Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World

Melissa K Norris
  • 4.8 (972)
  • Home & Garden
  • Updated Weekly

Pioneering Today is all about getting back to basics, simple living, and self-sufficiency with old-fashioned skills and wisdom in a modern world. With heirloom gardening, canning, preserving the harvest, from scratch cooking, raising your own food, including livestock (backyard chickens, pigs, and cattle), natural medicine, herbs, DIY like soap making along with living a simple self-sufficient life, no matter where you live. Hosted by 5th generation homesteader, Melissa K. Norris, author of The Made-from-Scratch Life. This podcast brings you the conversation from MelissaKNorris.com and The Pioneering Today Academy, with Q&A's, teaching, tutorials, and always giving you practical ways and tips to live the simple and self-sufficient life.

  1. 4d ago

    Why Your Skin Changes After 40 (And What Actually Helps) | Episode 518

    Is your skincare routine actually helping your skin, or are you just chasing the next quick fix? In this episode, I'm joined by Emilie Toups, founder of Toups & Co., to talk about natural skincare for aging skin and what really changes as we move through our late 30s, 40s, and beyond. We're digging into why skin can become drier and thinner as we age, how hormones and lifestyle may play a role, and why healthy skin starts with more than what you put on your face. We also break down some common skincare ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, AHAs, bakuchiol, retinol, tallow, fragrance, and those confusing "natural" and "botanical" labels you see on products. In this episode, we discuss: Why your skin changes as you age Why there's no 10-day miracle fix for aging skin How nutrition, sleep, hydration, and lifestyle support healthy skin Skincare ingredients that sound scary but can actually be beneficial Why Emilie prefers bakuchiol as an alternative to retinol What "natural fragrance" really means Why sourcing and processing matter when choosing tallow skincare How often to use facial masks and exfoliating products What to consider when choosing sunscreen and sun protection The best place to start if you want to simplify your skincare routine If you've noticed your skin changing and aren't interested in complicated routines or unrealistic anti-aging promises, this conversation will help you take a simpler, more informed approach to caring for your skin. Links Mentioned: Read the Blog Post: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/why-your-skin-changes-after-40/ Toups & Co. (Use coupon code "MELISSA25" to save 25% off your entire order (new customers only OR coupon code "PIONEERING" for 10% off if you're not a first-time customer): https://melissaknorris.com/toupsandco

  2. Aug 7

    Biblical Stewardship vs. Ownership: Who Does It All Belong To? | Episode 517

    Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, Who does it all belong to? Most of us naturally think of our homes, businesses, gardens, and finances as our own. But what if the Bible paints a different picture? What if we're not owners at all, but stewards of everything God has entrusted to us? In this episode, I'm joined by David Stelzer, president of Azure Standard and author of Seeds of Hope. Together, we explore the biblical difference between stewardship and ownership, what it means to build a God-led business, and how trusting God's principles can transform the way we approach our homes, homesteads, finances, and daily lives. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why seeing God as the true Owner changes everything. • The biblical principle of stewardship versus ownership. • How Azure Standard has built a business guided by faith and biblical values. • What Scripture teaches about Sabbath rest for both the land and ourselves. • How an abundance mindset replaces fear and scarcity with trust in God's provision. • Practical ways to faithfully steward what God has placed in your hands. Whether you're managing a backyard garden, raising a family, running a business, or simply seeking to live more faithfully, this conversation will encourage you to view every area of your life through the lens of biblical stewardship. Resources Mentioned: Grab all the resources on the accompanying blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/517  Seeds of Hope by David Stelzer: https://amzn.to/4wiHGEE  Azure Standard: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard  Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring this podcast. If you're looking to shop from a company you can trust has your best interest in mind, give Azure Standard a try. Be sure to use coupon code MELISSA15 on your first order of $100 or more (delivered to a drop location only) and start stocking your pantry with wholesome foods without all the junk. https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

  3. Jul 10

    When God Changes the Plan: Lessons from Our Hardest Year | Episode 516

    The 2026 Modern Homesteading Conference is officially in the books, and in this episode I'm sharing some of my favorite moments from an unforgettable weekend. From incredible testimonies of lives changed through homesteading to behind-the-scenes stories of organizing the event, I'm reflecting on the power of learning, serving, and gathering together in person. I also share why our first-ever Cowboy Church became the most meaningful part of the weekend, the exciting news that the Modern Homesteading Conference will return in 2027, and why Katie Milhorn and I felt called to launch the new Heritage Revival Conference for women. Finally, I open up about one of the hardest seasons my family has faced over the past year, what God has been teaching me through it, and why sometimes obedience means recognizing when a season has come to an end so He can lead us into the next one. Resources Mentioned 2027 Modern Homesteading Conference Purchase tickets: https://modernhomesteading.com Use coupon code MKN15 for 15% off Adult General Admission tickets. Heritage Revival Conference Learn more and reserve your spot: https://heritagerevivalevents.com Get all the details and more at the accompanying blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/516 This episode is brought to you by Azure Standard, my favorite source for stocking a real-food pantry. If you've been wanting to build your pantry or save money by buying in bulk, now is a great time to try them. Use coupon code Melissa15 to receive 15% off your first order of $100 or more when you have it delivered to an Azure Standard drop location. https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

