers and silverware Cook more than you think Have desserts ready the night before Have food done by the time you have to leave for kids sports, aka 3-4pm Insulated bags! Send the food with the trucker coming to your grain leg Print your recipes-put notes in a binder and make notes Toast all the buns! Find what works for you and stop comparing Everything doesn't need to be homemade-boxed or frozen stuff is fine Create a plan and grocery shop once a week Stock your freezer with meat before you start harvest or seeding Ignore the DM's on social media Find what works for you Don't put so much pressure on yourself-not everything needs to be handheld Take Sunday's off!   If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways. Connect with Sarah Zastrow Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/ Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/ Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/ Connect with Seed Farmer's Wife-Chrstine Stamp Instagram https://www.instagram.com/seedfarmerswife/

    43 min

  3. 09/08/2025

    #83 7 Ways to Ease Stiffness or Aches and Pains After Long Days on Your Farm or Ranch

    Pain, soreness, headaches, trouble sleeping, do these things have to coincide with farming? Sometimes pain is from an injury, sometimes it just pops up. What can you do to reduce your pain and get back to work? What is pain? Pain is a warning sign; your body will tell you to slow down or stop whatever you're continuing to do. This can lead to stress injury or overuse injury. If you continue to do that thing, your body will force you to stop. 1.      Ice 2.      Heat 3.      Gentle range of motion 4.      Stretching 5.      Progressive muscle relaxation 6.      Meditation Body Scan 7.      Massage If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways. Connect with Sarah Zastrow Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/ Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/ Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/ Body Mechanics Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bodymechanicsrehabwell

    33 min

  4. 07/01/2025

    #82 Elaine Froese Farm Family Planning and Smooth Transitions

    Having trouble with succession planning? Whether you're the older generation or the younger, you'll learn something in today's episode.  Elaine Froese CSP is a certified professional speaker, certified coach, and author. She's a go-to expert for farm families who want better communication and conflict resolution to secure a successful farm transition. As a farmer and mother to the successor of their farm, she understands the culture of agriculture intimately. Her superpower is helping families find harmony through understanding. Topics Covered: How to navigate farming family succession planning How to communicate more effectively and directly How to compromise with family farm transitions     Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways. Connect with Sarah Zastrow Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/ Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/ Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/   Connect with Elaine: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farmfamilycoach Email: elaine@elainefroese.com Website: https://elainefroese.com/

    42 min

  5. 05/20/2025

    #81 How I Knew I Needed an Anti-Depressant Medication

    This is the story of how I knew I needed to start an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medication. I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, Anxiety and Depression. I also had to switch Primary Care Physicians because my old PCP was not listening to me and seemed very resistant to prescribing any medication for mental health.  Greif, postpartum and the chaos of raising two toddlers sent me spiraling with both anxiety and depression. I got to a point where managing my mental health felt like a full time job, I did not have the time or the energy to manage my depression. My anxiety was making my ADHD worse, I couldn't get anything done and I knew in my gut that it was time to talk with my doctor about getting on something for my depression. I was breastfeeding at the time, and I had read that anti-anxiety medication can help with the symptoms of ADHD. I also knew that often-times one medication can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. After talking with my doctor, she recommended Zoloft or Sertraline. I had very few side effects, and after about a week or 10 days, I noticed a difference. After two or three weeks I felt like my old self again. I was laughing and could enjoy my children and my life as it was, instead of drowning everything in toxic positivity and hoping for the best.     Topics Covered: Why I wanted to switch primary care physicians How grief and postpartum contributed to my mental health How I knew I needed an Anti-Depressant Medication How I knew I needed an Anti-Anxiety Medication How to talk with your doctor about mental health How I got diagnosed with ADHD, Anxiety and Depression   Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways. Connect with Sarah Zastrow Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/ Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/ Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/

    15 min

  6. 03/06/2025

    #80 Calendar Systems to Manage the Essentials with Jackie Sanford

    Paper calendar people unite! Jackie Sanford is the queen of the calendar! This week, she teaches us all about how she breaks down her paper calendar starting with the big picture and breaking it down into time blocks to really hammer out her to-do list. Topics covered: Scheduling a year at a time How to do a weekly review Time blocks How to stay on the same page with your spouse How to say no!   This is an excellent conversation that will change the way you structure your schedule!   If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways. Connect with Sarah Zastrow Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/ Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/ Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/   Connect with Jackie Sanford Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanfordfamilybeef Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanfordfamilybeef/ Website: https://www.sanfordfamilybeef.com/

    40 min

  7. 01/11/2025

    #79 Anxiety, Addiction and Coping with Mental Health with Lauren Martin

    Healthy coping with anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc can be tough, it's easy to turn to alcohol, gambling, or other unhealthy coping mechanisms. Tune into this candid conversation with Lauren Martin. Topics Covered: What is Anxiety What is depression How to know if you are using unhealthy coping mechanisms How does addiction play into mental health How alcohol becomes a slippery slope    If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways. Connect with Sarah Zastrow Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/ Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/ Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/ Connect with Lauren at Middle Path Therapy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middlepaththerapy Website: https://www.middlepaththerapy.org/

    53 min

  8. 10/16/2024

    #78 5 Steps for Easier Field Meals with Debbie Gress

    Being super type A and organized is NOT required so don't worry! Debbie Gress is a Field Meal pro! She is an athletic trainer, runs their family beef market and serves field meals like a pro!  Here's 5 steps to help you make field meals easier: 1 Print out your calendar and write everything out 2 Plan out what is for dinner (Need some idea's? Debbie's got you covered, send me an email and I'll forward it along) 3 Make a shopping list 4 Cook, deliver and eat! 5 Reflect, write down on the Calander what worked well and what you would change. Do you want some of Debbie's recipes? She sent me a message or email at sarahz@micultivatebalance.com and I will forward you Debbie's recipes.     If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways. Connect with Sarah Zastrow Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/ Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/ Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/   Connect with Debbie Gress: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vintagebeeffarms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vintagebeeffarms Website: https://www.gressfarms.com/

    41 min
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About

Hello everyone and welcome to the Throwing Wrenches and Mending Fences Podcast, where we have crop tour conversations about life, farming, family and balance it all. I am your host, Sarah Zastrow, Creator of Cultivate Balance, the Workshop for Less Stress, and the Network for Mental Wellness in Agriculture. Farming and ranching is stressful, chaotic and wrenches get thrown into your plan nearly every day, but there are a few things that make life in agriculture less stressful and more fun. I am here to talk about it. I grew up on a farm so thought I had this farm wife thing down, until about 4 days into our marriage. Fortunately, I was surrounded by amazing people that helped me learn and grow. Now, I am a farmer, farm stress coach, and certified exercise physiologist. I have a passion for farm stress management, rural resilience and mental health and finding balance and peace in your day-to-day farm life. Whether you are a 4th generation farmer, you just married into the family or work in the industry, all are welcome here. We are all in this together so pull up a chair and let's dig into the show. If you are on social media, join the community @throwingwrenchesmendingfences on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

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