57 episodes

Hey there, darling! My name is Jess. There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that's exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart – to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to the Roots and Refuge podcast, friend. I am so glad you're here.

Roots and Refuge Podcast Jessica Sowards

    • Leisure
    • 4.9 • 538 Ratings

Hey there, darling! My name is Jess. There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that's exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart – to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to the Roots and Refuge podcast, friend. I am so glad you're here.

    The Hungry Month- A Talk on Homesteading and Resilience

    The Hungry Month- A Talk on Homesteading and Resilience

    Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 57 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.
    As spring starts to bloom here at Roots and Refuge Farm in South Carolina, I'm reminded of the cyclical nature of the homesteading life, particularly the "hungry months" at the end of winter when pantry stores from last season are low and the new harvest hasn't yet begun. Despite the challenges, I find comfort in the familiarity of the seasons after 10 years on the farm.
    Homesteading has evolved over the years, from being considered unconventional to becoming more mainstream. However, the recent pandemic significantly highlighted the flaws in our food system and the importance of self-reliance and small farm resilience. As our society prioritizes convenience over quality and locality, there's a growing awakening to the need for local food resources and community support.
    In the face of uncertainty, homesteading offers a path towards conscious consumption, sustainability, and reverence for the beauty of life. It's about living lightly on the land, seeking sustainability, and embracing the slow living mindset. Through mindful relationship with the earth and each other, we can improve our quality of life and build resilience against fragile systems.
    Embracing the homesteading life means choosing hard work over ease, embracing inconvenience, and prioritizing creation over consumption. It's about recognizing the value of restriction and finding freedom in mindful consumption. As we navigate the challenges of modern life, I find solace in the resiliency that comes from the homesteading mindset, especially during the hungry months of March.
    Join me as we explore the transformative power of homesteading and the resilience it cultivates in our lives. Thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Roots and Refuge Podcast!
    Thanks so much for listening. If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

    • 1 hr
    Geeking out on Goats with Cass

    Geeking out on Goats with Cass

    Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 56 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.
    Get ready to geek out about goats with me and my friend Cass from Semojo Homestead in today's exciting episode!
    We've welcomed goats back to Roots and Refuge Farm, and the excitement is palpable. Together, Cass and I are diving deep into the world of goats to answer a question we often hear: "Are goats for me and my farm?"
    Cass shares her own journey with goats, which began five years ago when her family decided to add them to their homestead. From the benefits of goats' milk to the secondary advantages of goat ownership, we'll explore why goats might be the perfect addition to your farm or homestead.
    We'll discuss the importance of the kind of land you have for goats, the unique qualities of goats' milk (including A2A2 milk), and the various products you can make from goat's milk, such as cheese, yogurt, and soap.
    Choosing the right breed is crucial, and we'll delve into the different personalities and traits of various goat breeds, from Nigerian dwarves to full-size goats. Plus, we'll explore the friendly and affectionate nature of goats, which can make them wonderful companions on the homestead.
    But it's not all fun and games – we'll also cover practical considerations like hoof trimming, parasite resistance, and the need for a dry lot to prevent parasite issues.
    Ultimately, having a home dairy with goats can bring a sense of freedom and joy, as you enjoy the superior quality of fresh goat's milk compared to store-bought dairy.
    So if you've ever wondered if goats are right for you, tune in to learn everything you need to know about adding these charming creatures to your homestead.
    And be sure to check out Cass's channel, Semojo Homestead, on YouTube for more insights into homesteading and goatkeeping. You can also join their Homesteading from Scratch Facebook Group to learn more about their farm life. 
    Thanks so much for listening. If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

    • 53 min
    Life on Purpose- Intention Instead of Overwhelm

    Life on Purpose- Intention Instead of Overwhelm

    Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 55 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.
    As spring approaches and the farm springs back to life, it can feel like we're climbing that first hill on a roller coaster ride, just waiting for that stomach drop and lurching wild ride that is exciting, but also oh so overwhelming. With this looming threat of overwhelm on the horizon, I'm here to share strategies for navigating life with awareness and purpose.
    Join me as we explore the importance of setting balanced and reasonable goals, embracing mindfulness as a tool for managing overwhelm, and creating a life that aligns with our deepest values and desires.
    I'll share insights into my own journey of transitioning from a hectic, overwhelmed lifestyle to one characterized by intention and grace. By making a five-year plan with realistic expectations and intentional goals, we can ensure that we're using our resources wisely and building sustainable habits for the future.
    We'll discuss the power of dreaming big and planning for projects, spaces, and skills that align with our long-term vision. And we'll explore practical strategies for prioritizing our goals, creating sustainable routines, and letting go of things that no longer serve us.
    Remember, mindset matters. By taking responsibility for our choices and focusing on what's within our control, we can cultivate a life that's intentional, fulfilling, and full of purpose.
    So let's embrace life on purpose together, one intentional step at a time. Tune in to discover how you can live a more intentional life and achieve your long-term goals with grace and intention.
    Thanks so much for listening. If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