  4. Jun 18

    How to Feed Your Family From the Garden All Summer (Without Heating Up the Kitchen) | Episode 515

    Summer meals don't have to mean heating up the kitchen or staring into the fridge wondering what to make. In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite strategies for Summer Meal Planning, including how to let your garden write the menu, batch-cook proteins for multiple meals, use simple meal templates instead of complicated recipes, and make the most of seasonal produce before it goes to waste. Whether you're harvesting armloads of zucchini or just trying to get dinner on the table after a busy day, these practical tips will help you simplify summer cooking and enjoy the abundance of the season. 📖 Read the full blog post and get all the tips, meal ideas, and resources here: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/summer-meal-planning-made-easy/ In this episode, you'll learn: 🌱 Why summer meal planning should look different than winter meal planning 🥒 How to let your garden and seasonal produce guide your menu 🍗 The best proteins to batch-cook for quick weeknight meals 🥗 Simple meal templates that eliminate dinnertime decision fatigue 🍕 Easy ways to use garden vegetables in salads, bowls, pizzas, and frittatas ☀️ Tips for keeping your kitchen cool during hot weather 🧺 How to reduce food waste and make the most of your harvest This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. If you're stocking up on pantry staples, organic ingredients, spices, pasta, grains, beans, or other homesteading essentials, Azure Standard is one of my favorite places to shop. They also now offer direct-to-home delivery in some areas, making it even easier to access quality food and supplies if getting to a drop location is difficult. First-time customers can get 15% off their first order of $100 or more (to a drop location) with coupon code "MELISSA15": https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard  #SummerMealPlanning #MealPlanning #GardenToTable #SeasonalCooking

  5. Jun 11

    16 Plants Mentioned in the Bible (And Why They Mattered) | 514

    Have you ever wondered which plants are actually mentioned in the Bible and what significance they held in biblical times? In this episode, we're taking a closer look at 16 healing plants of the Bible, including familiar names like frankincense, myrrh, hyssop, aloe, mustard, and cinnamon. We'll explore where these plants appear in Scripture, what they symbolized, and the traditional ways they were used throughout history for healing, cleansing, worship, and daily life. We'll also discuss the four ways healing is described in the Bible and why understanding the role of plants as one of God's "means" can give us a deeper appreciation for both Scripture and creation. In this episode, you'll learn: The four biblical ways healing occurs Why hyssop became a symbol of cleansing and purification The surprising medicinal remedy used for King Hezekiah How herbs were valuable enough to be tithed in biblical times The traditional uses of frankincense, myrrh, aloe, saffron, wormwood, and more Common themes among biblical plants, including digestive support, respiratory health, wound care, and worship Whether you're interested in biblical history, herbalism, homesteading, or simply understanding God's Word more deeply, this episode offers a fascinating look at the plants woven throughout Scripture. Resources Mentioned: Healing Plants of the Bible Reference Guide Free Herbal Energetics Download This episode is sponsored by Earthley. Earthley creates herbal remedies and wellness products designed to support your family's health naturally. Melissa highlights Earthley's Vitality Oil, a blend featuring black seed oil, hemp seed oil, anise seed, and rosemary to support immune health, liver function, energy, and natural detox pathways. Visit Earthley and use coupon code PIONEER10 to save 10% on your order (excluding sale items).

  6. Jun 5

    The Real Reason People Are Turning to Homesteading | Episode 513

    Why are so many people being drawn to homesteading right now? In today's episode, I'm sharing a more personal reflection on what I've witnessed during my 15+ years teaching homesteading and traditional skills. While many people initially come to homesteading for healthier food, self-sufficiency, or preparedness, I've noticed something deeper happening beneath the surface. Again and again, people tell me they feel called by God to this lifestyle. In this episode, I share my own story of how God called me into teaching traditional skills, why I believe more people are returning to gardening, food preservation, and self-reliance, and how stewardship, community, and faith all play a role in the modern homesteading movement. In this episode, we'll discuss: • Why homesteading continues to grow • The deeper reasons people are drawn to traditional skills • Stewardship, preparedness, and biblical wisdom • Why community matters more than isolation • The story behind our local Cowboy Church • How faith and homesteading often intersect • Upcoming events and opportunities to gather together Whether you're new to homesteading or have been living this lifestyle for years, I hope this conversation encourages you to thoughtfully consider what is drawing you to these skills and how they can serve your family, community, and faith. Resources & Links: 🌱 Modern Homesteading Conference: https://modernhomesteading.com 🌱 Heritage Revival Women's Conference: https://heritagerevivalevents.com 🌱 How my mom fed our family on $100 a month podcast episode: https://melissaknorris.com/504  🌱 Grab all the details and any other links mentioned in the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/513 Verse of the Week: 2 Timothy 1:9

