Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World

Melissa K Norris
  • 4.8 (954)
  • 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

    Throwback: Thyroid, Adrenal Glands, and Hormones w/ Dr. Shannyn | 494

    In this powerful throwback episode, we revisit one of the most meaningful and eye-opening conversations I've had on the homestead. I sat down with Dr. Shannyn Pearce to talk about what's really going on underneath the struggles so many women face — thyroid issues, adrenal overload, hormone imbalance, and the subtle warning signs that often go unnoticed. We dig into the everyday symptoms many of us tend to brush off: fatigue, unexplained weight gain, mood swings, inflammation, and food sensitivities. I share parts of my own journey, including how I got off thyroid medication, uncovered hidden food reactions, and learned to listen to my body in a deeper, more intentional way. Dr. Shannyn also explains why individualized lab work matters, how "normal" ranges don't always reflect what's optimal for you, and how adrenal and hormonal shifts can quietly influence your well-being long before bigger issues surface. Most importantly, this episode focuses on real, actionable steps — from managing stress and removing inflammatory foods to supporting the adrenals and giving your body the time and grace it needs to heal. If you've ever felt like you're doing everything "right" yet still don't feel like yourself, this conversation will give you clarity, hope, and a practical path forward. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/494 ✨ Sponsor: This throwback episode is sponsored by Azure Standard. Their Azure Well line of high-quality supplements and herbs is a wonderful resource for supporting thyroid, adrenal, and overall hormonal health naturally. Save 15% off your first purchase of $100 or more with the code MELISSA15

    59 min

  2. 12/26/2025

    Throwback: 9 Simple Steps to Grow an Abundance! | 493

    In this throwback episode, we're revisiting one of the most foundational lessons for anyone who wants to grow more of their own food — not just a handful of tomatoes or a quick salad garden (though that's a great place to begin!), but a true, abundant harvest that feeds your family. I'm sharing the nine core principles I've relied on for nearly twenty-seven years of gardening here on our homestead. These steps will help you create consistent, reliable harvests no matter what the season throws your way. If you've ever struggled with uneven yields, wished your garden produced more predictably, or wanted a clear roadmap for planning a productive garden, this episode lays out the framework you've been missing. We'll cover the habits and systems that set you up for long-term success — understanding your soil, planning your garden space intentionally, choosing the right varieties, and building a repeatable method you can use year after year. Whether you're gardening in a small backyard, a suburban lot, or a larger homestead, these nine steps will help you grow more food with less overwhelm. It's an episode worth revisiting each season as you plan ahead for 2026 and beyond. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/493

    46 min

  3. 12/19/2025

    Throwback: Best Herbal Home Remedies for Cold and Flu w/ Rosalee De La Foret | 492

    In this throwback episode, I'm revisiting one of my favorite herbal conversations with my friend and renowned herbalist Rosalee de la Forêt. This discussion truly changed the way I approach herbal medicine. Instead of treating herbs like Western medicine — one symptom, one herb — Rosalee helps us understand why herbalism is so much more personal and intuitive. Together, we walk through how to recognize your body's signals and determine whether what you're experiencing is hot, cold, damp, or dry. Understanding your own energetics is the key to choosing herbs that actually work for your body and supporting your immune system in a deeper, more effective way. If you've ever wanted to use herbs with confidence, especially during cold and flu season, this episode is the perfect place to begin. I've also created an Herbal Energetics Wheel to help you match the right herbs to your constitution. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/492

    57 min

  4. 12/12/2025

    Throwback: Avoid Overwhelm - Choosing What's Right for Your Homestead | 491

    In this throwback episode, we revisit a listener coaching call where we break down how to begin homesteading without jumping into overwhelm. We talk through the basics of planning raw land, observing sunlight and frost patterns, mapping out future zones, and using temporary setups like grow bags and portable fencing as you learn what works best. You'll also hear practical advice for easing into homesteading step-by-step so you can build a sustainable, thriving homestead at a pace that fits your season of life. Whether you're dreaming of your first garden or planning your next big project, this timeless conversation will help you move forward with confidence and clarity. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/491

    36 min

  5. 12/05/2025

    Throwback: Stock Up to Save $$$ NOW How Much Feed Per Animal Per Day | 490

    In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, we're discussing the continual rise of feed costs and what my family does to mitigate these costs as much as possible. I'm sharing some of the breakdowns (at the time of the recording), how much feed is needed per animal and even some different feed options to consider. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/490

    28 min

  6. 11/28/2025

    Throwback: Medicinal Herbs & Their Uses with Kaylee Richardson | 489

    In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Kaylee Richardson from The Honeystead to discuss all things herbal medicine. Kaylee shares some of the herbs she's currently using and her favorite "must-have" herbal remedies. In the blog post that accompanies this podcast, there are a handful of additional podcasts I've done on the must-have herbal remedies to always have on hand and even how to grow a medicinal tea garden. Since the time of this recording, Kaylee has published a book, The Beekeeper's Apothecary that is a must-have in every home library. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/489

    50 min

  7. 11/21/2025

    Throwback: How to Create a Gardening Plan for More Harvest and Less Stress | 488

    In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I sit down with a member of the Pioneering Today Academy and we walk through how to plan out her garden year. While this strategy session was specific to her needs, there are a lot of great tips that can help when planning out your garden for next year. And, the fall is the best time to plan while the summer garden is fresh in our memory. So, enjoy this throwback episode and have fun dreaming about getting your hands back in the soil next spring.   For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/488

    53 min

  8. 11/14/2025

    Throwback: Mennonite Traditions for Simple Meals & Stronger Families | 487

    In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I sit down with RuthAnn Zimmerman to discuss what life looks like on a busy homestead with lots of children. How do we practically get meals on the table when life seems chaotic? How do we prioritize relationships through the business of life? And, how do we cook for larger groups of people for holidays and special events. I think you'll enjoy this conversation as much as I did.  For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/487  This episode is sponsored by Azure Standard, one of my favorite ways to stock up on bulk grains, organic produce, and pantry staples without spending hours driving from store to store. Azure makes it easy to live intentionally while still working smarter in the kitchen. Right now, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more when you use code "Melissa15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

    1h 9m
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Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
954 Ratings

About

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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