    • 54 min
    Garden Design with Jeremy from Semojo Homestead

    Garden Design with Jeremy from Semojo Homestead

    Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 54 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.
    Today, I'm thrilled to have my friend Jeremy from Semojo Homestead joining me to dive into the fascinating world of garden design. With his background in landscape architecture and experience in designing and installing gardens, Jeremy brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to our conversation.
    Together, we'll explore the importance of creating intentional spaces in your garden and share practical tips for bringing your vision to life. Jeremy and I will discuss everything from setting goals for your space to utilizing the resources you have available to transform your garden into a beautiful and functional oasis.
    We'll delve into the concept of "rooms" within the garden, discussing how to define entry points, incorporate tall plants for privacy, and create focal points like bean teepees to enhance the overall design.
    Throughout our discussion, we'll emphasize the importance of thoughtful design choices, considering factors like texture, sound, and aesthetics to create a harmonious and inviting outdoor environment.
    From ornamental gardens to productive vegetable patches, we'll explore the balance between perennial non-edible landscaping and annual vegetable gardening, offering insights into creating spaces that reflect your unique preferences and lifestyle.
    And on a deeper note, we'll touch on the significance of fostering relationships with people who may have different perspectives, highlighting the value of diversity and connection in both gardening and life.
    Be sure to check out Jeremy and Cass's YouTube channel, Semojo Homestead, and their Facebook group, Homesteading from Scratch, for more inspiration and practical tips on homesteading and garden design.
    Thanks so much for listening. If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

    • 59 min
    Grow Something Lovely

    Grow Something Lovely

    Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 53 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast, and Happy Valentines Day 💗
    Today's episode is all about cultivating beauty in your garden and the profound impact it can have on your gardening journey. Join me as we explore the philosophy of growing beautiful things to stay motivated and inspired in your gardening endeavors. We'll discuss the importance of recognizing that there are countless "right" ways to garden, emphasizing the value of learning and growing as a gardener along the way.
    I'll share more about my personal garden philosophy, which centers around creating an ecosystem and fostering relationships between all living things in the garden, including the soil, plants, and the land itself. We'll delve into the significance of fostering deep, engaged relationships in the garden, moving beyond transactional interactions to truly connect with the natural world around us.
    During this conversation, we'll reflect on the profound benefits that gardens offer beyond mere food production. From experiencing the therapeutic presence of the garden to the joy of growing something unique and valuable, we'll explore the multifaceted rewards of tending to a garden.
    I'll also share insights into nurturing healthy soil and my approach to feeding and enriching the soil ecosystem. Plus, we'll discuss the importance of diversity in the garden, mimicking nature to enhance resilience.
    Ultimately, we'll explore how cultivating beauty and fostering deep relationships in the garden can enrich our lives, offering strength, beauty, and health that extends far beyond the garden gate.
    Thanks so much for listening. If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

    • 51 min
    On Goats and Homebuilding

    On Goats and Homebuilding

    Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 52 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.
    In this episode, join me for a life catch-up where I share about the importance to me of transparently sharing our story and being truthful about life. I delve into the early days of my relationship with Jeremiah, sharing some of the challenges we had to overcome together. We explore our dreams, past and present. We also discuss how we make decisions as a team. 
    Dive into the conversation about the significance of dreaming wild and big dreams based on the true desires of our hearts. Remember, dreams are not linear, but they are a beautiful and lovely thing. I reflect on appreciating the slow and long process of dreams coming true, emphasizing gratitude and intentionality as the bedrocks of our lives.
    Thanks so much for listening. If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

    • 40 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
538 Ratings

538 Ratings

L🌹NN ,

Speaking to the garden in our hearts!

Love this analogy!! It will sweeten my gardening season. Love your vulnerability too, Jess!

cindylhg ,

Roots & Refuge

I’ve been following Jess for three years now. She’s very down to earth and relatable- even if you’re not a homesteader or gardener! But come on and sip a cup of coffee and take a listen! You’ll be blessed!

teettoot ,

A well of encouragement.

Anytime I skip a video or podcast of Jess because I think it doesn’t apply or I’m not an yet experienced gardener, a title entices me and I fall in love all over again. So much encouragement to start where you are, it’s never too late ❤️❤️

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