  7. May 29

    The Crops I Stopped Growing After 25 Years of Gardening | Episode 512

    What are the best crops for a Pacific Northwest vegetable garden? In today's episode, I'm sharing the crops and varieties that have truly earned their place in my Pacific Northwest vegetable garden after 26 years of gardening in a cool, short-season climate. Over the years, I've become much more intentional about what I grow. I want crops that reliably produce, preserve well, and are foods we actually eat throughout the year. Some vegetables continue to thrive season after season, while others simply aren't worth the time, effort, or garden space in our northern climate. In this episode, I'm walking you through: The vegetables I plant every single year My favorite tried-and-true varieties The crops I've stopped growing and why What performs best in cool summer climates How I decide what deserves space in my garden My rule for experimenting with new varieties Whether you garden in the Pacific Northwest or another northern growing region, I hope this helps you feel more confident choosing crops that will actually thrive where you live. Resources & Links:  🌱 Full blog post: https://melissaknorris.com/512   🌱 Plated by Season Magazine:  https://melissaknorris.com/homestead-foundations/ 🌱 Potato experiment video mentioned in this episode: https://melissaknorris.com/i-left-my-potatoes-in-the-ground-for-5-years-without-replanting/  Verse of the Week:  John 4:10

  8. May 22

    How I Plan a Year's Worth of Preserving Without Getting Overwhelmed | Episode 511

    Every spring, I sit down and plan out our entire food preservation year so harvest season doesn't completely take over my life. After more than 25 years of preserving food, I've learned that the key isn't preserving everything… It's preserving the foods we actually eat in ways that work for our schedule and lifestyle. In this episode, I'm walking you through exactly how I plan our preserving season, how I avoid overwhelm during peak harvest months, and the practical system I use to decide what's worth preserving and what's not. If you've ever found yourself drowning in tomatoes in August, staring at jars you never use, or feeling burned out by canning season, this episode is for you. 💛 In This Episode 🍅 Why reactive preserving leads to stress and waste 🫙 How I do a pantry inventory every spring 📓 Why writing down your preserving goals matters 🥒 The foods I preserve most for our family 🌱 How our family's eating habits have changed over the years 🗓️ How I map out preserving season month-by-month ⏰ My "small pocket" method for preserving with a busy schedule 🫐 Which foods freeze beautifully before preserving 🥬 How I decide the best preservation method for each crop 👩‍🌾 Why preserving with community makes everything easier Resources Mentioned 📘 Grab the bundle from this week's podcast sponsor, Homestead Living. It includes my book, Everything Worth Preserving, Jill Winger's Old Fashioned On Purpose Planner and Carolyn Thomases book, Freeze Drying the Harvest, all for just $89.99 (including FREE shipping!): https://homesteadliving.com/seasonal-food-strategy-subscriber-offer-2026/ 🥒 Pickled Asparagus Recipe: https://melissaknorris.com/best-pickled-asparagus-easy-canning-recipe/ 🍅 Fermented Salsa Recipe: https://melissaknorris.com/fermented-salsa/ 🥒 Garlic Dill Pickles Recipe: https://melissaknorris.com/best-homemade-pickles-recipe/ 🥒 Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe: https://melissaknorris.com/pioneering-today-bread-butter-refrigerator-pickle-recipe/ 🌿 Rhubarb Strawberry Jam Recipe: https://melissaknorris.com/pioneering-today-how-to-make-strawberry-rhubarb-jam/ 🥔 Root Cellaring in the Ground Tutorial:  https://melissaknorris.com/how-to-harvest-and-store-potatoes/ 🫘 Leather Britches Green Beans Tutorial: https://melissaknorris.com/leather-britches-green-beans/  Scripture Mentioned 📖 Luke 10:5-7 (AMP) You can grab all the resources and remedies mentioned in this episode here: https://melissaknorris.com/511

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Pioneering Today is all about getting back to basics, simple living, and self-sufficiency with old-fashioned skills and wisdom in a modern world. With heirloom gardening, canning, preserving the harvest, from scratch cooking, raising your own food, including livestock (backyard chickens, pigs, and cattle), natural medicine, herbs, DIY like soap making along with living a simple self-sufficient life, no matter where you live. Hosted by 5th generation homesteader, Melissa K. Norris, author of The Made-from-Scratch Life. This podcast brings you the conversation from MelissaKNorris.com and The Pioneering Today Academy, with Q&A's, teaching, tutorials, and always giving you practical ways and tips to live the simple and self-sufficient life.

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